Integrated computational materials engineering refers to the use of computer simulations that integrate mathematical models of complex metallurgical processes with computer models used in component and process design. This article outlines an example of a computer-aided engineering tool, such as virtual aluminum castings (VAC), developed and implemented for quickly developing durable cast aluminum power train components. It describes the procedures for the model development of the VAC system. These procedures include linking the manufacturing process to microstructure, linking microstructures to mechanical properties, linking material properties to performance prediction, and model validation and integration into the engineering process. The article discusses the benefits of the VAC system in process selection, process optimization, and improving the component design criteria.

This article describes grade designations of the various sheet steels used for draw forming. It discusses the specifications associated with most sheet draw forming materials. The article examines the behavior of stress- and strain-based forming limit curve (FLC). It provides a discussion on three separate frictional conditions acting in a draw die. The frictional conditions include the metal passing through a draw bead, the metal clamped in the binder, and the metal sliding across a die radius. The article also explains the basic steps in the vehicle development process. The steps involved in the thought process of direct engineering for formability are also explained. The article places considerable emphasis on the need for the designer to clearly define the die/tooling faces in the computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system before the data are passed on to the construction functions.

This article discusses tools that are used for the systematic optimization of engineering designs. It focuses on the practical application of optimization technology in a computer-aided engineering environment. The article presents numerical optimization algorithms and provides some background on how these algorithms make decisions when searching for the optimal design. It also provides information on structural optimization, topology optimization, materials processing optimization, multidisciplinary optimization, and global optimization.

Solid modeling is the act of creating the three-dimensional models of various components and system using a computer-aided design (CAD) tool. This article describes the fundamental approaches of solid modeling, such as manufacturing operation simulation, parametric approach, and reference entities. It discusses the application of solid modeling systems to create expressions or variables and various surfaces for components. The use of high-end CAD systems to afford a number of sheet metal functions is reviewed. The article explains the explicit-parametric modeling and model verification for the solid modeling. It provides information on the application of solid modeling in associativity and concurrent engineering, product lifecycle management, and collaborative engineering.

This article demonstrates the depth and breadth of commercial and third-party software packages available to simulate metals processes. It provides a representation of the spectrum of applications from simulation of atomic-level effects to manufacturing optimization. The article tabulates the software name, function or process applications, vendor or developer, and website information.

This article describes the basic functions that should be included when considering the relationship of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and machining. These include design, analysis, drafting, process planning, part programming, program verification, part machining, and inspection. The article provides information on hardware, data base, interfaces, and benefits of integrating machining with the CAD/CAM system of a manufacturing plant. It also provides an overview of direct, computer and, distributed numerical control, which are devoid of a number of problems inherent in conventional numerical control.

Tooling and assembly methodologies for advanced composites have steadily improved as a result of advancements in materials, through the use of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology, and through application of sophisticated design for manufacturing and assembly concepts. This article reviews techniques and technologies that are used to control the quality of tooling and assembly methods for composite components.

Machining or material removal processes are secondary manufacturing operations that are used to achieve precise tolerances or to impart controlled surface finishes to a part. This article summarizes rules for designing parts to improve machined part quality and reduce machining costs in mass and batch production environments. It discusses the factors affecting the total cost of a machining operation, including raw material costs, labor costs, and equipment costs. The article describes three types of machining systems, namely, general-purpose machine tools, production machining systems, and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining systems. It reviews general design-for-machining rules that are applicable to all parts, regardless of the type of equipment used to produce them. Special considerations for production machining systems and CNC machining systems are discussed. The article describes the structure and typical uses of computer-aided process planning and design-for-manufacturing programs.

Composite materials offer amazing opportunities for delivering structures that are optimized to meet design requirements. This article provides a summary of the concepts discussed in the articles under the section “Engineering Mechanics, Analysis, and Design” in ASM Handbook, Volume 21: Composites. The section introduces many of the engineering approaches used in composite industry.

This article focuses on the axisymmetric 2.5-dimensional approach used in metal powder injection molding (PIM) simulations. It describes three stages of PIM simulations: filling, packing, and cooling. The article discusses the process features of numerical simulation of PIM, such as filling and packing analysis, cooling analysis, and coupled analysis between filling, packing, and cooling stages. It explains the experimental material properties and verification for filling, packing, and cooling stages in the PIM simulations. The article presents simulation results from some of the 2.5-dimensional examples to demonstrate the usefulness of the computer-aided engineering analysis and optimization capability of the PIM process.

Modern, solids-based computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems provide a good share of what is needed for companies to develop products using modern methods. This article provides a brief history and an overview of CAD technology. Form features combined with constraint parameters have greatly simplified how designers work with solid modelers to design parts and assemblies. The article describes four types of constraints: numeric, geometric, algebraic, and attributes. It presents a discussion on data associativity and assembly design used in CAD system. The article provides information on the applications of CAD systems, including integrated product development, drafting and product documentation, product visualization, mechanical analysis, and numerical control programming.

Continuous fiber composite materials offer dramatic opportunities for producing lightweight laminates with tremendous performance capabilities. This article describes the kinematics of fabric deformation and explains the algorithms used in draping simulation. It discusses the basic components, such as laminate and ply, of continuous fiber composite. The article provides information on the core sample and ply analysis. It details producibility, flat-pattern evaluations, and laminate surface offset. The article discusses various interfaces, such as the structural analysis interface, the resin transfer molding interface, the fiber placement and tape-laying interface, and the laser projection interface.

Documentation must be focused toward explaining a specific task such as design process, by conveying the needs of product engineering, materials engineering, and manufacturing. This article describes how documentation supports the process of bringing a product to market, who uses the information, and how it serves as a key form of communication, with examples. It discusses the key features that most documents must define. The article describes the requirements of engineering and manufacturing and how drawings are used as a communication medium.

Design and analysis of electrical/electronic systems and components tends to be different from the corresponding process for most mechanical and hydraulic systems. This article provides an overview of three overlapping phases followed in electrical design: functional, electrical, and physical. It also presents information on the simulation and testing carried out to evaluate the design behavior.

This article discusses the evolution of computer numerical control and direct numerical control for machine tools. It describes the fundamentals and advantages of numerical control (NC) systems. The article reviews the manual or computer assisted off-line programming methods for programming the tools with the aid of the automatically programmed tool language. It also explains point-to-point and continuous-path or contouring of NC systems and the adaptive systems used for NC.

This article discusses the advantages of polymer matrix composite for automotive application in terms of design drivers, noise, vibration, harshness efficiency, process materials property constraints, safety and reliability, design optimization, structural and appearance requirements, recyclability, and processability. It describes the properties of high-volume composites used in automotive industries. The article provides a discussion on state-of-the-art and developing technologies in automotive field.