advanced simulation technologies
3 1
SEEING THINGS
MORE CLEARLY
J U LY 2 0 2 0
Modeling complex gear
box designs, such as
a planetary gear box,
can be done in PreonLab
in only a few minutes.
Designs for systems such as
gearboxes are normally validated
with meshed simulations, as well as
on the testbed using bulky mockups
with glass windows in them.
But this is impossible with electrified
powertrain gearboxes, with
parts that spin at up to 30,000 rpm.
So, a different approach is required.
“In the past CFD simulation was
dominated by the meshed approach,”
says Jens Cornelis, Managing
Director of FIFTY2 Technology.
“This is ideal for many
applications, especially those with
no free surface flow, as it is easier to
compute, and you can implement
a very clear and simple data structure.
But when you are modelling
complex systems – such as lubricants
within a gearbox – you need
something that offers much more
detail in a shorter timeframe.”
That’s why FIFTY2, of which AVL
is a major shareholder, created
PreonLab. This revolutionary tool
replaces the mesh approach with
particle simulation. It allows fluids
to be modelled in incredible detail,
which is ideal for gearbox lubrication
concepts.
In general, CFD simulations can be
difficult to set up, and need intensive
training and expertise, along
with huge amounts of time and
computing power. This is obstructive
for environments where cost
and time-to-market are critical.
PreonLab changes this. In one day
of training a user can learn the skills
to create and run elaborate simulations.
Computing power is also used
dynamically, with areas of interest
simulated in high resolution, and
other areas in less detail. This allows
models to be setup and run quickly,
even on desktop workstations.
“Our goal is to minimize the time
from setup to generating useful information
that helps you improve
your concepts,” explains Cornelis.
FIFTY2 PreonLab is revolutionizing CFD simulation
for tasks such as gearbox lubrication.
“In the past it might have taken
weeks or months to set up the simulation
of a complex system, but now
you can do it in one or two days,
and obtain actionable information
in a matter of hours.”
With its user-centric approach,
PreonLab
is helping our customers
to find certainty in this uncertain
period of transformation. And
it is accelerating market acceptance
of the electrified powertrain by driving
innovation and reducing costs.
Modeling the spray cooling of an e-motor
is a challenging simulation task. PreonLab
tackles this with reliable simulation data.