Page 48 - European Energy Innovation - Summer 2017 publication

48 Summer 2017 European Energy Innovation

COMMUNICATION

The FP7 DEMETRA project
helps machines become more
efficient, reliable and silent

M echanical power transmissions are extensively prediction and system-level performance optimization.
used in many industrial sectors, such as
transportation, energy production and Supported by the Marie Curie Industry-Academia
industrial automation. In such areas, where Partnerships and Pathways (IAPP) scheme, the DEMETRA
the impact on the environment is a key factor in assessing researchers are joining expertise and efforts to establish a
system performance, they represent a failure-prone simulation methodology that is capable of capturing the
subsystem, responsible for substantial energy losses and system non-linear dynamics in a multi-discipline integrated,
noise emission. detailed, yet computationally efficient way. The resulting
cross-fertilization of industrial needs/expectations and
The industrial partner (Siemens Industry Software, Belgium) state-of-the-art research methodologies is enabling the
and the two academic partners (University of Calabria, achievement of:
in Italy, and KU Leuven, in Belgium) of the DEMETRA • Efficient simulation models and algorithms for capturing
project are developing advanced modelling and testing
technologies to enable multi-attribute simulation and the non-linear dynamics of gearboxes;
optimization of mechanical transmissions, as to increase • Multi-attribute optimization strategies from upfront
efficiency and durability of industrial machinery while
reducing noise and vibration levels. design arrangements, to macro-geometry definition and
micro-geometry refinement;
Due to current trend towards system lightweighting, • Model validation on dedicated test-rigs and system-level
structures are becoming lighter and more flexible, which cases;
makes conventional analysis methodologies incapable of • Novel techniques for transmission error measurement.
providing optimal design parameters, since it is no longer
possible to optimize separately the different components, In parallel with the challenging scientific objectives of the
due to their mutual effects in the full dynamic response. project, one DEMETRA priority has been set in promoting
Innovative methods are needed to enable improved virtual full career development of the involved Fellows through
their participation in a comprehensive programme of
activities for scientific and transferrable skills training. ●

For more information visit the project website at www.fp7demetra.eu or contact the project coordinator
at domenico.mundo@unical.it

The research leading to these results has received funding
from the People Programme (Marie Curie Actions) of the
European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007-
2013/ under REA grant agreement n°324336 – DEMETRA:
Design of Mechanical Transmissions: Efficiency, Noise and
Durability Optimization.

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