AMESim

AMESim (or LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim) is simulation software for the modelling and analysis of one-dimensional (1D) systems. AMESim is under further development — and sold commercially — by LMS International, based in Leuven, Belgium. The software package offers a 1D simulation suite to model and analyze multi-domain, intelligent systems and to predict their multi-disciplinary performance. The components of a system are described by analytical models representing the hydraulic, pneumatic, electric or mechanical behavior of the system components.

To create a simulation model for a system, a set of validated libraries is used, containing pre-defined components for different physical domains. The user can compose a physics-based model of a system, provided this can be adequately described in a one-dimensional geometry representation. The sub-models in the system have to be linked — for this purpose each sub-model has ports, which can have several inputs and outputs. Causality is enforced by linking the inputs of one submodel to the outputs of another submodel (and vice-versa).

This approach gives the capability to simulate the behavior of intelligent systems before detailed CAD geometry becomes available. It runs on most UNIX platforms (particularly under Linux) and under Windows.

Company

The AMESim platform was developed by the Imagine Company, which was acquired in June 2007 by LMS International.LMS is a software and engineering services provider for companies in the automotive, [citation | contribution=Modeling hydraulic regenerative hybrid vehicles using AMESim and Matlab/Simulink | first1=Alfred | last1=Lynn | first2=Edzko | last2=Smid | first3=Moji | last3=Eshraghi | first4=Niall | last4=Caldwell | first5=Dan | last5=Woody | date=29 March 2005 | location=Orlando FL | doi=10.1117/12.603712 | title=Enabling Technologies for Simulation Science IX ] aerospace and other advanced manufacturing industries. The company delivers a combination of virtual simulation software, testing systems, and engineering services. Their focus is on the mission-critical performance attributes in manufacturing industries — including structural integrity, handling, safety, reliability, comfort and sound quality. LMS has its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. It is a Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA partner and operates through a network of subsidiaries and representatives worldwide. LMS is a spin-off from the K.U. Leuven in 1980. [cite web | url=http://www.lmsintl.com/corporate/profile/facts-figures | publisher=LMS International | title=Facts and figures | accessdate= 2008-09-13 ]

LMS has released AMESim Rev 8A in July 2008.

Usage

In its use, AMESim is quite similar to Simulink. A major difference is, that within AMESim the variables — shared at the ports between submodels — are physical and operate in both directions.

AMESim is "multi-domain" software: it allows to link between different physics domains (hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanic, electrical, thermal, electromechanical). It is based on the Bond graph theory.

The modelling of a system is done in four steps:
* "sketch" mode: in which the different components are linked,
* "submodel" mode: in which the physical submodel associated to each component are chosen,
* "parameter" mode: in which the parameters for each submodel are chosen,
* "run" mode: in which the simulation is started.

Compilation

Between the submodel and parameter mode, the AMESim model is compiled. Therefore it is necessary to have a compiler. Under the Windows platform, AMESim works with the free compiler Gcc (which is provided with AMESim, but also with the Microsoft compiler Visual C++ (and since the version 4.3.0 the Intel compiler on all platforms).

Libraries

AMESim is provided with two default libraries: mechanical and signal. The other libraries (approximately 20) must be purchased separately.

To create the system simulation model in AMESim, use can be made of a large set of validated libraries for pre-defined components from different physical domains. The large set of libraries eliminates the need for extensive code writing. Further it enables development teams to make complex system models that cover multiple physical domains. In this way, these libraries accelerate model creation and free up time to optimize designs. LMS says the library components are all completely validated. [cite web | url=http://www.lmsintl.com/download.asp?id=3DFA4F8B-67FF-4279-8329-0966CFB143B6 | title=LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim brochure | publisher=LMS International | pages=page 6 | accessdate=2008-09-13 ] This contributes to the accuracy and the reliability of simulation results.

AMESim offers libraries for:

*"Control": signal, control & observers
*"Electromechanical" : electric motors & drives, electrical, electromechanical
*"Engine": IFP drive, IFP engine, IFP exhaust, IFP C3D,
*"Fluid": hydraulic, hydraulic component design, hydraulic resistance, filling, pneumatic, pneumatic component design, gas mixture
*"Mechanical": 1-D mechanical, planar mechanical, powertrain, vehicle dynamics
*"Thermal": thermal, thermal-hydraulic, thermal-hydraulic component design, thermal pneumatic, two-phase flow, air conditioning, cooling system, heat exchanger

Interfaces

AMESim has several interfaces with other computing software like Simulink and Adams. It is also provided with a set of MATLAB functions allowing to control the simulations from MATLAB. In the same way, it is possible to control simulations from Microsoft Excel thanks to Visual Basic subroutines provided.

Development

The user can develop his own submodels, by assembling different standard submodels (supercomponent) with AMECustom, or by programming his own submodels in C or in Fortran with AMESet. The C source code of most of the standard submodels are provided allowing the user to start from this base to fit them to his needs.

Industry usage

AMESim has is used by major OEMs and suppliers in the automotive, aerospace and mechanical industries worldwide. The reference list include companies like General Motors, Toyota, Renault, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Bosch, Siemens, Delphi, Airbus, Embraer, Dassault, Snecma, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Cognizant and CNH Global. [cite web | url=http://www.lmsintl.com/corporate/references | title=References | publisher=LMS International | accessdata=2008-09-13 ]

References and notes

External links

* [http://www.lmsintl.com/imagine-amesim-1-d-multi-domain-system-simulation LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim website]