Case Studies

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a high pressure liquid based analytical technique used to separate, identify, and precisely quantify components in complex chemical or biological mixtures, especially in pharmaceutical, clinical, food, environmental, and forensic testing. Particle size distributions can impact HPLC performance, including column efficiency and pressure drop. In this case study, Veryst developed a multi-scale simulation of flow, dispersion, and adsorption within a chromatographic bed, accounting for particle size dispersity and intraparticle diffusion.

PEEK materials are increasingly used in a variety of industries with elevated temperature applications. This example shows how Veryst Engineering developed a temperature-dependent, nonlinear model of PEEK behavior for use in commercial FEA codes.

The peel test is widely used to measure the adhesion of thin, compliant films to rigid substrates. An accurate model of the peeling mechanics is required to extract the interface adhesion energy. Veryst used the PolyUMod® material model library along with a cohesive zone model of interface adhesion to simulate the peeling of a soft viscoplastic film from a rigid substrate.

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.

Polymer foams may exhibit extreme strain rate-dependence due to their structure. The low stiffness means testing the materials at high strain rates is particularly difficult. Veryst has developed multiple test methods to test and model these materials.

Obtaining accurate results from finite element analyses of polymers is not easy. Polymers are often highly temperature- and rate-dependent, exhibiting significant stress-relaxation, creep, and recovery. In this forming case study, Veryst examines the steps required to produce an accurate constitutive model of an example polymer, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and shows the consequences of oversimplification.