Engineers from the University of Cape Town Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment have developed a software tool that has attracted international attention and has led to a R2.5m deal with the top European space technology company, Airbus Defence and Space.

A software programme developed by a team of South African engineers has attracted worldwide attention, leading to a multi-million rand deal with Europe’s top space technology company, Airbus Defence and Space.

“This is a huge, strategic moment for South Africa,” explains Professor Malan, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering in the Engineering & the Built Environment faculty at the University of Cape Town. Professor Malan and two PhD students will be working closely with Airbus Defence and Space, formerly known as Astrium, on the R2.5m research agreement set to put South Africa on the strategic international space technology map. Their computational fluid dynamics software tool – called Elemental – can be used to model in 3D all kinds of technological applications, for future space applications and commercial use. The software will be licensed and will generate a significant income from annual licensing fees, which is part of its economic benefit.

“Elemental is all South African,” says Professor Malan proudly. It is different from similar CFD code as it was designed from the outset to allow for rapid development of the complex multi-physics devices that today pose lucrative opportunities to industry. “The best commercial software in the world has been found to be limited. That is why they’re looking to us,” explains Professor Malan regarding the Airbus-UCT initiative. “Space industry is the epitome of hi-tech.”

Professor Malan says Elemental is a giant leap for technology.  It uses mathematical models and equations in the field of CFD enabling scientists to study the dynamics of fluid flow through a computer model, offering accurate predictions and unprecedented insights. “It can answer ‘what if’ questions very quickly. You give it variables, it gives you outcomes.” 

The agreement has profound implications for South Africa both in the short and the long term impacting on the economy, business and science, with Airbus investing in Elemental for use in ground-breaking modelling and design of space applications such as rockets and satellites.
“Many years ago I had a moment of insight and vision into the future. I realised this sort of technology would come into use. It was rudimentary back then but I decided to pursue it and it paid off massively,” says Professor Malan. The commercial CFD software market, currently generating over R5.6 billion annually worldwide, is one of the fastest growing fields in engineering today.

Professor Francis Petersen Dean of the EBE faculty says this new strategic project is a great honour for the university. “We are delighted that Airbus, Europe’s number one space technology company, has identified the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment as a strong research partner in their overall strategy,” he says.

The technology has already resulted in two UCT spin out companies Numerus Technologies (Pty) Ltd and Elemental IP Holdings (Pty) Ltd, aiming to allow South Africa to enter into lucrative and modern technological markets, ranging from software licensing and developing internationally competitive products and devices, to the provision of more cost effective electricity.

There will be other positive spin-offs from the venture with Airbus, not only in terms of licensing fees but for future training and development as well. “The moment technology gets into a big company, demand grows, leading to apps and apps and apps,” says Professor Malan.