Integrated, Synchronous Multi User Design and Analysis

Abstract

An integrated multiuser system for synchronous design and analysis improves collaboration and concurrent engineering across multiple engineering disciplines. This approach allows all members of a multidisciplinary team (i.e., a team made up of designers and structural analysts) to access the same shared model over a computer network and synchronously contribute to the model in realtime. Data for both design and analysis are directly based on the same mathematical representation of the geometry, eliminating the need for model translation between disciplines. All data are stored on a central server which allows simultaneous access by multiple users. Each user views and operates on the model in a way specific to his or her discipline. Updates to the shared model are seen in realtime. This system enables an enhanced parallel product development workflow, since users from multiple disciplines can simultaneously contribute to the same engineering model. A simple implementation of an integrated multiuser design and analysis system was developed to demonstrate this method. Preliminary results from two experiments suggest a reduction in the amount of time required to perform design and analysis operations when compared with traditional, singleuser approaches. Future research is suggested.