Interactive Design Using CFD and Virtual Engineering

Abstract

Virtual engineering is a powerful concept, defined as a technology that integrates geometric models and related engineering tools such as analysis and simulation, optimization and decision-making tools, etc. within a computer generated environment that facilitates multidisciplinary and collaborative product realization [1]. Virtual engineering applications can be constructed from scratch with high-level programming languages. However, since the end-user of the virtual engineering application is most likely not a programming expert, high-level support is needed to provide the user with the capability to construct his own application in an intuitive manner and with minimal coding. In this paper, we present a framework of the virtual engineering environment and its implementation, identify the general requirements for a virtual engineering application, and summarize the architecture. A virtual engineering application on computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based interactive design is used to motivate the research as well as to evaluate the performance of the system. The sample application is related to the coal transport system of a coal-fired power plant. Finally, the topics for future research are given. Virtual engineering is a powerful concept, defined as a technology that integrates geometric models and related engineering tools such as analysis and simulation, optimization and decision-making tools, etc. within a computer generated environment that facilitates multidisciplinary and collaborative product realization [1]. Virtual engineering applications can be constructed from scratch with high-level programming languages. However, since the end-user of the virtual engineering application is most likely not a programming expert, high-level support is needed to provide the user with the capability to construct his own application in an intuitive manner and with minimal coding. In this paper, we present a framework of the virtual engineering environment and its implementation, identify the general requirements for a virtual engineering application, and summarize the architecture. A virtual engineering application on computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based interactive design is used to motivate the research as well as to evaluate the performance of the system. The sample application is related to the coal transport system of a coal-fired power plant. Disciplines Computer-Aided Engineering and Design Comments

Knowledge management for modeled Heritage objects, requirement specifications towards a tool for heterogeneity embracing

“…As we hope to let you see in the next parts of this paper, our work leans towards interactive modelling and interactive reverse-engineering of cultural heritage objects, especially for scientific and technical heritage objects. The modeling and reverse-engineering differ from classical engineering techniques as presented, for example for interactive design using CFV [24], for Interactive design for additive manufacturing [21], or more generally in interactive engineering works [20]. Although the overall process does not lead to the matching of requirements in the objects modeling/engineering, we see similar dynamics at play regarding the system design as exposed by Clegg [14], and we feel we are in vicinity to experts opinion based interactive engineering approaches (e.g.…”

Virtual design for the interactive placement of baffles in air flow

“…Virtual engineering is a new technology that integrates geometric models with other engineering tools such as CFD, FEA, Excel, etc., in a computer-generated environment. One goal of virtual engineering is to create a decisionmaking environment that allows design changes within a virtual environment and that returns near-real-time solutions (Huang et al, 2004). The application of virtual engineering to the design and decision-making process can decrease the time, expense, and personnel required in the process.…”

“…A virtual environment was created to allow designer intervention as needed to design parameters using an interactive user interface. Huang et al (2004) combined evolutionary algorithms (EAs) with a low-fidelity CFD model to shorten the design process for coal transport pipes while allowing designer interaction to help reduce the search space for the design parameters.…”