Introduction
Niu Jing received a degree in Engineering Mechanics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2012. Since then, he has been dedicated to dynamic simulation analysis, testing and validation of wind turbine gearboxes, electric drive reduction gearboxes of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and aero-engine systems. In 2021, he began leveraging SIMULIA Simpack for the dynamic simulation, analysis and design optimization of wind turbine gearbox drivetrains. By integrating various virtual and physical tests for validation and calibration, Niu Jing established and refined the design process for gearbox drivetrain dynamics using Simpack. This has enabled him to identify and solve a series of issues related to vibration, noise and dynamic loads, transitioning multibody dynamics simulation analysis from a qualitative to a quantitative discipline, and providing powerful support for the development of high-torque-density gearboxes.
It All Started with a Watch
Years later, Niu Jing still vividly remembers that childhood afternoon.
Listening to the rhythmic ticking of his father’s beloved mechanical watch, the young Niu Jing often found himself lost in thought. Why did it never need a battery? How could its hands keep moving endlessly after just a few twists of the crown? His father would always patiently explain the principles of springs and gears, and while he studied every diagram in his books, his curiosity was insatiable. Driven by an impulse he couldn’t resist, he found himself in his father’s study, screwdriver in hand. With a gentle “click,” the watch face came off, and the world of mechanical engineering revealed a glimpse of its intricate beauty to him for the first time. The tightly wound mainspring and the precisely interlocking gears captivated him, and he was mesmerized by every detail.
Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, the watch could not be reassembled. When his father returned, Niu Jing braced himself for a reprimand. To his surprise, his father simply smiled and said with a hearty laugh, “Well, how could you ever truly understand how it works if you didn’t open it up to see for yourself?” In that moment, filled with the faint scent of machine oil, the dismantled watch became the first touchstone of his engineering career.
Just like the young boy who once hunched over a watch with a screwdriver, exploring its inner workings, Niu Jing, now the MBD Principal Engineer for gearboxes and drivetrains, continues to delve deep into the magnificent world of mechanics. Today, his focus has shifted to the horizons of land and sea. He works to ensure that the “giant wind turbines” standing on coasts and mountains operate more smoothly, quietly and safely, powering the critical transmission systems that drive global sustainable development.
The Wind Whisperer: Where Mechanical Structures “Speak”
The “tick-tock” of the mechanical watch planted the seed of mechanical engineering in young Niu Jing’s heart. In 2018, he officially began his career as an engineer, focusing on aero-engine rotor dynamics. “It was there that I learned that mechanical vibration and noise are not some kind of ‘black magic,'” Niu says. He likens vibration and noise to the “language” of a mechanical structure, and simulation technology is the “codebook” for deciphering it. This experience helped him develop an integrated engineering methodology, combining “Theory-Simulation-Practice,” laying a solid foundation for his later work in deciphering these “secret messages” and tackling challenges in the wind power industry.
Reflecting on his formative years, Niu believes the most important qualities have been his unwavering curiosity and the courage to keep thinking. “Interest is the best teacher, but ‘to think without learning is dangerous,'” he notes. Like every dedicated engineer, a solid theoretical foundation is his compass, while simulation tools are the swords he wields to overcome obstacles. “But it is equally important that ‘learning without thought is labor lost,'” he adds. When faced with complex engineering problems not found in textbooks, only by thinking deeply and breaking down complex models into simpler units can one move from merely “knowing what” to truly “understanding why.”
Simulation: From “Mascot” to “Guiding Star”
When developing a solution, Niu demonstrated the rigor and wisdom of a seasoned engineer. “We broke down the complex gearbox model, listed all the uncertain parameters, and then verified them one by one through component-level testing.” By using a design of experiments (DoE) to pinpoint the key factors, the team successfully calibrated the model, achieving a high degree of correlation between simulation and physical test results. Based on this precise model, they not only solved the immediate problem but also consolidated their experience into a modeling database, providing an invaluable reference for future product designs.
In Niu’s view, the evolution of simulation technology is akin to the growth of a living organism. In the early days, multibody dynamics simulation was often just a “mascot,” offering limited design guidance. It then evolved into a “supporter,” actively helping to identify and solve problems during product development. Today, simulation has become a “guiding star,” capable of leading the design process by replacing physical tests with virtual ones and seamlessly integrating into the development lifecycle. “We are now working towards achieving ‘global optimum’ in drivetrain design,” Niu says.
Composing an Unsung Poem in the World of Engineering
When asked how he describes his work to friends and family without an engineering background, Niu’s response is poetic: “The large wind turbines you see by the sea, on the mountains, and in the fields are turning freely available wind into green electricity. My job is to make their transmission smoother and quieter, so that residents nearby can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.” This perspective, which blends technical rationality with human-centric passion, embodies his engineering philosophy perfectly.
Looking to the future of the wind power industry, Niu demonstrates a keen, macro-level insight. He points out that with the rising demand for electricity driven by the electric vehicle and AI computing revolutions, the wind power industry is poised for new opportunities alongside humanity’s pursuit of sustainable development. “This is not just about achieving carbon neutrality goals,” he emphasizes, “it is also about contributing to energy supply and energy security.”
When asked what inspired him to become a SIMULIA Champion, Niu sums it up with an old proverb: “A craftsman must first sharpen his tools.” He says, “Simulation software is our most powerful weapon.” In his eyes, dynamic design and analysis tools like Simpack, which empower engineers to deconstruct complex problems layer by layer, enable them to find the most efficient solutions for complex systems. “I hope to pass this powerful tool on to my peers and collectively advance our industry.”
From the precision gears of a mechanical watch to the massive drivetrains of wind turbines, Jing Niu has always maintained his curiosity and perseverance. For him, engineering is not just a problem-solving tool but a way of communicating with the world—breaking down complex systems into simple principles and reassembling them with knowledge and wisdom, continuously flowing into a sustainable future.
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Katie is the Editor of the SIMULIA blog, an expert in engineering and scientific communication, and a strategic digital marketer. Katie has a BA in English and Writing from the University of Rhode Island and a MS in Technical Communication from Northeastern University. She is also a proud SIMULIA advocate, passionate about democratizing simulation for all audiences. Katie is a native Rhode Islander who lives just outside of her favorite city, Providence. She is a true New Englander and loves sharing all the cool things NE has to offer. She enjoys a variety of hobbies including history, astronomy, science/technology, science fiction, true crime, fashion and anything associated with nature and the outdoors. She is also mom to a 6-year old budding engineer and two crazy rescue pups.