An Integrated Computer Aided Engineering Tool For Aircraft Transparency Design Analytical Design Package - ADP

The Analytical Design Package (ADP) has been developed as a part of the Air Force Frameless Transparency Program. ADP is an integrated design tool consisting of existing analysis codes and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) software. The objective of the ADP is to develop and confirm an integrated design methodology for frameless transparencies, related aircraft interfaces, and their corresponding tooling. The application of this methodology is intended to generate a high confidence for achieving a qualified part prior to mold fabrication.

ADP is a customized integration of analysis codes, CAE software and material information databases. The primary CAE integration tool for the ADP is MSC/PATRAN, a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software tool. The open architecture of MSC/PATRAN allows customized installations with different application modules for specific site requirements. Integration of material databases allows the engineer to select a material and those material properties are automatically input into the relevant analysis code. The ADP materials database supports two independent schemas: (1) CAE Design Properties and (2) Processing and Test Data.

The design of the ADP places major emphasis on the seamless integration of CAE and analysis modules with a single intuitive graphical interface. This tool has been designed to serve and be used by an entire project team, i.e., analysts, designers, materials experts and managers. The final version of the software was delivered to the Air Force in June 1995. The Analytical Design Package (ADP) is intended to facilitate technology transfer to industry. The analysis system is capable of a wide range of design and manufacturing applications.