Modular Distributed Models of Engineering Structures
Approaches to engineering design and manufacturing such as integrated design and manufacture and just in time fabrication depend on interaction with and among component supply companies that most often use very diverse technologies. The Internet Engineering Design Agents (i-EDA) software system uses a distributed, component-based, agent methodology that is realized following a strong black box approach to modeling. An individual Design Agent (DA) is a virtual product capable of encapsulating both descriptive and model based information about the product it represents. Hierarchically recursive agents for sub-systems and/or components are linked via a communications network to form larger integrated model systems. A two dimensional bridge system structural model is used as an example to illustrate the distributed assembly of structural models from components registered as DA’s on a communications network. Modular Distributed Modeling (MDM) of engineering structures performs static deflection analysis using traditional, fixed causality, structural stiffness models. This paper presents the methodology required to assemble traditional structural stiffness models provided by internet agents representing structural components. The methodology discussed assembles these component models into the structural stiffness model of an assembly distributed by an agents represent that physical assembly of components. Using this modular distributed modeling method; models of complex assemblies can be built and distributed while hiding the topology and characteristics of their structural subassemblies. The automated, modular, assembly of structural stiffness models will be derived for discrete physical connections. Discrete connections are important to the assembly of components such as truss and shaft structures where the relationship between component displacements involve discrete, matching, degrees of freedom on components to be assembled. Specific examples of discrete assembly of truss bridge component models will be presented.