Parametric CAD/CAE integration using a common data model

• Published in: Journal of manufacturing systems 2011-08, Vol.30 (3), p.118-132
• Main Authors: Gujarathi, G.P., Ma, Y.-S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0278-6125; 1878-6642
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsy.2011.01.002

This paper proposes a CAD/CAE integration method using a “common data model” (CDM) containing all the required parametric information for both CAD modeling and CAE analysis. CDM is automatically generated by a knowledge embedded program code. The CDM is used as a parametric data model repository and the supply source of input for those associative entities of CAD and CAE models and thus maintaining the associative dependences among them. The structure as well as the data flow in the CDM is governed according to the general and widely used design processes. Thus designers can relate the expected scenarios with the engineering changes proposed and can take the parametric actions accordingly. CDM acts as the centralized parametric input for computer modeling software tools through their APIs. Throughout the design process the common data model gets modified during each development cycle according to designer’s intent, the changes in it are consistently reflected in both CAD and CAE models through regenerations and analysis iterations semi-automatically. The same data model in a suitable file format can be used to work with different CAD and CAE packages. As CDM, CAD and CAE work as different modules interconnected through a develop software prototype package which integrates APIs and knowledge rules embedded in the engineering procedures. However, each of the software tools used for each purpose can vary as per the original data requirement without hindering the process structure. The data model is reusable and the whole process is automated as far as possible so that the embedded expertise in the cycles of the adaptive design and manufacturing can be consistently applied iteratively during product development processes. Also being a data file in a suitable format generated via computer programming, the CDM is convenient to record and store information associated to all the product design revisions.