Maxsurf
Maxsurf is the boat design module of a comprehensive range of software for Naval Architects. Maxsurf and its related components run on Windows 2000 / XP / 2003 and Vista.
Components of the Maxsurf range are designed to be intuitively learned, and are very fast on today's computers. Via a highly customizable and intuitive interface, Maxsurf has the ability to generate any type of hull form, and to nearly any degree of complexity, including dynamically trimmed surfaces, myriad modeling aids and fairing tools, upright hydrostatic analysis, surface areas, centers and moments, offset data, and export to DXF / DWG for further detailing in the CAD program of your choice.
The Maxsurf surface model can be exported as a collection of trimmed NURBS surfaces via IGES or via Open NURBS 3DM for direct use in other CAD systems. The Open NURBS 3DM format allows the trimmed Maxsurf surface model to be opened directly within Rhino and in other CAD systems that support the Open NURBS 3DM file format. Maxsurf is also able to directly import a Rhino 3DM model.
On transfer to Rhino, the Maxsurf Assemblies Tree is preserved as hierarchical Layers within Rhino. On re-import to Maxsurf, the Maxsurf Assemblies Tree is intact.
Whether via IGES or via Open NURBS 3DM, 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 has the ability to use Prefit as a 'plug-in' which enables Maxsurf to perform automated fitting of multiple surfaces to user-specified offsets data.
Maxsurf Pro can also automatically modify a hull form to conform to user-specified parametric data, such as LCB, CP, Block Coefficient, etc.
As of the release of Maxsurf 14, new entities have been introduced including Curves (splines), Circles, and Lines (linear curves). Curves can be created by using control points, or by "through" points. Curves can also be used for trimming.
Maxsurf 14 also introduces Swept Surfaces, which allow a shape to be extruded along a guide curve (possibly a rub-rail) and allow a surface to be created by rotating it around an axis (lathe tool).
Another new function is surface "Skinning" which allows a surface to be automatically created and fitted to a series of splines. Alternately, a surface "Patch" can be automatically created based on any four boundary curves (sheer, keel, transom, stem).
Toolbars exist for nearly all regularly used menu items, and all toolbars are fully customisable.
Simplified and less expensive versions of Maxsurf are available for use with fewer surfaces, and which do not support the Prefit function nor the parametric hull modification ability.
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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 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 is also available in a simplified version, which handles only large angle stability, and which does not contain stability criteria or other advanced features found in Hydromax Pro.
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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 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, 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, dynamic movie of the motions being predicted, and in the wave form you have selected.
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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.
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Workshop
Workshop Pro is software for creating frames and stringers, plus performing plate expansions so that those components can be NC cut. Workshop is used for boats of any material. For example, mold frames and sheathing can be cut for a GRP vessel, or frames, stringers and plate may be cut for a metal vessel.
A big benefit of using Workshop as an extension of Maxsurf is that any changes to the original design are automatically integrated. Frames, stringers, and plates are updated within Workshop to match the new shape. This makes the Maxsurf / Workshop combination unusually powerful, especially when the structure and the design must be developed concurrently.
Workshop can export via DXF and IGES to allow detailing in other CAD programs. Export to a variety of graphics formats is also supported to enable publishing, presentation, or web site illustration.
Most recently, an avenue has been developed for Workshop to send all the parts, plates and data directly out to Ship Constructor - a very robust platform for further development of 3-D structure, detailing, and parts nesting.
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Multiframe Marine
Multiframe Marine, a structural analysis and design program, is suitable for application to any kind of small or large scale structural problem. Vibration / fatigue / torsion analysis are also handled by Multiframe 4D. Multiframe can import and export DXF and IGES files. This makes Multiframe the logical tool for the structural analysis of Maxsurf designs.
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Other 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:
- SPAN for sailing performance analysis and generating polar diagrams
- Prefit works as a plug-in to Maxsurf to automatically fit surfaces to a set of offsets
- AC Rule for measurement and rating of Americas Cup class yachts
- Hydrolink for converting a Maxsurf design into other marine design formats such as BMT Microship, SHCP, IMSA, DXF, IGES and IMS VPP.
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