Computer Aided Engineering

What differentiates Visteon from other suppliers is the ability to apply Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools at a full-vehicle level. For automotive manufacturers, this means that Visteon evaluates systems and components early in the design process for interaction with other vehicle components. For consumers, it means that manufacturers can provide vehicles with improved durability, comfort, performance and functionality.

Visteon's CAE tools improve: Durability Performance Weight Crash Impact Occupant Comfort Ergonomics

Visteon engineers apply CAE tools to help improve vehicle dynamics, durability, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) as well as thermal effects, crash impact, user interface and potential optimization. And by analyzing how an individual component interacts within the vehicle, Visteon can provide the vehicle manufacturer with solutions that lead to better vehicles.

Optimization
CAE optimization helps to improve system/module performance before tooling and prototyping begins. For instance, in the process of analyzing weight, Visteon is able to vary the shape and size of a component to understand where excess materials can be removed. Engineers also can test components to evaluate the possibility of using a lighter-weight material that may provide similar durability. Through this process, components are carefully analyzed to maximize consumer satisfaction while managing the manufacturer's need to accelerate program timing, and improve cost savings and vehicle manufacturing.

CAE areas of analysis at Visteon include: Structural safety Structural durability NVH analysis Fluid dynamics Thermal studies Magnetics Optics Manufacturing process Size, shape and topology optimization

Supporting Accelerated Development
Along with the tangible and functional benefits of CAE, manufacturers benefit from faster design times and a reduction in the need for physical prototyping. This means that projects with accelerated development schedules can be supported without having to incur any tradeoffs that might reduce product functionality or quality.

Visteon applies the latest CAE tools and, when necessary, creates proprietary software that works in conjunction with industry-standard tools to provide customers with the information they need. CAE analysis beginning early in the design process, well before the construction of tooling and prototypes, can significantly reduce development time.

Additional Information
Feature Story - Cockpit Modules Design and Modeling