Z-BRE4K mapped on
System modelling - digital twins, simulation
General desciption of System modelling - digital twins, simulation:
Simulation (often referred to as digital twins) is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system. The act of simulating something first requires that a model be developed; this model represents the key characteristics, behaviors and functions of the selected physical or abstract system or process. The model represents the system itself, whereas the simulation represents the operation of the system over time. (from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation)
Comment:
The modelling and simulation methods used in Z-BRE4K are mainly Finite Element Methods (FEM) where complex problems and processes from the real world are being simplified and solved using a numerical approach. First, an accurate digital model of the geometry and material properties of all involved objects, boundary conditions between these objects and process data is created (i.e. forces or temperature).
Then, the complex shape of all objects involved, is approximate using a finite number of simple geometries (i.e. triangles) which simplify the complex mathematical problem. A computer is capable of solving these mathematical operations at a rate impossible for humans and thus enables the user to analyse various scenarios, ranging from mechanical strains within the objects to rise in temperature or material fatigue. This information can be used to predict the remaining useful lifetime of a given tool.
Simulation platform is deployed by the physical equipment to create intuitive maintenance control and management systems. The Z-BRE4K’s platform simulation capabilities will estimate the remaining useful life calling for maintenance and suggesting the optimal times to place orders for spare parts, reducing the related costs. The increased predictability of the system and the failure prevention actions will reduce the number of failures, maximise the performance, reduce the repair/recover times reducing further the costs.
By applying time series analysis, we are able to detect special events that are known (Fault detection) or unknown (anomaly detection) during production. This information, correlated with sensor readings is fed into machine learning algorithms that create estimates of Remaining Useful Life (RUL), Health Indexes (HI) and forecast upcoming events (Likelihood of Failure). Special focus is given in techniques that can provide real-time information (Fast computation and high accuracy) as well as being scalable in order to use new data as it becomes available. Additional information such as meantime between failures based on historical data or an expert opinion, CAE data, quality control data, real time states etc. are also used to the design of machine simulators.