Abstract
Instead of being an exciting step towards more rapid product development, virtual prototyping could become a new term to cover the existing computer tools collected under the terms CAD, CAE, CAx. The computer technology to enable realistic “handling” and distributed design consultation is now demonstrable. However, effective management and distribution of the information to be processed and, hence, use of the results could remain constrained by the many ad hoc data conversions imposed by our current inability to most effectively represent that information for shared use and reuse.
The first issue is to provide a framework for the information that supports product development and that is developed during product development. In order to create the integrated information system that virtual prototyping implies, the Open Distributed Processing Reference Model (ODP-RM) [deMeer 1992] for distributed information systems is an apt basis and a useful route map.
The role of STEP in such an information system needs explanation. It is encouraging that the ISO Standard for Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) [Owen 1992] development methodology is using a similar map to that provided by the ODP-RM. The STEP work, particularly the tools used developing Application Protocols (AP) and the integrated resource models themselves, is an integral part of our way ahead. The learning from that community is already exploitable. As discussed below, however, their difficulty in defining the requirements of STEP, and the general lack of understanding of what STEP can provide, needs urgent resolution.
Another issue is the constraints imposed by representational techniques for geometry used in today’s CAx systems, particularly parts with sculptured surfaces. Because shape is so fundamental to mechanical design and visualisation on computers, it is important that shape information can be related properly to other information and altered simply. This is not currently so.
Finally, one must understand the relative value of real and virtual prototypes and more importantly the need for physical models to test in order that confidence in computer simulations is well founded. This is particularly necessary where the virtual prototyping uses complex flow analyses, namely Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The advent of layered manufacturing (additive manufacture, rapid prototyping) potentially expedites the making of real prototypes with minimal manufacturing planning. “Computer Aided Rapid Prototyping” and the “Integration of CAD, CAE and Fast Free Form Fabrication” are alternative titles for a project, briefly known as CARP1, researching these subjects to reduce the time to prototype automotive powertrain components.
This paper discusses some of the issues and some pieces of the solution.
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© 1995 IFIP International Federation for Information Processing
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Bloor, M.S., Mckay, A., Bloor, M.I.G., Wilson, M.J. (1995). Product and Shape Representation for Virtual Prototyping. In: Rix, J., Haas, S., Teixeira, J. (eds) Virtual Prototyping. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-34904-6_6
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