Multi-model technology and its application in the integration of CAD/CAM/CAE

The globalization and the intensive competition of the automotive market require shortening of the product development cycle, improvement of the quality and reduction of the cost. A new product modeling technology, multi-model technology (MMT), is provided in this paper to meet the needs of the challenge for automotive power-train product development. MMT introduces object-oriented technology (OT) into the product modeling process and combine OT with feature-based modeling technology. With the help of OT, MMT builds a product object model to support system level management in product development. The object model of the product is a multi-model structure (MMS). The MMS consists of a finish part model level (assembly model level), a rough part model level (part model level), a function model level and a basic model level. Every model in the MMS is created by feature-based technology in the design process. In this case, models in the MMS of the product can be shared by a casting mould, a sand core and a sand core mould. Therefore, CAD engineers, CAE engineers and CAM engineers can work concurrently and the integration of CAD/CAM/CAE can be realized. Then, MMT is applied in cylinder head development. The practice shows that the modeling technology in this paper can optimize the development process, and realize data sharing and concurrent engineering in the product development process.