What is the democratization of simulation?
It is simply the use of simulation by a larger group of non-expert users. For example, in the case of electromagnetics, the user would not need to know Maxwell’s equations or Faraday’s law of induction to design an electric motor. In a “democratized simulation world”, a motor is a black box that transforms electric energy into mechanical energy. Nevertheless, he knows that, somehow, the performance of the black box, such as torque, depends on the dimensions, materials, excitations, and other motor parameters.
What is MotorWizard?
MotorWizard (MZ) is a template-driven motor and generator software developed by EMWorks. There are other template-driven electric motor software packages. So, what is unique about the MZ? It is the embedding in SolidWorks, and soon, in Autodesk Inventor. This frontloading puts the MZ at the fingertip of the designer early on in the product development cycle. Furthermore, SolidWorks and Inventor are no longer just a CAD platform but rather a complete ecosystem from Multiphysics to PLM provided either by the vendors or by their other partners such as EMWorks. For example, the motor designer can readily use SolidWorks Simulation to study the vibration and the thermal management of the motor using the same model automatically created by the template-driven kernel of the MZ. Similarly, the user can take advantage of other EMWorks’ CAD-embedded physics solvers such as EMS and HFWorks to study other electromagnetic aspects of the motor. For instance, if the motor is controlled via Bluetooth, it would definitely need an antenna. HFWorks is ready to help with this task. If the motor needs to be shielded for EMC/EMI reasons, depending on the frequency, EMS or HFWorks is only one tab away.
What Else?
The calculation of critical motor performance parameters such as torque-speed curve and efficiency map in seconds and requiring only a few clicks is another factor that makes MZ a champion in the democratization endeavor.
Limitations
Yes, MZ has limitations. Only the motors that have built-in templates can be studied. In such case, the sisters of MZ, which are also CAD-embedded, EMWorks 2D and EMS are ready to help.
Conclusion
MotorWizard stands at the forefront of a transformative wave in electromagnetic simulation, making it accessible and manageable for designers of various skill levels. Its integration within popular CAD platforms simplifies complex design processes, bridging the gap between advanced simulation capabilities and practical motor design needs. This approach not only democratizes simulation but also fosters innovation and efficiency in electric motor development, marking a milestone in the field.