The desire to increase the fidelity with which engineering analysis techniques can predict the true behaviour of the real world is a goal that is shared by all that are involved with the simulation engineering profession. It drives the development of many fascinating new technologies. Continued advances in affordable high performance computing enable significant growth in the complexity of models: more detailed representation of geometry, interaction with adjoining components and complex assemblies, and the inclusion of more complex physics and physical effects.
As a consequence, today’s simulation engineer has access to an unprecedented array of tools with which to provide an approximation of reality. The trend for further improvements in the available technology will undoubtedly continue for many years to come. This will continue to create many exciting opportunities for simulation engineers and the organizations that they are part of. At the same time, however, it places increasing demands on the training and knowledge that engineering professionals must acquire. If we, as an industry, are to exploit what is available, we will need engineers that have skills with great breadth and depth, spanning many technical areas to match the extended multi-disciplinary, multiphysics capabilities of current software and hardware.
Through consultation with industry, NAFEMS has found evidence that the lack of sufficient engineers with an appropriate set of skills and experience threatens to limit the continued growth in the use of simulation.
This presentation will explain how NAFEMS, a not-for-profit body which over 900 organisations belong to, is working with industry to develop the concept of an internationally recognized professional development scheme for simulation engineers. Such a scheme has the potential to help industry whilst simultaneously providing engineering analysts with a powerful career development path. The progress that has been made so far will be described. This includes the development of educational material and the establishment of a Registered Analyst scheme. The results of a recent consultation process, and details of how this is helping to shape the plans that NAFEMS has for further activities, will also be presented. |
