Whitepapers

49 Ansys Advantage © 2020 ANSYS, Inc. SPEOS met all three evaluation criteria set by Mazda: 1. Accurately analyze light amount and wavelength 2. Accurately analyze reflectance properties 3. Reproduce and quantify luminance distribution in two dimensions "Our conventional tool converted 3D data created by the design styling and design divisions into another file, so when we made a mesh, it resulted in degraded accuracy," says Yonezawa. "Because Ansys SPEOS allows us to use our 3D CAD product as an add-on, we can perform a simulation without sacrificing the accuracy. This is one of the key aspects we liked." Yonezawa's group was also working on another issue: The reflection of in-vehicle parts on the inside of the windshield made it difficult for drivers to see through the windshield. Being unable to show the design issues quantitatively, Yonezawa had difficulty making the designer understand the necessity of an improvement. However, SPEOS allows quantitative evaluation, which she could use to ask the designer for improvements. The group proactively used SPEOS to design the lights and interiors in the MAZDA3. In test drives for journalists held worldwide when announcing the launch, the drivers noted that the MAZDA3 had clear views. MORE EFFICIENT SUPPLIER RELATIONS Since the introduction of SPEOS, Mazda has seen changes in business relationships with its suppliers. In the past, Mazda used a one-way development process for lights. For example, the From left: Asami Yonezawa, Yoshiaki Nakaya and Minoru Inoue implemented Ansys SPEOS for interior and exterior lighting simulation at Mazda Motor Corporation. company would provide a design concept and a lighting image to the supplier so they could make a proposal based on their knowledge. Today, Mazda is not involved in detailed design but performs a simulation and makes its own proposal to the supplier. "What makes it different from the traditional development style is that we can prepare a concept in a stage where an area around the light has not yet been designed, which leads to cost optimization," says Nakaya. For example, Mazda engineers can use simulation to optimize lighting mount design for mass production, which saves time and money. The supplier also seems to like this change to their relationship because determining the specifications in the early stages and preparing the optimum design on both sides can lead to more efficient development. Mazda is now adopting a development process to quickly determine the specifications by sharing the same perspectives in real time between the engineers and the supplier as they simulate with SPEOS together. Not only does SPEOS improve communication between Mazda and its supplier, but communication between the design and the development divisions inside the company has improved as well. "It was always difficult to verbally explain how much more the vehicle can improve, but visualizing it with Ansys SPEOS easily convinces the designer," says Yonezawa. "Once satisfied, the designer is willing to accept the design change. This can be achieved even without making an actual product, which is one of the great advantages." 49 Ansys Advantage © 2020 ANSYS, Inc.

• Cover