ESI Group [ESI: EPA]
Virtual Prototyping for Futuristic Technologies

Honda has been a trustworthy name in the automobile industry for a long time, courtesy to its robust vehicles. The company regularly researches force experience by the different parts of a vehicle and has been relying on physical testing for that. Due to a large number of tests and cost incurred, the method of testing became impractical. Honda engineers needed a solution that could enable them to conduct multiple tests without excessive resources. Coming to their rescue was ESI Group [ESI: EPA], whose Virtual Prototyping Solution (VPS) enables them to simulate various vehicles crashing into different obstacles and design a digital prototype. Honda also reduced its trial and development period and eliminated the use of physical material for testing. This is just one example of how ESI Group has resolved client issues and improved its operational efficiency.

Founded in 1973, ESI (Engineering Systems International) provides reliable and personalised solutions based on Finite Element Analysis for digital simulation to automotive, land transport, aerospace, defence, naval, energy and heavy industries. The company is the world’s leading provider of virtual prototyping. It offers a comprehensive suite that enables its clients to realistically simulate product testing, modify manufacturing processes in accordance with results, and evaluate environmental impact.

ESI’s solutions give design engineers the freedom to virtually experiment with their creations and checks feasibility. The tools could also be used to verify the safety and energy efficiency of designs. The company created a virtual paradigm called Hybrid Twin™ equipped with smart sensors that collect data from real-life operations and become artificially intelligent. Additionally, ESI offers OpenFOAM that is used for predicting hydrodynamic design behaviour. It predicts maintenance requirements and detects future failures. ESI solutions are focused on improving product performance. The company is evolving PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) into PPL (Product Performance Lifecycle™). ESI’s clients utilise the VPS to assess the ageing and behaviour of various components of their product—a functionality based on Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and smart sensor data. Clients of the automobile industry utilise the tool to design structural parts and test the durability of several materials by simulating crashes, boosting the products manufacturability, accuracy, and operational efficiency. Energy sector businesses employ ESI’s solution for modelling equipment optimised for long-term durability. The company has a team of highly skilled engineers who offer consultation and support services to customers on a 24/7 basis. Customers can make use of the myESI portal for getting access to a wide range of downloads consisting of training manuals, release notes, software files, as well as quick hacks. With such versatile functionalities, ESI has earned a reputation of being a customer-centric company trusted by major manufacturing brands in the industry, such as Audi.

Audi, while developing e-Tron prototypes, was looking for a simulation tool to simulate aerodynamic scenarios. The company used ESI’s OpenFOAM® to simulate external aerodynamics, airflow and conditioning. As a result, Audi was able to maximise the vehicles driving range and acoustic quality. ESI recently partnered with Bentley to optimise Flying Spur—one of the world’s finest four-door sedans. VPS was employed to eliminate noise, vibration and harshness, reducing physical parts for testing. Aware of its responsibilities as a global brand, ESI Group signed the Global Compact, committing to aligning its strategies with the global goals related to human rights, international labour standards, environment, and fight against corruption.