Fraunhofer LBF develops simulation software for adaptronic systems

Adaptronic systems help to reduce vibrations caused by running engines, alleviating tremendous stress on the components of ships. At the maritime trade fair SMM, Fraunhofer researchers are presenting a simulation tool named the ‘Mechanical Simulation Toolbox’, now available on the market.

A big containership with 60,000 kilowatt two-stroke diesel engines make everything vibrate: the connectors on the engine, the high-pressure pipes for fuel and lubricating oil, the drive trains, stairs, steps, floor and ceiling made of steel.

“A massive problem: the vibrations are not only disturbing; they also damage important components of the ship,” said Heiko Atzrodt, researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF in Darmstadt, Germany.

With the software, passive and adaptronic systems for vibration reduction can be simulated on the computer. The toolbox of the Fraunhofer LBF simulates the vibrating and the required adaptronic system. The simulated system can be started up with simple models and made more complex at a later time.

Fraunhofer LBF implements the software and is the service provider.

Atzrodt, also the managing director of the Fraunhofer Alliance Adaptronics, said: “Adaptronics is progressively gaining in importance and the demand for a generally available simulation software has been increasing steadily in recent years. We have therefore used our expertise in the past for developing the required product. Now, it is available on the market.”