Integrating CAE and Virtual Reality in the ViSiCADE Project
The objective of this project is the development of an intuitive simulation framework based on virtual reality technology that enables the integration of CAE task into VR to reduce the time intervals of modelling and evaluation procedures.
As a result the system will provide an intuitive virtual environment that enables a designer to upload a
CAD domain model, automatically and intuitively derive an analysis CAE model and manipulate it, including intuitive automatic meshing and interactive refinement strategies as well as interaction facilities during simulation.
New visualization techniques are developed and included providing an intuitive simulation machine that assist the designer during a simulation loop. The system will support a mode to conduct an interactive redesign of the basis domain and restart the simulation with modified parameters.
The project work plan is based on six main work packages defining activities and tasks and being major sub-divisions of the proposed project including the project management WP6 (see Table below).
WP No:
WP 1
WP 2
WP 3
WP 4
WP 5
WP 6
|
Work package title
Finite Element Modelling
Solvers and Adaptive Methods
Visualisation and CAD/VR interoperability
Communication and Integration
Dissemination and Exploitation
Project Management
|
The ViSiCADE project consortium consists of
research institutes, software companies, and end users, namely:
IGD will bring its
knowledge in Integration of Engineering Environments, Visualisation and VR
Environments into the ViSiCADE project.
Queen’s
University Belfast FEMG will lead work
package 1 and the major part of its technical contribution will be in this work
package, in the development of tools for Finite Element Modelling. In
particular this will involve preparation of the model (small feature
identification, automatic sub-structuring, hierarchical modelling and adaptive
meshing) for passing on to the Solver (WP2), Visualisation (WP3), and
Communication (WP4) work packages.
Chalmers Finite Element Center works in the field of computational mathematical
modelling and scientific-industrial computing. It will provide general ffinite element technology with particular focus on the design of
adaptive methods therefore leading work package 2. The development of a general
adaptive differential equation solver, including coupling to CAD, mesh
generation software, and algebraic solvers are main objectives within this
project. As initial research has already be conducted within the field of an
integrated VR simulation environment for FEM investigations, Chalmers, will
moreover assist involved partners and bring in their experience resulting from
their test-bed (incl. a CAVE related realisation).
CSSI and is contributing to the ViSiCADE project as supplier and
developer of VR architecture components and will co-ordinate work package 3. In
collaboration with the IGD it will develop new HMI immersive capabilities to
improve the visual analysis and manipulation of FEM data in the context of a
virtual environment. Furthermore, CSSI will yield its expertise in complex
software architecture development especially in the industrial and digital
mock-up oriented domain into this project.
CLRC (Daresbury
Lab), taking a lead role in the assessment and
implementation of distributed and computational grid technologies to be used in
the project will lead WP4 covering 'Communication and Integration. CLRC will
provide expertise on FE solvers and in their optimisation and implementation on
high-performance computing platforms. CLRC will organise the validation,
testing and benchmarking of large-scale problems using the highest performance
computing and networking systems available at the time.
ProSTEPwill bring its knowledge in data models, application know how and
development of interfaces and will contribute to specification and
implementation tasks within WP1, WP3 and mainly WP 4. It will be responsible
for an extension of ISO 10303 towards a possibility to save VR-models in
STEP-format.
TranscenData
Europe will provide components for robust,
technically advanced modelling software and bring in its expertise for
geometric reasoning based on the Medial Object Transformation technology (CAD
model transformation). Hence, TranscenData will be mainly complementary IT developer to
QUB within WP 1. Further efforts would yield to requirements and specification
phases within WP 2 and 4.
ZF,
Airbus and
CSTB
as industrial
partner will have the role as end user of VISICADE based applications.
Project contact in QUB:
KY LEE
