Discrete element method (DEM) technology company EDEM has released a new simulation tool that enables engineers to include realistic bulk material loads as standard in Adams system dynamics analysis. The new tool, EDEM for Adams, allows for this dynamics analysis without the need for DEM knowledge or expertise in bulk material simulation.
EDEM for Adams has been developed for engineers who work with the design of heavy equipment that is intended to handle bulk materials and use the multibody dynamics (MBD) software Adams by MSC Software. EDEM for Adams is a standalone software tool that connects to Adams using the Adams Co-Simulation Interface. During simulation, the coupling transfers the realistic material loads from EDEM for Adams directly into Adams, where they are used to calculate the effect on equipment dynamics. The updated dynamics are then passed back to EDEM to provide realistic force feedback.
“Our partnership with EDEM means our Adams users can increase the accuracy of their system-level simulations by getting access to high-fidelity representation of the loads and forces acting on equipment,” said Peter Dodd, VP of system dynamics at MSC Software. “This insight is key to optimizing equipment performance and durability.”
When in operation, the performance of heavy equipment is dependent to some degree on the bulk material being handled. Stresses on load arms, hydraulic forces, the traction of the tires and delivery of power are all impacted by the bulk for material. Understanding how equipment will perform in a specific material environment is critical to ensuring an optimal design that combines strength and durability, with performance efficiency.
EDEM for Adams works to address these needs by providing engineers with the capability to simulate bulk materials and use these loads in Adams system dynamics simulations. Using high-fidelity representations of the loads and forces acting on equipment reduces the need for hand calculations and approximation when designing heavy equipment. It also allows for further optimized equipment design and reduced physical testing. Users have access to a library of thousands of material models representing ores, soils, gravels and more that provide loads for a range of materials.
“Using EDEM together with Adams provides engineers with key insight into material-machine interaction and enables them to explore all the changes in equipment design as well as all the different conditions a machine will deal with,” said Richard LaRoche, chief executive officer of EDEM. “With EDEM for Adams, we are bringing this capability to more engineers by removing a key barrier to adoption—the need for specialist know-how and expertise in bulk material simulation.”