Digital twins in mechanical and aerospace engineering

Digital twins bring value to mechanical and aerospace systems by speeding up development, reducing risk, predicting issues and reducing sustainment costs. Realizing these benefits at scale requires a structured and intentional approach to digital twin conception, design, development, operation and sustainment. To bring maximal value, a digital twin does not need to be an exquisite virtual replica but instead must be envisioned to be fit for purpose, where the determination of fitness depends on the capability needs and the cost–benefit trade-offs. While there is a clear opportunity for digital twins to bring value in mechanical and aerospace engineering, they must be considered as an asset in their own right so that their full potential can be realized.