The objective of our work is to enable the prediction of the quality of assemblies using numerical simulation. This is achieved by assembling virtual components which possess some predicted, simulated or measured manufacturing defects as well as the assembly process itself with its characteristics (junctions, sequences, tooling...)
In order to reach such a goal, one must have geometric models of the components and their manufacturing defects as well as models of the propagation of such defects through assemblies. Once these models have been chosen, the prediction of the behavior of these assemblies enables one either to ensure that the geometric deviations of the components do not violate the functional requirements (tolerancing), or to define the admissible variabilities in the components for the functional requirements to be fulfilled (tolerance synthesis).
Our work revolves around three main topics

•     Geometric and numerical models for geometric product specification
•     Tolerancing throughout a product's life cycle
•     Flexible assemblies