Development of a hybrid DLT cloud architecture for the automated use of finite element simulation as a service for fine blanking

Abstract

Networking and digitization in manufacturing enable novel methods of data-driven analysis and optimization of processes through cross-process data availability. The creation of digital twins plays an important role in this. However, not all data relevant for a digital twin can be measured directly in the process. Therefore, methods are needed that enable the modelling of quantities that are difficult or impossible to measure directly in the process, such as the finite element method. In many companies, however, neither the know-how nor the necessary IT infrastructure for finite element simulations is available. External commissioning processes are also not suitable for achieving the goals of higher productivity and agility pursued with the digitization and networking of manufacturing processes. In this contribution, an architecture is presented that enables the fully automated use of finite element simulation as a service. The architecture is developed using the case study of fine blanking. First, the requirements of the architecture to be created are determined. Important characteristics of the architecture should be scalability as well as interfaces and means of payment suitable for machine communication. In addition, ensuring data integrity is an important requirement when creating the digital twin. Based on the identified requirements, an architecture is then presented that meets these requirements by using cloud computing and distributed ledger technologies and interfaces that can directly process measurement signals from the process and communicate with the architecture. Finally, the capability of the architecture is tested, possible applications and limitations are discussed, and future extensions are considered.

On the Serverless Nature of Blockchains and Smart Contracts

“…In certain cases, the processing of smart contract's function invocations is described as being similar to the FaaS processing model [82]. Moreover, some blockchain-focused papers try designing systems that combine blockchains and FaaS-based architectures to realize blockchain-related operations using more serverlessstyle components [83,84,85,86,87,88]. For example, Kaplunovich et al [87] use a serverless AWS-based architecture to benchmark blockchains, benefiting from the simplified interaction with the provider-managed offerings such as AWS Lambda and AWS DynamoDB.…”

“…For example, Kaplunovich et al [87] use a serverless AWS-based architecture to benchmark blockchains, benefiting from the simplified interaction with the provider-managed offerings such as AWS Lambda and AWS DynamoDB. Stanke et al [88] introduce a hybrid architecture that combines the IOTA blockchain system with a serverless part that relies on an AWS service that offers finite element simulation. Another blockchain-centric example proposed by Chen and Zhang [84] uses a FaaS platform as an internal component for a lighter implementation of a BaaS offering.…”