The Component EDM software package is an advanced tool that complements MTS component test systems. This software generates highly accurate, computationally efficient models of nonlinear suspension and damping components, by combining neural network technology with physical laboratory measurements from test systems. An Empirical Dynamics model used by a design engineer early in the design process, before complete physical assemblies are available, dramatically improves the accuracy of virtual prototypes and allows vehicle developers to accurately assess performance and durability much earlier in the design process.
We’ve eliminated the guesswork with our empirical methodology, drawing on our depth of experience in physical testing and MTS’s strong mathematical R&D skills, explained Bill Bigot, Director of Modeling Integration Products and Services. Aside from leveraging the accuracy inherent in empirical data, the process of developing Empirical Dynamics models is computationally efficient, so engineers aren’t spending countless hours developing and adjusting less-accurate, traditional spline or frequency response models.
The EDM technology has a broad range of applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. Automotive applications include the modeling of suspension system components, motor mounts, and powertrain torsional dampers. Aerospace applications include landing gear models and vibration isolation studies. Our first application of this technology is focused on automotive components. We expect this software to increase sales of some of our physical testing systems, because it enhances the value of those systems. Now engineers and designers have a convenient and reliable way to improve their computational models with real physical data, said Bigot.
Introduced in June 2000, Component EDM software has been acquired by automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in Japan, Europe and North America, both in conjunction with new MTS simulation systems or as an add-on to existing systems. We’ve seen a rapid market acceptance, said Bigot. It’s an innovative, start-up technology, but once customers understand the model’s power, the acceptance is quick.
Numerous customers are now evaluating the EDM technology software with the intent of integrating it into their development process along with ADAMS(R) functional virtual prototyping software from Mechanical Dynamics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDII). The Empirical Dynamics models produced by Component EDM software are fully compatible with ADAMS software. Mechanical Dynamics’ suite of products includes ADAMS/EDM, a module that provides ADAMS users with a convenient and efficient way to import and work with EDM models. This improves the accuracy and speed of ADAMS models that include nonlinear, dynamic components. ADAMS/EDM is a result of a joint development effort between MTS and Mechanical Dynamics. It represents one of several efforts by the two companies to integrate their virtual prototyping and laboratory testing technologies.
Customers using the EDM technology together with ADAMS have achieved an ideal level of interoperability between the physical and virtual world, said Doug Peterson, Mechanical Dynamics’ Vice President, Product Development. Durability testing pushes product testing to the limit, so EDM models are critical to a virtual prototyping process that supports all the phases of testing and improving product durability.
MTS Systems Corporation manufactures computer-based testing and simulation systems for determining the mechanical behavior of materials, products, and structures, and measurement and control instrumentation products for the automation of the manufacturing processes. The company had 2,350 employees worldwide and revenues of $392 million in the fiscal year ending September 2000.
