In a simulation suite of comprising over 200 softwares between Ansys and Synopsys for simulating structures, electronics, optics, embedded software, fluids and ranging from static to complex multiphysics problems, material selection amd simulation ready material data is the first step. Something which has become increasingly clear in my placement at Ansys, part of Synopsys.
Simulation-ready material data however, is often a challenge. For example composites, where out-of-plane properties are notoriously difficult to obtain such as E₂ (transverse modulus), ν₂₃ (Poisson’s ratio), or G₂₃ (shear modulus) due to the thin lamina structure making direct measurement very hard, even fitting a simple strain gauge becomes almost impossible over a few millimeteres. For composites the challenge is in providing full orthotropic properties but foams, high temperature alloys or biological tissues can also be hard to source data for.
Without reliable material data, even the most advanced simulation software can only go so far. The very first source of error introduced is in material data, before the models, before the computation, before any assumptions and are made. That’s why material characterisation, management, and validation are critical parts of the engineering workflow. Granta MI fits into the process by providing a secure database for proprietary materials data as well as premade databases and schemas to be used standalone or to be expanded or replaced with proprietary data. A well-documented premade schema is already a great resource.