Parametric Modeling of Movables for Structural Analysis

In this paper a method is described with which structural models of aircraft movables can be generated using a knowledge-based engineering tool. First of all, a parametric definition of the movable family has been implemented in knowledge-based engineering software. The resulting model generates the geometry of, and information about, a movable, based on methods stored within the model and inputs provided by the user. The geometric layout of the movable can be adjusted by changing the input parameters used for generating the model. The information that is generated by the model is used in the second part of the knowledge-based engineering tool: the transformation of the geometrical model of the movable to a structural model. This transformation consists of segmenting the movable model into easily meshable surfaces and storing information about material properties of, and loads on, the movable in text files. The geometry and the text files are used in a finite element preprocessor to automatically generate the finite element model of a movable. In this way finite element models of movables of different configurations can be generated in a quick and consistent way.