Strategy and Software Environment for Virtual Design and Nondestructive Evaluation Prototyping

"Austral Engineering and Software, Inc. proposes to develop a strategy and corresponding software for integrating nondestructive evaluation models and simulations through a systems-based approach incorporating optimization-based, computer-aided designtools. Design objectives to be modeled and optimized include damage tolerance, service life, performance and cost. In Phase I, AES will study existing NDE modeling approaches, and will establish methodologies for integrating NDE models with manufacturingprocess models, design space exploration and optimization algorithms, and multidimensional visualization methods. AES will then define a strategy for virtual design and NDE prototyping that considers product, process, and inspection requirements at alllife cycle stages. Phase I will result in a limited proof-of-concept demonstration, and a complete strategy for execution in Phase II and beyond. The integrated design capability expected from Phase II will enable optimal design space exploration forproducts, manufacturing processes, and NDE methods, to be applied at various stages of a product's life cycle, from conceptual design through economic service life management. This system will allow rapid evaluation and optimization of tradeoffs amongmultiple, competing design, inspection, maintenance, damage tolerance, and life-extension objectives and alternatives. This approach will reduce development costs by minimizing the need for exp