Assembly variation analysis based on deviation matrix

Variation analysis is very important to assembly design. In this paper, the geometrical variation of each part is represented as a deviation matrix, the assembly variation is calculated with homogeneous transformation and the distribution of key characteristic is analyzed by Monte-Carlo simulation. Based on this method, an assembly variation analysis system is developed via C++ programing and embedded in Pro/ENGINEER environment. An assembly of engine crankshaft and connecting rod is analyzed and the analysis result meets the exact variation distribution. Through this new analysis system, the design cycle can be significantly reduced and both the efficiency and accuracy are manifestly increased.