Noran Engineering Inc. (NEi), a leading developer of Nastran Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, announced the release of NEi Nastran V9 for high-end engineering analysis and simulation. The release is part of a product strategy intended to clearly distinguish and distance NEi Nastran from more staid Nastran versions attached to broad-based lifecycle/CAD software by providing a continuous series of new simulation features, and offering customers the unique opportunity to obtain industry-specific code enhancements. Among the technology differentiators in V9 are: New Parabolic Shell Elements, Automated SuperElement Analysis, Automated Surface Contact and Weld Generation, 3D Composites Using Solid Elements, Vibration Fatigue Analysis, Combined Qualitative-Quantitative Result Assessment, enhanced Nastran Editor with Automatic Report Generator. Plus, NEiNastran V9 has a number of industry-specific code enhancements for its key aerospace and maritime users. Dave Weinberg, CEO of Noran Engineering, observed: "FEA is our entire business. Our closeness to the end user, intimate knowledge of our code, response to development requests, and ability to act in a timely manner sets Noran Engineering apart in the FEA software industry. NEi Nastran capitalizes on this by closely reflecting what engineers, analysts, and program managers in the most innovative companies are looking for and must have in FEA to succeed in the globally competitive environments they are in." A comprehensive overview of NEiNastran V9 is at its Web site. NEi Nastran is positioned to appeal to the most innovative and sophisticated users of analysis and simulation software and their need for advanced up-to-date tools, accurate solutions, input into software development, and continual enhancements. Interested users who are qualified can obtain a 30-day evaluation copy of NEi Nastran V9.