RecurDyn and Particleworks co-simulation: Washing machine
In another article, we shared a unique application of RecurDyn and Particleworks co-simulation on a clothes styler. In this article we would like to showcase the same type of co-simulation being used to simulate both a top-loading and a front-loading washer. The co-simulation illustrates the dynamic interaction of flexible bodies (representing clothes) and the moving impeller and/or drum in RecurDyn and the fluid particles of Particleworks that represent the water and detergent.
This example demonstrates the power of doing Multiphysics simulations with RecurDyn and partner software. In this case we consider the physics of multibody dynamics, nonlinear flexible bodies, and particle-based fluids. As we provide new combinations of simulation capabilities, the ability to simulate your systems of interest become broader and more accurate.
Some of the critical engineering questions that can be answered with this type of simulation are:
1. How does the motion of the fabric change with different levels of water, quantity of clothes in the drum, or different agitator motion?
2. How does the energy consumption of the washer change with different levels of water or different agitator motion?
Below are two videos showing the co-simulation between RecurDyn and Particleworks with a top-loading washer model and a front-loading washer model.
Top-loading Washer
Front-loading Washer
Other applications of this capability could be:
1. The transport of wet or dry product in flexible containers, including during stacking,
2. Effects of fuel sloshing in flexible containers during vehicle motion,
3. Response of flexible seals in motions to internal and external fluid flows.
Can you think of other examples where an accurate simulation requires the consideration of rigid bodies, nonlinear flexible bodies (with contact), and particle-based fluids?
MotionPort plans to create additional examples of this new capability, both with Particleworks and EDEM. If you have an application of interest, please let us know. To send your examples, please enter them on our Contact Us page.