Case Studies

Piezoelectric soft artificial muscles provide actuation in robotics, medical devices, and wearable technologies. Their high power-to-weight ratios make them ideally suited for such applications. However, the coupled nonlinear relationship between their geometry, material response, and performance poses a challenge for their design. Simulating the performance of artificial muscle devices enables rapid concept testing, design iteration, and material selection.

The responses of a MEMS switch immersed in fluids differs from that in a vacuum. Veryst Engineering developed a coupled electrostatic-fluid-structure interaction model to investigate the switch response time, deformation, and energy dissipation.

Oxygen transport is a key factor in the design of cell culture systems such as organs-on-a-chip, microphysiological systems, and bioreactors. In this case study, we use multiphysics simulation to analyze oxygen transport and cellular uptake in a model microchannel bioreactor.

Water electrolysis for hydrogen production is a key enabling technology for global decarbonization. In this case study, Veryst simulated the electrical current distribution and gas generation in a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer stack to identify potential process inefficiencies and recommend optimal operating conditions

The performance of peristaltic pumps is influenced by tube dimensions, tube material, rotary mechanism, and fluid properties. Veryst Engineering developed a strongly coupled fluid-structure interaction model that captures the deformation of the tube, rollers, and fluid, including contact.

The call for structures that can selectively block acoustic waves of certain frequencies is growing, but their design is often inhibited by the lack of appropriate simulation tools in commercial FEA packages. Veryst developed a COMSOL Multiphysics model for unit cell band gap simulations, enabling the design and optimization of phononic band gap structures with target band gap width and locations.

A plastic clip used to retain a patient support failed, resulting in an occupant death. Veryst was asked to determine the cause of failure.

Cold forging often results in the development of high residual stresses that might lead to premature cracking of the cold forged component. Machining, which often follows cold forging, results in the re-distribution of residual stresses. We developed an FE-based strategy capable of predicting the residual stresses in the final machined configuration of cold forged components.

Manufacturing medical diagnostic kits involves drying reagents to be reconstituted later, during use. For this project, Veryst simulated reagent dry-down of a small volume of liquid in a microwell to investigate the effect of process parameters including oven temperature and humidity.