The ESI Group has just released PAM-COMPOSITE 2017, the latest version of its composite simulation software, which helps engineers to process simulations that cover the manufacturing of composites as well as their performance. The software is capable of simulating fiber that reinforces structural and semi-structural components.
The latest release of PAM-COMPOSITES focuses on multi-material thermoformed acoustics and cosmetic and interior parts for vehicles and aircraft. The software can now help engineers assess the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) response of an as-manufactured composite part.
Other additions to PAM-COMPOSITES include a grid tracing tool and a physical hole visualization tool. The former helps engineers compare the length variation of prototypes to physical products, while the latter helps engineers visualize areas where holes or fiber separation occurs in the thermoforming of a product.
PAM-COMPOSITE will also assess:
- The stiffness of the part at each location
- The thickness of the part at each location
- Defects such as tearing and skin texture caused by the manufacturing process
PAM-COMPOSITES helps engineers to make simulated mock-ups of products based on the manufacturing process that will be used to create that product. This helps the simulated part to reflect the true performance of the component instead of a part’s as-designed performance. This will help engineers to reduce defects and costs, as well as to ensure the product’s stability and ability to meet its requirements.
The aim is to work with a more accurate model of the product before any physical version of it has been produced. This will help engineers to better predict how the product will preform early in development process, which will save time and money by avoiding late development redesigns.
One organization that uses PAM-COMPOSITES to assess its automotive interior parts is the Kotobukiya Fronte Company. For instance, Takumi Fujino of the company’s Acoustic & Simulation Group uses the software to assess new synthetic carpets used to line the floors of cars.
“ESI PAM-COMPOSITES is equipped with the features and parameters necessary for carpet analysis,” said Fujino. “The analysis’ accuracy and the usability are excellent, and the graphical display of the analysis results is easy to understand, which is why we rate it highly. We consult with ESI daily about various matters such as how to reduce calculation time or what kind of modeling is necessary. ESI Japan is also actively and frequently providing information. We recognize that the early practical application of [simulating] sound absorption carpet is largely owed to support from ESI Japan.”
To learn more about PAM-COMPOSITES, read: Predict, Analyze and Correct Composite Defects with PAM-COMPOSITES 2016 or Simulate Composite Thermoforming to Avoid Defects Early in Development.