This version is a major update of ShaftDesigner software. It gets 64 bit architecture and core Alignment module procedures are redesigned to support all CPU’s cores in order to improve calculation performance. The installation was improved, floating license installation gets native system default installation folders, and the Network License Server is included into customer’s ZIP file. 64 bit version of ShaftDesigner starts with little delay after launch but it works normally.
The new User’s Manual is presented. We plan to update it from time to time even between the software updates. It covers all sides of ShaftDesigner, from the installation to the main calculation aspects. During the work with the new User’s Manual, many elements of the software were optimized and unified. Temporary we discontinued supporting Help files but we are going to bring it back with new contents.
This update covers all software features, adds a lot of new functions, and fixes many bugs and issues. It is proven by many projects which have been done by our team during 2017 – 2018.
Core functions
The reports structure is redesigned to meet the user’s requirements and organized by the calculations.
Many our users have NVidia Quadro video cards, so we improved their support. ShaftDesigner creates its own NVidia profile and uses it.
Inspector window gets new ‘Solo’ mode to display the selected category of data keeping all other categories folded.
The reports structure is redesigned to meet the user’s requirements and organized by the calculations.
We started to include example projects with the installation to cover most sensitive aspects of calculations. Currently we included Alignment bush calculations projects but we plan to add more and cover all modules.
You can attach any file or document to your ShaftDesigner project. Just drag the file to the Project Manager and drop it on the project tree item. You can arrange these files into virtual folders to keep them in order.
Alignment
Basic bending calculation gets multithreaded implementation, which gives better calculation speed, sometimes more than 10 times faster. Bearing skipping calculation algorithm was improved, now it gives more accurate and reliable results for the complicated two planes alignment calculations. All these changes gave us opportunity to enhance our optimization procedures: Offset Explorer and Tolerances calculation. They were reviewed and this version calculates much faster than previous even with extended supports instead of point supports. Of course, it depends on the project how long does it calculate but on the practice we could get rapid results.
This update starts the new approach to the bearing bush. The bush editor lets you to define almost arbitrary bush shape; there are quick tools to create double and even triple slope bushes. We are going to improve this editor continuously. This new approach allowed us to implement static bush contact and bearing hydrodynamic lubrication calculations from the scratch and due to our know-how they work fast and reliable. Our main task is to develop these calculations in the future.
Tolerances calculation was made on the new calculation abilities. User can set parameters to include them in the tolerance report and run this calculation. As result, the tolerance diagrams are built and it is clearly visible, is the alignment plan reliable or not.
Jack-Up test runs 10 times faster now, we also improved it taking into account our latest calculation experience.
DNV-GL aft. stern tube bearing criteria is updated to 2018 year version and some situations were fixed.
Besides, hundreds of internal improvements and bug fixes were made to improve the software experience, make it solid, logical, unified and intuitive for the user.
Torsional vibration calculation
The main new feature is the Power Table, which gives the user a tool to control the power sources and consumers, add special consuming events and tune the consuming in a flexible way. It checks the input and shows errors. This tool gives complete view to the total power flow and balance. Power Table gives possibility the user to calculate modern hybrid installations
We added some flexibility in describing diesel engine setting reciprocating mass per each crank or single value for all cranks. The diesel engine editor was rebuilt for better ergonomics and user experience.
The user can set ignoring the malfunction data in the calculation options to skip malfunction calculation. It is useful on the early stage of the calculation when malfunction results are not necessary to obtain.
Axial vibration calculation
Axial damper is reorganized and more information was added.
The gear wheel excitation added.
Whirling vibration
Binding bearings with Alignment module is improved to take into account contact and stiffness information in the Whirling calculation.
We strongly advise our users to study or at least look through the updated User’s Manual. It is illustrated with the screenshots and project cases, so it will give many answers to your possible questions. We are very interested in feedback about User’s Manual and we are going to update it on the regular basis to improve it and keep it relevant to the corresponding software version.