Managing Software for More Efficient Design
Efficient design of structural members with microcomputers requires a large variety of analysis, design, and check programs. The management of these programs can best be accomplished with...
Symbols for Controlling CAD Software
The use of graphic symbols for controlling complex CAD software is discussed. Emphasis is put on the advantages of icons over text. Guidelines for developing and adapting graphic symbols...
Nonlinear Structural Analysis on an Engineering Workstation
The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of solving nonlinear structural analysis problems on a desktop engineering workstation. The paper summarizes the main features...
Self-Adapting CAD Software
An approach for enhancing CAD and other interactive software is described. The goals of the approach are bifold, to customize complex programs which employ computer graphics, and to improve...
An Interactive Shell for Batch Processors
Many programs have been and are currently being developed in which the input data files or associated databases must be developed independently of the main program. This paper describes...
Structural and Architectural Maintenance Management by Micro-computer
When a new Senior Vice-President for University College, the nonmedical portion of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was appointed in 1984, one of the problems encountered by the...
Seismic Structural Optimization and Computer Programs
A generic system has been developed for the geometric design of highway retaining walls. Merging the three-dimensional coordinate geometry capabilities of the roadway design system (RDS)...
Engineering Optimization Via Genetic Algorithm
The application of a genetic algorithm (GA) to the optimal design of a ten member, plane truss is considered. Genetic algorithms are search procedures based upon the mechanics of natural...
Design Improvements Using Finite Elements and Optimizing with Approximate Functions
A design optimization module has been added to the finite element program ANSYS, designed to aid the engineer in reaching an improved or optimum design. The numerical technique employed...
Interactive CAL Modules for Mechanics of Solids
Traditionally the basic engineering course in 'Mechanics of Solids' has proven to be a challenge to both the students and faculty, for although the fundamental...
A Problem Oriented Courseware Interface
A program has been created in an attempt to utilize the benefits of the microcomputer in assisting the learning process without invoking the attendance 'black-box'...
Analysis and Design of Prestressed Concrete Spun Poles
A microcomputer package for the analysis and design of prestressed concrete spun poles is described. The package, named PCPAD, consists of six programs each having a specific analysis...
The Software Implications of Supercomputer Architecture
A simple look at computer architecture from a computational (and hence user) perspective is observed. A relation between computer architecture and software development is explored. Today's...
Finite Element Software on a Multiprocessor
The continuing implementation and testing of finite element software on the Butterfly Parallel Processor is discussed. The Butterfly computer is a general purpose, shared memory machine...
Equation Solving on a Parallel Computer
The application of computers to the analysis of large structural systems is examined. The analysis procedure is presented as three distinct phases: (1) element formulation, (2) equation...
Reflections on the Impact of Computer Science on Engineering
Over the past several decades, the use of computers in engineering has grown significantly. Over this same time period, work in the relatively new discipline of Computer Science has impacted...
A Perspective on Engineering Computing
Computing in engineering seems to be evolving very rapidly and yet the data shows that it frequently takes twenty years before a viable concept becomes widely available. Economics is the...
Liability: Problem or Crisis?
Engineering firms are being hit with liability insurance rate increases of 30%, 50% or more. Deductibles are being raised and the maximum coverage is being decreased. Some firms cannot...
Construction Company Builds a Computer System
The case history of the computerization of a construction company is presented. The report reviews the stages that the company went through from manual operations for bookkeeping, estimating,...
Scenic Squeeze
Constructing a four-lane dual highway through the 12 miles of Colorado's Glenwood Canyon involves several engineering innovations: cantilevered roadways, unusual retaining...
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