Performing action...
Performing action...
BAE Systems' Electromagnetic Engineering & Test department performs testing and analysis. While each vehicle may be designed in various locations using different systems, analysis demands a single, accurate geometric model.
Multiple Modelers --- Multiple Solvers
Eurofighter is a classic example: Geometry comes to BAE from Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. The company must import this data into a neutral environment, clean it up, assign material properties, generate a mesh and format it for use in its analysis packages.
CADfix®
BAE uses CADfix as a central data exchange resource. Offering a reliable link to every major CAD system, CADfix provides the perfect platform for such a diverse range of data.
"CADfix is at the heart of everything we do," says Paul Baker, a BAE Computational Electromagnetics specialist. "Its the hub of our operation. Whatever kind of analysis we need to perform, or mesh we need, the starting point is always CADfix."
Meshing at speed
CADfix also improves meshing time at BAE. Even with today's powerful computers, aircraft analysis can take about ten days. With CADfix meshes can be generated in just hours.
Spark out
CADfix came into its own when studying the effects of lightning strikes on the cockpit. "Analysis revealed a slight anomaly that would have been impossible to spot via physical testing," said Baker. "A spark can form at one of the 'strake's fasteners'. This is the last thing you want. Without CADfix it could have taken years to detect."