No / This paper presents a surface generation tool designed for the construction of aircraft geometry. The software generates complex geometries which can be crafted or modified by the user in real time. The surface generation is based on partial differential equations (PDEs). The PDE method can produce different configurations of aircraft shapes interactively. Each surface is generated by a number of curves representing the character lines of a given part of the aircraft shape that can be manipulated in real time. Different surfaces then blend to create the full shape of the airplane. An important function of the proposed tool is its ability to change the aircraft shape through the adjustments of parameters associated with the initial curves. The user can apply linear transformations to the curves generating the airplane through simple input from the computer keyboard and the mouse. The updated curves can then be used to generate the surface leading to different configurations of a given airplane shape. The work presents detailed descriptions on the PDE method, parametric design and manipulation of aircrafts along with graphical demonstrations of its abilities and a series of examples to illustrate the capacity of the methodology implemented.

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Thesis (PhD (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / This dissertation describes the design analysis of a lomolder (a machine similar to an injection moulding machine). It focuses on key design aspects that will drive the purchase cost of the machine and that will also influence the maintenance and operating cost. The main objective of the study is to provide an understanding of the key factors that influence the cost of a lomolder as well as the factors that contributes to a quality manufactured part. A semi-analytical flow model was developed to predict cavity pressure drops for a range of part sizes. This model was necessary to eliminate time consuming numeric simulations required for machine optimisation. Numerous machine concept designs were developed and a final layout design chosen. A parametric CAD model was built for the lomolder. Layout designs for different sized lomolders can be generated with this model. The dissertation concludes with a cost study that focuses on the purchase cost of a lomolder unit. Key elements such as choice of actuator and piston to part area ratio are described.

Os rebocadores portuários desempenham funções essenciais de assistência a navios nas operações de atracação, desatracação e navegação em aguas portuárias. Eles são equipamentos fundamentais para garantir a segurança das operações e a eficiência dos serviços portuários, contribuindo para a competitividade do porto. Com o crescimento do comercio mundial e, em particular, do Brasil, diversos portos vêm realizando a atualização e renovação das suas frotas de rebocadores para atendimento das demandas atuais. Neste trabalho apresenta-se um modelo de síntese e otimização multi-objetivo para o projeto de rebocadores portuários para ser aplicado na etapa de concepção. Nesta etapa os projetistas devem realizar a exploração mais ampla possível do espaço das potenciais soluções, na busca das melhores possíveis. O modelo de síntese foi formulado a partir de equações empíricas obtidas com base em informações extraídas de bancos de dados de rebocadores, e de estimativas de desempenho propostas por diferentes autores. Em seguida foi acoplado a um algoritmo genético para otimização da capacidade de reboque e do porte da embarcação. Os resultados da otimização para o projeto de três tipos de rebocadores mostraram que o modelo foi capaz de gerar soluções com desempenho melhor ou igual aos rebocadores já construídos. Esta otimização visou maximização da capacidade de reboque e a minimização do porte dos rebocadores. Os valores dos parâmetros que descrevem as soluções, que formaram a fronteira de Pareto deste processo de otimização multi-objetivo, encontram-se dentro daqueles normalmente encontrados em rebocadores existentes. Os resultados mostraram que o modelo de síntese é uma ferramenta capaz de auxiliar e facilitar as atividades das etapas iniciais do projeto de rebocadores. / The harbor tugs play essential assistance functions to vessels in docking and undocking operations, and navigation on port waters. They are an essential equipment to guarantee safe operations and efficiency in port services, contributing to the competitiveness of the port. With the growth of world trade, particularly in Brazil, several ports have been upgrading and renovating their tugs fleet to meet today\'s demands. This study presents a synthesis and multi-objective optimization model for harbor tugboats project to be applied at the design stage, in which the designers must exploit the entire potential solutions space to achieve the best possible one. The synthesis model was formulated by empirical equations based on information extracted from tugboats databases and performance estimates proposed by different authors. It was then coupled to a genetic algorithm to optimize the towing capability and the vessel size. The results of optimization for the design of three types of tugs showed that the model was able to generate solutions with better or equal performance to tugboats ever built. This optimization aimed at maximizing the towing capacity and minimizing the size of the tugs. The values of the parameters that describe solutions, which formed the Pareto front of this multi-objective optimization process, are within those usually found in existing tugboats. The results showed that the synthesis model is a tool capable of assisting and facilitating the early stages activities of the tugs project.

A modelagem de geometrias da natureza pode ser um processo complexo devido ás características orgânicas dos elementos. Propõe-se com essa dissertação identificar geometrias espaciais que sigam o padrão de crescimento espiral observado na natureza, utilizando as Tecnologias 3D como ferramentas para o processo de projeto. Para a execução do trabalho foram investigadas os Métodos de Biônica, Crescimento Espiral e a Sequência de Fibonacci, Engenharia Reversa e Design Paramétrico. O processo de representação dos elementos foi realizado em conformidade com a Metodologia para o Desenvolvimento de Produtos Baseados no Estudo da Biônica com o acréscimo das tecnologias de digitalização tridimensional e de processamento de nuvem de pontos, complementado pela parametrização de superfícies à base de curvas. Foram utilizados três processos para modelagem de curvas paramétricas representadas (i) pelo desenho de linhas sobre a malha digitalizada em 3D, (ii) por programação visual no software Grasshopper e (iii) por programação com scripts Python. Foi avaliada como melhor alternativa para o Design Paramétrico a utilização da programação visual otimizada com a programação por scripts, a qual apresentou melhor aproximação entre as curvas analisadas. Estudos de casos realizados com elementos da natureza (abacaxi e pinha) demonstraram a viabilização do método. Desta maneira a sistematização do conhecimento permitirá a proposição de um modelo paramétrico baseado na Biônica para fase inicial de inspiração e concepção de alternativas do projeto de produto. / Modeling the geometries of nature can be a complex process due to the organic characteristics of the elements. It is proposed with this dissertation to identify spatial geometries that follow the pattern of spiral growth observed in nature, using 3D Technologies as tools for the design process. For the execution of the work were investigated the Bionics, Spiral Growth and Fibonacci Sequence, Reverse Engineering and Parametric Design. The process of representation of the elements was carried out in accordance with the Methodology for the Development of Products Based on the Study of the Bionics with the addition of the technologies of three-dimensional digitization and processing of cloud of points, complemented by the parameterization of surfaces based on curves. Three methods were used for modeling parametric curves represented by (i) the drawing of lines on the 3D scanned mesh, (ii) by visual programming in the Grasshopper software and (iii) by programming with Python scripts. It was evaluated as the best alternative for Parametric Design the use of optimized visual programming with programming by scripts, which presented better approximation between the analyzed curves. Case studies carried out with nature elements (pineapple and pine cone) demonstrated the viability of the method. In this way the systematization of the knowledge will allow the proposition of a parametric model based on the Bionics for the initial phase of inspiration and design of alternatives of the product design.

O propósito deste trabalho foi o de elaborar uma metodologia de projeto de embarcações pesqueiras como alternativa ao processo clássico baseado na seqüência da \"Espiral de Projetos\". A metodologia proposta faz uso de um algoritmo de otimização que tem como finalidade automatizar cada uma das etapas e aperfeiçoar o resultado final mediante a busca, dentro do espaço de soluções viáveis (chamadas de soluções satisfatórias), da solução \"ótima\", ou seja, a melhor solução para uma determinada condição. Devido ao fato de cada zona de pesca ter suas características particulares no que diz respeito a condições ambientais (altura das ondas e força do vento), arte de pesca desenvolvida na região e normas impostas pela Autoridade Marítima, foi feita, em particular, uma aplicação ao caso da pesca no litoral peruano, pois foram consideradas no desenvolvimento do trabalho peculiaridades e dados que estão presentes nesta região. Neste sentido, desenvolveu-se um programa automatizado e otimizado baseado em uma seqüência de cálculos que permite projetar, a partir dos requisitos do armador, as características de uma embarcação pesqueira que cumpre um conjunto de restrições impostas e que atende ao objetivo desejado, ou seja, a embarcação que represente, através dessas características, a melhor solução possível para uma função de mérito ou função objetivo imposta. Desta forma, utilizando a técnica da parametrização de embarcações semelhantes, assim como métodos conhecidos para cálculo de características e atributos associados a navios pesqueiros, e também um algoritmo matemático de busca, demonstrou-se que é possível projetar uma embarcação pesqueira, do tipo de cerco, a partir dos requisitos do armador, com bons resultados, em períodos curtos de tempo e dentro das margens esperadas em etapas preliminares de projeto. / The purpose of this work was to develop a methodology for a fishing vessel design as alternative to the classic process based on the sequence of the \"Design Spiral.\" The proposed methodology use an optimization algorithm that aims to automate each one of the stages of the design and to improve the final result by the search, among the space of viable solutions (calls of satisfactory solutions), of the optimal solution, in other words, to find the best solution for a determined condition. Due to different characteristics of each fishing area such as: environmental conditions (height of the waves and wind intensity), the fishing gear used in the region and the rules established by the local Maritime Authority, this tool contemplates specific applications to fishing in the Peruvian coasts. Therefore, the development of this tool considered the corresponding data available for the region and the particularities unique to this fishing ground. In this context, an automated and optimized program was created based on a sequence of calculations, allowing to project, under the owner\'s requirements, fitting the characteristics of a fishing vessel that contemplates the imposed restrictions while achieving the overall objective. In other words, the resulting vessel will achieve, through these characteristics, the best possible solution in terms of functionality and desired requirements. Therefore, using the parametric technique of similar vessels, as well as known methods for the calculation of characteristics and associated attributes for fishing vessels and the use of a search mathematical algorithm, it was demonstrated that it is possible to design a fishing vessel of the seiner type, from the requirements of the owner, with good results, in few periods of time and within expected rates in preliminary stages of the project.

An orthosis, or orthotic device is used to straighten or correct the posture of part of the body. A foot orthosis (FO) is the subject of study for this dissertation. A FO is situated between the foot and the midsole of the shoe and replaces the insole. Foot orthoses (FOs) are intended to prevent or aid in the recovery of injury by acting to redistribute pressure experienced by the plantar surface of the foot as well as cause adjustments to the relative positions of the foot's bones during standing and gait. Traditional methods for developing a FO require extensive skilled manual labour and are highly dependent on subjective input. Modern FO development methods have sought to address these issues through the use of computer driven technological advancements. Foot scanners record geometry, computer aided design (CAD) software is used to develop the FO geometry, and automated manufacturing tools are used to either fabricate the FO or fabricate a mould about which the FO can be formed. A variety of modern solutions have successfully automated the process, however, it remains highly subjective. Skilled manual labour has merely been replaced with equally subjective skilled computer labour. In particular, adjustments to the foot are made with basic deformation functions to the static surface foot models generated by modern digitizers. To improve upon this, a model that describes the mechanics and properties of the various tissues of the foot is required. Such a model will also be useful for validating and optimizing FO designs prior to fabrication through simulation of weight-bearing conditions. Given the deformable characteristics of the tissues of the foot, the finite element (FE) modeling method is appropriate. The FE foot model has become a common medical and engineering tool in recent years. Its application, however, has primarily been limited to research as few clinical applications warrant the development cost. High cost stems from the MRI or CT scan and the skilled labour required to assemble the model for FE analysis. Consequently, the FE modeling approach has previously been out of reach for the application of FO development. The solution proposed and implemented was to map a detailed generic FE foot model to an inexpensive surface scan obtained from a modern digitizer. The mapping accurately predicted anatomical geometry and resulted in simulation models that can be used in the FO development process first to carry out postural adjustments prescribed by a practitioner and second in a validation step where a FO design can be tested prior to fabrication. In addition to simulation tools, novel complementary tools were developed for designing and fabricating FOs. The simulation, design, and fabrication tools were incorporated into a novel, seven step FO development process. The proposed process is beneficial to FO development as it reduces the required subjective input from practitioners and lab technicians and allows for the validation of potential FO designs prior to fabrication. Future work is required to improve computational efficiency of the FE foot models and to fully automate the process to make it commercially viable. In addition to FOs, the proposed approach also presents opportunities for improving other orthoses and prostheses for the human body.

The aim of this study is to design a computer interface, which links the user to commercial Finite Element Analysis (FEA) program, MSC.Marc-Mentat to make automatic FE analysis of an excavator boom by using DELPHI as platform. Parametrization of boom geometry is done to add some flexibility to interface called OPTIBOOM. Parametric FE analysis of a boom shortens the design stages and helps to find the optimum design in terms of stresses and mass.