Simulation driven design : An iterative approach for mechanical engineers with focus on modal analysis

This thesis of 15 hp has been implemented at Halmstad University, in collaboration with Saab Dynamics in Linköping. Saab Dynamics is a company operating in the defence industry where competition is tough. This necessitates new ways to increase efficiency in the company, which is the basis for this thesis. Saab Dynamics wants to introduce simulation driven design. Since Saab Dynamics engineers have little experience of simulation, required a user methodology with clear guidelines. Due to lack of time, they chose to assign the task to students, which resulted in this thesis. The aim of the thesis is to develop a methodology in mechanical design, where the designer uses the FE analysis early in the design process to develop the structures' mechanical properties. The methodology should be seen as a guide and a source of information to enable an iterative approach with FE-analysis, which is the basis of simulation-driven design. The iterative process of simulation driven design, which can lead to reduced lead times and cost savings in the design process. The work was carried out by three students from the mechanical engineering program between December 2014 and May 2015. Because of the scale of the project, it has been carried out by a total of three students with individual focus areas. The work has followed a self-developed method and the project began with theoretical studies of the topic to get an understanding of what has been done and what research in simulation driven design. Then conducted an empirical study on the Saab Dynamics in Linköping, in order to increase understanding of how the design process looks like. Meanwhile, sustainable development and ethical aspects has been taken into account. Much time has been devoted to investigate the possibilities and limitations of 3D Experience, which is Dassault Systèmes latest platform for 3D modelling- and simulation software. 3D Experience is the software, the methodology is based on. This thesis has resulted in a methodology for simulating at the designer level that the project team in consultation with the supervisor at Saab Dynamics managed to adapt to the company's requirements