SonoAnalyzer Pro beta - version 1.4.7 released
Announcing the release of SonoAnalyzer Pro beta version 1.4.7. This is a 60-day trial version available free of charge to all clients who have purchased SonoAnalyzer OE (annual or one-month license) or SonoAnalyzer Pro pre-release.
This version introduces multiple-component models based on four new "3rd generation" cylindrical sonotrode models, for SonoAnalyzer Pro only. These models (in common with the recent slotted-rectangular #3 models) are more closely connected to the Finite Element model than previously - the graphics used in SonoAnalyzer are generated directly from the node positions of the FE model.
- User-defined #3 sonotrode - define your own shape by diameter and length of 12 sections, with optional blend radii between them.
- Stepped #3 sonotrode - the classic stepped design specified by diameters, lengths and blend radius. Set the position of the step either at a fixed distance from one end or as a percentage of the total length.
- Conical #3 sonotrode - the standard conical design (optionally with cylindrical ends) specified by diameters and lengths.
- Exponential #3 sonotrode - efficient exponential shape (optionally with cylindrical ends) specified by diameters and lengths.
- Multi-component #3 sonotrode - combine any* number of the above together and analyze as one system.
The multi-component model is intended for two use cases:
- for modelling a stack of several half-wavelength components (as typically used in ultrasonics applications) to predict possible unwanted interactions
- for complex shapes where the 12 sections of the user-defined model don't provide enough detail to accurately simulate the real shape.
To build a multiple-component model simply select it from the list on the Analysis tab as usual. From the "+" tab which appears, select the type of component to add, or load an existing saved component. This feature allows users to design and tune each component separately, save it to a file and finally combine all saved components as a new analysis. At this stage only saved models based on the four new types listed above can be used.
* Any number of components? There's no hard limit set within the program but of course there will be a limit, depending on the size and complexity of the components and the memory available to the program, and the capability of the analysis computer (which may or may not be the same one). In early trials a stack of six 20kHz half-wavelength components was run successfully using the standard mesh size, with the analysis taking only a few minutes. Note that larger structures will require an increase in the number of modes extracted. This can be changed in the Pro menu under Options.
Other changes at this version:
All Pro models prior to the 3rd generation have been deprecated. This means they will not normally appear in the model selection part of the Analysis tab. To view all older models select Options -> Show deprecated models from the menu. Saved user files based on these deprecated models will still work, but users are encouraged to change to the current versions. Deprecated models are shown with a yellow D icon.
The ability to model several components simultaneously has brought the need for some additional UI features. Notably the File menu item, Reset model - used to reset the current model to its default values. On a multi-component analysis this now opens a dialog box giving the option to reset the current component, reset all components or remove all components (resetting the entire model to zero).
In the 3D display setup, camera distances and clipping planes have been improved to allow for a wider range of model dimensions and a bug in the mouse-wheel zoom function (which caused incorrect behaviour at very close and very far distances) has been fixed.
Some meshing parameters have been changed to improve the FE mesh characteristics on fine and very fine settings (Pro models only).
A title field has been added to the foot of the Analysis tab. Text entered here will be used as the basis for filenames and titles on images exported (File -> Export menu). This provides a convenient way to make a note of design changes in saved files. If this is left blank a title will be created automatically from the model title, as previously.
Further developments:
As the size of the FE models grows there's an increasing need to reduce the resources required for each analysis. One way to do this with minimal impact is to limit the analysis to only those vibration modes that are particularly important to the user, which typically means the axial and axisymmetric radial modes. This can be achieved by careful use of constraints on the motions of the model. I've been reluctant to do this until now because I believe it's important to understand that ultrasonic systems have many possible vibration modes, and finding an unwanted one close to the working frequency can cause serious issues. But as a matter of practicality it would still be useful to have the option to consider only certain modes, so the ability to add constraints will be included.
I was again hoping this release would include profiled interior holes for the cylindrical sonotrode models, but the multiple-component feature took priority and time has beaten me again. I'm continuing to develop this and it should be included in the next release.
Version expiry
Version 1.4.7 was built on 4 July 2014 and will expire 2 September 2014.
Information for current SonoAnalyzer Pro beta users:
Thanks for participating in the free SonoAnalyzer Pro beta trial. The latest version is now available for download through your user account at SonoAnalyzer.com. Version 1.4.6 of SonoAnalyzer Pro beta will expire on 20 July 2014. After that time, all users must either upgrade or revert to SonoAnalyzer OE (version 1.4.7 or higher). As usual, uninstalling the previous version of SonoAnalyzer / SonoAnalyzer Pro is recommended before installing a new one. Your saved settings should not be affected by this, provided that you install a compatible version number as shown above.
Information for current SonoAnalyzer OE users:
SonoAnalyzer Pro beta is available, free of charge and without obligation, to clients who have already purchased SonoAnalyzer OE (annual or one-month license).The latest version is now available for download through your user account at SonoAnalyzer.com, alongside SonoAnalyzer OE, and during the trial period you can switch between them at will using your existing license. As usual, uninstalling the previous version of SonoAnalyzer / SonoAnalyzer Pro is recommended before installing a new one. Your saved settings should not be affected by this, provided that you install a compatible version number as shown above.
Information for current SonoAnalyzer Demo users:
SonoAnalyzer Pro is not currently available to free demo users. A limited "demo" mode option is under consideration for the future.
Information for current SonoAnalyzer RC users:
The release-candidate version SonoAnalyzer RC is no longer available, but early-adopters who purchased it receive all the benefits of OE as above.