EP4784876A1 - Method to develop computer aided engineering models in hydrocarbon recovery projects and industry - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments presented provide for a system that provides calculation for components used in hydrocarbon recovery projects. Arrays of size ranges for components are provided for selection to a designer based on loading conditions expected.

Description

METHOD TO DEVELOP COMPUTER AIDED ENGINEERING MODELS IN HYDROCARBON RECOVERY PROJECTS AND INDUSTRY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The current application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application 63/592,740 filed October 24, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Aspects of the disclosure relate to design using engineering properties of materials and material models which aid in material selection based upon various input parameters by a designer. More specifically, aspects of the disclosure relate to providing a method to provide inputs for a computer aided engineering model based upon inputs provided by a user.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Material selection for a component may be one of the most important aspects of the design of the overall product. In general, components made for today’s consumer market are generally light-weight materials that are easily formed into desired shapes. Selection of such light-weight materials is generally performed based on economic cost. Other industries; however, select products and sizes differently. In more challenging environments, material selection is much more problematic. In hydrocarbon recovery projects, the environments that the components will be exposed to can widely range in temperature, pressure, and physical stress and strain levels. It is therefore vital, specifically for the hydrocarbon recovery industry, to provide a selection of materials, along with their critical properties, in a usable form. Design of components is also important in industries other than hydrocarbon recovery projects. [0004] The computer-aided design process involves selection of sizes of materials, temperature and other parameters. Stresses and strains in materials are often parameters that may provide a tipping point for design of a component as well as selection of a material used in a project. Stress and strain curves are generated using a specific stress strain curve generation method with a specific unit system at a specific temperature and respecting property-affecting parameters such as raw material size Deviation from those initial parameters indicates that the stress and strain curve may not be applicable for a specific environment and component. In hydrocarbon recovery projects, where temperature can vary widely as well as potential loading on materials, it is often difficult, if not impossible, to provide a multitude of stress and strain curves that identify the different conditions that will be experienced. To this end, selection of components and materials becomes less scientific and more artistic, wherein designers tend to design components such that they will not fail. This results in “over design” of components, as the designer is more interested in providing a design that will survive the rigors that will be placed upon it, rather than making the component light weight and economical. The problems are especially pronounced in higher temperature applications. True stresses and strains are needed for modeling components to make accurate mechanical design possible. Surprisingly, to date, conventional systems do not make compensations for various factors such as stresses and strains at various temperature levels for given loading conditions and component or raw material sizes. Conventional modeling makes certain assumptions and allows for overdesign, as described above.

[0005] Data quality and reliability are also important factors for design. Many times, data imperfections are present that may lead to improper design or, in many instances, computer crashing, data integrity loss, or inability for computer-aided engineering software to recognize the data as tolerances are not met. There is a need to have methods of calculation that are fault tolerant so that components may be modeled without such computer calculation fragility.

[0006] In some instances, temperature may play a critical role in the selection of components. Often, a tool or portion of a tool, will be designed to withstand specific stresses and strains that may come from structural loading or temperature. As easy to find hydrocarbons are becoming rarer, drilling to higher temperature zones is becoming more commonplace. The use of existing tools and materials in elevated temperature zones requires special care to prevent high temperatures from impacting operations. Since high temperatures negatively affect systems, there is a need to be able to automatically determine the detrimental nature of higher temperatures. There is a need to be able to quickly and accurately “de-rate” equipment into new and higher temperature profiles and to know how the increased temperatures will affect performance.

[0007] There is a further need to provide a system that will export data that may be used with other structural engineering and mechanical engineering programs to allow cross-functionality between platforms to help speed the overall design of components.

[0008] There is a need to be able to select appropriate material property data based on various factors such as the material substances, temperature, pressure, size of component or raw material being used, and various loading conditions.

[0009] There is a further need to be able to make such selection of components in an economical manner such that a designer is not required to overdesign a component. [0010] There is a further need to automate such processes to enable rapid design of components for potential customers that have unique needs that are regularly seen in the hydrocarbon recovery industry. There is a further need to enable rapid design in industries other than the hydrocarbon recovery industry.

[0011] There is a further need to be able to calculate true stresses and strains for components designed by a computer in an efficient manner.

[0012] There is a further need to be able to calculate the effects of temperature on different design components such that components may be derated according to a temperature profile that the component may experience. In such an analysis, there is a need to be able to input a component or tool into a computer program and determine stresses and strains that the component will be acceptable to endure to prevent possible unnecessary redesign of the component.

[0013] There is a still further need to provide a method for selection of material properties based on component or raw material size, with temperature de-rating of these properties applied that is consistent with industry standard codes and material specifications to allow for quick prototyping of components that are acceptable candidates for field use.

[0014] There is a need to provide for methods of computer design that are easier to operate than conventional apparatus and methods. [0015] There is a further need to provide apparatus and methods that do not have the drawbacks discussed above, namely over design of products or having to unnecessarily redesign a product that may be fit for purpose if properly rated for a specific environment.

[0016] There is a still further need to reduce economic costs associated with operations and apparatus described above with conventional design tools and manufacturing techniques.

SUMMARY

[0017] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized below, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments without specific recitation. Accordingly, the following summary provides just a few aspects of the description and should not be used to limit the embodiments described to a single concept.

[0018] In one embodiment of the disclosure a method for selecting size ranges for a component is described. The method may comprise accepting inputs related to a component to be used in a device, wherein the inputs relate to design data of the component through a map. The method may further comprise making a computer-aided engineering model based upon the inputs in the map. The method may further comprise transmitting the inputs to a size-critical properties map and generating an array of size- critical properties for evaluation. The method may further comprise determining if a size property in the array is an available size range, and if the size property is not available, returning to the accepting of the inputs. The method may further comprise performing a query as to the quantity of the size ranges that exist, and when an insufficient quantity of the size ranges exist, generating one of an error code and a notification to a user. The method may further comprise determining a range of precision of the size properties in the array. The method may further comprise determining a maximum precision from the range of size properties in the array and comparing the maximum precision to the range of precision, and when the maximum precision falls outside of the range of precision, generating one of a second error code and a second notification to the user. The method may further comprise developing a final array of size ranges for the component based upon the range of precision, the maximum precision, and the size property availability. The method may further comprise evaluating a validity of each of the size ranges in the final array and augmenting the final array based upon the validity evaluation and when the validity evaluation fails, generating one of a third error code and a third notification to the user. The method may further comprise outputting the final array containing size ranges for the component.

[0019] In another example embodiment, a method for de-rating a property of a component to be used in a device is disclosed. The method may comprise querying and accepting a main property of interest to be derated. The method may also comprise querying and accepting a range of the main property of interest. The method may also comprise querying and accepting a de-rating property of interest. The method may also comprise obtaining a de-rating curve that relates the de-rating property of interest to a temperature that the component will be subjected to. The method may also comprise identifying a point on the de-rating curve of the property of interest. The method may also comprise identifying a point on the de-rating curve that corresponds to a room temperature point. The method may also comprise generating a room temperature normalized curve by normalizing values of the original de-rating curve to values of the original room temperature data point. The method may also comprise interpolating the room temperature normalized curve at the operating temperature to arrive at a de-rating factor. The method may also comprise multiplying the main property of interest by the de-rating factor to achieve a de-rated property of interest.

[0020] In another example embodiment, a method for designing a component using a true stress versus plastic strain evaluation technique is disclosed. The method may comprise accepting an input of data related to the component. The method may further comprise performing a verification of the input data and where the verification fails, then returning an error notification to a user and returning to the accepting of the input of data. The method may further comprise feeding data into a computer-aided engineering model generation module (including stress versus strain curve generation) to produce solver module data. The method may further comprise de-rating properties based upon operating temperature. The method may further comprise performing a quality check on curve quality and monotonicity used by the module and when a quality issue is found, generating a warning and return the method to the accepting the input of data related to the component. The method may further comprise preparing a model of the component with de-rated properties based on the solver module data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted; however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a method to generate a Computer Aided Engineering “CAE” model for isotropic metallic behavior in one example embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a method for calculating an array of size ranges for a material based on multiple material properties that vary by a size parameter in one example embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a method to generate a CAE model for temperature de-rating of equipment as illustrated in another example embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures (“FIGS”). It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood; however, that the disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the disclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim. Likewise, reference to “the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of inventive subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered to be an element or limitation of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim.

[0027] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, components, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first”, “second”, and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0028] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, coupled to the other element or layer, or interleaving elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on”, “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to”, or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no interleaving elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms. [0029] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. Like elements in the various figures will be referenced with like numbers for consistency. In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments and/or features. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the art, that some embodiments may be practiced without many of these details, and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. As used herein, the terms “above” and “below”, “up” and “down”, “upper” and “lower”, “upwardly” and “downwardly”, and other like terms indicating relative positions above or below a given point are used in this description to more clearly describe certain embodiments.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1 , a method 100 for CAE model generation is illustrated. As will be understood, gathering data and producing an input file for CAE model generation greatly enhances economic design compared to conventional systems. In the method, several inputs may be provided to produce the CAE model generation. A list of the inputs may include, material identification 102, a size range 104, a stress-strain curve generation method 106, an operating temperature 108, a unit system 110, and a target solver software 112. All of this information may be fed into a material property database 114. The database may be a computer hard drive, a solid-state device, or a web enabled storage device in a non-limiting embodiment. The database may be configured to interact with further programming steps, as illustrated in step 116 where a query is provided. At 116, a query inquires if all required material properties are available for the size range that is anticipated for use. If the answer to query 116 is no, an additional query 118 is provided. The query, at 118, asks if the substitute material properties are available for different size ranges. If the answer to the query at 118 is no, further computing is aborted and a failure code or log is created for the user at 120. If, at 116, all the required material properties are available for the different size ranges, then at 128, material properties including substitutes are collected. These material properties may be stored for further use. If, at query 118, substitute material properties are available for different size ranges, then the method may progress to 124 for collecting substitute material properties and then, at 126, flagging use of a substitute properties for the selections made. After step 126, the method may then proceed to step 128. After step 128, the method proceeds to step 132 where a temperature derating logic is applied to different material properties. A query is performed after step 132 to identify if critical temperature properties are derated at step 134. If the answer to query step 134 is no, the method then proceeds to step 136 where calculations are aborted and a failure code or failure log are produced. If critical properties are derated at query 134 then the method continues to step 138 where a query is provided as to if non-temperature critical properties are derated. If the non-temperature critical properties are not derated, the method proceeds to step 140 where a flag is created for the user to state that non-derated properties are used for model generation. After step 140, the method then proceeds to step 142. If the non-temperature critical properties are derated at step 138 then the method proceeds directly to step 142. At 142, all temperature derated and non-derated properties are collected where stress-strain curves are generated at 143. A query is provided at step 144 to determine if the stressstrain curve meets quality requirements. These quality requirements may be input by the user. If the stress-strain curve does not meet quality requirements, then the method proceeds to step 146 where calculations are aborted and a failure code and/or log is created. If stress-strain curves meet quality requirements then material properties and stress-strain curves may be converted to the desired unit system provided at 152 followed by writing of data to a file for a target solver software with flags as proceeding from step 154. As will be understood, different quality requirements may be added or defined by the user. [0031] As will be understood, at step 122, size ranges may be generated for the CAE model generation. These generated size ranges at step 122 may be input directly into size ranges at step 104.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, a method 200 for generation of size ranges, at 104, is illustrated. Stress-strain curve generation may be performed at 202 and may be used as an input for later calculations. The method then proceeds to step 204 where size critical properties based on the curve generation method from step 202 are determined. The data obtained from step 204 is input into various size critical properties to be evaluated at 206, 208, 210, 212 and 214. Although shown as five individual size critical properties, any number of size critical properties may be used. The method then proceeds to step 220 where all instances of size critical properties are collected. Material identification is provided at step 216, which is then placed in a material property database 218, which also feeds into step 222, the collection of the size critical properties at 220. The method then proceeds to step 222 where different boundary values are collected. Different size parameters may also be input for the method as illustrated at step 226, 228, and 230, which provides an input to step 222. In step 222, boundary values are collected for each size critical property and minimum and maximum values for each associated size parameter are generated. The method then proceeds to step 224 where candidate size ranges are created from sequential pairs of boundary values of size parameters. The method then proceeds to step 232 where, for each candidate size range, a query is performed where either an instance of each size critical property is available which covers the candidate size range or is there a substitute for each size critical property which covers the candidate size range. If there is no instance, as a result of step 232, the candidate size range may be eliminated from the valid size ranges at 234. If there is an instance of each size critical property available, then the size ranges for each candidate are kept as valid size ranges at 236. The results from steps 234 and 236 are fed into step 238 where valid size ranges are collected. At step 240, a return set of valid size ranges for material and curve generation methods employed are provided to a user.

[0033] Design data, specified as an input, may be provided in the form of a map. Design data may include specifications, drawings, details, or other data pertinent to the overall design. In some embodiments, a map may be created to serve a specific solver and certain curve generation methods. A map of properties that are important to be considered may also be provided. This map of properties may be considered by a module that provides size ranges. A list of parameters which are supported by the calculations is supplied. This list of parameters expresses differences in properties due to size ranges. A CAE model unit may also interface with CAE systems for transfer of data and provide a map of size related parameters to be reported.

[0034] Fault tolerance may be implemented in multiple layers of the methods described. Such fault tolerance checks should not be considered mandatory. In an effort to increase the overall user experience and to guard against unintended or faulty designs, warning flags or messages may accompany outputs that may be generated with suspect data. Checking may be performed by identifying minimum and maximum ranges upon which the input materials may be added. Analysis does not preclude the input of data outside of suggested range parameters but may simply notify the user that an input is outside of the normal expected range.

[0035] Inputs may be made through import of a computer data file, or help screens may help instruct a user on input values, that are normally expected. Artificial intelligence may be added to the input process where selection of values may be performed based upon experiential results. Databases of previous designs may be accessed by the artificial intelligence to allow for ease of selection. [0036] Referring to FIG. 3, cases of altered temperature may be found, for example, where a downhole tool exists for a specific project. That project has environmental parameters of pressure and temperature that have specific boundary conditions. There is a desire to use the same tool in a different geological environment for a higher temperature and different pressures. Identification of whether the downhole tool, in conventional systems, may be used in the new environment is not possible. Through embodiments herein; however, temperature may be changed, thus impacting the stress and strain levels of the components and whether the selected components are functional and/or meet code requirements. In embodiments, the temperature-derating module presented herein determines a value for a property adjusted (de-rated) for a specific operating temperature.

[0037] The results of FIG. 3 may be output into a data file that may be exported to a CAE model. These results may be placed in a format that is understandable by the CAE model and is fault tolerant. For example, data may be exported from the method described in FIG. 3, if the data falls within a specified limit. In instances where data is non-existent, notification of such data discrepancy will be generated to the user. CAE model creation may be aborted if naming conventions and data are not of proper size and specification. In the instances where non-critical data is compromised, CAE model creation may be allowed, and a warning may be provided to the user that data imperfections may exist. In embodiments of the CAE model creation, different possibilities exist on model creation.

For models where plastic strain is the independent variable, selection of strain points may occur through the automated method. For models where true stress is the independent variable, selection of stress points may occur through the automated method.

[0038] As a quality procedure, curves that are used by the method may be reviewed prior to use. Checks for monotonicity may be performed, wherein if the curve is not determined to be monotonic, the procedure may be aborted.

[0039] In other embodiments, to aid in the derating noted above in relation to FIG. 3, a room temperature point finder module may be used. The room temperature point finder module has the purpose of accepting a curve with temperature on an X axis basis and another property of interest as the Y axis. The module would then return the X,Y pair corresponding to the room temperature point. Inputs to the room temperature point finder module may be a curve property and minimum and maximum values for the property for room temperature. If no values for the curve are present, then an error code may be generated and the user notified of the error.

[0040] A time normalizing module may also be used in conjunction with the other modules described. The time normalizing module has the purpose of inputting a curve where X is expressed as a unit from the unit’s family of time and return a curve where Y is expressed as a unit of a quantity type ratio with all values normalized to the data point where the X value (time) is equal to 0.

[0041] Fault tolerance may be implemented throughout the process and methods described in relation to FIG. 3. Fault tolerance checks are considered optional. In an effort to guard against computer crashes and unintended or faulty designs, warning flags or messages may accompany outputs that may be generated with suspect data. Checking may be performed by identifying minimum and maximum ranges upon which the input materials may be added. Analysis does not preclude input of data outside of suggested range parameters but may simply notify the user that an input is outside of the normal expected range.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, a method 300 for temperature derating is illustrated. The temperature derating may be used in conjunction with FIG.1 at step 132. Data from a material property database 302, operating temperature 304, and material property 306, are all input into a query at 308. The query, at 308, asks if the property versus temperature data for the material property is available, including the operating temperature in the range. If the property versus temperature data for the material property is available, the method then proceeds to step 318. If the property versus temperature data for the material property is not available, then the method proceeds to step 310, asking if a substitute property versus temperature data for material properties is available for the operating temperature range. If a substitute is not available, then the method proceeds to step 312, where calculations are aborted in a failure log or failure code is generated. If a substitute is available, then a flag is used to alert the user at 316 to note that a substitute temperature and derating data is used for calculations. The method then proceeds to step 318. At step 314, minimum and maximum acceptable room temperatures are also provided as input data to step 318. At step 318, a query is provided if an acceptable room temperature data point is present in the property versus temperature data. If there is not any acceptable room temperature data then the method proceeds to step 320, where calculations are aborted, and a failure code or failure log is produced. If, at step 318, acceptable temperature room data is present, then at step 322, a property versus temperature curve is produced. The method then proceeds with performing interpolation of data within the curve for the operating temperature. The method then proceeds to step 326, where further calculations are performed such as multiplying the percentage of the percent of temperature property times the property values. The data obtained at 326 is then returned for use, at 328.

[0043] Inputs for FIG. 3 may be made through import of a computer data file or help screens may help instruct a user on input values that are normally expected. Artificial intelligence may be added to the input process where selection of values may be performed based upon experiential results. Databases of previous designs may be accessed by the Artificial Intelligence to allow for ease of selection.

[0044] In instances, outside database values may be used as reference data for error checking and/or user input. For example, certain code provisions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers “ASME” may suggest values to be used to achieve results that would pass associated code checks.

[0045] Aspects of methods described may be included onto a non-volatile memory system. For definitional purposes, a non-volatile memory system may be a memory system that does not wipe clean after termination of electrical power to the system. Examples of non-volatile memory systems may be compact disks, solid-state drives and universal serial bus devices. These memory systems may be used to store program executable method steps for a computer, server, or computing arrangement.

[0046] Embodiments of the example embodiments may be performed on a personal computer, an internet connected computer, a laptop computer, a computer workstation or a cloud connected computer. Calculations may be made locally or may be performed on a main frame computer. Output files for the methods provided may interface with a CAE system. Non-limiting embodiments of CAE systems may be Ansys and Abaqus. Other embodiments may include structural engineering programs that use finite element analysis where a code may be used. In further embodiments, output may be through printer or through visual depiction on a monitor or other display device.

[0047] Embodiments may also interface with other computer systems to achieve more automation and require less user input. In these further embodiments, artificial intelligence systems may be coupled with the methods provided to be able to speed the necessary design. In these embodiments, detailed records may be retained from numerous design projects. These records may be used to train an artificial intelligence system to aid or propose inputs.

[0048] T raining for the artificial intelligence system may occur through synthetic datasets or by actual data sets from past projects. In further embodiments, the designs previously used may be segregated by geographical location. As will be understood, geographical similarities may present opportunities to use previously used designs. The artificial intelligence system may therefore include a weighted parameter for geographical similarity to be used in the selection process. Other factors may be weighted in the selection process. Such factors may include the economic costs of raw materials, availability of raw materials, anticipated construction times, worker or field personnel availability, as well as other factors.

[0049] Example embodiments of the claims will be disclosed. The example embodiments disclosed should not be considered limiting. In one embodiment of the disclosure a method for selecting size ranges for a component is described. The method may comprise accepting inputs related to a component to be used in a device, wherein the inputs relate to design data of the component through a map. The method may further comprise making a computer-aided engineering model based upon the inputs in the map. The method may further comprise transmitting the inputs to a size-critical properties map and generating an array of size-critical properties for evaluation. The method may further comprise determining if a size property in the array is an available size range, and if the size property is not available, returning to the accepting of the inputs. The method may further comprise performing a query as to the quantity of the size ranges that exist, and when an insufficient quantity of the size ranges exist, generating one of an error code and a notification to a user. The method may further comprise determining a range of precision of the size properties in the array. The method may further comprise determining a maximum precision from the range of size properties in the array and comparing the maximum precision to the range of precision, and when the maximum precision falls outside of the range of precision, generating one of a second error code and a second notification to the user. The method may further comprise developing a final array of size ranges for the component based upon the range of precision, the maximum precision and the size property availability. The method may further comprise evaluating a validity of each of the size ranges in the final array and augmenting the final array based upon the validity evaluation and when the validity evaluation fails, generating one of a third error code and a third notification to the user. The method may further comprise outputting the final array containing size ranges for the component.

[0050] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein when the size property in the array is not available, one of prompting a user that the size is not available and creating an error code.

[0051] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein if the quantity of the size ranges does not exceed a needed amount, generating one of an error code or a warning notification to a user. [0052] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the validity is tested by determining if at only one instance of the size range exists within the array.

[0053] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the validity is tested by determining if at least one instance of a property is connected to a size-related parameter.

[0054] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the outputting of the final array is to a computer-aided engineering modeling program.

[0055] In another example embodiment, a method for de-rating a property of a component to be used in a device is disclosed. The method may comprise querying and accepting a main property of interest to be derated. The method may also comprise querying and accepting a range of the main property of interest. The method may also comprise querying and accepting a de-rating property of interest. The method may also comprise obtaining a de-rating curve that relates the de-rating property of interest to a temperature that the component will be subjected to. The method may also comprise identifying a point on the de-rating curve of the property of interest. The method may also comprise identifying a point on the de-rating curve that corresponds to a room temperature point. The method may also comprise generating a room temperature normalized curve by normalizing values of the original de-rating curve to values of the original room temperature data point. The method may also comprise interpolating the room temperature normalized curve at the operating temperature to arrive at a de-rating factor. The method may also comprise multiplying the main property of interest by the de-rating factor to achieve a de-rated property of interest. [0056] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the querying and accepting the property of interest is through one of a user input and an input file.

[0057] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the querying and accepting the range of the main property of interest includes obtaining at least one of a minimum value, a nominal value and a maximum value.

[0058] In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise outputting the de-rated property of interest.

[0059] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the outputting the de-rated property of interest is through a computer output file that may be used by a computer aided engineering model.

[0060] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the main property of interest is a tensile ultimate strength of the component.

[0061] In another example embodiment, a method for designing a component using a true stress versus plastic strain evaluation technique is disclosed. The method may comprise accepting an input of data related to the component. The method may further comprise performing a verification of the input data and where the verification fails, then returning an error notification to a user and returning to the accepting of the input of data. The method may further comprise feeding data into an ISO strain solver module to produce solver module data. The method may further comprise de-rating properties based upon operating temperature. The method may further comprise performing a quality check on curve quality and monotonicity used by the module and when a quality issue is found, generating a warning and return the method to the accepting the input of data related to the component. The method may further comprise preparing a model of the component with de-rated properties based on the solver module data.

[0062] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the accepting of the input of data related to the component is through one of a direct user input and an automated input.

[0063] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the input is at least one of a material entry identity, a target computer aided engineering model, a mapping name, a unit system, an operating temperature, and a size range string.

[0064] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein properties of the input data include at least one of Poisson’s ratio, tensile elastic modulus, tensile yield strength, tensile ultimate strength, and tensile ultimate elongation.

[0065] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the model is a computer aided engineering model as specified in the input data.

[0066] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein an artificial intelligence is used in at least one step of the method.

[0067] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0068] While embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments are envisioned that do not depart from the inventive scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present claims or any subsequent claims shall not be unduly limited by the description of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A method for selecting size ranges for a component, comprising: accepting inputs related to a component to be used in a device, wherein the inputs relate to design data of the component through a map; making a computer-aided engineering model based upon the inputs in the map; transmitting the inputs to a size-critical properties map and generating an array of size-critical properties for evaluation; determining if a size property in the array is an available size range, and if the size property is not available, returning to the accepting of the inputs; performing a query as to the quantity of the size ranges that exist, and when an insufficient quantity of the size ranges exist, generating one of an error code and a notification to a user; determining a range of precision of the size properties in the array; determining a maximum precision from the range of size properties in the array and comparing the maximum precision to the range of precision, and when the maximum precision falls outside of the range of precision, generating one of a second error code and a second notification to the user; developing a final array of size ranges for the component based upon the range of precision, the maximum precision, and the size property availability; evaluating a validity of each of the size ranges in the final array and augmenting the final array based upon the validity evaluation and when the validity evaluation fails, generating one of a third error code and a third notification to the user; and outputting the final array containing size ranges for the component.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein when the size property in the array is not available, one of prompting a user that the size is not available and creating an error code.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein if the quantity of the size ranges does not exceed a needed amount, generating one of an error code or a warning notification to a user.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the validity is tested by determining if at only one instance of the size range exists within the array.

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the validity is tested by determining if at least one instance of a property is connected to a size-related parameter.

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the outputting of the final array is to a computer-aided engineering modeling program.

7. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising displaying the final array.

8. A method for de-rating a property of a component to be used in a device, comprising: querying and accepting a main property of interest to be derated; querying and accepting a range of the main property of interest; querying and accepting a de-rating property of interest; obtaining a de-rating curve that relates the de-rating property of interest to a temperature that the component will be subjected to; identifying a point on the de-rating curve of the property of interest; identifying a point on the de-rating curve that corresponds to a room temperature point; generating a room temperature normalized curve by normalizing values of the original de-rating curve to values of the original room temperature data point; interpolating the room temperature normalized curve at the operating temperature to arrive at a de-rating factor; and multiplying the main property of interest by the de-rating factor to achieve a de-rated property of interest.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the querying and accepting the property of interest is through one of a user input and an input file.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the querying and accepting the range of the main property of interest includes obtaining at least one of a minimum value, a nominal value, and a maximum value.

11 . The method according to claim 8, further comprising outputting the de-rated property of interest.

12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the outputting the de-rated property of interest is through a computer output file that may be used by a computer aided engineering model.

13. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the main property of interest is a tensile ultimate strength of the component.

14. A method for designing a component using a true stress versus plastic strain evaluation technique, comprising: accepting an input of data related to the component; performing a verification of the input data and where the verification fails, then returning an error notification to a user and returning to the accepting of the input of data; feeding data into an ISO strain solver module to produce solver module data; de-rating properties based upon operating temperature; performing a quality check on curve quality and monotonicity used by the module and when a quality issue is found, generating a warning and return the method to the accepting the input of data related to the component; and preparing a model of the component with de-rated properties based on the solver module data.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the accepting of the input of data related to the component is through one of a direct user input and an automated input.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the input is at least one of a material entry identity, a target computer aided engineering model, a mapping name, a unit system, an operating temperature, and a size range string.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein properties of the input data include at least one of Poisson’s ratio, tensile elastic modulus, tensile yield strength, tensile ultimate strength, and tensile ultimate elongation.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the model is a computer aided engineering model as specified in the input data.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein an artificial intelligence is used in at least one step of the method.

20. The method according to claim 14, further comprising displaying the model.