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software
exchange: digital tools and references
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| Curve
Fitting and Data Plotting |
Capability: DataFit performs nonlinear regression
with two-dimensional and 3-D plotting capability. A graphical interface allows
users to perform regression analysis on data with up to 20 independent variables.
Data can be imported or entered through a standard spreadsheet interface.
Users can define their own regression models or choose from more than 350
predefined commonly used models. Solve models are sorted automatically according
to best fit. Results include plots of the regression models, q-q plots, scatter
plots, fitted parameters with confidence intervals, input versus estimated
data, and goodness of fit statistics. Each plot can be customized to include
user-defined fonts, line styles, error bars, footnotes, contours, and
extrapolation. Plots can be saved or copied to the clipboard for use in other
applications.
Hardware: PC running Windows ME, 95, 98, or NT.
Developer: Oakdale Engineering, 23 Tomey Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071; fax
(724) 693-9201; www.oakdaleengr.com.
Cost: $199 downloaded from Web; $239 delivered.
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to obtain information on this product
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| Cost
Feedback |
Capability: Tank-Genii uses multilevel
analysis of each individual design component to estimate construction hours,
report each result, and allow user override. This gives design engineers
or project managers access to instant cost feedback against parameter variations.
Material costs are drawn from an included database, compiled from an
interactively maintained set of international base costs that allows the
total range of available material costs to be estimated at any time. The
design checking is done against various international codes, including ASME
standards. Common workshop practices are also included. After applying the
codes, the software program defaults to the nearest conforming commercially
available thicknesses, then checks for inefficiencies and suggests alternatives,
if appropriate.
Hardware: PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000, or NT.
Developer: Elmes Management and Engineering Services, 1 The Esplanade,
Howick, New Zealand; (64-9) 534-2535; mjelmes@yahoo.co.nz; www.elmes.bizland.com.
Cost: $2,000.
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to obtain information on this product |
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| Upgrading
From 2-D to 3-D |
 The
Cadkey 19 system includes tools for 2-D layout and for file management, and
is also applicable for hybrid modeling and blending.
Capability: Cadkey 19 is a CAD system that includes productivity
tools to enhance two-dimensional layout as well as dimensioning, plotting,
and file management. The software is useful for organizations upgrading from
2-D to 3-D systems because it features the ability to create and modify 3-D
models or 2-D engineering drawings imported from a variety of sources. Other
software features make it applicable for hybrid modeling and blending. A
feature called Dimension Wizard allows automatic dimensioning on selectable
geometry in either model or layout mode. An updated shell-solid function
automates the creation of a lip around open faces and allows for different
offset distances to be applied to specified sets of faces.
Hardware: PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000, or NT.
Developers: Cadkey, 33 Boston Post Rd. West, Marlborough, MA 01752;
(508) 229-2020; fax (508) 229-2121; www.cadkey.com.
Cost: $1,995.
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to obtain information on this product
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| Flow
Analysis |
Capability: Flow Systems performs
analysis of time-dependent flow, pressure, temperature, and concentration
in complex systems containing compressible and incompressible fluids. The
software assists in design by simulating the fluid systems as a network of
nodes and branches, and calculating parameters required for the best system
design, geometry, flow and pressure-loss coefficients, heat transfer
coefficients, power requirements, and thermal resistances. The flow solution
is based on mass, energy, and species conservation equations at the nodes
and the momentum conservation equations in the branches. Results are summarized
in report form with customizable content and support for both English and
metric engineering units.
Hardware: PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000, or NT; Unix workstation.
Developer: Automation Technology, 9366 Shoal Creek Lane, Brownsburg,
IN 46112; (317) 852-9543.
Cost: $250.
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to obtain information on this product
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| File
Search |
Capability: DwgBase is a drawing
and data exchange format file search and reporting tool. The software capability
is analogous to a text search utility for word-processing documents except
that it searches drawing and data exchange format documents for computer-aided
design documents. It requires no CAD license, but is best viewed with a separate
CAD drawing viewer. DwgBase allows users to search or index multiple drawings
for line types, blocks, colors, hatch patterns, images, applications, and
groups. Other uses include bills of materials estimating, equipment lists,
or any other common database application.
Hardware: PC running Windows 95.
Developer: Cadata Consulting, 105-150 Crowfoot Crescent NW, Suite
908, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2G 3T2; (403) 244-0527; fax (403) 244-2148;
www.dwgbase.com.
Cost: $149 for a single-user license.
Click here
to obtain information on this product
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| Math
Add-Ons |
Capability: The developer has released
a range of add-ons for its base mathematical software called Maple 6. The
application-oriented tools were developed to help users configure the math
software for their own computational analysis purposes. Currently available
add-on tools, called power tools, include a circuit analysis package, a
mechanical simulation package, and resources for math teachers. The developer
will continue to add new power tools and update existing ones.
Hardware: PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000, or NT.
Developer: Waterloo Maple, 57 Erb St. W., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
N2L 6C2; (519) 747-2373; fax (519) 747-5284; www.maplesoft.com.
Cost: Free.
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to obtain information on this product
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| Servo
System |
Capability: MotionTools version
1.4 is a servo system accessible via the Internet. The application program
is used to control direct-current servo actuators. Users control the servomotors,
which are located at remote facilities. They can adjust position, velocity,
and acceleration parameters, modify packet-identifier filter gains, perform
auto-tuning, implement digital filters, and collect and save data for further
analysis.
Hardware: PC running Windows ME, 95, 98, 2000, or NT.
Developer: Precision MicroDynamics, 512 Frances Ave., Unit 3, Victoria,
B.C., Canada V8Z 1A1; (250) 382-7249; fax (250) 382-1830; www.motionserver.com.
Cost: Free.
Click here
to obtain information on this product
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| Stack
Design |
Capability: Stackdes designs
self-supported steel stacks and chimneys. The program automatically calculates
wind loads and seismic loads. Common attachments, such as ladders, platforms,
piping, and refractory, can be included in the load calculations. The software
checks bending, buckling, local buckling, and deflection of the stack as
well as vortex-induced vibration. It also performs an analysis on the stack
for all combinations of a hot, cold, corroded, and uncorroded shell.
Hardware: PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000, or NT.
Developer: Meca Consulting, 3324 N. 5th St., Broken Arrow, OK 74012;
fax (918) 355-2913; www.mecaconsulting.com.
Cost: $350.
Click here
to obtain information on this product |
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| Scanning
and Indexing |
Capability: ScanDex 2.5, multifield
scanning and indexing software, includes color image support, e-mail image
support, multipage capability, and direct printer support. The software allows
users to scan and index CAD documents as well as graphically designed, technical,
and legal documents. The e-mail image support enables the software to receive
e-mail images directly into the pending files folder and it gives users the
option of automatically indexing and archiving the index. Users can choose
to be notified when a new record has been inserted in the archive. The multipage
capability enables the use of banner pages to separate records. With the
software, users can run multiple large-format and small-format scanners
simultaneously.
Hardware: PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000, or NT.
Developer: Ideal Scanners and Systems, 11810 Parklawn Dr., Rockville,
MD 20852; (301) 468-0123; fax (301) 230-0813; www.ideal.com.
Cost: $3,995. |
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| Combining
Calculation Elements |
Capability: CalculationCenter is
technical calculation software that combines algebraic operations with numerics,
graphics, and a technical world processor. The software features a
point-and-click interface, smart plotting, and an instant calculation feature,
which guides users through each step of their calculations. The instant
calculation guides remain within the calculations for future reference. Other
features include an input correction feature that automatically suggests
which function a user meant to enter if the software cannot match the input,
and a traditional math input that automatically interprets standard mathematical
notation using heuristics to resolve ambiguous input.
Hardware: PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000 ME, NT, and MacIntosh OS.
Developer: Wolfram Research, 100 Trade Center Dr., Champaign, IL 61820;
(217) 398-0700; fax (217) 398-0747; www.wolfram.com.
Cost: $295. |
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