Closing the Gap between Data Model driven Geometry Generation and HiFi CAD for Automatized and Consistent Design Analysis

Abstract

The design process in the aerospace industry typically consists of multiple design phases, in which the design is refined progressively. Advancing from one phase to the next often needs to be done manually, which especially makes the geometric design process difficult to automatize. This paper presents a process that closes the gap between a data model driven (preliminary) geometry generation and an initially manual geometric detail modeling in the high-fidelity phase. It introduces a method to consistently track and persist metadata like face names and colors through a complete geometry processing chain, such that this process can be automatically repeated even with changed design parameters. This process is demonstrated using the first stage of a high-pressure turbine from an aircraft engine. Annulus contour and blade geometries were designed in a standardized process. In addition, the generation of the cavity between the vanes and the rotors was added automatically by means of a CAD environment. The automated geometry generation process is finally demonstrated by a modification of the annulus design parameters, resulting in a geometry variation.