Computer-aided engineering (CAE) is the use of computer software to simulate performance in order to improve product designs or assist in the resolution of engineering problems for a wide range of industries. This includes simulation, validation, and optimization of products, processes, and manufacturing tools.

A typical CAE process comprises of pre-processing, solving, and post-processing steps. In the pre-processing phase, engineers model the geometry and the physical properties of the design, as well as the environment in the form of applied loads or constraints. Next, the model is solved using an appropriate mathematical formulation of the underlying physics. In the post-processing phase, the results are presented to the engineer for review.

CAE applications support a wide range of engineering disciplines or phenomena including:

• Stress and dynamics analysis on components and assemblies using finite element analysis (FEA)
• Thermal and fluid analysis using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Kinematics and dynamic analysis of mechanisms (multibody dynamics)
• Mechanical event simulation (MES)
• Control systems analysis
• Simulation of manufacturing processes like casting, molding and die press forming
• Optimization of the product or process

Some engineering problems require the simulation of multiple phenomena in order to represent the underlying physics. CAE applications that address such problems are often called multi-physics solutions.

Benefits of CAE

The benefits of CAE include reduced product development cost and time, with improved product quality and durability.

• Design decisions can be made based on their impact on performance.
• Designs can be evaluated and refined using computer simulations rather than physical prototype testing, saving money and time.
• CAE can provide performance insights earlier in the development process, when design changes are less expensive to make.
• CAE helps engineering teams manage risk and understand the performance implications of their designs.
• Integrated CAE data and process management extends the ability to effectively leverage performance insights and improve designs to a broader community.
• Warranty exposure is reduced by identifying and eliminating potential problems. When properly integrated into product and manufacturing development, CAE can enable earlier problem resolution, which can dramatically reduce the costs associated with the product lifecycle.

CAE Software

Here are examples of CAE software applications:

NX CAE is a fully integrated, modern engineering environment for modeling and simulation of real-world problems. NX simulation applications include dynamic motion simulation, linear and nonlinear stress analysis, system-level performance simulation, dynamic response simulation, vibration analysis, fluid flow and thermal analyses, durability analysis, multi-physics engineering analysis, and analysis to physical test correlation.

NX Nastran is a finite element solver that analyzes stress, vibration, structural failure/durability, heat transfer, noise/acoustics and flutter/aeroelasticity.

Femap is a CAD-independent, Windows-native pre- and post-processor for advanced engineering FEA. It provides engineers and analysts with an FEA modeling solution to handle even the most complex tasks easily, accurately and affordably.

Solid Edge Simulation is a built-in FEA tool for design engineers to validate part and assembly designs digitally within the Solid Edge environment. Based on proven Femap finite element modeling technology, Solid Edge Simulation significantly reduces the need for physical prototypes, thereby reducing material and testing costs, while saving design time.

The following software components are used by CAE software developers as the foundation for their applications:

Parasolid is 3D geometric modeling component software, enabling users of Parasolid-based products to model complex parts and assemblies. It is used as the geometry engine in hundreds of different CAD, CAM and CAE applications.

D-Cubed Components are six software libraries that can be licensed by software developers for integration into their products. The capabilities they provide include parametric sketching, part and assembly design, motion simulation, collision detection, clearance measurement and hidden line visualization.