The Equipment module in ShipConstructor provides for definition of equipment items in the library and insertion into the ship model. Equipment layout results in accurate centre of gravity calculation and integration with piping systems.
The Equipment module is typically used in the first stages of the mechanical design process - the layout of equipment in engine and service rooms. Equipment items such as engines, generators, pumps, winches, cranes, doors and chairs can be modelled in AutoCAD, Inventor, or in any other CAD system and added to the project database. Attributes are attached to indicate what type of piping can be attached to the equipment, and to store other manufacturer related information. The pipe attachment points share the same "intelligent" connection information as items in the pipe catalogue.
External suppliers can typically provide equipment
information in AutoCAD format which can be directly loaded into
ShipConstructor's library. U.S. users can benefit from the NSRP
sponsored Common Parts Catalogue, which allows multiple shipyards to
share common supplier data.
Once an item is selected from the
library, it can be placed in an equipment or piping drawing. This
automatically adds the item to the central database, updates weight and
CG calculations and includes the item into the 3D assembly and
arrangement drawings.
At any time, structural model data can be
dynamically loaded alongside the equipment model and used for snapping,
measuring or visualising placement of equipment. Local interference
checks can also be carried out to verify correctness of the model.
Equipment
parts form a part of the System Work Breakdown Structure (SWBS) of the
vessel. They will automatically appear in the SWBS reports in Manager
and can be moved in the BuildStrategy to indicate their assembly
sequence during construction. Equipment Arrangement drawings can be
automatically generated by dynamically linking in other structural and
piping systems.
