Visualizing and Virtual prototyping support cost-effective product design. Advanced tools for viewing design at the system level are needed so that interrelated effects of behavior on the complete product are known. Expanding on current computer aided design (CAD) software, virtual prototyping allows engineers, earlier in the development cycle, to visualize their full-system design ideas on the computer with realistic 3D models, and models that behave dynamically, just as they would in the real world, under any operating condition. Users can navigate through and interact with designs in real time to assess assembly, operation, and maintenance issues early in the design process. Virtual simulation and prototyping tools will enable engineers to check for potential design problems.