|
ETA Achieves Significant Weight Reduction with ACP Process
 Engineering Technology Associates, Inc. (ETA) recently announced its performance-driven product development technique, the Accelerated Concept to Product (ACP) process. This procedure has revolutionized and streamlined the product development process, through optimization led design. The performance-driven development process relies heavily on simulations to meet timing and budget targets, whereas the traditional processes have been built around a build-test philosophy.
The holistic, topology multi-disciplinary (MD), 3G (geometry, grade, and gage) design optimization solution was applied to significantly reduce mass for the Auto/Steel Partnership’s Future Generation Passenger Compartment (FGPC) Phase 1 and Phase 2 (Validation), as well as for WorldAutoSteel’s Future Steel Vehicle (FSV) Pilot Project.
Mass reduction was 30% for the passenger compartment in Phase 1, 15% in phase 2 and 45% over the original donor vehicle’s geometry for FSV. For the FSV project, a “clean sheet” approach was utilized, meaning that the new design was not based on existing geometry, rather the design was completely generated using MD-3G techniques.
The ACP process incorporates the use of multiple CAE tools including modeling, application specific, solver technology and optimization solutions. Many design concepts under multiple load conditions are evaluated simultaneously, but are not initiated until a concept that meets all of the design and manufacturing targets emerges. The optimized concept is then designed, analyzed and optimized using loading, manufacturing, material and cost constraints. Upon completion, the resulting CAD data is generated for an ideal production-ready design.
There are many advantages to using ETA’s ACP process, including the ability to disregard underlying assumptions that can inhibit the design. Additionally, the optimum load path is unconstrained by historical engineering judgment. Most importantly, it also allows for non-intuitive solutions for structural performance and can generate non-intuitive optimized shapes and component configuration.
Comprehensive goals are achievable using the ACP process as CAE/CAD designs change simultaneously, maximum mass reduction is possible, design robustness and efficiency can be significantly improved, the number of components in a system or sub-system can be reduced and manufacturing efficiency can be achieved (labor, material, tooling). Additionally, highly optimized and advanced solutions can be applied in both a linear and non-linear environment. The ACP process has unlimited potential and will be applied in a variety of industries for structural product development.
For more information, please visit: http://www.eta.com/content/view/49/90/
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
