Released October 2008
Siemens PLM Software announces the latest release of the D-Cubed Collision Detection Manager (CDM), a software component that accurately and rapidly detects collisions and computes clearances. 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 CDM in the same application. This is beneficial in a variety of situations, for example when computing collisions on different regions of a large model. Previously, however, it has not been possible for applications running on systems with multiple processors to create different instances of the CDM in different threads. This capability, known commonly as thread safety, is supported in the latest version.
One of the strengths of the CDM is that it can perform its computations on models containing a mixture of faceted and accurate geometry. Another strength is that it can be integrated with modelers containing any general parametric surface type through an evaluator interface, as well as directly supporting certain parametric surface types such as NURBS. Building upon these strengths, Version 39 introduces the ability to measure the clearance distance (also known as the closest approach) between an evaluated parametric surface and a faceted surface.
An important capability of the CDM is rapidly performing collision computations on accurate geometry rather than having to resort to faceted approximations to obtain good performance. Achieving the combination of accuracy and performance is very demanding, particularly when the depth of a collision is close to the geometric resolution of the host modeler. Version 39 sees significant enhancements to the algorithms that operate in such barely colliding situations, detecting collisions that would have previously been missed.
First released in 1999, the CDM enables end-users to interact with their models with much improved realism and solidity, greatly reducing errors caused by interpenetrating parts. Operating in assembly, mechanism, machining and measuring simulation environments, it offers a range of novel algorithms to interactively detect collisions and compute clearances, even on large, complex assemblies. Performance is particularly excellent for repeated computations on models that are in motion. The CDM is compatible with any application as it is independent of any particular modeler or model format, operating on exact, faceted, solid or surface representations.
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/
Neil Howarth
Siemens PLM Software (D-Cubed Components)
Tel: +44-1223-722618
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Suite 600
Plano, TX
75024
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