New CADAM applications for the automotive and aerospace industries

The version 4 release 1.9 give capabilities in areas such as shape engineering, composite and sheet metal design, analysis and manufacturing inspection.The 4D Navigator high-performance graphic window supports the form, fit and function simulations for the digital mock-up process, reviewing with real-time clash detection, dynamic sectioning, fitting simulations and kinematics studies.

According to CATIA the paradigm shift in modeling by providing more generative and specification-driven sets of products significantly improve speed and productivity. With this new design approach, users define design and manufacturing specifications and CATIA automatically generates the overall geometry and manages all the topological and geometrical conditions.

CATIA 4.1.9 is equipped with six new features. Body-in-White Templates offers a new way to design complex thin parts, such as automobile inner body panels and body stiffeners. It enables design teams to define and reuse design and manufacturing specifications.Surfaces can then be automatically generated by sweeping these shapes across 3D curves.This product complements the hybrid modeling technologies already available.

Another feature is Generative Aerospace Sheetmetal Design for designers in the aerospace industry, wich offers improved productivity and design quality for folded and flattened parts. It also allows the capture of the company's knowledge, including design and manufacturing constraints, facilitating the design of hydro-pressed airframes. The product also includes a pre-defined catalog of features of aerospace sheet metal parts.

The Generative Composites Covering speeds up and automates the early design cycle for composite part definition, where many design iterations occur. Operating from a set of design rules,the user automatically transforms the iso structure areas identified by finite element analysis into ply and stacking sequence definitions.

Generative Part Dynamic Analysis enables users in all industries to identify and eliminate problems from resonant vibration early in the design process by allowing them to perform dynamic (modal) analysis. Inspection Planning Assistant offers manufacturers increased productivity in the generation of inspection plans to be run on Coordinate Measuring Machines, thus enhancing quality control of molds and parts. It is most applicable to repetitive manufacturing, and to industries such as aerospace.It provides automated 3D geometric dimensions and interpretation of tolerance data for part control. These plans can include the 3D manufacturing tolerances stored as part of the CATIA model.

AEC Raceway Design makes it easier to design and lay out cable trays for customers in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) and Shipbuilding industries. It includes a starter library of industry-standard components. The AEC Raceway Design product employs an parametric-driven catalog and rules-based design checking.