In the process from concept exploration to design validation, Demcon kryoz starts with quick model building, using common physical sense, hand calculations and technical computing tools. The company thus obtains first order-of-magnitude estimates of, for example, thermal behavior or critical quantities such as eigenfrequencies. This helps in making design trade-offs and optimizing the control strategy. In the early project stages, 'crude' finite-element modeling can already support design concept validation.

For more advanced designs, the company employs system modeling tools as well as multiphysics simulation and finite-element methods, to study for example the dynamics and thermodynamics and finetune the control algorithms. Their modelling & simulation services include:

• model building, simulation, physical experiments
• automatic code generation, formal software verification
• SciPy, NumPy, Matlab, Simulink
• FEM, CFD, multiphysics

Modelling a complex system using the LEM method provides a lot of insight into a system's behavior, potential bottlenecks and crucial parameters. Even before a system is realized, Demcon kryoz can predict the impact of certain design choices or the use of specific (COTS) parts, based on their product specifications which they integrate into the models. This approach makes it easy to compare different design concepts or do parameter sweeps, finding sweet spots and optimizing a system. Models are usually validated with proof-of-principle setups. These model types are also often used to find explanations for any typical, often unwanted, behavior of existing systems, so that root causes may be found and resolved.

Highlights:

• fast model realization using over 200 existing LEM model blocks
• predict full (real-time) dynamic behavior of large and complex systems and processes that may consist of many different parts
• model block integration of COTS performance specifications and data, giving even more accurate results
• combination of thermal, fluidic and vacuum system parts