Key to the success of Multi-disciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) is parametric modeling techniques on product side and Process Integration and Design Optimization (PIDO) techniques on simulation process and optimization side. Today’s complex engineering designs require the automated analysis of multiple configurations (leading to discrete variables) and multiple disciplines (not only geometry). Knowledge-Based Engineering (KBE) systems overcome the CAD system limitation by capturing relevant product knowledge that “teaches” the system how to automatically generate multiple product topologies and variants from high-level parameter inputs. Moreover, KBE allows for the expression of multi-disciplinary aspects such as cost, structures and aerodynamics, and is therefore not at all limited to the geometry domain. Next to KBE, Simulation Workflow Management (SWFM) software is a key ingredient to MDO. SWFM software implements the PIDO approach through automation of the simulation process and the availability of optimization algorithms.

 Prof. Michel van Tooren is professor Systems Integration and Manager New Concept Development at Fokker Aerostructures BV. In addition he is member of the scientific board of the NLR (Netherlands Aerospace Laboratories), member of the Technical Committee Multi-disciplinary Design and Optimization, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Mr. Reinier van Dijk researches Knowledge-Based Engineering (KBE) and Simulation Workflow Management (SFWM). Particular research focus is given to the methodology and software tools to facilitate the KBE and SWFM software development processes.