Milestone work to be presented at LMS European Vehicle Conference in Munich
LMS International and e-Xstream engineering have started a strategic partnership to develop fatigue tools for random fiber-reinforced composites. Composite materials are increasingly seen as a viable alternative to conventional engineering materials. Besides being extremely lightweight, quasi-random fiber composites are easy to manufacture and offer numerous advantages compared to conventional metals. Although promising, using quasi-random fiber composite materials in structural parts is still limited because it is difficult to assess mission-critical performance issues, like durability.
''An accurate prediction of composite fatigue performance requires in-depth knowledge of fatigue and the anisotropic, heterogeneous and process-dependent behavior of composite materials. Combining our mutual expertise and software capabilities will add accuracy and predictability to the benefit of our common customer base'' stated Dr. Roger Assaker, CEO of e-Xstream.
Until today, reliable and computationally inexpensive simulation methods for composite durability assessment were unavailable, making it difficult to realistically implement them into the digital design cycle. To overcome this, the combined LMS and e-Xstream tools and services bridge the gap between manufacturing simulation results and the prediction and improvement of composite fatigue behavior. This allows a unique seamless integration of local material modeling, finite element calculations and fatigue prediction
''With e-Xstream, LMS has found an extremely innovative partner with the necessary knowledge, skills and complementary software products in material modeling,'' said Stefaan Goossens, Vice President, Simulation Division at LMS International. ''Combined with our 20 years of fatigue loads and simulation know-how, the partnership enables us to produce software solutions that are both accurate and efficient from the very start of our collaboration. Shortly, our customers will be able to confidently use innovative composite materials to produce lighter, more sustainable and eco-friendly products.''
An industry milestone, these solutions will premiere at the LMS European Vehicle Conference in May 2011 in Munich. More information: http://www.lmsintl.com/events/lmsconferences/europe
