Purpose of this work is to summarize some possible improvements to the traditional parametric approach for virtual prototyping, by illustrating a particular application case: the preliminary design of a heat recovery system. Reference is made to the following scenario: conceptual design being accomplished, the team of designers has to face problems typical of system design, e.g. assigning a common value for variables to establish some guidelines, or evaluating alternative solutions. In such a case, a fast, flexible way to generate many versions of the same feature could be profitable. Method: Fast evaluation of alternative solutions will be accomplished by using the knowledge-based capabilities of one of the most popular CAD platform, Catia V5. A simplified predictive model of the thermo fluid dynamic behavior of the heat recovery circuit, based on a computing worksheet, will be interfaced with the CAD by a project table: in this way, all the current values assigned to the degrees of freedom will be transmitted to the virtual prototype. The CAD model will be featured with some checks, rules and automatic procedures: hence, it’s possible to select all the configurations compatible with some imposed constraints, and save them in a new project table, to easily recall and transmit them to project partners. Result: Through the model it was possible to find, select and automatically reconstruct all the configurations (defined by combinations of values for degrees of freedom) compatible with the imposed constraints. Discussion & Conclusion: The use of the knowledge base capabilities of the Catia V5 platform, and the interface with a scientific computing software by a project table, allowed the development of automatic procedures to evaluate the alternative configurations of a heat recovery system and check their compatibility with specific requirements.
KBE approaches in virtual prototyping: a case study
CANERI, MASSIMILIANO;CONCHERI, GIANMARIA;MENEGHELLO, ROBERTO;
2011
Abstract
Purpose of this work is to summarize some possible improvements to the traditional parametric approach for virtual prototyping, by illustrating a particular application case: the preliminary design of a heat recovery system. Reference is made to the following scenario: conceptual design being accomplished, the team of designers has to face problems typical of system design, e.g. assigning a common value for variables to establish some guidelines, or evaluating alternative solutions. In such a case, a fast, flexible way to generate many versions of the same feature could be profitable. Method: Fast evaluation of alternative solutions will be accomplished by using the knowledge-based capabilities of one of the most popular CAD platform, Catia V5. A simplified predictive model of the thermo fluid dynamic behavior of the heat recovery circuit, based on a computing worksheet, will be interfaced with the CAD by a project table: in this way, all the current values assigned to the degrees of freedom will be transmitted to the virtual prototype. The CAD model will be featured with some checks, rules and automatic procedures: hence, it’s possible to select all the configurations compatible with some imposed constraints, and save them in a new project table, to easily recall and transmit them to project partners. Result: Through the model it was possible to find, select and automatically reconstruct all the configurations (defined by combinations of values for degrees of freedom) compatible with the imposed constraints. Discussion & Conclusion: The use of the knowledge base capabilities of the Catia V5 platform, and the interface with a scientific computing software by a project table, allowed the development of automatic procedures to evaluate the alternative configurations of a heat recovery system and check their compatibility with specific requirements.
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