BETA CAE Releases Sketch Tool to Improve ANSA and META Collaboration

Switzerland-based simulation solutions provider BETA CAE Systems has released the latest version of its software suite, which offers new updates designed to enhance productivity in its ANSA and META products, with a focus on pre-processing and post-processing of CAD and simulation data, respectively. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of the update.

The latest release of Beta CAE Systems version 18.1.0 includes a new sketch tool, which allows users to highlight areas of interest within ANSA and to add annotations for reference and ease of communication.

New sketch tool and annotations. (Image courtesy of BETA CAE Systems.)

The updated version of ANSA also introduces a brand new methodology to facilitate the synthesis of modular assemblies. This new approach, powered by the marking capabilities of Assembly Points and Sets, the versatility of Bolts and Connectors and the file management functionality of ANSA DM, brings a solution to many of the usual bottlenecks of model building process that are related to the interdependencies between the different subsystems. As a result, the maintenance of each subsystem becomes much easier, the assembly of the complete model is carried out faster and the validation of the assembly after model changes comes at no cost for the analyst.

A brand new Loadcase Manager for Abaqus brings loadcasing capabilities to a new dimension, in compliance with the support of distributions for Abaqus materials and multiple Step Managers in Abaqus deck.

Functionality initially introduced with version 18.0.0 is further improved. The Light Volume Representation has been enhanced with the addition of clipping planes. Solid elements can be extruded with minimum user interaction. The seat depenetration functionality comes with the support of nonlinear characteristics of the cushion material, and the Laminate Tool has been enriched with the parametric definition of Laminates and Composites, on top of the Template Layers.

The introduction of the Octree entity allows you to create and preview the result of octree-based algorithms, such as Surface Wrapping, Hextreme and Cavity meshing. This accelerates the overall generation process, as it provides quick leak detection and cutting planes visualization tools, contour plots of mesh size distribution and more, extending the capabilities and performance in the computational fluid dynamics (CFD)domain.

With regards to META (the post-processing package), this also gets the benefit of the new sketch tool, and the web Interface capabilities are also expanded to full META Interface broadcasting.

There is also good news for virtual reality(VR) fans: Full support of Oculus Rift/HTC Vive is provided, in compliance with a complete VR tablet GUI with animation, focus and inspection plane features and capabilities. So now you can be baffled by your simulations in glorious 3D! In addition, animation speed in high-quality rendering has been significantly accelerated in this update.

As for discipline enhancements, vortex tracking and CGNS are supported now in the CFD area. ATFX for I/O in NVH field, JT 10 CAE export, Autoform, Moldex 3D and ADAMS view with flex bodies for multibody dynamics are also implemented in this version, together with a new toolbar for Fatigue Safety factors calculation.

These are just a few of the enhancements made to this release of BETACAE Systems Suite.

If you’d like to see more details of the updates to the entire suite, you can check out the official press release right here.