CAE Simulation

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) refers to the procedure that encompasses the entire product and manufacturing development process. This includes design and virtual testing with complex geometries and analytical algorithms, sophisticated IT, as well as manufacturing planning

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)

CAE – What it is and why CAE matters

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) refers to the procedure that encompasses the entire product and manufacturing development process. This includes design and virtual testing with complex geometries and analytical algorithms, sophisticated IT, as well as manufacturing planning. Most industries in the world of design that use a design software program to develop products use Computer-Aided Engineering, otherwise known as CAE.

Using CAE tools for Computer-Aided Engineering in the product development process not only facilitates the design process, but also allows testing the product’s physical properties without having to do physical prototype testing. CAE simulation analysis types include Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Thermal Analysis, Multibody Dynamics, and Optimization.

For design engineers, integrating CAE and CAD has become a vital part of their day-to-day workflow.

With both solutions being available in SaaS, the differences can be minimized, so it’s easy to create a CAD model and run engineering simulations with little difficulty.

There are generally three main phases to a CAE simulation session

Computer-Aided Engineering simulation through advanced CAE can significantly reduce the cost and time of each design iteration cycle.

It can also streamline the overall development process, particularly when combined with the power and speed of high-performance cloud computing. 

A typical CAE workflow

First, an initial design is first generated and the CAD geometry is simulated. 

Then, once the simulation results are in, they are evaluated and used to optimize the product’s design. This is an iterative process, and is done until all the product’s criteria are met and virtually confirmed.

When the digital prototype does not perform as expected, engineers and designers can improve the CAD model more and test the updated design by testing it in a Computer-Aided Engineering simulation, known as CAE simulation.

As early versions of a product do not require making physical prototypes, this process supports faster product development.

Primary benefits of CAE 

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) simulation techniques and computer software provide key benefits. 

  • Less time in product development

  • Optimized product quality and reliability

  • Streamlined manufacturing processes

  • Lowered risk exposure

  • Assists simulating complex geometries

  • Improved product quality

  • Works with CAD software

  • Cost and time savings

  • Effectively leverage performance insights

  • The ability to make early concept and design corrections

  • Significant reduction in costs when it comes to physically testing prototypes

  • Met deadlines through each of the different phases of the engineering workflow

  • Remarkable improvement in product quality and reliability

  • Improved customer satisfaction 

  • Extended product life cycle

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simulation software

Types of CAE Analysis

CAE software and advanced CAE software company or business provide the world of engineers with a wide range of engineering and computer simulations and analysis types.

  • Finite element analysis (FEA) of stress and dynamics 

  • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for thermal and fluid analysis 

  • Kinematics and dynamic analysis of mechanisms (multibody dynamics)

  • Boundary element method (BEM) or FEA to analyze acoustics

  • 1D CAE, or mechatronic system simulation, for multi-domain mechatronics system design

  • Casting, molding, and die press forming simulations

  • Particle simulation as part of a flow industrial process

  • Multiphysics analysis utilizing multiple simulation phenomena

  • Product or process optimization

 

Large Applicability of CAE

Many industries and engineering teams use Computer-Aided Design, advanced CAE, and simulation software such as Simcenter 3D to great effect in the engineering process.

CAE for industries

These include the aerospace, automotive, energy, plant engineering, industrial equipment, HVAC, electronics, maritime, and consumer goods industries.

Here, CAE tools are used to simulate, validate, and optimize products in design and manufacturing processes, while minimizing the need for physical prototypes.

Applications of CAE

The varied applications of engineering simulation range from small components or products, to complex appliances, plants, and equipment.

For this reason, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) solutions, and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)are the best way to ensure cost and time savings.

Without the need to build a physical prototype with every design change, CAE helps to solve product design and engineering problems.

Powerful CAE with Simcentre 3D

Simcenter 3D is a unified, scalable, open and extensible environment for 3D CAE.

The accelerated computer simulation process provided by Simcenter 3D is because of ts best-in-class geometry editing, associative simulation modeling, and multi-discipline solutions, embedded with industry expertise.

Structural, acoustics, flow, thermal, motion, and composites analyses are done quickly and accurately thanks to Simcenter 3D’s solvers power.

Simcenter 3D computer simulations are powered by high performance computing and provide performance insights, optimization, and multi-physics simulation for iterative design improvements.

Through this, Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) not only shortens the engineering process, it carries significant performance implications, and process improvements.

simulation testing

Carl Wanngård, M.Sc.

VOLUPE

Lukas Johansson, M.Sc.

VOLUPE

Customer success and Support

The Volupe customer success program includes regular technical follow-up meetings with our Customer Success Manager Carl Stenson. We go through what projects you have carried out, what you see in front of you and how we can support you in the best possible way. All our customers will be appointed a dedicated support technician who will be your first point of contact and carry relevant experience from your industry and how the software can be used efficiently and accurately.
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