nCode DesignLife Version 9.0 Released for Simulation

Thicker components such as those created by injection molding polymers containing short glass fibers can now be analyzed for fatigue by using finite element models of solid elements. Additionally, new analysis methods for full 3D stress states and critical plane analysis allows for prediction of sub-surface failures within the part.

Users can now assess thicker welds commonly used in off-highway and construction machinery or other applications that require 3D solid models prior to physical testing. The approach uses the stress integration method outlined in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code VIII (Division 2) standard.

Available at no extra cost, users can use load reconstruction to calculate input loads based on data from both a set of physical strain gauge measurements taken across the component and the results of a unit load FEA using DesignLife's Virtual Strain Gauge capability. All supported finite element codes such as ANSYS, Abaqus and NASTRAN can be used with this approach.

A new animation capability enables users to better understand how a structure is deforming under dynamic loading and how to improve structures to avoid fatigue failures, the company says. The linear superposition can now be used to calculate the total displacement at each instant in time, and this can be viewed as a full 3D model animation.

For more information, visit nCode International.

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