Impact of Computer Developments on Engineering Applications – Past, Present and Future

During the past ten years, the use of computers in automotive design analysis has increased at an exponential pace. This has been especially evident in the application of computer graphics and numerical techniques to mathematically represent the behavior of the vehicle structure and its components. Such tools have made it possible to meet the challenge of increased safety, durability, and fuel economy requirements.

Computer applications are being implemented in the automotive industry over a wide spectrum to help develop a new generation of vehicles. These include weight reduction and resizing, friction reduction in the moving parts of the engine and power train, material selection, design assurance, and product safety and reliability.

In this paper, we cite those areas where computer developments have been and will continue to be essential tools for important advances in vehicle design.