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Virtual Simulations tools are extensively utilized by many industries today in product development processes. In auto industry, however, this utilization has not reached its full potential. So far virtual simulations have been playing a supporting role in traditional product development processes founded on physical builds. To reach the full potential of virtual simulation, in reducing the product development time and costs, a paradigm shift in the product development processes and the role of both physical and virtual simulations is need. For an integrated realization process, innovation, analysis, integration, and continuous correlations are necessary design practices for achieving the desired product attributes. This paper, discusses the expansion of the virtual simulation role in an integrated product realization process to reshape the traditional product development process.

A multi-objective optimization procedure has been developed to optimize the vehicle longitudinal acceleration and steady-state fuel economy. A 5-speed manual-transmission vehicle is adopted for the prediction of the 0 - 60 mph acceleration time. A simplified fuel economy model is used to simulate the fuel consumption under steady vehicle speed. The optimization algorithm selected is the Modified Method of Feasible Directions due to its high reliability and efficiency. A notable feature of the optimization process adopted is that the algorithm can compromise between the competing performances while meeting the requirements for the ride and handling quality of the vehicle.

Fundamentals of Integrated Vehicle Realization is a unique and solid contribution to the subject of product development, centered on the automotive industry. Automotive manufacturers and suppliers are under pressure to transform themselves and deliver a higher level of product refinement coupled with more functionality. This could lead to the sprouting of organizational structures not in alignment with the required product development phases. Consequently, many product development initiatives may be cancelled or dropped at later stages despite all the efforts and financial investments. Therefore, it is vital that organizational unity be always intact during any transformation. A highly effective organization should always act as one cohesive entity dedicated to serving the customer with creative aptitude, integrative skills, analytical thinking, and synergistic management. Written by Dr.