Computer Aided Engineering Technology Research Articles

Estudo de caso de peça moldada pelo processo de injeção-compressão para termoplásticos utilizando análise computacional

O processamento de termoplásticos através do processo de injeção representa o principal método de fabricação de peças plásticas. Limitações do processo de injeção convencional, principalmente quanto à matéria-prima e configuração e funcionamento das máquinas disponíveis, tornam inviável a produção de produtos com grande área projetada e pequena espessura, como janelas automotivas e alguns tipos de lentes. Paralelamente, o processo de injeção evolui continuamente e há uma série de novas tecnologias geradas a partir do processo original, dentre elas o processo de injeção-compressão. No presente trabalho, utilizando análise computacional, estudou-se a produção de lentes de policarbonato através de dois processos distintos: injeção convencional e processo de injeção-compressão. A seqüência de estudos envolveu basicamente os seguintes pontos: estudo do padrão de preenchimento com conseqüente otimização do processo de injeção-compressão quanto à formação de linha de emenda; estudo da janela de processo para ambos os casos e comparação de alguns parâmetros principalmente tensão de cisalhamento e força de fechamento, por se tratarem de fatores limitantes na produção de peças com grande área projetada. Os resultados para o caso estudado comprovam grande vantagem na utilização do processo de injeção-compressão.

A methodology for evaluation of metal forming system design and performance via CAE simulation

In the current metal forming product development paradigm, product cost, time-to-market and product quality are three overriding issues, which determine the competitiveness of the developed products. In the up front design process, the first 20% of design activities commits to about 80% of product development cost and product quality issues. How to conduct ‘right the first time’ design is critical to ensure low development cost, high product quality and short time-to-market. To address these issues, state of the art technologies are needed. Traditionally, computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies provide solutions for representation of design intent and realization of design solution physically. However, it is difficult to address some critical issues in the design of forming process, tooling structure, material selection and properties configuration, and finally the product quality control and assurance. Computer-aided engineering (CAE) technology fills this gap as it helps practitioners generate, verify, validate and optimize design solutions before they are practically implemented and physically realized. In this paper, a methodology for evaluation of metal forming system design and performance via CAE simulation is developed. The concept of metal forming system and its design is first articulated and how the CAE technology helps design and design solution evaluation is then presented. To assess and evaluate the performance of metal forming systems, quantitative design evaluation criteria are developed. Through industrial case study, how the developed methodology helps metal forming system design and evaluation is illustrated and its efficiency and validity is finally verified.

An evolutionary approach for cooling system optimization in plastic injection moulding

The cooling process is of great importance in plastic injection moulding as it has a direct impact on both productivity and product quality. Cooling process optimization is a sophisticated task which includes not only the design of cooling channels but also the selection of process parameters. Most existing optimization systems focus on either cooling channel design or process parameter selection but not both. This paper explores an approach to optimize both cooling channel design and process condition selection simultaneously through an evolutionary algorithm. The prototype system proposed in this paper is an integration of the genetic algorithm and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) technology. The aim is to launch a computerized system that can guide the optimization of the cooling process in plastic injection moulding. The objective is to achieve the most uniform cavity surface temperature to assure product quality.

Managing Computer-Aided Civil Engineering Design Services

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) technology is rapidly altering the design services delivery process. The implementation of this technology is affecting the management of design production as well as associated quality control activities. Many civil engineering managers do not recognize the organizational impact of this change. Among the numerous issues with which managers must deal in order to improve future company performance and maximize the benefit of CAE technology are: (1) the changing business environment; (2) the need to revise design production and quality control processes; (3) the identification of appropriate organizational structures; and (4) the effective management of human resources. Architect-engineering firms must develop a strategy to answer these questions if they are to remain competitive in the future. This paper suggests the basis for developing such a strategy.

Development and application of CAE technology for the gas‐assisted injection molding process

AbstractGas‐assisted injection molding is an innovative process that can provide tremendous flexibility in design and manufacturing of plastics parts once it is fully understood and matured. The research effort presented in this article is aimed at development of Computer‐Aided Engineering (CAE) technology for gas‐assisted injection molding. To achieve the goal, efforts have been made in developing a numerical analysis for predicting the filling and post‐filling behavior and verifying the predictions through collaboration with the industry and universities. This article firstly describes the physics of this process, which leads to the various advantages and the inherent difficulties associated with the design and processing. Secondly, it discusses the methodology of numerically modeling and simulating gas‐assisted injection molding filling dynamics together with experimental comparison. At the end of this article, it presents the various advantages of applying the CAE technology for the gas‐assisted injection molding process, such as evaluating the various gas‐assisted injection molding processes and establishing preliminary design guidelines. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Computer-Aided Engineering Technology for the Design of Electronic Systems

The integration of system and architecture of the design process is key to reducing design cycle time and cost in developing complex hardware and software systems. In this paper, we present an Integrated Engineering Environment. It is a design, analysis, verification, and management environment for the system and architectural levels of complex systems, a system synthesis framework. Discussion is included about Computer-Aided Engineering software simulation tools which offer the opportunity to gain confidence in the performance of sophisticated digital, analog, and hybrid electronic system designs before making a commitment to hardware. This approach should be considered in today's environment, where it is important to find innovative ways to control development and operational costs. With the concern for the loss of our defense industrial base, and when the original design team may no longer be available, using this technique makes it possible to re-engineer existing designs, converting them to current technology.

Current trends in cae: Simulations of latest innovations in injection molding

AbstractThe advent of CAE (computer‐aided engineering) technology for injection molding and related processes is having a rapidly growing impact on the molding industry. Proper use of this technology has enhanced engineers' capability in handling all aspects of the molding process and has been proven to benefit both productivity and product quality. However, while CAE can serve as a powerful tool to help engineers make rational engineering decisions, it is by no means a panacea for solving all molding problems. The viability of CAE packages depends heavily not only on the scientific principles and numerical methods used for developing the software, but also on the reliability of the input data such as material properties and process conditions. This article discusses the state‐of‐the‐art of the technology with an emphasis on simulations of latest innovations in injection molding. A three‐layer approach that systematically integrates and efficiently utilizes various CAE tools to solve design problems at different levels of sophistication is also presented. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) for system analysis

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) for systems analysis is needed to address conceptual and preliminary design for a broad class of products. System analysis encompasses many engineering disciplines and the associated CAE technology will play a key role in product development and design. Improved products can be designed by employing easy-to-use model building tools and sophisticated mathematical algorithms, which accurately predict performance and cost of future products. Lessons learned from CAD/CAM, particularly in the graphics and database management areas, combined with recent algorithm research, and supported with sufficiently powerful hardware will enable CAE systems to achieve marked productivity improvements. The authors describe their experience in computer-aided engineering for control system design. This discussion forms the basis of identifying future CAE needs and their realizations.