Interscale Content Hub – The use of digital twins in engineering has really taken off across different engineering fields.
By creating a digital version of physical assets, digital twins let you monitor, simulate, and optimize in real time.
In recent years, the use of digital twins has really taken off, thanks to advances in IoT, AI, and data analytics. They’re now a key part of modern engineering practices.
What Are Digital Twins in Engineering?
In engineering, a digital twin is a virtual model that mirrors the attributes, behavior, and performance of its physical counterpart.
This digital representation can include pretty much anything, from individual components and machines to entire buildings, factories, or even complex infrastructure systems.
IoT devices and sensors collect data from the physical asset in real-time, which is then processed and analyzed using data analytics and machine learning tools.
Simulation models show how the asset will behave in different situations.
Connectivity makes sure that the digital twin and the physical asset can communicate with each other in real time, so that updates and insights can be shared instantly.
A digital twin can accurately reflect the current state of its physical counterpart by integrating sensor data, historical information, and real-time updates.
This lets engineers see what’s going on with the asset, find out if there are any problems, and make smart choices about how to take care of it over time.
Take the aerospace industry, for instance. Big names like General Electric and Rolls-Royce are using digital twins for jet engines.
These engines have lots of sensors that monitor things like temperature, pressure, and vibration.
The data is sent to a digital twin, which simulates how the engine works and predicts how well it will perform.
This lets engineers make maintenance schedules that are more efficient, reduce downtime, and keep things safe by spotting potential issues before they cause problems.
How Digital Twins Work in Engineering
Digital twins in engineering are made possible by a combination of cutting-edge technologies that together create a dynamic, real-time digital representation of physical assets.
In their webinar on Industry 4.0 and Digital Twins, Dr. Milind Siddhpura and Dr. Arti Siddhpura said these technologies include IoT sensors, data analytics, machine learning, and simulation models.
IoT sensors collect data from the physical asset in real time and send it to the digital twin.
Then, data analytics and machine learning tools process and analyze the data that comes in, giving us insights and predictions.
Simulation models show how the physical asset will behave in different situations, and strong connections make sure that the digital and physical sides can talk to each other easily.
This integration lets us monitor, analyze, and optimize engineering systems more effectively.
By keeping the digital twin up to date with real-time data, engineers can test out potential scenarios, make performance improvements, and plan for maintenance, which helps to reduce downtime and extend the lifespan of the asset.
You can read “What If Digital Twins in Manufacturing Could Test Many What If Scenarios?” to see how digital twins can help you.
What is an Example of a Digital Twin in Engineering?
A prime example of a digital twin is found in the aerospace industry, especially the stuff developed by GE Aviation and Rolls-Royce.
Both companies use digital twin technology to make their jet engines perform better, last longer, and be easier to maintain.
GE Aviation’s Digital Twins
GE Aviation uses digital twins a lot in their engine programs, including the GE9X engine.
As described by Chelsey Levingston in “No Two Alike: Each Jet Engine Delivery Comes With its Own Digital Thumbprint,” each GE9X engine is accompanied by a digital twin created during its assembly.
This digital twin copies every part and system of the physical engine, starting its lifecycle at the same time on digital platforms.
The digital twin for each engine includes real-time data from sensors on the engine itself, which track things like temperature, pressure, and vibration.
This data is sent back to the digital twin all the time, which helps with predictive maintenance and reduces downtime.
The data from the digital twin helps us make the best recommendations for inspections and part replacements, which improves operational efficiency and engine reliability.
Rolls-Royce’s IntelligentEngine
Rolls-Royce also uses digital twin technology in their IntelligentEngine initiative, as explained in their document “How Digital Twin Technology Can Enhance Aviation.”
Rolls-Royce uses digital twins for their aero engines. These are virtual replicas that learn and update themselves based on data from sensors monitoring the engine’s operating conditions.
The digital twin works with the physical engine, simulating its behavior and predicting maintenance needs.
This capability lets us do preventive maintenance, which means we can avoid having to take the plane out of service for maintenance, and it also makes the engines more reliable.
Plus, the digital twin can model extreme operational scenarios, which helps us understand the engine’s behavior under different conditions.
To see how Azure can help you with digital twins, kindly check “How Azure Digital Twins is Your Building’s Doppelganger & Why It’s Great.”
Benefits of Digital Twins in Engineering
As Dr. Milind Siddhpura and Dr. Arti Siddhpura explain, digital twins have a lot to offer the engineering world.
Digital twins help us make better decisions by giving us real-time data and simulations that let us make smarter choices.
Another great thing about digital twins is that they can predict issues before they happen, which means less downtime and maintenance costs.
Simulations help us find ways to make our processes more efficient and make them run more smoothly.
The digital twin gives us continuous data feedback, which helps us make product designs better and more reliable.
Plus, resource management gets a boost from accurate data, which makes planning and allocation easier.
Wondering How to Streamline and Harness the Benefits of Digital Twins?
Interscale is the answer you’re looking for. We’ve got you covered with tailored BIM management solutions that work hand-in-hand with digital twins, so your projects run like clockwork.
We make sure we understand your goals and challenges so we can provide solutions that are right for you.
Then, it’s all about seamless integration to get the most out of your data. Our platform makes sure your data flows smoothly and can be used with other software, so you can access the info you need when you need it.
By making BIM processes easier to manage, we can cut down on delays and make workflows more efficient, so you can get projects done faster and cheaper.
Our case study with K2LD Architects shows how Interscale’s platform lets you work together in real-time and get the data right on a complex architectural project.
So, kindly read our Interscale BIM Management Support Service page to learn more about our full range of solutions.
Got questions or want to discuss your specific needs? Feel free to get in touch with us. We’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your project.
In Closing
These digital twin technologies create a real-time, dynamic representation of physical assets, which helps with predictive maintenance, process optimization, and better decision-making.
As digital twin technology keeps improving, more and more companies will start using it, which will lead to even more new ideas and ways to work more efficiently in engineering.
Embracing digital twins in engineering is a great way to make progress and open up new possibilities.
