Honda, Ohio State Celebrate Opening of SIMCenter in Columbus
A computer aided engineering simulation of cooling airflow to a brake system
At the new Simulation Innovation and Modeling Center in Columbus, Ohio, vehicle testing can happen virtually, with the click of a button.
Though the union representing crash test dummies may malign the SIMCenter, computer-aided simulation has the potential to improve manufacturing processes and product performance.
Launched after a $5 million gift from Honda, Ohio State University’s SIMCenter began operations last winter. The Center’s interests lie in researching and developing computer models that enhance testing in the auto industry.
SIMCenter Director Rob Lee said that industry funding from Honda and other manufacturers has been “significant,” and that the Center is eager to connect with additional partners.
“With ten faculty members actively participating in the center, and an aggressive effort to hire research staff underway, we are now ready to reach out to potential industry partners to help them with their research and development needs,” Lee said.
Honda has partnered with Ohio State since 1988 on various initiatives, and both parties see the SIMCenter as a way to hasten the adoption of virtual engineering and save time and resources during product development.
“Every company has a different vision for the future of mobility, however, we all have a common need to develop ideas into new solutions as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible,” said Honda R&D Americas, Inc. President Frank Paluch. “The collaboration in the research environment of the SIMCenter by talented young engineers trained in advanced CAE (computer-aided engineering) methods will help advance the field much more quickly than we could do alone.”
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