Concurrent iterative design and the integration of finite element analysis results

To help foster concurrency in engineering design, methodologies are needed to support the interpretation and abstraction of numerical simulation results for design modification purposes. A methodology is presented in this paper for the integration of continuum-based numerical simulations into a computational system for concurrent design of mechanical components. The technique involves conversion of low-level numerical data, such as that obtained by finite element analysis, into high-level symbolic representations calledform templates. The form templates are based onrudimentary features which carry meaningful qualitative descriptions abstracted from either manufacturing and/or functional numerical simulations. The form templates are superimposed on the design's primary representation in the solid modeler to facilitate the cognitive mapping of concurrent destructive or constructive solid modeling features for design modifications. Examples are presented to demonstrate the methodology.