Autostructure

Internal Structural Design Software

Autostructure is our internal structural modeling program for naval architecture design offices and shipyards. As an integral software of our CAD/CAM software suite, the starting point of an Autostructure project is an Autoship *.pr3 file. Designed to work as a single seat installation, or in a multi-user environment, Autostructure offers the user the ability to design all internal structural components and track these components through the design, fabrication and construction processes.

Autostructure is a state-of-the-art program that takes advantage of the very latest in programming technology.

Autostructure Key Features:

Database

• 3-tier database system based on Microsoft's SQL Server 7™.
• When several designers work on one project, each is automatically updated by the others.
• For small groups it is not necessary to purchase SQL Server; a free version is included with Autostructure.
• Secure, automatic and user-initiated database backup.

User Interface

• A tree-view/list-view browser provides a user interface to the database.
• User defined assembly hierarchy for project organization.
• A viewer based on OpenGL provides visualization.
• AutoCAD™ 2000 or later is used for 2D editing, but Autostructure is not an AutoCAD™ add-in.
• Maximum use is made of graphical methods. There is no complex macro language to learn.
• Specialized dialogues for most operations.

Libraries

• A basic library of materials, flat sheet types, extrusions, flat bars and finishes is supplied.
• Bracket library manager and bracket designer. Standard and custom brackets.
• Users can extend the libraries with new entries. Extrusion cross-section editing is supported.

Flat sheet parts

• Bulkhead layout with or without internally calculated floodable lengths curves.
• Part creation dialogue for single or multiple parts in any plane, trimmed to limits and to other selected parts.
• A global layout module in which sheet parts parallel to the principle planes are created, with automatic trimming to adjacent parts.
• When cut to a shell or another part, the bevel angle at each boundary segment is retained and can be exported.
• Flat parts are edited in AutoCAD™ 2000, accessed from within Autostructure. Parts geometry is transferred programmatically to and from AutoCAD™. A custom toolbar provides access to functions specialized to part editing.
• A parametric web frame design option is provided in the global layout module.
• Large parts can be subdivided to the size of available stock. Marks and stiffener information are copied to each new part. The division can be along user-edited marks or on a grid.

Surface and Edge Stiffeners

• Within the editor face stiffeners and edge stiffeners can be created and located.
• Extrusions can have parametrically specified end shapes and fitting options.
• Dialogue for creating multiple stiffeners on panels.
• Stiffeners can be created along curves embedded in the shell surfaces.
• Point and click specification of flanges on flat part edges.

Brackets

• The bracket designer can be used to create almost any size and shape of bracket, with or without face and edge stiffeners or flanges.
• Automatic search for bracket locations and semi-automatic bracket placement.

Export and Import

• Autoplate projects can be incorporated into the Autostructure database.
• Parts may be exported directly into AutoCAD™ for drawing preparation, nesting and NC cutting, or other purposes. Three export types are supported: 2d parts, 2d assembly and 3d.
• Inverse bending curves for extrusions optional in part export.
• Importation of penetration reports from Rebis' AutoPLANT™ piping design program, display of the data and production of a report of Autostructure user actions.
• Archiving of complete projects for exchange and long-term storage.
• The separate Report Manager program provides four report types. New report types are easily added.

Miscellaneous

• Pillar creation dialogue.
• Welds are automatically generated where parts are cut to the shell, other parts, and along extrusion paths.
• Details, including openings, marks and stiffeners, can be copied from one part to other similar parts and their mirrors by a mouse click.
• Parts can be created by reflecting existing parts across the centre line.
• Interference with flat parts and extrusions can be detected and displayed in dialogues. The user may then choose corrective action, including cutting of extrusion passage openings and weld relief cutouts.
• Part properties editor with detection of part invalidations.
• Semi-automated regeneration of parts invalidated by changes in the locations or scantlings of other parts.

Key System Architecture Features:

• Microsoft's modern robust relational system: SQL Server 7™ for parts data storage. Unlike some other database programs, such as Access, SQL Server 7™ is designed to work well in a client-server configuration in which many users at workstations access one database on a network server. It also has the advantage that a freely distributable and easy to manage version is available for use in small workgroups (i.e. up to five workstations in a peer-to-peer network).
• Component Object Model (COM) supports a strongly object-oriented program structure, and allows transfer of data among Autoship, Autostructure and AutoCAD™. The system is 3-tiered. Among other tasks, the middle tier ensures the synchronization of part changes between all clients.
• Localizable, which means that creating versions for other languages and locales is an easy task. European and Far Eastern character sets may be used in naming parts.

Requirements (Design workstation):

Software

Operating System: NT4™, Windows™ 2000 or Windows™ XP
AutoCAD™ 2000 or later

Hardware

Pentium with 128MB of RAM, 300MB free disk space, 8MB graphics card with OpenGL acceleration and a monitor capable of displaying at least 1024x768 pixels.

Autostructure is a client-server system which can support many simultaneous users working on the same or different projects. If there are to be more than 4 networked design workstations, we recommend that the server computer be furnished with MS SQL Server 7™ (or later) with a license for each workstation.