Simulation techniques like FEM and CFD have become a standard part of the engineering design process with an increasingly important role [Maier et al. 2009]. According to Herfeld et al. [2006], five aspects have to be considered when dealing with the integration of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools into Computer Aided Design (CAD): product, people, tools, data, and processes. While a lot of research has been conducted on technical aspects in this context (e.g. [Forsen and Hoffmann 2002], [Schumacher et al. 2002], [Assouroko et al. 2010], [Park and Dang 2010], [Gujarathi and Ma 2011], etc.), there is little knowledge about the implications of this development on the communication and collaboration of the people involved (cf. Figure 1), as the focus of previous research thus far has been on tools, data and processes [Kreimeyer et al. 2005].     «

Simulation techniques like FEM and CFD have become a standard part of the engineering design process with an increasingly important role [Maier et al. 2009]. According to Herfeld et al. [2006], five aspects have to be considered when dealing with the integration of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools into Computer Aided Design (CAD): product, people, tools, data, and processes. While a lot of research has been conducted on technical aspects in this context (e.g. [Forsen and Hoffmann 2002], [S...     »