Abstract: This paper highlights the available numerical computation techniques in mechanical engineering field with focus on application of modeling and simulation within renewable energy conversion machines as a particular research case. The study makes special focus on simulation approaches based on finite elements and multibody dynamics that are currently focused within the research community. Developing the simulation model in a computer-aided design (CAD) tool is a precondition for a successful simulation-based mechanical system research. The article discusses and elaborates the methods implemented to integrate design data with other computer-aided engineering functions. The motivation is the fact that simulation-based research is useful for design optimization of mechanical systems that operate in harsh and unfriendly environment where conducting physical testing of prototypes is difficult. In addition, the manufacturing environment is benefiting from the developments in numerical computation techniques through machining simulation that significantly reduce the time-to-market and thus increase competitiveness. The study is also intended to explore the existing gaps of capabilities in current approaches in application of computational techniques in order to draw attention to future challenges and trends.

Key words: Numerical computation, Finite element analysis (FEA), Multibody simulation, Wind turbine, Wave energy converter