

The University of Rome Tor Vergata has launched the FMU4FMU (Functional Mockup Units for Fluid-Structure Co-Simulation) project, which has been selected for funding under the prestigious Bando di Ricerca Scientifica di Ateneo 2024. This initiative, running over the next 24 months, marks a significant step forward in the integration of advanced simulation tools within academic settings. Presented by a team of experts, including Andrea Chiappa, Corrado Groth, and Valerio Belardi, FMU4FMU seeks to take the Functional Mockup Interface (FMI) to new heights by transforming it into a powerful educational tool for students from diverse academic backgrounds.
The primary objective of the FMU4FMU project is to make complex simulations more accessible and practical for students in a way that encourages interdisciplinary learning. FMI was originally designed to streamline numerical simulations by allowing different models to communicate via a standardized interface. However, the FMU4FMU project expands on this concept by introducing fluid-structure co-simulation as a method for connecting multiple disciplines in the classroom. This approach enables students to engage in hands-on collaborative learning while bridging knowledge gaps between fields such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics.
One of the most exciting aspects of FMU4FMU is its focus on connecting two master’s courses at Tor Vergata University—”Foundations of Aeroelasticity and Multiphysics Analysis” and “Design of Aerospace Structures.” Through the integration of fluid-structure co-simulation, the project provides students with the unique opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. By working on real-world scenarios, students will be able to apply the concepts they learn in the classroom to simulations that closely mimic the challenges faced in industry.
This project is not only about advancing technical skills but also about fostering an environment where students can collaborate across disciplines, share expertise, and learn from one another. FMU4FMU aims to create a space where complex engineering problems can be tackled collectively, encouraging innovation and enhancing the educational experience. It provides a valuable foundation for the development of a future multi-unit simulation platform that will have broad applications across various industries, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and other sectors requiring multidisciplinary approaches to design and analysis.
Ultimately, the FMU4FMU project at Tor Vergata University is more than just a research initiative; it is an educational tool that paves the way for the next generation of engineers to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. By making advanced simulation techniques more accessible and interactive, FMU4FMU sets a new standard for how academic institutions can integrate cutting-edge technology into their curricula and empower students to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
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