A method of CAD/CAE data integration based on XML

In spite of the widespread use of CAD systems for design and CAE systems for analysis, the two processes are not well integrated because CAD and CAE models inherently use different types of geometric models and there currently exists no generic, unified model that allows both design and analysis information to be specified and shared. XML has become the de-facto standard for data representation and exchange on the World-Wide Web. This paper proposes a data integration method based on the XML technique in order to resolve the problem of data transmission for CAD and CAE. Designers parametrically model the bridges through 3D CAD platform. CAE analysts conduct explicit dynamic FEA (Finite Element Analysis) on the designed bridge structure. CAD and CAE functions are accomplished through C/S architecture. An XML and Web Service based DAC (Design-Analysis Connection) is developed to maintain a consistence between CAD model and FEA model. The design is then displayed to the customers through B/S mechanism, which provides a convenient method for the customers to participate the design process. Since all the operations are conducted through internet/intranet, customers, designers and analysts are able to participate the design process at different geographical locations. According to the interface procedure of the model transformation compiled in this paper, the finite element model was successfully transformed from CAD system to CAE system.