Study on Concurrent Design of Small Arms Based on Virtual Prototyping

The definitions of concurrent engineering (CE) and virtual prototyping (VP) are described in this paper. Compared to limitations of traditional streamline developing pattern, a concurrent design structure based on CE is introduced to develop small arms. The character of small arms system is analyzed. Combined with VP, the overall system structure including decision-making layer, work layer, environment-supporting layer is brought forward. Particular function of each layer is presented and the implementation approach of CE throughout small arms whole lifecycle is discussed in detail. The results show that this application of CE with virtual prototype is quite valuable in designing and manufacturing small arms