Neoterics, 2 in a Series

By DE Editors

ETAS Introduces INTECRIO for Prototyping

ETAS Inc. has released INTECRIO, a flexible PC-based environment for the prototyping of embedded software.  It allows users to integrate control models built in the MATLAB/ Simulink environment with software models built in ETAS’ ASCET or C-code.

An integrated OSEK-compliant operating system allows the user to validate control functions in virtual real-time against elaborate plant models on a standard Windows PC. The same control functions can also be validated in real-time using real-world sensors and actuators through rapid prototyping hardware.

INTECRIO has an open COM interface that supports compatible tools such as C++, VBScript, Perl, or Python. This allows a connection with third-party CM tools or requirements-capture tools.  INTECRIO supports the XML format for model and data exchange with third-party products.

For further details, please visit ETAS Inc. at en.etasgroup.com.

ETAS Inc.
Ann Arbor, MI
en.etasgroup.com

CEI Simplifies EnSight User Web Development

Adding to its list of file formats, EnSight Version 8.2.5 now has Adobe Flash compatibility, improving the process of publishing animations to the web.
The extreme visualization application from CEI can now create visualizations as Macromedia Flash video files (.flv) and Macromedia Flash format files (.swf). The new Flash capability supports lossless image compression, so there is no loss of quality in either of the formats.

Computational Engineering Intl.
Apex, NC
ensight.com

MSC.Software Boosts Its CAE Suite

MSC.Software Corp. has announced the 2007 r1 release of its core CAE products, Adams, MSC Nastran, Patran, Marc, and Dytran. The company says that the newest release expands simulation capabilities, increases solution performance, and improves the overall productivity of the virtual product development process.

MSC Nastran 2007 r1 focuses on new features and improvements particularly in such areas of concern as numerical analysis and high-performance computing (HPC) for solving large systems, dynamics and NVH simulations, implicit nonlinear analysis, assembly modeling, design optimization, rotor dynamics, and aeroelasticity. It offers two new sparse solvers — TAUCS (statics) and UMFPACK (unsymmetric) — automated procedures for thermal stress analysis, new seam-weld (CSEAM) connector element for assembly modeling, and the ability to combine topology, sizing, and shape optimization simultaneously. MSC Nastran 2007 r1 also now supports Microsoft Compute Cluster and Compute kernels for 64-bit x86 platforms optimized for Intel and AMD systems.

The 2007 r1 releases of MSC.Software’s Adams Solver, Adams/Vibration, and Adams/Car have been enhanced with analytical spheres in 3D contact, run-time aggregate mass calculation, and plot stress and strain nodal results for Flex-Body in FRF simulations. Documentation has also been improved.

The Patran pre- and postprocessor now offers support for 64-bit hardware, a new bolt-modeling tool, and the ability to control dynamic model manipulations. Its user interface has been extended with new right-clickable context-sensitive menus.

The new release of Marc offers many enhancements, including new optimizations for handling large assemblies such as powertrain systems. It has new capabilities for component failure and delamination, and improvements in structural and thermal modeling. Marc provides new element and material models, including interface elements, cohesive material models, and MSC Nastran (NLELAST) capability to model nonlinear stress-strain curves; additional composites failure criteria include Hashin and Puck. Marc’s new Cohesive Zone Modeling for delamination provides a methodology for simulating the physical separation of different materials or crack growth in a single material.

MSC.Software says that this release of Dytran offers new capabilities intended to reduce solution time for many fluid-structural interaction problems. For example, it offers graded meshes for Euler elements as well as the ability to allow for non-uniform Euler meshing. It offers speedier performance for stationary coupling surfaces and axisymmetric mesh models. Enhanced functionality for naval shipping and UNDEX applications has also been added in this release. Miscellaneous features include a new capability to model the gauge pressure in a pressurized bottle and the ability to model prestressed concrete structures.
MSC.Software says that the 2007 r1 releases of Adams, MSC Nastran, Patran, Marc, and Dytran are available immediately. For complete details, go to mscsoftware.com.

—Anthony J. Lockwood

MSC.Software Corp.
Santa Ana, CA
mscsoftware.com

Super GPUs Reduce Computation Time

With NVIDIA’s new Tesla line, you can cluster GPUs and increase the power of your graphics processor.

Named after the Serbian creator of AC/DC (not the rock band), and a pioneer in wireless communications, the Tesla family of graphics processors promises to transform an ordinary desktop into a supercomputer, the company says. Each Tesla includes some 128 parallel processors.

“By dramatically reducing computation times, in some cases from weeks to hours,” says NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun in a prepared statement, “NVIDIA Tesla represents the single most significant disruption the high-performance computing industry has seen since Cray 1’s introduction of vector processing.”

NVIDIA has three ways to serve up Tesla processing. On the high end is the NVIDIA Tesla GPU Computing Server. This box can be fitted with as many as eight Tesla processors. NVIDIA also has the Tesla Deskside Supercomputer. This PC add-on has two Tesla processors and can give the PC eight teraflops of graphics power. On the lowest end is an add-in board so PCs can be equipped with multiple Teslas.
Custom programs can be written in C using the NVIDIA CUDA development platform, which supports parallel processing and runs on Linux and XP.
For details, contact nvidia.com.

NVIDIA
Santa Clara, CA
nvidia.com

NEi Nastran V9.1 Released

Noran Engineering, Inc., which specializes in developing innovative approaches to modeling problems in the aerospace, maritime, medical, and consumer product industries, unveiled NEi Nastran V9.1, its software solution for high-end finite element analysis (FEA).

With more than 80 enhancements, the new version is designed for engineers involved in simulating the behavior of structures with characteristics that have typically proven difficult, time consuming, and expensive to model.

Some features in NEi Nastran V9.1 include automated impact analysis for transient impact studies and drop testing; a hyperelastic material model for simulating large strain, rubber-like materials; linear surface contact for performing true surface-to-surface contact analysis in a linear static solution; automatic shell-to-shell contact for joining difficult 2D meshes; automated surface contact and weld generation; 3D composite solid element support; vibration fatigue analysis; 64-bit large model capability; and industry-specific code enhancements for aerospace and maritime users.

“Analysis and simulation is our only business,” said Noran Director of Sales Julia Oien in a prepared statement. “As a result, we can develop close working relationships with engineers, analysts, and program managers at a number of highly innovative companies that need to get the most out of this technology. NEi Nastran V9.1 reflects the kind of collaboration that comes from this environment.”

For more details on NEi Nastran V9.1, visit nenastran.com.

Noran Engineering, Inc.
Westminster, CA
nenastran.com

Solve Geometry-Dependent Engineering Challenges

GrafiCalc 2007, a new software offering from ConnectPress Ltd., is aimed at enabling users to conceptualize, analyze, and solve geometry-dependent engineering challenges.  It combines the disciplines of sketching and calculations into a single application that delivers interactive engineering, decision-support information, and answers.

A Windows-standard application, GrafiCalc 2007 can be used alone or in conjunction with Excel and popular CAD applications, and it is Vista compatible. The list price of $199 includes software, tutorials, examples, and free technical support.

The company is offering two video demos to view at connectpress.com.

ConnectPress, Ltd.
Santa Fe, NM
connectpress.com