David Holding: Simcenter Amesim provides a digital environment for engineering solutions prior to the physical prototype

2026-10-023 min.

Between CAD models and the physical prototype, there is now a more sophisticated simulation methodology. Architectures are compared, components are reviewed, work modes are checked and the dependence between mechanics, the electrical element, fluids and thermal processes is also put under scrutiny. In this part of the engineering processes is Simcenter Amesim by Siemens – a platform for 1D multiphysics system simulation, enabling the virtual model to evolve from early-stage concept and sizing to the optimization and verification of control algorithms. More regarding Simcenter Amesim, engineering tasks that use it, and the latest developments, was disclosed to BalkanEngineer.com by leading technological company David Holding. This fall, the software will be among the company’s solutions being presented at MachTech & InnoTech 2026.

The reasons for introducing system simulation so early in the development process are clearly evident in electrified and mechatronic machines. The electric motor is no longer viewed in isolation from the power electronics, power supply, mechanical load, and cooling system. In hydraulic drive systems, the choice of pump and circuit characteristics are linked to the required power, mechanism dynamics, losses, and control strategy. Furthermore, the addition of a battery raises further questions regarding energy and thermal balance.

That is the level which Simcenter Amesim operates on. Instead of a detailed description of the geometry typical for 3D CAE, the platform uses 1D multiphysic models, to track the dynamic behavior of the whole architecture and energy exchange between its parts. The engineer works with the physical characteristics of the components and the connections between them, and the result shows how the selected configuration responds to various loads and operating modes.