Design Optimization is a well developed field in the research world but its potential in the industrial environment is not yet fully exploited. However in several sectors the use of these techniques has become common practice and the results obtained are remarkable.
Several ingredients are however needed for a correct implementation of the technology: a well established "simulation culture", i.e. the confidence in what can realistically be obtained through numerical simulation, a well organised IT infrastructure and a corresponding organization.
Taking the inspiration from recent industrial sucesses the critical ingredients needed will be briefly illustrated and it will be highlighted how a well structured IT system can have significant impact in product design both as a methodology to automate well established design procedures as well as a methodology to analyze complex phenomena otherwise difficult to tackle.
The main lesson learned is that the heavy use of MDO do not reduce the role of the engineer but as a matter of fact enhance his/her capabilities concentrating the efforts in the creative work instead of dedicating resources to repetitive tasks.
Applications in the field of automotive, aerospace and power generation will be presented. |
