On the Convergence of Modeling and Simulation

Product development consists of two stages: geometrical modeling to define the product’s shape, followed by mechanical simulation to verify the design specification and ensure the product’s structural integrity. New demands on product design cannot be met using this traditional approach to product development where these two stages remain distinct. Thus, making simulation and analysis pervasive throughout the modeling stage has become a critical goal. This article discusses how far we have come in merging design and analysis and what challenges lie ahead.