Abstract 

Emerging Standards in Advanced Vehicle Development

The applications of CAE in product development have grown tremendously in the few decades since its inception. This growth is mostly fueled by technical innovations – both in the theoretical and numerical formulations of modeling physical systems, as well as in the user-friendly tools that implement these methods.  Multiple examples are presented that highlight the application of advanced simulation technologies in automotive NVH, crash, and CFD.

The CAE user community has historically relied on tool innovations from their suppliers to deliver year-over-year operational efficiencies.  The business need for significantly greater efficiency and shorter development cannot be accomplished with tool innovations that may occur in isolated domains. We argue that standardization is the crying need of the day. FMI is an example of a standard that enables great efficiencies. Unfortunately, there aren’t many such examples one can cite. Standardization is a win-win proposition for the CAE tool vendors and users alike. We will enumerate several opportunities and propose an action plan.

About the Speaker

Mr. Randall Frank, Ford Motor Company

Chief Engineer, Virtual Verification & CAE

Randy Frank is the Chief Engineer at Ford Motor Company responsible for the Virtual Verification of future product models world-wide. He leads the core global functions of CAE Integration, Digital Pre-Assembly and Chassis CAD, as well as the Global Engineering Services group in Chennai, India. In this capacity he not only directs the application of CAE in product development but also develop the strategies for the future.

Prior to assuming his current role, Randy had global core responsibility for Body Platforms and Body CAE within Ford Motor Company, as well as the regional execution of systems developed in North America. Randy has also been the manager for Manager Closure systems, with global responsibility for the design of doors, hoods, fender, decklids and liftgates.

Earlier in his career Randy held leadership positions in Chassis CAE. He has also been responsible for Body and Chassis test laboratories, as well as proving ground durability and road loads. He was also a pioneer in the area of CAE Product Information Management at Ford.

Randy serves on the Academy of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, Industry Advisory Board for Masters in Engineering Management at University of Michigan, and volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America.  He is also an avid runner and triathlete, having completed 4 marathons.