Feature-based non-manifold modeling system to integrate design and analysis of injection molding products

Abstract

Current CAE systems used for both the simulation of the injection molding process and the structural analysis of plastic parts accept solid models as geometric input. However, abstract models composed of sheets and wireframes are still used by CAE systems to carry out more analyses more efficiently. Therefore, to obtain an adequate abstract model, designers often have to simplify and idealize a detailed model of a part to a specific level of detail and/or abstraction. For such a process, we developed a feature-based design system based on a non-manifold modeling kernel supporting feature-based multi-resolution and multi-abstraction modeling capabilities. In this system, the geometric models for the CAD and CAE systems are merged into a single master model in a non-manifold topological representation, and then, for a given level of detail and abstraction, a simplified solid or non-manifold model is extracted immediately for an analysis. For a design change, the design and analysis models are modified simultaneously. As a result, this feature-based design system is able to provide a more integrated environment for the design and analysis of plastic injection molding parts.