Digital Twins applications presented by Spoke 9 researchers at iNE(S)T-working
Yesterday, 15th February 2024, the University Teaching Hub in Vicenza hosted the networking meeting iNE(S)T-working. During a parallel session, Spoke 9 researchers showcased the most crucial applications of Digital Twins
Vicenza, 16th February 2024
«The digital world is the unifying thread among the diverse vocations of universities within iNEST»: these were the opening words by Prof. Mara Thiene from the University of Padua as she welcomed over 300 researchers involved yesterday into iNE(S)T-working—a networking meeting for all iNEST coordinators and recruits. The research activities of Spoke 9 constitute a pivotal element within the overarching vision of digitalization upheld by iNEST: Digital Twins (DTs) emerge as drivers of innovation in many sectors, as evidenced during a parallel session of iNE(S)T-working focused on Spoke 9, which also included insights from Spokes 1 and 8. Introduced by the Spoke coordinator, Prof. Gianluigi Rozza, three Spoke 9 researchers showcased various applications of DTs.
Niccolò Tonicello, Assistant Professor at SISSA and the first to speak, discussed the diverse applications of DTs in the field of aviation. «Digital Twins can manage very complex phenomena, such as turbulence,» stated Tonicello. DTs also enable the management of issues like ice formation on wings and the reproduction of combustion processes. To do so, Tonicello is working on integrating data-driven and AI-based modeling techniques like Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), which enable machines to solve equations autonomously. Furthermore, he discussed ongoing attempts to combine information from various Reduced Order Models (ROMs) to develop an optimal model for enhanced performance. All these efforts are dedicated to enhancing aircraft performance, but they also pave the way for safer and more efficient air travel, marking a significant leap forward in aerospace engineering.
The next presentation was delivered by Pasquale Claudio Africa, Assistant Professor at SISSA, and was focused on the application of DTs to the cardiovascular apparatus—a field of remarkable social impact: «Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death and hospitalization,» Africa highlighted, «and applied mathematics can play a key role in studying them.» He collaborates with clinical partners to get images from CT scans and MRIs, to create simulations of the fluid dynamics of blood. Africa pointed out the difference between two modeling techniques, Full Order Models (FOMs) and ROMs, explaining that the second ones capture essential physics more efficiently and in real-time. This is crucial to integrate Digital Twins into the field of medicine, paving the way for advancements that could potentially redefine the landscape of procedures like coronary bypasses, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and saving lives.
Finally, Erica Salvato from the University of Trieste showcased her research, aimed at developing DTs for real-time simulation. «Compared to a regular simulator, a DT enables a seamless and automatic data flow from and to the real system, allowing to monitor, analyze, and optimize a process in real-time: this opens the door toward developments in the industrial field,» explained Salvato. Key areas of focus include predictive maintenance and autonomous control of dynamic systems. Her work has a particular emphasis on decision-making processes and she acknowledges the challenge posed by the so-called “reality gap,” wherein controllers developed on simulators may encounter variations when applied to real systems. Salvato’s involvement extends to the development of DTs in drone arenas—specially designed controlled environments for testing and developing drones and associated technologies.
All these profound insights into the transformative power of Digital Twins echoed the collaborative and innovative spirit that defines the iNEST community. «This project provides an opportunity to consolidate existing ties and forge new ones,» stated Prof. Angelo Montanari, leader of iNEST’s Scientific and Technical Committee, «We still have a lot to do and this meeting is a fundamental step.»
