2. Numerical simulation in the product life cycle

In the 1950s-1960s, industrial product design was essentially based on experience, company or trade know-how, analytical solutions and abacuses. The transition from product design to physical prototyping, in order to obtain an optimal solution, could represent significant costs and time. For example, the development of a new car model could take five to six years.

The use of digital mock-ups from the earliest stages of design has fostered numerous technological innovations, enabling concepts and designs to be validated without the need for physical prototypes. It enables product performance to be assessed during the design phase. In the aeronautics industry, we move from virtual aircraft prototypes to physical products for certification flight tests to ensure airworthiness.

Simulation also makes it possible to study the influence of different...