An integrated CAE environment for simulation-based durability and reliability design

Abstract

This paper introduces a flexible, general purpose, integrated Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) system, called Durability and Reliability Analysis Workspace. It carries out the simulation-based spectral fatigue damage and failure probability analysis of mechanical components. In this environment, a hybrid quasi-static method for computing dynamic stress time history has been introduced, a critical plane method for predicting multiaxial fatigue crack initiation life have been used. Also, a new methodology for assessing component reliability based on fatigue failure mode has been proposed. The corresponding CAE tools for the purpose of aiding engineers in the durability and reliability analysis have been developed and implemented in the system. The system also provides a graphical, menu-driven user interface for quick and easy interaction with these tools. Advanced Computer Integrated Technology is utilized to integrate CAE tools bound into a system with automatic control, coordinate, and communicate. This paper explains the methodologies and treatment in the implementation of the CAE system. The objective of this research is to provide a layer of network computational services for reliable remote computations and data transfers between an engineering workstation and a computation server on a high-speed computer. It incorporates methods of both engineering and computer science to allow the engineer to solve engineering problems through automation and reliability, utilizing high-speed procedures.