- Rapid prototyping: Quick, easy and accurate topology & geometry model creation for with design constraints

- Implicit parameterization “NO” additional time for parameterization

- Easy model variation

- Integrated Finite Element Generator

- Store models and components in library for generation of knowledge database and reusability

- Shape & size optimization in closed batch loop

- On-the-fly definition of design variables and design space

- Integration of specific applications like commercial optimization and design tools

Why _._._._ ?

Quality

– Justify early design decisions through simulation : Upfront CAE

– Quickly study multiple design concepts

– Vehicle architecture decisions made with balanced targets (Design, Packaging and CAE) and based on consistent data

Process Efficiency

– Break the dependence on traditional CAD geometry before simulation work can begin

– Faster design turn around

– Enable shape and topology optimization yielding designs that can be manufactured

– Significantly reduce product cycle time & time to market

Cost Avoidance

– Eliminate infeasible concepts & reduce the number of costly physical prototypes

– Catch and fix design conflicts at early stage

– Reduced numbers of late design changes and churning during launch

Generation and Evaluation of Design Concepts

In the field of engineering design, it is vital that the mechanical behavior of the structure be assessed in order to evaluate and select a certain design from a variety of design concepts. This means that it must be possible to draft the geometrical description of the structure in a very fast and flexible manner. Using conventional CAD tools, this description requires considerable time and effort.

The offers specially adapted solutions for this purpose. Design is performed in a purely declarative way, using abstract high order elements. Based on implicit parametrical descriptions of geometry and topology, the model can be assessed at every design stage using the built-in finite element generator.

As an example from automotive industry, the design may start up with an entirely new geometry or with an imported and converted CAD or FE geometry.

models can be modified quickly in interactive mode or in batch mode.
A consistent geometry and topology is always maintained.

It is possible to store model parts in a library. When imported to a new design, these parts are automatically attached to the new geometry.

Shape optimization with large deformations is no longer a challenge. Shape design variables as well as upper and lower bounds can be defined within .
A design variable can be a combination of parameters, e.g. point locations, section geometry or line curvatures.
On demand of either the FE solver or an external optimization tool, the design variables are automatically updated and new shape base vectors are calculated. takes care of a consistent geometry and, if necessary, re-meshes the model.
Once the validation of this CAE geometry is satisfactory the geometry can be passed on to conventional CAD tools for detailing.

model can be modified quickly by moving influence points, stretching or bending base lines and by changing cross-sections.

Parametric Model Build & Modification

· Influence Points (IP) are the only objects with Cartesian coordinate information. If moved to a new location, all the depending objects follow maintaining the topological and geometrical consistency

· Base lines are used for information transfer from one object to other objects.

· Cross sections form the shape of beams and joints. Section segments can be added, removed and modified parametrically

· Beams are created by applying cross sections to base lines. Beam curvature follows the base line curvature.

· Joints are generated automatically between adjoining beams. User has full control over the joint shape and can make desired modifications.

· Free-form Surfaces can be created using base lines and beams and joint edges. Surfaces adapt to any change in the master object (edges defining the surface)

Objects

mappp

· Object to object Mapping feature for topological connections (e.g. creating cut outs, lap joints, flanged connection, etc.)

· Introducing a one of its kind revolutionary technique for surface map

· Advanced object mapping feature using smart connections

· Real time visualization of object modification

· Parametric Bead/Stamp definition & positioning, ON/OFF

· Variation of Bead/Stamp Depth, Length, Width

· Beads/Stamps with any desired Shape

· Parametric Ribs definition & positioning, ON/OFF

· Variation of Rib Shape, Height, Length

· Ribs with any desired Shape

Auto Meshing

· Proprietary auto meshing algorithms

· Lightening fast FE mesh generation with automatic penetration avoidance. Mesh ready for analysis.

· No limitation on number of nodes

· Unique and one of its kind Multiple Flange Layer (MFL) definition technique resulting in generation of ‘no penetration’ FE models

· Automated flange recognition for assembly with alternative node-dependant or independent connection types

A_CONCEPT Geometry FE mesh without penetrations

· Geometry based connections and fasteners (e.g. spot welds, adhesives, bolts, etc.). Modification in geometry results in automatic update of connections

· Parametric loading and boundary condition definition

· Attachment points for trim components can be defined on parametric geometry. These attachments are automatically updated upon geometry modification

CAD & CAE Interfaces

· Section data or reference CAD data input in industry standard geometry formats (IGES, VDA)

· (CAE validated) Geometry output in industry standard formats (IGES, STEP, VDA) or to CATIA V5

· FEM input and output formats: ABAQUS, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, NASTRAN, PAM-CRASH, PERMAS and RADIOSS

· Geometry can also be input/output as graphics formats (VRML, STL)

Modular Library, Templates & Reusability

· Build, Archive & Reuse Corporate Specific Knowledge Base

· Transform & Modify Components/Modules

· Define & optimize new topologies and geometries in available design space

· Corporate specific data bank contents like geometry data, mechanical property data, connection types, manufacturing costs, etc.

· Based on the surface map technique easy encapsulation, archival and retrieval of model parts in/from library (e.g. assembly library, joint library, etc.)

· Models with attributes like, properties, material and connectivity information stored in library

· Reusability of proven design concepts without no significant rework

· Use of implicitly (easy to modify) topology/geometry templates eliminates the need for interpretation of topology results to a manufacture-able design

· Use parametric model components or assemblies in current design

· These components know where they attach and what type of connections they have

· Automatic shape and size adaptation based on target model

· Part layers are automatically recognized and connected

Progressive Model Refinement

· Robust parametric geometry models with varying degree of details

· Top – down approach: Progressive model refinement based on current status of information

· Applying progressive parametric holes, beads, stamps, etc. on the parametric base geometry

Optimization

· Geometry based Shape & Topology Optimization

· GUI enabled definition of design variable & bounds definition in 3D space

· Model modification and monitoring technique combined with best in class implicit parametric capabilities

· Seamless integration with commercially available optimization codes (e.g. NASTRAN Sol. 200, iSIGHT, OPTIMUS, OptiSLang, LS-OPT, PERMAS, HEEDS)

· Reducing redundancy in definition of optimization variables & bounds

· Optimization with analysis solvers like NASTRAN and PERMAS also possible

· Batch command interface for:

o core functionality

o System commands

o Process control

System supported

· HP: HP-UX 11.11

· IBM: AIX 4.3.2 or higher

· SUN: Solaris 8 or higher

· SGI: IRIX 6.3 or higher

· Linux: Red Hat 7.2 or higher, Suse 8.2 or higher (Open Motif required)

· Windows: NT, 2000, XP, Vista (Hummingbird Exceed X server including 3D extension required)