For the latest news, follow us on Twitter: @CI_DesignMag, Facebook or LinkedIn NEW PROJECT TO DEVELOP DIGITAL TECHNIQUE TO REPLACE PHYSICAL TESTING


The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), working in partnership with an industrial-academic consortium, have collectively secured a £15m grant to deliver a ‘Smarter Testing’ programme sponsored by the Aerospace Technology Institute. The programme will use existing physical test programmes to explore how novel inspection techniques can be used to predict product performance and identify failures early. As part of this three-year programme, NPL will


be working with Airbus Operations, CFMS Services, GOM UK, Dassault Systemes UK and The University of Liverpool. The data generated will be used to develop the expertise, algorithms and frameworks needed to be able to replace the physical testing with simulation and modelling. The transition to an industrially digitalised


manufacturing landscape will see a step change in the volume of data used in manufacturing. As people and processes become increasingly reliant on data to inform decisions, trust in the data will become a critical issue. Designers and manufacturers have relied on data-driven modelling and simulations for product design, but there is now an increasing drive for businesses to


use data-driven simulations to replace physical test which can result in time and cost savings, increasing the pace at which engineers can innovate and unlock the complexity of proving that a product, system, or service meets the intended performance, ultimately increasing the competitiveness of UK industry. NPL will play a critical role in developing the


expertise and standards that enable data to be trusted and used with confidence. This will cause the creation and adoption of the technology as well as the skills needed to innovate and compete within digitalised manufacturing supply chains. This in turn will lead to the creation of new and higher skilled jobs that address the productivity challenge, strengthen UK supply chains, and increase competitiveness for business in the global market. Using its world class test laboratories,


developing novel test standards and applying advanced data science techniques, NPL will provide a critical link between the product developers and the data analysts, generating the trust needed to move increasingly towards data driven simulation for product development, test and ultimately


PARTNERSHIP TO INVESTIGATE MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT


Alvant, a specialist in AMC materials, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a view to furthering a strategic partnership with advanced materials technology company 3M to accelerate development of its capabilities and find real world applications. The focus of the collaboration is on advancing core technology in the


areas of electric machines (motor and generator) and lightweight metallic components which require enhanced performance characteristics. The partnership will enable both parties to jointly develop applications which will bring energy and cost-saving benefits to manufacturers and engineers. Under the partnership, applications will be developed using Alvant’s


patented Advanced Liquid Pressure Forming (ALPF) process technology and 3M Advanced materials products. ALPF is the method by which Alvant brings together aluminium, which acts as the matrix, and a variety of specialist materials to create a high-performance AMC material. Richard Thompson, commercial director of Alvant, says: “Our long-term


relationship with 3M has now evolved into a more recognised partnership acknowledging the synergy in key strategic areas. This paves the way for significant potential opportunity in pioneering materials innovation across many sectors now seeking strong, lightweight solutions while enhancing both operational and environmental performance.”


the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on supply chains, resulting in production of many items being delayed. We’ve also covered the need for people to


O


work from home, which has been so successful in so many areas that it’s becoming ‘the new normal’. Today, however, we’re hearing that Jaguar Land Rover is temporarily


shutting its two main car factories due to lack of semiconductors. This is because manufacturers can’t keep up with demand – partly, it is said, due to shutdowns but also because of the huge growth in demand for semiconductors for use in electronics such as computers needed by people working from home. This is expected to affect a growing number of manufacturers in the weeks ahead, a problem as companies try to ramp up production following a very difficult 12 months.


Rachael Morling - Editor 4 APRIL 2021 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS


ver the last year we’ve reported on the fact that


certification. Having the confidence in data used, being able to explain decisions made by artificial intelligence and having trust in the outcomes of simulations that replace physical tests, is fundamental to the successful adoption and exploitation of this technique. Gareth Edwards, strategy lead for Industrial


Digitalisation, NPL, said: “NPL is delighted to be working at the heart of this critical project to increase the trust and confidence in data driven design and development. For over 120 years, NPL has been the last word on accurate measurements and understanding how things work, so that industry can have the confidence to accelerate innovation. It is now applying that expertise to helping industry make the best use of data as it moves from a world where only physical test and validation is accepted to one where cyber-physical information is the norm.” Airbus’ Steve Raynes, head of R&T business


development, said: “The opportunity this project presents is huge. It will be a real step-change in the way we approach an extremely costly and time-consuming part of a vital aspect of aircraft manufacturing.”


SCHAEFFLER EXPANDS EV POWERTRAIN SOLUTIONS


Schaeffler is expanding its range of powertrain electrification solutions for commercial vehicles. Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive


Technologies at Schaeffler AG, said: “We are bringing our considerable systems expertise in the field of commercial vehicles for shaping how the world moves. The fact that we won two major contracts recently shows that we are on track to being a preferred technology partner for our customers in this sector.” The company has secured a


www.alvant.com


volume production order to supply electric motors to a big-name subcontractor in the commercial vehicle sector, starting in 2023. The 800V motor, used in pairs in battery-powered vehicles, delivers a maximum continuous output of 180kW and generates a maximum torque of 950Nm. It features rod wave winding technology, which makes installation less complex and increases power density. The motor plays an important role in the electrification of commercial vehicles and thus contributes to a marked reduction in CO2


emissions. Schaeffler has also secured a


volume production order for hybrid modules. Featuring P1 architecture, these modules enable the recovery of braking energy which is then used to power on-board systems, thereby


helping vehicle fleets to meet NOx and CO2


reduction targets. www.schaeffler.com / DESIGNSOLUTIONS


Yaskawa has recently delivered its 30 millionth inverter drive and also reached 20 million units in its servo drives division. Active in the servo drives market since 1959, the company was the first to develop a DC servomotor, known as the Minertia Motor. This was followed by the first AC servomotor series in 1983 and then in 1992 by the Sigma Series, which has been refined into the current Sigma 7 Series. www.yaskawa.eu.com


Danfoss Drives has appointed Quantum Controls as an Authorised Water Partner for the water and wastewater industry. This partnership will enable both companies to enhance its provision of services to customers across the UK involved in water and wastewater management, treatment and supply. www.danfoss.com/en-gb


As drives in electric vehicles have to deliver the highest electrical power, regulating this power on an ongoing basis and reliably over long periods of time in the smallest possible space is a challenge. To help, CeramTec and the


Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB in Erlangen, Germany, are jointly developing innovative cooling solutions for power electronics in e-mobility powertrains. The new product will be launched in May. www.ceramtec-group.com/en


www.npl.co.uk


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