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intelligent benchmarking

December 2008 - IP News Feature

The development of intelligent engineering methods to capture, evolve and deploy best practice rapidly and reliably has been a consistent goal for IP since it was founded in 1998. A good example is the AID design system which combines parametric modelling, design rules and analysis to generate full 3D designs. Incorporating this type of automation not only improves efficiency but ensures that best practice detailing and calculations are incorporated.

In order to understand how a new or existing design compares with others, most OEs and consultants maintain a database of key dimensions and performance levels. Whilst valuable this conventional benchmarking approach is limited by the interdependence of dimensions, features and ratings.

Intelligent benchmarking greatly improves the value of database information by applying many of the AID calculations. In this way IP can understand the design rules and limits implicit in designs generated by others. As a simple example instead of merely recording piston pin dimensions, the application calculations for bearing stress, bending and ovalisation are run. These figures can be compared directly against engines with very different geometry.

The application of AID calculations to many areas of the engine shows clearly where competitors are pushing the boundaries of technology and leads to regular review and up-dating of our own design rules. This type of intelligent benchmarking is a key enabler giving confidence when IP proposes new or uprated designs where peak performance or minimum cost are required.