Title: Automated finite element analysis support for internet-based mass customisation

Authors: Jiju A. Ninan, Zahed Siddique

Addresses: School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA. ' School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA

Abstract: Mass customisation is achieved by designing a family of products built around common platforms and addition/deletion of optional components to the platform. Designing a family of products requires analysis and evaluation of performance of the entire product family. In the past, products were mainly mass-produced. Hence, the use of CAD/CAE was restricted to developing and analysing individual products. To assist in customisation of products according to the customer|s needs, CAD/CAE tools need to be explored further. In this paper, we investigate the development of an internet-based Mass Customization FEA (MCFEA) module to support automated analysis of user-customised products. Customer scaling and configuration specifications for family members are gathered using the internet. These specifications are then used to automatically generate 3D solid models of the product and then perform FEA to determine the feasibility of the customer-specified product. Development of the MCFEA module is illustrated using a family of bicycle frames.

Keywords: mass customisation; MCFEA; web-based mass customisation; finite element analysis; product family design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMASSC.2007.012811

International Journal of Mass Customisation, 2007 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.19 - 38

Published online: 16 Mar 2007 *

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