FAQ: AeroPack
► In the isometric view the airplane is oriented along the X axis. Does this correspond to the Y axis in the conventional coordinate system or is the aerospace practice to orient along the X axis instead of the Y axis?"
The Aerospace convention is to orient the fuselage along the X-axis, not the Y-axis. We just have to be different from the rest of the world. If you remember from the "Concepts Setup" module, that is actually why there is an option to change the view definitions in Concepts.
► What is the benefit of using conics? Should I redraw my airplane using conics?
The use of conics actually dates back to before high-powered CAD programs. It was actually first used on the P-51 Mustang as a way to accurately control cross sectional areas to secure the required effect for lift, drag, stability, and overall performance. They provide a good way of mathematically defining cross sections that are more complex than simple circles or ovals. In terms of drawing an aircraft, the main benefit of conics and polyconic surfaces are the ease of creating and updating the model. Rather than having to create each individual cross section, all you have to do is create the profile lines and then you can numerically define the cross sections. Also, you don't have to worry about unwanted waves developing between your cross sections like you do with Skin surfaces and it is much easier to get proper tangency with adjacent surfaces. For example, when a "Skin Surface" type method is used a "crease" will often appear down the center of the aircraft where the surfaces were not tangent. This almost always happens and is difficult to get out while keeping a symmetric aircraft. By using polyconic surfaces, symmetry and tangency are guaranteed.
Since you already have the model created, there is probably no reason to redraw it until you decide to make changes.
► I have kept on working with Concepts 3D Version 2 (build 579) since my Version 3, SP1 package (build 642) does not correctly display splines and conics of my drawings drawn with the build 579 (some conics look squarish and splines no longer run through the correct original points). So, I am keeping to using Concepts 3D V2 for now, until I find out what the cause of this is and whether it can be corrected. Perhaps CSI has modified the definitions of their splining...?:
The display issue that you are experiencing is a bug that was introduced in Version 3 (Build 624). Basically, Concepts âestimatesâ the shape geometry when displaying it to save system resources. In this case, the estimations are getting too far from the real shape. The math behind the curves are still ok, they are just not being displayed correctly.
To more or less fix the problem in Version 3, go to Edit->Change Resolution and select the "Even Distribution" box. The displayed spline will still slightly miss the control points, but the error is on the equivalent order of 1/10000 of an inch, so unless you are zoomed in VERY close, you cannot see a difference.
CSI is aware of the problem and working to correct it. I have worked a little with the V4 Beta and so far I believe the issue has been corrected to the point where the default display works like V3 does with "Even Distribution" selected. I am not certain about this, however. Even if nothing has changed, the â"Even Distribution" trick would work in V4 as well.
In response to a similar question on their forum, developers at CSI posted this response which provides a more permanent solution: You could also create a Resolutions.ini file to customize default curve and facet resolutions, syntax as follows:
[CurveResolutions]
COARSE=20.0000000000000000
MEDIUM=15.0000000000000000
FINE=11.0000000000000000
SUPER_FINE=4.5000000000000000
VERY_FINE=8.0000000000000000
[FacetResolutions]
COARSE=20.0000000000000000
MEDIUM=16.0000000000000000
FINE=12.0000000000000000
SUPER_FINE=5.0000000000000000
VERY_FINE=7.0000000000000000
Word of caution from David [Concepts developer] - "be careful with this, it can change the faceting of existing files when they are read in"
The file created should be placed in the 'Environ' folder, located in the installation directory.
Changing the value of one of the resolutions to 0.0 actually gets curves and surfaces closer to their control points than the 'Even Distribution' and 'Precise Facets' do. By setting the program preferences to create all new geometry with the resolution that was set to 0.0, the user will not have to individually change the resolution to fix the display. One other thing to watch out for with this solution is that it may significantly slow down the programâs performance, especially for large files.
► What is AeroPack?
AeroPack is a collection of unique drawing tools created specifically for airplane design and drafting that can also read geometric information from the Advanced Aircraft Analysis (AAA) analysis modules. AeroPack is not an independent software, but is an add on to Punch Software Shark and Shark FX, providing increased capabilities for today's aircraft design.
► Does AeroPack support Stereolithography?
Yes. It is an export option.
► Does AeroPack read Auto-CAD files?
AeroPack reads ASCII, DWG, DXF, ACIS and FACET files and also uses IGES for file exchange.
► Can I export my airplane drawing from AeroPack to AAA?
Currently the interface between AAA and AeroPack is only from AAA to AeroPack.
► How does AAA relate to AeroPack?
AAA interfaces with AeroPack, which is an add on software to Shark and Shark FX. The interface is actually file exchange. AAA exports a geometry file and AeroPack can import this file. There is currently no export from AeroPack into AAA. This is planned for a future version.
► I frequently need to reformat my computer and reinstall Windows and I do not want to request a new key for AeroPack each time.
The AeroPack key will not change if you need to reformat the hard disk. Just input the key again after reinstalling the software.
► When I try to run AeroPack I receive "0203 Error in saving message". I do not get this message when I am logged in as Administrator.
AeroPack uses a program called SoftSentry. This program needs to be able to write to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT in the registry and the winnt\system32\ folder.
► I need the drawings of airfoils to be used in AeroPack.
The AeroPack software installation includes a database of over 1,100 airfoil shapes from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UUIC). To install the database: choose the 'Custom' installation option and select the 'Airfoil Database' option. You can also download the airfoil example files.