Toward Automatic Process Simulators: Part I—Modular Numerical Procedures

1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Sciubba
Keyword(s):  
Process Design ◽  
Process Simulation ◽  
Automatic Process ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Complex Activity ◽  
General Process ◽  
Numerical Process ◽  
Computer Codes ◽  
Quantitative Calculations

This paper presents a general design approach involving automatic, intelligent process simulation procedures. The aim is to derive a general set of design principles and methodologies that can be developed into computer-assisted procedures. This first part deals with numerical, quantitative calculations, i.e., with what commonly goes under the name of “Numerical Process Simulation.” It is argued that the existing design methods can result in computer codes or packages that perform exactly (and deterministically) the numerical operations an engineer would perform. It is also shown that modularity in these codes is dictated by the necessity of automatically implementing numerical procedures that depend on the structure of the process under examination, rather than by user’s convenience and ease of maintenance. An example of a modular, structure-oriented code (CAMEL) is given and discussed in detail, while numerical applications are discussed elsewhere [4]. The second part deals with the more complex qualitative approach to process design, i.e., with the possibility of implementing automatic “expert” procedures that perform the same conceptual tasks as human process engineers. It is shown that by means of Artificial Intelligence techniques it is possible to mimic (to an extent) the “thinking patterns” of a human expert, and to produce process schemes that are both acceptable and realistic. A general process synthesis package (COLOMBO) is described and some of its applications discussed. The main goal of the two parts of the paper is to show that the very complex activity of process design can be executed automatically, not only in principle, but in actual applications, and that both qualitative synthesis and quantitative calculations are possible with the present state of the art of our computational facilities.

Toward Automatic Process Simulators: Part II—An Expert System for Process Synthesis

1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Sciubba
Keyword(s):  
Expert System ◽  
Process Design ◽  
Process Simulation ◽  
Design Procedure ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Automatic Process ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Essential Knowledge

This paper presents an explicit mapping of the conceptual activities that constitute a “process design task” into a series of well-posed, complete, and general formal simulation procedures. Part I of this series of two papers dealt with numerical procedures for process simulation and showed that structure independence and modularity are two prerequisites for a general-purpose simulator. Part II approaches the problem from a completely different point of view and considers the question: Is it possible to derive a general set of design guidelines that can be implemented into a knowledge-based system and result in an automatic, computer-assisted process design procedure? This problem is different in character from that tackled in part I. First, it is by its own nature qualitative, i.e., it requires conceptual rather than numerical answers. Second, it is formulated at a higher level (in Artificial Intelligence terms, at a metalevel). Its solution is clearly in the domain of the logic of process design and, therefore, embeds (contains) all possible quantitative numerical schemes and does not depend on any of them for either its position or its solution. If the answer to this question is affirmative, the resulting code would be a sort of “Expert Assistant” to the engineer in the sense that it would suggest what process can be best suited for the particular application under consideration. The study proceeds by trying to detect conceptual similarities in different design procedures, to construct a suitable knowledge base, and to implement a general macro-procedure that could automatically assist the engineer in the largest possible number of process design operations. The contention here is that the most recent developments of AI-based methods make it possible to extract from human experts all the essential knowledge that pertains to “engineering design,” with the final goal of transferring this body of knowledge—in a form suitable to machine communication—to an “Expert System for Process Design,” which can then be applied (interactively or on a stand-alone basis) with a high degree of confidence to a variety of particular process simulations. A prototype version of an Expert System Assistant is briefly discussed, and an application is analyzed in detail. The code is called COLOMBO and is available as a research tool from the author. Finally, Part II builds on Part I of this series of papers. In particular, it is assumed that a general, modular, numerical Process Simulation Package exists and that it is capable of executing the quantitative mass and energy balance operations described in Part I.

Simplified Method of Resin Infusion Process Simulation on Example of Formula Student Lightweight Components

2016 ◽  
Vol 251 ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
Maciej Wnuk ◽  
Artur Iluk
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Process Design ◽  
Process Simulation ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Main Difficulty ◽  
Resin Infusion ◽  
Excellent Quality ◽  
Expensive Equipment ◽  
Simplified Method ◽  
Very High

In the production of lightweight composite parts, resin infusion is the leading technology due to its excellent quality-to-cost ratio [1], [2]. Not only is there no need to use expensive equipment such as autoclaves, but the resulting fiber to resin ratio is very high, which makes parts very stiff, strong, and lightweight [3], [4]. Other advantages include a glossy surface and a structure that free of macro-pores, provided when the process is well prepared. The equipment used in this process allows one to manufacture part in virtually any size and shape [5]. The main difficulty is to design resin feed lines in way that will saturate fabrics until the resin gels. To facilitate this process design finite element codes can be used to simulate the flow of resin during infusion [6].

Integrated Strength and Manufacturing Process Design Using a Shape Optimization Approach

1990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramana V. Grandhi ◽  
Sesha C. Modukuru ◽  
James C. Malas
Keyword(s):  
Process Design ◽  
Process Simulation ◽  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Strength Properties ◽  
Turbine Disk ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
Forging Process ◽  
Simultaneous Design ◽  
Simplified Analysis

Abstract This paper considers a simultaneous design of product and manufacturing process. The product requirements include strength properties, whereas the manufacturing process goals include cost, quality, and microstructure to produce defect-free parts on a repeatable basis. The concept is demonstrated by designing a turbine disk manufactured using a forging process. A simplified analysis is used in forging process simulation. Formulation of the integrated design problem is emphasized.

Design for Injection Molding: Using Dimensional Analysis to Assess Fillability

1994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas C. Mehl ◽  
Kurt A. Beiter ◽  
Kos Ishii
Keyword(s):  
Dimensional Analysis ◽  
Process Simulation ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Experimental Program ◽  
Flow Length ◽  
Numerical Process ◽  
Injection Molded ◽  
Plastic Parts ◽  
Injection Molded Plastic

Abstract This paper addresses the determination of wall thicknesses and gating schemes in the preliminary design of injection-molded plastic parts. Today, most of the existing design guidelines come in the form of experience-based qualitative rules. If the designers already have a detailed geometry of the part, the numerical process simulation program provides another form of design aid. There exists a huge gap between these two types of design aids; the experience-based guidelines are often too vague, while the process simulation programs come too late to impact preliminary part design. To fill this gap, this paper develops physics-based guidelines that utilize dimensional analysis techniques. Experiments and simulation studies can deduce non-dimensional relationships between flow length, thickness, material, and process parameters. The guidelines will aid plastic component designers in determining wall-thickness, gating schemes, and in selecting the material in the preliminary stages of part design. This paper describes the formulation of the non-dimensional charts for fillability assessment, and explains the use of these charts in part design. We further outline an ongoing experimental program to validate and refine our formulation.

Umformtechnische Herstellung hybrider Lagerbuchsen*/Manufacturing of Hybrid Bearing Bushings

2016 ◽  
Vol 106 (10) ◽  
pp. 743-748
Author(s):  
B.-A. Prof. Behrens ◽  
A. Bouguecha ◽  
M. Vucetic ◽  
A. Huskic ◽  
J. Uhe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Process Design ◽  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Process Chain ◽  
First Results ◽  
Erste Ergebnisse ◽  
Numerical Process ◽  
Hybrid Bearing

Im Fokus dieses Fachbeitrags steht die im Rahmen des Sonderforschungsbereichs 1153 angestrebte Entwicklung einer Prozesskette zur Fertigung einer hybriden Lagerbuchse aus Aluminium und Stahl. Es werden die Werkzeugkonzepte zur Halbzeugherstellung durch das Verbundstrangpressen sowie zum anschließenden Gesenkschmieden der hybriden Lagerbuchse vorgestellt. Des Weiteren wird ein Ausblick auf die numerische Prozessauslegung gegeben und erste Ergebnisse möglicher Erwärmungsstrategien werden präsentiert.   The focus of this paper is on the process chain development that is being researched within the Collaborative Research Centre 1153 for the production of a hybrid bearing bushing made of aluminium and steel. Here, the tool concepts for the production of semi-finished products through compound extrusion and the subsequent forging to a hybrid bearing bushing are introduced. Furthermore, an outlook on the numerical process design and the first results of the possible heating strategies are given.

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