Development of software tools for automation and acceleration of the engineering design process

Significant time savings can be realized if design cycle time can be reduced. One approach is to represent algorithms and engineering methodology with software tools, making it more feasible to perform multidisciplinary optimization in a collaborative fashion. This paper describes techniques and lessons learned in the development of software to assist in the conceptual design of integrated space transportation systems. Tools were implemented using C++, object linking technologies, spreadsheets, and relational databases. Ideas for the use of Internet and WWW technologies to complement these tools are also presented.