In the design of fluid systems plumbing for aircraft engines, the designer is continually challenged by the problem of component location and routing. In order to achieve accessibility and maintainability, and to avoid physical interferences, plumbing design is accomplished through extensive graphical projection and mockups. The solution to this problem must also satisfy tubing stress limits, resonant frequencies, bracket or clamping positions available and future space requirements.
To facilitate and expedite this design procedure a digital computer technique has been developed which determines the clearances between tubing and other engine components. Though not a substitute for graphical projection, this program provides a means for accurate checking for interference. It also serves a valuable purpose in the storage of previous or alternate plumbing routing arrangements for comparison.
This computer program is based upon a mathematical representation of the mechanical arrangement of exterior engine components.
This paper presents a brief description of the program, a qualitative review of the mathematical techniques involved, and describes the means of integration of the program into the design procedure. A discussion of possible future extensions of this concept is also presented.