ElectroMagneticWorks EMS 2013 SP0.0 for SolidWorks: A Review and Case Study of Electromagnetic Design Applications
ElectroMagneticWorks (EMWorks) EMS 2013 SP0.0 for SolidWorks: A Comprehensive Guide
If you are a designer or engineer who works with electromagnetic devices or systems, you know how important it is to have a reliable and accurate simulation tool that can help you optimize your design, reduce costs, and improve performance. You also know how challenging it can be to find a simulation tool that is compatible with your CAD software, easy to use, and fast to run. That's why you should consider ElectroMagneticWorks (EMWorks) EMS 2013 SP0.0 for SolidWorks, a powerful and versatile electromagnetic simulation software that is fully integrated with SolidWorks.
ElectroMagneticWorks (EMWorks) EMS 2013 SP0.0 For SolidWorks
What is EMWorks EMS and what does it do?
EMWorks EMS is an electromagnetic field simulation software that enables you to design and analyze electromagnetic and electromechanical devices such as motors, generators, transformers, sensors, actuators, antennas, PCBs, and more inside SolidWorks. It uses the finite element method (FEM) to solve various types of electromagnetic problems, such as electrostatic, magnetostatic, eddy current, transient, harmonic, electric circuit, thermal, and structural. It also allows you to couple your electromagnetic design with other physics solvers such as motion, circuit, thermal, and structural on the same model in a seamless environment.
What are the benefits of using electromagnetic simulation software?
Electromagnetic simulation software can help you achieve several benefits in your design process, such as:
Improve accuracy and reliability: By simulating your design before fabrication, you can verify its performance under various operating conditions and avoid potential errors or failures.
Reduce time and cost: By using virtual prototypes instead of physical ones, you can save time and money on testing and prototyping. You can also explore different design alternatives and optimize your design parameters faster.
Enhance creativity and innovation: By using electromagnetic simulation software, you can test new ideas and concepts that might not be feasible or practical with physical prototypes. You can also gain insights into the physical phenomena and interactions that govern your design.
What are the main features and capabilities of EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks?
EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks offers several features and capabilities that make it a powerful and versatile electromagnetic simulation software, such as:
Full 3D electromagnetic field simulation: EMWorks EMS enables you to do both electric and magnetic simulations using your complete 3D geometry to ensure 100% accuracy and integrity of your designs. EMWorks EMS also allows you to do both 2D planar and axis-symmetric simulations for simpler or symmetrical geometries.
Full integration with SolidWorks: EMWorks EMS is fully embedded in SolidWorks, which means you can use your existing SolidWorks models and features to create and modify your electromagnetic design. You can also use the SolidWorks sketcher, modeler, and assembly tools to create complex geometries and assemblies for your simulation. You can also synchronize your design changes between SolidWorks and EMWorks EMS automatically.
Easy to use and learn: EMWorks EMS has a user-friendly interface that is similar to SolidWorks, which means you can easily access the simulation tools and commands from the SolidWorks menu, toolbar, or feature tree. You can also use the built-in help system, tutorials, and examples to learn how to use EMWorks EMS quickly and efficiently.
Fast and accurate solvers: EMWorks EMS uses advanced numerical methods and algorithms to solve your electromagnetic problems with high accuracy and speed. You can also choose from different types of solvers, such as direct, iterative, or adaptive mesh refinement, depending on your problem size and complexity.
Comprehensive results and post-processing: EMWorks EMS provides you with various types of results and outputs, such as field plots, graphs, tables, animations, reports, and more. You can also export your results to other formats or applications for further analysis or presentation. You can also use the post-processing tools to visualize, manipulate, and compare your results in different ways.
Parametric studies and optimization: EMWorks EMS allows you to perform parametric studies and optimization on your design by varying one or more parameters and observing their effects on the performance or behavior of your design. You can also use the optimization tools to find the optimal values of your parameters that meet your design objectives or constraints.
Coupled physics simulation: EMWorks EMS enables you to couple your electromagnetic design with other physics solvers such as motion, circuit, thermal, and structural on the same model in a seamless environment. This allows you to simulate the multiphysics interactions and effects that occur in real-world applications.
How to use EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks
In this section, we will show you how to use EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks in a step-by-step manner. We will use a simple example of a solenoid coil that generates a magnetic field when an electric current is applied. The steps are as follows:
How to install and activate EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks
To install EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks, you need to have SolidWorks 2013 or later installed on your computer. You also need to download the EMWorks EMS installer from the official website or from your authorized reseller. Then, follow these steps:
Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen.
Select the components you want to install, such as EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks, Motion-EMS add-in, Circuit-EMS add-in, etc.
Select the destination folder where you want to install EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks.
Click Install and wait for the installation process to complete.
Launch SolidWorks and activate EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks using your license key or trial license.
How to create a new project and define materials, boundary conditions, and excitations
To create a new project in EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks, you need to have a SolidWorks model of your electromagnetic device or system ready. You can either create a new model using the SolidWorks sketcher and modeler tools or open an existing model from your files. Then, follow these steps:
In SolidWorks, go to Tools > Add-Ins and check the box next to EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks to load the add-in.
In the EMWorks toolbar or menu, click New Project > Magnetostatic (or any other type of simulation you want to perform).
In the Project Settings dialog box, enter a name for your project and select the units you want to use.
In the Feature Tree pane, right-click on Materials and select Insert Material from Library.
In the Material Library dialog box, select the material you want to assign to your model parts from the list of predefined materials or create a new material by clicking New Material.
In the Material Properties dialog box, enter the properties of your material such as relative permeability, electrical conductivity, etc. and click OK.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each material you want to use in your model.
In the Feature Tree pane, right-click on each part of your model and select Assign Material.
In the Assign Material dialog box, select the material you want to assign to the part from the list of available materials and click OK.
In the Feature Tree pane, right-click on Boundary Conditions and select Insert Boundary Condition.
In the Boundary Condition dialog box, select the type of boundary condition you want to apply to your model from the list of predefined types or create a new type by clicking New Boundary Condition.
In the Boundary Condition Properties dialog box, enter the properties of your boundary condition such as name, type, value, etc. and click OK.
Repeat steps 10 and 11 for each boundary condition you want to apply to your model.
In the Feature Tree pane, right-click on Excitations and select Insert Excitation.
In the Excitation dialog box, select the type of excitation you want to apply to your model from the list of predefined types or create a new type by clicking New Excitation.
In the Excitation Properties dialog box, enter the properties of your excitation such as name, type, value, direction, etc. and click OK.
Repeat steps 14 and 15 for each excitation you want to apply to your model.
How to run a simulation and view the results
To run a simulation in EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks, you need to have a project with all the necessary settings and inputs defined. Then, follow these steps:
In the EMWorks toolbar or menu, click Run Simulation or press F5.
Wait for the simulation to complete. You can monitor the progress and status of the simulation in the Message Window pane.
When the simulation is done, you can view the results in the Results Manager pane. You can expand or collapse the different types of results such as field plots, graphs, tables, animations, reports, etc.
To view a field plot, right-click on it and select Show Plot. A new window will open with the field plot displayed on your model. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to zoom, pan, rotate, or change the view of your plot. You can also use the Plot Settings dialog box to change the plot options such as color map, scale, legend, contour lines, etc.
To view a graph, right-click on it and select Show Graph. A new window will open with the graph displayed. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to zoom, pan, or change the view of your graph. You can also use the Graph Settings dialog box to change the graph options such as title, axis labels, grid lines, curve fitting, etc.
To view a table, right-click on it and select Show Table. A new window will open with the table displayed. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to sort, filter, or export the table data. You can also use the Table Settings dialog box to change the table options such as columns, rows, headers, etc.
To view an animation, right-click on it and select Show Animation. A new window will open with the animation displayed on your model. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to play, pause, stop, or change the speed of your animation. You can also use the Animation Settings dialog box to change the animation options such as frames, duration, loop, etc.
To view a report, right-click on it and select Show Report. A new window will open with the report displayed. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to print, save, or export your report. You can also use the Report Settings dialog box to change the report options such as title, author, date, logo, etc.
How to perform parametric studies and optimization
To perform parametric studies and optimization in EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks, you need to have a project with all the necessary settings and inputs defined. Then, follow these steps:
In the EMWorks toolbar or menu, click Parametric Study or Optimization.
In the Parametric Study or Optimization dialog box, select the parameters you want to vary or optimize from the list of available parameters. You can also add new parameters by clicking New Parameter.
In the Parameter Properties dialog box, enter the properties of your parameter such as name, type, range, step size, etc. and click OK.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each parameter you want to use in your study or optimization.
In the Parametric Study or Optimization dialog box, select the goals you want to achieve or monitor from the list of available goals. You can also add new goals by clicking New Goal.
In the Goal Properties dialog box, enter the properties of your goal such as name, type, expression, value, tolerance, etc. and click OK.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each goal you want to use in your study or optimization.
In the Parametric Study or Optimization dialog box, click Run Study or Run Optimization and wait for the process to complete. You can monitor the progress and status of the study or optimization in the Message Window pane.
When the study or optimization is done, you can view the results in the Results Manager pane. You can expand or collapse options such as color map, scale, legend, curve fitting, etc.
To view an optimization plot, right-click on it and select Show Plot. A new window will open with the optimization plot displayed. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to zoom, pan, or change the view of your plot. You can also use the Plot Settings dialog box to change the plot options such as color map, scale, legend, curve fitting, etc.
To view a table, right-click on it and select Show Table. A new window will open with the table displayed. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to sort, filter, or export the table data. You can also use the Table Settings dialog box to change the table options such as columns, rows, headers, etc.
To view a report, right-click on it and select Show Report. A new window will open with the report displayed. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to print, save, or export your report. You can also use the Report Settings dialog box to change the report options such as title, author, date, logo, etc.
How to couple EMWorks EMS with other physics solvers
To couple EMWorks EMS with other physics solvers in SolidWorks, you need to have a project with all the necessary settings and inputs defined for each physics solver. Then, follow these steps:
In SolidWorks, go to Tools > Add-Ins and check the box next to the physics solver you want to couple with EMWorks EMS for SolidWorks, such as Motion-EMS add-in, Circuit-EMS add-in, etc.
In the EMWorks toolbar or menu, click Coupled Physics > Coupled Physics Manager.
In the Coupled Physics Manager dialog box, click Add Coupling and select the type of coupling you want to create from the list of available types.
In the Coupling Properties dialog box, enter the properties of your coupling such as name, type, direction, value, etc. and click OK.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each coupling you want to create between EMWorks EMS and other physics solvers.
In the Coupled Physics Manager dialog box, click Run Coupled Simulation and wait for the process to complete. You can monitor the progress and status of the coupled simulation in the Message Window pane.
When the coupled simulation is done, you can view the results in the Results Manager pane. You can expand or collapse the different types of results such as coupled field plots, coupled graphs, coupled tables, coupled animations, coupled reports, etc.
To view a coupled field plot, right-click on it and select Show Plot. A new window will open with the coupled field plot displayed on your model. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to zoom, pan, rotate, or change the view of your plot. You can also use the Plot Settings dialog box to change the plot options such as color map, scale, legend, contour lines, etc.
To view a coupled graph, right-click on it and select Show Graph. A new window will open with the coupled graph displayed. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to zoom, pan, or change the view of your graph. You can also use the Graph Settings dialog box to change the graph options such as title, axis labels, grid lines, curve fitting, etc.
To view a coupled table, right-click on it and select Show Table. A new window will open with the coupled table displayed. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to sort, filter, or export the table data. You can also use the Table Settings dialog box to change the table options such as columns, rows, headers, etc.
To view a coupled animation, right-click on it and select Show Animation. A new window will open with the coupled animation displayed on your model. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to play, pause, stop, or change the speed of your animation. You can also use the Animation Settings dialog box to change the animation options such as frames, duration, loop, etc.
To view a coupled report, right-click on it and select Show Report. A new window will open with the coupled report displayed. You can use the toolbar buttons or mouse actions to print, save, or export your report. You can also use the Report Settings dialog box to change the report options such as title, author, date, logo, etc.
Comparison of EMWorks EMS with other electromagnetic simulation software
In this section, we will compare EMWorks EMS with other electromagnetic simulation software in terms of accuracy, speed, ease of use, and integration. We will use some examples of applications that EMWorks EMS can handle better than other software.
How does EMWorks EMS compare with other software in terms of accuracy?
EMWorks EMS is a highly accurate electromagnetic simulation software that uses advanced numerical methods and algorithms to solve various types of electromagnetic problems. It also uses a full 3D electromagnetic field simulation approach that ensures 100% accuracy and integrity of your designs. EMWorks EMS also allows you to refine your mesh adaptively based on your results and error estimates to improve your accuracy further.
Some other electromagnetic simulation software may use simplified or approximate methods to solve electromagnetic problems that may compromise their accuracy or validity. They may also use 2D or 3D extruded models that may not capture the full complexity and details of your designs. They may also have limitations or restrictions on their mesh size or quality that may affect their accuracy.
For example, EMWorks EMS can handle complex geometries and assemblies that involve curved surfaces, non-linear materials, and moving parts that may not be handled well by other software. For instance, EMWorks EMS can simulate the magnetic field and force of a solenoid coil with a plunger that moves in and out of the coil. Other software may not be able to model the motion of the plunger or the change in the coil geometry and resistance due to the plunger movement. EMWorks EMS can also simulate the eddy current and thermal effects of the plunger motion on the coil and the surrounding materials.
How does EMWorks EMS compare with other software in terms of speed?
EMWorks EMS is a fast and efficient electromagnetic simulation software that uses parallel computing and multi-core processing to speed up your simulation. It also uses adaptive mesh refinement and smart solvers to reduce your simulation time and memory usage. EMWorks EMS also allows you to run multiple simulations simultaneously or in batch mode to save your time and resources.
Some other electromagnetic simulation software may use serial computing or single-core processing that may slow down your simulation. They may also use fixed or uniform mesh that may increase your simulation time and memory usage. They may also have limitations or restrictions on their simulation size or complexity that may affect their speed.
For example, EMWorks EMS can handle large-scale and complex problems that involve millions of deg