Algor has announced that new actuator element technology enables engineers to realistically simulate complex computer-controlled movement with their proprietary mechanical event simulation (MES) software. The new element technology is available for Algor's entire MES family of products.

"Algor's actuator element provides a reliable way to describe complex motion over time. With this new element technology, engineers can now model complex mechanical systems, their movements and related stress loads more completely than in any other software available today," said Michael L. Bussler, President of Algor. "This addition to our MES software gives mechanical engineers the tool to get accurate results required in dynamic analysis."

The actuator element technology, developed in response to a consulting engineer's challenges in analysing an amusement park ride dynamically, illustrates how Algor continues to respond to customer needs while providing leading edge tools like FEA-based Accupak/VE MES software. This software reduces the requirement for physical prototyping and eliminates the need to input dynamic loads by automatically determining the motion, flexing and resulting stresses of a part or assembly at each instant of an event. In addition, Algor's proprietary kinematic element technology makes performing mechanical event simulations using CAD solid parts and assemblies practical by optimising run times.

Actuator elements are engineering elements (like contact or dashpot elements). In using these actuator elements, engineers can specify contraction and extension values over time to drive motion between the connected parts. Multiple actuator elements can be used in a system to replicate asymmetric motion. Alternatively, several actuators working in unison can simulate hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders and electric solenoids that function symmetrically.

Since most FEA strives for a symmetric matrix, the invention of the actuator elements necessitated that a new solver be developed. Algor developed a sparse asymmetric solver for that purpose because the math that describes independent computer-controlled motion leads to a completely asymmetric matrix. A motion-data translator, which allows engineers to import a spreadsheet containing load-versus-time data rather than the engineer entering the information manually, was also added to support Algor's actuator element technology.

Algor

www.algor.com

info@algor.com