The development of new processes is increasingly determined by the use of virtual methods. Frequently, however, the use of general simulation tools with a comprehensive range of functions is not required or desired.

Rather, there is often a need for simulation software which scope of performance is specifically tailored to the needs of a closely defined development task. This results in the following characteristics:

• simplest operating concepts are possible
• clearly defined set of input data and results
• no know-how required for modeling, simulation and result generation
• optimal adaptation to user-specific pre- and post-processing
• complete integration into user-specific product development processes
• high robustness and calculation performance due to task-related model and solver adjustments

For such problems, the Institute of Mechatronics offers the development of specific simulation tools, so-called customized software solutions. These simulators are developed on the basis of the alaska/SimulationEngine. This is a constantly evolving C++ class library for the description of simulation models for mechanical/mechatronic systems and for the simulation of the dynamic behavior of these models. The library offers model elements and methods of multi-body dynamics and the finite element method, so that the possibilities of both methods can be used in a model description according to the user's requirements. For modelling, components such as rigid bodies, flexible bodies, nodes, joints, nonlinear force elements of multi-body dynamics, finite elements and boundary conditions are available. The library contains the simulation of nonlinear dynamics (forward and inverse kinematics), the determination of quasi-static equilibrium positions as well as the linear analysis to determine the natural vibration behavior. A switchable 3D graphics library allows visualization of the simulation model and animation of its movement. GUIs for data input, model and simulation control as well as result display and output are implemented using the GUI toolkit Qt. Alternatively, applications can be developed without any user interactivity.

Examples of customized software solutions are

• software for the calculation of loads on (brake) hose systems resulting from assembly and typical application excitation
• simulator for determining the required installation space of vehicle drive trains in different driving situations
• software for recording, reconstruction and ergonomic evaluation of human motions