Numerical simulation is a technique of major importance in various technical and scientific fields. Whilst engineering curricula now include training courses dedicated to it, numerical simulation is still not well-known in some economic sectors, and even less so among the general public.
Simulation involves the mathematical modeling of the real world, coupled with the computing power offered by modern technology. Designed to perform virtual experiments, digital simulation can be considered as an "art of prediction".
Embellished with a rich iconography and based on the testimony of researchers and engineers, this book shines a light on this little-known art. It is the second of two volumes and gives examples of the uses of numerical simulation in various scientific and technical fields: agriculture, industry, Earth and universe sciences, meteorology and climate studies, energy, biomechanics and human and social sciences.
Jean-Francois Sigrist is a doctor of engineering sciences who has worked for almost 20 years in the industry leading a team of research engineers in numerical simulation. He is now an independent expert.
Foreword ix
Introduction xi
Chapter 1. Agriculture1
1.1. Feeding the world 2
1.2. Agriculture is being digitized 7
1.3. Decision-making support 10
1.4. Environmental impact 16
1.5. Plant growth 23
Chapter 2. Air and Maritime Transport31
2.1. The long march of globalization 32
2.2. Going digital! 35
2.3. Optimum design and production 50
2.3.1. Lightening the structures 50
2.3.2. Mastering processes 53
2.3.3. Producing in the digital age 58
2.4. Improving performance 63
2.4.1. Increasing seaworthiness 63
2.4.2. Limiting noise pollution 68
2.4.3. Protecting from corrosion 76
2.4.4. Reducing energy consumption 78
Chapter 3. The Universe and the Earth87
3.1. Astrophysics 88
3.1.1. Telling the story of the Universe 90
3.1.2. Observing the formation of celestial bodies 105
3.1.3. Predicting the mass of stars 109
3.2. Geophysics 114
3.2.1. Earthquakes 115
3.2.2. Tsunamis 120
3.2.3. Eruptions 127
Chapter 4. The Atmosphere and the Oceans133
4.1. Meteorological phenomena, climate change 134
4.2. Atmosphere and meteorology 137
4.2.1. Global and local model 138
4.2.2. Scale descent 142
4.3. Oceans and climate 145
4.3.1. Marine currents 145
4.3.2. Climate 155
Chapter 5. Energies165
5.1. The technical dream 165
5.2. Combustion 168
5.3. Nuclear energy 173
5.3.1. Dual-use energy 173
5.3.2. At the heart of nuclear fission 176
5.3.3. Developing nuclear fusion 183
5.4. New energies 188
5.4.1. Hydroelectricity 189
5.4.2. Wind energy 193
Chapter 6. The Human Body199
6.1. A digital medicine 200
6.2. Medical data 206
6.2.1. Medical imaging 206
6.2.2. Genetic information 211
6.3. Mechanical behavior of muscles and organs 215
6.4. Blood circulation 216
6.4.1. Blood microcapsules 218
6.4.2. Angioplasty simulation 219
6.5. Cosmetics 227
6.6. Neurosciences 228
Chapter 7. Individuals and Society237
7.1. Calculated choices 238
7.2. A question of style 241
7.2.1. Assigning a work to its author 243
7.2.2. Understanding a pictorial technique 245
7.2.3. Discovering a personality type 247
7.3. The shape of a city 253
7.3.1. Transport 254
7.3.2. Sound atmosphere 256
7.3.3. Businesses 260
7.4. A question of choice 263
7.5. What about humans? 272
Conclusion 281
Glossary of Terms 287
References 317
Index 353
