Abstract
Large number of part design for aircraft and automobile is preceded by functional or sectional design groups for efficiency. However, interferences and gaps can be found when the parts and sub-assemblies by those design groups are to be assembled. These interferences and gaps cause design changes and additional repair processes. While interference problem has been resolved by digital mockup and concurrent engineering methodology, gap problem has been covered by temporary treatment of filling gap with sealant. This kind of fast fix causes fatal problem of leakage when the gap is too big for filling or the treatment gets old. With this research, we have developed a program to find the gap automatically among parts of assembly so that users can find them to correct their design before manufacturing stage. By using decomposition model representation method, the developed program can search the gap among complex car body parts to be visualized with volumetric information. It can also define the boundary between the gap and exterior empty space automatically. Though we have proved the efficiency of the developed program by applying to automobile assembly, application of the program is not limited to car body only, but also can be extended to aircraft and ship design of large number of parts.