Upfront Analysis in the Product Development Process

Companies in industries from automotive to consumer products have infused analysis software into their design cycle the same way writers use spell check to prepare documents. Analysis tools, closely integrated with 3D CAD applications, help catch errors earlier in the design cycle and optimize designs for better performance and more efficient material use. The direct involvement of design engineers in analyzing their own designs allows for quick turnaround times and ensures that modifications indicated by analysis results are promptly implemented in the design process. Used properly, it yields trustworthy results that are already driving efficiencies and cost savings. This paper will describe the analysis process and the benefits of sophisticated analysis functionality that is available to engineers of any skill level. It will showcase a case study of the Formula SAE (FSAE) team at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and how they utilized the computational capabilities of integrated 3D CAD and design analysis software to design, analyze and simulate a formula race car.