Abstract
In this work the problem of designing a CAD-system independent product model data base, to be used in computer aided elastomeric seal design, is treated. It is shown how a general purpose turn-key CAD-system can be used together with an external product model data base and external calculation programs. The importance of storing product information in a CAD-system independent data base instead of on drawings in one particular CAD-system is pointed out. This is of special interest from long time storage point of view, as product related information is expected to live longer in a manufacturing company than one particular CAD-system.
In order to be able to transmit data between the CAD-system and the external product model data base, and between the data base and the external calculation programs, special interfaces must be designed. Here it is demonstrated how such interface programs can be designed using FORTRAN 77 and a particular graphic application program language available in the CAD-system CDM 300. For the creation of the data base and for the data storage and data retrieval, the data base management system TORNADO is used.
Finally the simultaneous use of the CAD-system, the external data base and the calculation program, when designing an elastomeric seal cross section, is demonstrated with a test example.
Energy model data base program