CAFE for rapid Ship Design

CAFE is a very powerful ship-modeling tool that offers innovative features that not only ensures faster and easier user interaction but also results in a large time saving for modeling. The CAFE framework supports a wide variety of imports from widely used CAD and CAE software. Following the quick definition of the hull shape, main structural components like transverse and longitudinal bulkheads, double bottom, double hull and decks can be modelled using the innovative functions that CAFE has to offer. Lastly, the user can define Openings and stiffeners with great ease. These structural entities can also be parametric in nature.

CAFE is widely used for the initial stage of the Ship Design process, but apart from this it also offers other functionalities like weight and surface calculations, strength calculation, lighting distribution, cost calculation (including piping and electric installation), etc. Models generated in CAFE can be meshed and the mesh can then be exported in a suitable format to the Finite Element code of the user’s choice. A simple Finite Element Analysis can also be performed within CAFE using the in-built open source OOFEM software adapted for shipbuilding.

CAFE also makes it capable for several users to collaborate on the same projects. This way multiple users can work on the same project and work put in by different users on the same project is streamlined and organized within CAFE. The CAFE software package is very reasonably priced and is available on a rental as well as perpetual license basis.

We at SimFWD have developed an effective Workflow wherein model creation, definition of basic entities and initial meshing is carried out in CAFE. Mesh refinement, loading and boundary conditions and the final analysis are carried out in midasNFX. Please check the following link for more information: http://en.midasuser.com/training/webinars_read.asp?idx=27300&pg=1&so=&sort=&bid=10&nCat=&nCat2=221&nCat3=&nCat4=&bType=

For more Information about FEM Consultants please visit www.simfwd.com/