4. Engineering at scale - why, when and how?

Question 1

What do you do before you build a final version of a product?

Answer 1

You build a test model or prototype to see how it functions

Question 2

What are the implications if you don’t test something before it goes into production/final construction

Answer 2

• Your product may have different behaivours then expected
• Errors or problems may arise after you have already sunk money and time into the project causing delays

Question 3

What are benefits/drawback of computational modelling? How do computer models fundamentally work?

Answer 3

Benefits:
* Quick
* Cheaper
* Easy to build

Drawbacks:
* Not always perfectly accurate
* Can lead to later problems if soley relying on computer models
* Can lead to poor design or spotting of design when constructing the model (as you aren’t as involved)

How they work:
They use Navier-Stokes equations (small boxes calculating individual sets of particles in out out each second)

Question 4

What are the advantages of scale modelling?

Answer 4

• Cheaper
• Controlled environment (active) as opposed to passive
• Faster collection of results (full range)
• Steady flow
• Data quality
• Reduced “risk”

Question 5

Why might scale modelling not always be possible?

Answer 5

• Complicated structural loading of a composite structure (like a large plane wing)
• It’s not homogeneous (same with wind turbine blades)
• less risk and easier than other applications to do full-scale tests