CAE tools expand simulation technology

Integrated suite of advanced computer-aided engineering software tools delivers advanced technology and functionality to increase efficiency and reduce cycle time.

Altair Engineering has announced the public release of Altair HyperWorks 8.0, its engineering framework for product design.

The integrated suite of advanced computer-aided engineering (CAE) software tools delivers advanced technology and functionality to increase efficiency and reduce cycle time in the development of innovative, robust products.

"As manufacturers look for new ways to improve product development efficiency and gain a competitive advantage, CAE is playing an increasingly more important role", said Jeff Brennan, Vice President of the Altair HyperWorks business unit.

"This software release - the largest in our company's history - continues our tradition of delivering open-architecture, best-in-class technology that empowers decision-making and leverages our customers' investments in simulation".

The new products and functionality in HyperWorks 8.0 create the broadest simulation technology suite for PLM.

This release targets three main areas to aid manufacturers in bringing innovative products to market faster: it provides an integrated multi-disciplinary framework, enables a CAE-driven design process and improves simulation turnaround time.

CAE is becoming multidisciplinary, as once-separated analysis disciplines and activities begin to merge.

HyperWorks 8.0 broadens application scope, while remaining committed to an open-systems environment.

This environment provides clients both flexibility and robust solutions to solve complex problems.

With the release of 8.0, Altair introduces robust and comprehensive motion analysis software for mechanical system simulation that includes advanced contact modelling, user subroutines and full-support flexible bodies.

Fully integrated motion solution capabilities are now available within OptiStruct/Analysis for coupled flexible- and rigid-body analysis through a single input deck generated from HyperMesh.

Easily implemented within existing PDM and ERP deployments, Altair Data Manager is a flexible data management solution to manage, share and control engineering simulation and test data at both the user and enterprise levels.

HyperGraph 3D is a new 3D-plotting environment for creating 3D plots, such as waterfall, surface and 3D line data, with a rich toolset for querying information, 3D section-cutting and more.

Manufacturing Solutions is a unified virtual manufacturing environment to simulate stamping, extrusion, moulding, forging and friction stir welding processes within a single graphical user interface.

Altair is a leader in developing new CAE methods and tools that allow simulation to lead the design process.

HyperWorks 8.0 introduces new technology for conceptual design, model morphing and structural optimisation that further positions simulation as a driver of design.

It does this by addressing product performance and manufacturability earlier in the design cycle.

Model morphing is a completely new approach to mesh and geometry morphing that simplifies mesh-based design changes for shell and solid models, as well as automates the creation of design variables for size and shape optimisation.

Altair is first-to-market with stress-constrained topology and topography optimisation in OptiStruct to generate the most efficient conceptual designs for stress-critical structures, such as that of aircraft.

OptiStruct furthers its leadership position in structural optimisation with the addition of "free-shape" optimisation for automated boundary shape variation with minimal user input, and "free-size" optimisation to develop robust variable thickness design solutions, composite laminates and "shear-web"-type structures.

Topology, topography, shape and sise optimisation capabilities are now available with OptiStruct's existing frequency-response solution types for improving the dynamic behaviour of structures.

The most time-consuming activities for CAE engineering departments continue to be modelling, visualisation and execution of design iterations.

HyperWorks 8.0 improves both end-user and organisational-level efficiency.

A newly designed HyperMesh graphical user interface, highly tuned for modelling efficiency and improved workflow, simplifies the modelling process, while providing a new and interactive experience for all user levels and modelling types.

HyperMesh delivers increased solid modelling functionality with the addition of solid geometric entities.

This increased functionality is combined with a higher level of user control and interaction to enable fast, high-quality tetra- and hexa-meshing of complex solid models.

Global delivery of HyperWorks 8.0 will take place through Q1 2007, and will be completed in two stages.

First-stage distribution is currently available for electronic download and includes the commercial release of HyperMesh, OptiStruct, MotionSolve, HyperGraph, HyperGraph 3D, HyperStudy, Altair Data Manager and Manufacturing Solutions.

Second-stage distribution, planned for Q1 2007, will be available electronically, as well as by way of CD and DVD media formats.

This service release will include all of the previously released applications, the commercial release of HyperView and MotionView, 64bit Linux support, and the recently acquired Radioss technology suite licensed under HyperWorks Units.

Current customers can download HyperWorks 8.0 and the Release Notes, which provide a complete list of new products, features and functionality, by visiting Altair's client centre portal.

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