- Altair has partnered with the University of Nottingham to develop a groundbreaking digital twin for the aerospace sector.
- The digital twin will assist in designing, validating, and testing electric propulsion systems for aircraft and advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles.
- University researchers will have access to Altair’s HyperWorks for design, RapidMiner for data analytics, and high-performance computing (HPC) tools.
- The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of zero-carbon technologies and enhance sustainability in aerospace and transportation.
- The project supports the University of Nottingham’s Zero Carbon Innovation Centre, focusing on energy storage, power electronics, and system management.
Main AI News:
Altair, a global leader in computational intelligence, has announced a significant partnership with the University of Nottingham, based in the U.K., to develop a pioneering digital twin for the aerospace sector. This initiative marks the creation of the industry’s first comprehensive digital twin designed not only as a technology demonstrator but as a practical tool for the rapid design, validation, and testing of electric propulsion systems in aircraft and advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles. It will also facilitate the evaluation of retrofits for existing systems.
Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), the University of Nottingham researchers will gain unrestricted access to Altair’s suite of advanced tools, including HyperWorks for design and simulation, and RapidMiner for data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). These platforms will enable the researchers to leverage AI-driven multiphysics and multi-domain simulation, robust data analytics, and machine learning technologies to integrate experimental data with digital models effectively. Additionally, the MoU provides access to Altair’s high-performance computing (HPC) tools and unlimited training resources.
Dr. Pietro Cervellera, Senior Vice President of Aerospace and Defense at Altair, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability. “Altair is dedicated to fostering next-generation sustainability across all sectors. Collaborating with esteemed institutions like the University of Nottingham aligns with our goal of pioneering transformative solutions that enhance sustainability in aerospace, transportation, and beyond,” said Dr. Cervellera.
Chris Gerada, Professor of Electrical Machines at the University of Nottingham and lead for strategic research and innovation, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We share Altair’s vision for accelerating innovations that can reshape everyday technologies and systems. Altair’s advanced technology will expedite the translation of zero-carbon research into tangible industry solutions for decarbonizing transportation. This partnership enhances our capabilities in electrification, hydrogen, and manufacturing, further establishing Altair as a key industry partner,” noted Gerada.
The MoU represents a significant milestone for the University of Nottingham’s new Zero Carbon Innovation Centre, co-funded by East Midlands Freeport. The initiative will focus on constructing a detailed digital twin of an electric propulsion system, leveraging Altair’s technology to cover various aspects such as energy storage (batteries and fuel cells), power electronics, digital controllers, motors, cables, inverters, and the management of thermal, power, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) systems.
This collaboration promises to drive forward the development of sustainable technologies in aerospace, marking a pivotal step in the industry’s journey towards greener and more efficient transportation solutions.
Conclusion:
The partnership between Altair and the University of Nottingham signifies a major advancement in the aerospace sector, reflecting a growing trend towards integrating digital twins and AI technologies for sustainability. This collaboration will likely enhance the speed and efficiency of developing electric propulsion systems and other advanced technologies. By leveraging Altair’s comprehensive tools and the university’s expertise, the project not only accelerates zero-carbon research but also positions both entities as leaders in the drive towards greener, more efficient aerospace solutions. This initiative underscores the increasing importance of digital simulation and AI in achieving sustainable technological advancements in the industry.
