New Version of STEP AP209 Now Supports FEA Models and Analysis
Troy, New York - July 15, 2003 - STEP Tools, Inc. announced today it will work in cooperation with SoftInWay, Inc. (Burlington, MA) on a Phase One Research Program focused on the development of standards-based test cases and tools facilitating STEP data interoperability between CAE systems. SoftInWay recently received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant from NIST (National Institute for Standards and Technology) to fund the effort. STEP Tools will serve as a subcontractor to SoftInWay, Inc. on this project, and has participated as the lead contractor for recent major contracts including a DoD (Department of Defense) SBIR Grant from the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command, the Harvest project from the National Shipbuilding Research Program, and the Super Model Project supported by an Advanced Technology Program Award issued by NIST, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department's Technology Administration.
STEP Application Protocol AP209 supports the exchange of finite element analysis (FEA) models and analysis results. SoftInWay will develop the algorithms to calculate model quality metrics that are tied to the analysis model such as FEM model volume and free surface, total load, and total reaction force. STEP Tools will develop the algorithms and tools needed to validate the AP209 data for conformance to the STEP (STandard for Exchange of Product model data) standard. STEP Tools is a highly visible participant in the global STEP community of over 200 independent product data specialists, and has spearheaded the STEP-NC research and development effort in North America in the past three years.