Tag: net-modeling

ProteusDS v2.43 is now available

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

ProteusDS v2.43 is now available for download.

The software is ready to go, and login credentials for active subscribers will allow you to access ProteusDS v2.43 from our website.

 

Button to download ProteusDS

 

In case you’re wondering what’s new, we’ve highlighted some of the critical new features below.

NEW Cable State Generator

First and particularly noteworthy, we’ve created a new way to define cable segments and elements in PST. Activate the new tool with the $CableSegmentMode property in the Cable input file. The new state generator makes it much easier to create segments and ensure that nodes are placed at the correct arc length. It also allows you to remesh a cable very quickly – adding resolution to the part of your model that needs it – through specification of the number of elements in each segment.

Image of the ProteusDS toolbox Cable State Generator

New cable state generator allows you to remesh quickly, and more efficiently match cable segment lengths with node positions.

 

NEW Net Modeling Enhancements

We’re introducing three key new features for net modellers: First, a default axial damping coefficient is now determined based on element lengths and stiffnesses. This option will typically speed up simulations which are not optimized for axial damping.

The second new feature permits the simulation of disk nets like the one shown in the figure below. By specifying edge lengths of 0 for Edge 1 (i.e. setting the inner radius to 0 in the disk net IC generator), the solver now automatically adds a constraint which prevents separation of the nodes along edge 1.

Lastly, the net state generator has been updated to recall what settings were used to create the net. A new framework has been built into PST that will allow us to remember more user’s settings and preferences going forward.

Image of net model enhancements in ProteusDS

The net model now allows you to model disk nets without a hole in the centre – which is much closer to how nets are constructed.

Wave Drift Modeling

We’ve added the ability to model slowly varying wave-drift loads using sum difference quadratic transfer functions (QTFs). This capability has been added to the RigidBodyRadDiffHydordynamic feature’s hydrodynamic database).

The capability has been validated using published data, and a description of the implemented approach has been described in a report available on our website here: Wave drift modeling report.

Thrusters and Propellers

You can now model thrusters and propellers through specification of thrust and torque curves. Modeling options that are supported include wake fraction, fluid dynamic inertia, thrust deduction, and azimuthing propellers.

The RPM of a propeller can be adjusted through the ProteusDS API, which is ideal for maneuvering of dynamic positioning studies in which you want maximal control over the propeller. A thruster is added to a RigidBody at a particular location, and orientation using a Thruster feature, much like when you add a hydrodynamic mesh model (e.g. cylinder or cuboid). This means that thruster/propeller model parameters can be centrally adjusted.

Image of a thruster in ProteusDS

Model propellers accurately for DP and seakeeping/maneuvering studies.

 

So, that’s ProteusDS 2.43 – we hope you enjoy it and find the new features useful.

 

For a complete list of additions, changes, and resolved issues

ProteusDS v2.36 is now available

DSA is very pleased to announce the release of ProteusDS v2.36. The software is ready to go and active subscribers can use their login credentials to download the latest version from our website. We’ve highlighted some of the key new features below.

Support for visualization-only models

A good computational model is very different than a 3D model used for purely visualization purposes. Because of this, we have added the ability to handle models that are to be used for visualization purposes only. Now, in the ProteusDS Simulation Toolbox, you can add a $VisualizationModel property to a RigidBody. The model specified through this property is not used for computations. We have added functionality in both PostPDS and ProteusDS Simulation Toolbox to toggle visualization or computational models on or off.

Image of Blended copmutational vs visualization labels

Comparing computational and visualization display modes in PostPDS

 

Bathymetry analysis

We have released a set of powerful bathymetry analysis features in PostPDS that allow users to assess seabed slope and depth. To access these features, simply right-click on the Seabed item in the Categories tree in the UI, and select the appropriate Bathymetry Plotting option. The depth and slope plots now have legends that make it easy to interpret seabed data. The exclusion zone plot allows you to find safe regions to place equipment or position anchors.

Image of powerful bathymetry analysis features in PostPDS

PostPDS showing the slopes in a bathymetry file using the bathymetry plotting options

 

Modeling ropes that are sewn into nets

For our aquaculture and net-modeling users, we have added support for modeling rib-lines or “structural lines” that are frequently sewn into nets to add strength and shape. This is done within the Net DObject itself and not using additional Cable DObjects. This dramatically reduces the numbers of DObjects and connections required to simulate a net pen with rib lines leading to faster simulations. To apply a rib-line to a net, use the $ExtCableLongitudinal or $ExtCableTransverse property in the Net input file.

We have also added an option to connect the end of a line to any point on a net. You do not have to connect a line directly to a node! This is much easier for creating supporting lines in net pens. To create this connection specify the Net as the master and the Cable as the follower, and use the Point connection type.

Image of structural lines that are swen into net panels

Visualization of structural lines (indicated in yellow) that are sewn into net panels.This feature reduced net analysis complexity significantly.

 

So, that’s ProteusDS 2.36 – we hope you enjoy it and find the new features useful.

v2.36 Changelog

Additions:

  • Added time history plot functionality for RigidBody DObject in PostPDS
  • Added legends for bathymetry plots in PostPDS
  • Added support for computational and visualization models in ProteusDS solver, PST, and PostPDS
  • Added height above seabed probe to RigidBody to check for clearance
  • Added inclination angle and tension output for ExtMass and ExtMassCylinder attachments
  • Added ability to connect the end of a cable to anywhere on a net panel
  • Added ExtCable functionality to Net DObject to allow for modeling of ropes which are sewn into nets to provide strength and shape

Changes:

  • Enhanced ‘Duplicate Selected DObject(s)’ functionality to allow for optional duplication of connections

Resolved issues:

  • Addressed overlapping water rendering
  • Improved full-screen support with ability to toggle the display device that the full-screen window appears on by pressing ‘F1’
  • Addressed mooring line naming issue with taut leg mooring generator

View our 2015 changelog here