Technologies

In the field of technical component, subsystem and machine simulation, we are among the technological leaders and can take virtually all relevant subsystems into account in our models. Here are just some of the technologies that we can cover with our simulation tools and the specialist expertise of our employees:

Simulation technology

Simulation technology is one of our most important tools when working on mechanical engineering and engineering science issues. We use state-of-the-art software tools and methods that enable analysis and optimisations in a wide range of technical domains:

Stationary and dynamic behaviour of hydraulic, electric and pneumatic drive systems
Behaviour of closed-loop control circuits and automation systems
Kinematics and dynamics of complex mechanisms and machines
Strength, deformation and vibration behaviour of components and systems (FEM method)
Stationary and dynamic flow phenomena. Multiphase flows (CFD)
Calculating temperature fields and heat transport phenomena
Simulating cooling and heating circuits
Electric fields and magnetics
Movement of large quantities of particles such as bulk material, earth, powder, rubble etc. (DEM)
Coupling simulation systems to replicate multi-physical systems and holistic machine simulations
Real-time simulations and digital twins
Hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop simulations

Drive technology

Designing hydraulic, electric or hybrid drive systems requires detailed coordination between the properties of the components involved and the respective drive tasks as well as numerous external boundary conditions and disturbance variables.

The constantly increasing demands on energy efficiency, dynamics, reliability and control accuracy as well as the competitive pressure to reduce costs lead to particular challenges in the field of system development.

We have many years of experience and state-of-the-art development methods in the simulation and optimisation of drive systems which we would be happy to bring to the table in joint projects with you.

Closed-loop technology

Closed-loop technology is more than just a technology that deals with setting up technical closed-loop control circuits. It also offers a comprehensive range of scientific methods for the detailed analysis of complex system structures and a systematic approach to the optimisation of dynamic systems.

Closed-loop technology is one of our key areas of expertise. When designing closed-loop control systems, we use the latest analysis and synthesis approaches.

Depending on your requirements and the physical properties of the machine to be controlled, we help you to implement state-of-the-art closed-loop control systems such as linear and non-linear state control, model-based controllers, flatness-based controllers, sliding-mode controllers, coupled multi-variable controllers, etc. and to optimally tailor them to your machine function.

Multibody dynamics

Designing drives generally requires in-depth knowledge in the field of mechanics. A drive is almost always integrated into kinematic structures in which the feedback effects of movements, speeds and accelerations have a significant influence on the drive and machine behaviour.

Having worked on a large number of projects in mechanical and system engineering as well as mobile construction machines and agricultural machines, we have extensive knowledge in the field of mechanics. Our experience ranges from Newton's equation of motion to 3D multibody dynamics with the integration of elastomechanical subsystems, from front loader kinematics to earthquake test benches with 6 degrees of freedom.

Systems technology

We understand the term systems engineering to mean the interaction of mechanical engineering structures with drives, control and closed-loop control functions, sensors, signal-processing algorithms and process-related external influencing factors. Here we are particularly interested in the physical properties of systems, i.e. the interplay of movements, forces, power and energy, temperatures, pressures etc.

We are happy to assist you with your development activities – from concept studies and feasibility studies to error analysis and commissioning support. Benefit from our experience and our state-of-the-art simulation methods.

Machine dynamics

The mechanical compliance of components and assemblies can have a considerable impact on the natural vibration behaviour of entire machines. This can have a negative impact on numerous quality features such as stability, smooth running, service life, movement quality, controllability and functional or personal safety.

We can take these influencing factors into account in holistic machine simulations to avoid or minimise the aforementioned negative effects at an early stage of development. These analyses can also take into account the compliance of drives, the system dynamics influenced by closed-loop control circuits and process-related external loads.

Flow technology

In many industries, 2D and 3D flow simulations have become an indispensable development tool. Here is just a small selection of possible applications from a wide range of technology areas:

Wind turbines
Aviation
Vehicle technology
Marine applications
Hydraulic or pneumatic components
Turbines
Process engineering reactors and devices
Heating and cooling circuits
Lubrication systems
Meteorology

We can investigate the complicated interplay between pressure and flow distribution, velocity fields and temperature fields in meaningful CFD simulations and develop targeted optimisation measures. The behaviour of compressible, incompressible or mixed multiphase systems can also be considered.

Heat transfer

Optimised thermal management is crucial for technical systems to work efficiently and for long component service lives. Calculating heat conduction and convective transport phenomena is often a major challenge due to complex physical interactions. By analysing stationary and transient processes, we support you in solving various heat transfer issues in the field of cooling and heat exchange.

Multiphysics

With the increasing complexity of technical systems, numerous questions can no longer be assigned to isolated disciplines such as fluid mechanics, structural dynamics or heat transfer. Instead, they must be answered on an interdisciplinary basis. When analysing active cooling systems, for example, it is necessary to consider both the heat transport process and the flow processes. Another multi-technological example is vibrations in mechanical structures that are excited by flow processes.
With the help of an FMI (Functional Mockup Interface) and co-simulation interfaces, we are able to analyse even these types of complex issues for you. We are constantly expanding the options for linking existing numerical tools to suit your requirements.