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FE DESIGN LAUNCH TOSCA V6
14 January 2007 - NAFEMS
| FE-DESIGN announces the release of version 6.0 of its optimization software TOSCA for topology, shape and bead optimization with the industry-standard solvers ABAQUS, ANSYS, MSC.Nastran, MSC.Marc, NX Nastran and Permas. |
The release TOSCA 6.0 is packed full of new and unique features that allow the solution of complex real-world optimization applications. A strong emphasis was dedicated to improve the ease-of-use, reliability and performance even for very large optimization models. The close integration of TOSCA 6.0 in the native CAE environment and the extended capabilities regarding CAD transfer of the optimization results deliver a significant benefit to the virtual product development process. TOSCA 6.0 offers the first available sensitivity-based mathematical programming algorithm for topology optimization with industry-standard finite element solvers and manufacturing constraints. The new algorithm allows the free choice of objective function and an arbitrary number of constraints from volume, compliance, displacements, reaction forces and natural frequencies. This technology gives access to sophisticated optimization applications like weight minimization with target stiffnesses and constraints on natural frequencies or shifting of natural frequencies from given resonance frequencies. Various manufacturing and symmetry constraints are provided to calculate optimal design proposals for specific manufacturing processes like casting, forging, extrusion or stamping. The CAD transfer of the optimization results was significantly improved by calculation of a series of user definable slices through the topology iso-surface, which results in lightweight data for the design process. "The new topology optimization capabilities of TOSCA, mainly the new options for returning optimized geometries back into CAD, are a big step in applied optimization technology. We are using TOSCA together with ANSYS and ABAQUS since 2001 for the design of braking systems and chassis parts. TOSCA has become in the meantime an essential part in our virtual product development process. The new functionalities extend the range of applications considerably and will help us to reduce development time and costs furthermore" says Joachim Noack, Team Leader Structural and Thermal Analysis, TRW Automotive. TRW Automotive is an enterprise wide customer of TOSCA. An executive summary of all new functionalities of TOSCA 6.0, including important enhancements in shape and bead optimization, is given under Software / TOSCA at www.fe-design.com
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About: NAFEMS
NAFEMS is a not for profit organisation aimed at promoting best practices and also fostering education and awareness in the engineering analysis community. In line with its objectives to promote the effective use of simulation technologies, NAFEMS is continually seeking to create awareness of new analysis methodologies, deliver education & training, and stimulate the adoption of best practices and standards by offering a platform for continuous professional development.By the late 1970s and early 1980s, as computing power became more widely available, increasingly industry was starting to solve practical engineering problems using finite element analysis techniques. There was however considerable concern that the accuracy of the methods, and software implementations, required to be verified in order to allow the results to be effectively used. Following extensive lobbying, by industry and academia, the UK Government's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) set up, and funded, a project within the National Engineering Laboratory (NEL), based in East Kilbride, Scotland, to investigate the issues. As a result the National Agency for Finite Element Methods and Standards, quickly shortened to the acronym NAFEMS, was founded as a special interest group in 1983 with a specific objective namely: "To promote the safe and reliable use of finite element and related technology" In order to keep engineers abreast of the latest developments in the Analysis World the quarterly magazine BENCHmark was launched by NAFEMS in July 1987. After seven years of seed funding by the UK government, and with the support of its industrial members, the decision was taken to launch NAFEMS Ltd as an independent not-for-profit company, owned by its member's in 1990. The company celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 2000, and has developed both the scope of its technology focus and its membership well beyond the original vision. Today NAFEMS and its members are involved in many different types of engineering simulation covering both products and processes. Membership continues to grow, now exceeding 700 corporate members in over 30 different countries. Steering groups have been set up in the UK, France, Germany, and the USA to co-ordinate local activities and interaction with members. |
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