ECONOMICS

Mesh Modification Tool Allows Parametric Studies Using Legacy Models -- ANSYS, Inc. (NASDAQ:ANSS), a global innovator of simulation software and technologies designed to optimize product development processes, today announced the availability of ANSYS ParaMesh 2.3, a stand-alone software package that enables quick and easy modifications of existing meshes from engineering design tools including ANSYS, MSC.Patran, MSC.NASTRAN, EDS NX Nastran, FLUENT, Star-CD and now also ABAQUS. ANSYS ParaMesh 2.3 allows analysts to parameterize an existing, meshed legacy model to modify the design without any CAD support. These modified meshes can be used for running parametric, design-of-experiment and concept analysis studies while eliminating the expensive and time-consuming mesh generation step normally required for each design iteration. New at Release 2.3, ParaMesh now can modify legacy models based upon new updated geometry. The new target geometry capability of ParaMesh allows models that have gotten out of sync with the CAD model to be quickly and easily modified to match the current CAD geometry. "The target geometry capability leverages both the work done by the analyst in setting up the analysis model as well as the work done by the CAD designer in refining the CAD model," said Raymond Browell, ParaMesh product manager. "Bringing both of these into agreement means providing the best possible answer for decision making, and with ParaMesh, this is accomplished in a very efficient manner." Additionally, the new target geometry capability offers an unlimited capacity for complex modifications to existing models. For example, if an automobile trunk has been redesigned for better aerodynamics, ParaMesh can be used to morph a portion of the structural analysis model to the new target geometry of the revised trunk CAD model while leaving the rest of the model unchanged. "ParaMesh is discipline-independent, so structural, thermal and multiphysics users are eagerly anticipating our latest offering," said Steve Pilz, product specialist at ANSYS, Inc. "Harvesting the significant investment found in legacy FEA models makes it possible for ParaMesh to pay for itself in a very short time." In fact, customers working on large models and multiple design iterations assisted in the development of this new software tool. "For many years customers have told us that they are spending too much time during the traditional simulation process in the geometry transfer, clean-up and meshing phase," said Bruno Reymond, managing director of CADOE, the development center that created the ParaMesh product. "With ParaMesh, users now can use one mesh repeatedly, making them more efficient than their competitors who have stuck with the traditional process." Companies including European automotive supplier Hutchinson currently uses ANSYS ParaMesh technology to improve their design process with quick evaluations of multiple design alternatives. "As a supplier to the world's largest and most demanding automotive OEMs, we have to continually find ways to improve our processes and our products," said Daniel Benoualid, director for scientific computing at Hutchinson. "We need to consistently reduce the amount of time it takes us to do a single design iteration to earn new business in this competitive market. Hutchinson's development process is our competitive advantage, and ANSYS ParaMesh works with our simulation tools to reduce our design time." For more details on ANSYS ParaMesh, visit www.ansys.com .