Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for generating post-machining three-dimensional shape data for a workpiece on the basis of an NC program. The three-dimensional shape data generating apparatus comprises: a stock blank lattice point generating section (11) which represents the shape of a stock blank for the workpiece by three-dimensional lattice point data (L) comprising a multiplicity of lattice points on the basis of stock blank shape data; a tool path processing section (12) which generates data indicative of a tool traveling region in which the tool is to move with respect to the workpiece on the basis of the NC program, tool shape data and the stock blank shape data, then removes lattice points located in the tool traveling region; and a shape data generating section (15) which generates the post-machining three-dimensional shape data for the workpiece on the basis of the remaining lattice points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-aided process for carrying out the structural design of a stiffened panel (9) made of a composite material, optimizing a target variable, comprising a first preparation phase (21) in which a Simulation Model (25) of the stiffened panel (9) with all the relevant information for the structural analysis thereof is obtained from a General Finite Element Model (23) and the modifiable variables and the restrictions (27) are defined, and a second simulation phase (51) in which the design variables are iteratively modified for the purpose of optimizing the target variable, taking into account in each iteration the load distribution changes resulting from the previous iteration, and verifying that the restrictive conditions and the safety margins associated to the pre-established failure modes are met using for that purpose simulation expert modules (55) of families of failure modes.

Abstract: A system, method, and storage medium for determining packaging design for one or more containers are provided. The method includes selecting at least one 3-D CAD model of a manufactured part. The method further includes selecting a first 3-D CAD model of a first container defining a first receiving region. The method further includes automatically generating a first plurality of 3-D part packaging designs for the first receiving region wherein each 3-D part packaging design comprises a distinct orientation or positioning of at least the 3-D CAD model of the manufactured part and a second 3-D CAD model and selecting a first 3-D part packaging design from the first plurality of 3-D part packaging designs. The method further includes generating a first dunnage design based on the first 3-D part packaging design and the first receiving region, wherein a first volume defined by the first 3-D part packaging design and the first dunnage design can be held within the first receiving region.

Abstract: A matrix computing unit evaluates visual properties influenced by a positional relationship between surface elements of an element so that a shading effect and a re-deposition effect are reflected to the simulation results. A beam condition computing unit calculates beam conditions according to a position of the element on a wafer so that a difference in machined topologies caused by a positional difference on the wafer is reflected to the simulation results.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for developing an agent-based, preferably a multi-agent-based, control system (SS) for an industrial flexible production system (PS). To simplify implementation of a control system for a flexible production system, it is provided that a simulation model (KM) of the production system (PS) is generated, and that the simulation model (KM) derived from the production system (PS) is transformed directly into models of a multi-agent-based control system (MASS).

Abstract: An embodiment of a method and a program product of the invention has steps of selecting a model from a plurality of models in a model library, with at least one of the models being a constitutive model. Load data and load path data are input to the model to generate model output. The output is then displayed in a graphical format.

Abstract: Contact of rigid bodies is simulated with friction. A contact point is determined as a mid point between closest points on each body. An integrated relative velocity (IRV) vector is computed, and is minimized by applying forces to both bodies. If the IRV value exceeds a threshold the bodies are deemed to be sliding. Non-penetration constraint and friction values are determined in separate processes and the output of one is fed to the other.

Abstract: A method of effecting an analysis of behaviors of substantially all of a plurality of real segments together constituting a whole human body, by conducting a simulation of the behaviors using a computer under a predetermined simulation analysis condition, on the basis of a numerical whole human body model provided by modeling on the computer the whole human body in relation to a skeleton structure thereof including a plurality of bones, and in relation to a joining structure of the whole human body which joins at least two real segments of the whole human body and which is constructed to have at least one real segment of the whole human body, the at least one real segment being selected from at least one ligament, at least one tendon, and at least one muscle, of the whole human body.

Abstract: First of all, size data (MD), (BD), (BH) and (MW) of a tire are input. Next, a ratio (b/a) of a major axis radius (b) to a minor axis radius (a) of an ellipse (18) is input. Then, constants (S), (a) and (b) of an involute function are calculated. Based on the involute function having these constants, a profile function (22) from a central position in a lateral direction to a maximum width position is determined over an X-Y plane. Subsequently, the profile curve (22) is divided into a large number of segments. Next, each of the segments is caused to approximate to a circular arc. In the approximation, a radius of curvature is determined in such a manner that the adjacent circular arcs are tangent to each other. Thus, a profile is designed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a downhole tool includes obtaining a three-dimensional model of the downhole tool; converting the three-dimensional model of the downhole tool into a model having a plurality of two-dimensional layers; and building the downhole tool, layer-by-layer, by melting a metal powder or an alloy powder using an electron beam based on the model having a plurality of two-dimensional layers. A downhole tool manufactured by a process includes obtaining a three-dimensional model of the downhole tool; converting the three-dimensional model of the downhole tool into a model having a plurality of two-dimensional layers; and building the downhole tool, layer-by-layer, by melting a metal powder or an alloy powder using an electron beam based on the model having a plurality of two-dimensional layers.

Abstract: A part cost estimation system including a processing cost information storage device; a shape designating device configured to designate the shape of the part; a processing designating device configured to designate contents of processing to be performed on a material to form the part having the designated shape; a processing facility designating device configured to designate a processing facility; a processing time calculating device configured to calculate a processing time; a processing cost calculating device configured to calculate a processing cost spent on manufacturing the part based on a unit machining cost and the processing cost calculated by the processing time calculating device; and an adding device configured to add the processing cost to determine a cost of the part.

Abstract: A method is provided of embedding tooling control data within a mechanical fixture design to enable programmable logic control verification simulation. The method includes the steps of constructing at least one of a mechanical fixture design, a workcell design, and a controls design. The method also includes the steps of executing a virtual programmable logic control (VPLC) simulation with a VPLC verification simulator to verify the at least one of the mechanical fixture design, the workcell design, and the controls design.

Abstract: According to this invention, a piston design support program for supporting design of a piston shape of an internal combustion engine, makes a computer execute an input step of inputting specification values associated with a piston shape, a verification step of verifying, based on the input specification values, whether or not gaps between the piston and its surrounding components are appropriate, a read step of reading out, when it is determined in the verification step that the gaps are appropriate, a three-dimensional piston model which can be deformed according to a predetermined rule from a database, and a deformation step of deforming the piston model on the basis of the specification values.

Abstract: A conversion processing method, device and computer program product. The device includes a memory for storing drafting data, a selector for choosing the drafting data stored in the memory, a converter for converting the drafting data chosen by the selector into shape data, and a transmitter for transmitting the shape data to a browsing management server that stores the shape data and enables browsing the shape data via a communications network. The converter converts, from drafting data selected by the selector, the drafting data having a registration date and time corresponding to the date on which the converter has converted the drafting data, and that is also more recent than the registration date on which the drafting data is registered in the memory.

Abstract: A control rod driving simulator has a control rod driving unit having a plurality of coil members vertically mounted therein, a control rod mounted vertically movably through the centers of the coil members, a cart having a reserve tank storing cooling water, a cooling fan for air-cooling the coil members and a control unit for controlling an operation of the cooling fan, a box containing a part of the control rod and a checking unit for checking the vertical movement of the control rod. When the simulator is connected to an actual control rod driving mechanism and a wave profile of current flowing in the coil members of the control rod driving unit is measured, a same wave profile of current as when it is connected to an actual control rod driving mechanism provided to a reactor core can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automatic production of a filter installation that consists of a plurality of structural parts or elements. The inventive method comprises the following steps: choosing a field of application of the filter installation to be produced among a plurality of predetermined or predeterminable fields of application and/or choosing a design of the filter installation to be produced among a plurality of predetermined or predeterminable designs; producing an input field depending on the choice made, only those inputs being enabled in said input field that correspond to the choice made. The invention further relates to a computer program product and to a computer system for the automatic production of a filter installation that consists of a plurality of structural parts or elements.

Abstract: A wires laid at a predetermined bend, a bend protection member, an atmosphere temperature and the initial shape and the final bent shape of the wires and the bend protection member are designated, and infinite element models are prepared for the wires and the bend protection member. Then, stresses caused during the bending and the movement from the initial shapes to the final bent shapes are calculated for the individual infinite elements, and the maximum stresses imposed on the wires and the bend protection member are searched for among the stresses that are obtained. Then, the number of bendings for endurance, in consonance with necessary prediction functions, are obtained and the maximum stresses imposed on the wires and the bend protection member. By referring to the number of bendings for endurance, the smallest number of bendings for endurance is acquired and output.

Abstract: A method for designing a PAB door for an invisible airbag provided to a passenger-side seat of a vehicle includes defining levels of a noise factor depending on a process condition of laser scoring for forming a tearseam on an inner surface of an instrument panel. Control factors and levels of each control factor are defined that affect stress distribution and deformation rate of the tearseam. A combination is arranged that includes levels of the control factors according to an experimental design, inputting each noise factor to each combination and measuring a minimum impulse ‘X’ that is able to tear the tearseam, and a maximum impulse ‘Z’ that is unable to tear the tearseam in the case of a head impact. The level of each control factor is selected based on the measured minimum impulse ‘X’ and the measured maximum impulse ‘Z’.

Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model database and a processor. The processor may cooperate with the geospatial database for identifying a building roof type defined by building roof data points as being from among a plurality of possible building roof types. This may be done based upon applying multi-directional gradient calculations to the building roof data points.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a method comprising: for an electrical power system comprising a plurality of committed electrical power generating units: for each of the committed electrical power generating units, obtaining an optimal power output temporal trajectory, the optimal power output temporal trajectory constrained by a ramping limit of the committed electrical power generating unit; obtaining an optimal power reserve temporal trajectory for each of the committed electrical power generating units; and assigning each of the optimal power output temporal trajectories to the respective electrical power generating units so that, over a predetermined consecutive set of time intervals, an integrated cost of system power output is minimized and a system reserve requirement is met.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for determining deformation of a surface of a material is provided. The method includes receiving, at a computer, an elastic deformation range and a plastic deformation range of the material. The method also includes modeling a region of the material with a mesh. The mesh includes a plurality of elements. The method also includes determining, by performing a finite element analysis on the mesh by the computer, a displacement for at least one point on each of the elements. The displacement results from a set of modeled boundary conditions. The finite element analysis includes recurrently approximating the modulus of elasticity for each element according to the elastic deformation range and the plastic deformation range. The act of approximating is based on a value of strain calculated from a previously calculated element displacement.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for determining an accelerated test for a device. The method comprises calculating an estimated amount of damage that an element of the device would suffer if the device were operated under a set of specified conditions over a certain period of time (e.g., expected lifetime of the device). The method further comprises determining an accelerated test to which to subject the element in order to cause the element to suffer an actual amount of damage that is approximately equal to the estimated amount of damage. The accelerated test may be an accelerated test cycle, such as an accelerated temperature cycle.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provides comprehensive design and installation management for agricultural water management systems. Maps and grade profiles are created from data collected by Global Positioning devices in the field. Latitude, longitude, and elevation are triangulated from GPS data to develop contour, grade, and profile maps, used to design drainage systems in real time. Customer billing information and vendor pricing information are produced from map and grade profile data. Interfacing and machine control for machines used to install drainage and/or irrigation systems are generated from contour, grade and profile data. Data is exported and imported in common file formats for efficient data exchange.

Abstract: In a process control system, the hidden properties of a catalyst are estimated by including those properties in hidden states within a state space model and solving the state space model based on measurable inputs and outputs of the process.

Abstract: A method and system to numerically simulating structural responses of a highly compressible material such as foam in finite element analysis is disclosed. According to one aspect of the simulation, a new improved method for calculating structural responses is derived using the following assumptions: uniaxial loading and isotropic material. As a result of the new method, Ogden polynomial stress function f(?) is replaced by a tabulated function depending upon only a set of stress-strain curves obtained via uniaxial tension and compression tests. The method is implemented in a finite element analysis software product.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle design and manufacture. The method includes designing a vehicle, building a pilot vehicle of the designed vehicle, installing a telematics units in the pilot vehicle, configuring the telematics unit to monitor systems of the pilot vehicle during vehicle operation, operating the pilot vehicle in a captured test fleet, obtaining data from the telematics unit during the operating in a captured test fleet, altering vehicle design data in response to the obtained data and, building a production vehicle with the design influenced by the altered vehicle design data.

Abstract: A method for designing a drill bit that involves simulating a drill bit having cutting elements disposed thereon is provided. In particular, the method involves determining the axial forces acting on at least one of the cutting elements at a first orientation.

Abstract: A method and system, which relates one or more geometric features to one or more functional requirements (FRs) in a design by using the V-model is described. The method and system include functional geometric features (FGFs), which relate the FRs to mechanical shapes (or geometric entities), which can be integrated to provide a final part or assembly that satisfies the functional requirements of the design.

Abstract: A method for generating an automated exploded view of an assembly of parts is presented. The method includes determining at least one sequence of viable directions of motion of at least one moving part in the assembly of parts. Computer-readable medium and systems that afford functionality of the type defined by this method are also contemplated in conjunction with the present technique.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a cutting arrangement for a drill bit includes selecting a cutting element arrangement for the drill bit and calculating a score for the cutting arrangement. This method may be used to evaluate the cutting efficiency of various drill bit designs. In one example, this method is used to calculate a score for an arrangement based on a comparison of an expected bottom hole pattern for the arrangement with a preferred bottom hole pattern. The use of this method has lead to roller cone drill bit designs that exhibit reduce tracking over prior art bits.

Abstract: Methods and systems for translating models generated in one modeling environment into models that can be used in other modeling environments are disclosed. Models are created using different data formats in different modeling environments. These data formats are generally incompatible with each other. Therefore, the present invention provides a neutral data format that can store information relating to models generated in one modeling environment, and that can be used by other modeling environments to create their models. The present invention may export models created in one modeling environment into the neutral data format. The neutral data format may subsequently be imported into other modeling environments in which new models are generated using the information contained in the neutral data format. The present invention also provides animation of the newly generated models by animation clients via open animation interfaces that support multiple animation clients at a simultaneous time.

Abstract: A method and system are described that allow conversion of a three-dimensional representation of a wire harness to a two-dimensional representation. In one aspect, the three-dimensional representation of the wire harness is converted to a two-dimensional orthogonal representation with branches in the wire harness arranged perpendicularly. In another aspect, when more than four branches enter a single node in the wire harness, one or more of the branches are placed within a predetermined angle to the perpendicular lines. The orthogonal representation allows simplified detection of disconnects in the wire harness that are otherwise difficult to visualize in three dimensions.

Abstract: A system and method of providing physics data generated by a physics simulation and consumed by main application are provided. The main application may incorporate different scene versions or varying physics-based complexity while running on systems having different hardware and software resources.

Abstract: A method for performing a finite element simulation. The method includes switching between an implicit method and an explicit method during the finite element simulation. By switching between the implicit and explicit methods during a simulation, an accurate solution can be obtained quickly and reliably.

Abstract: A method and system for interactive simulation of materials. The method and system provide flexible simulation, the ability to combine rigid and flexible simulation, a collision-detection method for simulating objects and other entities, and a system for displaying and interacting with simulated objects which includes a harness for registering the hardware components of the simulation with respect to each other.

Abstract: A system and method of integrating geometric models, comprising identifying a product to design or manufacture, generating a product template, initiating the generation of at least one geometry, associating knowledge with the geometry, performing operations on the geometry, comparing results of the operations to rules, modifying the geometry and the knowledge, propagating the modifications to at least one second geometry, and updating the template.

Abstract: The invention provides an aided design apparatus including a output element for outputting data of an attribute name associated with an attribute group of a part used for transporting a sheet along with three-dimensional shape data of the part. The invention further provides a related aided design method and a recording medium for recording a program for carrying out the method, wherein the data of parts used in a simulation for paper transportation can be easily exchanged.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a locomotive diesel engine turbocharger turbine stage so as to avoid harmonic vibration in the turbine blades when the engine is operated at pre-selected throttle settings. Upon determining throttle settings for the engine and modeling of the turbocharger therefor, at least one natural vibration frequency of the turbine blades and a turbine nozzle vane excitation frequency as a function of turbocharger rotation speed are determined. Then the data obtained is analyzed to ascertain whether at least one data coincidence, that is whether a rotation speed correlative of a throttle setting has a coincidence over a predetermined range of both a natural frequency and said turbine vane nozzle excitation. If not, the model is suitable for fabrication of the turbocharger; if so, the model is modified by changing blade stiffness and/or vane numbering until no data coincidences are present.

Abstract: A method of making a finite element model of a tire is disclosed. The tire is provided in a tread portion with a fine groove having a dead end including at least the bottom. The tread portion is divided into elements so that the elements include first elements on one side of the fine groove and second elements on the other side of the fine groove, and the first elements and second elements have nodes in common at the dead end, but the first elements and second elements do not have nodes in common at other positions than the dead end.

Abstract: A method for modeling engine operation comprising the steps of: 1. collecting a first plurality of sensory data, 2. partitioning a flight envelope into a plurality of sub-regions, 3. assigning the first plurality of sensory data into the plurality of sub-regions, 4. generating an empirical model of at least one of the plurality of sub-regions, 5. generating a statistical summary model for at least one of the plurality of sub-regions, 6. collecting an additional plurality of sensory data, 7. partitioning the second plurality of sensory data into the plurality of sub-regions, 8. generating a plurality of pseudo-data using the empirical model, and 9. concatenating the plurality of pseudo-data and the additional plurality of sensory data to generate an updated empirical model and an updated statistical summary model for at least one of the plurality of sub-regions.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing performance of a turbine. The turbine optimizer allows a user to evaluate the current performance of their turbine with its current configuration and the future performance of their turbine with a modified configuration. The turbine optimizer determines the current performance characteristic of the turbine based on the current configuration information. Upon receiving from a user a request to display the future performance characteristics, the turbine optimizer calculates the performance characteristics for that turbine if various modifications are made to its configuration. The turbine optimizer may provide a graph that illustrates the current performance characteristics and future performance characteristics with those modifications. The turbine optimizer may also calculate various financial estimates based on the current operating characteristics or future operating characteristics of the turbine.

Abstract: A system and method for interactively generating a family of mesh models is provided for use in engineering analysis. The system includes a user computer system having a memory, a processor, a user input device and a display device. The system also includes a remotely located computer system having a processor, a memory, and a data storage means and in communication with the user computer system. The system further includes a computer-generated geometric mesh base model stored in the data storage means, a computer-generated mesh feature stored in the data storage means, and a new mesh model including the base mesh model with a mesh feature that is stored in the data storage means. The method includes the steps of selecting a base model from a model library maintained in the data storage means. The method also includes the steps of creating a mesh feature that is defined by a modifiable set of parameters and saving the mesh feature in a mesh feature library maintained in the data storage means.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a prosthetic device includes the step of displaying a graphical user interface. The method further includes determining a user selected prosthetic device via the graphical user interface. The method also includes determining a first user selected orientation for the prosthetic device via the graphical user interface. Moreover, the method includes displaying an image of the prosthetic device via the graphical user interface. The method yet further includes calculating a first data set indicative of a first range of motion for the prosthetic device orientated in the first user selected orientation, and displaying a graphical representation of the first data set via the graphical user interface. An apparatus for analyzing a prosthetic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for designing a roller cone drill bit comprising selecting bit design parameters, selecting parameters of an earth formation, selecting drilling parameters, simulating drilling a selected earth formation, determining force on at one of a cutting element, a cone, and a drill bit, determining a location of the force, calculating bending moment, and varying at least one of the bit design parameters and repeating the simulating and the calculating until the bending moment meets a selected criterion. The method further comprising converting said bending moment into a visual representation.

Abstract: A method provides early estimation of product life using accelerated stress testing data. In an embodiment, data measured from a product operating in a first, high-stress environment is used to predict how long the product will operate in a second, normal operating environment before failure using a quadratic acceleration model. An additional feature of the present invention provides a quantified indication of how much the product has improved from a redesign.

Abstract: A computer (10) of a material supply company calculates a sales price of a material according to a state of production of a product, which is produced using a material supplied from the material supply company, and informs a computer (30) of a result of the calculation. The state of production of the product is measured by a measurement apparatus (32), and a result of the measurement is sent to the computer (10).

Abstract: An apparatus concurrently executing designing of a mechanism and developing of embedded software. A three-dimensional-mechanism model simulates an operation of the mechanism, an embedded software developing section develops a control program to control the designing and operation of the mechanism in parallel to each other, a first interface inputs designing data from a mechanism designing section to the three-dimensional-mechanism model simulator for being dynamically reflected on the three-dimensional-mechanism model, and a second interface transfers data between the three-dimensional-mechanism model simulator and the embedded software developing section while synchronizing the simulator and the embedded software developing section with each other.

Abstract: Methods for operating robotic devices (i.e., “robots”) that employ adaptive behavior relative to neighboring robots and external (e.g., environmental) conditions. Each robot is capable of receiving, processing, and acting on one or more multi-device primitive commands that describe a task the robot will perform in response to other robots and the external conditions. The commands facilitate a distributed command and control structure, relieving a central apparatus or operator from the need to monitor the progress of each robot. This virtually eliminates the corresponding constraint on the maximum number of robots that can be deployed to perform a task (e.g., data collection, mapping, searching). By increasing the number of robots, the efficiency in completing the task is also increased.

Abstract: A method for reducing vibration of a drilling tool assembly is disclosed. The method includes modeling the drilling tool assembly based on input parameters, simulating a vibration of a drill string coupled with a vibration of a drill bit, determining an initial total vibration from output parameters generated by the simulation, determining a location for at least one vibrational control device based on the initial total vibration to reduce the initial total vibration, and disposing the at least one vibrational control device on the drill string at the determined location.

Abstract: A system, a method and a computer readable medium are provided for simulating a combined musculoskeletal and augmentation device system. The dynamics model of the combined musculoskeletal and augmentation device system receives computed torques at the joints as inputs and delivers simulated kinematic data of the segments as outputs. The augmentation device controller for control of the augmentation device, receives the simulated kinematic data as inputs and delivers assist torques as outputs. The inverse dynamics model for the musculoskeletal and augmentation device system, receives the simulated kinematic data, desired kinematic data of the segments and the assit torques as inputs and delivers the computed net joint torque and muscle torque. The muscle force and muscle capacity module for checking and adjusting the computed torques, receives the computed torques as inputs and delivers computed torques as outputs after the checking and adjustment.