FVA-Workbench Version 5.5 of the simulation platform for transmission systems, released in May, accelerates development processes and provides even more detailed calculation results.

This unique software includes the latest results from the FVA research network – new calculation methods for fast, precise results.

The new FVA-Workbench is significantly faster and easier to use. Individual gearbox components to complete systems can be developed in the shortest time possible. During the calculation process, built-in wizards automatically suggest suitable values which can then be adjusted manually.

Even complex planetary stages can now be modeled at lightning speed thanks to add-in wizards. Users can model very complex planetary gear designs (e.g., Ravigneaux and Wolfrom sets), from consideration of installation conditions to automatic calculation of dependent variables (such as center distances and addendum modifications), in the shortest time possible.

Values automatically assigned by wizards can be adapted to individual requirements at any time, so that symmetrical systems as well as planetary gears, in which the planets are distributed asymmetrically, can be calculated. Variations, such as bore tolerances for planet pins or stiffness-dependent load distribution, can also be considered.

In the new version of the software, load spectra are considered in system-level calculations for the first time. Users can determine the service life of cylindrical and bevel gears as well as rolling bearings, enabling operationally stable gearbox designs.

In addition to planet carriers and gearbox casings, wheel bodies can now also be imported in many common CAD formats. First, the wheel body is automatically adapted to the FEM mesh of the gear. The FEM meshing as well as positioning and connection to the gear model are then performed in just a few seconds. Automation, interactive user navigation, and user-friendly assistants make these steps extremely simple.

"Efficient FE methods are indispensable for optimizing the power density of gear stages. For this reason, WZL has been working on the successful development and validation of FE-based tooth contact analysis for more than 30 years. With the release of FVA-Workbench 5.5, free wheel body geometries can also be considered in the FE tooth contact analysis feature. The wheel body is imported as a CAD model and automatically connected to the FE model of the gear. Thanks to FVA GmbH‘s exceptional cooperation with the Universität Bayreuth CAD research institutes and the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University, software users can now easily and efficiently achieve weight saving potentials by adjustment of wheel body geometries," said Dr. Christoph Löpenhaus, chief engineer gear technology, Laboratory of Machine Tools(WZL) of RWTH Aachen.

Live demonstrations will be available during the Motion + Power Technology Expo 2019 in Detroit from October 15-17 at Booth #3737.