SIMULATION
Simulation is a key element for HPE,
and not just a box in a flow-chart description.
Know how and deep software acknowledgment are a guideline throughout the entire design process: they are more an attitude, something belonging to the very genome of the company.
HPE engineering solutions cover a wide range of structural, dynamic and fluid dynamic simulations, using of the most popular software and calculation tools.
Formerly than manufacturing or testing, components are in for being analyzed and evaluated, allowing “virtual” optimization of new designs, thus reducing lead times. HPE continually develops CAE methods to produce models that accurately represent real components in a wide range of applications.
Typical simulations are:
1D Fluid dynamics – 3D steady and unsteady Fluid dynamics
Linear and non linear static structural (also composite structures)
Transient structural
Fatigue analysis
Multi body dynamic
Flexible and rigid dynamic
Vibro-Acoustic
Multi disciplinary and multi objective optimization and DOE
Providing a simulation approach throughout the product lifecycle, especially at the earlier concept and design stages, can bring to substantial benefits, which ranges from direct cost issues, such as reduced prototyping and shorter time-to-market, to better performing products and higher margins.
With its expertise and know-how, HPE is able to study and design every kind of mechanical component. Thus, HPE fulfils the requirement to guarantee highest quality with reduced development times and lower costs.
HPE employs a large variety of engineering software tools widely adopted by automotive-related industries. Any effort is done to perform analyses for our customers according to their own specifications. HPE is continually investing in state-of the-art computing platforms, to ensure more performing analyses.
It’s possible to divide simulation into four main areas:

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is one of the branches of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyze problems involving flowing fluids. The physical models, i.e. the mathematical equations underlying these kind of simulations are some of the most complex ones, hence computation may be many time-demanding.
HPE covers all the branches of fluid dynamic simulation both for compressible and uncompressible fluids:
- 1D for definition and optimization of the following tasks
- Engine performance and efficiency
- Lubrication systems
- Cooling systems
- All transient phenomena related to 1D behavior
- 3D transient and steady state
- Intake/exhaust system
- Injection and combustion
- Cooling system
- External flow analysis
- contaminant behavior in a fluid field
- 1D-3D co-simulation
- Fluid structure interaction

The finite element analysis (FEA) is a numerical technique for finding approximate solutions of partial differential equations (PDE) as well as of integral equations in order to determine stresses, deformations and temperatures in structures.
HPE is able to perform a wide range of FEA analyses:
- Static structural (linear and non linear)
- Fatigue analyses
- Thermal and thermal structural
- Modal and harmonic response
- Superelement reduction for complex structures
- Shape optimization and mass reduction
The availability of a large material database (metal, metal matrix, polymer and composite) linked to acquired methodologies give us the possibility to address materials choice and to determine their properties under working conditions.

In the field of physics, the study of the causes of motion and changes in motion is dynamics. In other words the study of forces and reasons why objects are in motion. Kinematics is the branch of classical mechanics that describes the motion of objects without consideration of the causes leading to the motion.
Dynamics is the interaction of moving components, considered as flexible bodies, and their structural mechanics, both being investigated using measurement and simulation tools.
HPE strength in dynamic simulation includes:
- Advanced Multi-Body Simulations (MBS)
- Explicit FEA (flexible and rigid dynamic)
- Multi-Body analisys starting from rela 3D geometry (mesh and reduction methodologies)
Powertrain dynamics is one of the most important HPE simulation competence:
- Cranktrain Development
- Timing Drive Development
- Valve Train Development
- Powertrain Dynamic Analisys
- Damping and Decoupling Devices (Damper and Pendulum Adsorber)

Acoustics is the interdisciplinary science that deals with the study of all mechanical waves in gases, liquids, and solids including vibration and sound.
HPE can support customers in different areas related to acoustic phenomena.
- NVH analyses
- Powertrain noise reduction/optimization for homologation
- Engine sound quality analysis and improvement
- Finite and boundary element approach for noise analysis
- SEA analysis for high frequency domain