CAE

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CAE - Computer-Aided Engineering. The generic name given to a set of computer-aided techniques used in types of mechanical engineering [1]. CAE methods of action are available to assist in the implementation of project tasks of different kinds. Their ease of use, power, and increased availability result in increasing applications. Properly applied CAE can lead to the creation of more reliable projects [2].

It is worth noting that CAE tools are a very important aspect of teaching as they enable a significant increase in personal effectiveness in solving problems. They also make it easier to deal with problems, which is a major contributor to making teaching more interesting and realistic [3].

The CAE includes, among other things, the technique of case-based reasoning. Its application is intuitively obvious to engineers and involves finding solutions for new tasks by reusing solutions for older tasks [4].

What CAE includes

Among the known computer techniques, there are 4 main types [5]:

  • MRP - Manufacturing Resource Planning/ Materials Requirements Planning. Indicates when the product is made and how this fits into the factory manufacturing schedules.
  • CIM - Computer Integrated Manufacture. This is used in the manufacture and design of engineering products.
  • CAD - Computer-Aided Design (or Drafting). Computer-Aided Design includes simulation and analysis, but Computer-Aided Drafting is the application to the production of engineering images and drawings.
  • CAM - Computer-Aided Manufacture. Its scope of activity refers to the manufacture of products using computer-controlled machine tools.

In the field of design automation technology, CAE as well as CAD consists of the development of computer programs to conduct part of the design and production of products on behalf of the designer. The pressure to produce in a much shorter time and consume fewer resources, new generations of products with better performance and functionality is motivating the growing importance of design automation [6].

Changes

Rapid changes in computer-aided engineering have led to satisfactory progress in the engineering community. Recent progress has made the long-awaited goal closer to reality. CAE has become the quintessence of concurrent engineering and has set itself the goal of reducing design time, producing prototypes faster and most importantly - achieving higher product quality [7].

Examples of CAE

  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA): A computer-based simulation method used to analyze the strength and performance of a structure or system by breaking it down into a series of elements. It is used to analyze a range of engineering problems such as determining stress, analyzing vibration, and predicting fatigue life.
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD): A software program used to create detailed 3D models of products or systems. It is used to create blueprints and schematics for manufacturing products, as well as for designing building structures, electrical systems, and components.
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): A computer-based method of simulating fluid flow, such as air or water, to analyze its behavior and predict how it will interact with other objects. CFD is used to design and optimize airfoils, turbines, and other objects that require precise control of fluid flow.
  • Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): A software program used to program and control the operation of CNC machine tools, such as lathes and mills. CAM is used to create manufacturing programs and to control the operation of CNC machines.

Advantages of CAE

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) is a set of computer-based tools used in various types of mechanical engineering. It can provide many advantages to engineers and designers, including:

  • Increased productivity and accuracy: CAE software can automate many of the tedious and error-prone tasks associated with engineering design and analysis. This can result in shorter design cycles and reduced risk of errors.
  • Improved collaboration: CAE tools enable engineers to share their work across multiple platforms, allowing for more efficient collaboration and faster decision-making.
  • Reduced prototyping costs: By using CAE tools, designers can quickly simulate the performance of their designs and identify potential issues before building prototypes. This can lead to significant savings in time and costs.
  • More sophisticated simulations: CAE tools can be used to create more accurate and sophisticated simulations of physical systems, allowing for more accurate predictions of design performance and behavior.

Limitations of CAE

CAE has a number of limitations that should be taken into consideration when utilizing it in a mechanical engineering project. These limitations include:

  • Lack of physical interaction: CAE does not allow for the incorporation of physical interaction between objects and/or materials, such as friction or heat transfer, into the simulation. This can lead to an inaccurate representation of the physical system being simulated.
  • Limited range of materials: CAE is limited in its ability to model a wide variety of materials, such as polymers, composites, and metals. Often, simplification of the material must be done in order to produce an accurate simulation.
  • Expense: CAE can be expensive to implement due to the specialized software and hardware required.
  • Time: The time required to run CAE simulations can be lengthy, depending on the complexity of the model being simulated.

Other approaches related to CAE

CAE is a set of computer-aided techniques used in types of mechanical engineering, but there are also other approaches related to this field. The following list presents some of them:

  • CAD: Computer-Aided Design. CAD software is used to create 3D models and drawings of components, parts, assemblies and structures. This type of software also allows engineers to simulate and analyze the behavior of their designs.
  • CAM: Computer-Aided Manufacturing. CAM software is used to create manufacturing instructions and processes for machines such as 3D printers, CNC machines, and robotic arms.
  • CAE: Computer-Aided Engineering. CAE software is used to analyze the performance of components, parts, assemblies and structures. It helps to identify potential areas of improvement and optimize the design.
  • FEA: Finite Element Analysis. FEA software is used to simulate the behavior of components, parts, assemblies and structures under different loads and conditions. This type of software can help engineers to understand the behavior of the design and identify potential areas of improvement.

In conclusion, the list of approaches related to CAE includes CAD, CAM, CAE, and FEA. Each of these software solutions provides engineers with the tools they need to create, analyze and optimize their designs.

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Matthews C. 2001, p. 229
  2. ↑ O'Connor P., Newton D., Bromley R. 2002, p. 200-201
  3. ↑ Franklin G.F., Rabins M.J., Kheir N.A 2014, p. 10
  4. ↑ Raphael B., Smith I.F.C 2003, p. 197
  5. ↑ Matthews C. 2001, p. 229
  6. ↑ Chen W. K. 2018, p. 7-1
  7. ↑ Shih R. 2009, p. xii


CAE — recommended articles
Computer integrated manufacturing — Algorithm — Perfect system — Line balancing — Operational research — Advantages of simulation — Ergonomics — Bim in construction — Organizational techniques

References

Author: Klaudia Szydłowska

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