Main features
The complete list of features follows.
1. You do not need to write computer code. You do not need to have especial numbering schemes for IDs (Adams) or node numbers (Marc). Minor setup is required for the models as explained below.
2. Setting up a co-simulation requires you to instrument the Adams model, instrument the Marc models, and write a configuration script that describes how the models interact. The configuration script is a description of the topology of the co-simulation. Also, the configuration script sets optional data for unit conversion factors, model locations and so on.
3. We use the terms model and process interchangeably. The communication between processes is implemented using TCP/IP sockets hence models can run on different servers and different operating systems.
4. Multithreaded synchronization between models is supported. All Marc and EDEM models run in parallel.
5. There are no limitations in the type of Adams models. There are some limitations for the type of Marc models that can be used in co-simulation using this tool.
6. The installation includes two files: a main executable (also known as the Glue code) controlling the co-simulation, and a shared library to be used in the Adams model. This new version does not require source code nor libraries to be used when launching the Marc processes.
7. There is also an executable implementing a very simple GUI interface that prompts you to start the codes and display messages. This executable can help creating a configuration script.
8. Each EDEM, Marc and Adams model can have an arbitrary Newtonian frame of reference and can be modeled using different units. Tools to set the relative location of the Newtonian frames and to set conversion factors are provided.
9. Only the Adams Solver C++ is supported.