How Engineers are Preparing for 2035 with Modeling and Simulation

Engineering is rapidly evolving. Today, traditional methods that relied on physical prototypes and lengthy testing cycles are giving way to a new era of digital engineering. But what exactly is digital engineering? What challenges does it solve, and how can you leverage it to stay ahead of the curve in the next decade? 

What is digital engineering? 

Digital engineering is the process of using computer-aided design (CAD) tools, simulations, and other software to design, analyze, and test products virtually. It’s an approach that offers numerous advantages in comparison with traditional methods, including: 

• Time- and cost savings: Virtual prototypes can be created and tested much faster and cheaper than physical prototypes; 

• Improved accuracy: Simulations can account for complex physical phenomena that would be difficult or impossible to model via traditional methods; and 

• Increased levels of innovation: Digital engineering allows engineers to explore a wider range of design possibilities without the constraints of physical prototyping. 

Challenges entailed in traditional engineering 

The traditional engineering workflow, which relies heavily on physical prototypes, faces several challenges: 

• Time-consuming and expensive: Creating and testing physical prototypes can be a lengthy and costly process; 

• Limited design exploration: The time and cost associated with physical prototypes can limit the scope of design options to be explored; and 

• Difficulty in predicting complex behavior: Traditional methods may not accurately predict how a product will behave under real-world conditions. 

How modeling and simulation can help 

Modeling and simulation have emerged as key tools in digital engineering. They allow engineers to create virtual models of products and then simulate how those products will behave under various conditions. This can help to: 

• Reduce the need for physical prototypes: By simulating product performance virtually, engineers can reduce the need for expensive and time-consuming physical prototypes; 

• Optimize designs: Simulations can be used to identify and address potential problems with a design early in the development process; and 

• Improve product performance: Simulations can help engineers to optimize product designs for better performance, efficiency, and safety. 

Where COMSOL Multiphysics comes in

COMSOL Multiphysics is a software platform that allows engineers to create models of complex systems that involve multiple physical phenomena, making it an invaluable tool for digital engineering applications. 

How companies are using digital engineering

Numerous manufacturers are already exploiting digital engineering to improve their products and processes. Here are a few examples: 

• Harman uses harnesses the power of COMSOL to reduce the number of physical prototypes needed for developing acoustic devices;

• Mebius is a startup that uses COMSOL to model and develop advanced fuel cells; 

• Volkswagen is using COMSOL to optimize the design of electric motors; and 

• Toyota employs COMSOL to optimize the design of heat sinks for electronic devices. 

How to prepare for the future of engineering 

The future of engineering is clearly digital. To stay ahead of the curve, engineers need to develop the following skills: 

• Machine learning: As AI continues to evolve, engineers who understand machine learning algorithms will be well-positioned to take advantage of new technologies; 

• Data-driven modeling: Surrogate models created using machine learning can reduce the complexity of simulations and make them more accessible; and 

• High-performance computing: As computing power increases, engineers will be able to tackle even more complex problems using digital engineering techniques. 

By embracing digital engineering and developing the aforementioned skills, engineers can ensure they are prepared to tackle this field’s exciting future. 

Learn more 

On-demand: How Engineers are Preparing for 2035 with Modeling and Simulation. Register for this on-demand webinarto learn more about how modeling and simulation are going to change the engineering landscape of your industry by the year 2035. Sign up for the FREE webinar here. 

Blog: How COMSOL Multiphysics Helped Organizations Develop Outstanding Products, Faster and Cheaper. Read on for a deep dive into the world of industry-leading R&D organizations , such as SAMSUNG and Volkswagen Kassel, and how they are harnessing COMSOL Multiphysics to develop outstanding products through maximum efficiency.  Read the blog here.