EV Designing and Development: Modelling and Simulation Software

Transportation drives the global economy. It’s at the heart of both business and pleasure. With the world's population nearing 8 billion, all that travel adds up. And it’s taking a toll on the planet.

Rapidly increasing mobility while decreasing environmental impact isn't easy. Simulation is the key to understanding those decisions and realizing the benefits of electrification.

Simulation & computer-aided engineering (CAE) software supports engineering analysis tasks. Simulation & CAE software encompasses finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multi-body dynamics (MDB), and optimization capabilities. Simulation software is used by engineers and analysts to imitate a real-life phenomenon based on mathematical formulae before manufacturing. Due to its close relationship with CAE software, simulation software can also be referred to as CAE simulation software. Simulation & CAE software enables users to simulate, validate, and optimize products and manufacturing tools.

• Auto cad- AutoCAD can be defined as the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, optimization of a design. In this, we can create both 2D and 3D drawings used in construction and manufacturing. It was developed by John Walker in 1982 with the help of AUTODESK and maintained it successfully. It is most commonly used for creating and modifying 2D & 3D designs for professional drafting with detailed measurement information about the conceptual design and layout of the product, also available in 14 different languages with respect to location. Users can customize the CAD software with available add-on apps as per project requirements. User specialized tool setting can be done to view and design products in wireframe and surface modeling. Widely preferred in the industries of mechanical, telecom, civil, architectural engineering. It stands on demand to students and industries because of its requirements.

Reasons for Implementing CAD systems

1. To increase the productivity of the designer.

2. To improve the quality of design.

3. To create a database for manufacturing.

4. To improve communication through documentation

• Matlab- Matrix Laboratory or MATLAB for short is a multi-paradigm numerical computing environment and proprietary programming language developed by Mathworks. It combines computation, visualization, and programming in an easily usable environment and is all expressed in mathematical equations. Some applications of MATLAB are discussed below. 

1. Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are computer systems consisting of hardware and software components and are designed to do a specific task

2. Control systems

Another most common reason why the use of Matlab is important is that it provides control to device and system. A control system is responsible for managing, giving commands and regulating the behavior of other devices or systems.

3. Internet of Things

Internet of Things is the network of devices, vehicles and home appliances and others embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which enables the exchange of data

4. Mechatronics

Mechatronics is the technology combining electronics and mechanical engineering. Mechatronic systems require integrating mechanical, electrical, control, and embedded software subsystems. 

5. Motor and power control

Motor control algorithms regulate speed and other performance characteristics. Matlab algorithms help with energy efficiency, precision control, and system protection.

• SIMULINK is a simulation and model-based design environment for dynamic and embedded systems, integrated with MATLAB. Simulink, also developed by MathWorks, is a data flow graphical programming language tool for modelling, simulating and analyzing multi-domain dynamic systems. It is basically a graphical block diagramming tool with a customization set of block libraries.

It allows you to incorporate MATLAB algorithms into models as well as export the simulation results into MATLAB for further analysis.

Simulink supports -

1. system-level design

2. simulation

3. automatic code generation

4. testing and verification of embedded systems

• Fusion 360- Fusion 360 is an excellent tool for the precise modeling of 2D and 3D objects, but you can do much more with it, such as animate your designs, render objects, simulate loads, and even prepare models for CNC machining. Many small and large businesses use the platform for designing and prototyping their products, as Fusion 360 offers CAD, CAM, and CAE possibilities. in Fusion 360, there are several working environments, each providing the user with distinctive features and options. 

Another useful feature of Fusion 360 as an online platform is that you can view your models on any device connected to the web. There are mobile apps available for iOS and Android that enable users to review models remotely, which in return eases team collaboration.

• Autodesk- Autodesk is a pioneer in 3D design, engineering and digital entertainment software. Though best known for its flagship product, AutoCAD, it has developed a vast range of software for the design, engineering and entertainment industries.

Autodesk doesn’t just provide products for the CAD industry, it also provides education for professionals and hobbyists alike. As Autodesk states, it has been “preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow with free design software today”. Indeed, more than 180 countries worldwide can take advantage of free Autodesk software for students, educators and educational institutions.

• Ansys- it is the global leader in engineering simulation. Through our strategy of Pervasive Engineering Simulation, we help the world's most innovative companies deliver radically better products to their customers. By offering the best and broadest portfolio of engineering simulation software, we help them solve the most complex design challenges and create products limited only by imagination.

To match the industry trends Autobot Academy has a certification program that involves learning modules of Simulation and modelling softwares such as MATLAB and Simulink.

As per one of the surveys an engineer with the modelling and simulation skill set is most likely to be selected by OEM’s and EV manufacturing companies. Knowing this fact, the Autobot Talent Pool also provides  such opportunities for EV engineers who have respective fields that match the industry demands.