This webinar presents the latest features of VOLTA and modeFRONTIER coming with 2019R1. This includes Autonomous Optimization mode, advanced collaborative data intelligence capabilities, new RSM tool and machine learning algorithms. VOLTA platform simplifies the simulation process, enabling teams to concurrently compare, validate and collaboratively decide on design solutions with advanced data intelligence tools. Also, its process automation and optimization driven design technology allows to automate every sort of simulation process, integrate with any solvers, run intelligent algorithms, as well in autonomous mode, and pick the right design. Watch it now to learn more how VOLTA and modeFRONTIER 2019R1 capabilities make the work of engineering design smooth as never before.

Evangelia Despoina Giouri, MSc graduated from the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment of Delft University of Technology, used modeFRONTIER to assess the energy performance and thermal comfort towards zero energy high-rise buildings. ## Challenge Currently, 40% of the European Union’s final energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to buildings. New strategies to design nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEBs) are essential to meet climate targets set by the European Energy Performance of Building directive. This research applies process automation and optimization technologies to develop a new integrated simulation methodology to design nZEBs in a Mediterranean climate. This concept has been applied to a high-rise office building featuring photovoltaic panels integrated into the facade walls, located in the hot-dry climate of Athens, Greece. ## Solution The goal is to define which construction parameters have the highest impact on annual energy demand and thermal comfort in the building. The simulation process was created in modeFRONTIER workflow coupling Rhino/Grasshopper modeling environment and EnergyPlus software to simulate energy consumption and daylight illuminance levels. Two optimization runs have been executed to investigate the influence of building parameters that can have a contradictory impact on cooling, lighting, heating energy loads, and four different facade orientations. ## Benefits The genetic algorithm NSGA-II allowed performing 1000 evaluations in order to find the trade-off solutions for several design issues affecting energy performance and thermal comfort levels. “We were able to achieve 33% reduction on annual building’s energy consumption (from 109.12 kWh/m2 to 73.13 kWh/m2) compared to standard data provided by the current Greek legislation. Moreover, modeFRONTIER engineering and data intelligence capabilities enable us to visualize optimization trends and perform sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of the various facade parameters on the energy use and adaptive thermal comfort performance of the building” said Evangelia Despoina Giouri, MSc graduated from the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment of Delft University of Technology.

Takenaka Corporation offers comprehensive services worldwide across the entire spectrum of space creation from site location and planning to design and construction as well as building maintenance. Recently, structural engineers and computational architects at Takenaka Corporation Technical Research Institute have started to apply an optimization-driven design approach in their architectural and engineering projects with the aim of exploring and obtaining innovative design solutions in a shorter time. They chose modeFRONTIER software to optimize the 3D model of a new complex-shaped office building in Osaka, Japan. ## Challenge Responding to a request of a client - a steel manufacturer - asking for a new office building featuring their fabrication technologies, Takenaka Corporation designed a steel pavilion-like office building which also facilitates and accelerates the communication between employees. Several requirements were considered to perform parametric studies on 3D building models: from maximizing the connections between rooms and expanding office space to designing a stunning atrium. Facing these challenges by manually conducting simulations is quite time-consuming, leading to delays in project schedules. Architects at Takenaka Corporation look at multi-objective optimization as an effective methodology to quickly generate creative and innovative designs while meeting client’s expectations ## Solution The shape of the building was generated through the 3D Voronoi component available in Rhino3D/Grasshopper. The 3D geometry was integrated in modeFRONTIER workflow to automatically adjust the Voronoi parameters and slab levels, with the aim of optimizing conflicting outputs of the model (area of rooms, floor heights, connection between rooms, angle of surfaces) while also considering required room area and floor height as constraints. After performing an initial Design of Experiments (DOE) to assess the correlation between slab levels and other parameters, the optimization process was guided by the pilOPT algorithm available in modeFRONTIER to maximize the connection between rooms, minimize the sharp angle surfaces of office area and maximize the sharp angle surface of the hall. ## Benefits “With modeFRONTIER, we run and evaluate 3000 designs in just one day instead of losing weeks doing it manually. Moreover, the easy to use interface and data analysis & visualization tools enabled our designers to process the results faster and select their favorite designs for further studies. Finally, we look forward to demonstrating the potential of combining modeFRONTIER workflow with BRAIN, our in-house structural design software that we use in most of our projects” said Takuma Kawakami, Structural Engineer and Computational Architect at Takenaka Corporation.

This webinar presents the successful integration of aPriori cost data technology in the modeFRONTIER workflow in order to investigate a wide selection of manufacturing options quickly. Manufacturing cost is a critical component to finding the best possible design when completing engineering optimization. This webinar demonstrates how to leverage modeFRONTIER capabilities to coordinate a parametric optimization that includes all the performance requirements plus manufacturing cost with aPriori. Watch it now to learn how: Automate your costing activities in engineering workflows Find multiple design alternatives meeting performance and cost targets Select the best alternative from the set for moving forward Compare the old and new design to understand the overall savings Find the best cost decision throughout the design process

Guaranteeing effective signalt ransmission with modeFRONTIER Antenna design relies on understanding of directivity, impedance matching, radiation efficiency, wave polarization, frequency range and orientation specifications. These imply complex electromagnetic simulation analysis which can be executed by employing computer-aided optimization techniques instead of opting for time-consuming trial and error approach. ## Challenge The present study focuses on optimizing the shape parameters of a GSM dual band mobile phone antenna to guarantee effective transmission and reception while reducing the loss of power in the signal returned at specific frequencies. The optimization case requires the satisfaction of multiple criteria at the same time. It is necessary both to minimize the return loss amplitude of the signal and the difference of the tuning frequencies at 920 and 1860Mhz. ## Solution The geometrical structure of the antenna was modeled in Catia V5 by setting four parameters (cut position, cut width, scale ratio and antenna thickness). Then, the model was imported in CST Microwave Studio to perform accurate analysis of high frequency range. modeFRONTIER has been used to automate the entire process by integrating the CAD model in the workflow and running electromagnetic simulations. The optimization task was driven by the pilOPT algorithm which evaluated different antenna design configurations with the purpose of minimizing signal return loss and tuning the frequencies. ## Benefits pilOPT algorithm reached optimum solutions after few design simulations. The execution of the algorithm in autonomous mode allowed to obtain the best signals of the perfectly tuned antenna just with 100 simulations performed in few hours. This methodology may be extended to any component of an electronic system (including geometrical, material and operating parameters ).

This webinar presents an overview of the EXPEDITE Program and the role ESTECO technology will play in order to advance Multi-disciplinary Analysis and Design Optimization (MADO). In 2017 Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Advanced Development Programs (ADP - The Skunk Works) was the winner of the US Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL) Multi-Disciplinary Science and Technology Center EXPEDITE program. EXPEDITE (EXPanded MDO for Effectiveness Based DesIgn TEchnologies) is a successful program by AFRL seeking to advance the state-of-the-art of Multi-disciplinary Analysis and Design Optimization (MADO) as applied to US Air Force programs. For EXPEDITE the primary thrusts for the program include path and state-dependent design to capture discipline transients, HPC and higher fidelity physics to support Uncertainty Quantification (UQ), and expanding conceptual design down through Operational Analysis to support Effectiveness Based Design. Watch the webinar to learn more about EXPEDITE program, ESTECO’s role in achieving the AFRL objectives, and progress to date (July 2018).

Aerodynamic performance enhanced by 2.5% and wing weight reduced by 4% In an ambitious collaborative venture, Leonardo is heading the Green Regional Aircraft (GRA) design team of the The Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative, committed to developing environmentally-friendly aircraft. The future of domestic air travel lies in: weight reduction, aerodynamic efficiency, high level operational performance, compliance with emission standards and respect of noise limits. ## Challenge Targeting multiple objectives such as lowering aircraft drag, wing weight and environmental impact of lower speed conditions (i.e. take-off and landing), enhances overall environmental performance, measured by fuel consumption and noise generation. Seeking the most promising solution for this new generation aircraft, two wing shapes were studied using modeFRONTIER optimization. A “thin” configuration was selected to analyze aerodynamic performance, without any structural restrictions to airfoil thickness; a “thick” configuration was chosen reduce the weight of the wing. ## Solution modeFRONTIER integrated complex objectives, achieving remarkable enhancement for both wing configurations, while still complying with Top Level Aircraft Requirements (TLAR). The design automation process piloted by the modeFRONTIER workflow generated 20,000 design profiles of the 2D wing shape, while incorporating aerodynamic and structural analysis using Leonardo in-house codes. Once the optimal 2D profile was selected, CFD computations were validated by employing a suitable parametric Catia 3D wing-body. Good aerodynamic results were maintained in the 3D analysis. ## Benefits “modeFRONTIER has proven to be an effective tool for the design team, identifying feasible solutions and achieving a 2.5% enhancement of aerodynamic performance and a 4% wing weight reduction”, says Enrica Marentino, CFD Specialist at Leonardo. modeFRONTIER successfully streamlined the two-step optimization process for wing shape configuration and its multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA-II) was profitably used to solve the optimization problem. Correlations among the aerodynamic parameters were explored thanks to modeFRONTIER statistical tools, providing deep insights which helped set up the optimization strategy effectively. The MCDM tool provided a useful framework towards attaining a ranking for the Pareto front solutions, supporting the design team in determining the best outcome. “The optimized configurations, while still matching TLAR requirements, determined substantial advantages compared to the initial wing profiles”, says Enrica Marentino.

Aircraft designers have tried many ways to either harness the energy of the rotating air, or reduce the strength of the vortical motion, thereby reducing the energy loss. One of the most common ways of doing this is to add a small wing, known as a winglet, to the wingtip. The design of these winglets involves a trade-off between the benefits of lower induced drag (i.e the drag associated with the wingtip vortices) and the disadvantages of increased overall weight as well as an increase in other forms of drag. In this white paper, you'll read how optimization-based winglet designed with modeFRONTIER leads to significant improvements in aircraft fuel efficiency, range, stability, and even control and handling.

Using modeFRONTIER to optimize exhaust aftertreatment systems BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. Responding to a request from a customer - a truck manufacturer - BASF researched to provide an alternative technology capable of reducing catalysts costs and improving the performance of the current Euro VI production exhaust aftertreatment system. BASF proprietary exhaust simulation models were integrated in modeFRONTIER software, with the aim of optimizing the operational parameters for accurate emissions prediction. ## Challenge The global automotive industry faces enormous challenges from increasingly tightening emissions legislations. Regulatory differences between European, Asian and American markets enhance complexity while vehicle manufacturers are constantly seeking to reduce development cycle times. There is a continuous demand for efficient strategies to develop cost effective solutions that meet regional emissions regulations. As a result, simulation techniques for exhaust aftertreatment system has gained popularity. Engineers at BASF focused on developing a model-based simulation for an exhaust system comprising a diesel oxidation catalyst in order to investigate the trade-off between cost and catalytic performance. Besides the minimization of the tailpipe NOx emissions by simulating a transient homologation cycle (WHTC), several functionalities of the oxidation catalyst like NO and hydrocarbon oxidation needed to be optimized in parallel. ## Solution An effective model based development toolchain was developed building upon BASF proprietary exhaust catalyst models to simulate accurate emissions prediction. Four catalyst design parameters, considered as major cost drivers, were investigated in modeFRONTIER multiobjective optimization platform. As a first step, performing Design of Experiments (DOE) analysis allowed to identify the most important parameters and explore sensitivity of the system performance. Consequently, the optimization task was driven by the MOGA-II, the genetic algorithm included in modeFRONTIER, to minimize catalyst cost and tailpipe emissions. ## Benefits “Our simulation toolchain combined with modeFRONTIER optimization capabilities led to evaluate 500 catalyst system designs within two weeks. Manufacturing and testing few prototypes would have taken us months and significant resources due to the expensive precious metals incorporated and additional operational costs. Despite the large amount of data, modeFRONTIER allowed to quickly rationalize and visualize results in a smart and efficient way. The Parallel Coordinate Chart enabled us to identify the suitable prototype candidates capable to exactly match particular cost and performance targets based on customer preferences. We look forward to demonstrating the benefits of the toolchain for other customer applications” said Dr. Stefan Kah, responsible for Application Engineering Modeling at BASF Catalysts Germany GmbH.

This seminar focus on how metamodelling techniques speed up the search for promising designs by replacing computationally expensive design evaluations or simulations. In 2018, ESTECO joined this NAFEMS Web Seminar talking about how metamodelling techniques provide a global model of some design response, which can then be optimized efficiently. As, in the context of digital transformation, simulation is expected to spread all over the product lifecycle, metamodelling techniques too will be requested to adapt to different types of data and to exploit different types of predictive capabilities.