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FLUIDNET-G is a “workstation” based graphic's orientated software package, developed by AEROSPATIALE under a C.N.E.S. contract on joint funding. The package performs single phase fluid loops thermal and hydraulic preliminary design. The main characteristics of this tool are: the user friendliness of the graphic's and the workstation concept. the “upstream compatibility” towards others analysis tools (FLUINT, ESATAN, …) This paper illustrates an application for which FLUIDNET-G has increased engineer performance to perform trade-offs and sensitivity studies in the frame of the preliminary thermal and hydraulic design of HERMES spaceplane.

Increased production requirements for the Airbus family of planes, caused Aerospatiales Aircraft Division at Nantes to implement a new automated system. Used for central wing box assembly, this system is called TOPASE. Value analysis was performed to optimize assembly and production schedules. A simulation was performed to identify resource allocation in all workshops based on schedule demand for A320, A330/340 and A321 assemblies. The fundamental principle of this system is to create a homogeneous production flow with no bottlenecks. At the same time, equipment utilization must be maximized to optimize production cost and provide acceptable profits. TOPASE today has a series of identical C.N.C. machines each capable of complete panel assembly in one operation. This includes installation of rivets, double headed slug rivets and two piece fasteners.