Integrating CAE concepts with CAD geometry

The integration of CAE simulation models into the design process is a key factor to enabling enhanced product development. Preliminary design investigations are routinely carried out on simple conceptual aerospace, automotive and construction models that have little or no linkage to the subsequent detailed designs. However, most of the information required to generate an initial 3D model is implicit in the property attributes of initial beam/shell models. As detailed designs evolve, equivalent properties in the global model need to be updated to account for cumulative and detailed modifications. Due to the different requirements of the various classes of simulation, procedures for abstracting simpler analysis models from detailed geometry are needed. An assessment of the modelling errors arising from any given idealisation is a necessity at all stages of the design process. There has been substantial progress in these areas, but many gaps in functionality remain. An attempt to provide a coherent description of the future requirements for integrating simulation into conceptual design processes is presented.