This paper on "Evolutions and Revolutions in Simulating Aerospace Structure" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on The Evolution of Product Simulation From Established Methods to Virtual Testing & Prototyping - 24-28 April 2001, The Grand Hotel, Lake Como, Italy.

Abstract

Evolution of the engineering analysis and simulation techniques associated with the airframe-design process during the past seven (7) decades is summarized from the viewpoints of engineering technology, computing and process management. Historical on-going trends are presented, using examples of typical structural and aerodynamic applications, especially that of the finite element method, simulation processes, and the supporting computing architecture. Current thrusts and overall integration strategies for the Product Simulation Integration (PSI) Structures Project in Boeing are highlighted relative to the objectives of reducing costs and cycle time in the design, analysis, manufacturing and support of commercial airplanes. Finally, opportunities for advancing certain engineering, information, and computing technologies are enumerated, by identifying selected problem areas being addressed by today's industries.