SimulationX

SimulationX

SimulationX, current version.
Developer(s)	ITI GmbH
Stable release	3.4 / November 1, 2010 (2010-11-01)
Operating system	Microsoft Windows
License	Proprietary
Website	SimulationX product page

SimulationX is a multi-domain CAE simulation software for physical system simulation, developed and sold commercially by ITI GmbH, based in Dresden, Germany. Scientists and engineers in industry and education use the tool for the design, analysis and virtual testing of complex mechatronics systems, as the software models the interaction of components from a multitude of domains including their mutual interaction and feedback on one platform.

ITI launched SimulationX, the successor of ITI-SIM, in 2000 in response to rising demand for system simulation. One of the main functions and traditional field of application is steady-state powertrain analysis, for which the product received the AEI Tech Award“Top Product of Powertrain Simulation” in 2006. The latest version SimulationX 3.4 was released in November 2010.

Company

SimulationX is developed by ITI. Operating in virtual system engineering, ITI's core business activities comprise of the development of standard software tools as well as consulting, engineering, and programming services. The ITI headquarters is located in Dresden, Germany. The company operates worldwide through a network of subsidiaries and distributors.

Domains and libraries

The software supports Windows functionalities and consists of pre-defined element types and ready-to-use model libraries from all physical domains. These libraries sort model objects according to physical and application-oriented aspects. More than 500 ready-to-use model elements from more than 11 application areas are available to build models. Drag-and-drop functionality simplify and accelerate modeling processes. Hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric drives as well as controls can be integrated into a common model together with the multi-body system. Preprocessing, solving and postprocessing can be carried out in one simulation environment. In the course of calculation the behavior of any system can be observed and analyzed, and parameters can be adjusted online. Amongst the global simulation community SimulationX is known for its user-friendly graphical interface that enables complex models to be set up intuitively and precisely.

SimulationX libraries include:

• Signal blocks: General Signal Blocks, Signal Sources, Linear Signal Blocks, Non-Linear Signal Blocks, Time-Discrete Signal Blocks, Special Signal Blocks, Switches
• Mechanics: Mechanics 1D (rotary, linear), Multibody systems, CAD Import via STL
• Power Transmission: Motors and Engines, Couplings and Clutches, Transmission Elements, Planetary Structures
• Electrical Engineering and Electronics: Electronics (Analog), Magnetics, Electric Motors, Stepping Motors
• Fluid Power and Thermodynamics: Hydraulics (pressure source, tank, volume, differential cylinder, throttle, valves, plunger cylinder, constant and variable), pneumatics (gases and mixtures), Thermal-Fluid (single phase with liquids and gases, two-phase with coolants, refrigerants, NIST, water, wet air, gas mixtures)
• Special: Subsea Library: Subsea Hydraulics, Subsea Electrics, Offshore Handling

Modelica

SimulationX supports the Modelica modeling language to simulate individually-created, realistic (sub-)models. Models of the Modelica Standard Library or the ones purely based on the Modelica language definition can be executed.

Interfaces

SimulationX provides open, comprehensive CAx-interfaces to external programs for different purposes and applications, e.g. CAE, CAD (PTC Pro/Engineer, Autodesk Inventor), CAM, Computer-aided optimization (e.g. Isight, modeFRONTIER, OptiY), FEA/FEM, CFD. Co-Simulation provides a general interface which can be used to link SimulationX to CAE tools with predefined setups for particular realizations (MSC.Adams, SIMPACK, MATLAB/Simulink, Fluent, Cadmould etc.). The coupling ensures the data exchange between the tools and the simulation software. Tools for a holistic structural and system analysis (equilibrium computation, natural frequencies, vibration modes, input-output analysis) and for linking a simulation model to the databases are available. A COM interface allows the communication between SimulationX and other Windows applications for user-defined batch runs, embedded simulation, parameter studies, or optimizations.

Code-Export features support the generation of C source code for seamless model integration, Hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) applications and Rapid Control Prototyping, Functional Mock-up Virtual Machine. Throughout all stages of modern system design processes, engineers and scientists can work with a variety of seamlessly integrated tools. The connection of SimulationX to real-time testing and simulation platforms such as LabVIEW, NI VeriStand, dSPACE, and SCALE-RT heavily increases the productivity in the design cycle and shortens time-to-market of new products.

Industry usage

SimulationX is widely used by major OEMs and suppliers in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, heavy machinery, marine/shipbuilding, mining, oil and gas, precision instruments, and railways. The reference list comprises companies such as Audi, BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, Continental, Schaeffler, Siemens, Demag, Husky, Nikon, Mitsubishi and Liebherr.

Academic usage

SimulationX is widely used in education and research worldwide.

See also

• EcosimPro: Continuous and Discrete Modelling and Simulation Software

External links

• ITI GmbH, the homepage of the ITI GmbH (developing SimulationX).
• Textbook Dynamics of Machinery, Dresig, Hans, Holzweißig, Franz, 2010, With CD-ROM., ISBN 978-3-540-89939-6.
• Modelica Association, the homepage of the non-profit Modelica Association (developing Modelica).