A Novel Virtual Product Modelling Framework for Design Automation in a Knowledge-Based Engineering Environment

Zhong, Guolong (2022) A Novel Virtual Product Modelling Framework for Design Automation in a Knowledge-Based Engineering Environment. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

Computer Aided Design (CAD) has been widely used for product modelling in the industry, where multiple issues arise, such as lack of product data representation and capturing and reusing the existing design knowledge in the modelling process. Existing CAD systems only provide geometric data within the CAD models and require users to have knowledge of the product to judge the correctness of the modelling process. Knowledge-Based Engineering (KBE) has been introduced to assist product design with the capabilities of knowledge capturing and reusing. However, there is always a “black box” problem in understanding the existing KBE applications, and the substantiation steps for the implementation of KBE frameworks are still limited. To address this, the author proposed and implemented a Virtual Product Modelling (VPM) framework that helps capture and reuse existing product information to enhance the modelling process for design automation. This framework was built as a knowledge-based product modelling environment using a gaming engine. It was further evaluated through three use cases, where the proposed framework was applied to simple parts with primitive geometric features, a hex bolt, and a wheel assembly. The results of the use case evaluation indicate that this framework satisfies all the identified measurement parameters and achieves the aim of the research. This research enhances the product modelling process with the capabilities of generative representation, knowledge capturing and reusing. It provides design engineers with the knowledge reasoning capability when they are making changes to the product model and, therefore, saves time and prevents engineers from making mistakes. This research also presents a KBE implementation framework with detailed substantiation steps, where the knowledge is structured and reusable within the product model. Further, the findings of this research have shown the potential of the developed VPM framework in aspects such as standard development in product modelling, extending to non-engineers and integration with VR/AR visualisation techniques.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 28 April 2022 Submitted 22 September 2022 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Product Modelling, Design Automation, Knowledge-Based Engineering, Game Engine
Subjects:	CAH10 - engineering and technology > CAH10-01 - engineering > CAH10-01-10 - others in engineering CAH11 - computing > CAH11-01 - computing > CAH11-01-03 - information systems CAH11 - computing > CAH11-01 - computing > CAH11-01-06 - computer games and animation
Divisions:	Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment > College of Engineering
Depositing User:	Richard Birley
Date Deposited:	02 Dec 2022 15:26
Last Modified:	20 Jun 2024 11:50
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/13992