Z-sim is an extremely versatile virtual lab within NWN Z-mat, and has been designed and developed specifically for material calibration. First, physical mechanisms are identified and data generated across a range of operating parameters such as temperatures and strain-rates through a set of carefully conducted experiments. After that Z-sim helps in:
- Assembling appropriate mathematical models for the constitutive equations;
- Calibrate the model coefficients; and
- Verifying that simulation results closely resemble that of the experiments.
Salient features of this material point simulator are:
- Uses exactly the same Z-mat Library as in FE simulations, but is extremely fast since it does not use finite elements.
- Can be GUI or input file driven, both being modern and easy-to-use. Connected to Z-post for quick visualization.
- Apart from controlling strains and/or loads, operating parameters such temperatures, strain-rates and other pre-defined fields can be specified. This lets users perform uniaxial, biaxial, simple shear and other possible deformation modes.
- Various solution techniques, algorithms and their controls are available.
- Works with all Frameworks and Mathematical models of Z-mat Library, and Z-opt to perform calibration of material parameters rather easily.