The FRIENDSHIP-Framework is a commercial multi-platform CAD/CFD/CAE software integration platform for the simulation-driven design of functional, flow-exposed surfaces. Such are, for instance, ship hulls, turbine blades, propellers, pump casings. The software develops optimized surfaces in a coherent design process which includes parametric modeling, performance assessment through CFD interfaces, geometry variation and (e.g. hydro or aerodynamic) optimization. Design and optimization can be done from scratch or from imported geometry data like IGES or offset files. The system provides CAD functionality and coupling interfaces for the integration of external simulation programs. Within the design process, geometry development is driven by the integrated simulation. By letting the simulation drive the design process, the form of the considered product actually follows its function, leading to an improved performance. Because of the high level of automation a vast number of design variants can be analyzed in a short time span without manual interaction.

The software can be licensed in a basic edition and in modular packages with different plug-ins or add-ons (yacht design, propeller design, SSH resource manager, multi objective optimization, design package with the flow code SHIPFLOW, interface to the v-Shallo panel code).

Developer

*FRIENDSHIP-Framework*
Original author(s)	FRIENDSHIP SYSTEMS
Developer(s)	FRIENDSHIP SYSTEMS
Initial release	2007
Stable release	2.1 / November 30, 2009
Written in	C++
Operating system	XP, Vista, 7 and Linux
Available in	English
Type	CAE software
License	Commercial software
Website	http://www.friendship-systems.com/

The software is developed and distributed by FRIENDSHIP SYSTEMS. The company is based in Potsdam, Germany and is a member of the Germanischer Lloyd (GL) Group. It was founded as a spin-off from the Technical University of Berlin in 2001, originally offering both software development and maritime design consultancy. After the exclusion of the consultancy branch in 2008 the software development remained the core business of the company. It is framed by related services like project assistance, training, customization and process integration.

Functionality

The software offers general CAD functionality for conventional NURBS modeling and parametric modeling, as well as specific entities for blade design. Different internal variation and optimization algorithms control the generation of design variants. Feedback about the performance of a design variant is provided by external simulation tools. Their integration is supported by several coupling interfaces, for instance Window’s COM interface, an integration by means of data exchange in standardized XML format and a generic interface based on parsing and replacement functionality for arbitrary ASCII files. The automated variation and optimization process is supported by a comprehensive variant, data and constraint management. Feature definitions that encapsulate arbitrary command sequences can be defined by using the software's scripting language. An internal IDE supports writing the definitions, whose bandwidth reaches from the parametric description of geometric features to file-I/O and controlling external processes.

History

The first release of the FRIENDSHIP-Framework in 2007 offered CAD functionality and coupling interfaces for simulation programs. Previous software editions were the FRIENDSHIP-Modeler and FRIENDSHIP-Optimizer. FRIENDSHIP-Modeler stands for Form parameter oRIENteD SHIP modeler, from which both the software and company names were derived. The partition “-Framework” in the software's name indicates its ability to integrate external programs. The functionality of both the preceding solutions was integrated in the new software suite FRIENDSHIP-Framework. In 2008 and 2009 major upgrades followed, which released extended functionality, for instance in data and resource management, project safety and operability. A new major upgrade is scheduled for autumn 2010.

Applications

Typical use cases for the software platform are:

Maritime industry: Design of ship hulls, propellers and appendages. Optimization with respect to wave or viscous resistance, propulsion performance and seakeeping. Improvement of the wake field for less propeller-induced pressure pulses and vibration.
Turbo-machinery: Design and optimization of turbine and compressor blades for efficiency, operating range and noise generation. Optimization of pump and fan casings.
Chemical engineering: Optimization of reactor, stirrer and cyclone geometries for improved mixing or separating behavior, as well as energy efficiency.

Examples for analysis software that has been successfully integrated in the software's design process are: SHIPFLOW, STAR-CCM+, ANSYS CFX, FLUENT, FINE™/Marine, Hydromax and Excel.

User groups

Users of the software are from both the international maritime, turbo-machinery and chemical engineering industry and academia. The client base spans shipyards, marine consultancies, design offices, software developers, research institutes, industry and service provider, turbo-machinery, maritime and offshore technology manufacturers, as well as academic institutions. The software developer is involved in international R & D projects on a regular basis.

External Links

FRIENDSHIP-Framework
Germanischer Lloyd
Stefan Harries, Florian Vesting (2010): Aerodynamic Optimization of Superstructures and Components. 9th International Conference on Computer and IT Applications in the Maritime Industries (COMPIT), Gubbio, pp. 335-347