Computer-aided design (CAD) tools are essential in aerospace engineering. They allow for 3D modeling, simulation, and product design. Popular software includes CATIA, SolidWorks, and Autodesk Inventor, each offering unique features for aircraft component creation and assembly.

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools complement CAD in aerospace. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) helps with structural design, while Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is crucial for aerodynamic analysis. These tools optimize aircraft performance, safety, and efficiency.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Tools

CAD tools in aerospace industry

• CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application)
  • Developed by Dassault Systèmes enables 3D modeling, design, and manufacturing in aerospace and other industries
• SolidWorks
  • Developed by Dassault Systèmes facilitates 3D modeling, simulation, and product design
• Autodesk Inventor
  • Developed by Autodesk supports 3D mechanical design, simulation, and documentation
• Siemens NX (formerly Unigraphics)
  • Developed by Siemens PLM Software allows 3D modeling, simulation, and manufacturing in aerospace and other industries
• PTC Creo (formerly Pro/ENGINEER)
  • Developed by PTC (Parametric Technology Corporation) enables 3D modeling, simulation, and product design

Proficiency in aerospace CAD

• Familiarize yourself with the user interface and basic tools of the chosen CAD software
• Practice creating simple 3D models of aerospace components
  • Aircraft wing sections
  • Fuselage frames
  • Engine components (turbine blades, compressor disks)
• Learn how to create and modify parametric models which allow easy adjustments and updates
• Understand how to create and manage assemblies of multiple components to represent complex systems
• Practice generating engineering drawings and technical documentation from 3D models for manufacturing and communication purposes

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Tools

FEA for structural design

• FEA (Finite Element Analysis) is a numerical method for analyzing the behavior of structures under various loading conditions
• Applications in aerospace structural design and optimization
  • Stress analysis of aircraft components (wings, fuselage, landing gear) to ensure structural integrity
  • Vibration analysis of aircraft structures to avoid resonance and fatigue issues
  • Fatigue life prediction of aircraft components to determine maintenance intervals and service life
  • Structural optimization for weight reduction and performance improvement to enhance fuel efficiency and payload capacity
• FEA software packages commonly used in the aerospace industry
  • Ansys
  • MSC Nastran
  • Abaqus
  • Altair HyperWorks

CFD in aerodynamic analysis

• CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods to analyze fluid flow, heat transfer, and related phenomena
• Applications in aerospace vehicle aerodynamic performance analysis
  • Airflow simulation around aircraft wings, fuselage, and other components to predict aerodynamic forces and moments
  • Prediction of lift, drag, and moment coefficients to assess aircraft performance and stability
  • Analysis of high-speed flow phenomena (shock waves, boundary layer separation) to optimize aircraft design for supersonic and hypersonic flight
  • Optimization of aircraft shape for improved aerodynamic efficiency to reduce fuel consumption and extend range
• CFD software packages commonly used in the aerospace industry
  • Ansys Fluent
  • STAR-CCM+
  • OpenFOAM
  • COMSOL Multiphysics