Advanced Simulation Use Cases for Sustainability & Circularity

There are huge numbers of engineering applications that can benefit from computational fluid dynamics simulation. The pursuit of sustainability and circularity in the aerospace industry stands to receive a significant boost with the advent of quantum-inspired algorithms running on today's High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems.

The Quantum Inspired Evolutionary Algorithms (QIEA) can enable aerospace companies to tackle computationally intensive simulations that were once deemed infeasible, thereby unlocking new possibilities for optimizing aircraft design, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving innovation towards a more sustainable future  

Our second blog on the Sustainability and Circularity series outlines a few use cases towards achieving these initiatives.

Aircraft Design and Performance Optimization

Aerodynamic Design: Simulation allows engineers to optimize aircraft shapes and configurations for improved aerodynamic performance, reducing drag and fuel consumption.

Structural Analysis: By simulating structural loads and stresses, engineers can design lightweight yet robust aircraft structures, minimizing material usage and reducing fuel burn.

Payload Optimization: Simulation technology also enables payload optimization, a crucial aspect of sustainable aircraft design. By utilizing simulations to analyze and optimize payload configurations, aerospace companies can achieve more efficient use of space and weight within the aircraft, consequently reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact.

Integrated Systems: Simulation enables the integration and optimization of various onboard systems, such as power distribution, thermal management, and avionics, to maximize energy efficiency and reduce weight.

Engine Efficiency and Emissions Reduction

Combustion Modelling: Simulation technology aids in the development of advanced combustion models to optimize engine performance, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce harmful emissions.

Thermal Management: Simulation helps in analysing and optimizing engine cooling systems, minimizing energy consumption and maximizing heat dissipation efficiency.

Materials and Coatings Development: Simulating the behavior of new materials and coatings at extreme temperatures and pressures facilitates the development of more efficient and sustainable engine components.

Noise and Environmental Impact Mitigation

Aircraft Noise: Simulation allows for the study of aerodynamic noise generated by aircraft components, leading to the design of quieter aircraft and better noise abatement strategies to minimize the impact on local communities.

Pollutant Dispersion: Simulating the dispersion of aircraft emissions in the atmosphere helps assess and mitigate the environmental impact of pollutants, aiding in targeted emission reduction strategies.

Supply Chain and Manufacturing Optimization

Supply Chain Management: Simulation enables the optimization of supply chain logistics, reducing waste, optimizing transportation routes, and minimizing carbon emissions associated with the production and delivery of aerospace components.

Manufacturing Processes: Simulating manufacturing processes, such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), allows for improved design for sustainability, waste reduction, and energy-efficient production.

Operational Efficiency and Decision Support

Flight Path Optimization: Simulation helps airlines optimize flight paths, considering factors like weather, airspace congestion, and fuel efficiency, reducing emissions and enhancing operational sustainability.

Maintenance Planning: By simulating component performance and lifespan, maintenance schedules can be optimized, reducing unnecessary replacements and extending the useful life of materials.

Decision Support: Simulation provides decision-makers with data-driven insights, helping them evaluate the environmental impact of various operational strategies, such as fleet planning, route optimization, and fuel management.

The above use cases highlight the broad range of applications for simulation technology in enhancing sustainability and circularity in the aerospace industry, contributing to the realization of the industry's sustainability goals.

Investing in the right simulation tool is paramount for aerospace companies looking to optimize their R&D efforts and achieve a positive financial return in the pursuit of sustainability and circularity goals.  As Simulation R&D outlays demand significant investments in terms of time, effort, and financial resources, it is important to choose the right simulation tools for solving complex problems.

BQP offers a transformative solution for tackling intricate computational problems and facilitating cutting-edge innovation in addressing sustainability challenges. By harnessing quantum inspired algorithms, for their simulations, aerospace companies can unlock new pathways to optimize operations, enhance design efficiency, and drive progress towards a more eco-conscious and circular industry landscape.