Intelligent Computer Aided Design

Research programme is primarily concerned with development of intelligent software agents, which will enable easier and faster development of optimal engineering products even for less experienced users of computer aided design software. Modern design approach is based on assuring the product functionality during its life-cycle with appropriate RMS (Reliability, Maintainability, Supportability) programme. Supporting intelligent software agents for effective implementation of RMS programme will comprise interdisciplinary knowledge of engineering design, computational analysis and simulation, production, marketing, economic impact, maintenance etc. Development of intelligent software agents will be focused on thematic research areas, which are being addressed by participating research groups within the research programme. The thematic research areas are the following: design of mechanical elements, gears and drives in particular; advanced engineering computational methods, computer simulations and expert systems, design of transport systems and devices, logistic analyses and simulations of transport-storage systems in modern industry, methodology of permanent professional education based on distance learning as a building block of model innovative process. The prime aim of programme group research work is to develop pilot tools, methods and strategies, which will contribute towards initiation and expansion of innovative processes in development of new products in Slovenian companies. Wider aim is to contribute towards better quality of engineering work and production.

Two basic prototypes of intelligent computer modules were developed and tested. The first module is an intelligent system of help by selection of finite element type for engineering computer simulations and the second is an intelligent system of help by the optimization of constructions based on results of engineering analyses. Both modules are based on the principles which come from successful engineering praxis and from research and development experiences of the program group on different scientific fields. Some conclusions and experiences from the practical use of intelligent modules will be used in further research work for development of intelligent platform, so called global intelligent support for objective design. In the field of computer modelling of engineering materials new computer models for numerical analysis of closed and open-cell materials were developed. The objective was to prove and quantify the influence of different parameters on the behaviour of cellular materials under impact loading conditions. The results represent the basis for further research on this field. Computer models were upgraded for solving coupled dynamic problems of solid (cellular material) fluid (filler) interaction under large deformations. The developed computer tools enable more precise and more reliable simulations of behaviour of components made from ordered and non-ordered cellular materials under the influence of impact loads. Such models represent innovative and competitive solutions to increase road safety by using innovative cellular materials for reduction of vehicle impact consequences, which will contribute to the development of science and increase professional awareness in this field. The research programme also included the development of a new computer model for the analysis of the short fatigue crack growth in machine parts, which is based on theoretical, numerical and experimental work. The model was developed to achieve more precise forecasting of the machine parts life span and represents an important part of modern design process. It was very successfully used in praxis within a European project HIPERTRACK for computer simulations of fatigue failure on the train rails. In the field of machine parts and structures made from high-strength steels a new computational algorithms were developed. Results of these researches were successfully used in some Slovenian companies. In the field of transportation the computer based intelligent systems for the design of transport-logistical systems has been developed. The system is based on discrete numerical simulations and analytical optimization methods. Results of this research work were directly used in some Slovenian companies for planning new rack warehouses. The results of the research work oriented in the development of computer simulation methods for simulating dynamic behaviour of multi-mass deformable systems is a computer aided methodology of working space visualisation and developed procedures for optimal positioning of the robot inside the manufacturing unit in respect of the specimen geometry and required technological operations. The work is very important for the robot and robotized manufacturing unit design since it enables not only a simplified view of the size and shape of robot working space but also enables the analysis of the velocity structure inside the working space. Developed methodologies in the field of maintenance include an overall approach to the provision of safety, environment integrity, social acceptance and reliability of technical systems and play a great part in contribution to ensuring quality of purpose function performance. Results of research work in the context of program group were published in many important international scientific journals and presented on international and domestic conferences.

In the framework of the research programme in years 2004-2008 some intelligent computer modules have been developed for the purpose of development, production, marketing, use and maintenance of new products. They will provide Slovenian companies with more effective tools for development of optimal products. In the field of computer modelling of engineering materials new computer models for numerical analysis of closed and open-cell materials were developed. Computer models were upgraded for solving coupled dynamic problems of solid (cellular material) fluid (filler) interaction under large deformations. Simulation analyses of such materials will contribute to more effective and more economic production of individual road safety components (e.g. energy absorption elements), which will increase general safety. This corresponds to the guidelines and requirements of the Ministry of Transport of Republic of Slovenia in relation to the reduction and alleviation of the consequences of traffic accidents. Increased safety and reduction of the number of injuries and casualties in traffic accidents will indirectly shorten the absence of employees from work and the number of days of sick leave; as a result, the disturbances of working processes will be less frequent, and compensation costs will decrease. This will lead to savings in the economy and in the health care system. The research programme also included the development of a new computer model for the analysis of the short fatigue crack growth. It was very successfully used in praxis within a European project HIPERTRACK for computer simulations of fatigue failure on the train rails. In the field of machine parts and structures made from high-strength steels a new computational algorithms were developed. Results of these researches were successfully used in some Slovenian companies. In the field of transportation the computer based intelligent systems for the design of transport-logistical systems has been developed. Results of this research work were directly used in some Slovenian companies for planning new rack warehouses. The results of the research work oriented in the field of robot and robotized manufacturing was used in robotized manufacturing unit design for companies Gorenje (Velenje) and Talum (Kidričevo). Developed methodologies in the field of maintenance include an overall approach to the provision of safety, environment integrity, social acceptance and reliability of technical systems and play a great part in contribution to ensuring quality of purpose function performance. New methodologies were transferred and used in different companies in Slovenia (Kolektor Idrija, Hit Gorica, KLS Ljubno ob Savinji).