A Futuristic Project demonstrating a sustainable ambition: Paris to Lausanne in One Hour
Speed and material reduction are key challenges in modern industries. In this context, Fabien shares his vision of designing an ultra-light, aerodynamic vehicle capable of traveling from Paris to Lausanne in just one hour with minimal carbon emissions, a project that embodies a sustainable future.
What characterizes Fabien Chancel?
Fabien is a designer who is passionate about innovation and a CATIA Champion. Quick to get new ideas, he is very curious by nature. Initially a designer without extensive experience in finite element analysis, Fabien wanted to define better and respond to specifications, so he discovered simulation tools as a game-changer. He could also surround himself with a few simulation experts, not to start alone.
Then, far from being a constraint, these simulation tools have become a powerful asset for creating lighter, high-performance, and aesthetically pleasing structures. In addition to being attentive to material reduction, Fabien is fond of topology optimization to achieve efficient structures. As he puts it, “Performance is beautiful.”
The Shift Left trend: acceleration for more innovation
Fabien uses mechanical, fluid, and thermal simulations. What is interesting in Fabien’s methodology is that he prefers starting by simulating the behavior of his design to size things correctly. This way, he knows where he stands to meet mechanical constraints with an accurate answer from the beginning. More detailed modeling comes later.
This corresponds to a common need in many industries: with products becoming more complex, the faster you can validate your product and its manufacturability through simulation, the more time you’ll have for technical innovation. A key enabler while the need for circularity and sustainability for products and services has reached a turning point. Shifting the simulation and validation left drastically reduces time to market while maintaining cost and quality levels.
In an exclusive interview conducted by Daniel PYZAK, Fabien Chancel explains his methodology and his usage of Generative Design based on the revolutionary MODSIM approach unified across CATIA and SIMULIA.
Solid solutions support Fabien’s usage and vision
Topology Optimization for Lightweight Structures
Material reduction is a key challenge in modern industries. Generative Design, powered by topology optimization, enables the creation of highly efficient structures that minimize weight while maintaining optimal strength. According to Fabien, this tool is now an essential part of his design process: “We always start with the most efficient solution.”
MODSIM: A Unified Approach
Once Fabien is happy with the first concept design, he can use CATIA’s robustness and parametric aspect to turn it into a real object. This includes positioning a well-installed human model to refine ergonomics.
Integrating CATIA and SIMULIA into a single platform is a significant advantage. Without switching environments, Fabien seamlessly transitions from modeling to simulation and back. This synergy optimizes workflow and allows for faster responses to mechanical and ergonomic constraints.
Toward Voice Interaction with MODeling and SIMulation tools
What is the future of design and simulation? For Fabien, it would be the ability to talk to CATIA or SIMULIA and receive real-time suggestions without a complex interface. A dream that may become reality sooner than we think…
More to come soon…
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