Opera multiphysics simulation tool speeds EM design

The software offers an auto-optimization tool that works with finite-element methods.

-- Test & Measurement World, 12/20/2011 7:00:00 AM

Version 15 of the Opera electromagnetic simulator, from the Vector Fields Software business unit of Cobham Technical Services, adds 3-D mechanical-stress analysis that solves for deformations within the elastic limit of materials. By capturing mechanical deformation in conjunction with electromagnetic and thermal modeling, the integrated software can reduce design complexity and accelerate time to market.

In addition to the 3-D stress-analysis module, Opera 15 offers other enhancements to simplify and speed the design process. For example, the software eases the creation of coil models by providing a dynamic pictorial representation of the model under construction to guide the user as design data is entered. To aid the final optimization of a design, Opera can be supplied with an advanced auto-optimization tool specifically designed to work with its finite-element methods. This tool is able to work out the best solution for one or multiple goals, even when they compete with each other.

Opera provides a complete design-simulate-analyze-optimize tool chain for electromagnetic applications. Its accuracy and speed allow demanding simulations to be solved on standard office-grade PCs. Opera is available in a number of variants, including finite-element analysis for static and time-varying EM fields and application-specific solvers for rotating electrical machines, superconducting magnets, charged-particle beam devices, and magnetization/demagnetization processes. Opera's EM models can also be coupled with third-party system-simulation tools available within Simulink.

Cobham Technical Services, www.cobham.com/about-cobham/aerospace-and-security/about-us/antenna-systems/kidlington/products/opera-3d.aspx