Virtual Prototyping Environment for New Product Development
When developing new product prototypes, Simulation Driven Product Development (SDPD) and Simulation Driven Design (SDD) are two methods that are used successfully.
For example, the S80 model by Volvo was developed based on simulations that took place in 2001. Spot-welding strength was forecasted through digital calculation rather than traditional testing methods.
The distinctions between SDPD and SDD reside in the implementation:
SDPD: Simulations provide the foundation for the whole product development methodology, not just the decision making that’s connected to the design stages. It might be a mixture of different forms of virtual testing or virtual factories, and physical testing may still be an important factor in verifying any legacy necessities for accurate model simulations.
SDD: This is utilized to help design engineers create concept options built on simulations. Simulation is also a complementary method for physical testing to help verify solutions.
However, product development and production cycles are heavily computerized today and rely on Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) which provide the stages of virtual prototype environments.
