Digitwin
DigiTwin was a £5M EPSRC funded programme grant, that ran from February 2018 until September 2023, led by the University of Sheffield.
A digital twin is much more than just a numerical model: It is a virtualised proxy version of the physical system built from a fusion of data with models of differing fidelity, using novel techniques in uncertainty analysis, model reduction, and experimental validation. The project aimed to deliver the transformative new science required to generate digital twin technology for key sectors of UK industry: specifically power generation, automotive and aerospace.
The Digital Twin
The aim of Digitwin was to create a robustly-validated virtual prediction tool called a “digital twin”. This is urgently needed to overcome limitations in current industrial practice that increasingly rely on large computer-based models to make critical design and operational decisions for systems such as wind farms, nuclear power stations and aircraft.
The digital twin is much more than just a numerical model: It is a “virtualised” proxy version of the physical system built from a fusion of data with models of differing fidelity, using novel techniques in uncertainty analysis, model reduction, and experimental validation.
Our aim was to deliver the transformative new science required to generate digital twin technology for key sectors of UK industry: specifically power generation, automotive and aerospace.
The results from the project will empower industry with the ability to create digital twins as predictive tools for real-world problems that (i) radically improve design methodology leading to significant cost savings, and (ii) transform uncertainty management of key industrial assets, enabling a step change reduction in the associated operation and management costs.
In November 2016 Philip Hammond commissioned the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) to write a report on “on how new technologies can improve infrastructure productivity”
The report on ‘Data for the public good’ was published in December 2017 focused on “smart infrastructure” including the possibility of a “national digital twin”
Recommendations are civil engineering focused and delivery is tasked to:
The Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) as lead in collaboration with,
The Alan Turing Institute (ATI) plus some others including MTC
Key recommendations/deliverables are based around “The Gemini Principles”
CDBB is receiving direct funding from government, and has distributed some funds to other groups
In Feb 2017 the ATI published an Insight article on “digital transition” including digital twin for aerospace – case study from Rolls Royce
Nearly all major companies in energy, manufacturing and transport have digital twin projects or programmes
DigiTwin was a £5M EPSRC funded programme grant, that ran from 2018 to 2023, led by the University of Sheffield in collaboration with the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge, Liverpool, Southampton & Swansea and industrial partners: Airbus, EDF energy, Leonardo Helicopters, LOC engineering, Romax Technology, Schlumberger, Siemens Gamesa, Siemens Turbomachinery, Stirling Dynamics and Ultra Electronics.
Partners
