Conceptual Design Automation Research Articles

Automation of conceptual design and modification of aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles using multidisciplinary optimization and evolutionary algorithms. Part 2: results and analysis

An example of practical application of the methodology of multidisciplinary optimization of the concept parameters of aircraft-type flight vehicles is considered in the form of solving the problem of modifying two existing aircraft with characteristics presented in open sources. The convergence of the optimization problem was investigated. The results of validation of mathematical models of aerodynamics are presented by comparison with the experiment results. An assessment of the reliability of the calculation of the objective function was carried out using the example of solving the direct problem of calculating the take-off weight and flight performance characteristics of prototype aircraft and comparing the results with their real characteristics. A method for longitudinal trim of aircraft-type flight vehicles with two lifting surfaces with parameter optimization is proposed.

Automation of conceptual design and modification of aircraft type unmanned aerial vehicles using multidisciplinary optimization and evolutionary algorithms. Part 1: Methods and models

This paper proposes a method for selecting rational parameters for large-size aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles at the initial design stages using an optimization algorithm of differential evolution and numerical mathematical modeling of aerodynamic problems. The method assumes implementation of weight and aerodynamic balance in the main flight modes, it can consider aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles with one or two lifting surfaces, applies parallel calculations, and automatically generates a three-dimensional geometric model of the aircraft appearance based on the optimization results. A method for accelerating by more than three times the process of solving the problem of optimizing aircraft takeoff weight parameters by introducing the target function into the set of design variables is proposed and demonstrated. The results of assessing the reliability of the mathematical models used for aerodynamics and the correct calculation of the target function are presented, taking into account various constraints. A comprehensive check of the operability and effectiveness of the method were considered by solving demonstration problems by optimizing more than ten main design parameters of the appearance of two existing heavy-class unmanned aerial vehicles with known characteristics from open sources. Examples of using the optimization results to modify prototypes are provided.

Generative BIM workspace for AEC conceptual design automation: prototype development

PurposeThe integration and automation of the whole design and implementation process have become a pivotal factor in construction projects. Problems of process integration, particularly at the conceptual design stage, often manifest through a number of significant areas, from design representation, cognition and translation to process fragmentation and loss of design integrity. Whilst building information modelling (BIM) applications can be used to support design automation, particularly through the modelling, amendment and management stages, they do not explicitly provide whole design integration. This is a significant challenge. However, advances in generative design now offer significant potential for enhancing the design experience to mitigate this challenge.Design/methodology/approachThe approach outlined in this paper specifically addresses BIM deficiencies at the conceptual design stage, where the core drivers and indicators of BIM and generative design are identified and mapped into a generative BIM (G-BIM) framework and subsequently embedded into a G-BIM prototype. This actively engages generative design methods into a single dynamic BIM environment to support the early conceptual design process. The developed prototype followed the CIFE “horseshoe” methodology of aligning theoretical research with scientific methods to procure architecture, construction and engineering (AEC)-based solutions. This G-BIM prototype was also tested and validated through a focus group workshop engaging five AEC domain experts.FindingsThe G-BIM prototype presents a valuable set of rubrics to support the conceptual design stage using generative design. It benefits from the advanced features of BIM tools in relation to illustration and collaboration (coupled with BIM's parametric change management features).Research limitations/implicationsThis prototype has been evaluated through multiple projects and scenarios. However, additional test data is needed to further improve system veracity using conventional and non-standard real-life design settings (and contexts). This will be reported in later works.Originality/valueOriginality and value rest with addressing the shortcomings of previous research on automation during the design process. It also addresses novel computational issues relating to the implementation of generative design systems, where, for example, instead of engaging static and formal description of the domain concepts, G-BIM actively enhances the applicability of BIM during the early design stages to generate optimised (and more purposeful) design solutions.

A new tilt-arm transitioning unmanned aerial vehicle: Introduction and conceptual design

A new tilt-arm transitioning unmanned aerial vehicle: Introduction and conceptual design

Utilizing text mining and Kansei Engineering to support data-driven design automation at conceptual design stage

Utilizing text mining and Kansei Engineering to support data-driven design automation at conceptual design stage

Virtual generative BIM workspace for maximising AEC conceptual design innovation

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to find optimal solutions for conceptual design automation, which can be integrated with Building Information Modelling (BIM) support for construction automation. Problems relating ostensibly to failures in computational support for the conceptual design stage are well-documented in extant literature. These failures are multifarious and significant, with several deficiencies being acknowledged in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Whilst acknowledging this, extant literature has highlighted the importance of computational design in the AEC industry; and failures in this area include the need to strengthen the congruent links and support mechanisms in order to exploit the opportunities presented by new computational design methods. Given this, it is postulated that the application of generative design could enhance the design experience by assisting designers with the iterative generation of alternatives and parameterisation (change management) processes. Moreover, as BIM applications are increasingly providing comprehensive support for modelling and management, then additional synergies could be examined for further exploitation.Design/methodology/approach– This paper focusses on the potential for developing an interactive BIM environment that purposefully adopts generative design as a method of computational design for the early design stages. This research facilitates the automation of the conceptual architectural design process, using BIM as the central conduit for enhancing the integration of the whole building design process (including design interfaces). This approach is designed to improve designers’ cognition and collaboration during the conceptual architectural design process.Findings– This paper evaluates the existing methods and decision support mechanisms, and it introduces the potential of combining different concepts into a single environment (generative design/BIM).Originality/value– This research is novel, in that it critically appraises virtual generative workspaces using BIM as the central conduit. The outcome and intervention of this research forms a theoretical basis for the development of a “proof of concept” prototype, which actively engages generative design into a single dynamic BIM environment to support the early conceptual design process.

Conceptual Modeling Methodology of Multifunction Sensors on the Basis of a Fractal Approach

The problems of the multifunction sensors development make inefficient of design traditional methods application. Work purpose is an effective approach creation to the analysis and synthesis of sensors physical functional principle and creation on its basis mathematical, algorithmic and informational software for multifunction quantity sensors conceptual design automation. Authors propose the problem solution method based on fractal approach application to the theory of energy and information circuit models. For this purpose the physical functional principle sensor modeling fractal concept and mechanisms of its realization are created. This work results are new computer technique, software for the automatic synthesis of the multifunction sensors physical functional principle and two new multifunction sensors utility models automatically generated by developed software.

Research on computer-aided creative design platform based on creativity model

Research on computer-aided creative design platform based on creativity model

Genetic model for conceptual design of mechanical products based on functional surface

Computer-aided conceptual design (CACD) aims to increase efficiency and quality of design work but with little essential progress due to the gap between abstract concept and detailed structure. In order to tackle the problem concerned with conceptual design process and automation, this paper introduces the concept of functional surface as the information carrier to link together product function and structure and describes a product genetic model to represent and organize product information. Functional surface is used to formalize the product gene, a varied-length coding scheme for functional surface and product gene is proposed, and the design process model for conceptual design is established based on product gene. Finally, a prototype system for CACD is introduced to demonstrate how a product can be designed based on the proposed model.

Automatic creation of topological graphs and the characteristic representations of kinematic chains based on the loop characteristics

Based on the loop's array representation of kinematic chains and their inter-operations, the arithmetic and the condi- tions of creating the combination loops as well as the unique digital characteristic representation are presented. Then, with Visual C++6.0 and object-oriented programming method, an application software system is developed on the Windows plat- form. It can not only draw the topological graph but also create automatically the unique digital characteristic representa- tion the characteristic adjacency matrix and the characteris- tic representation code. The most important characteristic of this system is that it can create automatically the unique digital representation of kinematic chains even when their drawing modes and labeling ways change. Thus the unique digitalization of the topological graph of kinematic chains is realized, which benefits automation, intelligence and network of mechanism conceptual design. The problem that the unique digital representation of the topological graph of kinematic chains can not be computer-generated automatically is solved in the process of mechanism conceptual design.

THE TOPOLOGICAL GRAPHS CREATION AUTOMATICALLY OF KINEMATIC CHAINS AND ATLAS DATABASE ESTABLISHMENT

With Visual C++6.0 and object-oriented programming method, an application software system which can reconstruct the topological graphs of kinematic chains according to the characteristic representation is developed on the Windows platform based on the concept of perimeter topological and the characteristic representation codes having one to one correspondence with topological graphs. Besides the abilities of classification and storage of topological graphs, the software system has the function of searching intelligently on the basis of topological characteristics of kinematic chains, which is benefit for the construction of atlas database and the realization of automation, intelligence and network of mechanism conceptual design.

Automatic conceptual design using experience-derived heuristics

Conceptual design is considered to be the most difficult phase of engineering design, with success dependent to a great extent on the expertise of the designer. Automation of some aspects of this phase would be of immense practical benefit. It is suggested that the generation of design solutions can be brought about through the application of heuristic knowledge. However, this sort of knowledge is in short supply and has proven difficult to acquire for computer systems. Nevertheless, actual examples of designers' work are more readily available, and the heuristics applied by designers may be considered to be implicit in these examples. The technique of Case-Informed Reasoning has been developed to try to exploit this potential source of knowledge, and applied to the task of fluid power circuit design, a configuration design task. This technique offers a practical approach to conceptual design automation in domains where design knowledge is lacking.

Intelligennt systems approach to conceptual design

In mechanical system design, the Integrated Computer Aided Design (ICAD) technology has evolved into a new generation of design techniques. It also paves the way for implementing Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) systems. However, the key issue to accomplish the objective in ICAD is the conceptual design automation. Conceptual design is a creative activity and an important decision making during overall product design to reduce energy consumption, to increase raw materials utilization, to obtain more profits, to reduce environmental effects of effluents, and to ensure flexibility, operability, controllability, and safety of manufacturing processes. Therefore, the quality of conceptual design determines the final quality of products and profit of plants. In this article, we first introduce the fundamentals and characteristics of conceptual design. Then, a general problem-solving strategy and methodology to implement conceptual design automation are proposed. an Integrated Distributed Intelligent Design Environment (IDIDE) for developing conceptual design expert systems is presented. Fundamental principles, system organization, and implementation techniques are discussed. Finally, an application case for wheel loader design is studied. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Integrated distributed intelligent system for process-control system design

Integrated distributed intelligent system for process-control system design