COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

Computer Aided Design

Computer Aided Design

Introduction

CAD stands for 'Computer Aided Design' or computer-aided design. It about the technology involved in using computers to perform tasks creation, modification, analysis and optimization of a design. Thus, any application that includes a graphical interface and perform some task of engineering considered CAD software (Okabe 1992, p.105). CAD tools range from tools geometric modeling to applications as for analysis or optimization product. The main function in these tools is the definition of the geometry of the design (mechanical part, architecture, circuits since the geometry is essential for the activities.

The geometry of an object is used at later stages in which tasks are performed engineering and manufacturing. Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) to refer to the tasks of analysis, evaluation, simulation and optimization developed throughout the life cycle products. In fact, this is the greatest benefit of CAD technology, reuse the information created in the synthesis stage in the stages of analysis and CAM also in the process (Gao 2004, p.72). The term CAD can be defined as the use of computer systems in the creation, modification, analysis or optimization of a product. These systems would consist of the hardware and software.

Components of CAD

The basics of systems design and computer aided manufacturing are very broad, encompassing many disciplines, among which include the following:

Geometric Modeling

This is the study of methods of representation. There are three types of models: wire, surface and their use depends on the object model and the purpose for which it is built. Wired models are used to model profiles, paths, networks, or objects that do not require the availability of physical properties (areas, volumes, mass). The surface models are used to model objects like body, shoes, characters, where the core of the object being modeling is the exterior. Solid models are the most contain information and are used to model mechanical parts, packaging, molds, and in general, objects that are necessary to have information on physical properties such as mass, volume, center of gravity, moments of inertia, etc (Beverland 2004, p.446).

Visualization Techniques

They are essential for generating images. The algorithms used will depend on the model, ranging from 2D drawing techniques for the outline of an electrical circuit, to realistic visualization using ray tracing and radiosity. It is common to use techniques for generating documentation attached to the application, such sections or functions on behalf of solids or surfaces (Cheng 2008, p.682).

Graphical Interaction Techniques

They support the input geometric design system. Among them, the techniques of positioning and selection are particularly relevant. Positioning techniques are used for the introduction of 2D or 3D coordinates. Selection techniques allow interactive identification of a component model, being essential for editing it. User Interface

One of the most important aspects of an application is CAD / CAM interface. The design of it depends greatly efficiency of the tool.

Database

Support for storing all information in the model, from design data, the results of the tests are conducted and information manufacturing (Brengman 2009, ...