Altair Joins £5.8 Million PIVOT Project

The PIVOT project, involving Altair, Aston Martin, and Sarginsons, aims to develop 100% recycled aluminum vehicle components using AI-driven engineering, targeting up to a 30% reduction in weight and 95% reduction in embedded carbon emissions, the company claims.

By Autocar Professional Bureau

25 Sep 2024

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Altair has announced its participation in the £5.8 million Performance Integrated Vehicle Optimisation Technology (PIVOT) project, supported by Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). The project focuses on developing lighter and more sustainable vehicle components using Altair's artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation technology.

The PIVOT project, led by Sarginsons Industries, involves collaboration with partners such as Aston Martin, Brunel University London, and metal recycling company GESCRAP.

The aim is to develop software that integrates casting simulation, topology optimisation, and AI, allowing the design of vehicle components optimised for weight, structural performance, and manufacturing efficiency. As a result, the project is expected to create cast aluminum structures that are up to 30% lighter while meeting necessary performance requirements, says Altair.

The project is partly funded by a £2.9 million government grant from Innovate UK and APC. A key aspect of the PIVOT project is the use of 100% recycled aluminum, which is intended to reduce embedded carbon emissions by up to 95%.

Brunel University London is working on grain refinement techniques to address the mechanical challenges associated with recycled aluminum, making it suitable for cast structural applications like vehicle chassis systems.

Mark Nunan, Managing Director of Sarginsons Industries, noted that the PIVOT project aims to produce vehicle components that are lighter, stronger, and more environmentally sustainable through the integration of Altair’s technology.