Flex Physical Simulation in a Nutshell
Simulating the behavior of cables (FLEX) using integrated CAD-CAE tools
during the product design process is an important requirement in
the automotive and aerospace industries. Real components such as
flexible tubes, hoses, wires and electrical wires are so flexible that
their shape depends totally on the context in which they are used. This
behavior has to be correctly taken into account in design and simulation
processes.
Flex Physical Simulation is a product dedicated to simulate flexible
slender bodies taking into account their physical properties.
This product provides other applications, such as Electrical
Harness Installation, the functionalities needed to model flexible slender
bodies (flex) from the flex definition to its complete flexible behavior in
simulation.
Flex Definition
A flex is represented by a:
- 3D curve/line called the neutral fiber
- variable cross-section
A typical example of a variable cross-section is as shown: |
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Cross-Sections
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Only orthotropic
cross-sections are supported An orthotropic
cross-section has two symmetry planes meaning the shear section has to
fit with the centroid of the section.
The images below illustrate the various orthotropic cross-section
types: |
circular cross-section |
annular
cross-section |
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rectangular cross-section |
arbitrary orthotropic cross-section (elliptic) |
Material properties
Flex Physical Simulation product exhibits particular local deformation
modes (behavior) of the flex:
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traction-compression (in axial direction)
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torsion (around axial direction)
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bending-shearing (in orthogonal planes containing axial
direction)
These are examples of more or less flexible flex subjected to gravity
with ends imposed to displacements.
FLEX Added Values
The illustrations below aim at showing you the added value of FLEX in
terms of realistic shapes.
Standard algorithm vs FLEX algorithm
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Legend:
- yellow: standard algorithm
- blue: FLEX algorithm
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EHI
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EHI With FLEX
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The covering adds a rigidity that is taken into account
by Flex |
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Example of the gap that can appear on the curvature. |
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