Enabling Trends

Fingertip Supercomputing

The computational power required to execute simultaneous multiparameter studies is orders of magnitude greater than it was just five years ago (because parametric studies were not then the norm). Until recently, the software algorithms that drive simulation models were too advanced to run on existing computers. Now computing resources are readily available, and access to immense multicore computational power is becoming commonplace. Mainstream graphics boards have broken the teraflop processing barrier.

In business terms, it is now possible to run large numerical models and, at the same time, apply parametric studies on these large simulations. Because of similar advances in networking — which has enabled components such as 4G mobile and high-speed cloud computing — the precise location of the compute box matters less than ever. Product designers and R&D teams can access almost unlimited compute power from just about anywhere.

Integration of Physics, Resources and Knowledge

Engineering software historically followed the individual silos of physics, which, in turn, fostered single-discipline virtual engineering. Engineers did not stray far from their fields: They were structural analysts, experts in fluid flow or specialists in electromagnetism, but not all three.  Today’s trend is multiphysics analysis: fluid–structure interaction, piezoelectric analysis, or interaction among fluid, solid and electromagnetic fields in the same model, to name a few. This trend has been encouraged by physics integration in some high-end software platforms.

Common communication tools now enable quasi-instant collaboration between members of a virtual team working on the same model from different parts of the world. This process allows efficient knowledge transfer and hive-based problem solving.

Technology and User Maturity

Engineering simulation technology is maturing rapidly, but it is only 40 years old.  A generation is a very short time to reach wide adoption, especially of such a revolutionary technology.  As major public successes credited to engineering simulation multiply, more and more companies become aware of the potential benefits of virtual prototyping.

To be applicable to a larger range of potential users, the technology itself needed to mature — becoming faster, more robust and continually easier to use.  The combination of success awareness and evolving maturities is now leading to an accelerated pace of adoption.