Released October 2008
Siemens PLM Software announces the latest release of the D-Cubed 3D Dimensional Constraint Manager (3D DCM), a software component that positions parts in assemblies, simulates their kinematic motion, and parametrically controls the configuration of 3D sketches and the shape of parts. New enhancements specific to version 39.0 are listed below. A full product description can be found here.
It has always been possible to create more than one instance of the 3D DCM solving system in the same application. This is beneficial in a variety of situations, for example when solving several models independently. Previously, however, it has not been possible for applications running on systems with multiple processors to create different instances of the 3D DCM in different threads. This capability, known commonly as thread safety, is supported in the latest version.
A sophisticated, computationally intensive 3D DCM function enables the length of splines to be solved in a model. In Version 39 this computation can now be distributed across multiple processors. The best results will be obtained for splines that have a large number of control points, where the computation can be divided among a number of spline segments. The spline length algorithm can run on four processors in less than 38% of the time taken on one processor. With the spline length algorithm being a part of a full evaluation solve cycle, the time taken on four processors can be less than 50% of the time taken on one processor.
Adding dimensions and constraints to the various geometries and parts in a model reduces their degrees of freedom. It is important to the application developer and the end-user to be able to understand the status of all elements within a model, such as under-defined, well-defined, or over-defined. The 3D DCM provides a range of diagnostic tools to assist with this understanding.
Some dimensions and constraints remove multiple degrees of freedom from a model. For example, applying a distance dimension between two planes will remove one translational freedom and two rotational freedoms. If the distance dimension causes the model to become over-defined, then in previous releases the dimension is reported as being over-defined, but no other information is provided. However, it might be that only the rotational part of the dimension is over-defined. In Version 39 this additional information can now be reported. This new level of detail in the diagnostics can help applications and users to choose alternative dimension and constraint schemes that do not over-define the model.
First released in 1995, the 3D DCM is used in most major CAD applications and is widely acknowledged as the leading 3D geometric constraint solving technology. It provides a genuinely three-dimensional, variational (non-sequential) approach to solving a broad range of dimension and constraint schemes. It is the foundation of the latest interactive approaches to assembly part positioning and kinematic simulation, 3D sketching and direct (non-history based) part shape modification.
PLM Components are software tools that support innovation and promote interoperability in CAD, CAM, CAE and PLM applications. Siemens PLM Software develops these components, uses them throughout its own applications and licenses them to independent software vendors and end-user organizations. PLM Components include the Parasolid and D-Cubed products, widely used technologies that provide 3D part and assembly modeling, editing and interoperability, 2D/3D parametric sketching, motion simulation, collision detection, clearance measurement and visualization functionality. Applications include mechanical CAD, CAM, CAE, mold design, sheet metal, AEC, GIS, structural, plant and ship design, CMM, reverse engineering and sales configuration. For more information, please visit www.siemens.com/plm/open
Jim Thorpe
Siemens PLM Software (D-Cubed Components)
Tel: +44-1223-722655
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Plano, TX
75024
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