Materials, Advanced Design
&
Manufacturing
00
Keywords
Virtual design, integrated modelling, simulation virtual
prototyping, 3D immersive visualisation
Expertise
Virtual engineering is the future of design and
manufacturing as it: enables accelerated product and
process development at a fraction of the cost; drives
innovation through minimising design re-work; facilitates
innovation through improved understanding of customer
requirements and evaluation of multiple scenarios. The
University’s Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC) applies
state-of-the-art design, simulation, analysis, integration
and visualisation tools for product and process design.
Supported by a cluster of super-computers to drive
real-time decision making, this resource is second to
none in the UK.
The VEC has a unique approach to develop and
integrate virtual engineering technology innovations
across the product-life cycle to deliver powerful
solutions to business. Working in partnership with
industry, the VEC provides a range of flexible,
virtual laboratories and factories, drawing upon
fundamental research from the knowledge-base
which businesses can access to evaluate emerging
technologies and ‘de-risk’ their integration.
Access to a broad technology infrastructure, including
state-of-the-art 3D Immersive Visualisation and High
Performance Computing (HPC) provides advanced
engineering and high-value manufacturing sectors
significant innovation and collaborative opportunities.
Catalysed through NWDA and ERDF funding,
the Virtual Engineering Centre operates in
partnership with BAE Systems, Airbus, Morsons
Projects, the Northwest Aerospace Alliance and the
Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Integrated product and process modelling,
simulation and optimisation
•
Virtual prototyping and immersive 3D
visualisation
•
Virtual engineering
•
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Laboratory –
supporting development, test and certification
for civil applications.
Relevant centres and groups
•
Virtual Engineering Centre
•
Centre for Autonomous Systems Technology
•
Institute for Risk and Uncertainty.
1.
Manufacturing operations and approaches
83
1.1
Virtual design and manufacturing
APPLICATION AREAS
•
Aerospace and automotive
•
Energy
•
High value manufacturing
•
Electronics and electrical systems
•
Nanotechnology and advanced materials
•
Energy
•
Sustainability
•
Biotechnology
•
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
•
Food supply
