Simplifying CAD to CAE Interoperability for Performing High-Fidelity Iterative Design

Abstract

Automating iterative design changes in Computer Aided Design (CAD) models coupled with Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) simulations can significantly enhance the productivity of engineers and enable them to make better decisions in order to achieve optimal product designs. With most of the software available today, the process of importing CAD models into CAE tools, and executing a simulation workflow, requires years of experience and remains for the most part a human-intensive task. Coupling parametric CAD systems with analysis tools to ensure reliable automation also presents significant interoperability challenges. We present and discuss a design system that enables an engineer to perform automated CAD-integrated design studies in a platform independent environment from their desktop. The design system is demonstrated for internal and external fluid dynamics applications using the OpenFOAM® software suite. A custom macro-enabled Microsoft Excel spreadsheet allows the user to setup and manage the iterative design studies, and in addition, can retrieve and store results for comparative postprocessing.