Modelling for Early Phase Investigation into alternative System and Technology Options - MEPHISTO

Purpose and goal

The purpose of this project is to bridge the differences in maturity level with so-called generative modeling methods. In the project, a method for connecting functional and geometric modeling has been developed and implemented in a digital development laboratory - Systems Engineering Design laboratory (SED lab.) SED lab. has been developed and validated to evaluate alternative technology concepts for aircraft engine components together with the aviation industry. The project has led to a licentiate and doctoral thesis, as well as initiated research and demonstration projects.

Expected results and effects

The project has: Delivered an innovative method to investigate a larger design space of aircraft engine components. Contributed to the development of a development environment at Chalmers that enables method and system support implementation of design methods. Validated the potential of the method in real development situations together with the company. Led to a licentiate and doctoral thesis and initiated research and demonstration project. The project has also contributed to more than 15 peer-reviewed scientific publications and participated in conferences.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was preceded by the VITUM project where a need to evaluate alternative and innovative technologies for structural aircraft engine components in the concept phase was identified. Three project deliverables were defined, a flexible method for functional and geometric modeling in early phases, a laboratory environment at Chalmers that enables digital experiments and validation of the methods by conducting experiments using the company´s geometric software environment. The work has mainly been carried out by a PhD student in collaboration with engineers at the company.