The goal of the project was to evaluate and improve the client’s simulation capability for use in their surface and heat treatment manufacturing process. The VPAC team achieved this by leveraging expertise in state-of-the-art numerical modelling, development with free and open-source software, and deep knowledge gained from investigation of the physical processes. A novel approach using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) modelling within Blender was developed, providing a robust simulation tool of the surface treatment process. Whilst a rapid simulation tool of the heat treatment process was developed using an object-oriented approach of the governing heat transfer equations.

The tools and techniques developed by this project have dramatically reduced turn-around time (reduction from weeks to days) whilst maintaining accuracy of computational predictions.

For further information regarding this project or for information on VPAC’s engineering solutions and services, please contact VPAC at engineering@vpac.org [8] or phone +61 3 9647 5433, or visit www.vpac.org. [9]