Modelling and Simulation of a Race-Car Frame Using Graph-Based Design Languages

Graph-based design languages aim at the holistic digital design and representation of complex industrial products. These languages are based on the structure of natural languages, in which the vocabulary and the rules define a language grammar. The translation of the abstract graph-based design language into multiple specific domain-dependent engineering models occurs in a framework of a design compiler. This design compiler compiles the design rules automatically and allows the easy reuse of design and production knowledge. The product development engineers are thus relieved of most of their routine work by generative means: all the domain-specific models such as finite element models (FEM) and geometry models (CAD) are generated automatically based on the translation of the design language into a central data model. The central data model is the core result of the compilation of a design language and holds all the information necessary to generate all domain-specific models, which are specified in the design language. This paper describes the use of this kind of design language for the embodiment and dimensioning of a frame for a Formula Student racing car. This implementation extends the optimization design language, which has already been presented in part at the WCSMO12 [1].