Key Takeaways
- MPIC 2027 introduces kinematics tools to IronCAD FEA for enhanced design validation
- The update enables rigid-body kinematics within finite element analysis for CAD designers and engineers
- New features include kinematic connection options and direct moment and rotation specification
- MPIC 2027 simplifies setup and supports realistic design analysis with SEFEA technology
Introduction to MPIC 2027
The MPIC development team and IronCAD have announced the release of Multiphysics for IronCAD (MPIC) 2027, which adds new capabilities for rigid-body kinematics within finite element analysis. This update is designed for CAD designers and engineers who want to run simulations earlier in the design process while maintaining detailed analysis results.
New Multiphysics Technologies in MPIC 2027
MPIC 2027 introduces several updates related to kinematic behavior and load application, focusing on design validation using Strain-Enriched Finite Element Analysis (SEFEA) technology. The new features include:
Kinematic Connection Features
MPIC 2027 adds support for kinematic joints that connect rigid-body kinematics with standard FEA. Users can define ball, hinge, or piston connections using any body, face, or edge of a finite element model. The kinematic connection features include:
- Body selection: treating the selected geometry as a rigid body and capturing translational and rotational motion without calculating internal stresses
- Face or edge selection: applying the joint constraint only to the selected surface or edge while allowing the surrounding solid elements to remain deformable and preserving stress, strain, temperature, and other continuum results
Comparison of Kinematic Connection Methods
| Method | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Body Selection | Treats the selected geometry as a rigid body | Simplifies setup, reduces mesh refinement needs |
| Face or Edge Selection | Applies the joint constraint to the selected surface or edge | Preserves stress, strain, and temperature results |
| Traditional Mesh Refinement | Requires detailed mesh refinement around joints | More complex setup, increased computational resources |
Direct Moment and Rotation Specification
MPIC 2027 also introduces direct application of moments and rotational constraints to any body, face, edge, or curve, without using force-couple workarounds. This feature enables users to apply rotational degrees of freedom to their models, supporting more realistic design analysis.
Bottom Line
The release of MPIC 2027 marks a significant enhancement to IronCAD FEA, enabling CAD designers and engineers to run simulations earlier in the design process while maintaining detailed analysis results. With its new kinematic connection features and direct moment and rotation specification, MPIC 2027 simplifies setup and supports realistic design analysis, making it an essential tool for industries that rely on finite element analysis.