We are delighted to announce a stellar line-up of Keynote speakers for the NAFEMS World Congress 2025.
Sustainable Skies: How Simulation Brings Flight to the X-66 Demonstrator
Computational modeling and simulation are playing an increasingly important role in MedTech to accelerate time to market, reduce development cost and enhance patient outcome. Physical testing simulation, manufacturing process simulation as well as patient- specific simulation models enable comprehensive pre-clinical evaluation of devices. However, model credibility needs to be carefully assessed for all models before they are considered suitable for their context of use. In this keynote presentation, Cheryl will discuss how modeling and simulation is being leveraged throughout the lifecycle of orthopaedic implants, surgical instruments, and robotic applications, and how model credibility is established using various comparators including clinical data.
Cheryl Liu is currently the Director of Computer Modeling and Simulation at Stryker Joint Replacement where she is leading a group of modeling and simulation experts working on advanced CM&S applications throughout product lifecycle from how they are designed, manufactured, and tested to how they help improve patient care in the real world. Prior to joining Stryker, Cheryl worked at Dassault Systems Simulia as life sciences industry lead where she worked closely with simulation experts from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to advance credibility and regulatory acceptance of CM&S. Cheryl received her MS and PhD from University of Notre Dame and BS from Beihang University. Cheryl has been a member of ASME VVUQ40 subcommittee since 2013 and is co-leading the patient-specific model working group. Cheryl is currently serving as implant section Chair-elect for the Orthopaedic Research Society and is on the CM&S steering committee at MDIC.
The presentation will explore the evolving role of industrial simulation engineers in product development as seen through the growth and transformation of simulation department within Rimac Technology, a tier-1 automotive company.
The role of a simulation engineer and current industry trends will be examined through a series of examples highlighting how leveraging simulations can deliver significant value throughout each stage of the development process—from initial concept to production—especially in fast-paced, cost-sensitive environments. It is meant to provide an insight into different roles a simulation can fulfill when the perception of simulation as a provided service is challenged and seen as a guiding tool and integral part of the development process.
Karlo Seles is an experienced structural analysis (CAE/FEA) engineer with a strong sense of responsibility. He utilizes a proactive mindset, resourcefulness and social intelligence paired with a strong academic background, under-the-hood simulation software knowledge which comes from solver development, and rapid-pace automotive industry experience to succeed in daily work challenges.
In this talk, we will examine the readiness of the CAE universe for the adoption of foundational models, exploring what these models truly mean for engineering design and simulation. We will begin by outlining a vision for AI in engineering, questioning whether we can provide a base for foundational models given our current state in data handling and whether we can make the most of their transformative potential. We will discuss the requirements for implementing these models, such as simulation data management and computational capabilities. By assessing the status quo in research and development, we will highlight both the progress made and the hurdles that remain. While we’ve made significant progress with AI applications in CAE, we’re just scratching the surface of what foundational models can offer. One thing is certain: As we continue to explore their capabilities, exciting possibilities lie ahead!
Astrid Walle is a mechanical engineer with a PhD in CFD and more than a decade of experience in applied fluid mechanics. She has held several positions in gas turbine R&D and AI development at Siemens Energy, Vattenfall and Rolls Royce. Following her professional determination to bring AI and Data Science into engineering she ran her own business and worked as a Product Manager in a software startup before she rejoined Siemens Energy to establish the usage of data from the very beginning in product development.
As the centerpiece of NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) project, the X-66 flight demonstrator aims to gather critical learnings that will inform future airplane programs, ultimately guiding the industry towards sustainable aviation solutions. This experimental program marks the first full-scale, flying demonstrator of a new commercial architecture since the 707 prototype in 1955. The most iconic feature of the demonstrator will be its high-aspect ratio truss-braced wing which is attached to an MD-90 fuselage. However, this novel configuration presents numerous design, engineering and analysis challenges that must be addressed prior to flight. This presentation will delve into both the obvious and the less apparent engineering hurdles posed by the X-66's unique design. We will showcase the essential role of advanced engineering analysis and simulation in overcoming these challenges as we transform this innovative concept into a flying demonstrator.
Jack Castro is a Technical Fellow responsible for Boeing’s enterprise structural FEA capability and strategy in the context of Boeing’s digital model-based processes. In this capacity, Jack is working with Boeing internal teams and software suppliers to develop and deploy modernized processes, especially in the Loads value stream. Jack is also the enterprise FEA Design Practice Leader, Enterprise Aeroelastic Loads Focal and co-author/editor of Boeing’s Book 5-- Finite Element Analysis of Aerospace Structures. In his day-to-day activities, Jack provides aircraft program consulting on finite element analysis methods, analysis planning, model development, verification and validation for the stress and loads organizations. In his leadership facing role, Jack works across the ecosystem of FEA suppliers to help define vendor strategy associated with Boeing strategic needs.
Prior to Boeing, Jack worked at MSC Software for 25 years in positions ranging from Nastran QA Engineer to Boeing Global Technical Program Manager. During the majority of this time, he worked in customer facing roles providing on-site consulting and leadership in the usage, collaborative development and deployment of MSC Nastran based solutions in the domains of stress analysis, dynamics, internal/external/aeroelastic loads and structural optimization.
Jack is a graduate of University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
Reckitt is home to some of the world's best-loved and most trusted brands such as Lysol, Durex, Gaviscon and Finish. With a goal to protect, heal, and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world, Reckitt is delivering an ambitious sustainability agenda and pursuing opportunities continuously innovate products. Underpinning this innovation is a digital transformation that is leveraging advanced simulation techniques and a “Digital First” approach to R&D.
This presentation will cover both the strategy and the technology for delivering this capability at scale. To drive productivity and speed-of-innovation, “virtual labs” are being created where scientists can pursue characterization, scale-up and optimization virtually before undertaking physical experiments. To facilitate this growth in simulation demand, the associated change management related to democratization, upskilling, and compute resource management will be covered.
On the technology side, end-to-end applications of finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), discrete element methods (DEM) and molecular dynamics (MD) and their ability to drive theconsumer-centric product design and sustainability will be explored.
Tyler London is the Senior Product Manager for Modelling, Simulation and Visualisation at Reckitt, a global leader in consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition known for brands such as Dettol, Durex, Gaviscon, and Finish. In this role, he is responsible for defining and executing the vision of in-silico capabilities such as Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis, Discrete Element Methods and Molecular Dynamics. Prior to joining Reckitt, he was the Head of the Numerical Modelling department and a Technology Fellow in computational engineering at TWI, an international R&D and consultancy organisation, for 12 years. He joined TWI after obtaining a BSc in Mathematics at Tufts University and an MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing at the University of Oxford. Tyler is also an active participant in the NAFEMS Working Groups for manufacturing process simulations.
Ceres is a leading developer of clean energy technology, focusing on the development of solid oxide platform technologies for generation of green hydrogen and power at high efficiencies. The technology, its possible applications, and the market opportunities are evolving at such a speed that creating a robust modelling and data driven engineering culture becomes essential. To succeed, modelling tools, data products, and data platform solutions need to be integrated to form an eco-system of digital solutions.
Although the operating principle of the technology is straightforward, the journey from developing ink formulations to creating cells, stacks, and megawatt scale systems is a formidable challenge. Modelling is a part of every step of this journey, from modelling cell level electrochemical reactions to analysing the techno-economic performance of large-scale hydrogen plants.
Through illustrative modelling examples and stories of engineering collaboration, this keynote will explore what is required to ensure modelling and data driven approaches deliver maximum value in companies that focus on developing new, rapidly evolving technologies. This presentation will also highlight the importance of the human element and why it should be the central backbone of any digital transformation strategy.
Harri Koivisto leads the modelling and digitalisation department at Ceres, responsible for multi-domain modelling of solid oxide platform technologies in a wide range of scales and physics domains. His department is also responsible for developing and maintaining a robust cloud data platform and creating bespoke data product solutions. The mission of the team is to accelerate the pace of product development and enable fast data driven business decisions. Harri has extensive experience in modelling, data analysis, and working with several partners worldwide. He enjoys looking for the hardest engineering challenges to solve and making a positive difference to the world. His current problem is an “8 billion people problem” of helping to decarbonize the world at scale and pace. Prior to joining Ceres, Harri had a career in academia at the University of Sussex, designing and teaching mechanical engineering classes to students for a decade, with multiple award-winning outcomes. His PhD was on developing experimental high resolution heat transfer measurement techniques in turbomachinery.
Author Registration Deadline
10 March 2025
Presentation Submission Deadline
25 April 2025
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