2465. Rapid Finite Element Modeling With RAMPAGE (Rapid Aircraft Mass Properties and Geometry Estimation)

Paper

Abstract

A process, called the Rapid Modeling System (RMS), is under development at The Boeing Company. This process uses a combination of Boeing developed software applications and commercially available modeling tools to greatly reduce the time and manpower required to create high fidelity finite element models. This allows three-dimensional finite element models to be used early in the structural design process. The Rapid Modeling System has been successfully used by many military aircraft projects at Boeing, and has become an integral part of the structural design and optimization process. One software tool that is an integral part of the RMS process is the RAMPAGE application. RAMPAGE allows the mass properties engineer to supply initial thickness, width, and mass factors to the structural geometry based upon historical data for similar parts. RAMPAGE also supplies a three-dimensional mass distribution, including system masses if desired, for the application of inertia loads to the finite element model. This paper provides an overview of the RMS process, highlighting the integration of mass properties analysis through RAMPAGE.