A new approach to vehicle architecture design

摘要

Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) technology has traditionally been used to enhance the speed or accuracy of an existing design process. In contrast, this paper demonstrates a new design process where innovative CAE technology is used to radically change the approach to vehicle architecture design. For the first time a holistic, multidisciplinary approach is possible, based on qualitative and quantitative CAE data, right from the start of the concept design phase. The impact of packaging and layout decisions on manufacturing and design costs can be rapidly assessed. The process delivers a naturally defined optimum structure, based on the vehicle requirements, manufacturing and commercial considerations, and the available package space. The emphasis is on delivering an engineered concept, rather than a design concept that then has to be engineered* as a subsequent activity. At the heart of the process is Altair OptiStruct technology, which enables a structure to be "grown" organically to react given loading conditions within a defined package space. Multiple iterations can be rapidly assessed, facilitating "what if?" discussions of the fundamental package assumptions. The organisational aspects of applying the new process, which are as important as (if not more important than) the technology aspects, are also addressed. The new technology and the new design process are outlined, and a case study is presented to show the benefits to the vehicle architecture design process.