Title: An approach to integrate numerical simulation within KBE applications

Authors: Giorgio Colombo; Roberto Morotti; Daniele Regazzoni; Caterina Rizzi

Addresses: Dipartimento di Meccanica, Politecnico di Milano, Via G. La Masa, 1 - 20156 Milano, Italy ' Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Università di Bergamo, Viale G. Marconi, 5 - 24044 Dalmine (BG), Italy ' Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Università di Bergamo, Viale G. Marconi, 5 - 24044 Dalmine (BG), Italy ' Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Università di Bergamo, Viale G. Marconi, 5 - 24044 Dalmine (BG), Italy

Abstract: This paper presents an approach to automate and integrate numerical simulations within knowledge-based engineering applications to improve the use of simulation tools, especially in small and medium enterprises. Main discussed issues concern: (a) the importance of the CAD model as an input of the process, (b) data migration from CAD to CAE tools, (c) model characterisation, (d) effects of parameters variations, (e) simulation steps, and (f) results evaluation. In addition, formalisation and representation of rules and procedures to automate the design process, in particular the simulation tasks, are presented. Two case studies are described to explain and verify the approach. The first case concerns the design process of centrifugal industrial fans, during which simulation tools are used to verify the correct sizing of impeller blades. The second one is related to a non-industrial process; actually, it regards a medical device, and more precisely lower limb prosthesis. Finally, main results are discussed.

Keywords: KBE; knowledge-based engineering; embedded simulation; simulation rules; centrifugal fans; socket design; numerical simulation; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; data migration; CAD; CAE tools; parameter variation; design process; fan design; product design; medical devices; prosthetics; lower limb prostheses; prosthesis design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2015.068964

International Journal of Product Development, 2015 Vol.20 No.2, pp.107 - 125

Received: 22 Jul 2013
Accepted: 23 May 2014
Published online: 22 Apr 2015 *

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