A CAD-CAE integration approach using feature-based multi-resolution and multi-abstraction modelling techniques

In spite of the widespread use of CAD systems for design and CAE systems for analysis, the two processes are not well integrated because CAD and CAE models inherently use different types of geometric models and there currently exists no generic, unified model that allows both design and analysis information to be specified and shared. In this paper, a new approach called the CAD/CAE-integrated approach is proposed and implemented by a feature-based non-manifold modelling system. The system creates and manipulates a single master model containing different types of all of the geometric models required for CAD and CAE. Both a solid model (for CAD) and a non-manifold model (for CAE) are immediately extracted from the master model through a selection process. If a design change is required, the master model is modified by the feature modelling capabilities of the system. As a result, the design and analysis models are modified simultaneously and maintained consistently. This system also supports feature-based multi-resolution and multi-abstraction modelling capabilities providing the CAD model at different levels of detail and the CAE model at various levels of abstraction.