RAMSAS: Rib Analysis Methods for Sizing and Stressing

> Cabot Design’s rib sizing tool. RAMSAS was developed in 2001 to be used as a controlled sizing tool, bringing together recognised structural analysis methods in one controlled location.

> In 2003, Airbus took ownership of the tool, validating it for use in future programmes. RAMSAS was used exclusively in the 3 main design phases of the A400M ribs and has been selected as the sizing tool upon the A350XWB.

> Configuration control

> A RAMSAS deck contains all the geometry, materials and loading data required to size or analyse a rib. Keeping all this data in a single source makes configuration control easy. All RAMSAS methods take their input data from the same place.
> By updating this single source, all methods can be automatically updated. The RAMSAS deck contains all analysis results, this single excel file contains all the analysis information required to produce a complete technical report.

> Efficiency

> RAMSAS is fully automated. Once the input deck has been populated, the user can run any selection of analysis he chooses. With minimal training, a user can size a rib in a matter of hours. All Mathcad analysis carried out by RAMSAS can be viewed, or saved automatically for use in reporting.

> Clarity

> RAMSAS is no black box; nothing is hidden from the user. By combining Excel with Mathcad methods, each analysis method is a self contained report. All input data is laid out Excel in clear tables, with formulae protected to minimise human error.

> Flexibility

> A skilled user is in no way limited by the tool. A Mathcad method output by RAMSAS can be manipulated in any way allowing it to be used as the basis of a bespoke analysis or mitigation. The manipulated analysis remains stand-alone and does not compromise the integrity of the tool.

> Reporting

> The RAMSAS methods provide a clear summary report of all calculations carried out for each analysis. The layout of the methods is such that it allows seamless integration with Airbus technical reports, greatly reducing time spent reporting.

> Future Development

> RAMSAS continues to be used as the first choice in all current rib design programmes. It has recently been expanded to conform natively to the A350 build standard.
> The development of ISAMI, Airbus’ own integrated methods tool, sees RAMSAS developers working along side the Airbus methods group to produce a compatible methods suite.