IMPROVING THE PROCESS OF ENGINE DESIGN THROUGH THE INTEGRATED APPLICATION OF CAE METHODS

The increasingly competitive nature of the automotive industry is forc ing engine design organizations to target improvements in function and quality at the same time as substantial reductions in product develop ment cycle times. This paper describes how Ricardo is meeting this cha llenge through the integrated development and application of computer aided engineering (CAE) methods. The weaknesses of traditional approac hes to the management of CAE innovation are discussed and the need for a more strategic approach is identified. Examples are given of CAE re search, development and applications carried out by Ricardo. Conclusio ns are presented outlining the key elements of an effective CAE strate gy.