What Is Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)?

What is computer-aided engineering (CAE)?

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) refers to the practice of applying computer assisted, math-based analysis and simulation techniques to the entire engineering process - from concept design to simulation and analysis testing. CAE combines computer aided design (CAD) with disciplines such as finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multi-physics, and engineering calculations to produce better designs. CAE aims to create products, assemblies, and component parts that are not only validated to survive their operating conditions but also optimized for desired characteristics like weight and strength.

Benefits of computer-aided engineering

The benefits of CAE primarily revolve around the reduction of prototyping and testing which can be costly, along with increasing the efficiency of the design process. The greatest benefit of using CAE, however, is that it allows designers and engineers to optimize their designs to create the best product possible within the design specifications.

Increased efficiency

By incorporating simulation into the design process, organizations can streamline their workflows. This eliminates the unnecessary sequential design and analysis iterations of traditional siloed companies. With computer engineering, teams spend less time designing and more time engineering.

Design optimization

Organizations that are unable to perform CAE compensate by over-engineering their products. They will use more durable materials, increase wall thicknesses, add structural members, and incorporate more fasteners adding weight and cost. CAE enables design optimization to remove the added weight.

Prototypes and testing

CAE is not a substitute for prototypes and testing. Instead, it provides a high level of confidence that you perform the right tests and that your product should survive its operating environment.

Applications of computer-aided engineering

Finite element analysis (FEA)

Finite element analysis is used to predict how a model will react to forces in the real world—sort of like a digital prototype. This analysis is part of the product design cycle that examines the effects of forces such as heat, vibration, and much more on a designed model.

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Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

Computational fluid dynamics allow you to model digital fluids in your CAD system and save on hardware prototyping costs. With the use of numerical analysis, you can study and visualize the flow of fluids in real life.

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Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

Improve quality, lead time, and costs by using CAM software that gives you the highest quality precision machining in the fastest possible time. Increase productivity and toolpath designs with more efficient machining and tooling of sheet metal along with additive manufacturing.

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Simulation and analysis

You need to test the stresses and loads under which your product will operate in the real world to design the best product possible. Creo offers you design guidance and a comprehensive set of simulation capabilities that allow you to analyze and validate the performance of your 3D virtual prototypes.

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How is CAD software used?

Cummins: Prioritizing sustainability in product designs with Creo

Leveraging Creo Generative Topology Optimization, Creo Simulate, and Creo Simulation Live (CSL), Cummins is designing and testing digital prototypes to understand how they will perform in a real-world engine system.

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Lixil accelerates market entry with PTC’s efficient CAD solutions

By combining model-based product development (MBPD) with Creo’s powerful simulation capabilities, Lixil saves months of time on their entire design process.

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MAN Energy Solutions enhances manufacturing with Creo’s 3D CAM tools

Creo NC and Tool Design has allowed MAN ES to optimize their digital process and reduce complexity in manufacturing, producing parts faster than competitors.

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Brasseler prioritizes quality and accuracy when designing complex dental solutions

Brasseler designers take full control of their design process to increase productivity, while delivering precise dental tools with Creo’s advanced 3D CAM features.

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Looking for more information on CAE? Creo offers a single comprehensive suite of integral solutions to support CAD, CAM, CAID, and Simulation. Check out these resources for more details or visit our online store to get started.