Abstract: A system and method for computer-aided engineering analysis using direct mesh manipulation of a mesh model is provided. The system includes a computer system having a memory, a processor, a user input device and a display device. The method includes the steps of selecting a geometric model in a computer-aided design (CAD) format, converting the CAD model into a mesh model and evaluating the mesh model using a computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis. The method also includes the steps of modifying a surface of the mesh model by varying a predetermined parameter using direct surface manipulation (DSM), updating the mesh model and using the updated mesh model in further CAE analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for interactively generating a family of mesh models is provided for use in engineering analysis. The system includes a user computer system having a memory, a processor, a user input device and a display device. The system also includes a remotely located computer system having a processor, a memory, and a data storage means and in communication with the user computer system. The system further includes a computer-generated geometric mesh base model stored in the data storage means, a computer-generated mesh feature stored in the data storage means, and a new mesh model including the base mesh model with a mesh feature that is stored in the data storage means. The method includes the steps of selecting a base model from a model library maintained in the data storage means. The method also includes the steps of creating a mesh feature that is defined by a modifiable set of parameters and saving the mesh feature in a mesh feature library maintained in the data storage means.

Abstract: A switch measurement system is disclosed for measuring characteristics of a switch while the switch is mounted to a product adjacent a product surface. The switch types may include linear, pivot and rotary types. The switch measurement system preferably has a control unit for driving a motor and receiving and storing input from a force or torque sensor. A fixturing setup preferably includes a mounting base, and three legs extending from the mounting base. Each of the legs is selectively adjustable in length and includes an end adapted for mounting against the product surface where the legs can vary the location and orientation of the mounting base relative to the product. Also, a measurement unit includes a motor fixed relative to the mounting base and includes a motor shaft extending therefrom, and a force sensor or a torque sensor, depending upon the switch measurement arrangement, interposed between the motor shaft and the switch.

Abstract: A system and method for interactively generating a family of mesh models is provided for use in engineering analysis. The system includes a user computer system having a memory, a processor, a user input device and a display device. The system also includes a remotely located computer system having a processor, a memory, and a data storage means and in communication with the user computer system. The system further includes a computer-generated geometric mesh base model stored in the data storage means, a computer-generated mesh feature stored in the data storage means, and a new mesh model including the base mesh model with a mesh feature that is stored in the data storage means. The method includes the steps of selecting a base model from a model library maintained in the data storage means. The method also includes the steps of creating a mesh feature that is defined by a modifiable set of parameters and saving the mesh feature in a mesh feature library maintained in the data storage means.

Abstract: A system and method for computer-aided engineering analysis using direct mesh manipulation of a mesh model is provided. The system includes a computer system having a memory, a processor, a user input device and a display device. The method includes the steps of selecting a geometric model in a computer-aided design (CAD) format, converting the CAD model into a mesh model and evaluating the mesh model using a computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis. The method also includes the steps of modifying a surface of the mesh model by varying a predetermined parameter using direct surface manipulation (DSM), updating the mesh model and using the updated mesh model in further CAE analysis.