Workshop is a structure modelling utility that allows the designer to model the primary structure within a 3D Maxsurf surface model. All parts created in Workshop are parametric, meaning that the parts will automatically update to changes in the Maxsurf surface model. This allows the designer to model the structure concurrently with the hull shape. For example, the designer can start defining structural elements while the hullform still requires final fairing.
It is important to realise that Workshop is a naval architecture tool in addition to CAD packages. It allows the primary structure to be modelled in earlier stages of design and thus contributes to the optimisation/iteration routine; not only by optimising the structural arrangement but also indirectly by providing accurate and up-to-date weight calculations for stability and performance analysis. Finally it can then be used to produce highly accurate production output, such as developed plates, stringers and frame contours, when the design is finalised. Workshop has several export formats available that allow the designer to work in a flexible CADCAM environment, particularly when linking to the ShipConstructor detailing system.
Workshop is an extension to Maxsurf. It uses the same basic set of commands and windows and adds features for creating parts such as stringers, frames, decks and plates. Workshop opens Maxsurf designs directly and displays all of the contours and views available in Maxsurf. To help you create the parts it also includes additional commands that allow you to define and use inclined sections and curves in a surface.
In Workshop, structural parts are interactively created and arranged on screen in the usual Plan, Profile, Body Plan and Perspective windows. Individual parts are viewed in the Part window.
Workshop's features include:
· Automatic or manual generation and fitting of stringers.
· Stringer shape and cutout definition.
· Stringer development.
· Frame generation.
· Deck generation.
· Plate development of developable plates.
· Plate expansion of non-developable plates.
· Plate forming templates.
· Plate pin jigs.
· Export of all parts to ShipConstructor, Autocad and other CAD or CAM systems.
Stringers – stiffeners of hull shell plate. Wherever stringers pass through a frame a cutout will be placed in the frame to allow the stringer to pass through. The stringer paths may also be used as plate boundaries or as reference lines on plate developments.
Cutouts - The Workshop Library contains a database of stringer shapes and cutouts. When a stringer passes through a frame, one of the cutouts from the library will be used to place the cutout in the frame. The library also contains a list of materials.(see below)
Upstands - An upstand is a short line that runs from the intersection of a stringer and a frame in the orientation-direction of the stringer. It allows you to override the orientation and cutout shape of a stringer at a particular frame.
Frames – Frames are transverse or inclined structural components located at a particular section or inclined section. They can contain any number of openings including an interior opening at a particular web depth.
Decks – Decks are horizontal components located at a particular waterline. They can contain any number of openings.
Plates - Plates are 4 sided regions on a Maxsurf surface defined by four contours which form its boundaries. Plates have a thickness which is defined by their material types.
Materials - Each part is made from a particular material. A database of materials is stored in the Workshop Library which is opened automatically when the program starts up. The library also contains a list of shapes and cutouts. (see above)
Workshop allows you to define where parts will be located by referring to construction lines on the surface of the hull. The construction lines you can use are sections, waterlines, buttocks, diagonals, inclined sections, feature lines, parametrics, intersections, surface curves and edges. Using Workshop involves selecting one or more construction lines to define the location on the design where each part is to be created.
Workshop allows you to create a complete and accurate set of parts including stringers, frames, decks and plates. You can then export these parts via DXF file to a CAD system for further detailing or directly to an NC CAM system for cutting.
Workshop does not include every detailing feature you may require. It is designed to be used in conjunction with a CAD system such as ShipConstructor or Autocad so that any additional special details can be added after the basic part geometry has been created in Workshop. You can also use your CAD system to prepare stringer shapes and cutout shapes. These shapes can be imported into Workshop via DXF files.
The procedure for using Workshop to build up a complete structural model is as follows;
· Define where frames will be located and what shape they will be by selecting sections and using the Add Frame command.
· Define where stringers will be located by drawing or generating stringers.
· If necessary, add, edit or import the required stringer and cutout shapes into the library using the Edit Library command.
· Assign cutout shapes to stringers by selecting stringers and using the Shape & Cutout… command.
· Calculate the stringer shapes by using the Calculate Stringers command.
· Calculate the upstands at the intersection between the stringers and the frames using the Calculate Upstands command.
· Use the Calculate Frames command to generate the frame shapes including cutouts for stringers which pass through them and cutouts for internal spaces.
· Define where decks will be located and what shape they will be by selecting waterlines and using the Add Deck command.
· Define plates by selecting four contours defining the plate boundary and using the Add Plate command.
· Develop plates by using the Calculate Plates command.
· Copy frames, stringers, decks and plates to DXF files using the Export command.
The suggested procedure above is just one way of building up your parts. In fact you can use any command in any order and add and delete any type of part at any time. The suggested sequence above simply ensures that you have created frames before generating stringers between frames, created stringers before finding upstands and so on. As you become more proficient with Workshop, you will probably want to define all of your parts and then use the Calc All Parts command to calculate everything in the design at highest precision.