Melanie Groisil, developer for Simcenter Amesim

Mélanie Groisil

Developer

I joined the Simulation and Testing Solutions department at Siemens PLM as a developer in the internal combustion engine team for Simcenter Amesim system simulation software. Specifically, I am responsible for developing a component that allows our users (OEMs and suppliers) to evaluate their engine emission control in relationship to the exhaust line.

The industry is influenced by emission regulation standards and some of our customers use our solution to assess whether or not they comply. My role is to take into account existing technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and NOxTrap, and from there, give our users the best simulation options possible. By using this component, they can choose any chemical reaction they want — depending on the technologies they opt for — to evaluate the effectiveness of their design.

Concretely, I give our users the possibility to adapt the simulation component I build according to their needs and design constraints. For instance, they can launch thousands of test runs – faster than in real-time and much much faster than if the test is carried out physically. .

I started in February 2017, and so far what I really appreciate is the user contact. On one hand, some have very specific requests, which is really nice because it improves the component overall. On the other hand, it’s about providing support to users who might need help designing a model. It is rewarding seeing that I can help them.

In terms of career improvement, I graduated as an engine designer, but I still lacked skills in regards to chemistry, which is an important topic in emission control. I also needed some practice as a developer using C-code. In fact, I learn a lot from my colleagues who are in the company for a while. With their expertise and the training I received, I am able to be more efficient more quickly and deliver a more robust model. I still have a lot to learn, but my team gives me the opportunity to grow.

By developing the new library component for Simcenter Amesim, which is under my responsibility, I will be able to be a part of the Simcenter success. It opens a completely new area in our solution that we started developing less than a year ago. Today, giving the opportunity to do a simulation of a complex driving cycles in seconds is really an added value. So, adding this competitive advantage to our solution is my way of contributing to Simcenter.

In the engine field, simulation is essential. All OEMs must opt for this solution due to evolving emission regulations. They have to test thousands of mission profiles to match the new Real Driving Emissions challenge and there are so many powertrain variants to cover.

OEMs and suppliers need a simulation solution for this. Making test would take forever and cost a lot of money. That is why we need more advanced simulation techniques. For me, simulation is the future!

I studied at the ENSMA (School of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering) and started focusing on aircraft engines. I realized that it takes more than 10 years to deliver a final product. I wanted to do something which would “come to life” faster. That’s why I did a double diploma (at the IFP School). I received trainings at Renault Trucks where I used system simulation tools. I was really impressed by the relevant results from this experience.

I had lots of ideas. But closer to what I am doing now, I wanted to do some research. I did an internship three years ago in a laboratory and realized that it was not for me: not enough time and not enough concrete short-term goals. This is what motivates me today.