TROY — The engineering software and services provider Altair announced the release of version 13.0 of its HyperWorks computer-aided engineering platform.
Altair said HyperWorks 13.0 increases engineering productivity in four distinct areas:
* Performance optimization. Through a wide array of solvers and
multiphysics solutions, engineers are able to quickly predict and
optimize product performance.
* Lightweight design. Tailored simulation and optimization tools help reduce weight while meeting design goals through the use of
effective geometries, new materials, and advanced manufacturing
methods.
* Lead-time reduction. Process automation, efficient modeling
algorithms and advanced visualization capabilities help to dramatically increase simulation throughput to help bring products to market faster.
* Access to new technologies. Simulation accessibility has been
extended to new categories of users for design and optimization,
including open access to specialized third party software from
members of the Altair Partner Alliance (APA) and HPC, cloud-based
products.
“This release of HyperWorks advances the most current trends in
product design,” said James Dagg, Altair CTO. “With an even sharper focus on tools for the analysis and design of composite structures, it facilitates processes for the mass customization of products. HyperWorks continues to offer a broad array of advanced solvers enabling engineers to simulate a wide range of physics, from the analysis of linear and nonlinear phenomena in structures to fluid flow, thermal, and electromagnetic behaviors.”
OptiStruct can now operate as a strong nonlinear solver, with major
improvements that elevate its functionality to simulate large
displacement analysis and hyper-elastic materials like rubber with an extremely efficient use of parallel computing to maximize speed. Its optimization capabilities have been enhanced to introduce new
response types and multi-model optimization, allowing one efficient
solution for components that are common across different structures.
AcuSolve can now be coupled with MotionSolve® for a more accurate analysis of the flow of air or other fluids while the structural part is moving. An example would be simulating the effect of an adjustable rear wing on sport vehicle aerodynamic performance. This solver coupling represents one of the suite’s many multiphysics capabilities.
RADIOSS furnishes more physics and even more accurate results
for crack-propagation modeling through the extended finite element method and enhanced capabilities for airbag deployment. RADIOSS also offers improved parallelization for multi-domain methods and advanced mass scaling for better performance.
Both HyperStudy and OptiStruct now offer integration with Excel. An engineer may export tradeoff studies to spreadsheets allowing post-processing independent of HyperStudy or, in OptiStruct, include Excel calculations as a response type in the optimization run.
Also, Altair said pre-processing features in HyperWorks have been
enhanced for improved usability. New, advanced methods of
visualizing composite simulations in both the pre- and post-
processing stages are now available, with the ability to visualize
material, element and ply systems and overlay them with stresses.
Additionally, new material laws and failure criteria for laminated
composites and polymers are included.
HyperForm now moves beyond metal forming to apply its capabilities to composite forming for sandwich and multilayered structures. The HyperMesh drape estimator calculates thickness and angle variations that result from draping. These are very convenient accessories available to every HyperWorks user.
To assist in mass customization, Altair has completely rewritten the
part-replacement tool so that, if engineers are bringing in a new
geometry, they can simply exchange the parts and all the connections are updated automatically. A new comparison tool can compare any combination of CAD and finite element geometry and highlight the differences. Enhanced direct modeling capabilities in HyperMesh allow users to quickly generate such geometries as reinforcement ribs without needing to go back to a CAD system.
Post-processing enhancements provide users with faster access to
results and better ways to analyze them. Bidirectional communication between the HyperWorks desktop and PowerPoint is now possible. Results are now cached so that users may switch quickly between result sets when working on larger models.
HyperMesh, HyperView and HyperGraph each feature a new, unified Entity Editor to help modify all parameters of model or post-
processing session entities faster. In the HyperMesh Entity Editor,
new entities, components, properties and materials may be created
much more efficiently. Solver documentation also is implemented into the Entity Editor via tool tips.
Interoperability between HyperWorks, CAD and product lifecycle
management systems allows engineers and designers to
communicate easily and share product modifications in a truly
collaborative environment. With HyperWorks 13.0, Altair has added bi-directional support for Windchill and Total Materia to the list of supported PLM systems and material databases.
Particular attention has been paid to the development of solutions for industry-specific use cases. HyperWorks Virtual Wind Tunnel, a
complete solution for automotive external aerodynamics, is now part of the HyperWorks suite as is a new aerospace user profile. Other solutions for NVH, drop test simulation and more are now available as HyperWorks solutions via an innovative delivery and licensing system.
For more information or to attend an upcoming webinar, visit
www.altairhyperworks.com/hw13.
Privately held with more than 2,300 employees, Altair operates more than 40 offices throughout 22 countries. Today, Altair serves more than 5,000 corporate clients across broad industry segments. To learn more, visit www.altair.com.