Title: Using knowledge based engineering to automate the post-processing of FEA results

Authors: Martyn Pinfold

Addresses: Advanced Technology Centre, Warwick Manufacturing Group, School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK

Abstract: An integral part of the design route for many components is the analysis of them using finite element techniques. The results of an analysis are studied and decisions made regarding the suitability of the design with respect to its engineering specification. This post-processing stage may lead to design changes that are made to address the concerns of the design team. Due to the inherent limitations in the current methods of describing and handling a complete representation of a component product model by geometrically focused CAD systems, engineers are not able to automatically integrate the FE post-processing stage into the design process. This paper describes the use of a knowledge based engineering environment to automate the post-processing phase of the analysis using an engine-mounting bracket as an example. The system developed will directly validate the initial design model by altering the product model until a satisfactory analysis result is obtained.

Keywords: knowledge based engineering; KBE; finite element analysis; FEA; design modification; automated analysis; component design; post-processing; CAD; design process; design validation; product modelling; product design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2004.005935

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2004 Vol.21 No.3, pp.99 - 106

Published online: 30 Dec 2004 *

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