Introduction

The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) is developing a prototype tool that can enhance a change to the acquisition process.  Simulation-Based Design (SBD) seeks to integrate the technologies of
distributed simulation, physics-based modeling, and virtual environments.  The Gulf Coast Region Maritime Technology Center is one of several members of the SBD team involved in developing this new technology.

Background

Simulation-based design is a revolutionary digital environment in which to conduct integrated product and process development and concurrent engineering.  The SBD program involves developing and demonstrating the concept of Virtual Prototyping in order to exploit the cost and time saving benefits of simulation technology in the design of complex mechanical systems.  Additionally, the program encompasses the manufacturing, cost, performance, and life-cycle considerations to be coordinated and integrated
through the entire process, from concept development to manufacture and operations.

Objectives

The objectives of the  SBD program are as follows:

reduce design times by half

investigate advanced technologies "on-the-fly"

eliminate physical prototypes

improve initial design quality, resulting in significant life-cycle cost reductions

enhance communication using virtual reality technologies, giving a sense of experiencing the design

assess manufacturing and operations, prior to construction, by using simulations

review stringent military specification requirements for reduction or elimination as appropriate, through the use of real-time physical-based assessments

maintain technically qualified, national ship design capability

Applications

Navy and commercial ships

Simulation-based training

Defense weapon systems

Aviation / space systems

Electronics manufacturing assembly

Development Partners

Lockheed Martin

Newport News Shipbuilding

Science Applications International Corporation

General Dynamics Electric Boat Division

Deneb Robotics

Silicon Graphics Inc.

Parametric Technology

Intergraph

University of Iowa

University of North Carolina

Fakespace

Loral Federal Systems

Deployment Partner

McDermott Shipbuilding Inc.

Project Status Summary
The scope of work relative to the Gulf Coast Region Maritime Technology Center in the DARPA SBD program includes the following:

1) Establish an SBD/Virtual Reality laboratory
A virtual development environment consisting of high-end computing power provided by Silicon Graphics ONYX and Power Challenge and augmented by multi-platform workstations represents  the core of GCRMTC=92s SBD/Virtual Reality laboratory.  A suite of engineering software applications, immersive display tools, and stereoscopic projectors complement the hardware environment.  Seating for up to 23 persons is provided in an esthetically pleasing studio/classroom.

2) Demonstrate the use of distributed high-speed networks which provide remote access for collaborative applications
The GCRMTC SBD/Virtual Reality facility is supported by a high-speed, high-bandwidth ATM network where remote collaboration has been demonstrated. Simulation- based design of ships involves large, complex geometry and massive polygon counts.  While fiber-optic backbones can accommodate huge amounts of data transmission, current switching devices and network interface technologies are not fast enough nor cost effective to achieve the desired frame-rate throughput to make remote collaboration smooth.  GCRMTC is presently investigating the procurement of gigabit network cards to test for more effective throughput levels.

3) Establish partnerships with government, industry, and academia which foster SDB technology deployment
GCRMTC is currently assisting McDermott Shipbuilding Inc.in the areas of visualization and mechanical simulations on the Mobile Offshore Base project.  Other projects currently being negotiated include the McDonnell Douglas Smart Product Model project and the CVX Carrier Simulation project; also the NAVY DDG Dynamic Aircraft Simulation.

4) Test and demonstrate SBD components developed by Lockheed Martin and its subcontractors
A limited amount of work has been done under this scope of work; the Smart Product Model developed by Lockheed Martin is being adapted to ship designs and GCRMTC is a partner with McDonnell Douglas to incorporate this concept into shipbuilding.

For more information contact:

Mr. Jeevan Campos
(409) 882-3072
E-Mail: campos@luorc.edu

GCRMTC TECHNICAL BRIEFS are published periodically by the Gulf Coast Region Maritime Technology Center, a U.S. Navy Center of Excellence in Advanced Marine Technology based at the University of New Orleans.  GCRMTC's Mission is to "enhance international competitiveness in the U.S. shipbuilding industry through sponsored research."   For additional information, contact:  GCRMTC, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, Tel: (504) 280-3871, Fax: (504) 280-3898, E-mail: jtsen@uno.edu

The contents of this publication reflect the views of the MERIC staff and are based on information obtained from the literature.  The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or the policies of MERIC or the Gulf Coast Maritime Technology Center.  This publication does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.  MERIC does not endorse products, equipment or manufacturers.  Trademarks or manufacturer's names appear herein only because they are considered essential to the object of this publication.