A new sketch-based Computer Aided Engineering pre-processor

Two competing approaches exist for creating input data for Computer-Aided Engineering applications: stand-alone CAE pre-processors which define both geometric data and attributes, and the combination of CAD applications plus downstream CAE pre-processors. In the CAD-CAE sequence, the former defines the geometric information and the latter adds attributes to the imported CAD geometry. In both cases, data is input through WIMP (window/icon/menu/pointing device) user interfaces, which are appropriate during the detailed design phase, but clearly inappropriate during conceptual design. This paper describes a sketch-based CAE pre-processor as an alternative to the WIMP paradigm. Our prototype implementation is aimed at structural analysis, particularly of 2D bar structures. More generally, we show that sketch-based preprocessors are not merely a valid option in earlier design process stages, but preferable as they increase ease-of-use of user interaction. © 2008 Civil-Comp Press.