What is aeroelastic analysis? Simply put, this subject is the study of the interaction between aerodynamic loads and flexible structures, specifically those related to non-linear turbulent effects. In particular, aeroelastic analysis has received a great deal of attention as an essential part of the design and development work that goes into modern aircraft.

ZONA Technologies, which Siemens is buying, was an early leader in the field of aeroelastic simulation with its ZAERO solution. As stated in an early FOI study (Totalförsvarets Forskningsinstitut, August 2003), ZAERO was then a significantly more advanced aeroelastic specialist system than its competitors. With ZONA technology in its Xcelerator portfolio, Siemens now believes it can "help users make their digital threads as comprehensive and efficient as possible to accelerate innovation." (Image courtesy of Siemens Digital Industries Software).

This provides the context for why Siemens Digital Industries Software recently entered into an agreement to purchase simulation specialist ZONA Technology. The company's expertise and solutions are focused on aeroelastic simulation solutions, among other areas.

The backdrop to this deal is Siemens’ position as a commercial and technical leader in PLM, and particularly in the sub-PLM area of simulation and analysis—not least related to the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) segment. This places Siemens in tough competition with PLM developer Dassault Systèmes. ZONA’s technology becoming part of Siemens’ Simcenter platform in Siemens Xcelerator’ PLM portfolio, will allow the creation of a unique end-to-end airframe structure design and certification analysis digital thread. This digital thread would begin with early concept studies, follow through high-fidelity aero-structural optimization and to the structural certification and documentation. The combination of ZONA Technologies’ high fidelity aeroelastic methods and Simcenter’s simulation can reduce dependency on third-party aeroelasticity tools and replace disjointed workflows for airframe analysis, simulation and verification.

This combination will certainly strengthen Siemens’ position in the simulation and analysis arena.

ZONA’s Solutions Were Early Out on the Market

Among commercial solutions and software for aeroelastic analysis, MSC Nastran has traditionally been one of the most used programs, related to the aerodynamic functions of the software. But ZONA Technologies’ ZAERO was also early in the field and, as stated in an early FOI study (Swedish Defence Research Agency, August 2003), ZAERO was at this point in time a significantly more advanced aeroelastic specialist system, which could and can be used together with several structural programs.

Today, ZAERO integrates all essential disciplines required for advanced industrial aeroelastic design and analysis. Its high-fidelity geometry module allows you to accurately model wing-body configurations including underwing nacelles/stores. Its unified AIC scheme provides the capability to run subsonic, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic Mach numbers with a single aerodynamic model. ZAERO has a built-in finite element analysis output file loader that can readily import free vibration analysis results from numerous available commercial products including MSC Nastran, IDEAS, ELFINI, Abaqus, Ansys and others.

An Important Role in The Development of the Multi-Role Fighter Jet Gripen

An interesting example on the A&D side comes from Saab Aerospace. During the development of its multi-role fighter jet JAS-39 Gripen in the early 2000s, Saab had developed a software system for aeroelastic calculations based on an in-house developed solution, AEREL (Advanced Doublet Element). But Saab also used a purchased code, ZONA51 from ZONA Technologies, for studies of effects at supersonic speeds. The AEREL flutter system has been used for flutter and ASE calculations throughout the JAS Gripen project.

Swedish A&D group Saab Aerospace, during the development of its multi-role fighter jet JAS-39 Gripen, used a purchased code, ZONA51 from ZONA Technologies for studies of effects at supersonic speed. (Image courtesy of Saab.)

The commercialized ZONA51 supersonic aeroelasticity tool software is a unique product that was in high demand by the industry. Subsequently, in 1990 ZONA and MSC Software Corporation began to co-market this software through the framework of MSC Nastran. Since then, ZONA has carried out extensive research and development extending into other related areas for software development.

Comprehensive Digital Threads

Today, the unique capabilities in ZONA’s software and the competence among the specialists in the company can play important roles in the global drive towards climate-neutral aviation, the resurgent interest in supersonic travel and innovations in aircraft configurations that require careful and diligent use of aerodynamic and structural design optimization.

Subsequently, with ZONA technology in its Xcelerator portfolio, Siemens believes, "it will be able to help users make their digital threads as comprehensive and as efficient as possible to accelerate innovation and ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of more sustainable inventions in the aerospace industry."

Part Of the Simcenter Platform

The combination of ZONA's aeroelastic methods and Simcenter’s existing proprietary capabilities in the field can reduce the dependency on third-party aeroelasticity tools and replace disjointed workflows for aircraft analysis, simulation and verification.

"ZONA capabilities in our Xcelerator portfolio will help our customers go further with their digital transformation,” commented Jean-Claude Ercolanelli, senior VP of simulation and test solutions at Siemens Digital Industries Software. (Image courtesy of Siemens).

Jean-Claude Ercolanelli, senior VP of simulation and test solutions at Siemens Digital Industries Software, points out that above all the aerospace industry is facing unprecedented technological challenges, "as it strives to solve the complexities of both climate-neutral flight and the rebirth of supersonic travel".

"ZONA capabilities in our Xcelerator portfolio will help our customers go further with their digital transformation and will strengthen Siemens' efforts to build a comprehensive and cutting-edge, end-to-end airframe structure and certification workflow for the aerospace industry," he says.

Furthermore, ZONA conducts research and development work with the support of private airlines, the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA.

The areas covered include:

Computational aerodynamics and aeroelasticity
Aero servo elasticity
Multidisciplinary optimization
Computational fluid dynamics
Flutter & LCO prediction with flight test data
Aeroelastic models & aeroelastic model updates
Integration of aerodynamic and aeroelastic modeling
Structural optimization for the aviation industry

Reduces The Number of Iterations

P.C. Chen, CEO of ZONA Technology, is pleased to become part of Siemens.

"We are excited to join Siemens Digital Industries Software and bring our aeroelastic simulation expertise and technology to enhance the digital thread for aircraft structures and aircraft design," he says.

“A continuous digital connection between the aerophysics and structural departments can reduce the number of iterations and accelerate the certification of the aircraft structure for the aircraft company which strives to launch innovative new aircraft programs on time and within budget.”

ZONA is not a large company in terms of the size of its workforce, with 12 employees across two locations, one of which is the headquarters located in Scottsdale, Arizona. But its competence is unique; founded in 1985, ZONA has been serving the aerospace community with commercial software since 1988, with a primary focus on aeroelastic simulation technology. It is used by some of the world's largest aircraft OEMs, the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2022. The terms are not being disclosed.