Summary
– Multi-physics simulation is crucial for EV and battery design and development to study interactions among different aspects of a physical system
– The automotive industry, especially with the growth of EVs, needs to rethink vehicle architectures and production methods to scale up and innovate
– Digital transformation technologies are essential for OEMs and suppliers to adjust to changing regulations and customer requirements
– A digital prototyping approach can help reduce development cycles and costs during the design process
– Hexagon supports local manufacturing of power electronics components and is involved in the Indian EV ecosystem to facilitate the transition to electrification in the automotive industry
Article
In today’s automotive industry, the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) necessitates a major shift in approach for auto manufacturers. Subham Sett, VP of Multiphysics Solutions Group at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, highlights the importance of multi-physics simulation in the electric vehicle ecosystem. Multi-physics simulation involves studying different aspects of a physical system simultaneously to understand how they interact. By accurately simulating real-world physics behavior, valuable insights can be gained to inform innovative designs. These simulation tools can help OEMs test and validate designs virtually, reduce the need for physical prototypes, and improve product performance, ultimately speeding up innovation and increasing design process agility by optimizing designs across interacting physics.
The automotive industry, particularly with the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, can greatly benefit from multi-physics simulation. With the shift towards EVs, auto manufacturers must reconsider traditional vehicle assembly processes to meet the new demands of the EV market. This transformation requires the development of new vehicle architectures, scaling up production, accelerating innovation and time-to-market, integrating the supply chain vertically, and incorporating flexibility and automation into production. Digital transformation technologies play a crucial role in helping OEMs and suppliers quickly adapt their products to meet changing regulations and customer needs.
In the context of electric vehicles, batteries play a crucial role in commercial success. The design of batteries represents a significant portion of the vehicle’s cost, making it essential for manufacturers to get the design right while managing costs. Quality in battery cell parts, such as electrodes and separators, is vital for producing a competitive end product. The production process for these parts needs to ensure non-contamination and non-defective products, with quality inspection procedures in place. Additionally, the thermal management of battery systems must be considered to ensure effective cooling and protect the battery units from damage, ultimately providing a safe and sustainable mobility solution.
To expedite product development and reduce development cycles in the automotive industry, a digital prototyping approach is essential. Vehicle manufacturers are under pressure to shorten program timelines, necessitating a shift from traditional waterfall processes to agile methods that incorporate more computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools earlier in the product development cycle. By utilizing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and adopting digital prototyping methods, OEMs can streamline the design process, drive innovation, and achieve significant cost reductions during development.
Hexagon’s involvement in the Indian EV ecosystem focuses on supporting local manufacturing of power electronics components to enhance performance and reliability while reducing product size. The Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) industry is rapidly growing, with initiatives like India’s Semicon India Program aiming to position the country as a global hub for semiconductor and display manufacturing. By leveraging digital transformation solutions, Hexagon aims to increase efficiency and sustainability in industrial and power electronics manufacturing, particularly for sectors like electric vehicles that require rapid innovation.
Through its 100% EV program, Hexagon is committed to facilitating the successful transition to electrification in the automotive industry by providing expertise and best practices from automotive and electronics industries to Indian automotive companies. With a focus on battery safety, particularly in preventing issues like thermal runaway, Hexagon’s simulation tools can help assess and optimize thermal management strategies. By promoting smart manufacturing practices and reducing the design to prototyping stage, Hexagon aims to streamline EV production, increase productivity, lower costs, and accelerate time to market for electric vehicles.
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