Hi Richard.. I always knew that Einstein was a CFD dude at heart.

It is interesting to talk to companies that agree with your sentiment. They get the idea that it should be an evenly flowing process from concept to manufacturing, the entire system integrated very nicely where material properties are assigned, meshing intelligence can be captured and reporting of critical data is a breeze. But, due to the nature of things, many companies can't always reach Nirvana, but strive to get close.

Then.... there are those that simply refuse to consider it and "we don't do it that way" mentality cripples their perception of efficiency.

As most know, I am a proponent of upfront CAE. Many confuse this to be "design level" simulation. That is only a part of it. Upfront CAE is really process-driven simulation- incorporating CAD, simulation processes, reporting of data etc...

Companies have to get out of the idea of "autopsy" simulation where its done after the fact and used to find the problem. Finding the problem, shouldn't be the driver of simulation. Finding the optimal, innovative design should be the driver. Simulation is a design tool, I think we forget that sometimes.

This involves the entire team. Vision is often the piece of the pie that is missing. We need engineering leaders, managers, designers to speak up and educate one another. Surely, not implying simulation is the end all be all. It's a tool, like anything else. It just needs to be used fully.