In the design and manufacturing process, it is also useful to convert models between CAD versions, effectively downgrading models where features such as filter radii or the tangencies of surfaces might not translate properly.

“CADdoctor supports this process by providing a reliable, efficient and trouble-free mechanism to transfer the data between the relevant formats.” CADdoctor is also used by Alpine F1 Team’s stress engineers for tasks such as simplifying parts and removing selected features so they can more easily load a complex assembly into FEA for meshing and analysis. “The choice is based on the analyst’s experience and the requirements of the particular case-if we need linear, nonlinear, composite or metallic analysis, we’ve got particular applications suited to each,” says Bennett. This sharing of files can be complicated as the engineering team’s stress analysts use a wide variety of tools, which can include Abaqus, Patran, Nastran and a range of Altair tools, among others. Once in the ‘full size’ design environment, models move back and forth between CAD and FEA. There can be some very advanced conceptual surfaces in this area so the contribution to data quality is very valuable,” explains Bennett. “Then, in both the aerodynamics and the wind-tunnel design departments, we use the software for visualization of complex geometries and to refine or clean up the models. At the aerodynamics concept stage, CADdoctor is able to send data out to external partners in common industry-standard codes, such as IGES, STEP, or Parasolid. It specifically uses CADdoctor, which-as the name suggests-heals or repairs any imperfections during the translation process and ensures product data quality, before it is exported, in the most suitable form for reuse in downstream consumption. Now, throughout its development cycle, from concept right through to production, Alpine F1 Team engineers use Elysium to complement its main CAD tool CATIA V5. That was the starting point of our partnership,” recalls Fukuta. “The first component to be translated to CATIA was a complete gearbox but the engineers were spending so much time having problems with translation that they came to us through another partner and finally, in just a few hours, the problems were solved. The engineers at Enstone had already decided to move from a previous CAD package to CATIA, which of course would mean translating a lot of CAD files, including legacy data. Elysium started working with the Renault F1 Team back in 2002, shortly after Renault bought the team from Benetton.

Elysian exploit runner