Even stationary structures, when they get complex enough, can be difficult and expensive to model. A realistic simulation of these subs requires the generation of 850,000 polygons, observed Dinesh Manocha, a University of North Carolina computer scientist. An automobile has about 20,000 parts, a commercial airplane 5 million, Manocha said. In each case, there's a benefit to modeling the item virtually before assembling the infrastructure to build it. Newer and more powerful algorithms are being developed that will make virtual simulations practical for other less demanding applications as well.
Computer simulations have a number of benefits.
Boeing Corp. Big, flat things tend to flex a lot just from gravity alone. Such a gap may be permissible in one place, but not in another. Simulations also help determine the best place to position the bolts, he said. Access to digital representations of manufactured items opens the door to their placement in virtual installations. Digital representations aid in disassembly as well as in construction.