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Cambridge Software Company Launches Computer-Aided Engineering Selection

The next software tool?

In twenty years, PC-based design software has progressed from CAD, CAE and CAM, to finite element analysis and design aids like DFM and those created by Invention Machine. Now, Cambridge Engineering Selector (CES3), developed by Granta Design Limited, Cambridge, UK, in collaboration with Cambridge University's Engineering Department, enables engineers to match their design requirements with the best materials, shapes and manufacturing routes available. This will help engineers optimize functional components in all products from aircraft engines to running shoes, and space ships to children's toys.

The CES system is a linked set of modules. The selection is design-led, meaning that the inputs are the design requirements. These are translated into a prescription for selecting material and process properties.

Combined selection of a materials and
manufacturing process for a light connecting rod.

Professor of engineering at Cambridge University and chairman of Granta Design Limited, Michael Ashby, says CES3 arms the engineer with the full set of information and analysis to help them make the best possible design decisions. "The problem is that there are literally tens of thousands of materials, thousands of standard structural shapes, and hundreds of manufacturing processes to choose from," says Professor Ashby. "Furthermore, engineering design criteria are becoming increasingly complex - with intensifying pressure to increase system performance, reduce costs and weight, and reduce environmental impact." He adds, "Traditionally, engineers have relied on experience to make the right choices, but even the best informed can only know a fraction of the available information."

Granta's Commercial Director, Dr. Patrick Coulter, believes adoption of CES3-like technology is inevitable. "Just as engineers now depend on CAD software in drafting or CAE software in the prediction of structural performance, so they will need Computer-Aided Selection software to ensure use of the best materials, shapes, and manufacturing routes. Organizations failing to implement these systems will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage."

--RM

For more information, contact Granta Design Limited, Trumpington Mews, 40B High St, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 2LS, UK. +44 0 1223 518896. http://www.granta.co.uk Circle 460