Rockfield
Software Ltd has recently advanced its leading edge
finite element software package ELFEN to include
granular dynamic capabilities that can simulate
combined particulate and continuum problems.
This
capability has many applications in assessing designs
and processes of many particulate operations which is
not possible with standard FE codes. Currently
the software has been applied to a variety of
engineering disciplines from silo flows, compaction
processes and masonry structures through to blasting
and impact problems.
The
recent advances now allow users to solve problems
involving large numbers of interacting bodies of
different scales and can predict the deformation and
possible fracture/fragmentation of these bodies.
Users may now investigate the behaviour of
individual particles in a global process or design.
Prof.
Jeff Loughran of James Cook University, Queensland,
Australia says "This is
revolutionary technology and can be used practically
to give engineering answers.
We have used it to look at many problems
including the optimisation of a dragline bucket design
with the view to increasing operating life and
reducing manufacturing costs potentially saving A$1M
per year within the industry".
Can
You - We Can !
Rockfield
Software have just completed a customised development
of their Finite Element modelling software system, ELFEN,
for Corus (formerly British Steel) to investigate the
design and performance of easy open steel cans.
ELFEN
is an advanced Finite Element software system that has
been applied to simulate the opening of the easy open
end steel cans.
State of the art technology is used to model
the complex formation of the steel cans followed by
serviceability tests such as axial loading and vacuum
tests and the prediction of the behaviour and forces
required to tear open the cans.
Specific models have been developed to accurately
predict the rupture and tearing of the can ends.
This
work was sponsored by the Support Design Centre at Corus
(Port Talbot, UK) which offers high quality design and
prototyping services to its clients in the can industry.
The design centre provides a range facilities
from numerical simulations to full prototyping.
Dr Iestyn Jones, Tin Plate Manager of Corus,
says ‘We provide a rapid prototyping service for the
design and prototyping of beer, beverage and food cans
for which we already have many advanced numerical prediction
models provided through the ELFEN system.
This latest numerical model means that we can
now investigate the performance of current designs of
easy open ends and look to extend the range of services
provided to our clients’.
These
offices have been set up to service the USA and Australian
markets providing services geared towards those markets.
These offices will provide sales and product
support and offer a wide range of numerical consultancy
services.
Prof.
Jeff Loughran of James Cook University, Queensland,
Australia says "This is
revolutionary technology and can be used practically
to give engineering answers.
We have used it to look at many problems
including the optimisation of a dragline bucket design
with the view to increasing operating life and
reducing manufacturing costs potentially saving A$1M
per year within the industry".
This
work was sponsored by the Support Design Centre at Corus
(Port Talbot, UK) which offers high quality design and
prototyping services to its clients in the can industry.
The design centre provides a range facilities
from numerical simulations to full prototyping.
Dr Iestyn Jones, Tin Plate Manager of Corus,
says ‘We provide a rapid prototyping service for the
design and prototyping of beer, beverage and food cans
for which we already have many advanced numerical prediction
models provided through the ELFEN system.
This latest numerical model means that we can
now investigate the performance of current designs of
easy open ends and look to extend the range of services
provided to our clients’.