Virtual prototyping of a product, process or system allows us to interact with a digital model and simulate and predict its functional behaviour, just as we would interact with objects and test them in the physical world. The modelling capability and processing power of the computer allow unprecedented scope for creativity. "What if" is the key to completely new insights. Digital prototyping is the gateway to a wide range of new products and processes defined by pure logic.
Modelling
One definition of a model is a small object, usually built to scale, that represents in detail another, usually larger object. Digital modelling is a virtual representation of reality stripped down to the bare essentials. Complex processes can be more readily interpreted and understood through visualisation. Interactive processing and visualisation of data, using colour-coded, three-dimensional images, enables rapid identification of interesting material characteristics, which can then be optimised.
Simulation
The digital model can be used to perform theoretical computational simulations. The numerical evaluation is complemented by interpretation of visual simulations. This technique enables us to create valid simulations of atoms, molecules and surfaces. We can simulate structural changes induced by foreign ions, for example grain boundary modification, or through diffusion on surfaces and solid bodies.
Rapid prototyping
Generation and evaluation of data through real-time visualisation. One of the strengths of rapid digital prototyping is the visualisation of how knowledge is connected: the topology of knowledge.
Validation and verification
Simulation of analytical results through digital prototyping enables us to validate virtual experiments through comparison with real experimental data. In atomic visualisations we can make predictions, for example about the characteristics of a material, without actual experimental data. We differentiate two fundamental classes of property: pure material characteristics such as band structures or lattice energy, and characteristics generated by analytical processes.