CAE: What is CAE and how can it improve efficiency?

Here at LoweUK we now have the capability and experience to carry out CAE on any solutions we design. This blog entry intends on developing our customers knowledge on what CAE is, when it should be carried out and what the benefits to you as a customer are.

What is CAE?

CAE, is an acronym for Computer Based Engineering and simply put it is the use of computer software to help us to simulate the performance of a design solution, in order to improve design, validate performance and assist in the resolving of engineering problems.

The process of carrying out CAE is typically done in 3 Stages; Pre-Processing, Solving, Post-Processing

The application of CAE covers a broad range of engineering disciplines and aids in the analysis and simulation of many complex problems for example Thermal and fluid analysis using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), Acoustic analysis using FEA (Finite Element Analysis) or BEM (Boundary Element Method), Mechatronic system simulation. However Here at LoweUK our primary use of CAE is to carry out analysis on the following:

· Stress Analysis using FEA (Finite Element Analysis)

· Dynamic and Kinematic Analysis

· Mechanical Event Simulation

When Should CAE Be Carried Out?

CAE is used as a method of improving our designs and proving out our solutions. To ensure that they are able to meet the design criteria and intent, whether this be from a stress and/or durability perspective or mechanically ensuring moving parts work in the way we intended.

CAE is not applicable to all aspects of what we do at LoweUK, for example it would not be cost effective to our customers if we were to run CAE on all our solutions, such as our standard LOAD KING range, although all these designs have been proven out before they go live on our online shop. CAE is typically carried out on all bespoke and specialist solutions we provide, such as Production / Line side support equipment and tooling, any lifting solutions, any CE marked solutions / products or if a client specifically requests it.

What are the benefits to CAE?

• Minimise costs and time by reducing the need for prototyping: CAE gives us the ability to evaluate designs using computer simulations rather than manufacturing a prototype and carrying out a testing phase
• Design decisions can be made based on impact on performance
• Highlight improvements of a design at an early stage and allow us to pass these improvements on to clients.
• Minimise design risk
• Improved quality
• Improved durability

If you would like more information on CAE, and how it could benefit you when buying from us please do not hesitate to contact us

Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post where we will explain more about FEA and how it works!

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