Chapter 74Parametric Modeling Based on KBE of CATIA Gui-yu Zhou and Guan-jun Liu Abstract In the phase of multidisciplinary design optimization of UAV, according to the changes of the design parameters, structure scheme and the shape of the airframe need to be continuously adjusted. The parametric modeling can avoid the disadvantages of 3D modeling, such as long time consuming, low efficient, and poor interaction, and it will be the important method of UAV of multidisciplinary design optimization. A 3D model of a UAV airframe by using the parametric modeling in CATIA software was constructed, which was the base of design and analysis of UAV. Keywords Parametric model • Airframe • Knowledge-based engineering • CATIA 74.1 Introduction The airframe of UAV, consisted the wing, tail, landing gear, and engine, is also the platform to assemble all kinds of task devices and systems. The load on the wing, tail, landing gear, and engine is transferred to the aircraft body by adaptors, and thus achieve a balance [1]. The modeling of the aircraft airframe needs to be updated quickly to satisfy requirements of different parts on space. Using the traditional 3D modeling, the model modifies slowly, interact badly; while using the parametric modeling, the model can modifies quick and expediently. Therefore, it is very important to conduct the parametric optimization design and parametric modeling. This paper studies the realization of the parametric modeling of UAV airframe based on knowledge-based engineering using the CATIA software. G. Zhou (*) · G. Liu Laboratory of Science and Technology on Integrated Logistics Support, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China e-mail:
[email protected] G. Liu e-mail:
[email protected] Z. Zhong (ed.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Engineering and Applications (IEA) 2012, Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering 217, DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4471-4850-0_74, © Springer-Verlag London 2013 581 and all associated type into the application.582 G. Knowledge-based engineering is an artificial intelligence development in knowledge and information processing. the parameters are generally divided into two categories: System parameters (internal parameters): parameters represent the internal properties defined by documents. and design history information are embedded into the design software. in order to reduce errors or automate design for maximum productivity.) to this knowledge. parametric design. In the future of engineering design. The basic idea of knowledge-based engineering is to seek and record the knowledge of different engineering designs and parts product configuration based on the experience and knowledge in product design and development process. It uses symbol manipulation techniques based on description of the specific areas of knowledge. improve design flexibility. thus achieving an intelligent product design through logic and reasoning [4]. etc. reflect the high value. 74. 6]. User parameters: parameters defined by the designer to add the node in the characteristics of tree parameters (Parameters). design standards and specifications. In the CATIA software. Parametric technology can greatly improve the efficiency of the model changes. which allows users to embed knowledge within design and leverage it to assist in engineering decisions. Core discipline of knowledge-based engineering is relevant knowledge. User parameters and system . Liu 74. and to add artificial intelligence (knowledge base. and this knowledge is prepared on the basis of reasoning knowledge of the application. and then use human–computer interaction through the dialog box to modify the parameters of size. and the theory of feature-based modeling will be able to make up for deficiencies in the traditional parametric design. Zhou and G. efficient. and ultimately by the program according to the expression of these parameters the order of implementation to achieve the modification of the design results [2. and shorten product development cycle. 3]. and logic reasoning. principals of selection of design parameters. Combining knowledge engineering. The parameters predefined graphic geometric constraint set.2 Parametric Technology and Knowledge-Based Engineering Parametric technology is an important field of modern engineering design methods.3 Knowledge-Based Engineering of CATIA KNOWLEDGE ADVISOR is a CATIA product. knowledge of rules. and intelligent [5. specify a set of size as a parameter so that the geometric constraints associated with the set. enabling the product design more flexible. parametric technology will play an increasingly important role. then. and rules. and truss components.4.74 Parametric Modeling Based on KBE of CATIA 583 parameters are complementary and inseparable. parametric model satisfaction of requirements was checked. It is convenient to manage. 74. uses ASD (Assembly Design). otherwise. the parametric model through constraints.4. necessary parameters were constructed. The body structured of the model tree shown in Fig. finally. and rules was established. 74. a structural tree based on assembly relation to the parts was established.4 UAV Airframe Parametric Modeling 74. and rules. The parametric model is established through constraints. modify. the parametric modeling is finished.1.1 Development Environment This work is based on the CATIA V5R19 as the studying platform. the relative installation positions and assembly shapes of components are related to each other. and improve efficiency. .3 Realization of the Parametric Model For complex assemblies.2 Design Idea The airframe. a semi-monocoque shell structure. This work uses the top-down modeling approach: firstly. formulas. If the overall design parameters are adjusted. The location parameters are established in the overall assembly. frame. In the top-down design.4. is mainly composed of skin. parametric model is conducted by the association or assembly of the location parameters. designers can achieve a perfect combination of system parameters and user parameters by constraints. the model will be modified until the model meets the requirements. formulas. 74. and the feature parameters are established in constructing the parts. GSD (Generative Shape Design. or the shape or position of certain components are changed. all components in the product can be directly updated. The user parameters of part are divided into two categories: location parameters and feature parameter. the parametric model is essentially built the parametric model. formula. the relevant components may need to be modified. PDG (Part Design). 74. In the top-down modeling approach. If it satisfies the requirements.) and KWA (Knowledge Advisor) to conduct the parametric modeling. improve product quality. 74. The modification of parameters in and between components can be done by the using the interact parameters between different components. and design efficiency.584 G. . It is convenient to facilitate the synergy of multiple subsystems. Zhou and G. Liu Fig. The top-down design approach agrees with the product design process and thinking process of designers.1 The model tree In the top-down design. shorten production cycles. components are designed in the assembly environment. then. the model would be updated. no system crashes will be caused during conducting the large assembly. Fig. 74. 74.3 The airframe model of parameter 1 Beam2 Frame1 . If parameters were modified. The UAV parametric model is shown in Fig. according to the overall UAV design. component design can be switched from assembly workbench to the component workbench. For example. surface. when the parameter ‘orientation-distance of Frame-1#-Airframe-front’ = 220 mm.74 Parametric Modeling Based on KBE of CATIA 585 Fig. the parameter ‘orientation-angle of Beam-1#-Airframe-front’ = 45 °. At the same time. line. At the same time. Finally.3 shows the model. 74. under the control of the main skeleton. In the associated design. and control variables) are published.2 The airframe model In the top-down design. subassembly skeletons are constructed.2. 74. the UAV parametric model is established using the parametric modeling approach. Thus. only the associated release element is selected to avoid too much reference. only child relationship (no parent relationship) is generated for noncritical elements. Beam1 Fig. and the parameter ‘orientation-angle of Beam-2#-Airframe-front’ = 45 °. the reference parameters (point. In detailed design. spatial analysis functions in the DMU can be used to check the rationality of the design. the skeleton parts are constructed in the product module. Zhou and G. Zhang C (2007) Top-down parameter assembly design based on CATIA software. Chen J. References 1. Zhu H (2007) UAV design handbook. J Mach Des 10(8):35–37 4. and the parameter ‘orientation-angle of Beam-2#-Airframe-front’ = 30 °. Fig. and the model can be updated easily according to different design requirements. Manufact Autom 31(9):163–165 5.4 The airframe model of parameter 2 When the parameter ‘orientation-distance of Frame-1#-Airframe-front’ = 400 mm. This proves the effectiveness of the parametric modeling method using knowledge-based engineering of CATIA. Comput Technol Dev 21(5):187–189 . 74. Cui Y. the parameter ‘orientation-angle of Beam-1#-Airframe-front’ = 30 °. vol 18(6). Xiang J. Qi X (2011) Three dimensional parametric modelling of ducted fan UAV based on CATIA. J Qinghai Univ (Nat Sci) 25(1):83–85 3.4 shows the model. Lu H. pp 125–127 2. the UAV parametric model is established. Wang K. 74.5 Conclusion The development and wide application of parametric modeling technology based on knowledge-based engineering improves the design and manufacture of UAV and speeds up the overall developing process of modern UAV. Wang Z. Li B (2009) Top-down for parameterized design and application based on knowledge. Zhang C. Wang S. Zhang G (2008) The study about overall situation view of modeling based on CATIA V5. Xu J (2003) Three dimensional parametric modeling method based on CATIA and its application. National Defence Industry Press.G. Liu 586 Beam1 Beam2 Frame1 Fig. Zhu X. 74. Beijing. Using the 3D parametric design method based on knowledge-based engineering of CATIA. Mod Manufact Eng 10(5):51–53 6.