Modelling and simulation tools have been developed into various software applications for different domains. Some tools specialise in finite element analysis, some in computational fluid dynamics, some in hydro-dynamics, others in hydraulic system response analysis and so forth. Currently, there is no software provider that includes all physical domains in one single CAE tool.

Offshore systems, such as a riser tensioner or an offshore crane for subsea installation, pose many challenges for CAE engineers due to the many different physical domains; hydro-dynamics, structural dynamics, multibody dynamics, fluid power, electrical actuation and more.

In order to overcome these challenges, Agito has developed a set of sample files on how the widely used OrcaFlex for hydrodynamics and mooring systems can be co-simulated with the multi-domain software package SimulationX®, which is widely used for dynamic analysis of surface and subsea equipment.

"Using co-simulation, the engineers obtain a fully analytical simulation where all coupled effects are handled."

Using co-simulation, the engineers obtain a fully analytical simulation where all coupled effects are handled. This gives more accurate and realistic simulation results, as well as saving the engineers time in determining how to obtain the relative input for each domain. In the offshore industry, many companies have engineers working with hydrodynamic analysis on one side of the table struggling to estimate the applied forces from cranes, riser tensioner systems and so on. On the other side of the table, engineers use detailed models to establish motion input for vessels, in order to evaluate the performance of their hydro-mechanical systems. Co-simulation will save engineers hours and increase the accuracy of the analysis.

Please contact Agito at support@agito.no and request our sample models for co-simulation between OrcaFlex and SimulationX.