The object-oriented paradigm applied to the design and analysis of gearboxes

This paper describes the application of a technique, commonly used in software development, known as object orientation, to model complex mechanical systems. The case is made for modelling mechanical systems using object-oriented techniques in 7preference to other techniques where the central tenets of object orientation, abstraction and inheritance provide the engineer with an intuitive means of representing the semantics of the system. A computer program, for the modelling, design and analysis of gearboxes. employing this method, is described together with recommendations for future developments. Furthermore, the use of highly integrated, interactive design programs with on-line, context-sensitive information as a tool for disseminating learning is discussed.