Challenges of Geometrical Variations Modelling in virtual Product Realization

Geometrical variations are inevitably introduced during manufacturing and can thus be observed on every manufactured artefact. Although it is widely acknowledged that these part deviations distinctly affect the function and quality of mechanical assemblies, the majority of virtual product validation activities still rely on the modelling and analysis of the nominal product geometry without considering such geometrical part deviations. In order to overcome this shortcoming, the aim of this paper is to highlight the current status of geometrical variations modelling approaches for virtual product realization and to carve out future challenges in this domain. For this purpose, different geometry representation schemes, which are nowadays used during virtual product realization, are discussed. Furthermore, they are linked to the various virtual product realization activities and potentials for improvements for their use and exchange are highlighted. The novelty of the contribution can be found in the comprehensive review of approaches for geometrical variations modelling, their placement into a changing virtual product development landscape, and the exposition of elaborated challenges for future research in this domain. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.