Interface brings Rolls-Royce analysis into Step

A new CADverter enables SC03, a Rolls-Royce developed finite element analysis application, to easily interface with any CAD system capable of providing data in Step AP203 format.

Theorem Solutions and Rolls-Royce have brought their specialist skills together to enable SC03, a Rolls-Royce developed finite element analysis application, to easily interface with any CAD system capable of providing data in Step AP203 format.

SC03 is an automatic analysis system created by Rolls-Royce to allow fully integrated stress, displacement, thermal and vibration analysis to be undertaken at any stage in the design cycle.

It was originally designed to meet the aero engine manufacturer's in-house analysis needs.

However, the application's wide market appeal has encouraged the company to make the software available to other users under a commercial licence.

To promote wider acceptance of the application, Rolls-Royce has recognised the need to provide a high capability interface to the various CAD systems used by potential SC03 customers.

This has been achieved by drawing on the strong working relationship established by Theorem and Rolls-Royce through the aerospace company's use of Theorem's direct CAD data translators, as well as those based on the Step standard.

Close collaboration between the two organisations has led to the development of a Theorem Step AP203 module translator specifically for use with SC03.

The resultant CADverter has been optimised for use with the analysis program to ensure, for example, that any assembly structure and geometry derived from assembly data (product structure) present in the Step file, will be merged into a single file suitable for SC03 analysis.

When integrated with the CADverter module, SC03 will accept geometry from any CAD application capable of outputting geometry in Step AP203 format.

As a result, large numbers of potential users can now access Rolls-Royce's many years of computer aided analysis experience through a standard interface.

Furthermore, the Theorem CADverter allows users to harness the capabilities of SC03 without needing to spend time recreating geometry, or risking the potential data errors associated with such an approach.

The Step AP203 CADverter operates from a command line interface, or from within SC03, and can be used interactively for the translation of single files, or used in a batch mode as a convenient method of translating multiple files without user intervention.

Commenting on the co-operation underpinning the product development, Keith Jeacock, General Manager of Theorem's UK operations said: "The Rolls-Royce and Theorem Solutions relationship is already bearing fruit, with early sales already made to a client in Asia".

"This is just one of many opportunities currently under discussion".

"I am therefore confident that we shall be announcing several further SC03/CADverter contracts during the coming months".

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