EM Simulation Tool Puts ‘Optimal Design’ Within Reach, 1 in a Series

By DE Editors

October 8, 2007 — The latest release of the electromagnetic (EM) simulation tool,  Opera v12 from Vector Fields’ (Aurora, IL), adds high-level model parameterization and scripting capabilities. These facilities simplify what-if investigations and speed up the virtual prototyping of EM equipment.

Opera is available in numerous variants, with generic 2D and 3D finite element analysis (FEA) solvers for static and time-varying electromagnetic fields, and with application-specific solvers for design work involving rotating machinery,  superconducting magnets, particle beams, dielectric insulation, and magnetization/demagnetization processes. The latest release extends the performance of many of these solvers to enhance simulation fidelity and speed,  according to the press release.

Every variant of the Opera v12 release, from the lowest-cost 2D simulation package to the full 3D modeling suite, benefits from these features. A breakthrough tool for optimization is also optionally available, which will automatically seek the best solution for single or competing goals.

Opera v12 provides users with integrated design-simulate-optimize tools to create design models, simulate electromagnetic behavior (and optionally related physics including temperature and mechanical stress), postprocess results, and iterate the concept to reach the optimal solution.

Component or system models can be imported from CAD programs, or generated using a built-in, geometric modeler built around the industry-standard ACIS geometry engine. To enhance design process efficiency, models can now be parameterized using variables, making it simple to refine ideas. Users can quickly change parameter values in a model and view effects, or macros can be built to automate complicated design tasks.

Users can purchase Opera with a range of solvers to simulate electromagnetic behavior. There are three generic solvers available depending on the application, for modeling static, and low-frequency or high frequency time varying fields. These are available in both 2D or 3D versions, to suit the design need and budget. Application-specific variants are also available.

In Opera v12, the rotating machinery solver features two major enhancements to simplify electric motor and generator design, a skew modeling facility to enhance the accuracy of designs that employ skewed magnetic fields to reduce ‘cogging’  torque, and a means to greatly speed the simulation of large machines by simulating just a segment of a symmetrical design. This latter facility,  combined with operation on today’s 64-bit PCs, can reduce simulation times to hours or even minutes for very complex designs.

When simulation is complete, Opera includes a purpose-designed postprocessor that simplifies analysis of results. As well as displaying electromagnetic field quantities, numerous functions are available to prepare and display results in forms and units familiar to the user, such as forces, power loss, and stored energy.

For the more demanding applications, optimization of designs can now be performed automatically using a new tool called Optimizer — an advanced auto-optimization tool designed specifically to work with finite element methods and to support competing goals.

Opera v12 is available in around 20 variants, starting from around $8,500, with discounts for educational or research establishments. More details can be found at http://www.vectorfields.com.

Sources:  Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.