Are virtual tests phasing out physical tests?

This week’s edition of the Mechanical newsletter answers a series of pivotal questions.

• Are virtual tests as effective as physical tests for product designs?

• Does advanced simulation technology indicate the phasing out of physical tests?

• Are physical tests even relevant today?

Join us as we compare these methods, weigh their benefits, and measure their impact on the design and testing processes.

Beyond that, we have self-eating rockets and aircrafts prepared to fly in the Martian atmosphere. Join us as we explore more cutting-edge advances in mechanical innovation.

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SPOTLIGHT

Over the years, the standard way engineers have designed things has been to build, test, and redesign until it works right. But new technologies for virtually testing designs on computers have some folks wondering if we even need physical tests anymore.

Even though virtual testing can be extremely quick and efficient, most engineers believe that real-world tests are still critical for making sure simulations match up with reality. Thomas Edison tested over 10,000 lightbulb prototypes before he achieved the desired results. Of course, digital tools today let engineers test their designs onscreen before even bothering to build anything.

Ease through digital simulations

Digital simulations appeal because they are fast and cheap. With the help of high-fidelity physics simulations, engineers can analyze design variations without relying on physical prototyping. This speedy approach accelerates the design-testing process and is applicable in fields such as aerospace, automotive, and materials science.

Questioning the relevance of Physical Tests

Coming back to the key question, can digital engineering fully replace the need for physical tests? The short answer is No.

The only limitation is that the accuracy of a simulation depends on underlying assumptions and data used during their creation. Just like Edison, failures in the lab will always show more than successes on the screen. Physical tests prepare models to withstand actual complexities by conducting real-life tests, making them an indispensable part of the design-testing process.

Adapting testing strategies to complex systems

The purpose of testing has changed from validating predefined requirements to strategically confirming the accuracy of models considering a multitude of variables. Some systems, including processors and autonomous vehicles, are too complex and have too many moving parts to test physically, and this is where digital simulation comes in really handy.

Engineers now use virtual testing aspects that are less understood, too complex, or too expensive for physical testing. Then again, to ensure the accuracy of test outcomes depends on validating the underlying models using real-world data.

The convergence of physical testing and simulation

Incorporating both digital and physical methodologies for testing is a holistic approach where engineers can leverage the benefits of both. Virtual simulations let designers explore several design options by providing insights into design possibilities.

Nonetheless, the only way to ensure that the simulation outcomes have validated the model for real-life scenarios is to test it in real-life scenarios.

CAREER CORNER

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