This research focuses on developing an electronic representation of machine tool performance characteristics and software tools to predict and visualize the outcome of machining processes. Of particular interest are the predicted tolerances of machined parts. Virtual machine tools will be building blocks for the virtual manufacturing environment of the future. They allow manufacturers to test and optimize manufacturing plans before any machining resources are committed and before any costly scraps are generated.

The specific research areas include (1) models for machine performance; (2) integration of performance data into these models; (3) tools for simulation of machining; and (4) data structures, formats, and dictionaries to communicate and store performance data of machine tools. The mathematical models to describe uncertainties in the error sources of machine tools and propagations of these uncertainties to the statistical process parameters are important components of this research program. The simulations of machine operations will include the effect of environmental factors as well as other sources of uncertainties in the real manufacturing environment. The research also addresses solid modeling problems in representing machined parts while visualizing small errors in dimensions and form over the nominal geometry.

Available equipment and computing resources include (1) Windows workstations; (2) various CNC machine tools; (3) a variety of measurement equipment for machine tool performance evaluation such as laser interferometers, telescoping ball bars, and high precision displacement transducers; and (4) CAD/CAM/CAE and FEM software such as COSMOS, ProE, N-See, and mathematical analysis and modeling tools such as Matlab.

 

Keywords:

Computer software; Computer-aided design; Computer-aided manufacturing; Mathematical models; Models; Virtual reality systems;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants