Abstract: To perform analyses and evaluate the results in an efficient way, a knowledge-based system for finite element analysis is developed. A systematic methodology that integrates finite element analysis into a design-centered virtual manufacturing (VM) system is presented. It consists of three steps. A design-centered VM system is constructed based on product data management, finite element analysis and other systems are encapsulated in the design-centered VM system. An IDEF1X information model of finite element analysis is described for design information sharing. The integration between finite element analysis and the design-centered VM system is implemented by a process management system. This methodology can reduce the time and cost of product development efficiently.

Key words: Finite element method, Knowledge – based systems, Product data management, Virtual manufacturing