Automatic generation of design improvements by applying knowledge based engineering to the post-processing of finite element analysis

摘要

An integral part of the design cycle for many engineering components is the analysis of them using finite element (FE) techniques. The components are prepared for the specific requirements of the FE process and analysed. The resulting analysis information is then studied and decisions made to the suitability of the initial design with regards to its engineering specification, this verification stage may lead to a new validation stage where design changes are made to address the concerns of the engineering team. Due to the inherent limitations in the current methods of describing and handling a complete representation of component product models by geometric focussed CAD systems engineers do not automatically integrate the FE post-processing validation stage into their design process. This paper describes the methods being used and the information required for the application of an automotive engine mount bracket using a Knowledge Based Engineering (KBE) environment to automate the results interpretation phase of the design/analysis cycle and to directly validate the initial design model by altering the 3D product model until a satisfactory result is obtained.