Anas Shargawi knows aerospace engineering inside and out. Based in Wichita, Kansas, he brings decades of experience to the field. His insights on testing and simulation are refreshing and thought-provoking.
Why Testing and Simulation Matter
Aerospace products are complex. From airplanes to rockets, every part must perform perfectly. Testing and simulation ensure safety and reliability. Without them, the stakes would be too high.
Anas Shargawi believes these tools are the unsung heroes of engineering. “Testing isn’t just about finding problems,” he says. “It’s about understanding how and why things work.”
This perspective is key. Testing and simulation are not obstacles. They are opportunities to innovate.
The Testing Process
In aerospace, testing is rigorous. Components undergo stress tests, fatigue tests, and environmental tests. Every material and design is pushed to its limits.
Shargawi explains this process with enthusiasm. “You don’t just ask, ‘Will it break?’ You ask, ‘When and how will it break?’ That’s how you improve.”
This mindset leads to breakthroughs. Testing reveals weaknesses before they become failures. It saves time, money, and lives.
The Power of Simulation
Simulation is equally vital. Using advanced software, engineers replicate real-world conditions. They can simulate flight, turbulence, and even space environments.
Shargawi calls simulation “the lab of the future.” It allows teams to test designs without physical prototypes. This saves resources and accelerates development.
But there’s a catch. “A simulation is only as good as its data,” Shargawi warns. Real-world testing provides that data. The two processes work hand in hand.
Views on Testing
Not everyone values testing and simulation equally. Some see them as costly or time-consuming. Shargawi disagrees.
“Skipping tests is like flying blind,” he says. “You might save money now, but you’ll pay later.”
He also challenges the idea that testing stifles creativity. In his view, it fuels it. “When you test, you learn. And learning drives innovation.”
This contrarian stance sets Shargawi apart. He sees testing not as a chore but as a creative process.
Reliability Through Redundancy
In aerospace, redundancy is a cornerstone of reliability. Critical systems have backups. This concept extends to testing, too.
Shargawi emphasizes redundancy in simulations. “Don’t trust a single result,” he advises. Run multiple tests. Cross-check the data. This builds confidence in the final product.
Redundancy might seem excessive. But in aerospace, there’s no such thing as too safe.
Balancing Speed and Safety
The aerospace industry faces constant pressure. Companies must innovate quickly to stay competitive. This creates tension between speed and safety.
Shargawi believes testing and simulation resolve this conflict. “They let you move fast without cutting corners,” he explains.
By catching errors early, these tools streamline development. They prevent costly redesigns later in the process.
Preparing for the Unexpected
No test can predict everything. Aerospace products face countless variables. From extreme temperatures to unexpected turbulence, the possibilities are endless.
That’s why Shargawi advocates for creative testing. “Simulate the unexpected,” he urges. Engineers must think beyond standard scenarios. This prepares them for real-world surprises.
Lessons for Other Industries
Testing and simulation aren’t just for aerospace. They benefit industries from automotive to healthcare. Shargawi sees this as a missed opportunity.
“Every industry can learn from aerospace,” he says. “The principles are universal. Test early. Simulate often. Iterate constantly.”
His advice is simple but powerful. Testing and simulation create better products, no matter the field.
A Forward-Looking Perspective
Shargawi is optimistic about the future. He sees new technologies transforming testing and simulation. Artificial intelligence, for example, can analyze data faster than ever. Virtual reality can make simulations more immersive.
But he also values the basics. “Technology is great,” he says. “But it’s still about curiosity and problem-solving.”
This balanced approach is refreshing. Shargawi embraces innovation without losing sight of fundamentals.
Closing Thoughts
Testing and simulation are the backbone of aerospace engineering. They ensure safety, reliability, and progress. But they’re more than technical tools. They represent a mindset—a commitment to learning and improving.
Anas Shargawi offers insights that remind us of this. In his words, “Testing isn’t about finding flaws. It’s about building trust—in your product, your team, and your vision.”
That trust is what keeps planes in the sky and rockets in space. And it all starts with testing and simulation.
