Plug and Play Analysis and Simulation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems OBJECTIVE: Develop and test one or more techniques for plug and play interoperability of computer-aided engineering (CAE) and computer-aided design (CAD) that would allow automated use of new and legacy simulation tools with CAD models obtained from a variety of sources. DESCRIPTION: There is a critical DoD need to develop and prove out techniques and methodologies that would allow use of new and legacy engineering simulation tools on complex geometric models with minimal or no human intervention and preprocessing. Mechanical CAD data preparation continues to dominate most CAE activities, hindering use of advanced engineering simulation tools, and resulting in excessive costs across a broad range of design and manufacturing activities. Most commercial and legacy tools require gridding or meshing semi-automated heuristic procedures that rely on human experts and manual processing. Recent R&D efforts have been focused on meshfree and meshless methods, but the adoption of these tools has been slow and limited, partly due to their difficulty interoperating with realistic CAD data, and partly because they are not mature enough to replace the legacy CAE tools researched and developed over many decades. As a result, significant resources spent on improving and perfecting CAE tools appear to be reinventing and improving the representation and simulation wheel (or a better mousetrap), without being able to harvest their full potential and power. The types of analysis and simulation tools sought for this topic includes but is not limited to mechanics, aerodynamics, thermal, electromagnetics, fracture, aero-elastic, noise, vibration, transport phenomena. In particular, the proposers are expected to develop and prototype one or more of the following (but not limited to): Minimally modify existing analysis and simulation codes to support automated interoperability with CAD models, while reducing or eliminating the need for preprocessing (for example, by combining legacy CAE tools with immersed boundary or meshfree methods) Demonstrate interoperability of existing analysis and simulation codes with legacy and emerging types of CAD models (e.g. polygonal meshes, point clouds, voxels, mixed dimensional models, splines, and implicit representations) Develop automated agents and protocols for applying legacy analysis and simulation codes to CAD models from different sources Demonstrate automatic interfacing and composition of different types of analysis and simulation codes and apply them to CAD models from different sources Proposers are encouraged to leverage both commercial and open source engineering simulation tools, collections of widely available solid and geometric tools and models, as well as cloud-based technologies. The outcome of this investigation is expected to disrupt the existing design and manufacturing workflows, harvesting the power of existing CAE technologies, leveraging previous DOD investments, and leading to dramatic improvements in productivity and cost savings. PHASE I: Demonstrate feasibility of fully-automated interoperability of analysis and simulation tools with CAD models from a variety of sources without being locked into a specific part family type (e.g., wings) and estimate the level of effort required to develop a fully functional demonstration for dealing with realistic complex simulation scenarios. The Phase I deliverable is a prototype and a final report that will include a Phase II work plan to achieve the stated goals. For this topic, DARPA will accept proposals for work and cost up to $225,000 for Phase I. The preferred structure is a $175,000, 12-month base period and a $50,000, 4-month option period. Alternative structures may be accepted if sufficient rationale is provided. PHASE II: Develop and test fully functional demonstrator for the technology identified and prototyped in Phase I. The technology should be tested using existing CAE codes and CAD models coming from third parties and diverse sources. The Phase II deliverable is a demonstrator and a final report that will contain the results and description of the technology as well as general recommendations for fully automated seamless integration of legacy CAE solutions and CAD models from diverse sources. PHASE III: This technology may lead to dramatically different approaches to interoperability between engineering systems that may open up new opportunities for the commercial space to adjust existing analysis codes, that represent many years of effort and expertise, to work in this new environment. In addition, it will enable automated design optimization and synthesis, which is a critical component of modern design, and is equally important for the commercial space as it is for designing future military platforms. REFERENCES: 1: Alan C. O'Connor, J L. Dettbarn, L T. Gilday, Cost Analysis of Inadequate Interoperability in the U.S. Capital Facilities Industry. (NISTGCR) - 04-8672: Martin, Sheila, and Smita Brunnermeier. 1999. Interoperability Cost Analysis of the U.S. Automotive Supply Chain. Prepared for the National Institute for Standards and Technology, March 1999.3: Additional FAQs from TPOC for SB172-005, uploaded in SITIS on 5/2/17 KEYWORDS: CAD, CAE, Interoperability, Design, Analysis, Simulation