Altair Invests in Composite Structural Analysis with ESAComp

ESAComp supports start to finish design and analysis of composite parts. (Image courtesy of Altair.)

Engineers can now simulate composites with the Altair HyperWorks tool suite. Altair’s recent acquisition of Componeering Inc., now Altair Engineering Finland Oy, brings Componeering ESAComp composite simulation software into the HyperWorks environment to enhance capability and simplify the process of moving design data among the applications in the tool suite.

ESAComp enabled development of the Biofore Concept Car. (Image courtesy of Altair.)

With ESAComp, engineers can design, analyze and simulate composite products from first concept to released design. Widely used in many industries, including aerospace, automotive, rail transportation, alternative energy and machinery, this software supports the conceptual preliminary design of layered composite structures. The tool combines micromechanical, solid/sandwich laminate and structural analysis with a comprehensive material database to support the early design of composites.

ESAComp can transfer data to and from HyperWorks. (Image courtesy of Altair.)

The acquisition improves data transfer among the tools. The development and merger was prompted by a request from RUAG Space to more tightly integrate and improve the data transfer capability between the ESAComp and HyperWorks products. Both tools are recognized leaders in their respective fields, but transferring data between them was not an easy or simple process. With the new integrated tool suite, users can now easily transfer design data and simulation results between the two tools.

Thin structures like air frames can be accurately modeled and simulated. (Image courtesy of Altair.)

Engineers designing products requiring thin, strong structures such as air frames can solve post-buckling problems with the integrated tool suite. The suite includes a broad range of tools for analyzing structural elements such as flat and curved panels, stiffened panels, beams and columns, cylinders, and both bonded and mechanical joints. Users can analyze and simulate these designs to accurately predict load deformation and nonconformance issues, and then resolve any issues early in the design cycle. They can also work out the issues at the CAE design stage and reduce or avoid tedious build and test iterations.

The HyperStudy tool optimizes the lay-up and geometry of structural elements. (Image courtesy Altair.)

Engineers can further analyze, refine and optimize their designs with the HyperStudy tool. Methods such as design of experiments, response surface modeling and optimization, and simulation and analysis enable optimization of the design to improve strength while minimizing material usage. Users can directly parameterize models with the intuitive user interface and seamlessly integrate results to HyperWorks, and the built-in CAE result readers simplify study setup.

The integrated tool suite integrates the analysis and simulation capabilities of two top tool suites and enables data transfer between them. To learn more, visit the Altair website, or view the recording of a recent webinar about the tool suite.