Computer graphics applications in virtual engineering

The application of computer graphics and communication technology in the product development process leads to virtual engineering that, besides excellence in engineering, is becoming a key factor for successful multidisciplinary rapid product development. Virtual engineering tools address the support of cross-domain engineering to integrate the different engineering disciplines and provide a fruitful environment for innovation in products and processes. The advances in virtual engineering are motivated by the global economic competitiveness and, at the same time, by the global alliances built to meet this competition with innovation, collaboration, excellence, quality and shorter development times. In this work, the authors give an overview of the basic concepts of collaborative virtual engineering present in all phases of innovative product development (from design, to simulation, to maintenance), providing examples for virtual engineering tools and focusing on the importance of real-time systems.