Article #2 Simulation Education Series. Exploring how engineers might design a commercial space station accurately and cost-effectively using mechanical analysis techniques 


Shocks, Drops, Smashes, and Crashes: How to Overcome Tough Structural Challenges

Article #1 Simulation Education Series. How engineers can use cutting-edge simulation software to design out-of-this-world machinery and transport solutions.


Using heat transfer simulation to engineer a rocket-launching balloon

This is the third article of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/startup-program-supports-smart-product-development" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6-part series</a>&nbsp;about the way simulation software can enable startups to innovate with agility and speed. The series includes case studies and deep dives into simulation technology and application.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this article, we will discuss why the cloud is being selected over on-prem high-performance computing (HPC) solutions and explore example case study scenarios of how the cloud can cleverly be used to support startup operations in various industries. We specifically look at the <a href="https://www.altair.com/altair-unlimited-oracle-cloud-for-startups/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Altair Unlimited Appliance Package on Oracle Cloud</a> and provide details on how their startup program is supporting innovation.&nbsp;<h2>Why the smartest startups are choosing the cloud over on-prem HPC solutions</h2>Having access to high-end computing and the ability to scale on-demand are reasons why the cloud is key to a startup&rsquo;s success. By choosing a cloud solution for computing, startups won&rsquo;t have any additional costs or maintenance on hardware or compute clusters, freeing technical staff from additional responsibilities. These simplifications in the process all add up to accelerate time-to-market In addition, the cloud makes work-from-anywhere truly possible, because engineers can access compute power from any location at any time on a strong cloud platform.&nbsp;When a company chooses the cloud over on-prem hardware systems, they eliminate the need to house the equipment and keep up with maintenance, not to mention the additional engineers required to simply support the physical infrastructure. In addition, with cloud solutions they are kept up to date automatically. The latest compute frameworks and the most applicable compute technology are applied when necessary. For example, next-generation CPUs or GPUs are put to use without a company or its engineers needing to be a part of the upgrade process.&nbsp;When selecting the cloud for HPC, startups only pay for what they use. This eliminates the possibility of purchasing too much compute hardware when a company goes the traditional route with on-prem systems. Advanced solutions also include storage on the cloud, networking, and platform services that further remove the burden from startups who are just looking to focus on their product/service offering development.&nbsp;<h2>How Altair&rsquo;s Unlimited Appliance Package on Oracle Cloud supports startups</h2>There are three aspects of the <a href="https://www.altair.com/altair-unlimited-oracle-cloud-for-startups/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Altair Unlimited Appliance Package on Oracle Cloud</a> that help to support a startup. First, it provides a &ldquo;Simulation Platform as A Service.&rdquo; This means that the software already has appropriate licensing, is fully integrated with the correct compute hardware, and offers an easy path to adoption of simulation technologies, which includes support hours from the engineers at Altair. Companies that take advantage of the package don&rsquo;t have to leave their engineers to figure out how to get started or troubleshoot when they get stuck. The support hours are a huge time saver for technical professionals who are looking to accelerate their development. &nbsp;For engineering teams within a startup, this means they will have the quickest access to the tools they need to get a product or service to market rapidly.Second, the Altair Unlimited Appliance Package on Oracle Cloud offers an extremely broad range of interoperable physics solvers in a single place. When a design becomes more advanced or requires additional development using a new simulation or optimization technique, startup teams do not need to seek out a separate vendor or solution. They simply begin using the solver they require all on the same cloud solution. Third, startups are able to take advantage of integrated system administration and workload management through the Altair&reg; PBS Professional&reg; Suite. This is one more additional service that takes the decision-making and procurement workload off the startup. A workload management solution that works with the cloud and the software is provided. To demonstrate how this solution can help startups with cloud-based HPC solutions, we will examine three potential startups scenarios in different industries that put the Altair Unlimited Appliance Package on Oracle Cloud to work.&nbsp;The case study examples below are based upon anecdotes from startups who faced similar challenges as they began to grow their businesses.&nbsp;<h3>Case Study 1: Startup specializing in 3D printed parts</h3>A startup that provided 3D printed parts was looking to utilize simulation software to optimize part shape, thermal characteristics, and the build process to establish the manufacturability of their designs. Previously the company had used physical testing and knowledge established by the years of experience that the team had brought to the table. But as they began to explore more advanced applications and complicated shapes and materials, they realized that they needed to find a simulation solution to speed-up development.With only a core engineering team, they tried to balance searching for the right software and HPC solution by reaching out to vendors and trialing different pieces of software. But quickly they realize that was taking far too much time away from their income-generating development work. They applied for the Altair Unlimited Appliance Package on the Oracle Cloud after realizing that they would have access to all the simulation tools and cloud computing resources they needed. But the best benefit of the package to the fast-moving startup was the fact that Altair managed the IT, software licensing, and cloud integrations. They were also available for questions and tutorials because of the included support hours that were a part of the program. The startup was then able to redirect staff and time back into innovation channels within the company, further accelerating their growth.&nbsp;<img width="606" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjU1MTA5NTI3NTk0LTE2NTUxMDk1Mjc1OTQuanBlZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" alt="A close-up of a machine

Description automatically generated with low confidence" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><h3>Case Study 2: Biomedical technology company</h3>A biomedical tech startup specializes in sensors and wireless devices catered to the healthcare industry and their patients. They began by focusing on a series of simple sensors that they converted from cumbersome wired devices rolled around hospital departments to wireless, compact devices that could be connected to the cloud, utilizing&nbsp;Bluetooth&reg;, IoT, and the smallest possible sensors and processors in one device. They made a name for themselves by working closely with doctors to customize a solution that their patients could easily integrate into their daily lives.&nbsp;A new contract was proposed to the startup, but it required development of a different type of sensor, one they would require new simulation software for, and an unknown in terms of how long development would take them. The opportunity was exciting, and exactly what the founders were hoping for to expand their operations. But they needed to find an HPC solution that would have the flexibility and give them additional computing resources if the number of trials they needed ballooned. In addition, the added multi-physics simulations would mean more of their engineering team submitting trials to the compute resource, so they needed to find a solution for appropriate queuing and prioritization of trials.&nbsp;The Altair Unlimited Appliance Package on the Oracle Cloud allowed the startup immediate access to all the simulation tools they required once they were accepted. The program made it possible for the startup to simulate at a price that also enabled them to invest their existing funds into more technical staff, which allowed them to fulfil the new contract successfully. As an added benefit, they were able to get all the new engineers and scientists up to speed quickly and submitting jobs effectively using the Altair&reg; PBS Professional&reg; Suite, which improved the overall productivity of simulations across the company.<h3>Case Study 3: EV startup looking to maximize simulation on-demand capability</h3>As the electric vehicle (EV) startup moved through its first years in business, it went from initial concept and overall form simulations to move on to simulations for each of the component systems. One such example was how the company needed to originally nail down the outer exterior aerodynamic surfaces to suit packaging and drag requirements. But as time passed, and more intricate systems were being designed, the EV company then needed to simulate the internal aerodynamics and thermodynamics of the intake and cooling systems, which required different physics solvers.&nbsp;As the startup began progressing and expanding their designs, they realized that they needed additional software applications to address different physics and they required more compute resources as they ramped up design toward prototyping and production. While the company required additional resources, they didn&rsquo;t have the engineering team members that they could spare to look into adding that resource; they were busy designing the car.&nbsp;The startup instead applied for the Altair Unlimited Appliance Package and was able to efficiently add HPC resources and all the simulation tools they required without losing valuable technical team members from their current roles. They could do so immediately, instead of having to go through the lengthy and expensive process of adding on prem compute clusters. They also saved time getting themselves up to speed with the system and software by tapping into the support hours that came with the program from Altair.&nbsp;<img width="535" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjU1MTA5NTI3NjQwLTE2NTUxMDk1Mjc2NDAuanBlZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" alt="Automotive Design and Lightweighting Solutions | Altair" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><h2>How to qualify for the Altair Unlimited Appliance Package on the Oracle Cloud</h2>The Altair Package described in this article can be accessed by startups that meet the following qualifications:<ul><li>Company is younger than 5 years old</li><li>Company makes less than $5 million in annual revenue&nbsp;</li><li>Company is privately held</li></ul>If you are interested in learning more about the Altair Unlimited Appliance Package on the Oracle Cloud, you can visit <a href="https://www.altair.com/altair-unlimited-oracle-cloud-for-startups/" target="_blank">their website</a>. All eligible startups are encouraged to apply for the program in order to support their product and service development.&nbsp;This is the third of <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/startup-program-supports-smart-product-development" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6-part series</a> about the way simulation software can enable startups to innovate with agility and speed.&nbsp;Article One&nbsp;demonstrates how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/startup-program-supports-smart-product-development" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">access to simulation software assists the next generation of, hardware teams.</a>&nbsp;Article Two shows how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/improving-3d-printed-bicycle-structures-with-integrated-topology-optimization" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mobility startup, URWHAN Bikes, benefited from Advanced Computer Integrated Technology.</a>Article Four speaks about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/driving-game-changing-e-mobility-development" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how s</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/driving-game-changing-e-mobility-development" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">imulation is helping startups set the direction of the e-mobility industry.</a>Article Five demonstrates&nbsp;how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/ai-powered-engineering-technology-for-data-driven-solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">s</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/ai-powered-engineering-technology-for-data-driven-solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tartups can accelerate growth and effectively use artificial intelligence for quality assurance, data analytics, and other critical e</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/ai-powered-engineering-technology-for-data-driven-solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ngineering tasks.</a>Article Six explores&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/lowering-the-barriers-to-innovation-with-advanced-engineering-simulation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how startup programs, including Altair&#39;s, can lower that access barrier for entrepreneurs.</a> <h2><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjU1MTA5ODI4NTU4LWxvZ28gYmFubmVyLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></h2>

Article #3 Altair Startup Series. How to leverage cloud-based HPC solutions and additional smart services to accelerate development and time-to-market

How startups can cleverly scale their operations using the cloud

Designing functional, structural composites is an extremely complicated task that uses various numerical tools, with several disciplines working together in an iterative manner. In this article, the focus is on understanding the key steps in designing structural composites with examples of aerospace components; i.e. wing and fuselage.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Key Concepts</h2><ul><li dir="ltr">A focus on thin-walled structures made up of plies with continuous unidirectional fibers or woven fabrics, embedded in a polymer matrix</li><li dir="ltr">Structural composites design typically involves working with computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering CAE iteratively</li><li dir="ltr">Structural composite components use a large number of parameters needed to describe their mechanical properties e.g. the dimension and the location of plies, their thickness, their orientation, and the definition of the stacking sequences</li><li dir="ltr">The use of optimization techniques becomes essential in the design and analysis phases, especially if the fiber-reinforced materials are to be tailored to the specific needs and the benefit of their anisotropy is to be maximized</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">The Structural Composite Design Process</h2><h3 dir="ltr">General Layout of Composite Structures</h3>A composite structure is made up of several plies of different orientations and shapes. The plies are stacked together in defined zones. In each zone, a laminate has a given stacking sequence. As shown in the figure below, the stiffeners and ribs of the wing naturally define the zones of constant stacking sequence.&nbsp;<img alt="A wing made of composite materials" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjU0MTU5ODEwNTQyLTE2NTQxNTk4MTA1NDIucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" width="524" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 753px;"><h3 dir="ltr"> </h3><h3 dir="ltr">The Design Phase: CAD and Link toward CAM</h3>The design process uses these zones as a basis for the preliminary design of the composite part. This is called a zone-based design, in which the CAD software assigns a given number of laminates i.e. defined by the total number of plies and their orientations in each zone. At this stage, it is possible to estimate the deviation of fiber orientations, and ply drops (i.e., the gradual thickness changes at the boundary of the laminates). &nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjU0MTU5ODEyMzM2LTE2NTQxNTk4MTIzMzYucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" width="624" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 741px; height: 198.53px;"><h3 dir="ltr"> </h3><h3 dir="ltr">The Analysis Phase: CAE Tools</h3>The structural analysis of complex composite parts is carried out with the ﬁnite elements method. Only for simple geometries and approximated boundary conditions are analytical solutions possible. During the CAE phase, the design provided by the designer in the previous step is validated and possibly modiﬁed by the analyst. Structural integrity is checked, and design improvements are provided, the ultimate goal being to provide a correct (optimal) stacking sequence in each region of the structure. A summary of the methods used for the optimal design of structural composites is shown in the figure below. <img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjU0MTU5ODEwOTMxLTE2NTQxNTk4MTA5MzEucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" width="624" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 750px; height: 367.564px;">Figure 3. Methods used for the optimal design of structural composites&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Summary</h2>The structural composite design is an extremely complicated task, aided by computers and various numerical tools. It involves several disciplines, including CAD, CAE, and CAM, in an iterative process where optimization plays a very important role. According to the large number of parameters needed to design a composite structure, optimization methods are essential to identify the optimal stacking sequences, which is the ultimate goal of the design process. The ultimate solution procedure should address the problem at the CAD&ndash;CAE&ndash;CAM levels simultaneously, in order to provide light and safe designs that are ready to be used in manufacturing.To support the structural composites design,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.addcomposites.com/post/addpath-installation-instruction" target="_blank">download open access</a> to the 3D Composites Manufacturing Software -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.addcomposites.com/addpath" target="_blank">AddPath</a>. The open-access platform enables the development of composites digitalization for students, researchers, academia, and SMEs alike. It&#39;s really easy to start using it and create programs and perform simulations for AFP on personal or work computers. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1654500997335-1654500997335.png" width="624" id="isPasted" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 748px; height: 420.527px;">Figure 4. Open-access AddPath&#39;s interface on the laptop For more articles about Composites Manufacturing and Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), please visit further <a href="https://www.addcomposites.com/blogs" id="isPasted" target="_blank">Blogs</a> on the Addcomposites website. If you have any questions, feel free to send your questions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@addcomposites.com" target="_blank">info@addcomposites.com</a>.&nbsp;

Exploded View of Structural Composites in Boeing 777 (Source: ResearchGate)

In this article, the focus is on understanding the key steps in designing structural composites with examples of aerospace components; i.e. wing and fuselage. 

Basic Concepts of Structural Composites Design

In this episode, we talk about how the introduction of scent can enhance the VR experience by providing users with a more immersive experience that can be leveraged for professional training and phobia treatment along with an implementation of mixed reality for automotive development which promises a more efficient development flow. As always, you can find these and other interesting &amp; impactful engineering articles on Wevolver.com.&nbsp;<iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/86de3e57-5b39-45b4-aac4-c0a5d3bb3456?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe><hr>This podcast is sponsored by <a href="https://www2.mouser.com/" id="isPasted" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mouser Electronics</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1652774837090-Mouser-sponsor-1-a.jpg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><hr><h3 id="isPasted">EPISODE NOTES</h3>(2:50) -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/researchers-pump-programmed-scents-to-make-virtual-reality-users-feel-more-present" target="_blank">VR With Scents 👃</a>(17:33) -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/mixed-reality-driving-simulator-a-low-cost-alternative" target="_blank">Mixed-reality Driving 🏎</a>Episode 70 was brought to you by Mouser Electronics, Farbod &amp; Daniel&rsquo;s favorite electronics distributor. Click <a href="https://resources.mouser.com/eit/puzzle-pieces-for-true-immersive-experiences" target="_blank">here</a> to read the article discussing the requirements for truly immersive VR technology.<hr>About the podcast:Every day, some of the most innovative universities, companies, and individual technology developers share their knowledge on Wevolver. To ensure we can also provide this knowledge for the growing group of podcast listeners, we started a collaboration with two young engineers, Daniel Scott Mitchell &amp; Farbod Moghaddam who discuss the most interesting content in this podcast series.&nbsp;To learn more about this show, please visit the <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" target="_blank">shows page</a>. By following the page, you will get automatic updates by email when a new show is published.Be sure to give us a follow and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/the-next-byte/id1548255861?l=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple</a> podcasts, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6lPPsRtegnivsRUEsQ09R7?si=IPMiah7xT_apJtPjqvXMlA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and most of your favorite podcast platforms!Take a few seconds to leave us a review. It really helps! <a href="https://apple.co/2RIsbZ2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://apple.co/2RIsbZ2&nbsp;</a>if you do it and send us proof, we&rsquo;ll give you a shoutout on the show.

In this episode, we talk about how the introduction of scent can enhance the VR experience and phobia treatment along with an implementation of mixed reality for automotive development which promises a more efficient development flow.

Podcast: Immersive VR For Treating Phobias & Automotive Development

<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">What is a Jet Engine?</h2>A turbofan is a type of air-breathing jet engine that is widely used in aircraft propulsion. A turbofan engine is the most modern variation of the basic gas turbine engine. As with other gas turbines, there is a core engine, but in the turbofan engine, the core engine is surrounded by a fan in the front which sucks in air, and additional turbine(s) at the rear for exhaust. Most of the air flows around the outside of the engine, making it quieter and giving more thrust at low speeds. Most of today&#39;s airliners are powered by turbofans. Such engines have many components and we will focus on the components that are made using continuous fiber composites. <h2 dir="ltr">Which are the components made with AFP today?</h2>A leader in the jet engines, Rolls-Royce has recently set up a facility to make fan blades and containment casings using the automated fiber placement process. They used<a href="https://www.accudyne.com/" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>AFP systems to make the fan blades and containment casing respectively. <img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyNDQ3MzQ2Mzc5LTIuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 541px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Rolls-Royce Advanced and UltraFan (Source: Rolls-Royce plc) UltraFan, which the company says will be the world&rsquo;s largest aero-engine and will contribute to sustainable air travel, features what will be the world&rsquo;s largest fan rotor blades made from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.addcomposites.com/post/reinforcement-fibers-terminology-types-and-formats" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP)</a>. Here is a video showing glimpses of the overall manufacturing process:&nbsp; <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SOwWKN1GxJ4?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" id="874018981" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" title="Rolls-Royce new composite technology hub in Filton"></iframe>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Rolls-Royce&#39;s new composite technology hub in Filton (Source: Bristol 24/7)&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">How to program the blade layup via AFP?</h2>To produce a known geometry using AFP, a few sequential steps must be followed:<ol><li dir="ltr">Mold model</li><li dir="ltr">Planning and programming with AFP</li><li dir="ltr">Running AFP manufacturing simulation</li></ol>&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr">Mold modeling</h3>A demo blade model can be downloaded from <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2ctq2emjm5r0ioo/AAAnsNc_5A0mnb-v2yvE0FNua/Mold%20files?dl=0&preview=Turbo+Fan+Blade+mold.step&subfolder_nav_tracking=1" target="_blank">here</a> or your CAD model of the blade can be used as well. To make the fan blade mold, the following steps are followed:&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyNDQ3NTEzNTgxLTMuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 736px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Mold making steps from a fan of the jet engine to mold design&nbsp; Mold making steps from a fan of the jet engine to mold design<ol><li dir="ltr">Remove any holes from the fan blade surface</li><li dir="ltr">Extend the edges of the surface by up to 50-100 mm, up to 150mm if possible</li><li dir="ltr">Plan for the trimming allowance and draw an outer boundary</li><li dir="ltr">Separate the layup and the boundary area by splitting the surface</li><li dir="ltr">Solidify the surface with vertical walls</li><li dir="ltr">Add mounting and alignment points for placement in AFP robotic cell</li><li dir="ltr">Consider markings or orientation points for fiber orientation definition</li></ol>&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr">Planning and Programing with AFP</h3>Planning the layup on a 3D mold shape has been made very simple and accessible thanks to AddPath. You can download the AddPath software for free <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HFQ5yuilxkOt9CFpK9kd1eD0G2HXn5W6/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. A step-by-step process of planning via AddPath is depicted in the picture below. The process also allows user to define their paths by simply drawing a curve in the chosen CAD modeling software and importing it. <img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyNDQ3NzQzNTk2LTQuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 735px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr">Running AFP manufacturing simulation</h3>Simulating the process via 3D Programming Software - AddPath is very critical to make sure the following items are being met without error:<ol><li dir="ltr">Mold is positioned correctly</li><li dir="ltr">The robot can reach the entire layup area without overextending or reaching a point of singularity</li><li dir="ltr">Motion sync between robot and mold is smooth and without error</li><li dir="ltr">No collisions are occurring</li><li dir="ltr">Fiber is being placed where you designed them to be among others...</li></ol>AddPath allows for modification of mold position to optimize the planned layup placement, thus enabling the part to be optimally designed. Below is the video showcasing the simulation in the finalized position.Recommended reading:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/what-is-automated-fiber-placement-afp-in-composites-manufacturing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What is Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) in Composites Manufacturing?</a> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Alo4-TAWrs4?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" id="926036711" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" title="jet engine blade simulation"></iframe> <h2 dir="ltr">Setup your production facility</h2>Setting up your facility for such production used to be very difficult as it would cost millions of dollars and would require the hiring of experts. With the advent of free-to-access software like <a href="https://www.addcomposites.com/addpath" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AddPath</a>, everyone interested in digitally producing composites can join the movement. This virtual production environment provides very critical data for the end-user i.e. material, time, steering/gaps, overlap, feasibility, BOM cost, etc.As a user feels confident in their business case, they can lease the AFP systems to run onto any available robotic arms (e.g., KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, etc.). &nbsp;The lease prices are equivalent to hiring a skilled technician.For more information and knowledge about composites manufacturing, you can find it on <a href="https://www.addcomposites.com/" target="_blank">our website</a> and on the <a href="https://www.addcomposites.com/blogs" target="_blank">&ldquo;Blogs&rdquo;</a> page. If you have further questions, please <a href="https://www.addcomposites.com/contact-us" target="_blank">contact us</a> directly and we are happy to support you.&nbsp;

An air-breathing jet engine (turbofan) is widely used in aircraft propulsion. AFP systems are used for making the fan blades and containment casing for these jet engines. Here step by step process of making a jet engine blade via the AFP process is explained.

How to Produce a Jet Engine Blade via Automated Fiber Placement (AFP)?

Article #2 Altair Startup Series. The URWAHN Bikes success story and how the company has benefited from Advanced Computer Integrated Technology. 

Improving 3D-Printed bicycle structures with Integrated Topology Optimization

This article was discussed in our <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte&source=gmail&ust=1652834752670000&usg=AOvVaw0nokl6Vw0qFseoqBb6ekTp" href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Next Byte podcast</a>.&nbsp;<iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/86de3e57-5b39-45b4-aac4-c0a5d3bb3456?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>The full article will continue below.<hr>Cornell Tech researchers have developed a mixed-reality (XR) driving simulator system that could lower the cost of testing vehicle systems and interfaces, such as the turn signal and dashboard.Through the use of a publicly available headset, virtual objects and events are superimposed into the view of participants driving unmodified vehicles in low-speed test areas, to produce accurate and repeatable data collection about behavioral responses in real-world driving tasks.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUxMTkzMDU0NDA0LTA0MjhfY2FyMV8wLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Doctoral students Frank Bu, left, and David Goedicke, co-authors of the research on the XR-OOM mixed-reality driving simulation system, are pictured outside the Fiat virtual simulation vehicle, inside the Tata Center at Cornell Tech. Lindsay France/Cornell University&nbsp;Doctoral student David Goedicke is lead author of &ldquo;<a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3473682.3480266" target="_blank">XR-OOM: MiXed Reality Driving Simulation With Real Cars For Research and Design</a>,&rdquo; which he will present at the Association for Computing Machinery&rsquo;s <a href="https://chi2022.acm.org/" target="_blank">CHI 2022 conference</a>, April 30-May 5 in New Orleans.The senior author is <a href="https://tech.cornell.edu/people/wendy-ju/" target="_blank">Wendy Ju</a>, associate professor of information science at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech and the Technion, and a member of the information science field at Cornell.&nbsp;Hiroshi Yasuda, human-machine interaction researcher at Toyota Research Institute, also contributed to the study.This work is an offshoot of research Ju&rsquo;s lab conducted in 2018, <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3173574.3173739" target="_blank">which resulted in VR-OOM</a>, a virtual-reality on-road driving simulation program. This current work takes that a step farther, Goedicke said, by combining video of the real world &ndash; known as &ldquo;video pass-through&rdquo; &ndash; in real time, with virtual objects.&ldquo;What you&rsquo;re trying to do is create scenarios,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;You want to feel like you&rsquo;re driving in a car, and the developer wants full control over the scenarios you want to show to a participant. Ultimately, you want to use as much from the real world as you can.&rdquo;This system was built using the Varjo XR-1 Mixed Reality headset, along with the Unity simulation environment, which previous researchers demonstrated could be usable for driving simulation in a moving vehicle. XR-OOM integrates and validates these into a usable driving simulation system that incorporates real-world variables, in real time.&ldquo;One of the issues with traditional simulation testing is that they really only consider the scenarios and situations that the designers thought of,&rdquo; Ju said, &ldquo;so a lot of the important things that happen in the real world don&rsquo;t get captured as part of those experiments. (XR-OOM) increases the ecological validity of our studies, to be able to understand how people are going to behave under really specific circumstances.&rdquo;One challenge with XR versus VR is the faithful rendering of the outside world, Goedicke said. In mixed reality, what&rsquo;s on the video screen needs to precisely match the outside world.&ldquo;In VR, you can trick the brain really easily,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If the horizon doesn&rsquo;t quite match up, for instance, it&rsquo;s not a big problem. Or if you&rsquo;re making a 90-degree turn but it was actually more like 80 degrees, your brain doesn&rsquo;t care all that much. But if you try to do this with mixed reality, where you&rsquo;re incorporating actual elements of the real world, it doesn&rsquo;t work at all.&rdquo;To test the validity of their method, the researchers designed an experiment with three conditions: No headset (Condition A); headset with video pass-through only (Condition B); and headset with video pass-through and virtual objects (Condition C).The participants were asked to perform several stationary tasks, including starting the vehicle, adjusting seat and mirrors, fastening safety belt, and verbally describing which dashboard lights are visible. Participants were also asked to perform several low-speed driving tasks, including left and right turns, slalom navigation and stopping at a line. The drivers in conditions A and B had to navigate around actual physical cones, placed 8 feet apart; those in Condition C saw superimposed cones in their headsets.Most participants successfully completed all cockpit tasks, with most of the failed attempts attributable to unfamiliarity with the vehicle. Most also were successful in the driving tasks, with slalom navigation being most difficult for all, regardless of condition.This success validates the potential, Ju said, of this technology as a low-cost alternative to elaborate facilities for the testing of certain onboard vehicle technologies.&ldquo;This kind of high-resolution, mixed-reality headset is becoming a lot more widely available, so now we&rsquo;re thinking about how to use it for driving experiments,&rdquo; Ju said. &ldquo;More people will be able to take advantage of these things that will be commercially available and inexpensive really soon.&rdquo;Other co-authors included Sam Lee, M.S. &rsquo;21; and doctoral students Alexandra Bremers and Fanjun Bu.

Doctoral student David Goedicke sits behind the wheel of the Fiat virtual simulation vehicle, inside the Tata Center at Cornell Tech. Lindsay France/Cornell University

Cornell Tech researchers have developed a mixed-reality (XR) driving simulator system that could lower the cost of testing vehicle systems and interfaces, such as the turn signal and dashboard.

Mixed-reality driving simulator a low-cost alternative

New Airspeeder EXA pilot Fabio Tischler AKA&nbsp;<a dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRZlHMBsvlwyiodMhPCyuzQ" spellcheck="false" target="_blank">@fabreezy</a>&nbsp;has been training hard in our Speeder flight simulator, in preparation for his first-ever flight test in the field. Simulator training is essential for our pilots to learn Speeder dynamics and flight characteristics ahead of taking the controls in real life.&nbsp;Underpinned by real-life Speeder telemetry data gathered by Alauda Aeronautics during real-life flight testing and recreated in Unreal Engine, in-game physics are ultra-realistic. The simulator is armed with a HOTAS system that will appear in EXA’s ground cockpits and for future Mk4 Speeder cockpits in the main, piloted Airspeeder series.&nbsp;Next up, Fabio will fly a real-life Speeder in Line of Sight (LOS) for the first time.<a dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/simulator" spellcheck="false" target="_blank">#simulator</a>&nbsp;<a dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/flightsim" spellcheck="false" target="_blank">#flightsim</a>&nbsp;<a dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/pilot" spellcheck="false" target="_blank">#pilot</a><hr id="isPasted">Airspeeder is the world’s first racing series for electric flying cars. &nbsp;Our mission will accelerate eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) advanced aviation technology through intense sporting competition. This mobility revolution, underpinned by future tech will transform urban air mobility (UAM), global logistics and even medical applications with a clean-air electric vehicle (EV) solution. &nbsp;Our racing multicopters are developed at our advanced aerospace engineering hub in Adelaide, South Australia by engineers drawn from elite motorsports, automotive, aviation and even FPV drone, electric plane, electric vehicles and passenger drone backgrounds. &nbsp;&nbsp;Airspeeder’s vision will deliver the most exciting and future focused motorsport on the planet. Following an inaugural unmanned season, elite pilots will take to the skies to race prop-to-prop while navigating electronically governed racetracks in the skies above some of the most visually arresting scenery in the world. These manned multirotor electric vehicles will define a new era in advanced air mobility (AAM). &nbsp;Airspeeder’s first unmanned air race is scheduled for 2021 and will feature a full grid of multirotor unmanned Airspeeder Mk3 racing craft. The best pilots from drone racing will utilise latest RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft systems) in aerial battles across the globe. &nbsp;Our innovations will hasten the arrival of new advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies. Close but safe air racing is assured through latest LiDAR and radar technologies that create virtual forcefields around the sport’s cutting edge quadcopter format flying cars. Rapid hair-pin turning manoeuvrability is delivered using a multicopter layout.&nbsp;This pioneering approach to aircraft design also enhances stability while electronic speed control (ESC) systems empower pilots to exploit the full potential of our advanced electric powertrains.&nbsp;<hr>Subscribe to get the inside track on the creation of the future of motorsport and a catalyst for the rapid development of VTOL technologies.Subscribe to Airspeeder channel&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/airspeeder?%E2%80%8B" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/airspeeder?</a>&nbsp;Website |&nbsp;<a dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU0xX05OMWFZRWJKT3VOZlZ3eUp5TVZuWGowZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsaF81UlVOb2o1Y0FROGdXRlFRM255d0xCbGI2SVgyeXUySVNiZVFaQW1iXy1JZUY2dWhjRWItNVJmc3ZzZzNqOXEtay1HS3hhZnZuSWxIUjJRNmRkalN2eUtyN0c2LWdKZWxLMmhYZmstSktzTG54cw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fairspeeder.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://airspeeder.com</a>Twitter |&nbsp;<a dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTlmYmxkU20taWUwZ0xYSW1zVlRfMXJQVkNwd3xBQ3Jtc0tsRnhwZGNLSXFtSFQ4MXBLR1U3Q1VTaUZTS2xScFFMTEZNcGpRLUs4cUxFcGUwbXEzREw3RklHX1ZvLUZTODVnQ255Q01TQm85dHBFTWpqaWV2a2tiZGhwam1iV0RMNWtoazAzZm0wcXF0NjN4RDBoUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2FairspeederHQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.twitter.com/airspeederHQ</a>&nbsp;Facebook | &nbsp;<a dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1J0Y3ZTV1ZWRjFoV05DaXd6VXRtbXdaZVhfZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttSG4zZkhrakFUcktTMGVqd1ZSZFNjN3hkZmYtb29IQVJiZWduaWhsbklqVVMxUlMxUmdmMTVUb2ZoYW9tZkZlMDR6MkVHMFlZQkdJT2d5enFsRzcwaDZ4S3lxZW11TVZQNlVrV0cwUmd5aFdyc2k4Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fairspeeder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/airspeeder</a>&nbsp;Instagram |&nbsp;<a dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkpBQlFKZ1ZuREFSbFJ3RW93VUJWa1dpMk14QXxBQ3Jtc0tucGwyQ2FFRUlwY09UcU5UNk5qZjRwOFJtanpCdmlRYXdtS25PekdHZkc4VEJVVWFZeHYtb2dwa2hOc28yOENQNkNoNGhQTnRBUFI5N0hzMUZJa2NVVTlLRnJRNXdRYXk0amcyMVhZSEVnbmVvNkZaSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fairspeeder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/airspeeder</a>

New Airspeeder EXA pilot Fabio Tischler AKA @fabreezy has been training hard in our Speeder flight simulator, in preparation for his first-ever flight test in the field.

How to Learn to Fly a Racing eVTOL in the Simulator - Fabio Tischler

About the sponsorSlingshot Simulations is on a mission to enable anyone, anywhere to unleash the power of advanced data science to tackle the biggest challenges we face today – sustainability, climate resilience, decarbonisation, and more.&nbsp;You can test their community version of Compass: EngineTM Graph Technology Platform-as-a-Service for free <a href="https://hubs.la/Q014gDYy0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!<hr>It was British mathematician and consumer insights guru Clive Humby who coined the phrase ‘data is the new oil’. Since he first uttered those prophetic words back in 2006, data has become one of the most valuable commodities available to businesses worldwide. So much so that Indian billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani and others have likened data now to be more like oxygen than oil. No longer simply a fuel, it has become an existential necessity for organisations.&nbsp;Its value is illustrated by some truly incredible numbers. The year 2020 saw the amount of data created reach a new high, with that expected to grow to more than 180 zettabytes by 2025. To put that figure into context, just one zettabyte is enough to store 30 billion 4K movies, 60 billion video games, or 7.5 trillion MP3s.&nbsp;From the sophisticated algorithms of tech giants like Google and Facebook, to the more modest special offers and questionnaires being emailed out by the local coffee shop, acquiring and interpreting data has become a vital component of the way organisations operate. &nbsp;It stands to reason then, that with so much to be gained by acquiring data, it would be a monumental waste of time, opportunity and money for an organisation to let it slip through their fingers. But when it comes to dark data, that is exactly what is happening.&nbsp;<h2>Data vs actionable information</h2>Information is vital to organisations for a whole range of reasons, from marketing and customer retention, to compliance, resource monitoring, fraud prevention and performance monitoring - but it has to be made actionable.&nbsp;Data, in essence, is simply raw information – often something as simple as numbers – and it is harvested like never before. But it is useless unless it is collected and stored in a way that enables it to be interpreted further down the line. Only by interpreting that data can it be used to inform an organisation’s decisions.&nbsp;But first, that data needs to be collected. Organisations often invest heavily in acquiring that data, yet they are often sitting on a goldmine of untapped data resources which they may not know they have.With advances in technology such as digital twins, artificial intelligence and machine learning moving from the lab into mainstream use, the need to harness that unutilised operational data is becoming even more vital to business success. &nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQ1NDM5MzYxMjUyLXZyLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Image 1: Organisations are often sitting on untapped data resources which can be utilized and engaged with via new interfaces such as VR.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">What is dark data?</h2>Much as physicists believe most of the universe is made up of invisible ‘dark matter’, so is most of the data in an organisation made up of the equally invisible ‘dark data’. Dark data is essentially the information an organisation acquires during its regular, day-to-day activities but does not utilise for other purposes, for example, analysing customer behaviour or informing direct marketing campaigns. The figures are huge. Much like most of an iceberg is below the water, most of an organisation’s data is dark. IBM estimates it to be as high as 80 per cent.&nbsp;<h3>The impact of dark data&nbsp;</h3>In a world where every bit of information is precious, not utilising any of it can have an impact on an organisation in terms of lost insights and revenue, while proving a barrier to innovation and the refinement of existing processes.&nbsp;Gaps in data are a source of concern to companies. IDC found that even though companies value data discovery and integrity, between 30%-50% of organisations said they were not satisfied with the way they currently used data. This is having a big impact on existing industries and nascent ones, which are due for significant growth, but could be heavily encumbered by a lack of data.&nbsp;A report by McKinsey for example, found that most Internet of Things (IoT) data is not used and gave the example of an oil rig that has 30,000 sensors, but on average only 1% of that data is examined. This is because the information is mostly used to detect and control anomalies rather than for optimization and prediction. For an industry with such growth potential – the same report predicts IoT could account for up to $11.1 trillion (11%) of the world economy by 2025 – the potential implications for lost revenue and innovation, as well as gaps in safety and compliance, are huge.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQ1NDM5NDY1NDg3LW9pbCByaWcuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Image 2: Data from infrastructure such as oil rigs is drastically underutilized.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">The importance of ESG data</h2>It is not just operational effectiveness, safety, and revenue which data plays a crucial role in, but also compliance and ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance). ESG has become increasingly vital in recent years and that importance has only been sped up during the Covid pandemic and the heightened focus on the environment.&nbsp;A company may want to do the right thing – it may already be doing the right thing – but it also needs the data to prove it, because how an organisation is able to report on and prove its adherence to ESG, impacts on investment opportunities and consumer choice.&nbsp;According to research by Ernst &amp; Young, 90% of investors surveyed said that since the pandemic they attach greater importance to corporates’ ESG performance when it comes to their investment strategy and decision-making. A total of 86% percent of investors surveyed said that a corporate having a strong ESG programme and performance would have a ‘significant and direct impact’ on analyst recommendations.This was further reinforced at the recent 26th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP26) the IFRS Foundation - which oversees accounting standards in more than 140 countries - announced the formation of an International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).&nbsp;ISSB will sit alongside International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), but whereas the latter oversees financial transparency, ISSB is responsible for transparency of sustainability practices. In essence, the move gave equal weight to the importance of being able to demonstrate both financial and sustainability credentials. The IFRS said international investors with global portfolios wanted transparent and reliable reporting by companies on matters relating to the environment, society, climate, and governance. Countries such as the UK have already said it will put ISSB at the centre of its own sustainability reporting requirements.Consumers too are also watching ESG closely. A report from The Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by WWF, revealed a 71% rise in global online searches for sustainable goods over the past five years.&nbsp;As well as the loss of data which can assist in climate change compliance, the storing of dark data has a more urgent, real-world impact on the environment. Veritas estimated that 6.4m tons1 of CO2 will be unnecessarily pumped into the atmosphere as a result of powering storage of dark data.&nbsp;The implications are clear, being able to gather ESG data is crucial both now and in the future. The idea of up to 80 per cent of it being contained on company servers but not actionable shows the huge potential for waste.&nbsp;<h3>Solutions</h3>So what are the solutions for transforming useless dark data into actionable insights that enable organisations to thrive and get ahead? Technology is key, with innovations such as digital twinning and graph technology playing a central role in turning data into actionable insights.&nbsp;Graph technology is predicted by Gartner to be one of the five most impactful, emerging technologies of the coming year and will be a critical enabler to smart cities and improved productivity.&nbsp;Graph data technologies enable the relationship between data to be examined, rather than simply the data itself which can become siloed and fall into the trap of becoming dark. It enables an organisation to make sense of how data connects different organisations, transactions or people, providing models which allow that connectedness of data to be explored in detail.&nbsp;One example is social media marketing. Graph data can provide insights on how influencers ‘influence’ through social media platforms by analysing how data moves between them and their followers. While the theory underpinning the technology has been around for decades, the computational power needed to make it work effectively is only now being realised, making it a potential game-changer for the problem of dark data and its application in scientific and engineering fields - those industries that will shape the future of our health and environment in the years to come.&nbsp;<h3>Barriers&nbsp;</h3>So if there are solutions, like graph technology, to solving the problem of dark data, why are organisations reticent when it comes to taking action?A study by Ernst and Young found the principal barriers were:<ul><li dir="ltr">Too much data</li><li dir="ltr">Lack of skills</li><li dir="ltr">Lack of collaboration and sharing</li></ul>Their research found that 32% of the corporate respondents they surveyed admitted to being overwhelmed by data, while 50% said they had concerns about poor data, while the same percentage also had concerns over ROI.&nbsp;More broadly, one of the problems is that, despite the vital importance of data science, so few organisations have dedicated data science teams which can be vital to interpreting complex information. Without these in-house skills, traditional more complex data science approaches and tools cannot be deployed widely across the organisation.These data science experts are in high demand and can command large salaries, recruiting and retaining them can pose challenging for some companies.&nbsp;There are also both cultural and operational issues to consider around data sharing and collaboration. Sharing data has been anathema to some businesses, not only externally but internally too, with siloed ways of working has prevented cross-collaboration between departments. Sharing externally has also brought concerns about privacy and data loss.&nbsp;But emerging technology such as Blockchain mean that companies will be able to better manage how they share data with much greater confidence. Awareness of the solutions is also a potential barrier. Technology such as graph data and digital twinning are not always on the radar of some organisations, despite the major impact they can have.<h2>Conclusions</h2>It is clear that despite the soaring importance of data to revenue, operations, compliance and reputation, many organisations are suffering due to a lack of being able to harness what they already have right at their fingertips.&nbsp;Data is collected all the time but if it is simply sitting there on servers doing nothing, it is not only contributing to climate change and waste, but also depriving the organisation or potential opportunities to advance and innovate - and grow.&nbsp;New technological innovations which help make sense of that dark data and turn it into actionable, insightful information without the need for whole departments of data scientists are the key to eliminating this wasted potential.&nbsp;<h2>About the sponsor: Slingshot Simulations</h2><a href="https://hubs.la/Q014gDYy0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slingshot Simulations</a> is on a mission to enable anyone, anywhere to unleash the power of advanced data science to tackle the biggest challenges we face today – sustainability, climate resilience, decarbonisation, and more. Their technology removes the barriers to entry of cost, usability and domain expertise.&nbsp;The community version of <a href="https://hubs.la/Q014gDYy0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Compass: EngineTM Graph Technology Platform-as-a-Service</a> is freely available. Its no-code environment supported by automated workflows and an intuitive user experience make it fast and easy to use, even by non-data scientists. Apps and extensions integrate our solution into your technology stack and tools of choice. What data will you make “intelligence ready” today?<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/slingshotsimulations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow us on social media.&nbsp;</a><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQ1NDM5MjIzNDg0LWJhbm5lciBib3R0b20gYXJ0aWNsZS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">

How technology can transform dark data into actionable insights.

Bridging The Time And Intelligence Chasm

The relevance and importance of lightweighting continue to increase as governments ramp up their sustainability efforts and the use of advanced manufacturing technologies (particularly additive manufacturing) becomes more commonplace.“Doing more, with less” is the primary purpose of lightweighting, but the benefits of lightweighting extend beyond material reduction. A lighter design can reap numerous benefits during the design phase and when the final product is in use.This article will explore some of the most notable benefits of lightweighting across various applications. But first, let’s take a closer look at what lightweighting is and its relevance today.<h2 id="isPasted">What is Lightweighting?</h2>Lightweighting refers to removing material from an assembly or part to reduce its weight. This goal can be achieved in one of two ways:<ul><li>Material substitution: This involves replacing traditional materials with alternative lightweight materials, that maintain a sufficient strength-to-weight ratio, to deliver incremental gains</li><li>Design changes: This involves making fundamental changes to the design that deliver more extensive performance gains</li></ul>Lightweighting is useful where there is any motion associated with a product.All motion needs energy, whether exerted by an engine, a person, or an actuator — the less energy required to generate the appropriate motion, the more efficient the product.Automobiles, trains, rockets, and planes are the most obvious lightweighting use cases, but lightweighting also applies to consumer products, medical devices, and various other products.<h2>Evolving Lightweighting Targets</h2>Lightweighting is often described as “trending,” primarily because it has gained increased attention in recent years due to significant advancements in lightweighting technologies. But is lightweighting a new concept? Absolutely not.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1644630413597-Screen-Shot-2022-01-26-at-9.11.19-PM.png" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Lattice structures are a light yet strong alternative to traditional materials that can provide additional benefits — like increased impact absorption or vibration control.&nbsp;Lightweighting and the use of lightweight materials have been a requirement of manufacturing ever since humans began to manufacture. However, one might describe lightweighting as an evolving term.What we once considered to be “light” has quickly become old news. And this trend will continue, arguably indefinitely, as our manufacturing capabilities advance.This means that lightweighting will always be relevant but that the nature of its relevance may change as our requirements change. So why is lightweighting important today?<h2>Why Does Lightweighting Matter Today?</h2><h3>Additive Manufacturing</h3>Lightweighting is a requirement for additive production because of its part in ensuring cost-efficiency. But it is also facilitated by additive manufacturing.Additive manufacturing enables engineers to create lightweight structures that would be impossible to create with alternative processes. The evolution of industrial additive manufacturing today — combined with <a href="https://ntopology.com/generative-design-guide/" target="_blank">generative design</a> — unlocks many new lightweighting opportunities.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1644630483919-ezgif-3-3bc386e64b.gif" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Custom 3D printed cast created in nTopology — these lightweight casts provide increased patient comfort and are more hygienic&nbsp;<h3 id="isPasted">Sustainability</h3>Taking steps to minimize the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly important for governments worldwide, particularly as awareness of global environmental concerns grows. This puts increased pressure on designers and manufacturers across every industry to reduce their carbon emissions and create products that are more environmentally friendly.Lightweighting is integral to improving the sustainability of manufacturing processes because it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, the amount of waste sent to landfills, and the use of finite resources. It also improves energy efficiency by reducing the energy consumed by mining and processing materials.<h3>Electric Vehicles (EVs)</h3>Making the shift from manual vehicles to EVs is a priority for many countries, as part of their sustainability goals, and it is expected that there will be a significant increase in EVs in the coming years.In 2021, the UK confirmed that it will require all vehicles to be “zero-emissions capable” by 2035. California has similar intentions and will require all <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/24/22691410/california-autonomous-vehicles-zero-emission-2030-newsom" target="_blank">light-duty autonomous vehicles</a> to emit zero greenhouse gas emissions from 2030.However, despite many EV models being available to consumers, uptake has been slow, in part because many of the more affordable vehicles lack the range to accommodate lengthy journeys. Lightweighting is crucial to reducing the weight of automotive components, which can considerably improve the range of EVs.<h2>Benefits of Lightweighting</h2><h3>Improved Performance</h3>Lightweight components typically offer performance advantages. The most obvious example of this is in the automotive industry. The vehicle lightweighting process can improve maneuverability, acceleration, and carrying and mileage capacity.Lighter vehicles also experience reduced component wear and tear, and usually offer better fuel economy. For instance, a 10% reduction in vehicle weight can result in a <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/lightweight-materials-cars-and-trucks" target="_blank">6%-8% improvement in fuel economy</a>.In aerospace, reducing the structural weight of an aircraft can improve efficiency. The Boeing 787, for example, was made 20% lighter, which increased fuel economy by <a href="https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/pub/features/articles/33914" target="_blank">10-12%</a>. In the case of the Boeing 787-9, which burns approximately <a href="https://www.traveller.com.au/how-fuel-efficient-are-modern-commercial-aircraft-compared-with-cars-h1gc84#:~:text=A%20Boeing%20787%2D9%20burns,equates%20to%20600%20litres%2F100km.&text=A%20fully%20loaded%20787%2D9,litres%20per%20passenger%20per%20hour." target="_blank">5,400 litres of fuel per hour</a>, a 10-12% improvement in fuel economy amounts to 540-650 litres saved per hour.<h3>Superior Products</h3>In the consumer products industry, lightweighting can give organizations a competitive edge by delivering significant ergonomic, sustainability, and performance advantages.For instance, the <a href="https://www.ehtrend.com.br/en/pages/311837/carbon-fiber-tennis-racket-market-is-likely-to-experience-a-tremendous.html" target="_blank">global Carbon Fiber Tennis Racket market</a> is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate between 2021 and 2027, as athletes become more aware of the several advantages of using lightweight and sustainable materials like carbon fiber to design tennis rackets.Not only do carbon composites deliver an improved strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the rackets to be lighter, but they also enable the distribution of weight around the racket to be managed much more precisely.<h3>Expanded Product Functionality</h3>Lightweighting allows engineers to design products of a certain weight but with expanded functionality. For instance, there is significant demand in the automotive industry for modern vehicles to be made with larger cabins without increasing their weight.Expanded product functionality is also likely to afford companies a notable competitive edge in the market.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1644630509768-Screen-Shot-2022-01-26-at-9.20.49-PM.png" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">3D printed car seat — this design is both lightweight and allows for additional cushion customization (Source: Digital Trends)<h3 id="isPasted">Improved Ergonomics</h3>In many industries, the lighter an item, the more ergonomic it is. Lighter sports equipment like hockey sticks, for instance, reduce athlete fatigue and can improve their performance and comfort.Improved ergonomics is also pertinent to the medical devices industry, where the user’s comfort can directly impact their performance, and the stakes are especially high.<h3>Reduced Manufacturing Costs</h3>Lighter parts typically require less material, which reduces the costs associated with material purchase and manufacturing.44.3% of costs in the manufacturing sector are material costs. This means that a 10% lighter design reduces the manufacturing cost on average by more than 4%.These figures demonstrate that a slight decrease in the amount of material required for a design can result in considerable cost savings when the product is manufactured at scale.<h3>Improved Fuel Economy</h3>The potential to improve fuel economy is perhaps the most cited lightweighting benefit. In the automotive industry, if you were to reduce vehicle weight by just 10%, you can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%.In the aerospace industry, removing 1 kilogram of material from an airplane can save 106 kilograms of jet fuel each year and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1644630601650-Screen-Shot-2022-01-26-at-9.23.06-PM.png" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">KW Generator created in nTopology for aerospace application — housing weight reduced by 44%&nbsp;<h3 id="isPasted">Reduced Transportation &amp; Packaging Costs</h3>Lighter alternatives typically cost less to package and transport, because fewer packaging materials are required to ensure the product’s safety in transit.Products with lower overall weight also improve safety, because they are easier to handle, which can be important for heavy equipment — like this 3-foot long cast robot arm.<h3>Improved Sustainability</h3>The reduction in environmental impact achieved by applying lightweighting technology can be significant. Lighter components minimize waste, the use of finite resources, and energy consumption during the manufacturing process — ultimately driving down carbon footprint and improving energy savings.Intelligent and strategic lightweighting design presents invaluable opportunities for the future of sustainability initiatives. The part it plays in optimizing electric vehicles for mass use and reducing the environmental footprint of air travel, for example, is critical.<h2>Choosing the Right Tool For Lightweighting</h2>Maximizing the advantages of lightweighting requires a specialist solution. nTopology is the only engineering design software that enables engineers to combine the various lightweighting techniques — such as topology optimization, latticing, and conformal ribbing — in a streamlined, repeatable, and efficient way.For lightweighting purposes, nTopology is quite simply unmatched. Leading companies worldwide depend on it to develop revolutionary products in the automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer products industries.<hr>This case study was first published on the&nbsp;<a href="https://ntopology.com/blog/2022/01/27/8-lightweighting-benefits-in-manufacturing-engineering/" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nTopology blog</a>.

Lightweighting isn’t a new concept in engineering, but its relevance and importance are evolving. Find out why lightweighting matters today and how you can maximize its potential benefits by applying the latest developments in engineering design technology.

8 Lightweighting Benefits in Manufacturing & Engineering

Structural optimization is an essential part of the design process while engineering hardware products. As a designer, you have to make tradeoffs to balance multiple design objectives, including cost, materials, and manufacturing constraints.Luckily, the fundamental design tools in an engineer’s arsenal are very similar whether you’re designing products for additive manufacturing or a traditional process. They include modeling techniques like latticing, shelling, perforation patterns, ribbing, and simulation-based methods, like topology optimization.The following design tips will help you tackle your design optimization problems. You will also find links to video demos and tutorials throughout the article to show you how to apply these techniques.<h2 id="isPasted">#1 Use the “shell &amp; infill” method as the benchmark</h2>The “shell &amp; infill” approach is one of the most common ways to reduce the weight of non-critical parts for additive manufacturing. It applies to any 3D printing process — from extrusion-based technologies and resin 3D printing to metal and polymer powder bed fusion.The shell bears the majority of the loads, while the internal lattice provides extra stiffness and reduces the likelihood of failures during manufacturing.Despite its simplicity, the “shell and infill” method is very effective and should always be your starting point — especially when you need to preserve the external shape of your part. It is commonly used in additive manufacturing production and can lead to a <a href="https://ntopology.com/case-studies/dmg-mori-robot-end-effector/" target="_blank">weight reduction of more than 60%</a>,<blockquote>Pro Tip: Don’t forget to add holes or openings for powder removal or resin evacuation.</blockquote><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQzNjc0NTE1NTQ4LURNRy1NT1JJLWxpZ2h0d2VpdGhpbmctcHJvY2Vzcy5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">This key component of DMG MORI’s industrial automation robotic system was redesigned using the “shell &amp; infill” approach — it is 62% lighter and has 60% fewer components than the initial design.<h2 id="isPasted">#2 Vary the thickness of a shell using simulation data</h2>For structural components, varying the thickness of the shell ensures that stresses can remain within the safe limit at critical locations without adding unnecessary material throughout the part. There are two main ways to create a refined shell of variable thickness.One way is to manually assign a thickness to each surface of your part, thicken them separately and then combine them using a boolean operation.Alternatively, you can run a structural analysis on your original part — for example, a static analysis — and then use the results to create a shell that smoothly transitions between two predefined levels of thickness; thicker where stresses are high and thinner where stresses are low.Here’s a video that shows you how to apply step-by-step <a href="https://ntopology.com/videos/video/ntop-live-automotive-lightweighting-beyond-topology-optimization/" target="_blank">simulation-driven variable shelling</a> Field-Driven Design.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQzNjc0NTYwODM4LUxpZ2h0d2VpZ2h0LUF1dG9tb3RpdmUtQnJhY2tldC1WYXJpYWJsZS1TaGVsbC0xMDI0eDU1Ny5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">This automotive bracket was first topology optimized and then shelled to improve its crashworthiness — a static analysis is driving the thickness of the shell wall.&nbsp;<h2 id="isPasted">#3 Create a graded lattice driven by topology optimization</h2>You can also use a similar <a href="https://ntopology.com/field-driven-design/" target="_blank">field-driven design</a> approach to control other design elements. In the example below, the results of topology optimization on this ALCOA bracket were used to drive the thickness of the internal lattice.This hybrid approach combines the benefits of the “shell &amp; lattice” approach (easy manufacturability, compliance to an external shape, and so on) while grasping some of the high stiffness-to-weight ratios of topology optimization.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQzNjc0NjI5OTk3LWxhdHRpY2UtZHJpdmVuLWJ5LXRvcG9sb2d5LW9wdGltaXphdGlvbi5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The topology optimization results were used to drive the thickness of the internal lattice of this ALCOA aircraft bracket.&nbsp;<h2 id="isPasted">#4 Let simulation inform your lattice selection</h2>There are multiple variables that you should consider when designing a lattice structure — unit cell type, cell size, beam or wall thickness, cell map orientation, and so on.An iterative simulation-driven approach is the fastest and cheapest way to make the best design decision. There are three main methods that you can use to simulate a lattice.<h3>FE-based simulation</h3>A finite element analysis will provide the most accurate results, but it is 10x to 60x times more time-intensive than the other methods.<h3>Beam-based simulation</h3>An FE simulation that uses only beam elements will provide quick and (relatively) accurate results — but it’s not an option for TPMS lattices (like gyroids) or plate-based lattices (like hexagonal honeycombs).<h3>Homogenization</h3>This is the quickest method to approximate the behavior of a lattice-based on the geometry of a single unit cell. However, it is the least accurate for smaller lattices with less than a few hundred unit cells.<blockquote>Pro Tip: Run a small computational Design of Experiments first using beam elements or homogenization and then run a detailed FE analysis — or a test print — to validate the results.</blockquote><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQzNjc0NjYzNTk4LWxhdHRpY2UtZGVzaWduLXdpdGgtc2ltdWxhdGlvbi0xMDI0eDY2NSAoMSkuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The lattice of this bracket was optimized following an interactive design process that was automated using scripting in nTopCL.<h2 id="isPasted">#5 Perform a sensitivity analysis for “optimum” topology optimization</h2>Speaking of topology optimization, here’s something that you should never forget:<blockquote>The results of topology optimization are only as good as the boundary conditions used to produce them.</blockquote>There are many knobs to turn when running an analysis using topology optimization. Despite the name, not all results are equally optimal. For this reason, running a sensitivity analysis to tweak important input parameters is always a good idea.For example, when you apply different <a href="https://ntopology.com/videos/video/ntop-live-topology-optimization-boundary-penalty-for-truly-optimal-results/" target="_blank">boundary penalties</a> or <a href="https://ntopology.com/videos/video/ntop-live-stress-constraint-for-topology-optimization/" target="_blank">stress constraints</a>, the outcome of the optimization process will perform differently on important performance metrics.<h2>#6 Add perforations to traditionally manufactured parts</h2>Perforations patterns are holes of circular (or other) cross-sections on the surface of a part. In the context of lightweighting, perforation patterns can be a powerful tool when designing parts for traditional technologies — like CNC machining or injection molding.Compared to the other lightweighting design techniques, perforation patterns may seem simplistic. However, they can lead to significant weight reduction while providing superior stiffness, vibration resistance, and fatigue strength.For example, this <a href="https://ntopology.com/webinars/webinar/advanced-topology-optimization-for-aerospace-dynamic-analysis-manufacturability-cost/" target="_blank">aircraft elevator bracket</a> is 40% lighter than the original design, while its topology optimized counterpart is 68% lighter. However, the maximum displacement and stress of the bracket with the hexagonal perforation patterns are respectively 10x and 3x lower than the pure topology optimization result.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQzNjc0NzAxMDkwLWFpcmNyYWZ0LWVsZXZldG9yLWJyYWNrZXQtaGV4LXBlcmZvcmF0aW9ucy0xMDI0eDU3Ni5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">This aircraft elevator bracket combines hexagonal perforation patterns with topology optimization and can be manufactured using CNC machining.&nbsp;<h3 id="isPasted">#7 Apply a rib grid to reinforce thin-walled parts</h3>Rib grids conform to a surface of thin-walled parts and increase their stiffness and resistance to buckling and bending. Rib grids find widespread use in aerospace components, as well as plastic injection molded parts or metal casts or forgings. There are four main variations of rib grids.<h3>Isogrids</h3>Isogrid ribs use a triangular pattern that increases the structure’s stiffness isotropically, distributing the load evenly and efficiently. For this reason, they are prevalent in aerospace applications.<h3>Orthogrids</h3>Orthogrid ribs use a square or rectangular pattern that is lighter and can provide anisotropic support. They are more common in non-critical applications.<h3>Honeycomb grids</h3>Honeycomb rib grids use a hexagonal pattern to create stiff structures. They are commonly used in sandwich structures, or injection molded parts to avoid warping.<h3>Voronoi ribs</h3>Voronoi rib grids create an organic-looking grid based on random points. Because of their unique aesthetics, Voronoi ribs find applications mainly in industrial design and consumer hardware. They are also more common in 3D printed products.<blockquote>Pro Tip:&nbsp;Think of rib grids as a lattice that conforms to a surface. You can use the same techniques to manipulate either a volume lattice or a rib grid.</blockquote>The example below shows an injection molded part. <a href="https://ntopology.com/videos/video/ntop-live-topology-optimization-of-injection-molded-car-pedal-ribs/" target="_blank">The distribution or direction of triangular ribs</a> was modified based on topology optimization results to generate this complex rib pattern.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1643674759610-ribs-driven-by-topology-optimization-1024x531.jpg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The distribution of ribs on this motorcycle swing arm was guided by a topology optimization study.&nbsp;<h2 id="isPasted">Key Takeaways</h2>Structural and multidisciplinary optimization combines computer methods and simulation with the designer’s experience and engineering knowledge. Through smart design, you can create a finished product that is lighter and has higher efficiency, reliability, and overall quality.Here are the three main takeaways to get you started:<ol><li>When designing for additive, begin with a simple “shell and infill” as your benchmark.</li><li>Use topology optimization and simulation data to drive key design variables and refine your design.</li><li>Perforation patterns and ribs are especially useful when designing for traditional manufacturing.</li></ol><hr>This case study was first published on the&nbsp;<a href="https://ntopology.com/blog/2022/01/26/design-tips-structural-optimization-lightweighting/" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nTopology blog</a>.

The lattice of this bracket was optimized following an interactive design process that was automated using scripting in nTopCL.

Lightweighting means more than just reducing mass. Through smart design techniques, you can maximize product functionality and minimize costs. Here are seven design tips for efficient structural design.

7 Design Tips for Structural Optimization & Lightweighting

This is the fourth of <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/simulation-driven-design-the-secret-to-better-products-in-less-time" target="_blank">five articles</a> in a series about simulation tools sponsored by Altair. Altair is hosting the free virtual global event,&nbsp;<a href="https://hubs.ly/H0-wpBD0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Don&#39;t Be Late To Simulate</a>&nbsp;on November 30, 2021: 2:00 p.m. (Paris) and at 8:00 a.m. (New York). &nbsp;As part of the program, Altair&rsquo;s director of global business development manager, and applications engineer Ujwal Patnaik and Chris Sambell will present the one-hour workshop: The Role of Simulation From Concept Development to Final Design. They will use the example of a belt-sander to demonstrate the many ways simulation can be used to optimize and improve the design process, leading to more efficient products and reducing time to market.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">The new paradigm of product development</h3>While most product design companies plan new product road maps with a customer-centric approach, many products still fail in the market. Common reasons for this failure include:&nbsp;<ul><li dir="ltr">New products evolve from customers&#39; functional requirements but are often compromised with strict time-to-market timelines.</li><li dir="ltr">Products are becoming more complex, and product teams do not have time to innovate, which may lead to mediocre product design or over-design.</li><li dir="ltr">In the product development cycle, teams may struggle to have the expertise to run simulation - missing out on valuable insights.</li><li dir="ltr">Because of a lack of simulation experts, some companies only use simulation to validate designs after most product choices have been determined explicitly or implicitly, leading to product failures or products with manufacturing defects.</li></ul>Product teams see the benefits of incorporating simulation into their design process in three key areas:<ul><li dir="ltr">Time-to-Market. Research has shown that 72% of products created with simulation meet product launch date targets, versus only 50% of products for non-simulation users. 1</li><li dir="ltr">Cost. Simulation assists in meeting costs in both design and manufacturing. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">Quality. Companies that have switched to an incorporated simulation report a 27% increase in meeting quality targets.&nbsp;</li></ul>In the <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0-wpBD0" target="_blank">upcoming workshop</a>, engineers from Altair will go through the product engineering of a belt sander using the Altair Inspire and Altair SimLab products.&nbsp;<h4 dir="ltr">Multiphysics Simulation with Altair</h4><a href="https://www.altair.com/inspire/" target="_blank">Inspire</a> enables design engineers to create, modify, and defeature solid models quickly, enabling the creation, optimization, and study of innovative, structurally efficient parts and assemblies. The software assists both simulation analysts and designers to perform what-if studies faster, easier, but most critically earlier, encouraging collaboration and reducing product time to market.<a href="https://www.altair.com/simlab/" target="_blank">SimLab</a> is a process-oriented multidisciplinary simulation environment to analyze the performance of complex assemblies. Multiple physics, including structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics, can be easily set up using automated modeling tasks, helping to reduce the time spent creating finite element models and interpreting results.&nbsp;<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM3NjU3MDA3ODQ4LUlNQUdFIDUtMDEgKDQpLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Simulation reduces the design cycle length.</div><h3 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Using Simulation From Concept Development to Final Design: Workshop</h3>A belt sander is used in shaping and finishing wood and other materials. It&rsquo;s a complex tool that has an electric motor that turns a pair of drums on which a continuous loop of the sandpaper smoothes the surface. While a very practical object, the design must also consider aesthetics and ergonomics, as well as user comfort by controlling noise and vibration levels. There are many steps to the design and simulation plays a critical role in not only designing an efficient and desirable product but is used to test manufacturing possibilities, durability, and safety.&nbsp;A belt sander has a lot of plastic parts in the casing and handle. It&#39;s important to ensure that these parts of the belt sander are within the range of the required dimensions and that the resulting design can be effectively and efficiently manufactured. To achieve this, the first step is to conduct a concept design analysis of the belt sander external housing and optimize the internal rib pattern to improve stiffness and reduce weight.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM3NjU2NDE0NzkzLUJlbHRfU2FuZGVyX0dSSVQxMl80S19BQjAyIHNtb2wucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Later in the process, the optimized design will go through the manufacturing process with a filling, packing, cooling, and warpage analysis. A material characterization (short fibers) is also completed to conduct stress analysis and detail validation studies. This battery of tests includes drop tests, &nbsp;3-point bending, and fluid dynamic analysis to interrogate the product&#39;s cooling ability. In this test, the conjugate heat transfer is tested while the motor is in function to clearly understand the cooling and heating cycle of this product. Once it satisfies all the design &amp; validation requirements, you have a belt sander ready to manufacture.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1637656802209-ezgif.com-gif-maker+%282%29.gif" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The workshop will go into detail about how to resolve the above challenges and will also &nbsp;showcase a few additional benefits, including:<ul><li dir="ltr">Identifying the right simulation tool for the right job</li><li dir="ltr">Simulation continuity&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">Unified interface for multiple physics.</li></ul>The workshop is part of the global virtual event, <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0-wpBD0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Don&rsquo;t Be Late To Simulate</a> on November 30. Register to secure your place in the workshop and check out the full list of speakers on the <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0-wpBD0" target="_blank">event page</a>.&nbsp;This is the fourth of <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/simulation-driven-design-the-secret-to-better-products-in-less-time" target="_blank">five articles</a> in a series about simulation tools. The series covers case studies on using simulation in product design and explores the applications of multiphysics simulation.&nbsp;Article #1 is about <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/simulation-driven-design-the-secret-to-better-products-in-less-time" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how simulation tools improve the development process, enabling engineers to deliver better products in less time.</a>Article #2 <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/why-cad-based-simulation-can-become-a-game-of-cat-and-mouse" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">demonstrates w</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/why-cad-based-simulation-can-become-a-game-of-cat-and-mouse" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hy CAD-based Simulation Can Become a Game of Cat and Mouse.</a>Article #3 is for <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/pressing-for-change-at-atna" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">advanced simulation tools that helped this German startup design a press machine that plays a role in reducing carbon emissions.</a>Article #5 speaks for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/an-engineers-guide-to-multiphysics-modeling-real-world-behaviour-and-predicting-performance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">advances in software and increased access to inexpensive compute power means more and more engineers can use Multiphysics analysis to improve their design processes.</a><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">About the sponsor: Altair</h2>Altair is a global technology company, which provides software and cloud solutions in the areas of simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), and artificial intelligence (AI). Altair enables organizations in nearly every industry to compete more effectively in a connected world while creating a more sustainable future. &nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM3NjU3MTc1NDg4LWxvZ28gYmFubmVyLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <h2>References and further reading</h2><ol><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aberdeen.com/featured/meeting-manufacturing-business-goals-multiphysics-simulation/" target="_blank">https://www.aberdeen.com/featured/meeting-manufacturing-business-goals-multiphysics-simulation/</a></li></ol>

Article #4 of our simulation series. This article previews a workshop that will take place at the Don’t be Late to Simulate event on November 30. 

Simulation-driven design for product engineers

<a href="https://www.atna-solutions.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ATNA Industrial Solutions</a> GmbH started as a spin-off of the German Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg (TU Freiberg) following a research project funded by the German program EXIST for business startups. As part of this two-year project, four engineers developed a new hydraulic press machine for briquetting &ndash; a technology compressing material into solid shapes/ briquettes &ndash; and built their first prototype.&nbsp;The success of this prototype, which delivered high quality at a high throughput, inspired the team to start ATNA &ndash; a startup with the vision to revolutionize briquetting by building better and more efficient briquetting presses. The concept of briquetting has become popular for various raw materials (wood, straw, coal) and waste materials (sludge, PU foam, plastic shreds) and so the demand for flexible and efficient pressing machines is high.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">The Challenge</h2>The demand for biomass briquetting is steadily increasing as the use of brown coal fuel is being dramatically reduced to meet CO2 emission targets in the near future. Many big plants across Europe will stop producing brown coal briquettes by the end of 2022. To address this trend and growing demand for alternative fuel options, ATNA set out to develop a new generation of briquetting presses.&nbsp;While conventional briquetting presses such as the roller press achieve high throughputs, they have limitations in producing high-quality briquettes of difficult raw material. On the other hand, conventional hydraulic presses can achieve a high quality, but deliver only a low throughput. &nbsp;ATNA&rsquo;s goal was to design an improved hydraulic press which can achieve the high throughput of a roller press while delivering a high briquette quality.&nbsp;<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM3MTQxNzI2MTU1LWJyaWNrLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A briquette produced by ATNA.</div>To begin to design this system, the team used a CAD embedded FEA system available to them, to study subassemblies. However, limitations in the system made this a cumbersome and time-consuming task and ATNA were not able to analyze the entire system. As a result, simulation was strictly limited to absolutely necessary calculations of forces and resulting stresses on the parts. To accomplish their design targets, however, the startup needed simulation tools that help them to get the bigger picture and would deliver an overall assessment of their new designs to speed up their development process.&nbsp;<hr>Thomas M&uuml;ller co-founder and Commercial Manager, ATNA Industrial Solutions will present at the Don&rsquo;t Be Late to Simulate event on November 30. Thomas will discuss the story of ATNA outlining the challenges and benefits of using simulation and how it now drives their design process. <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0-wpBD0" target="_blank">Learn more about Thomas&rsquo;s presentation here.</a>&nbsp;<hr><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Simulation Solutions with Altair</h2>ATNA was offered to implement Altair SimSolid&reg; under the global Altair Startup program which is tailored to the needs of high-tech startups offering access to all types of simulation, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence solutions at an affordable price. Altair SimSolid&reg; is a simulation package that enables fast structural analyses. It eliminates geometry preparation and meshing: the two most time-consuming, expertise-extensive, and error-prone tasks performed in a conventional structural simulation. For the ATNA engineers, the structural simulation tool allowed them to virtually simulate entire machines quickly and efficiently with a high degree of accuracy.&nbsp;<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM3MTQwODU5MjcxLW1hY2hpbmUuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Altair&reg; SimSolid&reg;simulation result of all load-carrying elements of the ATNA briquetting press.</div></div>The developers applied SimSolid to structurally design their briquetting press that can produce briquettes in a multistage pressing process (pre-compacting, pre-pressing, main pressing, and extraction) and realized high throughputs with low energy consumption. &nbsp;SimSolid enabled the ATNA team to study complete complex assemblies, including more than 2800 parts, accurate forces, and resulting stresses of the entire system, and provided an overall structural insight on the machine&rsquo;s behavior.&nbsp;It allowed the engineers to make assessments during design revisions by running simulations on the fly to detect disadvantageous operational conditions and design faults. While it took the ATNA engineers several days to calculate even small model changes with the traditional finite element method (FEM) tool, SimSolid provided them with initial results within 30 seconds.&nbsp;ATNA also applies SimSolid to customize presses tailored to customer requirements, such as special operating conditions including high pressures up to 5600 kilonewtons. With SimSolid, ATNA can now study how the design affects the deflection of these pressures and thus the entire structure.<h2 dir="ltr">Why fast innovation is more important than ever</h2>Responding to the climate crisis must be a priority for engineers everywhere. Simulation will play a key role in delivering the exponential innovation needed to transform industries away from fossil-fuel dependency. In the past simulation was limited to large design teams with expansive budgets, but now specialized simulation software is available more democratically and designers at all levels can incorporate simulation from the very beginning of their design cycles.&nbsp;Simulation offers the possibility for rapid iteration and testing as seen by Atna to help develop products not only with more speed but with a finished product that is more efficient, and specific. Simulation can be applied not only in the design stage of product development but in the monitoring and revision of existing systems such as through the use of digital twins as well as a low resource method to speculate on future technologies and products.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM3MTQwOTI5MTk5LUFUTkFfU2ltU29saWRfVGFiZWxsZSAoMSkuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Speed up of the simulation process with Simsolid at ATNA</h2>This is the third of five articles in a series about simulation tools sponsored by simulation software provider Altair. Future articles will cover case studies on using simulation in product design, workshops on how to get started with advanced simulation software, and explore the applications of multiphysics simulation.&nbsp;Altair are hosting the free virtual global event, <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0-wpBD0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Don&#39;t Be Late To Simulate</a>&nbsp;on November 30, 2021, | 2:00 p.m. (Paris) and at 8:00 a.m. (New York).Thomas M&uuml;ller co-founder and Commercial Manager, ATNA Industrial Solutions will present the session titled, Simulation under Pressure: How SimSolid Changes Everything in FEA about ATNA&rsquo;s use of simulation. He will discuss the design process of ATNA outlining the challenges of fulfilling both customer flexibility and rigorous adherence to quality and safety standards. With limited resources, ATNA was able to use simulation as a design tool to deliver a machine design that exceeded both expectations. <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0-wpBD0" target="_blank">To check out this session, or any of the others register on the event page here.</a>&nbsp;Article #1 is about <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/simulation-driven-design-the-secret-to-better-products-in-less-time" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how simulation tools improve the development process, enabling engineers to deliver better products in less time.</a>Article #2 <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/why-cad-based-simulation-can-become-a-game-of-cat-and-mouse" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">demonstrates w</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/why-cad-based-simulation-can-become-a-game-of-cat-and-mouse" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hy CAD-based Simulation Can Become a Game of Cat and Mouse.</a>Article #4 <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/simulation-driven-design-for-product-engineers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">previews a workshop that will take place at the Don&rsquo;t be Late to Simulate event on November 30.</a>Article #5 speaks for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/an-engineers-guide-to-multiphysics-modeling-real-world-behaviour-and-predicting-performance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">advances in software and increased access to inexpensive compute power means more and more engineers can use Multiphysics analysis to improve their design processes.</a><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">About the sponsor: Altair</h2>Altair is a global technology company, which provides software and cloud solutions in the areas of simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), and artificial intelligence (AI). Altair enables organizations in nearly every industry to compete more effectively in a connected world while creating a more sustainable future. &nbsp;Wherever you are and whatever you&rsquo;re doing, Altair&rsquo;s solutions surround you &ndash; keeping you safer, more connected, and more productive. They can be found in big places and small &mdash; on highways, hospitals, and hockey rinks, in stadiums, skyscrapers, and subways, and in banks, bikes, and boats.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM3MTQwNTE5MzQ3LWxvZ28gYmFubmVyLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">

Article #3 of our simulation series. Advanced simulation tools helped this German startup design a press machine that plays a role in reducing carbon emissions. 

Pressing For Change at Atna

Innovation in product-development is a demanding task. Engineering teams across all industries are continuously facing the challenge to create innovative and increasingly complex products while meeting all kinds of requirements such as target costs, time constraints, regulatory requirements, and improved product performance.&nbsp;In today&#39;s fast-moving world, these requirements are constantly evolving. Fortunately, there is a solution to overcome these engineering challenges, CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) tools. These tools facilitate computerized simulations that can solve all kinds of engineering challenges and help product developers achieve their design goals while reducing costs and time-to-market.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Why use simulation?</h2>Simulation is not a new method. Thousands of engineers and companies have been using various simulation tools to improve their development processes and products for many years. However, for many others, simulation is not leveraged due to implementation costs and efforts or lack of human resources. These engineers and companies have not yet realized that CAE tools can help them develop innovative products while reducing costs and development cycles at the same time. This article demonstrates the benefits of simulation and virtual development processes using two real-life case studies.&nbsp;The value of a comprehensive simulation-driven design approach is made clear by showing how the modeling and prediction of part behavior can be produced more accurately, as model features and fidelity can be modified to fit the needs of a particular analysis. By importing CAD into CAE-centric analysis software, the user gains more control over the accuracy and speed of analysis.&nbsp;<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM2Mzc4MTE1MDY2LW1vZGVsIGFuYWx5c2lzLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Image Caption: Modal Analysis with Altair Simsolid on the parameterized complete assembly. Image caption: Altair.&nbsp;</div><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Examples of a successful implementation of simulation-driven design</h2>There are countless examples of engineers seeing tangible results in their design process and quality after integrating simulation. Many designers who were using CAD integrated simulation features realized at a certain point that these native tools were not sufficient for what they wanted to achieve. Iconic bike manufacturer Brompton Bike is an excellent example of this.&nbsp;The Brompton team started with a CAD solution but at one point realized that this would not be sufficient for their needs. Jonathan Heath, Lead Mechanical Engineer Brompton Bicycle describes the evolution to using advanced simulation tools:<blockquote>&quot;The step we made was moving from an embedded FE system within CAD, which has huge limitations. It had a purpose. But we outgrew that purpose. And moving to a specialized simulation software package gives a more comprehensive FE system - greater flexibility - greater breadth. And that&#39;s opened up the mindset, not just of the design engineers, but of management and how we can use this tool on design problems we never really knew we had. We know where the failures are likely to be if we&#39;re going to see failures before we start the test cycle. And that improves the design robustness and allows us to move to the next development cycle quickly and with more understanding of the design.&quot;</blockquote><div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM2Mzc3OTY3MDY1LWJyb21wdG9uLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Brompton uses specialized simulation software to test and develop new products. Image credit: Altair.&nbsp;</div>The use cases for a simulation-driven design process are not limited to the bike industry. Similar stories can be found from small startup companies to world-leading providers of passenger transport systems (skiing lifts) such as <a href="https://www.altair.com/resource/topology-optimization-improves-gondola-lift-station-building" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Doppelmayr</a>. With the application of specialized simulation tools to their development processes, the Doppelmayr engineers were able to increase the lifetime of a seam weld while reducing the length of each component&#39;s weld seam by 3.5 meters. In addition to that Doppelmayr also reduced manufacturing time and costs by approximately 10% for the new design.&nbsp;Other examples come from industrial machinery, heavy equipment, or <a href="https://www.altair.com/resource/nolato-autoinjector" target="_blank">medical devices</a>. What they all have in common, is that at a certain point in time they had to start applying simulation into their processes, to get products faster to market, increase product quality or performance, or make their products lighter.&nbsp;As shown in the examples above, increasing innovation, product performance, and customer satisfaction can go hand in hand with reducing development time, manufacturing risks, and overall development costs. CAE tools offer multiple opportunities to drive the development of innovative products from the first concept up to series production.&nbsp;Linking test, design, and simulation and the implementation of a simulation-driven design process right from the start of a project can tremendously streamline the entire process and thus foster innovation - providing all industries and companies relying on simulation with the most valuable assets of all: the competitive edge to stay ahead in innovative product development and satisfied customers.<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM2Mzc4MzI3MzQwLXN0cnVjdHVyZWFsIGFuYWx5c2lzLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Structural analysis with Altair SimSolid&trade;. Image credit: Altair</div><hr>Whether you are completely new to simulation or looking to expand your capabilities, the free one-day virtual event, Don&#39;t be Late to Simulate, on November 30 is a great way to expand your knowledge. Learn more about using simulation for more efficient and effective product design, hear from startups who are using simulation in their design process and take part in hands-on workshops. <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0-wpBD0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more about the event here.</a><hr><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">How to apply simulation efficiently with Altair</h2><a href="https://www.altair.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Altair</a> is one of the leading simulation software providers, they offer solutions to help engineers make the first step to incorporating simulation into their design process.Altair Inspire&trade; provides intuitive surface modeling and geometry modification tools to help users prepare models for analysis at the fidelity that best suits the analysis detail and solver performance needed at that stage of the development process. This ensures that iteration and comparative studies are possible in early-stage design while offering the flexibility to model at higher fidelity for performance validation and detailed physics assessments.Altair SimSolid&trade;, is a solver available within the Altair Inspire product. Users can import intricate CAD geometries and assemblies, including connections, contacts, welds, detailed dimensions and angles, and more without model simplification or modification. This solver produces results in seconds to minutes, enabling multiple concepts to be assessed in less time than one typical CAD-based simulation run, shortening the design cycle while increasing the insight into the product&#39;s behavior.&nbsp;Altair SimLab&trade; offers more detailed multiphysics analyses, including structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics. It has an intuitive user interface that enables geometry to be imported and updated via the bi-directional CAD coupling.&nbsp;All of these tools are straightforward to learn and can be implemented in whatever your design and development process currently is. Interfacing with all common CAD and CAE tools, Altair offers also a flexible licensing scheme so you can step up your use of simulation without unnecessary investment.&nbsp;This is the first of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/altair" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">five articles&nbsp;</a>in a series about simulation tools sponsored by Altair. Future articles will cover case studies on using simulation in product design, cover workshops on how to get started with advanced simulation software, and explore the applications of multiphysics simulation.&nbsp;Altair is hosting the free virtual global event, <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0-wpBD0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Don&#39;t Be Late to Simulate</a> on November 30, 2021: 2:00 p.m. (Paris) and at 8:00 a.m. (New York).&nbsp;If you are interested in moving from CAD-based simulation to a more robust solution or if you have looking to expand your capabilities, this free to attend virtual event offers a mix of keynotes, case studies, and workshops to help you to be more efficient and effective in how you develop new products.<a href="https://hubs.ly/H0-wpBD0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Register to attend here.</a>Article #2 <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/why-cad-based-simulation-can-become-a-game-of-cat-and-mouse" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">demonstrates w</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/why-cad-based-simulation-can-become-a-game-of-cat-and-mouse" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hy CAD-based Simulation Can Become a Game of Cat and Mouse.</a>Article #3 is for <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/pressing-for-change-at-atna" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">advanced simulation tools that helped this German startup design a press machine that plays a role in reducing carbon emissions.</a>Article #4 <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/simulation-driven-design-for-product-engineers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">previews a workshop that will take place at the Don&rsquo;t be Late to Simulate event on November 30.</a>Article #5 speaks for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/an-engineers-guide-to-multiphysics-modeling-real-world-behaviour-and-predicting-performance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">advances in software and increased access to inexpensive compute power means more and more engineers can use Multiphysics analysis to improve their design processes.</a><h2 dir="ltr">About the sponsor: Altair</h2>Altair is a global technology company, which provides software and cloud solutions in the areas of simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), and artificial intelligence (AI). Altair enables organizations in nearly every industry to compete more effectively in a connected world while creating a more sustainable future. &nbsp;Wherever you are and whatever you&rsquo;re doing, Altair&rsquo;s solutions surround you &ndash; keeping you safer, more connected, and more productive. They can be found in big places and small &mdash; on highways, hospitals, and hockey rinks, in stadiums, skyscrapers, and subways, and in banks, bikes, and boats.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM2Mzg2OTM0MDkyLWxvZ28gYmFubmVyLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">

Simulation Software

ORGANIZATIONS.

SHAPING THE INDUSTRY.

Altair

Addcomposites

Slingshot Simulations

Intemic

Keysight Design Engineering Software