Computer Aided Design and Engineering

The application of computer software for analyzing and testing the performance and robustness of engineering designs is known as computer aided engineering, or CAE. Designs that have been created on the computer or elsewhere and entered into the computer can be analyzed using CAE.

CAE is used for structural analysis and electronic circuit analysis. It also includes simulation and validation of products and manufacturing tools. The term computer aided engineering covers the use of computers in all activities from the design through to the manufacture of a product.

CAE is capable of conducting a stress analysis on components. It is also used to analyze fluid dynamics through thermal and fluid flow analysis.

There are three phases in a computer aided engineering task. The first phase is defining of the model and environmental factors to be applied to it. This may consist of a finite element mesh model. The next phase is the analysis solver, which is usually performed by high-end computers. The third phase is the post-processing phase with the help of visualization tools.

Recent trends show that the combination of more powerful, less expensive hardware along with sophisticated, easy-to-use software makes detailed engineering analysis feasible today. It helps organizations improve productivity and introduce products into the market at a much faster pace.

CAE tools are used in the auto industry and have enabled auto manufacturers to reduce product development cost and time while improving safety, comfort and durability of the vehicles they produce. Much of the design verification is now done using computer simulations, rather than physical prototype testing.

During the past ten years, more unified and complete forms of product representations have been developed, including 3D wireframes, surface and solid models. Computer aided engineering is definitely the next generation of tools that will assist engineers and designers in their daily tasks. Current computer aided engineering software is very efficient at representing and detailing designs graphically. Interfaces between CAD and CAE platforms are constantly being improved and updated.

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