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Architectural computing
NC burning machine control NEL (National Engineering Laboratory) in the UK has developed a computer aid for producing control tapes for NC burning machines. The system, NESTEG, runs on a Univac 1100/21
occupying 30k of 30-bit words and drives a Tektronix storage-tube display. Shapes for products such as fans and cranes have s,ccessfullv been handled. Outlines at the shapes to be cut out
of tile stock metal carl be generated from a digitizer by NELAPT, or prepared with a special geometric language. The shapes are arranged by the user on to the stock plate using the screen cursor. Distance between shapes is automatically set to a distance equal to the width of the flame. Cutters are driven round each shape in turn by indicating approximate start and end points with the cursor. Errors are easily detected and corrected by the user. Once a satisfactory cutter path is generated an NEL standard contour file is produced which is postprocessed for the particular machine tool. (Systems Software Divi-
sion, National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbricle, Glasgow G75 OQU. Telephone: 03552 20222)
/ Cutter path for NC burning machine produced by NESTEG
An interactive graphics system LR PILEDRI VE has been designed to assess the ability o f hammers to drive individual piles and to indicate the dynamic stresses induced in the piles by driving operations. Based on one,dimensional stress wave theory, the system is able to select and plot data very quickly. It allows engineers to perform parametric studies with a minimum o f new input. Data can be checked on the computer display before the computer run is allowed to proceed. A l l input is handled interactively using the graphics terminal and, as a result, the input phase takes only about I0 rain. Input data includes pile idealization, curves o f dynamic unit skin friction, end bearing resistances and damping values. Following analysis, results can be displayed in several ways, e.g. variation o f force, stress, velocity or displacement with time or along the pile length, or maximum stresses in the pile. Another option allows output to be displayed dynamically on a VDU. Consecutive frames show results at successive small time intervals giving, in effect, a slow-motion picture o f how stress waves pass along the pile. (Lloyd's Register o f Shipping, 71 Fenchurch Street, London E~3M 4BS, UK. Telephone: 01- 709 9166)
186
Architectural computing In 1978, a Diploma in Architectural Computing course was introduced by the Department of Architectural Science, University of Sydney, Australia to allow those associated with the architecture and building professions the opportunity to become knowledgable in the specialized area of architectural computing. As more and more architects and architectural firms become involved with computational techniques and computers, there will need to be architects and designers who are competent in this area to complement computer scientists rather than to replace them. This postgraduate diploma, in addition to satisfying this need, is also based on the thesis that many disparate parts of architecture and building can be better understood from a knowledge of the methodological background of systems analysis and computing. The diploma consists of lecture/ seminar/project courses based on a unit/ option system plus a substantial practical project. The subjects are grouped under four headings: computers, computation methods, operations research and methodology. (Computer Appli-
cations Research, Department of Architectural Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. Telephone: 692 2328)
computer-aided design
occupying 30k of 30-bit words and drives a Tektronix storage-tube display. Shapes for products such as fans and cranes have s,ccessfullv been handled. Outlines at the shapes to be cut out
of tile stock metal carl be generated from a digitizer by NELAPT, or prepared with a special geometric language. The shapes are arranged by the user on to the stock plate using the screen cursor. Distance between shapes is automatically set to a distance equal to the width of the flame. Cutters are driven round each shape in turn by indicating approximate start and end points with the cursor. Errors are easily detected and corrected by the user. Once a satisfactory cutter path is generated an NEL standard contour file is produced which is postprocessed for the particular machine tool. (Systems Software Divi-
sion, National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbricle, Glasgow G75 OQU. Telephone: 03552 20222)
/ Cutter path for NC burning machine produced by NESTEG
An interactive graphics system LR PILEDRI VE has been designed to assess the ability o f hammers to drive individual piles and to indicate the dynamic stresses induced in the piles by driving operations. Based on one,dimensional stress wave theory, the system is able to select and plot data very quickly. It allows engineers to perform parametric studies with a minimum o f new input. Data can be checked on the computer display before the computer run is allowed to proceed. A l l input is handled interactively using the graphics terminal and, as a result, the input phase takes only about I0 rain. Input data includes pile idealization, curves o f dynamic unit skin friction, end bearing resistances and damping values. Following analysis, results can be displayed in several ways, e.g. variation o f force, stress, velocity or displacement with time or along the pile length, or maximum stresses in the pile. Another option allows output to be displayed dynamically on a VDU. Consecutive frames show results at successive small time intervals giving, in effect, a slow-motion picture o f how stress waves pass along the pile. (Lloyd's Register o f Shipping, 71 Fenchurch Street, London E~3M 4BS, UK. Telephone: 01- 709 9166)
186
Architectural computing In 1978, a Diploma in Architectural Computing course was introduced by the Department of Architectural Science, University of Sydney, Australia to allow those associated with the architecture and building professions the opportunity to become knowledgable in the specialized area of architectural computing. As more and more architects and architectural firms become involved with computational techniques and computers, there will need to be architects and designers who are competent in this area to complement computer scientists rather than to replace them. This postgraduate diploma, in addition to satisfying this need, is also based on the thesis that many disparate parts of architecture and building can be better understood from a knowledge of the methodological background of systems analysis and computing. The diploma consists of lecture/ seminar/project courses based on a unit/ option system plus a substantial practical project. The subjects are grouped under four headings: computers, computation methods, operations research and methodology. (Computer Appli-
cations Research, Department of Architectural Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. Telephone: 692 2328)
computer-aided design