# Computer-aided engineering > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Computer-aided_engineering > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Computer-aided_engineering.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_engineering > Source revision: 1331300261 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Use of software for engineering design and analysis This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. 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(October 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Nonlinear static analysis of a 3D structure subjected to plastic deformations This article is part of a series on Engineering Engineering branches Aerospace Agricultural Architectural Biomedical Chemical Civil Computer Data Design Electrical Electronics Energy Environmental Industrial Manufacturing Marine Materials Mechanical Mechatronics Mining Nuclear Petroleum Process Robotics Software Structural Systems Engineering software lists Additive manufacturing Aerospace engineering Automotive engineering Bioinformatics Building information modeling Chemical engineering Chemical process simulators Civil engineering Computer-aided engineering Computer-aided manufacturing Computational chemistry Computational fluid dynamics Computational physics Data science Discrete event simulation Electronic design automation Electromagnetic simulation Finite element analysis Free electronics circuit Gene prediction Genetic engineering Hardware description language simulators Hydrology Mathematical Mechanical engineering Molecular design Molecular mechanics modeling Nanostructure modeling Nuclear engineering Nucleic acid simulation Numerical analysis Numerical libraries Open-source AI Open-source libraries Optimization Plasma physics Power engineering Programming tools Protein structure prediction RNA structure prediction Robotics simulation Scientific simulation Sequence alignment Structural alignment Structural engineering System dynamics Wind energy Engineering glossaries Aerospace Civil Electrical, electronics Mechanical Structural See also Engineering education Engineering ethics Engineering management History of engineering List of engineering awards List of engineering branches List of engineering journals and magazines List of engineering schools List of engineering societies Lists of engineers Outline of engineering Engineering portal Engineering books on Wikibooks v t e **Computer-aided engineering** (**CAE**) is the general usage of technology to aid in tasks related to [engineering analysis](/source/Engineering_analysis). ## Overview Computer-aided engineering (CAE) includes [finite element method](/source/Finite_element_method) or analysis (FEA), [computational fluid dynamics](/source/Computational_fluid_dynamics) (CFD), [multibody dynamics](/source/Multibody_dynamics) (MBD), durability and optimization. It is included with [computer-aided design](/source/Computer-aided_design) (CAD) and [computer-aided manufacturing](/source/Computer-aided_manufacturing) (CAM) in a collective term and abbreviation [computer-aided technologies](/source/Computer-aided_technologies) (CAx). The term CAE has been used to describe the use of computer technology within engineering in a broader sense than just engineering analysis. It was in this context that the term was coined by Jason Lemon, founder of Structural Dynamics Research Corporation ([SDRC](/source/SDRC)) in the late 1970s. However, this definition is better known today by the terms CAx and [product lifecycle](/source/Product_lifecycle) management (PLM).[1] CAE systems are individually considered a single [node](/source/Node_(networking)) on a total information network, and each node may interact with other nodes on the network. ## CAE fields and phases CAE areas covered include: - [Stress analysis](/source/Stress_analysis) on components and assemblies using finite element analysis (FEA); - Thermal and fluid flow analysis computational fluid dynamics (CFD); - Multibody dynamics (MBD) and [kinematics](/source/Kinematics); - Analysis tools for process simulation for operations such as [casting](/source/Casting), [molding](/source/Molding_(process)), and die press forming; - [Optimization](/source/Multidisciplinary_design_optimization) of the product or process. In general, there are three phases in any computer-aided engineering task: - Pre-processing – defining the model and environmental factors to be applied to it (typically a finite element model, but facet, [voxel](/source/Voxel), and thin sheet methods are also used); - Analysis solver (usually performed on high powered computers); - Post-processing of results (using visualization tools). This cycle is iterated either manually or with the use of [commercial optimization software](/source/Multidisciplinary_design_optimization#Commercial_MDO_Tools). ## CAE in the automotive industry CAE tools are widely used in the [automotive industry](/source/Automotive_industry). Their use has enabled automakers to reduce product development costs and time while improving the safety, comfort, and durability of the vehicles they produce. The predictive capability of CAE tools has progressed to the point where much of the design verification is done using computer simulations (diagnosis) rather than physical [prototype](/source/Prototype) testing. CAE dependability is based upon all proper assumptions as inputs and must identify critical inputs (BJ). Even though there have been many advances in CAE, and it is widely used in the engineering field, physical testing is still a must. It is used for verification and [model updating](/source/Finite_element_updating), to accurately define loads and boundary conditions, and for final prototype sign-off. ## The future of CAE in the product development process Even though CAE has built a strong reputation as a verification, troubleshooting and analysis tool, there is still a perception that sufficiently accurate results come rather late in the [design cycle](/source/Design_cycle) to really drive the design. This can be expected to become a problem as modern products become ever more complex. They include [smart systems](/source/Smart_system), which leads to an increased need for multi-physics analysis including [controls](/source/Control_system), and contain new lightweight materials, with which engineers are often less familiar. CAE software companies and manufacturers are constantly looking for tools and process improvements to change this situation. On the software side, they are constantly looking to develop more powerful solvers, to better utilize computer resources, and to include engineering knowledge in pre and post-processing. Recent developments have seen the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into CAE tools, enabling real-time simulations and predictive modeling.[2] On the process side, they try to achieve a better alignment between 3D CAE, 1D system simulation, and physical testing. This should increase modeling realism and calculation speed. CAE software companies and manufacturers try to better integrate CAE in the overall [product lifecycle management](/source/Product_lifecycle). In this way they can connect product design with product use, which is needed for smart products. This enhanced engineering process is also referred to as [predictive engineering analytics](/source/Predictive_engineering_analytics).[3][4] ## See also - [Multiphysics simulation](/source/Multiphysics_simulation) - [List of finite element software packages](/source/List_of_finite_element_software_packages) - [Computer representation of surfaces](/source/Computer_representation_of_surfaces) - [Computational electromagnetics](/source/Computational_electromagnetics) (CEM) - [Electronic design automation](/source/Electronic_design_automation) (EDA) - [Multidisciplinary design optimization](/source/Multidisciplinary_design_optimization) (MDO) - [Comparison of CAD editors for CAE](/source/Comparison_of_CAD_editors_for_CAE) - [Virtual prototyping](/source/Virtual_prototyping) - [Finite element updating](/source/Finite_element_updating) - [Predictive engineering analytics](/source/Predictive_engineering_analytics) - [VE-Suite](/source/VE-Suite) - [List of computer-aided engineering software](/source/List_of_computer-aided_engineering_software) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Marks, Peter. ["2007: In Remembrance of Dr. Jason A. Lemon, CAE pioneer"](http://gfxspeak.com/2011/07/08/in-remembrance-of-dr-jason-a-lemon-cae-pioneer/). *gfxspeak.com*. Retrieved 2 July 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Kohar, Christopher P.; Greve, Lars; Eller, Tom K.; Connolly, Daniel S.; Inal, Kaan (2021-11-01). ["A machine learning framework for accelerating the design process using CAE simulations: An application to finite element analysis in structural crashworthiness"](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004578252100339X). *Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering*. **385** 114008. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.cma.2021.114008](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.cma.2021.114008). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0045-7825](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0045-7825). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Van der Auweraer, Herman; Anthonis, Jan; De Bruyne, Stijn; Leuridan, Jan (2012). ["Virtual engineering at work: the challenges for designing mechatronic products"](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs00366-012-0286-6). *Engineering with Computers*. **29** (3): 389–408. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s00366-012-0286-6](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs00366-012-0286-6). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Seong Wook Cho; Seung Wook Kim; Jin-Pyo Park; Sang Wook Yang; Young Choi (2011). "Engineering collaboration framework with CAE analysis data". *International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing*. **12**. ## Further reading - B. Raphael and I.F.C. Smith (2003).*Fundamentals of computer aided engineering.* John Wiley. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-471-48715-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-471-48715-9). ## External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Computer-aided engineering](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Computer-aided_engineering). - [Why do we need a CAE Software or Numerical Simulations?](https://web.archive.org/web/20141021080603/http://www.functionbay.de/why-multibody-dynamics-simulation.html) - [Computer Aided Engineering Journal WP:LINKROT](http://caejournal.com) (FEA, CAD, ...) - [Integrated Computer Aided Engineering Journal](http://www.iospress.nl/journal/integrated-computer-aided-engineering) - [CAE AVI-gallery at CompMechLab site, Russia](https://web.archive.org/web/20090127050052/http://eng.fea.ru/ANSYS_LSDYNA_AviGallery.html) - [Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering](http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=1093-9687) - [Predictive engineering analytics](https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/plm/predictive-engineering-analytics.shtml) v t e Computer-aided engineering (CAE) software Open-source Advanced Simulation Library Calculix Code Saturne deal.II Elmer FEBio FEniCS FreeCAD FreeFem++ Gerris GetFEM++ MOOSE Nek5000 Nektar++ Open Cascade Technology OpenFOAM QBlade Salome SU2 Proprietary Abaqus Actran ADINA Altair Ansys Autodesk Simulation CATIA COMSOL Multiphysics CST Studio Suite DIANA FEATool Multiphysics Femap Fluent FORAN JCMsuite JMAG KIVA LS-DYNA MSC Adams MSC Marc Nastran PTC Creo RFEM Sesam Siemens NX Simcenter STAR-CCM+ SolidWorks Cloud-based SimScale CONSELF Onshape v t e Metalworking v t e Machining and computing Computer-aided engineering 2.5D CAD CAM G-code Numerical control (NC and CNC) Stewart platform Drilling and threading Die head Drill Drill bit Drill bit shank Drill bit sizes Drilling List of drill and tap sizes Tap and die Tap wrench Threading Grinding and lapping Abrasive Abrasive machining Angle grinder Bench grinder Coated abrasive Cylindrical grinder Diamond plate Flick grinder Grinding Grinding dresser Grinding machine Grinding wheel Jig grinder Lapping Sanding Sharpening stone Spark testing Surface grinder Tool and cutter grinder Machining Boring Broaching Electrical discharge machining Electrochemical machining Electron-beam machining End mill Engraving Facing Hobbing Jig borer Machine tool Machining Metal lathe Milling Milling cutter Pantograph Photochemical machining Planer Reamer Rotary transfer machine Shaper Skiving Turning Ultrasonic machining Machine tools Angle plate Chuck Collet Fixture Indexing head Jig Lathe center Machine taper Magnetic switchable device Mandrel Rotary table Wiggler Terminology Cutting fluid Machining vibrations Speeds and feeds Swarf Tolerance Tool and die making Tramp oil Workpiece Casting Fabrication Forming Jewellery Machining Metallurgy Smithing Tools and terminology Welding v t e Engineering History Outline List of engineering branches Specialties and interdisciplinarity Civil Architectural Coastal Construction Earthquake Ecological Environmental Sanitary Geological Geotechnical Hydraulic Mining Municipal/urban Offshore River Structural Transportation Traffic Railway Mechanical Acoustic Aerospace Automotive Biomechanical Energy Manufacturing Marine Naval architecture Railway Sports Thermal Tribology Electrical Broadcast outline Control Electromechanics Electronics Microwaves Optical Power Radio-frequency Signal processing Telecommunications Chemical Biochemical/bioprocess Biological Bioresource Genetic Tissue Chemical reaction Electrochemical Food Molecular Paper Petroleum Process Reaction Materials Biomaterial Ceramics Corrosion Metallurgy Molecular Nanotechnology Polymers Semiconductors Surfaces Computer AI Computer Cybersecurity Data Networks Robotics Software Engineering education Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Science Master's degree Doctorate Graduate certificate Engineer's degree Licensed engineer Related topics Engineer Reverse Engineering Glossaries Engineering A–L M–Z Aerospace engineering Civil engineering Electrical and electronics engineering Mechanical engineering Structural engineering Other Agricultural Audio Automation Biomedical Bioinformatics Clinical Health technology Pharmaceutical Rehabilitation Building services MEP Design Explosives Facilities Fire Forensic Climate Geomatics Graphics Industrial Information Instrumentation Instrumentation and control Logistics Management Mathematics Mechatronics Military Nuclear Ontology Packaging Physics Privacy Safety Security Survey Sustainability Systems Textile Category Commons Wikiproject Portal Authority control databases International GND National United States France BnF data Japan Israel Other Yale LUX --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Computer-aided engineering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_engineering) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_engineering?action=history)). 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