Xi Engineering Consultants accelerates technology development for its clients by applying multiphysics computer simulations. It then validates the work with physical measurements and data analysis to solve complex engineering problems. The team from Edinburgh, UK, works on projects with companies of all sizes across various sectors: building, structures, and planning; transportation; industrial; medical; logistics; robotics; consumer products; and energy—especially renewables such as wind turbines.

Calibrating Simulations Against Real-world Data

Xi recently designed a personal vibration meter for a power tool industry client. Because exposure to vibration can cause nerve damage, Xi used SOLIDWORKS® Simulation to design a product that could measure real-time vibrations power tool users are exposed to.

The team used computer simulations to perform multiple “drop tests” on the device to assess how well it could handle being frequently dropped and exposed to the rigors of a regular construction site. Xi ensured these simulations accurately reflected real-world scenarios by adjusting them based on actual data. This approach allowed their client to speed up product development and release their product ahead of the competition.

Merging Digital and Physical Worlds

Xi Engineering Consultants are experts in both simulation and measurement, and they do a considerable amount of work in the wind power industry. “What we do is merge the real and virtual worlds in order that we can accelerate product development and problem-solve for our clients,” says Xi Managing Director Dr. Mark-Paul Buckingham.

“We produce digital twins for the likes of GE Renewables, the world’s largest onshore wind turbine, where we actually measure the wind turbine and then produce a version of this in the virtual world utilizing SOLIDWORKS,” explains Buckingham. Engineers can use a digital twin to simulate how a design might react under various conditions and make necessary adjustments or improvements before implementing them in the real world. This not only saves time and money but also reduces potential risks. Buckingham continues: “We are able to understand what’s going on with these systems and actually improve them at a much greater rate than we would be able to without a digital twin.”

“In terms of electromagnetics or dynamics, SOLIDWORKS Simulation really allows you to understand what’s actually going on,” says Buckingham. “There are multiple benefits to simulation. You cut out the number of physical prototypes. Your time to product launch is significantly reduced. Your risk of technical failure, or ultimately returns on a product, is diminished and you’ll get to market faster.”

Leading with Simulation

Buckingham concludes, “Simulating using SOLIDWORKS is safer and cheaper than the real world. You can get to market quicker and you can beat the competition. It’s no longer about do you use simulation or not. The question today is are you a leader in simulation? And, with the support of SOLIDWORKS, we’re able to maintain our leader status in simulation.”

If you want to learn more about what SOLIDWORKS Simulation can do for your company, contact your local reseller for a demonstration.

SOLIDWORKS

Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. offers complete 3D software tools that let you create, simulate, publish, and manage your data. SolidWorks products are easy to learn and use, and work together to help you design products better, faster, and more cost-effectively. The SolidWorks focus on ease-of-use allows more engineers, designers and other technology professionals than ever before to take advantage of 3D in bringing their designs to life.