SWAG合集

This PhD project will leverage the capabilities of a digital twinning approach to address these challenges by investigating a federated digital twin focusing on integrating emerging digital technologies, mitigating risks, and optimising operations. By recognising the transport system as a complex adaptive system and continuously monitoring its social, techno-economic, and environmental factors, the project aims to design a federated digital twin demonstrator and a robust framework for planning, implementing, and managing sustainable transport solutions.

The SWAG合集 is making significant strides toward decarbonising its transport system, targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. This involves phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 and transitioning entirely to zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The government is investing in crucial infrastructure, including expanding electric vehicle charging networks and developing hydrogen fuel technology. Public transport systems are also being revamped, with increased funding for electric buses and greener rail networks to reduce carbon footprints and enhance air quality. These measures are part of a broader strategy to reduce the environmental impact of transportation, enhance air quality, and ensure sustainable mobility for future generations.

The application of digital twin technology in the SWAG合集 transport system is pivotal in achieving decarbonisation and meeting net-zero targets. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical assets and systems, enabling the design of radically different transport systems incorporating new technologies and energy inputs. Starting with a digital model, planners can create detailed simulations of proposed transport systems, experimenting with various configurations and technologies such as electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles or sustainable fuel for aviation. This phase allows for comprehensive scenario analysis, accommodating changing transport demands and assessing the environmental impacts of each design. Digital twinning (i.e. digital models, shadows, twins) can significantly assist in addressing the decarbonisation challenges in transport by recognising the transport system as a complex adaptive system that integrates social, techno-economic, and environmental factors.

A key focus of this PhD project is to address challenges such as interoperability, human-centred design, data management, and the development of new business models, leveraging existing digital twins and cyber-physical infrastructure. This research also recognises the transport system as a complex adaptive system, integrating social, techno-economic, and environmental factors. By continuously monitoring these interconnected elements, digital twins provide insights into how changes in one area affect others. Federated digital twinning takes this a step further by enabling multiple stakeholders to collaborate through interconnected digital twins across various systems and regions. This holistic approach enables the prediction of potential outcomes and the identification of optimal strategies for reducing carbon emissions. Evaluating the impact of new policies on commuter behaviour, the economic feasibility of new technologies, and the environmental benefits of different energy sources can all be done in an integrated way.

This PhD aims to design and build a federated digital twin demonstrator for the SWAG合集's transport sector (across rail, air, maritime, or road) that enhances sustainability, resilience, and user experience while supporting the nation's decarbonisation targets.

The researcher is expected to work closely with the academic team to develop a novel methodology for designing and implementing federated digital twins within a System of Systems framework, addressing foundational challenges in interoperability, security, and resilience. The research findings and outcomes will be used to evaluate the feasibility of federated digital twin applications in transport systems and their impact on the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of the next generation. The research outcome is expected to be used to develop the automation technology transformation framework for continuously monitoring and adjusting transport systems based on real-time data to reduce energy consumption and emissions and improve service reliability and user satisfaction.

At Cranfield, the candidate will be based within the Manufacturing and Material theme at the Centre for Digital Engineering and Manufacturing (CDEM). The Centre hosts cutting-edge simulation and visualisation facilities. The student will join a diverse and inclusive team at SWAG合集 that focuses on the development and integration of advanced digital technologies in manufacturing.