PIAS Manual  2019
Program for the Integral Approach of Shipdesign
PIAS renewals (2012-2014)
In the years 2012-2014 the look-and-feel of PIAS will be renewed, with the focus on:

  • An alternative system of module identification.
  • A re-distribution of modules, with some modules to be completely rewritten.
  • A new main menu.
  • A new manuals system.
  • Typographical modifications.
  • A generic file and backup system.
  • Copy, paste, undo and redo in input windows.
  • Simultaneous multi-module operation on the same project.
These modifications will be discussed briefly in this (temporary) chapter. By the way, this chapter deals specifically with the modifications in PIAS. A novel user, not yet aquainted with existing PIAS, is advised to skip this chapter.

An alternative system of module identification

PIAS is subdivided into modules, e.g. for compartment definition or computation of hydrostatic tables. These modules were identified by a module number, which was at the same time the manual chapter number. Those chapter numbers were fixed, and to allow for a later insertion of a new chapter they were not consecutive. Besides, the module had a general description in main menu and manual (and a program executable name too, but that was not used). E.g. the module for intact stability was chapter 240, with description `Integrated loading conditions and longitudinal strength calculation', and with program name `loading.exe'. In new PIAS there is an unambiguous identification, which is a short word, describing the essence of the module (and which is, not coincidential, also the programs executable name, Loading in our example). This identification is used the main menu, in the manual and in references within the manual. By the way, when pointing to a specific module in the main menu a tooltip pops up with a short module description, so that also a novel user can see the core functionality of that module at a single glance. Chapter numbers in the present manual are sequentially assigned and play no role anymore.

Re-distribution of modules

PIAS contains so many functions, configurations and tools that, in order to maintain an overview, a subdivision in parts, or modules, is nessecary. However, PIAS did contain a number of modules which only performed a small task. Those are being merged in less, but larger collection modules, such as summarized in the table below:

 

New module Purpose Replaces old module(s)

Fairway Hull design, fairing, visualisation and hull shape conversion. A combination of existing Fairway (chapter 20) and To_fair (chapter 19).
Hulldef Input of hull-related data, such as an existing body plan, openings, appendages, deck line and wind contour. Chapters 70, 75, 76, 90, 100, 110, 120, 250 (only input part), 355 en 357.
Layout Input of internal geometry such as bulkheads, decks and compartments, as well as the calculation of tank sounding tables etc. Compart (chapter 210).
Hulltran Hull form transformation. Chapters 80 and 85.
Hydrotables Calculations and outpput of stability-related tables, such as hydrostatics, cross curves, maximum allowable VCG' (intact and damaged) and deadweight tables and deadweight scale. Chapters 170, 180, 185, 190, 200, 250, 260, 280, 292 and 295.
Loading Input of loading conditions and computation of intact stability, longitudinal strength and deterministic damage stability. Chapters 230, 240, 275 and 290.
Probdam Probabilistic damage stability. Same as module 294.
Config General project configurations. Same as module 130.
Unmodified Other modules remain unchanged, such as those for the computation of freeboard, grain heeling moments, resistance and propulsion.

Additionally, a number of obsolete modules will be written off, for instance the modules to convert transverse section lines to a CAD system (such as PIASAcad and PIASEagl, the old chapters 360 and 375), because Fairway is a much better tools to convert hull lines because its shape representation is much more complete. And around 2006-2007 modules for probabilistic damage stability have been replaced by the present Probdam, however, those elder modules (IMOA265 and Oldprob) have still been continued but that will come to an end now. And those missing Pversion — a module to print the program version date — should look now under [Help], see the example in Input window.

Until the end of 2014 the elder modules as well as the new ones will be distributed. Then the elder modules will gradually be removed from the software distributions, to start with the elder GUI and alphanumercial interface from Fairway, as well as the the modules which have been replaced by Hulldef and Hydrotables.

Attention
If you feel safe to have a prolonged disposal of the elder modules, please make sure to copy and save them still in 2014.

New main menu

The new module distribution also requires a new organisation of PIAS' main menu, which is also equipped with a new look. This new main menu is further discussed in PIAS Main menu, and to see the difference at a glance both the old and new menus are depicted below. Please bear in mind that some elder modules have disappeared, because their functionalities are incorporated in new, more comprehensive modules. Those vanished modules are no longer included in the new main menu, so in order to activate them, the old menu will have to be used. Until February 2014 the program name of the old menu is yet PIASmenu and that of the new one newPIASmenu. while from that date on the names have been swapped to classicPIASmenu and PIASmenu respectively.

newPIASmenuEn.png
PIAS' new main menu

classicPiasMenuEn.jpg
Classic PIAS main menu

Manuals

For a long time past, the manuals of PIAS existed from a single PDF file for each module. However, at this moment they are being converted to a new system where they will become available in three formats; PDF, HTML and in a help reader. In Manuals, exercises and information sources this subject is addressed. In this transition period from old to new the situation is a bit confusing; new software parts (such as Layout and the new GUI from Fairway) are discussed in the new manual, while older modules still exist in the old manual. SARC is busy to bring the entire manual to the new system as quickly as possible, however, in the mean time we ask for your understanding.

Typographical modifications

Until recently in PIAS only the use of so-called non-proportional fonts was allowed, such as courier. In new PIAS als proportional fonts can be used, such as Times new Roman or Sans serif, for monitor as well as output to paper (or export file such as .rtf). For that purpose all modules have to be slightly adapted, a process which will take some time. At modules which are not yet adapted only a non-proportional font will be used, regardsless which font was specified by the user. However, the number of such modules will decrease gradually.

File and backup system

It can be useful to have a backup copy of design data at a certain stage, e.g. if it concerns a design variant which needs to be saved for future reference. Obviously, file copies can be created outside control of PIAS, but that has not proven to be rather handy. So, the PIAS modules will gradually be equipped with a uniform system for file and backup management of that specific module. That system is discussed in Data storage and backups. Some modules (such as the inclining test or freeboard modules) already had a file history facility, that will also be replaced by the new system.

Copy, paste, undo and redo in input windows

The software libraries which manage the input windows have been extended with facilities for undo and redo, and for functions to copy and paste cell contents to or from Windows' clipboard (for example to be able to exchange cell values with a spreadshtee), see Copy, paste etc. for more details. Starting in January 2014 these functions will - where relevant - gradually be included in the different PIAS modules.

Indication of the options of cells in input forms

With cells in input menus more than one actions is often possible, such as `selection', entering a value or name, or chosing from a number of predefined values. Until now it was not evident which actions could be applied in which cell, however, now this is depicted with symbols. In Content and options in the cells of selection windows and input windows this mechanism is further elaborated.

Simultaneous multi-module operation on the same project

This mechanism is discussed in Local cloud: simultaneous multi-module operation on the same project. It will in due time optionally be available, configurable per project in module Config.