Computer Aided Engineering

Computer Aided Engineering is an essential tool in the product development process. The term “CAE” mainly concerns the field of numerical simulation, and includes methods such as Finite Element Method (FEM), Finite Volumes Method (FVM), and Multi Body Systems (MBS).

A well-known example for the application of CAE is crashworthiness simulation in the automotive industry. The potential to reduce time and cost is huge since only a very few cars need to be driven into test walls to check – and usually confirm – the calculations. Simulation costs amount to about 60 percent of those necessary for a physical test. For subsequent simulations, the cost can be as low as ten percent. Additionally, simulation saves not only money, but time as well – it takes just 25 percent as long as a “real” test. Subsequent simulations can cut time down to just six percent.

Computer Aided Engineering helps to:

• cut production costs;
• reduce product development times;
• keep the testing of expensive physical prototypes to a minimum;
• rapidly simulate multiple designs and materials;
• optimize design.

Computer aided simulation is currently used in nearly all fields of technology and science. The main applications are statics, dynamics, temperature fields, acoustics, electro magnetic fields and coupled fields as well as fluid-structure-interaction. Besides product behavior, more and more manufacturing processes are being simulated, such as metal forming, plastic injection, and lacquer coating for a vehicle bodywork. As simulation allows huge savings in both time and money, use of this kind of technology will undoubtedly increase in the future.