RINA Uses Open-source 3D Modeling Components and Open CASCADE Development Skills to Design New Ship Classification Software

The Leonardo Hull 3D Project centers on dedicated modelers designed to facilitate mesh generation for structural analysis, considering hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads. This will give RINA full control of the process that establishes ship design compliance to RINA rules.

PARIS, December 4, 2001 - RINA, a major ship classification society based in Genoa, Italy, has accepted on-time delivery of the first set of geometric modeling software for the Leonardo Hull 3D Project (LH3D). The software was developed by Open CASCADE using its open-source components and application development tools and will allow creation of virtual 3D models especially suited to RINA's analysis expertise.

These 3D models include ship geometry and structural aspects (such as reinforcements, plates and beams), which are used for the generation of a finite element mesh following calculation rules established by RINA. After FEM calculation, RINA can validate ship design and verify whether it complies with classification rules. In addition, ship owners will be able to use the software to follow maintenance requirements during the vessel's life cycle.

In Italy, Open CASCADE collaborates with EADS Matra Datavision SpA in a common effort to ensure customer satisfaction for all specific application developments.

RINA aims for openness and integration

The key objective of the project is to develop an application featuring openness and integration with other software tools, data and processes. The application includes dedicated tools and functions that will optimize internal processes related to RINA's core business around passenger ships and ferries. Data will be integrated in a way that avoids repetition and provides consistency throughout the product life cycle. With Open CASCADE, RINA has direct control of the software through open-source access and the possibility of being able to use advanced modeling technology.

Since it is integrated with the structural, hydrodynamic, hull girder vibration and stability calculation models, the application will drastically reduce the time needed to carry out simulation studies. In addition, RINA will be able to perform calculations on data received directly from the shipyard and check results against the input files.

Software and data structure from the LH3D Project will be the basis for future developments of tools and services dedicated to ship classification, facilitating the implementation of new services while cutting application development costs.

Made-to-order programming and efficient development with Open CASCADE

The great advantage of using Open CASCADE components for this project is that RINA will have direct access to all program code and will thus master the complete modeling process. With commercially available software, it would not have been possible to fine-tune the code to RINA's requirements. Open CASCADE software also enables the creation of a number of specific applications at key points in the analysis workflow. These applications speed the ship design validation process by guiding user tasks such as definition of load conditions or load generation.

According to Riccardo Poggi, responsible for development at RINA and head of the LH3D project, "Open CASCADE software saves time in the design validation process not only by allowing the integration of various tailored applications, but also by providing a direct link to shipyard data created with standard commercial CAD and analysis tools."

Poggi was also pleased with the Open CASCADE company's ability to meet the double challenge of tight deadlines and stringent software development requirements. "The Open CASCADE team provided preliminary consulting and delivered an application prototype within seven months, representing 1400 man/days of development," he continues. "We were impressed by their ability to organize the resources necessary to create an efficient development unit. The Open CASCADE team's skills in design and implementation matched perfectly with RINA's know-how concerning software applied to the marine domain. We were pleased to find a supplier able to fulfill the high qualitative standards of software production applied by RINA to every scientific and technical software project."

Open CASCADE's availability in Open Source provides RINA with zero-cost access to advanced application development tools and the assurance of long-term software viability, thanks to the contributions of a worldwide developer community.

About RINA

RINA is part of the Registro Italiano Navale group and is a Genoa-based classification society which was formed in 1861. It was a founding member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Today, it classes more than 2,000 ocean going ships totaling 15 million gross tons. RINA has particular expertise in cruise and ferry passenger vessels and high-speed craft and employs more than 650 people in 55 offices around the world. For details, see http://www.rina.org/.

About Open CASCADE Services

Open CASCADE is the leading open-source tool for 3D modeling worldwide and is used for the development of trade-specific technical and scientific applications ranging from mechanical CAD/CAM/CAE to AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) and GIS (Geographical Information Systems).

The Open CASCADE business model is based on providing specific developments for industrial customers and services to software editors and on commercializing a broad range of services around the certified Open CASCADE version. These value-added services aim to bring about the optimal implementation of the user's development project and include on-site and online training, technical assistance and support packages that provide 12 months of coverage for different types of customer needs. Customers can also order personalized project follow-up and expert consulting.

The Open CASCADE Company is an independent subsidiary of EADS Matra Datavision. Open CASCADE is a registered trademark of the Open CASCADE company. 

http://www.opencascade.com 

About Open CASCADE Certified Version 4.0

Certified Version 4.0 of Open CASCADE includes C++ components for the modeling data structure, modeling algorithms, visualization, data exchange, an application framework, and foundation classes, as well as the automatically configured WOK development environment. WOK can be used with both Open CASCADE and non-Open CASCADE-based applications.

Open CASCADE now features advanced data exchange that broadens the definition of data supported by IGES and STEP and includes shape healing and improved surface sewing components that enhance user productivity through the automatic correction of imperfect data. Version 4.0 also incorporates improvements in modeling algorithms, as well as new AIS 2D services that allow the display and selection of two-dimensional graphic objects and provide texture mapping for views and shapes.

Open CASCADE version 4.0 runs on Linux Intel 2.4, Windows NT/9x and 2000 and Sun Solaris 2.6.

 

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