CAE Data Management Using Traditional PDM Systems

Abstract

Over the past decade, Computer Aided Engineering (Simulation) has experienced explosive growth being a significant enabler for: 1. Validating product design; 2. Providing low-cost methods for exploring a variety of product design alternatives; 3. Optimizing parts for better service performance; 4. Reducing dependence on physical testing; 5. Reducing warranty costs; 6. Achieving faster time to market. This rapid growth in the number of simulations performed and the amount of data generated in the absence of any significant data and process management initiatives has led to considerable inefficiencies in the CAE domain. Many companies now recognize the need to manage their CAE process and data as well as their desire to leverage their existing PDM systems as the primary repositories of CAE data. Some major issues are: 1. There is a need for a PDM data model to support CAE; 2. The CAE data model can be very complex; 3. There is an immense variety of CAE applications and data types; 4. Many CAE simulations require access to physical test data for input and correlation; 5. Data management discipline is not typically part of the CAE culture today. Despite the unique challenges posed by bringing PDM into the CAE world, the transition could occur faster than it has in the CAD world. This presentation will showcase an approach for managing CAE data in traditional PDM systems. Two working examples of CAE process automation software solutions integrated with CAD and PDM will be discussed. In particular, these applications will show how CAE users can leverage established PDM infrastructure and interact with EDS’ Teamcenter/Enterprise, Teamcenter/Engineering and Dassault Systeme’s SmarTeam through seamless integrations with their CAE systems.