Abstract
Keywords: Virtual Reality, Automotive, Simulation, Ergonomics.
Abstract - This paper describes the implementation of an integrated virtual environment, called AVE (Automotive Virtual Environment), for the development of a new vehicle.
Starting from the conceptual stage of a new product, designers build the Virtual Model of the
Product (DMU Digital Mock-Up), which represents the reference model for all the following phases of the Product Development Process (PDP) and for all teamwork.
The virtual environment is composed of these main systems: a) the Powerwall area, which is dedicated to DMU reviews, design analysis and digital simulation of the main car performances; b) the Seating buck area used to evaluate the car interior design and the ergonomic aspects of the product. c) the Virtual Reality Lab, dedicated to virtual assembly.
In this environment, the project team chooses the car style model, executes DMU design reviews, analyses alternative solutions and deliberates product and process validation.
In the paper the authors show each of these modules with related applications: crash, styling, computational fluid dynamics, virtual serviceability, human modelling, immersive sketch.
With reference to the design process we report some results of a European research project, called Smartsketches, whose goals are improving the interaction between users (designers) and computers, overcoming traditional design and styling approaches and improving user performance in the early stages of product design.