AMESim

AMESim

Modeling and Simulation with AMESim
Developer(s)	LMS International
Initial release	1995
Platform	Cross-platform
Available in	English, Chinese
Type	modeling, simulation, Graphical User Interface
License	Proprietary
Website	LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim website

LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim is a simulation software for the modeling and analysis of one-dimensional (1D) systems. The software package offers a 1D simulation suite to model and analyze multi-domain, intelligent systems and to predict their multi-disciplinary performance. Model components are described using validated analytical models that represent the system’s actual hydraulic, pneumatic, electric or mechanical behavior.

To create a simulation model for a system, a set of validated libraries can be used, containing pre-defined components for different physical domains. The user can compose a physics-based model of a system, provided it can be adequately described in a one-dimensional geometry representation. The sub-models in the system are linked using sub-model ports, which can have several inputs and outputs. Causality is enforced by linking the inputs of one submodel to the outputs of another submodel (and vice-versa). This approach gives the capability of simulating the behavior of intelligent systems before detailed CAD geometry becomes available.

The system runs on most UNIX platforms (particularly under Linux) and on Windows.

LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim Revision 11 was released in 2011.

Company

The AMESim software was developed by the Imagine Company, which was acquired in June 2007 by LMS International. The Imagine Company was created in 1987 by Michel Lebrun to control complex dynamic systems (initially, to control the raising of the Ekofisk North Sea petroleum platform), coupling hydraulic servo-actuators with finite-elements mechanical structures.

LMS is a software and engineering services provider for companies in the automotive, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing industries. LMS International delivers a combination of virtual simulation software, testing systems, and engineering services. Their focus is on mission-critical performance attributes in manufacturing industries — including structural integrity, handling, safety, reliability, comfort and sound quality.

The LMS headquarters are in Leuven, Belgium. LMS is a spin-off from the K.U. Leuven in 1980.

Usage

In its use, LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim is quite similar to standard Simulink. Tough a major difference is that within LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim the variables, shared at the ports between submodels, are physical and operate in both directions.

LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim is a multi-domain software. This means that it allows to link between different physics domains (such as hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanic, electrical, thermal and electromechanical). It is based on Bond graph theory.

The modeling 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 parameters for each submodel are set,
• run mode: in which simulation are started (single, batch, co-simulation...).

Between submodel and parameter mode, the AMESim model is compiled. It is therefore necessary to have a compiler. Under the Windows platform, LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim works with the free Gcc compiler, which is provided with the software. But it also works with other compilers, such as the Microsoft Visual C++ compiler and, since version 4.3.0, the Intel compiler (on all platforms).

AMESim Platform

LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim offers a wide range of features that make it a complete platform for modeling and simulation:

• Platform Facilities

A graphical user interface, interactive help, supercomponents, post-processed variables, experiments, meta-data

• Analysis Tools

A table (data) editor, plots, dashboard, animation (3D), replay, linear analysis (eigenvalues, modal shapes, transfer functions, root locus), activity index

• Optimization, Robustness, DOE

Design Of Experiments (parameter study, full factorial, central composite), optimization (NLPQL, genetic algorithm), Monte-Carlo (random, Latin Hypercube, Optimized Latin Hypercube, with uniform or gaussian distribution)

• Simulator Scripting

Scripting functions to pilot the simulations (from Microsoft Excel thanks to the provided Visual Basic subroutines, from MATLAB, Scilab, Python), circuit API (to build your own AMESim-based applications in C and in Python version), script file generator (circuit API files can be automatically generated from an existing model)

• AMESim Customization

A user’s own customized pre and post-processing tools with python, script caller assistant, editor of parameters group

• Solvers and Numerics

LSODA, DASSL, DASKR, Fixed-step solvers, discrete partitioning, parallel processing, amesim/amesim cosimulations

• MIL/SIL/HIL and Real-Time

Plant/control (Simulink interface, Labview interface), various Real-Time (RT) targets (xPC, dSPACE, Opal-RT, LabVIEW, Etas, ...)

• Software Interfaces

Generic cosim (to be used to cosimulate with any software coupled to AMESim), Functional Mock-up Interface (export, import)

• 1D/3D CAE

CFD software cosimulation (Fluent, CFX, StarCD, Eole, ...), FEA import of reduced modal basis with pre-defined frontier nodes, MBS software cosimulation and import/export (LMS Virtual.Lab Motion or MSC.Adams)

• Modelica Platform

Support of the Modelica modeling language, and support of subsets of the Modelica Standard Library (MSL) with dedicated tools: modelica editor, Modelica import assistant, Modelica compiler, Modelica assembly

• Development

Users can develop their own submodels, either by assembling different standard submodels (supercomponent) with AMECustom, or by programming his own submodels in C or in Fortran with AMESet. The C source code for most of the standard submodels is provided, allowing the user to modify existing models to fit them to his needs.

Physical Libraries

LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim is provided with two default libraries: mechanical and signal, with the possibility of obtaining other additional (approximately 30) libraries.

To create a system simulation model in AMESim, a large set of validated libraries can be used for pre-defined components from different physical domains. The large set of libraries eliminates the need for extensive code writing and it enables development teams to make complex system models that cover multiple physical domains. In this way, these libraries accelerate model creation and free up time to optimize designs. LMS says the library components are all completely validated, this contributes to the accuracy and the reliability of simulation results.

LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim offers libraries for:

• Control:
  • Libraries: signal and control, engine signal generator
  • Components: continuous blocks, tables, functions, logics, hysteresis, discrete signal, routing, bus, cyclic components, ...
• Electrics:
  • Libraries: electrical basics, electromechanical, electric motors & drives, electrical static conversion, electrochemistery, automotive electrics
  • Components: resistor, inductor, capacitor, transformer, battery, alternators, synchronuous machines, induction machines, direct current machines, generators, optimum controls, direct Park, reverse Park, rectifiers, inverters, choppers, gradators, wires, fuses, relays, fans, blowers, lamps, window lift systems, magnetic coils, airgaps, leakages, piezoelectric actuators, ...
• Mechanics:
  • Libraries: 1-D mechanical (linear and rotary), planar mechanical, cam and followers, finite-elements import (FEM), 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: hydraulic, hydraulic component design, hydraulic resistance, filling, pneumatic, 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-hydraulic, thermal-hydraulic component design, thermal pneumatic, two-phase flow, air conditioning, cooling system, heat exchanger
  • Components: thermal capacities, conduction, convection, radiation, exchangers, radiators, condensers, pumps, thermostats, compressors
• IC Engine:
  • Libraries: IFP drive, IFP engine, IFP exhaust, CFD-1D, IFP C3D
  • Components: drivers, gearboxes, crankshaft, camshaft, cylinder, combustion, wall heat exchanges, air path, engine valves, compressors, turbochargers, pipes, injectors, after-treatment, catalyst, ...

AMESim Suite

LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim-Suite is constituted by different applications:

• AMESim:
  • Core product for modeling and simulation of dynamic systems

Adaptability, re-usability, scalability, unrivaled solvers, advanced features

• AMECustom:
  • Customization of models and IP protection

To adapt and customize the appearance of models, create and publish ready-to-use catalogs, facilitate exchange of models, encryption capability

• AMERun:
  • Run of existing models

Run-only version, adapted for non-experts, to share validated models, standard AMESim solvers and advanced features

• AMESet:
  • Development of new components

To capitalize the know-how, open platform, integrated development tool for creating new submodels

Industry usage

LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim is used by major OEMs and suppliers in the automotive, aerospace and mechanical industries worldwide. The reference list includes companies like General Motors, Toyota, Renault, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Bosch, Continental, Delphi, Airbus, Embraer, Dassault, Snecma, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Cognizant and CNH Global.

Education and Research

LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim is used worldwide by many engineering schools and universities. It is also the reference framework for various Research projects in Europe.

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

See also

• Bond graph
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Control theory
• Distributed element model
• Efficient energy use
• Finite element method
• Hardware-in-the-loop simulation
• Lumped element model
• Mechatronics
• Model-based design
• Multibody system
• Optimization (mathematics)
• Real-time computing
• Systems engineering
• Visual programming language

External links

• LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim website
• LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim website ITALY