Simcenter Amesim
Simcenter Amesim is a commercial simulation software for the modeling and analysis of multi-domain systems. It is part of systems engineering domain and falls into the mechatronic engineering field.
The software package is a suite of tools used to model, analyze and predict the performance of mechatronics systems. Models are described using nonlinear time-dependent analytical equations that represent the system’s hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, electric or mechanical behavior. Compared to 3D CAE modeling this approach gives the capability to simulate the behavior of systems before detailed CAD geometry is available, hence it is used earlier in the system design cycle or V-Model.
To create a simulation model for a system, a set of libraries is used, they contain pre-defined components for different physical domains. The icons in the system have to be connected and for this purpose each icon has ports, which have several inputs and outputs. Causality is enforced by linking the inputs of one icon to the outputs of another icon.
Simcenter Amesim libraries are written in C language and also support Modelica which is a non-proprietary, object-oriented, equation based language to model complex physical systems containing, e.g., mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, thermal, control, electric power or process-oriented subcomponents. The software runs on Linux and on Windows platforms.
Simcenter Amesim is a part of the Siemens PLM Software Simcenter portfolio. This combines 1D simulation, 3D CAE and physical testing with intelligent reporting and data analytics. This portfolio is intended to provide engineers and analysts with a comprehensive solution for development of complex products that include smart systems, through implementing a Predictive Engineering Analytics approach.
History
The Simcenter Amesim software was developed by Imagine S.A. a company which was acquired in June 2007 by LMS International, which itself was in November 2012 by Siemens AG.The Imagine S.A. company was created in 1987 by Dr Michel Lebrun from the University Claude Bernard in France, to control complex dynamic systems coupling hydraulic servo-actuators with finite-elements mechanical structures. The initial engineering project involved the deck elevation of the sinking Ekofisk North Sea petroleum platforms.
In the early 1990s, the association with Pr C. W. Richards, coming from the University of Bath in England, led to the first commercial release of Simcenter Amesim in 1995 which was then dedicated to fluid control systems.
Simcenter Amesim is used by companies in the automotive, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing industries.
Usage
Simcenter Amesim is a multi-domain software. It allows to link between different physics domains. It is based on the Bond graph theory.The modelling of a system is done in four steps:
- sketch mode: in which the different components are linked,
- submodel mode: in which the physical submodel associated to each component is chosen,
- parameter mode: in which the parameters for each submodel are set,
- run mode: in which the simulation is started and results analyzed.
Under the Windows platform, Simcenter Amesim works with the free Gcc compiler, which is provided with the software. It also works with the Microsoft Visual C++ compiler and its free Express edition. Since the version 4.3.0 Simcenter Amesim uses the Intel compiler on all platforms.
Platform facilities
Simcenter Amesim features:- Platform Facilities
- *graphical user interface, interactive help, supercomponents, post-processed variables, experiments management, meta-data, statechart designer
- Analysis Tools
- *table editor, plots, dashboard, 3D animation, replay of results, linear analysis, activity index, power and energy computation
- Optimization, Robustness, DOE
- *Design Of Experiments, optimization, Monte-Carlo
- Solvers and Numerics
- *LSODA, DASSL, DASKR, Fixed-step solvers, discrete partitioning, parallel processing, Simcenter Amesim/Simcenter Amesim cosimulations
- Software Interfaces
- *generic co-simulation, functional mock-up interface
- MIL/SIL/HIL and Real-Time
- *plant/control, various Real-Time targets
- Simulator Scripting
- *scripting functions to pilot the simulations, circuit API, script file generator
- Customization
- *own customized pre and post-processing tools with python, script caller assistant, editor of parameters group, app designer
- Modelica Platform
- *support of the Modelica modeling language, and support of subsets of the Modelica Standard Library with dedicated tools: modelica editor, modelica import assistant, modelica compiler, modelica assembly
- 1D/3D CAE
- *CAD Import, CFD software co-simulation, FEA import of reduced modal basis with pre-defined frontier nodes, MBS software cosimulation and import/export
- Development
- *The user can develop his own submodels, by assembling different standard submodels using the Component Customization functionality, or by programming them in C or in Fortran with Submodel Editor. The C source code of most of the standard submodels are provided allowing the user to start from this base to fit them to his needs.
Physical libraries
Some Simcenter Amesim libraries:
- Control:
- * Libraries: signal and control, engine signal control
- * Components: continuous blocks, tables, functions, logics, hysteresis, discrete signal, routing, bus, cyclic components,...
- Electrics:
- * Libraries: electric motors and drives, electric storage, electrical basics and converters, electric static conversion, electromechanical, automotive electrics, fuel cell
- * Components: resistor, inductor, capacitor, transformer, battery, alternators, synchronous machines, induction machines, direct current machines, generators, direct Park, reverse Park, rectifiers, inverters, choppers, graduators, wires, fuses, relays, fans, blowers, lamps, window lift systems, magnetic coils, airgaps, leakages, piezoelectric actuators,...
- Mechanics:
- * Libraries: 1D mechanical, 2D mechanical, 3D mechanical, cam and followers, powertrain, vehicle dynamics
- * Components: masses, springs, dampers, cams, rocker-arms, followers, rack and pinion, screw nut, worm gear, levers, gears, bearings, seals, couplings, clutches, chassis, tires,...
- Fluids:
- * Libraries: hydraulics, hydraulic component design, hydraulic resistance, filling, pneumatics, pneumatic component design, gas mixture, moist air
- * Components: tanks, volumes, orifices, pressure drops, bends, expansions, contractions, T-junction, bearings, poppets, spools, pistons, jacks, diaphragms, leakages, sealings,... hydraulic/pneumatic pipes with wave effects and water-hammer effect, flexible hoses, speed of sound, shocks,... fluids and gases properties database,...
- Thermodynamics:
- * Libraries: thermal, thermal-hydraulics, thermal-hydraulic component design, two-phase flow, air conditioning, cooling system, heat exchangers assembly tool
- * Components: thermal capacities, conduction, convection, radiation, exchangers, radiators, condensers, pumps, thermostats, compressors
- IC Engine:
- * Libraries: IFP drive, IFP engine, IFP exhaust, CFD1D
- * Components: drivers, gearboxes, crankshaft, camshaft, cylinder, combustion, wall heat exchanges, air path, engine valves, compressors, turbochargers, pipes, injectors, after-treatment, catalyst,...
- Aerospace & Defense:
- * Libraries: aeronautics and space, gas turbine, aircraft fuel systems, liquid propulsion, aircraft electrics
- * Components: flight mission definition, atmosphere models, flight dynamics, propellers, compressors, turbines, fuel tanks with acceleration, orifices, flap valves, compressors/pumps/turbines, combustion chambers, nozzle, electric VFG, transformer rectifiers, three-phase loads, DC generic loads...
Simcenter system-simulation solutions
- Simcenter Amesim:
- * an integrated, scalable system simulation platform which allows system simulation engineers to virtually assess and optimize the mechatronic systems' performance. It boosts overall system engineering productivity from the early development stages until the final performance validation and controls calibration. Ready-to-use multi-physics libraries combined with application and industry-oriented solutions supported by powerful platform capabilities let system simulation engineers rapidly create models and accurately perform analysis.
- Simcenter Amesim Component Customization:
- * a tool for model customization and IP protection to adapt and customize the appearance of models, create and publish ready-to-use catalogs, facilitate the exchange of models using the encryption capability.
- Simcenter Amesim Run:
- * a run-only version to share validated models and run existing Simcenter Amesim models by non-experts.
- Simcenter Amesim Submodel Editor:
- * a tool to develop new components in order to capitalize the know-how
- manages system data originating from Simcenter Amesim and other system simulation tools, providing a collaborative environment for model-based systems engineering data.
- provides simulation architects and project engineers with a platform that will help them rapidly create heterogeneous system simulation architectures and seamlessly evaluate system performance.
- offers a cost-effective, easy-to-use, zero-installation solution. This server-client, web-based solution provides access to system simulation results relevant to model consumers thanks to predefined model parameterization.
Education and research
It is also the reference framework for various Research projects in Europe. A free Simcenter Amesim Student Edition license can be downloaded .
Release history
Name/Version | Build Number | Date |
AMESim | - | 1995 |
AMESim 1.0 | v100 | 1996 |
AMESim 1.5 | v150 | 1997 |
AMESim 2.0 | v200 | 1998 |
AMESim 2.5 | v250 | April 1999 |
AMESim 3.0 | v300 | June 2000 |
AMESim 3.5 | v350 | May 2001 |
AMESim 4.0 | v400 | March 2002 |
AMESim 4.1 | v410 | April 2003 |
AMESim 4.2 | v420 | September 2004 |
AMESim 4.3 | v430 | October 2005 |
AMESim Rev 7A | v700 | April 2007 |
AMESim Rev 7B | v710 | December 2007 |
AMESim Rev 8A | v800 | June 2008 |
AMESim Rev 8B | v810 | December 2008 |
AMESim Rev 9 | v900 | November 2009 |
AMESim Rev 10 | v1000 | November 2010 |
AMESim Rev 11 | v1100 | November 2011 |
AMESim Rev 12 | v1200 | March 2013 |
AMESim Rev 13 | v1300 | December 2013 |
LMS Imagine.Lab Amesim 14 | v1400 | February 2015 |
LMS Imagine.Lab Amesim 15 | v1501 | July 2016 |
Simcenter Amesim 16 | v1600 | January 2018 |
Simcenter Amesim 17 | v17 | October 2018 |
Simcenter Amesim 2019.1 | v2019.1 | April 2019 |