Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)

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What is computer-aided engineering (CAE)?

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) is the entire engineering process from product design ideation and drafting to simulation and analysis testing. CAE involves the practice of applying computer assisted, math-based analysis and simulation techniques to the product development process. CAE combines computer aided design (CAD) with disciplines such as finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multi physics, and engineering calculations. 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.

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.

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 CE, teams spend less time designing and more time engineering.

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 CE, teams spend less time designing and more time engineering.

Optimization

Organizations that lack the resources or people to perform CAE compensate by over-engineering their products. For example, they use more durable materials, increase wall thicknesses, add structural members, and incorporate more fasteners. These methods add weight and cost to the product, but by using CAE you can optimize the designs to remove the added weight.

Organizations that lack the resources or people to perform CAE compensate by over-engineering their products. For example, they use more durable materials, increase wall thicknesses, add structural members, and incorporate more fasteners. These methods add weight and cost to the product, but by using CAE you can optimize the designs 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.

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)

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

CAM

Simulation and analysis

We've got it all: finite element analysis for parts and assemblies, computational fluid dynamics, and more. Look at our comprehensive list of simulation solutions.
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