Artificial intelligence in structural and thermal simulation

Principia / Blog / Trends / Artificial intelligence in structural and thermal simulation

Artificial intelligence in structural and thermal simulation

09-05-2024 | Posted by Joaquín Martí

Inteligencia artificial en la simulación estructural y térmica

Structural and thermal simulation is an essential tool for engineers and scientists across a wide range of industries. However, preparing and executing complex structural and thermal simulations can be slow and computationally expensive tasks. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually transforming the field of simulation, substantially improving the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of simulation tools.

Specific ways in which AI is currently used in structural and thermal simulation include:

Developing more precise simulation models through machine learning from real-world data. For example, understanding properties of different materials or producing better models of structural behaviour under various loading conditions.
Reducing computational costs of simulations using machine learning. This involves developing more efficient algorithms to solve equations of structural and thermal mechanics. For instance, AI designs algorithms that can run on smaller computers or run faster on parallel computers.
Automating many tasks involved in simulation, such as mesh generation, model calibration, and post-processing of results. This frees up engineers and scientists to focus on more creative and strategic tasks.
Creating more interactive and immersive simulation experiences, such as simulations controlled by natural language commands or gestures. This makes simulation accessible to a broader range of users and enhances its appeal and effectiveness for training and education purposes.

Inteligencia artificial en la simulación estructural y térmica

Some of the institutions currently using AI to enhance their structural and thermal simulations include:

At Stanford University, they have developed an AI-driven tool to predict aircraft structure failures, enhancing safety and reliability.
Siemens is using AI in developing more efficient algorithms for solving fluid dynamics equations, enabling faster and more accurate fluid simulations.
The University of California, Berkeley, has created an AI-driven tool that generates meshes for complex structural models, saving time and effort for users.
Software companies like Autodesk and Dassault Systèmes are incorporating AI into their structural and thermal simulation software, making simulation more accessible to a wider user base and more effective for training and education purposes.

In terms of structural simulation, it is noteworthy that AI is a key tool in the area of structural health monitoring due to its ability to process large amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions.

Artificial Intelligence is an increasingly powerful tool with multiple uses and forms to enhance structural and thermal simulation. In the very near future, we can expect even more innovative and transformative applications.

It may interest you

Durability, evaluation and remediation (1)

Sustainability improves when things last longer. Structures undergo many challenges, some foreseen in the design, others less so.

Simulating cities to survive climate change

Simulation allows analysing the impact and consequences of any changes in urban planning.

Vibrations: better under control

Vibrations are generally an undesirable by-product of industrial activity or environmental action. All sorts of ill effects are associated with vibrations and, eventually, they tend to result in decreased efficiency, higher maintenance costs, and shortened life of equipment and structures.

Air quality in vehicle cabins

SIMULIA solutions enable you to overcome new challenges in cabin air quality, whilst maximizing passenger comfort and energy efficiency.

Integral bridges, jointless?

Integral bridge design offers the advantages of structural monolithism because of the absence of joints and bearings makes construction easier and faster, and also results in maintenance savings.

A greener world with help from concrete

Fortunately, there is growing interest in thinking about ways to reduce cement’s enormous environmental impact.

The Future of Simulation Software

What are the major challenges that simulation software has to face in upcoming years?

Thermal energy storage

The energy efficiency of thermal storage is normally very high, about 95%, so long as the stored energy is used directly for heating

Gone with the wind

From the viewpoint of the wind as a threat, Principia has conducted calculations for half a dozen bridges, including aeroelastic effects in some cases, football stadiums, museums, railway stations, solar plants, high-rise towers, and other structures.

Lifting deck segments for bridge construction over water

When a bridge is going to be built over water, there is the possibility of bringing successive deck segments by barge and lifting them into position. The process is conceptually simple but, particularly in open waters, as in a bay or estuary, the dynamics of the operation may be rather complex.

The impact of simulation on sustainable product development

Simulation, and the software that makes it possible, is a powerful tool in the pursuit of sustainability

Fire hazard of Aluminum Composite Panels (ACPs)

Following tragic incidents, many countries have implemented stricter fire safety regulations to limit or ban the use of combustible ACPs in high-rise buildings.

Integral bridges, jointless?

Integral bridge design offers the advantages of structural monolithism because of the absence of joints and bearings makes construction easier and faster, and also results in maintenance savings.

Does concrete swell? Some certainly do…

From the experience gathered over the years in the study of many concrete dams undergoing the swelling problem, Principia is now able to provide reasonably accurate predictions about the future of such structures.