Title: EVALUATION OF METHODS FOR COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN OF TEST EQUIPMENT. Final Report.

The use of an integrated computer-aided drafting and design system for fossil fuel power plant foundations would offer utilities considerable savings in engineering costs and design time. The technology is available, but research is needed to develop software, a common data base, and data management procedures. An integrated CADD system suitable for designing power plant foundations should include the ability to input, display, and evaluate geologic, geophysical, geotechnical, and survey field data; methods for designing piles, mats, footings, drilled shafts, and other foundation types; and the capability of evaluating various load configurations, soil-structure interactions, and other construction factors that influencemore » design. Although no such integrated system exists, the survey of CADD techniques showed that the technology is available to computerize the whole foundation design process, from single-foundation analysis under single loads to three-dimensional analysis under earthquake loads. The practices of design firms using CADD technology in nonutility applications vary widely. Although all the firms surveyed used computer-aided drafting, only two used computer graphics in routine design procedures, and none had an integrated approach to using CADD for geotechnical engineering. All the firms had developed corporate policies related to system security, supervision, overhead allocation, training, and personnel compensation. A related EPRI project RP2514, is developing guidelines for applying CADD systems to entire generating-plant construction projects. 4 references, 6 figures, 6 tables.« less

This development effort evaluated existing CAD and emerging CAE technologies for implementing automated processes applicable to the design, documentation, fabrication, and maintenance of electrical test equipment. By developing designs in an electronic media and electronically moving those designs, a 2-to-1 productivity improvement was achieved over previous methods. Users and customers further identified value-added benefits of faster development of designs and improved quality of the definitions produced.

This research investigates the potential for simulating radiography or ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques using computer-based geometric solid modeling of an object. It reviews the inspection techniques and determines the essential parameters that must be simulated and identifies additional areas for enhanced simulation. Geometric solid modeling utilizing computer aided design is then reviewed with respect to these requirements. Ray-tracing capability was determined to be the essential factor.

This report reviews current and future computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) technology relative to utility needs and to identify useful development projects that may be undertaken by EPRI. The principal conclusions are that computer aids offer substantial cost and time savings and that computer systems are being developed to take advantage of the savings. Data bases are not available for direct communication between computers used by the power industry and will limit benefits to the industry. Recommendations are made for EPRI to take the initiative to develop the data bases for direct communication between power industry computers and to research,more » develop, and demonstrate new applications within the industry. Key components of a CADD system are described. The state of the art of two- and three-dimensional CADD systems to perform graphics and project management control functions are assessed. Comparison is made of three-dimensional electronic models and plastic models.« less

This IDA paper was prepared at the request of the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. The paper documents findings of an evaluation on the capabilities of certain computer software/computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools to provide computer-aided graphic design of Battle Management/C3 for the SDIO. Each tool (of the five selected on the basis of the best available at this time), was installed at IDA. After training by vendor tool staff, an IDA team, using a hands-on design experience determined the merits of the tools for SDI application. A comparative summary of the tools is given relative to envisaged SDI requirements andmore » an extensive questionnaire is answered for each.« less