Case Studies

Knowledge of thin film mechanical properties is important for device operation, reliability, and simulation. Veryst measured the elastic modulus of a low stress silicon nitride thin film using nanoindentation and validated the technique with atomic force microscopy.

The design of compression springs is tied to their intended function and the acceptable levels of deformation and stress that the spring can withstand. Veryst designed and evaluated a standalone simulation application to capture important qualities, such as spring rate, natural frequencies, and estimated fatigue life, for both helical and conical compression springs.

Cavitation, the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in a liquid due to local pressure drops, can limit performance and reliability in medical devices, energy systems, and process equipment—causing unwanted wear, vibration, and efficiency loss. In this case study, we applied high-fidelity multiphase computational fluid dynamics simulations to capture the unsteady dynamics of cavitation in confined geometries and demonstrate how simulation can guide the development of safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting products and systems.

The physics of droplet formation during dripping, jetting, and atomization governs the accuracy and consistency of a wide array of fluid dispensing and spray technologies. In this case study, we apply high-fidelity multiphase flow simulations to capture the full droplet formation cycle and reveal mechanisms that control necking, breakup, and satellite drop formation. The results demonstrate how simulation can guide the design of more precise, efficient, and reliable fluid dispensing and spray technologies.

Arrays of impinging fluid jets are an effective design solution for applications requiring large heat transfer rates. This case study demonstrates the ability of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict heat transfer coefficient distributions and guide design choices to improve cooling uniformity.

Regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require medical device manufacturers to follow rigorous simulation verification procedures to assess credibility of numerical simulations used to support submissions. In this case study, we simulate crimping of a Poly L-lactic Acid (PLLA) stent in the implantation process and demonstrate numerical solution verification.

Medical devices, combination products, consumer products, and manufacturing processes often include components that slide past each other. These products and processes can fail when the friction forces between the surfaces are too high, due to surface roughness, lubrication, materials, or environmental conditions. Here Veryst introduces a specialized fixture to measure the friction between a small metal wire and three polymer materials, to select a backup supplier for dual sourcing that would maintain low friction in a medical device.

Some of the most sensational goals in soccer history came from free-kicks and long shots. (Remember Roberto Carlos’ famous 1998 free-kick?) Veryst investigated the effect of friction between ball and boot, the ball’s internal pressure, and ball materials on the ball’s rotational velocity to understand ball/boot interaction.

How does a soft fluidic gripper perform when inflated and how does it interact with its environment? This is a challenging, yet essential, question to the design and integration of soft robotics in the industry. Veryst Engineering developed a finite deformation Abaqus model to study the behavior, performance, and stability of soft fluidic grippers, providing insight to the design and assessment of soft robots and devices.