Hot products 642

Optimization comes to the mid-range

COSMOS/Works 5.0, embedded in SolidWorks, brings optimization to the engineer. The software calculates the optimal design based on specific input information. The user needs only to define his or her goals, such as reducing weight and vibration, identifies which dimensions can vary, input constraints, and clicks the mouse. In addition to an optimized CAD model, the software generates a number of graphical reports that show the part converging toward a solution. COSMOS/Works 5.0 also analyzes models with contacts and gaps, assesses friction between parts by assigning a coefficient of friction, and imports load data from motion analysis software. SRAC: Product Code 4864

FEA works directly within CAD

Engineers can use Algor's full range of modeling FEA and Mechanical Event Simulation software, without leaving their native CAD environment thanks to Algor's new InCAD^Plus technology. InCAD^Plus plugs in to many popular CAD program menus, including SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER for Windows, Mechanical Desktop, and Solid Edge. The program uses Direct Memory Image Transfer programming in coordination with the CAD program's application programming interface to capture the exact CAD part or assembly geometry, eliminating data translation problems. Algor: Product Code 4863

FEA and crash simulation software

FEMAP Version 7 has something for everyone. The newest release from Enterprise Software Products, Inc. (ESP) manages larger finite element models; offers enhanced interoperability with CATIA, ABAQUS, and ANSYS; improved meshing technologies; as well as automotive-specific modeling for crash simulation. A new database architecture takes advantage of the larger memory available on PCs so users can analyze models of 100,000 elements or more. The software includes new geometry import functionality for CATIA and I-DEAS files with improved handling of high-order Bezier and special periodic surfaces. Mark Sherman, Vice President at ESP says, "The new optional triangle surface mesher added in FEMAP 7 is faster and more robust than the original triangle surface mesher. It is flexible, allowing a mesh to rapidly expand or contract as specified by the user." Last but not least, FEMAP 7 offers a modeling environment for creating automobile crash simulation models for LS-DYNA, with quick definition of rigid barriers and easy definition of spot welds connecting dissimilar surface meshes. Enterprise Software Products: Product Code 4860

Marrying thermal with CAD

For engineers who mix CAD with thermal analysis, FLO/MCAD from Flomerics allows parts and assemblies from software such as Pro/ENGINEER from PTC, I-DEAS from SDRC, Unigraphics, SolidDesigner from CoCreate, and AutoCAD from Autodesk to be transferred easily and rapidly into FLOTHERM. Typically, MCAD part geometry is not important from a thermal standpoint but it does increase the complexity and time required for analysis if included in the simulation. Using FLO/MCAD, the user identifies and removes unnecessary geometrical features, such as non-manifold surfaces, blends, fillets, small holes, and protuberances, while preserving volume or surface area. Flomerics: Product Code 4865

From Mechanics to MEMS

Finite element analysis improves any design, including those for MEMS, or microelectromechanical systems. To help engineers solve these difficult models, ANSYS, Inc. offers a new release of its flagship product, ANSYS 5.6. This package features a wide range of design analysis capabilities in a multi-physics analysis software environment. For example, the Pretension Element and the Implicit Creep algorithm strengthen the structural analysis component. Add Electrostatic P Elements, Trefftz Domain, a new Mesh Morphing and automated Electrostatic-Structural Coupling, and you have a multi-physics offering tailored for solving MEMS designs. Additional capabilities include a Volume of Fluid (VOF) Free Surfaces for CFD and a new Radiosity Solver for advanced thermal problems requiring radiation effects. The software will be available in November. ANSYS: Product Code 4861

FEA and motion all in one

Working Model 4D is the new flagship product in the MSC. Working Model product family. Working Model 4D integrates the technologies found in the Working Model Motion and FEA products into a single Functional Modeling system. Users can perform integrated dynamic Motion and FEA simulations on assemblies in one program, without intermediate files or links to third party programs. By integrating motion and FEA into one system, Working Model 4D enables designers to take into account the dynamic nature of the problem and simulate the entire assembly, rather than a part or a small sub-assembly, resulting in more accurate FEA results. The software package is completely integrated with most of today's CAD systems. These links to CAD package include part and assembly information, using Automated Constraint Mapping^TM technology to convert CAD mates to physical joints such as revolute joints and rigid joints between parts. MSC.Software: Product Code 4862