Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
A branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyze problems that involve fluid flows.
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
The use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation.
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
The use of computer software to control machine tools and related machinery in the manufacturing of workpieces.
Concurrent Engineering
A work methodology based on the parallelisation of tasks (i.e. performing tasks concurrently). It refers to an approach used in product development in which functions of design engineering, manufacturing engineering and other functions are integrated to reduce the elapsed time required to bring a new product to the market.
Finite Element Method (FEM)
A numerical technique for finding approximate solutions of partial differential equations (PDE) as well as of integral equations. The solution approach is based either on eliminating the differential equation completely (steady state problems), or rendering the PDE into an approximating system of ordinary differential equations, which are then numerically integrated using standard techniques such as Euler's method, Runge-Kutta, etc. The finite element method originated from the need for solving complex elasticity and structural analysis problems in civil and aeronautical engineering.
Innovation
“The creation of new products, processes, knowledge or services by using new or existing scientific or technological knowledge, which provide a degree of novelty either to the developer, the industrial sector, the nation or the world and succeed in the marketplace.” [K. Galanakis (2006) Technovation p.p.1222–1232]
Simulation Driven Design
"A design process where the major functions and related processes are verified and optimized with the support of computer based product model simulations." [Sellgren (2003) Simulation driven design - Necessity and feasibility]
