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Siemens takes project teams to the next level with advanced simulation tools 

Project teams at the University of Michigan are experiencing an increased need for efficient and powerful simulation software. Using these specialized tools unlocks an advantage in their competitions by squeezing the maximal performance out of their designs. As a student at the University of Michigan, I recognized this need and proposed a solution. I led my team at Siemens in hosting a workshop to introduce students to the powerful CAD program, Siemens NX and perform finite element analysis in the dynamic simulation suite, Simcenter 3D

Hani Qaqish, an employee at Siemens who uses NX extensively, led students through using NX to design a 3D logo of the University of Michigan. Students ranged in skill from beginner to advanced, yet every student took something meaningful from the session. Students were then introduced to finite element analysis within Simcenter 3D, where they applied pressures and forces to a part. They analyzed how the part reacted, making changes to the part as they went. Students had the chance to learn from Senior Application Engineer Scott McDougall and NX Aerospace & Defense Product Manager, Jean Piguet. This workshop was very helpful to these students and it’s certain that they will be bringing these skills to their project teams.  

A 3D logo of the University of Michigan created in NX.

How project teams at the University of Michigan use Simcenter 3D to create effective designs

I reached out to Ian Cox, a new student on the Mracing Formula SAE team at Michigan who attended the event. Ian said that his team uses simulation software extensively to prove the effectiveness of their designs before fabrication. This saves them time and money while creating their cars and allows them to find the best design without manual trial and error. They verify their simulation results on physical parts using the wind tunnel available at the University of Michigan’s Wilson Center

Ian is involved with the aero design of their cars and attended the event with a particular interest in the finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities of Simcenter 3D. He says that his team has been facing a problem with the placement of the radiators on their car to minimize air resistance and maximize heat transfer. He believes that Simcenter 3D could help them solve this problem. The Simcenter 3D workshop taught students how to simulate pressure on a part and perform FEA. They analyzed how the part reacted and adjusted the part to improve its performance. After the event, Ian felt well-equipped with the basics of FEA within Simcenter and is excited to apply and expand upon this knowledge while working alongside his project team this year. 

A component is displayed and moves in Simcenter 3D.

Siemens inspires students through unique and exciting opportunities 

Siemens deeply values its connections to students and universities across the world. Students at the University of Michigan, as well as many other institutions, have free access to NX and Simcenter 3D through an educational license. Siemens hopes that this event will raise awareness of this opportunity and that it will provide better access to these tools for project team members and other students.  

Siemens also offers valuable experiences through their internship program for college students, the Strategic Student Program (SSP). As a student in this program since last summer, I worked alongside Bailey Norwood, a Student Ambassador at the University of Michigan, and Andrew Hintz, a new and invaluable employee on our team, to orchestrate this event. Throughout October, my role was to coordinate this event on my campus. I’m a very busy person, being a full-time engineering student and a part-time intern. Yet, the experience that I gained was profound despite the limited time I had available to work on this project.  

The reason why I’ve been an intern at Siemens for three semesters now is because they have confidence in my success for projects even where I have limited previous experience. They allow students like me to take big steps and expand the reach of our career. By fully integrating student interns within the departmental teams at Siemens, they foster an environment that allows students to prosper by collaborating with industry professionals through meaningful experiences.  

A group of interns smile for a picture.

The SSP Team in Livonia, MI, summer, 2024 (Photo by Victoria Wilson, 2024) 

Couldn’t make it to the event? We have you covered 

To start expanding your skillset in the world of CAD and simulation, download the free student versions of Siemens NX and Simcenter 3D. 

Want to review the information shared during the technical sessions? You can watch videos recapping the sessions here by navigating through the drop-down menu in the upper left to find what you need. 

As a student, you can access Siemens Xcelerator Academy on-demand for self-guided training for NX, Simcenter 3D and several other Siemens offerings. Use these instructions to get access to Siemens Xcelerator Academy and start your journey to becoming a CAD & CAE expert! 

Want to become an expert in Simcenter 3D? Be sure to subscribe to the Simcenter 3D Tips & Tricks YouTube channel

Enhance your skills with more exciting opportunities at Siemens!

Microcredentials are a way to stand out by certifying competence in key skills sought by industry leaders. University of Michigan competition teams are invited to participate in a pilot microcredential to help bridge the gap between your current course work and your first experience working in industry. Want to learn more? Sign up to receive details in December on how to get started! 

Join the Immersive Design Challenge! 

Experience the industrial metaverse by competing in the Immersive Design Challenge! This challenge invites you to combine augmented reality with 3D digital models. Have a project or product you’re working on? Form a team of 3-5 classmates (enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD program) to submit your idea and get a chance to prototype it using a Sony XR headset and Siemens NX Immersive Designer software. 

The deadline for submissions is December 20th, so start brainstorming and assembling your team today! 

Siemens Realize LIVE save the date! 

Siemens Realize LIVE 2025 will be held in Detroit, Michigan, from June 2 – June 5, 2025. This is an unmissable event focused on the future of digital transformation, with cross-industry discussions on topics like sustainability, AI and the future of mobility

Attendee registration opens on January 14th, 2025, so mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information, including details on the Realize LIVE Design Hack, for another chance to team up with your classmates and compete on completing an engineering challenge! 

Patrick Wallace
SSP Student

Hello, my name is Patrick Wallace and I am a student at Michigan Engineering studying Data Science. My passion is using my creative skills and my technical knowledge alongside my team to solve complex problems. People have described me as being creative, passionate, productive, and hard-working.

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This article first appeared on the Siemens Digital Industries Software blog at https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/academic/project-teams-next-level-advanced-simulation-tools/