The difference between classic CFD and PreonLab is quickly explained. Classical CFD is based on mesh creation, for PreonLab a different approach was chosen: Smoothed-Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) is the basis of the revolutionary PREON® technology.
Without the need for a mesh, all hydrodynamic challenges can be solved quickly and, most importantly, easily. PreonLab provides you with reliable results that are impressively visualized.
Fluids are in, but also around vehicles. Their flow behavior and their effect on moving masses have an influence on driving dynamics, comfort, and durability.
With the increase in cameras and sensors installed in the vehicle body, the draining of water and mud along the body takes on special importance. Passenger safety now directly depends on their reliable operation in all weather conditions. But there is no extra time available for development.
Cost Pressure
Physical tests require prototypes, are time and personnel intensive and thus costly.
Speed
Development time is not always balanced with development effort.
Accuracy vs. Speed
Optimization of one side is often at the expense of the other.
Advanced Simulation
The creation of CFD simulation models is complex and can therefore be very time-consuming.
Safety
Strict requirements for product functionality, quality, and safety must be met.
In contrast to classical CFD, the simulations in PreonLab are meshless. This not only simplifies model creation. It gives you short and powerful turnaround times when simulating Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Regardless of whether you want trend analysis or precise predictions.
Ease of use was and still is particularly important in the development of the software. Thus, it was designed so that every user can use it intuitively in his daily work with a little training.
The goal has always been: to make development as efficient as possible without compromising on the quality of the results.
The advantages of PreonLab can be described in three words.
Reliability
Simulation matches reality. You get realistic motion of objects instead of simplified CFD setups.
Usability
Enabling intuitive work for everyone is at the forefront of development. All design decisions for GUI, workflows and functions follow this credo.
Efficiency
Short turnaround times are achieved with simulation. The simple handling saves additional time. The powerful software guarantees the most accurate results. Efficiency without compromising quality.
Gearbox
It is almost impossible to consider the oil distribution in a gearbox under realistic conditions. Due to the complex geometry and kinematics, simulation is also a challenge.
PreonLab changes that. STL files are imported in seconds. Workflows support you throughout the process. Whether you want to run a single-phase simulation for low rotational speed gears or a multi-phase simulation for high rotational speed gears.
Vehicle Soiling
Rain, snow and dirt and their distribution. All these factors must be taken into account when designing the vehicle body and its functions.
With PreonLab you can take a closer look at an entire system or just individual parts. You do not need prototypes for this, just 3D data in the form of an STL file. This allows you to perform a full wetting analysis and evaluate the flow paths.
Water Wading
Water intrusion into a vehicle is always problematic.
By performing a full wetting analysis, measuring flooding heights, predicting underbody forces, measuring flow rates, and understanding the flow path, you can gain a lot of insight. With PreonLab, you can quickly test your designs against the metrics you need - without a prototype.
After only a short time, PreonLab's SPH code has already established itself at MAN Truck & Bus SE as a leading simulation tool for the development of new powertrains. PreonLab helps us to drive transmission train development forward with decisive impulses already in the early concept phase, thanks to extremely lean model preparation, fast simulation time, and high result quality. The software thus brings numerical flow calculation to a new level in the overall development process of complex powertrains.
– Dr. Tech. Philipp Beierer, Senior Manager Hydraulic Systems, MAN Truck & Bus SE
For an optimal oil supply to the components in gearboxes, the shape of the housing and the internal flow processes play an important role. Using the PreonLab simulation software, it is possible to perform an analysis of the oil flow virtually. The simulations help us understand the flow in closed housings and help us save the cost of expensive, elaborately designed, transparent prototypes.
– Daniel Richter, Team Leader CAE & Vehicle Safety, EDAG Engineering GmbH
AVL Customer Case Study - Simulation-based Development of Functional Oil Distribution in Electric Axle Systems
Electric axle systems play an important role in vehicle electrification. Due to their compact design, they can be used in all vehicle segments with hybridized or all-electric powertrains.
AVL Customer Case Study - Water Wading Simulation
“Water wading” is a standard test in vehicle development. Water must not enter critical areas endangering e.g., battery packs, electric components or the air intake. Forces caused by the water should not damage the car body or float the vehicle.
The body is probably the most multifaceted element of a vehicle. Largely responsible for the visual impression, it also provides protection against weather-related influences. In addition, it must be considered that where air flows, air noise is also generated. These noises can be perceived both around the vehicle and in the interior.
Electrified vehicles (EVs) are measured by their performance, range and cost. In addition, a compact powertrain design is desired, which has implications for thermal management.
The nearly silent operation of e-motors makes the vehicles quieter, but results in various noises and vibrations no longer being masked by the engine.
Preoneers rely on the fact that with every new release, PreonLab aims to enhance your simulation experience by increasing efficiency and reducing the memory footprint for simulations. We firmly hold this at the core of our vision towards developing the ultimate simulation tool.
Vehicle and sensor soiling is becoming an increasingly important aspect of vehicle design. The focus is clearly shifting from pure aesthetics to challenges related to safety improvement and cost reduction.
Unlock the full potential of virtual transmission development with our PreonLab Smoothed-Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) solution in our exclusive webinar. Experience first-hand a demonstration of PreonLab's advanced modeling capabilities, validated by real-world use cases.
Vehicle water management is a critical component of design, which traditionally has heavily relied on costly physical testing. Whereas conventional CFD is hardly applicable due to underlying modeling complexity and extremely high computational costs, SPH technology has virtually revolutionized water management simulation.
Every Preoneer knows that with PreonLab we always strive to provide the most reliable, usable
and efficient CFD software. But what if you could get your results even faster?
When it comes to complex production processes in the automotive industry like e-coating, using reliable CFD simulation tools to supplement expensive prototyping and physical testing has proven to be a very efficient method to optimize the design stag
Vehicle water management is a challenging engineering problem to address, but the right development tool can make the process more efficient and enjoyable for the engineer.
An important design task of gearbox development is the optimization of its lubrication across a wide range of operating conditions, lubricant viscosities, oil fill levels, vehicle grades and dynamic maneuvers.
Water management is an important aspect of vehicle design. It includes everything from soiling and wading to splashing and the impact this has on the vehicle's aerodynamics. Even the vehicle's windshield wipers are part of it, as is the investigation
Vehicle soiling phenomena can be a major safety hazard due to obstructed driver’s visibility of the road or abnormal operation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).