Altair and the University of Nottingham UK team on the eVTOL digital twin project

TROY, Michigan – Troy, Michigan-based Altair has announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom to develop a digital twin project for the aerospace sector. This digital twin aims to design, validate and test electric propulsion systems for new aircraft and Advanced Air Mobility Vehicles (AAM) and evaluate the retrofit of existing ones.

The agreement gives University of Nottingham researchers access to Altair’s HyperWorks design and simulation and RapidMiner data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. These platforms will facilitate AI-powered multiphysics and multidomain simulation and provide comprehensive data analysis and machine learning capabilities to manage experimental data and integrate digital and physical models. In addition, the university team will have access to Altair high-performance computing tools and unlimited training.

“Altair is committed to driving innovation with a focus on next-generation sustainability across all sectors. This is why we collaborate with some of the most advanced universities and research centers in the world, such as the University of Nottingham,” said Dr. Pietro Cervellera. , senior vice president of aerospace and defense at Altair. “Through our leading-edge technology and expertise, our ultimate goal is to develop new innovative solutions that open up new possibilities and advance sustainability in aerospace, transportation and beyond.”

Related: Altair Acquires Research in Flight

“We share Altair’s vision to accelerate the creation and delivery of innovations that can transform the technologies and systems we use every day,” said Chris Gerada, Professor of Electric Machines at the University of Nottingham. “Altair technology will help us accelerate the translation of zero-carbon research into real-world industrial solutions that decarbonize transportation. Together with our strengths in electrification, hydrogen and manufacturing, this collaboration increases our capabilities and enhances Altair’s status as a key industry player. the chosen partner for the university.”

The MoU supports the capabilities of the university’s new Zero Carbon Innovation Centre, co-funded by East Midlands Freeport, to build a digital twin of an electric propulsion system. Altair’s technology will help develop energy storage systems, power electronics, digital controllers, motors, cables, inverters, and thermal, power, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) systems management.