This project is on form feature recognition using volumetric decomposition to provide a hierarchical represen tation of product shape models, which will serve as the core of the integration of computer-aided product engineering from design to manufacturing. The intent is to provide a product model to support various product engineering activities through a central form feature decomposition that possesses intrinsic advantages applicable to a wide range of manufacturing process design activities.

Geometric reasoning issues in assembly design and assembly processes are addressed in this project. Assembly features are automatically recognized from a central form feature decomposition of the component parts. Potential mating relations between components are identified from the assembly features of the individual components and general high-level description of the assembly. Once a feasible assembly configuration is found, assembly operation sequences are generated. The application areas of this assembly reasoning capability would include mechanical design for assembly, robotic assembly motion planning, and construction automation.

The ability of an engineer to visualize and reason about geometric aspects of physical objects and processes is crucial in the success of engineering activities. This visual reasoning capability is becoming more significant as the functionality and the usage of computer-aided engineering systems are increasing. In this project, we develop an innovative instructional software system that will increase visual reasoning capabilities of engineering students. We intend to provide a learning system with which a student can develop visualization and spatial reasoning capabilities in a self-paced series of exercises.

The objective is to develop an integrated product and manufacturing process design system where the part design can be evaluated and redesigned based on manufacturability analysis, and manufacturing processes can be selected efficiently and flexibly exploiting product information provided by the part design representation. We are integrating a feature-based part modeling system, which is based on features recognized using the convex decomposition method, and a machining process planning system. We also investigate the derivation of machining-relevant rules, which are often supported by human knowledge, from geometric properties of parts and processes.

The thrust of this project is to develop improved in- structional materials and methods for engineering design graphics. Computer software employing three-dimensional databases is being used to achieve this goal.