TransPod is designing a new generation of ultra-high-speed ground transportation. The French-Canadian startup selected the 3DEXPERIENCE platform on cloud to enable its international team to collaborate, centralize data and simulate the complex TransPod system.
Inventing a new sustainable mobility
Equipped with a solar energy supply system, TransPod aims to improve the traveler’s experience, and address the issue of congestion in cities.
“From a traveler experience perspective, TransPod is more flexible than a train or plane,” explained Augustin Boisleux, design director at TransPod. “If we start from scratch for the infrastructure and try to design a transportation with the traveler at the center, then we can go beyond the limitations of existing systems.”
The TransPod system is based on a network of low-pressure tubes in which pods are magnetically levitated and monitored by a computer. Electrically controlled linear induction engines provide fossil fuel-free propulsion for the pods. With low aerodynamic resistance, the pods can reach a top speed of 1,200 km/h and are optimized to cover route of 100 up to 1,000 km, with departures every 80 seconds.
A small team for big challenges
The implementation of the system involves various technical challenges. In particular, the very high speed and the proximity of the capsules to the walls require the tubes to be precisely aligned to the millimeter to avoid aerodynamic friction. The partitioning of the tube as well as the restricted dimensions of the pods must preserve passenger comfort and safety. Fixed on pylons, the tubes must resist stress, expansions and contractions due to temperature variations that have to be strictly controlled. Finally, the design of the system has to ensure that turbulence and vibrations generated by the air flow are limited during travel.
To meet these challenges, TransPod chose the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform to design the system, the infrastructure and the pod. The platform enables all TransPod stakeholders spread around Europe and North America to use a common set of functional requirements, 3D designs, simulation models and related results to make highly informed, collaborative decisions.
Accelerating development on the cloud
“The 3DEXPERIENCE platform ensures the proper execution of the project,” Gendron said. ”Exchanging in real time on a single cloud-based model is essential. Especially with the development of the Canadian infrastructure project for the Calgary-Edmonton link, new international employees will be joining the company. And with jet lag and a remote work scenarios to take into account, the cloud is a must to accelerate our development.”
“The platform is a comprehensive and easy to use solution,” Boisleux added. “Updates are done automatically and transparently, allowing us to benefit from the latest improvements without disrupting our activities.”
Continuity, fluidness and coordination
Today, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is mainly used by TransPod’s mechanical engineers for the infrastructure optimization, and designers in charge of the passenger experience. Everyone agrees that data management and collaborative communication capabilities are the primary benefits of the platform since it provides all members with the same level of information in an integrated, instant and open manner.
“Before 3DEXPERIENCE, everyone was working with files on their own computer and then shared them with the team with all the updates, versioning and consistency issues that it entails,” Gendron explained. “Coordination is key during the concept phase of our demonstrator. It will be even more critical when the vehicle is being finalized.”
With the platform, TransPod has simplified data management.
Its engineers are able to break down the siloes among design, modeling and simulation disciplines, and quickly gain the efficiencies and quality benefits that an integrated development process can bring. By designing the structure and modules in CATIA, incorporating all standard requirements, and then performing virtual tests and simulations with SIMULIA to make appropriate modification decisions, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform ensures seamless operational continuity throughout the overall product development of the machine.
With ENOVIA, the information generated on the platform can be used to ensure product regulatory compliance and certification. With the platform, all TransPod stakeholders have a common understanding, in real time, of the products being manufactured, and can intervene more quickly to correct any non-compliance issues that are identified.
“The 3DEXPERIENCE platform will simplify the certification process since the dedicated requirements are integrated and tracked on the platform,” Gendron said.
