CAE
C omparisons
Navigating the world of CAE & Multiphysics
Vol-1
www.myphysicscafe.com
Contents
CAE: Myth vs Reality
Physical Testing vs Simulation
Static vs Dynamic analysis
Linear vs Nonlinear
Implicit vs Explicit
Abaqus vs LS-Dyna
FEA vs CFD
Traditional vs Multiphysics
Drop test vs Impact test
Linear vs Hyperelastic material
www.myphysicscafe.com
Physical Testing
vs
Simulation
Physical Testing Virtual Testing
Very expensive & time Less expensive & fast
consuming process (hours) as compared to
(weeks or months) Physical testing
atic A
Can be performed only Can be performed
in dedicated testing labs anywhere
Requires sturdy equipment Requires Computers &
& infrastructure relevant Softwares
Can only be done at Can be done 24x7, 365
certain times or period days a year
Demonstrates What Demonstrates What
happened (pass/fail) but happened & Why it
not Why happened
www.myphysicscafe.com
Let's compare
Linear & Nonlinear
Linear Analysis Nonlinear Analysis
Model undergoes small Model undergoes large
deformations based on deformations with
the applied forces. respect to applied forces.
Boundary conditions atic A
Initial boundary conditions
remain the same & do not change based on the
change throughout the movement of the model.
simulation.
Material does not Material can undergo
experience any plastic plastic deformation or
deformation or creep due creep due to loading.
to loading.
Stiffness matrix remains Stiffness matrix keeps
constant until a changing throughout the
predictable failure point. analysis.
The deformation of The deformation of
structure is reversible. structure is irreversible.
Let's compare
Abaqus & LS-Dyna
Abaqus LS-Dyna
General-purpose FEA Specifically designed FEA
program for static & program for dynamic
dynamic simulations simulations
atic A
Less specialized than Well-suited for explicit
LS-DYNA for explicit dynamic events (impact,
dynamic events crash, explosion)
Wide range of built-in
Limited set of built-in material models (metals,
material models plastics, composites)
Provides advanced & Pre/post-processing is
integrated environment done with external
for pre/post-processing processing softwares.
www.myphysicscafe.com
Let's compare
FEA & CFD
FEA CFD
Used for simulating & Used for simulating &
analyzing Solid analyzing Fluid dynamics
mechanics problems problems
atic A
Solver capabilities: Solver capabilities:
linear/nonlinear, laminar/turbulent flow,
static/dynamic, thermal & transient/steady-state &
multi-physics simulations multi-phase simulations
Widely used in industries Widely used in industries
like aerospace, like aerospace,
automotive & civil automotive, chemical &
engineering power generation
Highly useful for Highly useful for
calculating stress, strain, calculating fluid flow &
deformation & vibration heat transfer
www.myphysicscafe.com
Traditional
vs
Multiphysics
Traditional simulation Multiphysics simulation
Simulation of a single Simulation of multiple
physics phenomenon physics phenomena
atic A
Involves sets of physical
Involves single set of
laws that interact with
physical laws
each other
Useful where the system Useful where the system
being simulated is being simulated is
relatively simple more complex
Example - Behavior of
Example - Behavior of a
both the fluid & structure
fluid under certain
& how they interact with
conditions
each other
www.myphysicscafe.com
Drop Test
vs
Impact Test
Drop Impact
Involves dropping a Involves applying a
specimen/device from a sudden force to a
specific height onto a specimen by striking it
hard surface with a hammer
atic A
Performed to evaluate Performed to evaluate
the durability of products the impact resistance of
or materials materials & products
Primarily done on Primarily done on
consumer electronics - materials in construction
smartphones & tablets - concrete, wood, steel
Also tests the robustness Also tests the ability to
& ability to withstand withstand deformation
various types of impacts under high stress
www.myphysicscafe.com
Linear
vs
Hyperelastic
Linear material Hyperelastic material
Linear relationship Non-linear relationship
between stress & strain between stress & strain
Elastic modulus is Elastic modulus is not
constant constant
Small deformation Large deformation under
under load & return to load & may not return to
original shape when the original shape when the
load is removed load is removed
Low temperature High temperature
sensitivity. Properties do sensitivity. Properties can
not change significantly change significantly with
with temperature temperature
www.myphysicscafe.com
