CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT OPTIMIZED CAD DESIGN APPLICATION FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE AND ENGINE'S MECHANICAL STRUCTURES

Abstract

The CAD and FEM tools are the most usual instruments in order to design and optimize mechanical structures today. Previously, those tools were not redily accesible for every one, but only for a limited number of research centers and big companies. The software applications for design and optimization regarding structural mechanical structures, and specially those in the automotive engineering area, provide a wide range of possibilities in order to improve the results. Almost all design engineers are able today to use these tools in their design activities. In addition, a structured way for design will allow a better application of finite analysis method (FEM). Previously it was less important how a mechanical component was designed in a CAD tool. Today, it is very important how the mechanical component will be designed, if it is easy to be modified, if the design method is "user-friendly". Today the designed part will be generated in a design office, but will be analysed in another office located in another place (country), by other design engineers. After that, the FEM-analyses may take place in another office. This paper considers some possibilities for optimization and improvements in CAD design for the automotive and engine's mechanical structures in order to increase the designer work's efficiency and to allow a more structured way to create 3D parts.