HPCwire: UC and P&G Create Computer Simulation Center

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December 12, 2008

UC and P&G Create Computer Simulation Center

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New UC Simulation Center provides real design solutions through a virtual world, in which simulated failure creates real-world success

Dec. 12 -- The UC Simulation Center is providing meaningful outcomes by solving real design problems in a virtual world.

A collaborative effort between Procter & Gamble and the University of Cincinnati has developed a center of expertise in computer simulation. The center provides P&G with cost-effective, high-value virtual modeling and simulation capacity and capability while developing a talent pipeline for future recruitment.

In the traditional engineering and production model, a product is designed, a prototype model is created and tested, and then lessons learned are fed back into the design for modifications. This physical trial and error process is extremely limiting in terms of cost, time, and the sheer number of prototype models that can be physically created and tested.

"The more virtual engineering we can do, the more we can save in terms of costs, time, engineering resources, etc. We can do far more parametric studies applying virtual models -- such as different sizes and shapes -- because there is no retooling of fabrication machines," Professor Teik C. Lim, head of UC's Mechanical Engineering Department, points out. "For example, this practice has been gaining popularity amongst major automotive companies like Ford, Mercedes and Toyota because they cannot afford to build several variations of the same car."

P&G's UC Simulation Center Manager Don Bretl says that "to explore physically and confirm physically" is not getting results that are good enough or fast enough any longer.

As P&G pursued the increasing use of computer modeling as a way to do design work, they recognized that there was a growing need for developing more modeling and simulation capacity sooner. Besides looking at typical business models for expanding capability, within their "connect and develop" concept, they also looked at innovative ways that other companies or institutions were trying.

And they found a fairly unique business model used by Caterpillar Inc.

In 1999, Caterpillar Inc. established its Champaign Simulation Center (CSC) at University of Illinois Research Park. During a visit to Caterpillar with representatives from UC College of Engineering, P&G learned a new model of partnership with universities that could provide another agile and cost-effective source for modeling and simulation while helping to grow future talent.

With this business model in mind, P&G worked with UC to develop a similar partnership. An existing Master Alliance Agreement between UC and P&G was the legal basis for the collaboration.

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