Page 46: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (September 2005)

Albacore Research Ltd. (ARL) is put- ting the final touches on its new

ShipConstructor 2006, scheduled for release towards the end of 2005.

According the software developer,

ShipConstructor 2006 represents a quantum leap in CAD/CAM with the introduction of the Database Driven

Relational Object Model (DDROM) technology, as well as an Application

Programming Interface (API). While

DDROM will provide ShipConstructor users with a 'better-than-parametric' technology, the API will make it easier for users and third-party developers to tie into the ShipConstructor product model database.

DDROM and other new features will be presented at the SNAME Annual

Meeting in Houston - at the booth as well as during the Innovation Sessions.

DDROM

ShipConstructor's Database Driven

Relational Object Model (DDROM) is a technology that, according to ARL, will transform how shipyards and offshore yards design and fabricate. DDROM is similar to parametric modeling, but bet- ter according to ARL. In contrast to parametric technology, the DDROM can be used by designers without extensive training, as relationships within the product model are created automatical- ly. The technology works for complex projects while still running on standard

PCs.

DDROM's secret lies in storing all geometry in the ShipConstructor data- base and linking their dependencies automatically. Storing geometry in the database means that all structural, pipe,

HVAC and other ShipConstructor enti- ties can be accessed and changed direct- ly in the database. DDROM entities are not only represented in the database with their geometry, but also with their attributes such as materials, weights, revisions, and build strategies.

Therefore, all ShipConstructor product model entities such as plates, stiffeners, pipes, ducts, penetrations, etc. can be recreated in the CAD drawings from the database.

The time designers and drafters will spend for modeling structural plate parts 46 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News

Art Anderson Associates entered the primary funding phase of the develop- ment of an innovative maritime electri- cal engineering software package under a research grant from the federal gov- ernment. The software, titled "SeaPro", is being developed to integrate electrical parts and systems databases with vessel design software. This is designed to streamline the design process and create an accurate model of shipboard electri- cal installation. The streamlined process reduces data entry, information sharing and meets quality assurance require- ments, resulting in savings of approxi- mately 20 percent of the final vessel design and construction cost. "This package fills a large disconnect between electrical system design and shipboard production requirements," said Chief Electrical Engineer, Joseph

Payne, the project manager and princi- pal investigator for the project. Much of the work in the current phase involves defining the format, transfer and syn- chronization of data between electrical design software and ShipConstructor, the state-of-the-art ship production soft- ware utilized by many of the world's leading shipyards.

The SeaPro software utilizes a two- step approach to vessel design. The first step will focus on obtaining ship requirements information and develop- ing a design package that is suitable for obtaining a reasonable bid from a prospective builder. The second step will then provide detailed system infor- mation for the complete integration of design, equipment specifications and installation. The contract is one of sev- eral Small Business Innovative

Research (SBIR) contracts awarded to

Art Anderson Associates in the past three years. Other SBIR contracts include the development of an improved lighterage system and a Stolkraft-hulled insertion craft for the U.S. Navy. The

SBIR program allows small and medi- um-sized businesses to have research and development, normally an expen- sive and risky endeavor, underwritten by the government. This ensures their competitiveness and ability to contribute innovative solutions to problems facing the public and private sectors.

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SeaPro: Electrical Engineering Software Package Enters Phase II

Joseph Payne

ShipConstructor 2006 Coming Soon

With the new DDROM, moving a tanktop adjusts the height of all frame plate parts under it auto- matically. Similarly, a hull trace change updates all related parts instantly.

ShipConstructor's API opens secure access to the product object model.

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