Process Simulation & Prototyping

I want to simulate a process related to oil exploration and then prototyping it physically. I have got the drawings of the components involving in the process in AutoCAD. First I want to develop a computer model to simulate the suggested oil exploration method. It involves giving commands and moving and rotating components according to the requirements through the user interface. Once the simulation in the computer is done the next step would be building a small physical prototype and simulating the process using a small prototype. Can I use a SCADA software to handle the overall design and testing of the process? Kind regards

Lalith, You present a very interesting question. Actually SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition protocol. This code is utilized in the embedded applications that actually control physical systems, as example machine tools and plant floor automation, heating and cooling systems, and or instrumentation of a physical prototype to collect critical test data as you go through the physical validation process. Thus SCADA may be used in the physical prototype and testing to collect data, but data acquisition systems will analyze this data to be put in useable and user friendly formats. There are many software applications that can utilize your CAD model and simulate the operations that you desire. Everything from physical stress and strain (Finite Element Modeling) to fluid dynamics and kinematics can be simulated and pre-tested. These are the applications best suited to get you through the first phase of your engineering analysis. Many of these applications can also be utilized interactively from the Internet as more software vendors are hosting these services via the web. Best regards.