07 Jan Exploring the Advantages of Flexible Body Modelling with SIMPACK

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Innovation is a concept that transcends time and technological boundaries. Leonardo da Vinci, a polymath of the Renaissance period, embodied this very spirit through his contributions to art, science, and engineering. His designs, like the famous paddleboat, revolutionized the way people thought about transportation and machinery. Similarly, the advancements in simulation software such as SIMPACK represent a leap in engineering technology, offering unparalleled flexibility in the modeling and simulation of complex systems. In this post, we delve into how SIMPACK enhances our ability to model non-linear flexible body motion, using a case study of a simulation based on Leonardo da Vinci’s innovative paddleboat design.

Introduction to Leonardo Da Vinci’s Innovations

In the fifteenth century, Leonardo Da Vinci’s work on nautical devices, such as his paddleboat, showcased his visionary thinking. He improved the efficiency of paddle-powered boats, designing mechanisms that increased the power of rowers through gears and cog-wheels. His keen observation of the natural world led him to model his paddleboat after the streamlined shape of fish, making it faster and more maneuverable than contemporary square-hulled boats. If Da Vinci were alive today, he would undoubtedly utilize modern tools like SIMPACK to design, validate, and optimize his inventions virtually, ensuring higher precision and efficiency.

SIMPACK: A Modern Tool for Non-Linear Flexible Body Simulation

SIMPACK is a powerful software solution for simulating the dynamics of multibody systems. It is used for the development and simulation of high-fidelity virtual prototypes, providing users with advanced tools for modelling both rigid and flexible bodies. The software allows for a wide range of simulations, from rigid body motions to complex non-linear flexible body interactions. In this case, the non-linear simulation of a rope in a paddleboat system demonstrates SIMPACK’s versatility and its ability to model the complex interactions between components in a mechanical system.

Modeling the Da Vinci Paddleboat: A Case Study

For a recent project, SIMPACK was used to simulate the dynamics of Leonardo da Vinci’s paddleboat, focusing specifically on the pedal-driven mechanism that powers the boat. The simulation aimed to model the interaction between the pedals, the rope, and the central wheel, using non-linear flexible body elements to accurately capture the behavior of the rope under load.

The CAD model of the paddleboat was sourced from the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, and with the help of SIMPACK’s “Power By” Connector, the multi-body model was imported into SIMPACK, preserving the majority of the original connections. The most challenging part of the model was the rope, which transfers motion from the pedals to the central wheel. SIMPACK’s flexible body modeling capabilities, specifically the SIMBEAM element, were leveraged to accurately simulate the rope’s behavior as it bends, stretches, and interacts with other components in the system.

Rope Modeling with SIMBEAM

The rope in the simulation was modeled as a non-linear flexible body using SIMBEAM, which allows for the creation of three-dimensional flexible beam structures. These beams can be defined using either a modally reduced finite element approach or a node-based nonlinear finite difference approach. The latter was chosen for its ability to more accurately capture the rope’s behavior in this scenario.

Key features of SIMBEAM in this model include the ability to define various damping models, such as Rayleigh damping, which was selected for this simulation. The damping model chosen helps simulate the energy loss in the rope as it deforms under load, allowing for more realistic results. Additionally, SIMBEAM’s flexibility in defining beam types, cross-section orientations, and beam layouts provided the necessary tools to accurately model the rope’s complex behavior.

Advantages of SIMPACK for Flexible Body Modelling

SIMPACK’s ability to handle flexible body simulation comes with several advantages:

• No need for a finite element mesh, which simplifies the modeling process.
• Faster solution times, with simulations running in minutes rather than the hours typically required for finite element-based methods.
• Robust and reliable results, enabling a high level of confidence in the simulation outcomes.
• The ability to run a large number of iterations during the design stage, allowing for quick evaluation of different design alternatives and preventing costly late-stage design changes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SIMPACK offers a powerful toolset for simulating complex flexible body dynamics, making it a valuable asset for engineers and designers. Just as Leonardo da Vinci’s innovative designs reshaped the world of transportation in his time, modern simulation tools like SIMPACK are revolutionizing the way we approach mechanical system design today.

Acknowledgment: This article is based on models created by Dassault Systemes.

Interested to learn more about Simpack? Contact us at sales@4realsim.com.