A Round Table Discussion on Generative Design for Future Vehicle Development

Led by Simon Xu, General Motors Corporation

Overview

The increasing complexity in product engineering due to technological innovations in additive manufacturing, new materials, computational power, as well as fast evolving societal trends and the need to bring competitive products fast to markets, make the engineering process much more challenging and complex. The Generative Design process is one such new concept that promises to significantly impact the product design and manufacturing process and meet those challenges and complexities.

To simply describe Generative Design as a new process that places CAE optimization tools in the hands of designers is not sufficient. We need to look into the specifics of how the design, simulation, optimization and manufacturing processes need to be integrated through the entire lifecycle of a product.

The approach and requirements on how to enable Generative Design will bring very different perspectives from experts in software tools, design, CAE and manufacturing engineering, and computer infrastructure.

In this round table, we will bring in experts and engineers together to discuss the definition of Generative Design, its greatest benefits and future trends, who will be its main intended users, its limitation and pitfalls and, above all, how it can be put to use in real-world applications.

About the Discussion Host 

Simon Xu is Engineering Group Manager for Vehicle Optimization at General Motors Technical Center in Warren, MI and is responsible for innovations of optimization tools in vehicle architecture development. Simon leads a team of experts focusing on optimization techniques
such as parametric modeling, morphing, topology optimization, generative design and multi-disciplinary optimization. Through his team’s effort and influence, GM’s virtual vehicle development has been continuously improved by the implementation of new tools and processes with benefits in vehicle performance, mass, cost and fuel economy. He has also played a major role in GM’s advance technology programs which developed new electric and hybrid vehicle concepts and the optimal use of alternative light weight materials and new
additive manufacturing process for future vehicle programs. He chairs the GM Global Optimization Focus Group and approves the publications of GM corporate guidelines on optimization processes. He received Boss Kettering Award in 2013 and again in 2016, GM’s highest honor for technical achievement in innovation. He had one patent and one patent pending and numerous internal GM records of inventions. He is also a member of Global Automotive Management Council.