6/Dec

By DE Editors

 December 27, 2006Dear DE Reader: Bothmy late father-in-law and my old man were impressed by my ability to dohandyguy stuff, like change a lightplate. So, one year for my birthdayeach of them gave me one of those cheapo racks — one blue, the otherblack — bulging with screws, wing nuts, cotter pins, and other shinythings in little plastic bags. I can report that no hex nut, woodscrew, or bolt from those racks was anything I needed for any job inthe past 20 years or so.Alot of graphics toolkits remind me of those nutchests, which is why Iwas so impressed with Tecplot Edge 3.0 when Mike Peery, the honcho atTecplot, gave me the lowdown on it awhile back. Tecplot Edge is not alibrary of graphics widgets. It is a complete set of high-poweredvisualization software designed to integrate with your applicationswith as little fooling around as possible.TecplotEdge leverages Tecplot 360, a top-shelf CFD and numerical simulationvisualization system that you use — I am not kidding — to greatly,breathtakingly enhance and expand the visualization and plottingcapabilities of data produced by the likes of ANSYS or DYNA. TecplotEdge gives you the power to customize your solvers, simulation codes,and analysis tools with the data visualization, 2D and 3D plotting, andanimation tools your job requires.So,all you application developers out there should do yourself a favor andstop inventing the wheel. Click on the links to check out Tecplot Edge3.0. From there, go to the image gallery on the Tecplot site to seesome of the amazing stuff you can do. Also, check out the DE review of Tecplot 360 from a link in the write-up.Thanks, Pal, and happy new year. —  LockwoodIntegrate Visualization with Your AppsTecplot Edge 3.0 leverages visualization and post-processing platform.Less than a month after Tecplot, Inc. (Bellevue, WA) announced Release2 of its Tecplot 360 2006 visualization and post-processing software,it unveiled Tecplot Edge 3.0, a customizable version of Tecplot 360that enables application developers to integrate visualizationfunctionality with third-party applications.

> > A Tecplot visualization of the plasma flow generated by the rotationalmovement of coronal loops anchored in dense plasma at the surface ofthe sun.

Tecplot Edge 3.0 is not a low-level graphics library, says the company.Rather, it provides you a complete visualization application out of thebox, eliminating the coding and debugging visualization functionality.

< < 3D sphere scatter symbols can be used to visualize the results of athermal spray process numerical simulation.

Tecplot Edge 3.0 gives you the ability to add XY, 2D, and 3D datavisualization and plotting capabilities into your solvers, simulationcodes, and analysis applications. You can combine Tecplot Edge withyour application as a loosely linked plotting tool or as a tightlyintegrated visualization engine, or maybe even a little of both.Tecplot Edge 3.0 is based on the Tecplot 360 CFD and numerical simulation visualization platform, and itincorporates the advanced features of the newest Tecplot release.Tecplot 360, the company’s flagship product, provides integratedCFD-specific analysis tools that you can use to perform spatialintegrations, generate particle trajectories, extract flow features,examine grid quality, and estimate numerical errors. It also providesfor structural analysis visualizations, which means that you can loadFEA and CFD solutions concurrently. Click here to go to the Tecplot 360page on the company’s website. to go DE‘s current review ofTecplot 360.

> > In this example, Tecplot’s multiple contour feature floods a spacecraft’s contour by temperature. Click image to enlarge.

Tecplot Edge 3.0 is available for Windows, Mac OS X (Intel andPowerPC), Linux, and Unix. It supports UNICODE character sets onWindows, and all versions offer a suite of development tools forextending functionality and building platform-independent interfacecodes. An annual development license of Tecplot Edge 3.0 starts at$5,000. Click here to download a low-res PDF datasheet. Click here togo to the Tecplot Edge page on the Tecplot Inc. website. 

 December 20, 2006Dear DE Reader: I’m not sure that I can do justice to the coolness of my Pick of the Week today.Afew weeks ago, I sat down with Malcolm Panthaki, the founder and CTO ofComet Solutions, and Dan Meyer, its president. I had been keeping aneye on this outfit for a while, every so often bugging Mr. Meyer to seeif they were ready to announce their CoMeT software. They haveannounced, and I have to say that CoMeT is so stunningly complex inwhat it does and yet so simply elegant in its mission that I’m sure tobotch this up. So, you have to go beyond the write-up and check out theComet Solutions website.CoMeTstands for Computational Modeling Toolkit. CoMeT is really a monikerfor what will be a suite of solutions that enable product- andsimulation-driven design.Now,what CoMeT does is create a common data model and provide a single,unified operating environment. In the CoMeT environment, CAE and MCADare brought together in symbiosis, and CoMeT manages the models,processes, and resulting simulation data. The key takeaway is no moretranslating from one simulation environment to another. All yourbest-in-class design and analysis can work as a bidirectional, unitedwhole.CoMeTis about leveraging your engineering data from the granular details tocompletion. CoMeT is about what you believe your work environmentshould be. CoMeT is about flattening your design and analysis worldinto an integrated, bidirectional, translation-free, automated, andmanaged singularity. That is, CoMeT is cool. Checkout the write-up and click on the links to go to the Comet Solutionswebsite to learn more. I’m sure you will see why I’ve been waiting totell you about CoMeT. Thanks, Pal. —  Lockwood Editor’s Pick of the Week—December 20, 2006 Common Data Model Unites CAE and MCAD ToolsCoMeT lets you leverage a true common data model for dynamic, bidirectional simulations independent of CAD and CAE.Comet Solutions, Inc. (Albuquerque, NM) recently launched its firstproduct, CoMeT/SD —  CoMeT/StructuralDynamics. CoMeT/SD is part of aplanned suite of applications for simulation-driven engineeringapplications bearing the CoMeT imprint. CoMeT — Computational ModelingToolkit — is the result of work first begun by Malcolm Panthaki and Dr.Walter Gerstle at the Center for High Performance Computing at theUniversity of New Mexico in Albuquerque.CoMeT creates a work environment for the simulation-driven engineeringof complex assemblies. CoMeT is intended to help you get more work outof your analysis tools and CAD systems by facilitating the capture ofproduct knowledge, the creation and automation of processes, and theleveraging off simulation results to drive your CAD models.    With CoMeT/SD, you can work in a single environment to build a solid model in your MCAD system (left), andthen use that geometry for subsequent analysis (right) without having to re-create your design. Click images to enlarge. The single, coherent environment enabled by CoMeT begins by creating acommon data model, called CoMeT’s Univeral Engineering Model or UME for short. What UME means for you is that point-to-pointtranslations between disparate CAE tools are eliminated. Because ofthis, CoMeT establishes inherent bidirectional associativity betweenformerly discrete MCAD and CAE data from a variety of vendors. Forexample, CoMeT/SD enables you to take a model created in say, Pro/E andsimulate the performance of structures and mechanisms (both static anddynamic) using codes such as ADAMS for rigid and flexible multibodydynamic simulations and ABAQUS, ANSYS, and MSC.NASTRAN for FEA (finiteelement analysis). Using bidirectional associativity between MCAD andCAE data, CoMeT allows engineers to modify geometric parametersautomatically during design space exploration. CoMeT’s abstract modeling capabilities are said to significantly reducethe amount of engineering data entry and reentry, even across hugechanges to the MCAD design. The abstract model specification, says thecompany, also allows non-experts to easily perform complex analyseswithout deviating from the specified process. Comet lets you define multiple engineering analysis tasks for yourmodels. You can reuse previously defined tasks by adding them to yourmodel, and CoMet’s process and task interfaces give you a complete andtraceable view of the models, the simulation processes to be run onthem, and the analysis results—all in one place. You can also run simulations iteratively to explore the design spaceand find optimized product designs. Each process will simulate variousphysical phenomena using multiple CAE codes. Analysis results areautomatically organized, facilitating results examination andcomparison. Additionally, you can use CoMet/SD to author simulationtemplates. CoMeT/StructuralDynamics is available for immediate use. CoMeTSolutions also offers complementary services for product adoption andengineering process implementation. Click here to download the CoMeT/SDbrochure or click here to go to the Comet Solutions website for moreinformation.

December 13, 2006Dear DE Reader:Near the end of November, I had the pleasure of meeting Rory Dooley,the president of 3Dconnexion, the 3D navigation device manufacturer. Hewas the bearer of good, better, and bad news.The bad news is that 3Dconnexion will discontinue its SpaceBall andSpaceMouse devices at the end of the year. I was duly — sorry for thepun — horrified. I mean, SpaceBall, like Kleenex and Xerox, has morphedfrom product name to a thing we call all such devices. Is nothingsacred? What is the world coming to?Ah, but after helping me off the floor and having me breathe in a paperbag, Mr. Dooley gave me the good then the better news. To whit:3Dconnexion has updated its product line with two new 3D navigationdevices, new software, and — best of all — new pricing.Let me cut to the chase: If the price of a 3D navigator was too highfor you to give it a try, the world has changed. 3Dconnexion now offersan entry-level 3D navigation device — called the SpaceNavigator PE(personal edition) — for $59. $59? I probably spend that much onchocolate and chips in a couple of days.3Dconnexion also rolled out the SpaceExplorer, a full-featured midrangedevice, for $299. And they released 3DxSoftware 3.0. This has a newconfiguration wizard so that you can set it up for your softwareeasily. It also supports Autodesk Design Reviewer, Autodesk DWF Viewer,and Google Earth.It turns out that the latter really is what the world is coming to. Youhave to use SpaceExplorer with Google Earth. It is so much fun that youwill forget just how useful it will turn out to be.3D navigation devices not only boost your productivity, they injectsome good old-fashion fun into your work. At $59 to start, you reallyshould not pass up the opportunity to see for yourself what the fuss isall about. So, check out the links from the write-up for comparisoncharts, datasheets, videos, and all that good stuff.Thanks, Pal. —  Lockwood 3D Navigation Priced AttractivelyNew product line from 3Dconnexion lowers price barriers, expands software support.3Dconnexion (San Jose, CA) has updated its product line with a pair ofnew 3D navigation devices, new software, and a new pricing strategy.Respectively representing entry-level and mid-range offerings, the new3D navigation devices, SpaceNavigator and SpaceExplorer, replace theSpaceBall and SpaceMouse in the product line-up. The latter the companyplans to discontinue at the end of 2006, although support for bothproducts will continue through 2009. Concurrently, 3Dconnexion loweredthe price of its high-end 3D SpacePilot navigation device to $399. TheSpaceTraveler, a lightweight portable device, remains priced at $199.

> > 3Dconnexion’s new product family.

Both of the new devices, as well as all the company’s devices, are usedwith your alternate hand as a mouse complement. Each has a controllercap that enables you to interact and control—simultaneous pan, zoom,and rotate, for example—3D content by flying through that contentwithout stopping to use the keyboard or mouse to change directions. Thecontroller cap provides six-degrees of freedom, and the devices’ sixoptical sensors communicate multiple threads of navigation data to 3Dapplications continuously.The SpaceNavigator is an entry-level, puck-sized 3D navigation device.Available in personal (PE) and standard (SE) editions, SpaceNavigatorPE has a $59 suggested retail price, while the SE goes for $99.Theprimary difference is that the SE comes with a commercial-use license.The SpaceNavigator’s small, heavy steel base holds it to the desktop,and its pair of programmable buttons let you customize your workflow.

< < 3Dconnexion’s SpaceNavigator.

The new SpaceExplorer is a full-featured midrange device, designed as areplacement for the SpaceBall. Its ergonomic design includes a handrestand 15 pre-configurable function keys. SpaceExplorer’s suggested retailprice is $299. 3Dconnexion also released 3DxSoftware 3.0. Version 3.0 features a newConfiguration Wizard and added support for Autodesk Design Reviewer,Autodesk DWF Viewer, Google Earth, and Google SketchUp. TheConfiguration Wizard is an interactive tool that runs duringinstallation and demonstrates to the user through animations andimagery how to use the navigation device and easily configure it touser-preferred settings.

> > 3Dconnexion’s SpaceExplorer.

To learn more about the entry-level SpaceNavigator, click here toaccess 3Dconnexion’s PDF datasheet. Click here for 3Dconnexion’s SpaceExplorer datasheet and here for 3DConnexion’scomparison chart. Or click here for some videos of the SpaceNavigatorand SpaceExplorer in use with major MCAD applications and Google Earth.

December 6, 2006Dear DE Reader:Thisis a hot one for you. Noran Engineering — a top-notch outfitspecializing in Nastran development that just does not seem to get thereams of press coverage it should — recently rolled out NEi Fusion, anew simulation package for small and midsize businesses that integratesa solid modeling engine with Nastran solvers.But,look, calling NEi Fusion “a package” just does not do it justice. Whatyou have here is the union of a finite element modeler, pre andpostprocessing capabilities, and Nastran solvers. The modeler has afull set of tools for fast model creation, and a range of CAD dataimport capabilities to help you build your models from existing CADfiles quickly.Andhow about this? Noran is offering an introductory special. So, for lessthan half the price of what you would shell out for a single seat of atypical midrange MCAD solution, never mind world-class Nastran, you canhave integrated solid modeling and high-end Nastran. This means thatyou can boost productivity and save on capital expenses big time. Thepencil pushers will think you are a genius. NEiFusion is a lot like nuclear fusion: NEi Fusion will result in therelease of enormous quantities of energy - your creative energy. Checkout the online video and the links to datasheets from the write-up.Thanks, Pal.— LockwoodAnthony J. Lockwood—DE Editorial Director Modeling, Nastran Fused in Single Window Noran Engineering’s new simulation integrates design and high-end analysis. Nastran FEA (finite element analysis) developer Noran Engineering, Inc.(Westminster, CA) has released NEi Fusion, its newest simulationproduct for product design, development, optimization, testing, andquality engineers. Tailored for small and midsize businesses, NEiFusion creates full single-window solid modeling and analysisintegration by coupling a 3D feature-based, parametric CAD solidmodeling engine with Noran Engineering’s professional-level Nastransolvers. This combination, said by the company to be an industry first,enables you to test a wide range of static and dynamic structural andthermal conditions as well as explore design alternatives during yourCAD design process. Announced just days ago, NEi fusion is availablefor a limited time at less than half the cost of a midrange solidmodeler alone. NEi Fusion lets you apply forces, pressure, thermal conditions,temperature, vibration, and impact loads. With it, you can analyzeparts and assemblies for a variety of static and dynamic structural andthermal loading concerns. NEi Fusion enables the direct use of CADgeometry for analysis as well as the direct application of analysisinput data to CAD geometry. In addition, NEi Fusion includes acomprehensive suite of features for results evaluation, presentation,and reporting. NEi Fusion comprises a quartet of core competencies, each beginningwith the NEi Fusion family name. These are Modeler, Pre-Processor,Post-Processor, and Nastran, respectively. NEi Fusion Nastran leveragesNoran Engineer’s widely deployed, high-end Nastran solvers. NEi FusionModeler is built on what the company calls “an industry-proven” solidmodeling engine. This Windows-based, fully associative, andfeature-based solid modeling engine provides a full set of tools forpart and assembly model creation as well as a wide range of CAD dataimport capabilities. NEi Fusion Pre-Processor provides a comprehensive element library,meshing capabilities, and extensive material library. In turn, the NEiFusion Post-Processor provides a wide assortment of images, graphs, anddata to view simulation results. Additionally, it offers a suite offile sharing and import-export capabilities. Miscellaneous features include a feature manager for geometry,analysis, and result visualization data; customizable analysis tree;and context-sensitive HTML-based help system and tutorials. Click hereto access a list of features, analysis and materials types,PDF-formatted product information, and similar granular details. NEi Fusion is available in Basic or Expert solver packages. The NEIFusion Basic solver suite handles linear statics, modal analysis,buckling, pre-stress, and steady state heat transfer problems. TheExpert solver suite extends the Basic package with advanced dynamics,nonlinear analysis, and transient heat transfer analysis capabilities. NEi Fusion is also available in Designer and Analyst configurations. Designer — thelowest price option — brings together NEi Fusion Modeler and the NEiNastran solvers, but the NEi Nastran solvers cannot be used with anyother pre- and postprocessors. The Analyst configuration providesunrestricted use of NEi Nastran solver capabilities with otherpre- and postprocessors. The Designer configuration can be upgraded to theAnalyst level if your needs require it. To watch a small Flash demo of NEi Fusion, click here. Click here toaccess a list of features, analysis and materials types, PDF-formattedproduct information, data sheets, and similar details. NEi Fusion, which will have a suggested price of $4,990, is availablenow for an introductory price of $1,999. Click here to access theintroductory offer Web page or click here to go to the Noran Engineering home page.