Chapter 74

Parametric Modeling Based

on KBE of CATIA
Gui-yu Zhou and Guan-jun Liu
Abstract In the phase of multidisciplinary design optimization of UAV, according
to the changes of the design parameters, structure scheme and the shape of the airframe need to be continuously adjusted. The parametric modeling can avoid the disadvantages of 3D modeling, such as long time consuming, low efficient, and poor
interaction, and it will be the important method of UAV of multidisciplinary design
optimization. A 3D model of a UAV airframe by using the parametric modeling in
CATIA software was constructed, which was the base of design and analysis of UAV.
Keywords Parametric model Airframe Knowledge-based engineering CATIA

74.1Introduction
The airframe of UAV, consisted the wing, tail, landing gear, and engine, is also
the platform to assemble all kinds of task devices and systems. The load on the
wing, tail, landing gear, and engine is transferred to the aircraft body by adaptors,
and thus achieve a balance [1]. The modeling of the aircraft airframe needs to be
updated quickly to satisfy requirements of different parts on space. Using the traditional 3D modeling, the model modifies slowly, interact badly; while using the
parametric modeling, the model can modifies quick and expediently. Therefore,
it is very important to conduct the parametric optimization design and parametric
modeling. This paper studies the realization of the parametric modeling of UAV
airframe based on knowledge-based engineering using the CATIA software.

G. Zhou(*) G. Liu
Laboratory of Science and Technology on Integrated Logistics Support,
National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
e-mail: zhouguiyu29@163.com
G. Liu
e-mail: gjliu342@qq.com

Z. Zhong (ed.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Information

Engineering and Applications (IEA) 2012, Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering 217,
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4471-4850-0_74, Springer-Verlag London 2013

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74.2Parametric Technology and Knowledge-Based

Engineering
Parametric technology is an important field of modern engineering design methods. The parameters predefined graphic geometric constraint set, specify a set of
size as a parameter so that the geometric constraints associated with the set, and
all associated type into the application, and then use humancomputer interaction
through the dialog box to modify the parameters of size, and ultimately by the
program according to the expression of these parameters the order of implementation to achieve the modification of the design results [2, 3]. Parametric technology can greatly improve the efficiency of the model changes, improve design
flexibility, and shorten product development cycle, reflect the high value. In the
future of engineering design, parametric technology will play an increasingly
important role.
Knowledge-based engineering is an artificial intelligence development in
knowledge and information processing. It uses symbol manipulation techniques
based on description of the specific areas of knowledge, and this knowledge is prepared on the basis of reasoning knowledge of the application. Core discipline of
knowledge-based engineering is relevant knowledge; design standards and specifications, principals of selection of design parameters, and design history information are embedded into the design software, thus achieving an intelligent product
design through logic and reasoning [4].
The basic idea of knowledge-based engineering is to seek and record the
knowledge of different engineering designs and parts product configuration based
on the experience and knowledge in product design and development process,
and to add artificial intelligence (knowledge base, knowledge of rules, and logic
reasoning, etc.) to this knowledge. Combining knowledge engineering, parametric design, and the theory of feature-based modeling will be able to make up for
deficiencies in the traditional parametric design, enabling the product design more
flexible, efficient, and intelligent [5, 6].

74.3Knowledge-Based Engineering of CATIA

KNOWLEDGE ADVISOR is a CATIA product, which allows users to embed
knowledge within design and leverage it to assist in engineering decisions, in
order to reduce errors or automate design for maximum productivity.
In the CATIA software, the parameters are generally divided into two
categories:
System parameters (internal parameters): parameters represent the internal
properties defined by documents.
User parameters: parameters defined by the designer to add the node in the
characteristics of tree parameters (Parameters). User parameters and system

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parameters are complementary and inseparable; designers can achieve a perfect

combination of system parameters and user parameters by constraints, formulas,
and rules.
In the top-down modeling approach, the parametric model is essentially built
the parametric model; parametric model is conducted by the association or assembly of the location parameters. The user parameters of part are divided into two
categories: location parameters and feature parameter.
The location parameters are established in the overall assembly, and the feature
parameters are established in constructing the parts. It is convenient to manage,
modify, and improve efficiency. The parametric model is established through constraints, formulas, and rules.

74.4UAV Airframe Parametric Modeling

74.4.1Development Environment
This work is based on the CATIA V5R19 as the studying platform, uses ASD
(Assembly Design), PDG (Part Design), GSD (Generative Shape Design,) and
KWA (Knowledge Advisor) to conduct the parametric modeling.

74.4.2Design Idea
The airframe, a semi-monocoque shell structure, is mainly composed of skin,
frame, and truss components. This work uses the top-down modeling approach:
firstly, a structural tree based on assembly relation to the parts was established;
then, necessary parameters were constructed; the parametric model through constraints, formula, and rules was established; finally, parametric model satisfaction
of requirements was checked. If it satisfies the requirements, the parametric modeling is finished; otherwise, the model will be modified until the model meets the
requirements. The body structured of the model tree shown in Fig.74.1.

74.4.3Realization of the Parametric Model

For complex assemblies, the relative installation positions and assembly shapes of
components are related to each other. If the overall design parameters are adjusted,
or the shape or position of certain components are changed, the relevant components may need to be modified. In the top-down design, all components in the
product can be directly updated.

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Fig.74.1The model tree

In the top-down design, components are designed in the assembly environment. The modification of parameters in and between components can be done
by the using the interact parameters between different components. The top-down
design approach agrees with the product design process and thinking process of
designers. It is convenient to facilitate the synergy of multiple subsystems, shorten
production cycles, improve product quality, and design efficiency.

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Fig.74.2The airframe model

In the top-down design, component design can be switched from assembly workbench to the component workbench; the skeleton parts are constructed in the product
module, then, the reference parameters (point, line, surface, and control variables)
are published. At the same time, under the control of the main skeleton, subassembly
skeletons are constructed. In detailed design, only the associated release element is
selected to avoid too much reference. In the associated design, only child relationship (no parent relationship) is generated for noncritical elements. Thus, no system
crashes will be caused during conducting the large assembly. At the same time, spatial analysis functions in the DMU can be used to check the rationality of the design.
Finally, according to the overall UAV design, the UAV parametric model is
established using the parametric modeling approach. The UAV parametric model
is shown in Fig.74.2.
If parameters were modified, the model would be updated. For example, when the
parameter orientation-distance of Frame-1#-Airframe-front=220mm, the parameter orientation-angle of Beam-1#-Airframe-front=45, and the parameter orientation-angle of Beam-2#-Airframe-front=45; Fig.74.3 shows the model.

Beam1

Fig.74.3The airframe model of parameter 1

Beam2

Frame1

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Beam1

Beam2

Frame1

Fig.74.4The airframe model of parameter 2

When the parameter orientation-distance of Frame-1#-Airframe-front=400mm,

the parameter orientation-angle of Beam-1#-Airframe-front=30, and the parameter
orientation-angle of Beam-2#-Airframe-front=30; Fig.74.4 shows the model.

74.5Conclusion
The development and wide application of parametric modeling technology based
on knowledge-based engineering improves the design and manufacture of UAV
and speeds up the overall developing process of modern UAV. Using the 3D parametric design method based on knowledge-based engineering of CATIA, the UAV
parametric model is established, and the model can be updated easily according
to different design requirements. This proves the effectiveness of the parametric
modeling method using knowledge-based engineering of CATIA.

References
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4. Wang K, Li B (2009) Top-down for parameterized design and application based on knowledge.
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