Author: Ian Hogg

In each release of HEEDS, new capabilities are added to simplify capturing and automating process workflows as well as exploring the design space for more innovative solutions and ways of visualizing results to gain deeper insight into product operation and performance.

Comparing design exploration results between different projects, models, or to experimental data is a valuable way of gaining insight. This is often used for evaluating performance against legacy designs or even competitive products. Results comparison is now even easier to undertake in version 2016.10. Results from any external source can now be imported directly into HEEDS Post. We will use an industrial exhaust duct example in Figure 1. to highlight how this works.

Figure 1. Industrial exhaust duct system

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The first step in any design exploration study is to define the way in which the virtual prototype simulation model is to be constructed and modified.  This typically involves identifying the various modeling and simulation tools that are involved, specifying where they are executed, choosing the simulation models that are being modified, selecting the parameters being driven and monitored, and documenting what outputs are being stored for each design point.

While the actual simulation models may change from project to project, the workflow and the way the models are tested often remains the same.  For example, the workflow for finding the best lower control arm configuration for a vehicle front suspension is identical (or very similar) across vehicle platforms. The input for geometry ranges, loads and required performance change.

Figure 1. Example HEEDS workflow

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There are many design exploration applications where it is important for performance results to match a certain range of values, whether it be from experimental sources or ideal goals. For example, curves for engine torque vs rpm, bushing deflection vs load, or wing lift vs the angle of attack. Quite often though, the baseline curve data can include fluctuations which makes curve fitting more challenging. There can also be portions of the curve where it is far more important that there be a close fit.

Figure 1. Sample Baseline Curves

To tackle these challenges and to also streamline the curve creation, HEEDS 2016.04 contains additional curve tools to ensure better results alignment. There are now added abilities to:

• Weight curve ranges
• Normalize RMS values
• Simplify imported curve data selection

Let’s review these capabilities in detail to show how they can help.  Continue reading →