SimulationX
Encyclopedia
SimulationX is a multi-domain CAE simulation software
for physical system simulation, developed and sold commercially by ITI GmbH, based in Dresden
, Germany
. Scientists and engineers in industry and education use the tool for the design
, analysis and virtual testing of complex mechatronics systems, as the software models the interaction of components from a multitude of domains including their mutual interaction and feedback on one platform.
ITI launched SimulationX, the successor of ITI-SIM, in 2000 in response to rising demand for system simulation. One of the main functions and traditional field of application is steady-state powertrain
analysis, for which the product received the AEI Tech Award “Top Product of Powertrain Simulation” in 2006. The latest version SimulationX 3.4 was released in November 2010.
, and programming services
. The ITI headquarters is located in Dresden, Germany. The company operates worldwide through a network of subsidiaries and distributors.
functionalities and consists of pre-defined element types and ready-to-use model libraries from all physical domains. These libraries sort model objects according to physical and application-oriented aspects. More than 500 ready-to-use model elements from more than 11 application areas are available to build models. Drag-and-drop functionality simplify and accelerate modeling processes. Hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric drives as well as controls can be integrated into a common model together with the multi-body system. Preprocessing, solving and postprocessing can be carried out in one simulation environment. In the course of calculation the behavior of any system can be observed and analyzed, and parameters can be adjusted online. Amongst the global simulation community SimulationX is known for its user-friendly graphical interface that enables complex models to be set up intuitively and precisely.
SimulationX libraries include:
modeling language to simulate individually-created, realistic (sub-)models. Models of the Modelica Standard Library or the ones purely based on the Modelica language definition can be executed.
(VehicleSim (CarSim
, BikeSim, TruckSim)), CAD
(SolidWorks
, PTC Pro/Engineer
, Autodesk Inventor
), CAM
, Computer-aided optimization (e.g. Isight, modeFRONTIER
, OptiY
), FEA/FEM
(Ansys, COMSOL Multiphysics
, MSC
.Nastran
), CFD
. Co-Simulation provides a general interface which can be used to link SimulationX to CAE tools with predefined setups for particular realizations (MSC.Adams
, SIMPACK
, MATLAB
/Simulink
, Fluent, Cadmould etc.). The coupling ensures the data exchange between the tools and the simulation software. Tools for a holistic structural and system analysis (equilibrium computation, natural frequencies, vibration modes, input-output analysis) and for linking a simulation model to the databases are available. A COM
interface allows the communication between SimulationX and other Windows applications for user-defined batch runs, embedded simulation
, parameter studies, or optimizations.
Code-Export features support the generation of C source code
for seamless model integration, Hardware-in-the-loop
(HiL) applications and Rapid Control Prototyping, Functional Mock-up Virtual Machine
. Throughout all stages of modern system design processes, engineers and scientists can work with a variety of seamlessly integrated tools. The connection of SimulationX to real-time
testing and simulation platforms such as LabVIEW
, NI VeriStand
, dSPACE, and SCALE-RT heavily increases the productivity in the design cycle and shortens time-to-market of new products.
SimulationX supports the creation and import of MODELISAR Functional Mock-up Units definded by the Functional Mock-up Interface
standard. Standardized interfaces facilitate the platform-independent exchange of simulation models and increase the flexibility in the connection of external simulation tools and models.
s and suppliers in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, heavy machinery, marine/shipbuilding, mining, oil and gas, precision instruments, and railways. The reference list comprises companies such as Audi
, BMW
, Daimler, Volkswagen
, Continental
, Schaeffler, Siemens
, Demag
, Husky, Nikon
, Mitsubishi
and Liebherr
.
Computer simulation
A computer simulation, a computer model, or a computational model is a computer program, or network of computers, that attempts to simulate an abstract model of a particular system...
for physical system simulation, developed and sold commercially by ITI GmbH, based in Dresden
Dresden
Dresden is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony in Germany. It is situated in a valley on the River Elbe, near the Czech border. The Dresden conurbation is part of the Saxon Triangle metropolitan area....
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. Scientists and engineers in industry and education use the tool for the design
Mathematical model
A mathematical model is a description of a system using mathematical concepts and language. The process of developing a mathematical model is termed mathematical modeling. Mathematical models are used not only in the natural sciences and engineering disciplines A mathematical model is a...
, analysis and virtual testing of complex mechatronics systems, as the software models the interaction of components from a multitude of domains including their mutual interaction and feedback on one platform.
ITI launched SimulationX, the successor of ITI-SIM, in 2000 in response to rising demand for system simulation. One of the main functions and traditional field of application is steady-state powertrain
Powertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
analysis, for which the product received the AEI Tech Award “Top Product of Powertrain Simulation” in 2006. The latest version SimulationX 3.4 was released in November 2010.
Company
SimulationX is developed by ITI. Operating in virtual system engineering, ITI's core business activities comprise of the development of standard software tools as well as consulting, engineeringEngineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
, and programming services
Computer programming
Computer programming is the process of designing, writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining the source code of computer programs. This source code is written in one or more programming languages. The purpose of programming is to create a program that performs specific operations or exhibits a...
. The ITI headquarters is located in Dresden, Germany. The company operates worldwide through a network of subsidiaries and distributors.
Domains and libraries
The software supports WindowsMicrosoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
functionalities and consists of pre-defined element types and ready-to-use model libraries from all physical domains. These libraries sort model objects according to physical and application-oriented aspects. More than 500 ready-to-use model elements from more than 11 application areas are available to build models. Drag-and-drop functionality simplify and accelerate modeling processes. Hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric drives as well as controls can be integrated into a common model together with the multi-body system. Preprocessing, solving and postprocessing can be carried out in one simulation environment. In the course of calculation the behavior of any system can be observed and analyzed, and parameters can be adjusted online. Amongst the global simulation community SimulationX is known for its user-friendly graphical interface that enables complex models to be set up intuitively and precisely.
SimulationX libraries include:
- Signal blocks: General Signal Blocks, Signal Sources, Linear Signal Blocks, Non-Linear Signal Blocks, Time-Discrete Signal Blocks, Special Signal Blocks, Switches
- MechanicsMechanicsMechanics is the branch of physics concerned with the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effects of the bodies on their environment....
: Mechanics 1D (rotary, linear), Multibody systemMultibody systemA multibody system is used to model the dynamic behavior of interconnected rigid or flexible bodies, each of which may undergo large translational and rotational displacements.- Introduction :...
s, CAD Import via STLSTL (file format)STL is a file format native to the stereolithography CAD software created by 3D Systems. This file format is supported by many other software packages; it is widely used for rapid prototyping and computer-aided manufacturing. STL files describe only the surface geometry of a three dimensional... - Power TransmissionPower transmissionPower transmission is the movement of energy from its place of generation to a location where it is applied to performing useful work.Power is defined formally as units of energy per unit time...
: Motors and Engines, Couplings and Clutches, Transmission Elements, Planetary Structures - Electrical EngineeringElectrical engineeringElectrical engineering is a field of engineering that generally deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. The field first became an identifiable occupation in the late nineteenth century after commercialization of the electric telegraph and electrical...
and ElectronicsElectronicsElectronics is the branch of science, engineering and technology that deals with electrical circuits involving active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, and associated passive interconnection technologies...
: Electronics (Analog), Magnetics, Electric Motors, Stepping Motors - Fluid PowerFluid powerFluid power is the use of fluids under pressure to generate, control, and transmit power. Fluid power is subdivided into hydraulics using a liquid such as mineral oil or water, and pneumatics using a gas such as air or other gases...
and ThermodynamicsThermodynamicsThermodynamics is a physical science that studies the effects on material bodies, and on radiation in regions of space, of transfer of heat and of work done on or by the bodies or radiation...
: Hydraulics (pressure source, tank, volume, differential cylinder, throttle, valves, plunger cylinder, constant and variable), pneumatics (gases and mixtures), Thermal-Fluid (single phase with liquids and gases, two-phase with coolants, refrigerants, NIST, water, wet air, gas mixtures) - Torsional Vibration Analysis: Inertia, Torques, Dampers, Couplings, Gears, Sensors
- Special: SubseaSubseaSubsea is a general term frequently used to refer to equipment, technology, and methods employed in marine biology, undersea geology, offshore oil and gas developments, underwater mining, and offshore wind power industries.- Oil and gas :...
Library: Subsea Hydraulics, Subsea Electrics, Offshore Handling
Modelica
SimulationX supports the ModelicaModelica
Modelica is an object-oriented, declarative, multi-domain modeling language for component-oriented modeling of complex systems, e.g., systems containing mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, thermal, control, electric power or process-oriented subcomponents.The free Modelica languageis...
modeling language to simulate individually-created, realistic (sub-)models. Models of the Modelica Standard Library or the ones purely based on the Modelica language definition can be executed.
Interfaces
SimulationX provides open, comprehensive CAx-interfaces to external programs for different purposes and applications, e.g. CAEComputer-aided engineering
Computer-aided engineering is the broad usage of computer software to aid in engineering tasks. It includes computer-aided design , computer-aided analysis , computer-integrated manufacturing , computer-aided manufacturing , material requirements planning , and computer-aided planning .- Overview...
(VehicleSim (CarSim
Carsim
CarSim is a commercial software package that predicts the performance of vehicles in response to driver controls in a given environment...
, BikeSim, TruckSim)), CAD
Computer-aided design
Computer-aided design , also known as computer-aided design and drafting , is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer...
(SolidWorks
SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a 3D mechanical CAD program that runs on Microsoft Windows and is being developed by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes, S. A. . SolidWorks is currently used by over 1.3 million engineers and designers at more than 130,000 companies worldwide...
, PTC Pro/Engineer
Pro/ENGINEER
Creo Elements/Pro, a product formerly known as Pro/ENGINEER is a parametric, integrated 3D CAD/CAM/CAE solution created by Parametric Technology Corporation . It was the first to market with parametric, feature-based, associative solid modeling software...
, Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational corporation that focuses on 3D design software for use in the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media and entertainment industries. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, a coauthor of the first versions of the company's...
), CAM
Computer-aided manufacturing
Computer-aided manufacturing is the use of computer software to control machine tools and related machinery in the manufacturing of workpieces. This is not the only definition for CAM, but it is the most common; CAM may also refer to the use of a computer to assist in all operations of a...
, Computer-aided optimization (e.g. Isight, modeFRONTIER
ModeFRONTIER
modeFRONTIER is a multi-objective optimization and design environment, written to couple CAD/computer aided engineering tools, finite element structural analysis and computational fluid dynamics software. It is developed by ESTECO Srl and provides an environment for product engineers and designers...
, OptiY
OptiY
OptiY is a design environment providing modern optimization strategies and state of the art probabilistic algorithms for uncertainty, reliability, robustness, sensitivity analysis, data-mining and meta-modeling.-History:...
), FEA/FEM
Finite element method
The finite element method is a numerical technique for finding approximate solutions of partial differential equations as well as integral equations...
(Ansys, COMSOL Multiphysics
COMSOL Multiphysics
COMSOL Multiphysics is a finite element analysis, solver and Simulation software / FEA Software package for various physics and engineering applications, especially coupled phenomena, or multiphysics. COMSOL Multiphysics also offers an extensive interface to MATLAB and its toolboxes for a large...
, MSC
MSC Software
-History:MSC.Software Corporation was formed in 1963 under the name MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation . The company developed its first structural analysis software called SADSAM at that time, and was deeply involved in the early efforts of the aerospace industry to improve early finite element...
.Nastran
Nastran
NASTRAN is a finite element analysis program that was originally developed for NASA in the late 1960s under United States government funding for the Aerospace industry. The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation was one of the principal and original developers of the public domain NASTRAN code...
), CFD
Computational fluid dynamics
Computational fluid dynamics, usually abbreviated as CFD, is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyze problems that involve fluid flows. Computers are used to perform the calculations required to simulate the interaction of liquids and gases with...
. Co-Simulation provides a general interface which can be used to link SimulationX to CAE tools with predefined setups for particular realizations (MSC.Adams
MSC Software
-History:MSC.Software Corporation was formed in 1963 under the name MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation . The company developed its first structural analysis software called SADSAM at that time, and was deeply involved in the early efforts of the aerospace industry to improve early finite element...
, SIMPACK
Simpack
SIMPACK is a general 3D Multi-Body Simulation Software which is used to aid engineers in the analysis and design of mechanical and mechatronic systems...
, MATLAB
MATLAB
MATLAB is a numerical computing environment and fourth-generation programming language. Developed by MathWorks, MATLAB allows matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in other languages,...
/Simulink
Simulink
Simulink, developed by MathWorks, is a commercial tool for modeling, simulating and analyzing multidomain dynamic systems. Its primary interface is a graphical block diagramming tool and a customizable set of block libraries. It offers tight integration with the rest of the MATLAB environment and...
, Fluent, Cadmould etc.). The coupling ensures the data exchange between the tools and the simulation software. Tools for a holistic structural and system analysis (equilibrium computation, natural frequencies, vibration modes, input-output analysis) and for linking a simulation model to the databases are available. A COM
Component Object Model
Component Object Model is a binary-interface standard for software componentry introduced by Microsoft in 1993. It is used to enable interprocess communication and dynamic object creation in a large range of programming languages...
interface allows the communication between SimulationX and other Windows applications for user-defined batch runs, embedded simulation
Embedded software
Embedded software is computer software that plays an integral role in the electronics it is supplied with.Embedded software's principal role is not Information technology , but rather the interaction with the physical world. It's written for machines that are not, first and foremost, computers...
, parameter studies, or optimizations.
Code-Export features support the generation of C source code
Source code
In computer science, source code is text written using the format and syntax of the programming language that it is being written in. Such a language is specially designed to facilitate the work of computer programmers, who specify the actions to be performed by a computer mostly by writing source...
for seamless model integration, Hardware-in-the-loop
Hardware-in-the-loop simulation
Hardware-in-the-loop simulation is a technique that is used in the development and test of complex real-time embedded systems. HIL simulation provides an effective platform by adding the complexity of the plant under control to the test platform...
(HiL) applications and Rapid Control Prototyping, Functional Mock-up Virtual Machine
Virtual machine
A virtual machine is a "completely isolated guest operating system installation within a normal host operating system". Modern virtual machines are implemented with either software emulation or hardware virtualization or both together.-VM Definitions:A virtual machine is a software...
. Throughout all stages of modern system design processes, engineers and scientists can work with a variety of seamlessly integrated tools. The connection of SimulationX to real-time
Real-time computing
In computer science, real-time computing , or reactive computing, is the study of hardware and software systems that are subject to a "real-time constraint"— e.g. operational deadlines from event to system response. Real-time programs must guarantee response within strict time constraints...
testing and simulation platforms such as LabVIEW
LabVIEW
LabVIEW is a system design platform and development environment for a visual programming language from National Instruments. LabVIEW provides engineers and scientists with the tools needed to create and deploy measurement and control systems.The graphical language is named "G"...
, NI VeriStand
National Instruments
National Instruments Corporation, or NI , is an American company with over 5,000 employees and direct operations in 41 countries. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, it is a producer of automated test equipment and virtual instrumentation software...
, dSPACE, and SCALE-RT heavily increases the productivity in the design cycle and shortens time-to-market of new products.
SimulationX supports the creation and import of MODELISAR Functional Mock-up Units definded by the Functional Mock-up Interface
Functional Mock-up Interface
The functional mock-up interface defines a standardized interface to be used in computer simulations to develop complex cyberphysical systems....
standard. Standardized interfaces facilitate the platform-independent exchange of simulation models and increase the flexibility in the connection of external simulation tools and models.
Industry usage
SimulationX is widely used by major OEMOEM
OEM means the original manufacturer of a component for a product, which may be resold by another company.OEM may also refer to:-Computing:* OEM font, or OEM-US, the original character set of the IBM PC, circa 1981...
s and suppliers in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, heavy machinery, marine/shipbuilding, mining, oil and gas, precision instruments, and railways. The reference list comprises companies such as Audi
Audi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
, BMW
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces the Mini marque, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands...
, Daimler, Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer and is the original and biggest-selling marque of the Volkswagen Group, which now also owns the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, and Škoda marques and the truck manufacturer Scania.Volkswagen means "people's car" in German, where it is...
, Continental
Continental AG
Continental AG, internally often called Conti for short, is a worldwide leading German manufacturer of tires, brake systems, vehicle stability control systems, engine injection systems, tachographs and other parts for the automotive and transport industries. The company is based in Hanover, Germany...
, Schaeffler, Siemens
Siemens
Siemens may refer toSiemens, a German family name carried by generations of telecommunications industrialists, including:* Werner von Siemens , inventor, founder of Siemens AG...
, Demag
Demag
Demag or Demag Cranes AG is a German heavy equipment manufacturer now controlled by US based Terex. The roots of Demag date back prior to its formation, but became Märkische Maschinenbau-Anstalt, Ludwig A.-G in 1906 as the biggest crane building company in Germany employing 250-300 people...
, Husky, Nikon
Nikon
, also known as just Nikon, is a multinational corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in optics and imaging. Its products include cameras, binoculars, microscopes, measurement instruments, and the steppers used in the photolithography steps of semiconductor fabrication, of which...
, Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Group , Mitsubishi Group of Companies, or Mitsubishi Companies is a Japanese multinational conglomerate company that consists of a range of autonomous businesses which share the Mitsubishi brand, trademark and legacy...
and Liebherr
Liebherr
* The Liebherr Group, a German manufacturing complex established in 1949 by Hans Liebherr* Liebherr Grazer AK* Liebherr T 282B, an off- highway, ultra class, rigid frame, two- axle, diesel/electricappointed...
.
External links
- ITI GmbH, the homepage of the ITI GmbH (developing SimulationX).
- Homepage of the society of automotive engineers
- SimulationX Global Subsea Center
- Homepage of Functional DMU Fraunhofer Gesellschaft
- Functional Mock-up Interface