Computer-aided design and computer science technology

ABSTRACT Digital computers are important to the design of complex aerospace vehicles. Developments in computer-aided design (CAD) technology continue but, generally, such developments are disjointed improvements in specific areas. Research on and definition of comprehensive integrated CAD systems, together with the continued evolution of computer hardware, has highlighted areas where advances in computer science could have substantial impact on CAD. This paper discusses some important CAD capabilities required to support aerospace design in the areas of interactive support, information management, and computer hardware advances and discusses some computer science developments which may contribute significantly to making such capabilities possible.