ABSTRACT
Design of modern structural and mechanical systems requires considerable computer analysis. Also, as more computing power becomes available, the desire to design larger and more complex systems grows. Many of the systems operate in an environment that requires integration of many disciplines in their design process. These systems must be designed to be cost effective and efficient in their operations, requiring use of organized optimization techniques. These techniques are iterative, generating and using massive amounts of data. Multiple programs may be used during the optimization process that require sharing of data. Also, complexity of the design software grows as more disciplines are integrated and more complicated problems need to be solved. These requirements points to the fact that the data and the software must be organized and managed properly. This will allow the design process to be completed in an efficient manner as well as give flexibility in updating and enhancing the design software itself.
