TWI Knowledge Summary
Manufacturing - Dynamic Simulation
Dynamic simulation is involved with modelling movement and interaction of objects in a product or machine under different physical conditions. There are a number of types of software specifically developed for modelling different types of mechanisms and interactions including:- Product simulation
- Robotic Simulation
- Machine tool simulation
Current status
As the price of physics based software and product development life cycles decrease, dynamic simulation is increasing in popularity. Its use is being increasingly accepted as part of continuous, and new, product and process development, because it can quickly provide a clear understanding of the product in service or the process in practice. The simulation model is essentially a virtual prototype of the product.Dynamic simulation is used to monitor complex mechanisms, where the risk and cost of any errors in the mechanism is great. This scenario arises in many industries where automated manufacturing is common, and in industries whose products contain expensive moving parts.
Benefits and risk
The time to introduce new products can be reduced significantly by performing an increased number of design iterations. This is important if concurrent engineering practices are being used. Such foresight also reduces the risk of the mechanism not operating as expected, because a greater understanding has been gained. Costs can also be reduced because the need to build expensive prototypes is often eliminated.Risks with the use of such software are nevertheless still present in that one cannot be entirely sure of recreating the exact operating environment in the computer. The use of dynamic simulation not only requires a computer but a skilled operator, knowledgeable in dynamics, modelling and IT. Human resources are often scarce in this field.
Areas of development
The main development areas are improved methods of calibrating the model for the purposes of accuracy and consequent creation of programmes to control the mechanism. Software is being improved by widening the scope of physical conditions under which mechanisms can easily be tested.The development and use of virtual collaborative engineering is expanding so that several experts can work on the same model simultaneously from remote locations. Significant development work is also being carried out in the fields of tele-robotics for the remote control of mechanisms, and ergonomics for modelling the behaviour of humans.
Further information
If you have a query on this subject please email TWI's Manufacturing Support Department. manufacturing.support@twi.co.uk
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