Material characteristics in the structural analysis

The efficiency of simulation methods is based on the quality of the models used. This applies in particular to the analysis of component structures. Even though details of the geometry can be reproduced exactly to a large extent, descriptions of the material properties are often not available. Assumptions must be made whose effects on the result are usually not foreseeable. Reliable design decisions are not possible, nor are new applications such as the Digital Twin.

This seminar will show and discuss which methods can be used to support the design of lightweight structures whose benefits are based on optimized properties of the materials.

The physical properties of the materials of supporting structures such as linear / non-linear elasticity, failure, damping, thermal conductivity etc. are described by material laws. These must be determined with suitable methods and form the basis for the production of material models. Thus the material properties are simulated in suitable software systems for structural analysis, depending on the task under consideration of e.g. deformation speed, temperature etc.

Materials with complex material laws such as polymers and composites present special challenges due to their internal structure, and in many cases their properties are essentially determined by influences during the production of the component.

This leads to the requirement to simulate the manufacturing process during product development in order to determine the effects, e.g. of temperature, plastic pre-deformation, etc., on material behavior. With the results of such a simulation, parameters can be specifically influenced in production in order to optimize the material properties. Practical applications are the control of casting processes, the hardening of steel parts and above all the new technology of additive manufacturing.