Nick Thomson

Following on from the success of Graeme Short's Friday Freebies here's my contribution, (Thursday throwaway?). Part 2 of a series of short videos on completing the TECHNIA Abaqus tutorials using 3DExperience Platform apps. #TECHNIA #TECHNIASimulation #SIMULIA #Abaqus #dassaultsystèmes #fea #simulation #mechanicalengineering

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When to use FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) for rapid prototyping: https://lnkd.in/eJPAF6Zk Get an FDM Quote: [email protected] HLH, we make things for you 😄 #fdm3dprinting #additivemanufacturing #fuseddepositionmodeling #rapidprototyping

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The engineering team at PDSVISION UK simulates a mechanism within a transmission system. A rigid body dynamics simulation was performed to evaluate the performance of this mechanism to help understand its behaviour for different engine speeds and input torques. #Ansys Motion, the multi-body / rigid-body dynamics (MBD/RBD) package offered by Ansys, was used to perform a study to investigate the complex behaviour of the mechanism in order to understand the system’s performance. Multi-body dynamics is a powerful simulation tool, it simplifies the transient dynamic behaviour of a complex system, allowing users to identify potential design issues before a product is even built and tested. The use of rigid bodies means that massively complex moving systems which would be difficult to simulate using traditional FE methods can be modelled in their entirety instead of having to simplify the system in order to keep simulation solve times down. This analysis allowed the customer to have increased confidence in their designs and diagnose issues, allowing for improved transmission performance. Learn more & discover how our #simulationsolutions can help transform your analysis >

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Looking forward to next week at the NAFEMS UK Conference, I will be presenting in the Best Practices in Engineering Simulation 1 Session as part of Element Digital Engineering and will be talking about how simulation can be used within the product development lifecycle using CFD and Heat Transfer as the main themes. Come say hi if you are attending. #CFD, #HeatTransfer, #Optimisation, #SystemModels

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Columbus discovered America in 1492. Recently, I discovered something equally interesting… Did you know that you don’t need forces to perform an optimisation study with Abaqus and Tosca? If you know the mass and the stiffness of the body then you can perform a modal analysis. The aim of the modal analysis is to find eigenfrequencies (possible resonant frequencies) and eigenmodes (the shapes of the body when it vibrates at a particular frequency). Eigenmodes cannot be used to predict how much a part deforms because they are not true displacements. However, they can be used to assess the distribution of stiffness in the model relatively. That said, Tosca can use the eigenmode as an input to redistribute material to increase stiffness in a particular eigenmode. In simpler terms, it means that if I know how the structure will be loaded, I can compute the corresponding vibration mode and use it to increase the stiffness. In the presented example of a drone body, I aimed to maximise the first and second frequency modes, which are shown at the end of the video. I purposely wanted to keep the same mass to see where the mass will be removed and where it will be added. 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐛 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 💡 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 Wish to know more? We're just behind the router at [email protected]  #Engineering #Optimization #Abaqus #Simulia #Simulation #FiniteElementAnalysis #Ansys #ScienceAndTechnology

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Extra GD&T fun (sort of) for this week. Because I have just not quite had enough fun yet. 😁 First to whine just a bit. In my academic journey to get my engineering degree there was virtually no mention of the existence of GD&T, let alone any coverage of the concepts. This has been true for most (not all) of the other engineers that I have discussed with. So to have been in the world of GD&T for over 20 years, and just now learn of the Dimensioning and Tolerancing Handbook edited by Paul Drake Jr just makes me shake my head and swear a bit (or a lot for those who really know me). I had always assumed the lack education around GD&T was due to lack of materials and research into the impact... This is not the case. I have just bought my copy and just flipping through it has me super excited. Contributors are some the longest standing masters of GD&T. Don Day Alex Krulikowski James D. Meadows Al Neumann Lowell W. Foster Just to name a few. Topics range from applications on theory of GD&T to linear approximations for non linear tolerance stacks, statistical analysis of tolerance stacks, and so much more. If you have never heard of this, here is your introduction. I cannot vouch for the entirety of the content or if this could be a good resources for fundamental vs advanced understanding. But some of what I have looked through is great. So enough of my fanboy rant. Now, to revisit an old discussion a bit. What are the best free resources you have found for GD&T? What are the best books you have found for GD&T? What is the best course you have found for GD&T?

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Say Goodbye to Scrap Rates with Altair Inspire Extrude Metal Fine-tune your process virtually to minimise both visible and hidden defects. Improve production yields and deliver top-notch quality products. Explore our simulation capabilities today: https://hubs.ly/Q02FyFZx0 #ProcessOptimisation #QualityControl #ReduceWaste #OnlyForward

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Try DEM Simulation with Ansys Rocky. mail to [email protected] Learn how Rocky DEM was used to study sifting segregation during a silo filling process. By splitting and redirecting the bulk material stream with a cone and crown assembly, and by performing a parametric study, a more efficient design to minimize the segregation was found. #DEM #DiscreteElement #Modelling #Simulation #Analysis #Design #Simulation #Engineering #CFD #fluid #Dynamics #Agricultural DHIO Research & Engineering Pvt Ltd., Ansys

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This is a good example of using the wrong laser for a job. Due to the thick white primer the CW machine is slowed down to much increasing thermal input potentially warping the panel. Had this been a customers not just scrap for content I would have stopped and used our 1000w pulsed Gaussian/single mode machine which would have been slower but much less thermal input. Due to the high pulse energy it is better suited to dealing with white/reflective coatings. This is where a new inexperienced operators could really get themselves in trouble and why training should be a priority. The right laser for the job is essential to minimise the risk of damage.

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Linking simulation software tools into a smooth workflow is essential for overall design process efficiency - saving time and money in answering the 'What ifs ?' before committing to expensive hardware prototyping. The Realis Simulation 2024.2 release allows direct mapping of thermal boundary conditions from 3D CFD #VECTIS into FE Thermal Analysis tool #FEARCE-Vulcan, saving time and improving accuracy compared to using a cumbersome text cloud file. In parallel, the enhanced session comparison tool then allows users to compare a current model with another model to highlight any discrepancies or changes in the simulation results - making data analysis quicker and easier. Click here for more information on the 2024.2 release : https://lnkd.in/d6HxKRj9 #workflowefficiency #3DCFD #Computationalfluiddynamics #Thermalmodelling #Finiteelementanalysis

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Our Head of Engineering, Alex Ballisat, will be speaking at SUBCON next week. He will be sharing insights into using simulation to accelerate robust design of composite components. This will include: - How simulation can be used to improve performance throughout the lifecycle of a component -Using simulation to understand the impact of process uncertainty, such as raw material variability and machine variation - How to undertake digital prototyping to accelerate the design process and give confidence in manufacturing processes - Practical example of applying these tools and techniques to real cases Find Alex on the 5th of June at 12:40 at the Subcon Innovation Zone to learn more about simulation and the robust design of composite components. #Subcon2024 #SubconShow

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Many thanks for Quadra Solutions Ltd's Matt Hutchinson for an excellent course last week on Inventor's InCAD NASTRAN FEA (Finite Element Analysis) Software. The course covered the essentials and will be incredibly beneficial for comparing hand calculations to computer analysis, aiding in material selection, optimal design, and boosting confidence in my designs. Below is a shock test demonstrating how a structure would behave under earthquake vibration loads, showcasing one of the many benefits and modules we explored in the FEA software. #FEA #Autodesk #Inventor #Nastran #Design #Engineering

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Although we weren't able to make it to the RAPID + TCT #AdditiveManufacturing event in person this week, our Managing Director, James Shaw, was still able to provide a quick Metal AM #Design & #Simulation Presentation on Monday, including a live demo of Ansys's coupled transient thermal-structural capabilities for #PBF and #DED print simulation. The Q&A convo in a nutshell: 📊 Orthotropic material properties like Modulus & CTE are critical to accuracy. 👩‍💻 No coding/scripting needed, this is out-of-the-box functionality. 📜 The DED Worksheet Wizard allows for easy step-by-step setup for simulation novices. ♨ Heat Transfer Coefficients can be estimated, and then sensitivity analyses can be run to dial in the distortion prediction. 🌬 Ideally, CFD Analyses would be conducted to characterize and optimize the build environment. 🏗 Every step of the build process can be taken into account: Build, Cool, Removal, and even Heat Treating within a single analysis. ✈ 🚀 🛰 Aerospace continues to be the most popular application. Watch the entire 38-minute class & live demo for free here! https://lnkd.in/drbw2cGh

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During my training in advanced dynamics and kinematics, and subsequently in my early career, I always found the diagrams used to teach 3D kinematics to be difficult to understand. Mostly because they were always flat, stationary images; not ideal for teaching 3D motion. I am developing the ER3D app to be a teaching aid, where an individual can interactively rotate a 3D model, see the numerical data, and also read descriptions of the different rotational properties. What you see here is running on my MacBook Air, but the same app compiles for iPhone and iPad. Plus, the app is completely free and open source, check it out, and contribute! https://lnkd.in/eHxTwrHS #engineering #dynamics #physics #3D #iPhone #iPad #iOS #Swift #SceneKit #github #foss #space #simulation #trajectory #mechanicalengineering #electricalengineering #6dof https://lnkd.in/ep9S3-5f

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In the week that's spanned (get it?) since our last installment, we've put the finishing touches on this series covering the bridge building challenge at Ansys codefests. This week, James Derrick wraps up his tips for this challenge by walking through refining and developing his solution to this challenge: https://ansys.me/4eZ7n5E #python #PyAnsys #PyBake #code #simulation #engineering #physics

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My brother Paul built what still is the only laptop based simulator for coaching students in industrial ultrasonic testing ( UT ) For me it was interesting to watch the transition from analog to digital powered machines and now 30 years later I am excited to research the impact of Generative AI on the world of NDT . The integration of AI into inspection systems is revolutionizing Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) by enhancing automation, accuracy, and efficiency. 1. **Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) Systems**: - AUT systems use phased array or conventional ultrasonic probes along with AI algorithms for automated defect detection, sizing, and characterization in welds, pipelines, and structural components. - AI-powered AUT systems improve inspection speed, accuracy, and reliability, particularly for complex geometries and critical components. 2. **Radiographic Testing (RT) Systems**: - RT systems equipped with AI can analyze X-ray or radiographic images to automatically detect defects such as cracks, voids, porosity, and foreign objects in materials. - AI-powered RT systems enhance defect recognition capabilities and reduce human interpretation errors in radiographic inspections. 3. **Eddy Current Testing (ECT) Instruments**: - ECT instruments integrated with AI algorithms perform electromagnetic inspections to detect surface and near-surface defects, cracks, corrosion, and material variations. - AI-powered ECT systems improve defect characterization and provide insights into material condition based on electromagnetic responses. 4. **Visual Inspection Systems**: - Visual inspection systems with AI capabilities use cameras and image processing algorithms to analyze surface images for defects, scratches, dents, and anomalies. - AI-powered visual inspection systems automate defect recognition tasks and enable real-time decision support for inspectors. 5. **Computed Tomography (CT) Scanners**: - CT scanners incorporating AI technology perform three-dimensional imaging and analysis of internal structures to detect defects, voids, inclusions, and irregularities in components. - AI-powered CT systems provide advanced visualization and quantitative analysis for complex geometries and multi-material assemblies. 6. **Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) Systems**: - PAUT systems enhanced with AI capabilities utilize advanced beamforming techniques and signal processing algorithms to improve defect detection and characterization. - AI-powered PAUT systems optimize inspection performance and adapt to varying inspection conditions for better accuracy and reliability. The pace of change in NDT with AI will completely disrupt a sector that has traditionally been very slow to adopt new technology. A great opportunity for some . #ndt #genAI #pcn #paut #inspectors

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Some recent work on finite element analysis and 3D printing of complex lattice structures used in medical device technology. The propriety mesh generation and FEA software used has been developed specifically inhouse to analyse these structures. This was presented at the recent MOCHAS conference held in Sligo this spring. #3dprinting #FEA #additivemanufacturing #biomedicalengineering #paraview #implant #parametricdesign #computationaldesign

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Build twice as fast, with no compromise on part quality. 💥 TEMPUS™ technology is a new scanning algorithm for our RenAM 500 series of metal additive manufacturing (AM) systems, which delivers a substantial increase in AM productivity without compromising on part quality. This technology allows the system lasers to fire whilst the powder recoater is moving, removing up to nine seconds of build time from every layer. With builds frequently containing thousands of layers, this can reduce total build times by tens of hours. Learn more here 🔗 https://bit.ly/49sVwZn #Renishaw #AdditiveManufacturing #3DPrinting #Metal3DPrinting #SmartManufacturing #ApplyInnovatin #MultipleLasers #TEMPUS

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