Analysis and Visualization of Complex Computer Aided Design Models as a Design Structure Matrix
Year: 2011
Editor: Eppinger, S. D., Maurer, M., Eben, K., Lindemann, U.
Author: Bhaskara, S.
Section: Product Architectures
Page(s): 61-75
Abstract
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Systems are large and complex software systems with feature-based solid modelling, NURBS surfaces, sketching, and constraints management functionality and capture knowledge and design history throughout the lifecycle of the design process. Innovations in software and hardware technology help increase the efficiency with which CAD models can capture the overall design process. Representing component geometry as well as features, design parameters, design rules, part dependencies in an assembly context as well as modelling history makes these models large and complex. As the complexity and size of these models increases so is the cost to create, maintain and change them. To reduce the complexity and overall cost, organizations look for design checking and fixing tools as well as viewing and analysis tools. This paper focuses on analysing and understanding CAD model complexity as well as documenting the design process using Design or Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM) methodology.
Keywords: CAD model, DSM, feature based design, CATIA V5, CAA, complexity, Lattix