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Updates adding value


Te most recent clutch of technical package revisions see existing CAD/CAM products pushing the boundaries of the possible, writes Clare Nicholls.


E


xtending soſtware features is useful to both users and manufacturers of programs, as adding to an existing


platform retains familiarity of operation, yet the updates can still reflect current requirements. CCE, for example, has announced the


release of the updated EnSuite Version 2, its multi-CAD viewing, translation, and productivity soſtware. Tis release provides a wide range of new features, including the ability to view two models superimposed on top of each other, with the differences highlighted. Isolation of a part from a complex


assembly is enabled by making the rest of the assembly transparent, a feature which has many uses, such as allowing purchasing staff to identify and view the part they are currently discussing with a supplier quickly. Another new capability permits users


to search for features based on parameter values. Users can enter a value or range of values for the dimensions of fillets, chamfers, or holes. For example, with holes, users can enter the diameter, draught angle, depth, or any combination of these features, and also specify whether the hole is blind or through. Te soſtware will immediately highlight all of the features in the part that match the search criteria. A new functionality allows users to


compare parts in Version 2, making it possible to identify the differences between any two models easily. Tis function can be used in many situations, such as when comparing a first article submitted by a vendor to the original design intent. Users can control the way the differences between the models are highlighted, utilising different colours or different levels of transparency. Te feature can also be used during the design process to track the way the design has evolved. Other new features include the ability


to measure geometric dimensions of lines, circles, edges, and angles, as well


The Naval Architect April 2008


Image from CCE’s updated EnSuite Version 2 software.


modeller, Autoship, feeds directly into the hydrostatic calculator, Autohydro, for detailed hydrostatic analysis, and Autoplate, which is used for shell plate expansion, builds on and augments the Autoship model.


as the capacity to cut cross-sections and check properties such as perimeter, area, and volume. Stepped holes that have been counter-bored or counter-sunk can also easily be measured.


Autoship hull design Competition between hull design programs is fierce, with Autoship Systems releasing two new features this year for its flagship soſtware Autoship Pro. Te revisions are claimed to make ship hull design almost effortless. When combined with Autostructure, the


structural design program in the Autoship suite, and utilising Autostructure’s regenerating capabilities, time savings can be realised. One of the new features is called


Targeted Variation. Tis tool allows for making small, automated adjustments in hull shape, based on simple input. Given target values for certain parameters, it attempts to modify the hull to achieve these targets by shiſting control points (the governing entities for the hull shape) parallel to the longitudinal axis. ‘Piecewise Linear Scaling’ is the other


new facility, allowing the designer to transform the hull shape by longitudinal and transverse scaling, which varies with location. This tool calculates complex, iterated non-linear longitudinal shiſts to arrive at target values. Autoship’s suite of programs are interconnected; for instance, the hull


Maxsurf to the max Another hull design application, Maxsurf, also recently had new features added, with its version 13 release. Software manufacturer Formsys has included some novel techniques in the program for fitting surfaces to the existing hull offsets in a way which makes it fast and easy to analyse existing designs. Te new approach utilises a 3D surface


called a TriMesh, which is made up of a network of small triangles. It facilitates the analysis of vessels for which offsets or lines data exists but where no NURB surface model is available. Te advantage of this approach is that, unlike the complexities of NURB surface fitting, a TriMesh surface can be generated in seconds, completely automatically and with the same degree of accuracy as the source offset data. Some of the fitting facilities provided


with this add-on include automated sorting of imported point data and automatic trimming of tanks and compartments to the generated TriMesh surface. It is also possible to model new, complex compartment shapes using NURB surfaces and intersect them with the TriMesh model. Te process usually starts with existing


model data in the form of offsets. Tis can be imported from a text file, from Excel, from a DXF file, or from other data sources such as survey instruments or laser scan data that have been sorted into sections. Tese data points are called markers in Maxsurf and up to 30,000 markers can be used.


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