Solving Transfer Chute-Related Problems with Ansys Rocky
Transfer chutes play an important part in the proper operation of bulk material handling systems. However, these critical components frequently confront a variety of problems, which can contribute to operating inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs. Ansys Rocky, a sophisticated Discrete Element Method (DEM) tool, provides strong answers to these issues by precisely modelling material behaviour and interactions within the chute. This blog delves into typical transfer chute concerns and how Ansys Rocky can efficiently resolve them. Transfer Chute Problems 1. Chute Plate Puncture Due to Impact or Abrasive Wear Punctures in transfer chute plates are often caused by impact or abrasive wear from material handling. This damage might result in costly repairs and downtime. 2. Spillage at Discharge Section Uncontrolled material flow generated by a poorly built discharge section frequently results in spillage, posing safety risks and material loss. 3. Non-Centralized or Peripheral Discharge A non-centralized or peripheral discharge can create conveyor belt wobble, resulting in uneven wear and possible operational disturbances. 4. Jamming at Certain Sections Jamming is common in sections with smaller cross-sections or when handling materials with high moisture content, resulting in obstructions and lower efficiency. How Can Ansys Rocky Fix This? 1. Granular Mechanics-Driven Simulations Ansys Rocky calculates each granule or particle’s behaviour, as well as its interactions with the chute plate and other particles, using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). This enables the prediction of ideal material trajectories by studying millions of particles at the same time using hardware capabilities. 2. Detailed Monitoring of Equipment Working Rocky carefully monitors the equipment’s operation using basic inputs such as feed rate, lump size, belt speed, and bulk density, providing insights that might assist improve performance. 3. Cost-Effective Prototyping and Redesign Rocky simulations save prototype costs by allowing virtual testing and redesign of equipment, which reduces the need for real trials. 4. Comprehensive Data Analysis The software offers extensive information on forces, energy, velocities, and other characteristics at all times, assisting in identifying and resolving equipment issues. Do I Really Need Ansys Rocky for This? Can’t I Fix It with Traditional Methods? 1. Real-Time Material Behaviour Monitoring Rocky provides brief insights on material behaviour, enabling for forecasts of equipment longevity and planning for maintenance-related shutdowns. 2. Visualization of Wear Patterns If the chute is lined, Rocky can clearly see wear patterns, allowing him to make educated judgments regarding replacing or repairing the design. 3. Cost-Effective Solutions for Ignored Equipment Although chutes are sometimes disregarded, they are critical components that can pose major problems if not properly maintained. Addressing these issues early on saves significant expenses in the long term. 4. High ROI with Ansys Rocky Rocky provides a significant return on investment, frequently exceeding the initial outlay, by avoiding expensive breakdowns and enhancing chute performance. Conclusion For bulk material handling engineers, Ansys Rocky stands out as the premier tool for solving transfer chute-related problems. The ability to simulate complex material behaviours, accurately replicate breakage, and offer detailed insights makes it an indispensable asset. By addressing issues early and effectively, Rocky not only enhances operational efficiency but also delivers significant cost savings.
Diffractive Optics with Ansys Zemax OpticStudio
Diffractive Optics Diffractive optics are optics based on elements with operation principles which are essentially based on the phenomenon of diffraction of light. Such devices can obtain an extensive range of optical functions. A typical aspect of diffractive optical elements is the wavelength dependence of their performance since the optical wavelength influences differences in optical phase which are essential for diffraction effects. Diffractive Optics in OpticStudio OpticStudio models diffractive power independent to the substrate index and the surface sag; diffractive power introduces phase change to rays. All diffractive surfaces in OpticStudio bends rays according to the following equation: where M is the diffraction order λ is the wavelength T is the grating period (inverse of the line spacing, d) The equation above is Snell’s law for refraction, plus an additional ray-bending term representing diffraction. The diagram below shows the diffraction for a ray incident normally (sin(theta1) =0) for a diffractive surface with no refractive power. A surface such as the Diffraction Grating surface has a constant period of grating lines along one axis and is commonly used in spectrometers. The real power of computer-generated diffractive surfaces is that the grating period can vary spatially across the surface so that diffractive power can be added exactly where it is needed. According to the equation above, the diffraction angle depends only on the period (T) of the repetitive structure where the incident light hits, and not on the shape of the structure within that particular period. The surface structure does affect the diffraction efficiency, which is not modeled by geometrical rays. The efficiency of the specified diffraction order is assumed to be 100%, meaning all rays incident on the diffractive surface will exit at the diffraction angle of the specified order. The sign of the diffractive order determines the sign of the diffraction angle with respect to the optical axis. The sign convention for the diffraction order is purely arbitrary. The convention used by OpticStudio is positive diffraction angles (with respect to the optical axis) for positive diffraction orders. Diffractive surfaces in OpticStudio can have refractive as well as diffractive powers. The diffractive power introduces a continuous phase across the surface, according to the formula described in the manual. Since the phase is continuous, they represent ideal diffractive optical elements (DOE), where the period of the diffractive structure is infinitesimally small or at least very small compared to the wavelength. Kinoform and binary diffractive surfaces To maximize the diffraction efficiency in a DOE, the sag of the surface within the diffraction zones can be made such that the phase of the wavefront is parallel to the diffracted waves (of the desired diffraction order) everywhere. Figure 13.3 (b) shows a “blazed” transmission grating in which the blaze angle is optimized to maximize efficiency to a particular order [1]. A DOE with a continuous surface profile shown in Figure (b) above is often referred to as kinoform. If the sag is approximated by discrete steps, as is often the case when photolithography is used, it is commonly referred to as a Binary Optic (see diagram below) [1]. Diffractive surfaces in OpticStudio are a closer approximation to kinoforms than true binary optics since the phase is continuous everywhere. It is up to the user to decide what surface structure to use to approximate the phase modeled by a diffractive surface. Conclusion Therefore, diffractive optics in Zemax unlock new possibilities for advanced optical system design. Leveraging Zemax’s capabilities allows designers to achieve unparalleled optical performance and system miniaturization, propelling the future of optical technology. Whether working on imaging systems, laser applications, or advanced photonics, Zemax provides the tools to effectively integrate and optimize diffractive elements, resulting in more efficient and innovative optical solutions. Examples of diffractive optics include Fiber Bragg gratings, diffraction gratings, Fresnel zone plates, and diffractive micro-optics.
Unlocking the Power of Optics with Ansys Zemax OpticStudio: A Student’s Guide
If you’re venturing into the world of optical design and engineering, Ansys Zemax OpticStudio is a powerful tool that can improve your learning experience. The student version of OpticStudio provides a comprehensive suite of features tailored to help you master optical design principles, although it does come with certain restrictions. Let’s dive into what’s available and what’s not so that you can make the most out of this invaluable resource. Features of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio Student Version 1. Setup OpticStudio’s student version offers a versatile foundation for exploring the intricacies of optical systems. Its comprehensive library of surface types empowers users to tackle a wide range of design challenges: Conventional Surfaces: Ideal for replicating traditional lens designs, these surfaces form the cornerstone of optical engineering. Diffractive Surfaces: Expanding design possibilities, diffractive surfaces introduce the concept of light manipulation through diffraction patterns. Freeform Surfaces: Breaking free from conventional constraints, these surfaces offer unmatched flexibility for creating innovative and high-performance optical systems. Idealized Surfaces: Providing a simplified representation of optical elements, idealized surfaces facilitate theoretical exploration and rapid prototyping. Beyond surface types, the software’s robust solving capabilities enable users to address complex optical design problems with confidence. 2. Image Quality Image quality is a critical aspect of optical design. OpticStudio’s student version provides a rich set of tools to evaluate and refine image performance as given: Visualizing Image Formation: The spot diagram offers a visual representation of how light is distributed across the image plane, aiding in quick assessments of focus and aberrations. Understanding Aberrations: Ray aberration plots and Seidel coefficients provide detailed insights into the various types of aberrations present in the optical system, enabling targeted correction efforts. Analyzing Image Distortion: Grid distortion analysis helps identify geometric distortions across the image field, while relative illumination studies assess how light intensity varies within the image. Evaluating Image Field Characteristics: Field curvature and distortion analysis provides information about the image plane’s shape and how it impacts image quality. Quantifying Image Performance: Point spread function (PSF) and modulation transfer function (MTF) offer quantitative metrics for evaluating image resolution and contrast, respectively. Studying Diffraction Effects: Diffracted encircled energy analysis helps understand the impact of diffraction on image formation and quality. Comprehensive Image Analysis: Geometric image analysis and simulation provide a deeper dive into image formation, allowing for detailed analysis and optimization. 3. Laser and Fibers OpticStudio provides essential tools for simulating laser and fiber optic components as below: Physical Optics Propagation: It accurately models the behavior of light as it interacts with various optical components and materials. This feature is crucial for understanding diffraction, interference, and other complex optical phenomena. Gaussian Beam Analysis: This enables the analysis of beam propagation, focusing, and interaction with optical systems. It works effectively with laser beams by modeling them as Gaussian distributions. 4. Optimization Achieving optimal optical performance requires effective optimization techniques. OpticStudio offers a range of tools to refine designs: Defining Design Goals: The merit function is a powerful tool for specifying performance criteria and optimization targets. By defining a combination of optical parameters and their desired values, designers can quantify design objectives. Guided Optimization: The optimization wizard provides a user-friendly interface to guide the optimization process. It simplifies the setup of optimization parameters and helps users achieve desired performance goals. Local Optimization: Local optimization is employed to fine-tune specific design aspects. By focusing on a subset of design parameters, users can make incremental improvements to the optical system. Exploring the Design Space: Hammer optimization offers a broader search approach, exploring a wider range of design possibilities. While limited to the student version, it provides valuable insights into the design space. 5. Tolerancing To ensure robust optical systems, it’s crucial to evaluate the impact of manufacturing variations. OpticStudio offers tools to assess sensitivity and perform statistical analysis: Sensitivity Analysis: Changes in design parameters affect optical performance through sensitivity and inverse sensitivity analysis. This helps identify critical parameters and their impact on image quality. Statistical Analysis: Monte Carlo analysis simulates the effects of random manufacturing variations on optical performance. By considering multiple design instances with varying parameters, designers can assess system robustness and identify potential issues. 6. Vendor Libraries Expanding the design toolkit with external resources can significantly enhance the efficiency of the optical design process. OpticStudio provides access to: Optical Materials Database: It is a comprehensive catalog of optical materials, enabling the selection of materials with desired properties for specific applications. Standard Lens Library: It incorporates commercially available off-the-shelf lenses into designs, saving time and effort in component creation. Restrictions of the Student Version While the student version of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio offers a wealth of features, it does come with some limitations: Non-Sequential Mode: Non-sequential ray tracing and features are not available. Programming Functionality: ZPL, ZOS-API, and User-defined DLLs are unsupported. STAR Analysis: This advanced feature is not included. Optimization Limits: Advanced optimization methods such as Contrast Optimization, High-Yield Optimization, and Global Optimization are not supported. Hammer Optimization is restricted to a 1-minute runtime. Tolerancing Limits: Tolerancing scripts and the use of the Merit Function as a criterion are not available. Single Instance Usage: Only one instance of OpticStudio can be used at a time. CPU Core Limitation: Computation is limited to 4 CPU cores. Advanced Features: Tools for Part Designer, Stock Lens Matching, Quick Yield Tolerancing, and Stray Light Analysis are unavailable. UI Limitations: Unsupported features remain visible but are grayed out and unusable. Making the Most of the Student Version Despite these limitations, the student version of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio is a powerful tool for learning and experimentation. By understanding the scope and constraints of the software, you can effectively leverage its capabilities to deepen your knowledge of optical design and simulation. Whether you’re a student exploring optics for the first time or someone looking to sharpen your skills, Ansys Zemax OpticStudio provides a valuable platform to experiment, learn, and innovate in the field of optical engineering.
Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Design with Ansys Simulations
In an era where sustainability is paramount, the automobile industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Electric vehicles (EVs) are pivotal to a greener future, yet rising demand places immense pressure on manufacturers to innovate swiftly and solve engineering challenges.
Design Of Metalens Endoscope Using Ansys Optics Tools
Medical imaging technology has seen remarkable advancements over the years, providing healthcare professionals with the tools needed to diagnose and treat conditions with precision. One of the latest breakthroughs in this field is the development of metalens endoscopes.
Thermal Analysis of Multilayer Printed Circuit Board using Ansys ICEPAK
The electric industry market is projectd to grow rapidly as the electricifcation revolution is changing the automobile and aerospace industries.Due to electrification revolution, the electronics components in the system are increasing.
Thermal Simulation of Automotive Lamps Using Ansys ICEPAK
Lighting Systems play an important role in human factors of safe driving. It is an essential part of any vehicle and has undergone significant changes and advances in lighting technology over the years. Thermal aspects play a crucial role when it comes to the designing of automotive lights.
Fast-Tracking 5G & Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
From the past few decades, the world has witnessed many versions of a cellular network, 1G version was a basic voice communication system that supported only Analog modulation. The flavour of data connectivity was present in the second version that used in digital technology.
Open the Door for Material Optimization
The world is evolving at a quantum speed with transforming technology. The human life cycle has enriched to tend towards advancement in every sector. Businesses have adopted the transformation & obtained the benefits of technology involved in their mainframe process to become multi-billion companies.
Integrated Functional Safety and Safety of the Intended Functionality Analysis using Ansys Medini Analyze
Functional Safety (FuSa) standards such as ISO 26262 have proved their immense importance to make the electronic components more reliable in today’s cars by delivering consistent performance and reducing critical system failures.
