INDUSTRY

Building further on its strength in developing the most advanced computer-aided-engineering (CAE) software, Ricardo plc - one of the world's foremost independent automotive engineering and management consulting firms - announced the release of the latest version of its WAVE engine simulation software, version 7.1. This version builds upon the strong base of WAVE 7 - a major upgrade released in 2005 - which brought industry firsts in 3-D pre-processing for 1-D gas dynamics, kinetic aftertreatment models and utilization of networked computers. Version 7.1 is the fourth WAVE release in three years, representing Ricardo Software's on-going commitment to provide the most advanced 1-D gas dynamics software in the industry. The software will be on display (booth #1938) at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) 2006 World Congress held April 3-6 at Detroit's Cobo Center. "WAVE 7.1 is essential to the development of the latest fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles worldwide," said Steve Sapsford, director of Ricardo Software. "This market-leading tool includes significant enhancements in pre- and post-processing interfaces, as well as new models for diesel exhaust aftertreatment, providing additional analytical capabilities for engineers engaged in the development of the next-generation of clean diesels." Bringing some of the most advanced features and capabilities in one- dimensional gas dynamics, Ricardo's WAVE 7.1 - used in the design of automotive engines and associated vehicle systems - is the latest update to its WAVE engine modeling package. A few of the advanced new features of WAVE 7.1 include: -- Heat Exchanger Model - The new Heat Exchanger model allows users to enter commonly available performance maps of efficiency and pressure- drop into WaveBuild and WAVE will calibrate the system to produce the expected behavior. -- R-CAT ECT Models - This feature offers one- or three-dimensional models for the diesel oxidation catalyst and allows users to link to WAVE's diesel particulate filter model to simulate the entire diesel after-treatment system. In addition, the enhanced system introduces the option to link to an external, user-written model, as well as a new link to Reaction Design's KINetics module. -- WavePost Enhancements - Streamlined handling of multiple WAVE and external data sets and automatic creation of key engineering speed- sweep plots and data tables. -- WaveMesher Duct Profile Tool - Viewing tool for the duct diameter profile versus length, to help decide the best discretization of duct sections.