Incremental simulation modelling for Internet collaborative design

Abstract

In order to support Web-based collaborative design in terms of transferring or updating models dynamically and efficiently, new incremental modelling and local updating strategies have been developed for simulation modelling application. Three-dimensional simulation models are utilized to visualize behaviour of production control systems by simulating motions and state changes of controls. During an early design stage where details of mechanical parts might be not available, simulation is more focused on visualization effects of motion and state changes than on geometry details such as rounds or chamfers. Based on an assembly connection concept, a drag-and-drop assembly method has also been proposed in simulation assembly. An assembly connection making assembly easier is defined as a group of assembly constraints. A case study example is given to illustrate application context of the proposed research.