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Software for Marine Design, Analysis, Construction


The Maxsurf suite of programs fall into three basic categories which follow the work-flow from DESIGN through ANALYSIS to PRODUCTION, as follows: 
 

DESIGN

Maxsurf

Maxsurf is the boat design module of a comprehensive range of software for Naval Architects. Maxsurf and its related components run on Windows desktop and server versions of XP / 2003 / Vista and Windows 7.

With a customizable and intuitive interface, the various software modules in the Maxsurf range are designed to be easily learned. Using a wide variety of modeling aids and fairing tools, Maxsurf can generate any type of hull form to nearly any degree of complexity, including curves and dynamically trimmed surfaces.  Maxsurf analysis modes include upright hydrostatics, surface areas, centers, moments, and offset data. 

Maxsurf can export to DXF / DWG for further detailing in the CAD program of your choice.  The Maxsurf model can be exported as a collection of trimmed NURBS surfaces via IGES for use in other CAD systems.  Maxsurf can open and save a Rhino 3DM model directly. 

Whether via IGES or via the Open NURBS 3DM format, the direct use of the surface model in other CAD systems allows photo-realistic rendering; further detailing of the design in 3D; or even creating a full size mould or plug via direct use of the Maxsurf generated hull and / or superstructure shapes. 

Maxsurf Pro includes the ability to use Prefit as a 'plug-in' which enables Maxsurf to perform automated fitting of multiple surfaces to user-specified offsets data (see below).

Maxsurf Pro includes a Parametric Variation function to automatically modify a hull shape to conform to user-specified parametric data, such as LCB, CP, Block Coefficient, etc.

Maxsurf 14 added Curves (splines), Circles, and Lines (linear curves).  Curves can be created by using control points, or by "through" points. Curves can be used for trimming of surfaces by projection, or as an axis of rotation for another curve (Lathe Tool), or as a path along which another curve may be extruded (Swept Surfaces Tool).  A "Surface Skinning" function allows a surface to be automatically created and fitted over a series of splines. 

Maxsurf 15 added a new Rhino plug-in. This allows display and management of the entire Maxsurf Assembly Tree within Rhino.  With this, on opening a Maxsurf generated model in Rhino the Maxsurf Assemblies Tree is preserved as a series of hierarchical Layers within Rhino.  On re-import of the Rhino 3DM model to Maxsurf, the Maxsurf Assemblies Tree remains fully intact. 

A new "Quick Start" menu has been added which provides access to a number of fully editable standard vessel model types.   Toolbars have been created for all regularly used menu items, and all toolbars are fully customizable.

Maxsurf 15 can create a surface of revolution by rotating a user created curve around any user defined axis (an enhancement of the Lathe Tool).  Maxsurf 15 can fit curves to markers, for example to fit a set of curves to an imported set of offsets, and Maxsurf 15 can approximate a surface based on a selected set of markers.  Combined with surface skinning and meshed surfaces, this provides a rapid route to hydrostatic analysis, either upright within Maxsurf, or to calculate large angle stability within Hydromax.

Maxsurf 16, released in January 2011, includes full native support for the 64 bit version of Windows 7, allowing a use of a larger amount of RAM. 

Maxsurf 16 includes a major upgrade to the Surface Skinning function, providing greater control over parameters of the surface that's being created.  Maxsurf 16 allows creating accurate arcs by defining radius, axis, start and end (Arc Curves Function).

A simplified and less expensive version of Maxsurf is available, called Maxsurf Plus, which uses fewer surfaces.  Maxsurf Plus has all of the functionality of Maxsurf Pro, except that it does not support the the parametric hull modification ability, or the Prefit plug-in.

Maxsurf 17, released in October 2011, provided users of Maxsurf Plus with additional surfaces at no added cost.  New Maxsurf Plus users, and existing maintenance-paid users of Maxsurf Plus will be upgraded to being able to work with 12 surfaces.

A 64-bit version of the Maxsurf Rhino plug-in is now included, which supports the 64-bit version of Rhino 5.0 soon to be released (projected for mid-2012).  Though Rhino 5.0 has not yet been released in final form, Maxsurf 16 and 17 are able to save and open native Rhino 5.0 files.

 Please inquire for complete information on Maxsurf prices.

       >> Jump to Maxsurf Features >>
 

Prefit

Prefit is now bundled with Maxsurf Pro and Maxsurf Plus. 

Prefit enables automated input of existing designs from a set of data points. When you need to create a Maxsurf design to match an existing hull shape, Prefit provides a range of spline fitting and surface fitting tools to make the fitting process faster and more accurate. 

Data points can come from any source and can be entered from a keyboard, read from a text file or Excel spreadsheet, or can be imported via DXF. 

Prefit also works as a plug-in to Maxsurf Pro, enabling Maxsurf Pro to automatically fit multiple surfaces to a set of offsets using unique Genetic Algorithm technology to create 'parent-child' iterations of a model in order to ensure that the surfaces are accurately fitted, and fair.

     >> Jump to Prefit Web Page >> 
 

ANALYSIS

Hydromax 

Stability analyses are handled by Hydromax Pro, which provides large angle stability, damaged stability, cross curves, longitudinal strength, grounding conditions, tank loading, tank calibration and several other modes of analysis.

Comprehensive and user configurable world wide stability criteria are built right into Hydromax.  Stability may be assessed in any user specified wave form. The final report accumulated by Hydromax may be formatted and edited as needed, or a batch analysis of all load cases can be automatically sent out to Excel.  Heeled views can be displayed from any viewing angle, and also included in the Hydromax report. 

Hydromax 15 includes support for multiple processors, making Hydromax analyses significantly faster. The Maxsurf assembly tree has been added to Hydromax, making it easy to control the visibility of individual tanks and surfaces. 

It is now possible to read a GHS geometry file directly into Hydromax for analysis. In addition, if you have a Hydrolink license you can export your Hydromax model including tanks, compartments and critical points to a GHS geometry file.

As of Hydromax 15, a new version called Hydromax ULTIMATE is available, which includes probabilistic damaged stability analysis according to IMO MSC.216(82) and IMO MSC.19(58).  If you already own Hydromax, the new Hydromax ULTIMATE is available as an upgrade.  Please inquire for prices.

Hydromax 16 includes a new MARPOL Probabilistic Oil Outflow calculation and analysis according to MARPOL established criteria.  As of version 16, Hydromax is able to display background images or DXF files.  This allows easier and more accurate modeling of tanks and compartments within Hydromax.

Hydromax 17 implements a new Water On Deck analysis per requirements of the Stockholm Agreement for various vessel types.  Bonjean Curves are now generated during a standard Upright Hydrostatics analysis.  New Criteria have been added according to Transport Malta for Commercial Yachts; Transport Canada Sail Training Vessels; IMO Special Purpose Ships.  New tank modeling capabilities have been introduced, making use of the Maxsurf Assembly Tree.

Hydromax is also available in a simplified version, Hydromax/S which handles only large angle stability, and which does not contain stability criteria or other advanced features found in Hydromax Pro.

      >> Jump to Hydromax Features >>
 

Seakeeper

Seakeeper is the most recent module added to the Maxsurf range.  Seakeeper is the first true hydro-dynamic analysis tool having a graphic interface for use on a common Windows PC. 

Seakeeper directly opens a Maxsurf design, measures it, and computes the heave and pitch response, accelerations at any location on board, added resistance in waves on any course, longitudinal distribution of shear force and bending moment, and then displays these results in both graph and tabular form.

Seakeeper is able to render the design and display a graphic, rendered, dynamic movie of the motions being predicted, and in the wave form you have selected.

Seakeeper 16 debuts a new interface capability with Multiframe Marine, allowing dynamic loading and accelerations for standard sea-states to be exported for structural and vibrational analysis in Multiframe Marine.

      >> Jump to Seakeeper Features >>
 

Hullspeed

Hullspeed directly opens a Maxsurf design, and lets you estimate the resistance and power requirements for any Maxsurf design using industry standard prediction techniques.

When designing a powered vessel using Maxsurf, Hullspeed provides a wide range of calculation methods to help you estimate the resistance and powering requirements of the hull.

A range of industry standard algorithms are provided, allowing you to select the methods most appropriate for the hull shape being designed.

      >> Jump to Hullspeed Features >>
 

Multiframe Marine

Multiframe Marine, a static and dynamic structural analysis and design program, suitable for application to any kind of small or large scale structural problem, including frames, beams, girders, columns, wire rigging (i.e. tension only), and plating.

Multiframe Marine 13 4D is now able to perform vibration, fatigue and torsional analyses.  Multiframe Marine 4D now includes Section Maker, and a Sea Motion Load Case has been added, which will accept standard Sea Motion data exported from Seakeeper. Therefore Multiframe Marine 4D has replaced Multiframe Marine 3D. Existing Multiframe Marine users have the option to upgrade their 3D license to 4D for the difference in price.

Multiframe Marine can import and export DXF and IGES files. This makes Multiframe Marine the logical tool for the structural analysis of Maxsurf designs, especially useful for analysis of Workshop generated structure.

      >> Jump to Multiframe Marine Features >>
 

Other Analysis Modules

There are several other marine design modules available within the Maxsurf Range, each of which will directly open the native Maxsurf file for further analysis.  These programs include:

        >> Jump to Formation Design Systems' Analysis Web Page >>
 

PRODUCTION

Workshop

Workshop Pro is software for developing a vessel's structure.  Workshop Pro allows you to create frames and stringers, as well as to perform plate expansions so that those components can be NC cut. 

Workshop can be used to develop structure for boats of any material. For example, mold frames and sheathing can be cut for a GRP vessel;  frames, stringers and plate may be cut for a metal vessel;  mould frames with stringer cutouts can be developed for a wooden vessel.

Workshop directly opens the Maxsurf *.MSD design file, complete with surface trimming, the grid, markers, and the Maxsurf assembly tree, which allows structure to be grouped and associated with specific surfaces for easy parts management. 

A primary benefit of using Workshop as an extension of Maxsurf is that any changes made to the original design are automatically integrated into the Workshop structure model.  For example if the hull shape has been modified, all frames, stringers and plates can be automatically re-calculated within Workshop in order to match the new shape.  This makes the Maxsurf / Workshop combination unusually powerful, especially when the structure and the design are being developed concurrently.

When the structural model is complete, Workshop can then export the internal structures in 2D or 3D, and the expanded plating in 2D via DXF, IGES or 3DM in order to allow detailing of the Workshop generated structure within other CAD systems such as AutoCAD, Microstation, SolidWorks, Rhino, etc.. Export to a variety of graphics formats is also supported to enable publishing, presentation, or web site illustration.

The work-flow using Maxsurf and Workshop allows you to create and fair the 3-D surface model within Maxsurf, then open the design directly within Workshop in order to quickly create frames, bulkheads, soles, decks and stringers, complete with all stringer cut-outs in the transverse members.

Using the fully trimmed Maxsurf surface model, Workshop is able to accurately expand all the vessel's plating, including the superstructure. 

Once those various structures have been defined and calculated in Workshop, all parts, plates and data can be exported in 2D or 3D as a DXF file for further detailing in any CAD system. 

Workshop is specifically designed to work as a "front-door" to ShipConstructor (a plug-in to AutoCAD).  The parts and the data-set can be directly exported to ShipConstructor for further detailing and management of the Workshop-generated 3-D structure.

As of Workshop 17, released in October 2011, all of the parts and plates in a Workshop model can be exported directly to a native Rhino .3dm file, allowing further detailing of the 3-D parts in Rhino.

See below for links to our work-flow examples, including how Kasten Marine Design, Inc. makes use of Workshop for the genesis of structure.

      >> Jump to Workshop Features >>
 

WORKFLOW EXAMPLES

For a comprehensive outline of how Maxsurf, Hydromax, and Workshop are used here at Kasten Marine Design, Inc. for Design, Analysis and Pre-production, please see our Design Stream web page. 

Also please check out our Maxsurf Learning Center page.

To see how other Design Offices, Ship Yards, and Boat Builders make use of Maxsurf software, please see the Formation Design Systems' Case Studies and Launchings web pages.

For more information about the advantages of the Maxsurf suite of programs and for pricing, please visit our Contacts web page.  Having been a Maxsurf user for more than 20 years it is likely that I can answer most of your 'user-based' questions...!