A general method for performing an integrated cad-mbd-fem analysis

Despite the evolution of technology and computers, the work of designers and analysts cannot be considered fully integrated yet, since they use different software packages based on different approaches. The ratio of the working times used for the modeling and the analysis is estimated as approximately 80/20. This issue represents a widespread industrial problem that could be addressed through the creation of advanced environments based on the concept of the Integration of Computer Aided Design and Analysis (I-CAD-A). Most of the methods designed to achieve this integration include the overcoming of the traditional finite element formulation and the use of the same mathematical model for both the geometric representation and the analysis. The goal of this study is to define a simple and general procedure oriented towards the integration of the CAD-MBD-FEM (Computer Aided Design, Multibody Dynamics, Finite Element Method) analysis. For this purpose, reference is made to the more consolidated method, known as the linear theory of elastodynamics. This method considers the multibody system first as a collection of rigid bodies. The inertia and reaction forces obtained from rigid body analysis are then used as external loads into a linear elasticity problem in order to solve for the deformation of the flexible components that form the system. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure, which involves the use of three software and the transfer of the fundamental data between them, the methodology is implemented for the kinematic and structural analysis of a windshield wiper.