How AI, VR are changing the computer-aided engineering landscape

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) has been a transformative force in the engineering domain, streamlining processes and improving product designs. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies with CAE has propelled it to new heights, revolutionizing the landscape and providing engineers with powerful tools to tackle complex challenges.

AI's automated design optimization

AI is revolutionizing CAE by automating design optimization, enabling generative design, providing intelligent decision support, and offering predictive analytics. These advancements are transforming traditional simulations and design processes, leading to more efficient and innovative solutions.

One of the ways AI is transforming CAE is through automated design optimization. AI algorithms, such as Genetic Algorithms and Neural Networks, can analyze vast amounts of data to automatically optimize designs based on specified objectives and constraints. This allows AI-powered systems to propose design improvements that may not be immediately apparent to human engineers, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective solutions.

Another area where AI is making a significant impact is generative design. AI-driven generative design allows engineers to input design goals and constraints, and AI algorithms generate a multitude of design options. This not only saves time but also inspires novel and innovative designs that human designers may not have considered.

AI also provides intelligent decision support during the design process. By providing real-time feedback and recommendations, AI enables engineers to make informed choices and explore alternative design paths. This support enhances the decision-making process and helps engineers create more optimized designs.

Furthermore, AI's predictive analytics capabilities are invaluable in CAE. AI can predict potential product performance and failure scenarios, facilitating risk assessment and mitigation strategies. By simulating various operating conditions and factors, engineers can identify weak points in designs and optimize them for enhanced reliability and safety.

ML offers improved material properties

Machine Learning, a subset of AI focuses on training algorithms to gain knowledge from data and improve their performance over time. In CAE, ML has a big role to play. For example, traditional material models used in simulations may not capture all complexities. ML techniques can enhance material models by learning from experimental data, resulting in more accurate and reliable simulations.

ML algorithms can further analyze CAD geometry and automatically generate finite element meshes, speeding up the model setup process. This reduces the need for manual intervention, decreases human errors, and improves overall efficiency. It can monitor sensor data from physical systems and quickly detect anomalies in real-time. This proactive maintenance approach helps identify potential failures early on, preventing costly downtime and repairs. Also, in engineering simulations, experimental data often contains noise. ML algorithms can effectively process this data, removing noise and generating cleaner datasets. As a result, simulations become more precise and accurate.

VR's role enhanced visualization

VR enhances visualization, promotes user-centric design, enables efficient training and simulation, and facilitates remote collaboration. It improves comprehension, identifies design flaws, fosters collaboration, evaluates ergonomic factors, saves costs, enhances safety measures, prepares for real-world challenges, reduces travel, saves time and resources, and leads to improved efficiency, cost savings, and better outcomes in engineering projects.

The integration of AI/ML and AR technologies into the field of CAE has revolutionized the landscape and reshaped the engineering industry. AI's automated design optimization, ML's improved material properties, and VR's enhanced visualization capabilities have all contributed to more efficient, innovative, and safer product designs.

Moreover, the synergy of AI, ML, and VR in CAE has opened up new possibilities, from data-driven design to autonomous engineering systems, and has empowered engineers with unprecedented tools to tackle complex challenges.

Shirin Hameed

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Shirin Hameed, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Detroit Engineered Products