Centrale Nantes enhances its leadership in the field of numerical simulation in fluid mechanics with the launch of a new research chair with Siemens

Internationally recognised expertise in numerical simulation

In order to optimise their design, engineering and manufacturing processes, companies of all sizes rely on numerical simulation to verify the relevance and anticipate the short-and long-term performance of their products.

With more than 30 years of activity in this field, the Research Laboratory in Hydrodynamics, Energetics & Atmospheric Environment (LHEEA) - Centrale Nantes and CNRS - is now recognised as an international leader in the field of numerical simulation using the SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) method.  SPH is a calculation method used to simulate fluid flows, particularly those causing impacts or encountering rapidly moving parts. It is particularly useful for studying the lubrication of gearboxes, the cooling of electric motors, tyre aquaplaning, or vehicle water management.  Based on this method, researchers at Centrale Nantes, in collaboration with their counterparts at CNR-INM in Rome, co-developed alongside Nextflow Software "SPH Flow", a software package that brings together the best applications of predictive simulation and design with this method. Siemens acquired Nextflow Software and this technology in 2021.

"The work done by the LHEEA lab is world-leading and will benefit our customers who are exploring the outer boundaries of what can be achieved with simulation", - Jean-Claude Ercolanelli, Senior Vice President, Simulation and Test Solutions, Siemens Digital Industries Software.

A research chair to boost the numerical simulation capabilities of fluid flows

In the form of five modules, the scientific and technical programme of this new research chair aims to increase the accuracy, speed and robustness of Siemens' "Simcenter SPH Flow" software.
One of the modules involves using artificial intelligence to replace difficult physical equations and find solutions to complex problems.
With the aim of meeting the needs of engineering departments in the creation of new innovative products, three priority fields of application have been identified: fluid flows around vehicles, lubrication of transmissions and the cooling of electrical and electronic systems.

Jean-Claude Ercolanelli, Senior Vice President, Simulation and Test Solutions, Siemens Digital Industries Software

This research chair continues an already fruitful relationship that benefits not only Siemens and Centrale Nantes, but the wider engineering and simulation community as we explore the cutting edge of fluid flow simulation technology together.

Jean-Baptiste Avrillier, Director of Centrale Nantes

This research chair with a major group like Siemens is a fine demonstration of both the excellence of our research and the technological development role of our institution, where companies of all sizes can find real support for their research. The new technologies developed jointly will also benefit the training of future engineers and PhD students who may pursue their careers in industry.

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*Pictured above from left to right:

• Laura Trappolini, Product Manager, Simulation and Test Solutions, Siemens Digital Industries Software
• David Le Touzé, Head of the Research Laboratory in Hydrodynamics, Energetics & Atmospheric Environment
• Jean-Claude Ercolanelli, Senior Vice President, Simulation and Test Solutions, Siemens Digital Industries Software
• Jean-Baptiste Avrillier, Director of Centrale Nantes
• Matthieu De Leffe, Software Engineer Manager, Simulation and Test Solutions, Siemens Digital Industries Software
• Guillaume Oger, Director of the Chair (and head of the research team on numerical modelling in hydrodynamics for health and engineering)
• Vincent Perrier, Director of Strategy and Innovation, Simulation and Test Solutions, Siemens Digital Industries Software (former CEO of Nextflow Software).