hydraulic simulation software

[UTcaveman]

I'm looking pneumatic/hydraulic simulation software. Anyone know any good ones? I’m looking for the one most commonly used in industry. I know Matlab and Simulink has great package but kind on the way pricey side is there any other out?

 

[EdDanzer]

I have Matlab/Simulink and it is difficult and expensive to use. The models they provide are useless if you want to use a manufacture data sheet to create a model from. I have found no component manufacture that will supply a model. I have requested a quote from The Mathworks to create a model of a D03 solenoid valve from the data sheet. After several months I still do not have a quote. Just last week I ask about a method to test a valve to create a model with. We will see if they respond.

None of the other simulation software that I have looked at will provide a better solution than The Mathworks if you need accurate multi-domain results.

If you find a better solution or know of a tool to develop valve models for Simulink with I would like to know.

Ed Danzer

http://www.danzcoinc.com

http://www.dehyds.com

 

[UTcaveman]

Ed,
Thanks for the information. As I always say hydraulics is the black art of engineering. And what found out about hydraulic software it is to. I’ve been primarily doing all my design analysis on hydraulic circuits by hand.

Are valves the biggest problem in Simulink?

How is Mathworks hydraulic simulation of complete circuits if you where to get lucky and have accurate component models?

 

[kcj]

Automation Studio has good animation and schematic features.
It is sold as simulation but I think the math is oversimplified. I have no direct comparison of it's simulation vs. another to compare results.

 

[EdDanzer]

I have not really looked much beyond valves as they are the control portion of the systems we work with. If the control system model is very close to the actual finished product it is just a guess so the results are no better than a manual estimation.

The one project I’m working on requires very accurate electronic control of solenoid valves to obtain proper operation so even a few percent of variation may cause a catastrophic failure.

One non valve component I have struggled with defining is a gas bottle accumulator. This will be a piston in a cylinder attached by plumbing to a separate gas bottle. Part of the problem has more to do with my marginal skills than Simulink. I hope to have more time to work on developing my skill this summer.

Ed Danzer

http://www.danzcoinc.com

http://www.dehyds.com

 

[UTcaveman]

Kcj
Thanks I’ll have to look in to Automation Studio.

Ed,
Thanks again. My biggest problem with Simulink right now is the prices. From what I’ve hear MathLab and Simulink have quite the learning curve. I’ve used MathCAD for years now and found its learning curve quite easy. I’m need some that can handle a very robust hydraulic circuit design.

Your gas bottle accumulator cylinder problems sound like a pretty close to a project I’ve got coming up.

Dylan M. Rigby

http://www.uintahmachine.com/

 

[hydromech]

Amesim is probably the best, also the most expensive.