What is CAE?
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) is an emerging field that takes CAD to the next level.
While CAD is useful in creating 2D and 3D models of a product, CAE software allows for deeper engineering analysis of objects.
CAE therefore finds applications in engineering areas such as fluid dynamics, kinematics, stress analysis, finite element analysis, etc., typically with regard to product development. CAE covers not only CAD, but also Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and some other aspects of engineering. Simply put, you can create 2D and 3D objects using CAD, while analyzing how that object will behave using CAE tools. Automated design tools provided by CAE have transformed engineering analysis from a hands-on virtual simulation experience.
Computer-aided engineering (CAE) is the broad use of computer software to assist with engineering analysis tasks.
CAE areas covered include:
- Stress analysis in components and assemblies using Finite Element Analysis (FEA);
- Thermal and fluid flow analysis Computational fluid dynamics (CFD);
- Multibody Dynamics (MBD) and Kinematics;
- Analysis tools for process simulation for operations such as casting, molding and press forming.
- Product or process optimization.
Introduction to Computer Aided EngineeringSoftware used to analyze geometric CAD tools that were developed to support these activities are considered CAE tools. CAE tools are being used, for example, to analyze the robustness and performance of components and assemblies. The term covers simulation, validation and optimization of manufacturing products and tools. In the future, CAE systems will be the main providers of information to help project teams make decisions. Computer-aided engineering is used in many fields, such as the automotive, aviation, space, and shipbuilding industries.
Three Steps in the CAE Computer Aided Engineering Process
In general, there are three phases in any computer-aided engineering task:
Benefits of CAE
- Because simulating reality is less time consuming, CAE processes save time and money
- CAE reduces errors in the design and drafting process
- The impacts of changing parameters on a system can be studied more accurately
- Robustness and performance of components and assemblies can be analyzed
- CAE allows easy visualization and improves projects
- CAE helps with ease of manufacturing
CAE Applications
CAE applications support a wide range of engineering disciplines or phenomena.
- Stress and dynamics analysis in components and assemblies using finite element analysis (FEA)
- Thermal and fluid analysis using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
- Kinematics and dynamic analysis of mechanisms (multibody dynamics)
- Acoustic analysis using FEA or a boundary element method (BEM)
- Mechanical Event Simulation (MES)
- Control systems analysis
- Simulation of manufacturing processes such as casting, molding and press forming
- Product optimization
