For decades, engineers have relied on physical measurements – such as strain and vibration – to understand how products behave under real-world conditions. These measurements help answer critical questions: Where will this part fail? How long will it last? Can it survive the environment we’re putting it in?
In recent years, Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) has transformed the way teams explore those questions. Simulation tools, particularly finite element analysis (FEA), now make it possible to predict stress, strain, vibration, and durability long before a physical prototype even exists. This shift has opened the door to faster design cycles, more innovative concepts, and fewer costly surprises late in development.
But as powerful as simulation is, one key question always remains:
A simulation is only as good as its assumptions, inputs, and boundary conditions. When the stakes are high – safety, performance, warranty cost, company reputation –engineers need confidence that a virtual model reflects reality.
That confidence comes from correlation.
To validate that CAE predictions are believable, engineers compare virtual results with physical test data. For example, measured strain from sensors can be directly compared to the strain predicted in an FEA model. When the data aligns closely, the model is considered correlated. When it doesn’t, engineers adjust and refine the virtual model until it matches real behaviour.
This process matters because it:
Once a model is correlated, it becomes a powerful decision-making tool.
A trusted CAE model can answer “what-if” questions in hours instead of weeks. Teams can explore more design options, reduce the number of prototypes, and shorten time to market – all with higher confidence in durability and performance.
In short, correlation bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds. By aligning simulation with measurement, engineers get the best of both: the speed of CAE and the certainty of real-world testing.
Explore more about correlating simulation and test data, and see how you can boost confidence in your engineering decisions on our application page.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, MicroStrain and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
