DESCRIPTION

The Advanced Computer Aided Design (ACAD) program provides users with the ability to create and modify geometry in two- or three-dimensions. Users can choose to model geometry with wireframes, surfaces, or solids. ACAD is the primary tool used by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company's Fort Worth Configuration Development for configuration and subsystem design of new and derivative aircraft programs. ACAD's primary role is the generation of geometry and some limited analysis. Much of the analysis performed within ACAD is geometrical analysis. For other types of analysis, ACAD generates interface files for transferring to groups who specialize in a particular analysis field such as Aerodynamics, Structural Analysis, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

Inputting data to ACAD is accomplished through one of many input modes available to the designer. Example options include digitizing locations, entering explicit coordinate values, snap to grid, and using entity intersections. Each entity (spline, lines, points, surfaces,etc.) can have individual color, width, and style attributes. Logical groupings of entities can be separated and managed with layers, groups, and blanking. ACAD models can be viewed orthographically or in perspective. Users can specify view orientation and choose to display geometry in multiple window configurations. Window operations such as panning, zooming, and auto extents are accomplished at any time providing instream capability. The ACAD user can also control the display of surfaces or solids with options such as wireframe, hidden line removal, flat or Gouraud shading.

At the heart of the ACAD system is the associative database. In an associative database, geometry is linked together in a relational structure that remembers parent/child dependencies. This type of database enables rapid modifications of geometry, since modifying one geometric element automatically adjusts its dependencies based on a set of predefined rules. For instance, changing a control spline of a fuselage will automatically regenerate any surface(s) built with that spline. In turn, any geometry that is associated to the fuselage surface (i.e., plane/curve and surface intersections, fillets,etc.) will automatically regenerate.

USAGE

Access to the ACAD executable is restricted. Contact the HPC Help Desk about access to ACAD.

LICENSE INFORMATION

For information on supported platforms, versions and licenses, please check the AFRL DSRC Software Page:
https://www.afrl.hpc.mil/software/.

VENDOR LINKS

ACAD is a restricted code. As such, the vendor has elected not publish a public page for it. If you have questions concerning ACAD, please contact the HPC Help Desk.