Functional Shape Elements Integrating Design and Manufacturing Knowledge

Abstract

In the aviation industry, engine components of different families, variants and versions are characterized by a high level of geometrical, functional and procedural similarities and offer a high potential for rationalization. The reuse of existing knowledge is enabled in product development by part families and features libraries. The classification, administration and retrieval of these parts and features are mainly based on geometric properties, while functional aspects are not considered sufficiently. Nevertheless, in engine design the functional attribute is crucial: Two geometry elements with a nearly identical shape may be applied for completely different functions. A flange serves for transmitting torque as well as for sealing against hot air. In this paper functional shape elements integrating knowledge from both design and manufacturing and the method for their definition are introduced and their application is presented exemplarily.