DREAMS and IMAGE: A Model and Computer Implementation for Concurrent, Life-Cycle Design of Complex Systems

Abstract

Computing architectures are being assembled that extend concurrent engineering practices by providing more efficient execution and collaboration on distributed, heterogeneous computing networks Built on the successes of Initial architectures, requirements for a next- generation design computing infrastructure can be developed These requirements concentrate on those needed by a designer in decision mak ing processes from product conception to recycling and can be categorized in two areas design process and design information management A designer both designs and executes design processes throughout design time to achieve better product and process capabilities while ex pending fewer resources In order to accomplish this, information, or more appropriately design knowledge, needs to be adequately managed during product and process decomposition as well as recomposition A foundation has been laid that captures these requirements in a design architecture called DRE AMS (Developing Robust Engineering Analysis Models and Specifications) In addition, a computing infrastructure, called IMAGE (Intelligent Multidisciplinary Aircraft Generation Environment), is being developed that satisfies design requirements defined in DREAMS and incorporates enabling computational technologies

A stochastic approach to multi-disciplinary aircraft analysis and design

“…Design guidance provided to a designer as discrete analyses are organized for problem solution [24]. At these milestones, knowledge is presented to a designer so that further resources may be allocated.…”

On the Tradeoff Control to Concurrent Product and Process Design

“…Subramanyam and Lu [15] used a model-based reasoning concept to explore a computer-based design environment, in which the designers can perform their task cooperatively by combining feature-oriented, geometric, and process performance models. Mistree et al [7] formulated concurrent design as the compromise decision support problems on a decision-based design platform, based on which they further elaborated an integrated computing architecture, thus, life cycle concerns of concurrent design can be executed on distributed, heterogeneous computing networks [5].…”

A Web-based monitoring system for multidisciplinary design projects

“…One such tool, a framework for multidisciplinary computational environments, is defined as a hardware and software architecture that enables integration, execution, and communication among diverse disciplinary processes. An examination of current frameworks [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] reveals weaknesses in various areas, such as sequencing, displaying, monitoring, and controlling the design process.…”