AES proposes to continue the development of a computer platform for simulation-and-optimization-based design of multiple-stage manufacturing processes. The main objective of the Phase II effort is to develop an extensible software frame work for the integration of models for materials, processes, equipment, cost, basic design principles and methods, optimization algorithms and visualization capabilities. Analytical models of metal forming and related processes will be implemented in the design system. By connecting simulations and visualization mechanisms for each of the stages of a manufacturing process, this framework will enable the evaluation of manufacturing alternatives to improve quality, performance, producibility, and cost. A mature state-of-the-art, adaptive modeling language compatible with the latest standards for distributed computing and Internet/intranet accessibility, and its associated software environment will be utilized as the object-oriented, feature-based framework for integration. An advisory committee comprising industrial, research, and academic organizations will be formed at the beginning of Phase II with the objective of refining requirements about modeling and functionality issues during the development. The advisory committee will also serve as a first mechanism for technology transfer and commercialization. With the participation of an industrial collaborator, the value of the design system will be validated on an engine disk-manufacturing problem of importance to the Air Force
Keywords: material process design metal forming simulation visualization optimization optimal design process