Mechanical Engineering Magazine

TECPLOT INC., BELLEVUE, WASH.

The reservoir simulation and analysis tool Tecplot RS 2013 gives users the ability to explore the flow dynamics in the vicinity of faults with options that allow users to display faults alongside grid layers and streamlines. These methods to examine faults allow reservoir engineers to investigate the details of properties near selected faults and understand how the faults influence the flow of the reservoir fluids. Combining the display of faults with selected grid layers, slices, or iso-surfaces enhances the engineers’ ability to gain insights into the interaction of the reservoir fluids with the faults.

SIEMENS, INDUSTRY SECTOR, MUNICH, GERMANY.

Simatic WinCC SCADA software has been updated to version 7. 2. The new version allows the software to be used for a plant-wide information system accommodating up to 18 redundant servers. The update also offers historian and information server options to give users access to scalable data archiving with web-based analysis and reporting tools. The Simatic Process Historian central archiving system acquires and archives data in real time from any number of lower-level WinCC systems for plant-wide analyses and reports. The scalable software can accommodate data volume without interrupting production. The archiving function automatically creates weekly, monthly and annual archives.

AUTODESK, SAN RAFAEL, CALIF.

The software maker announced a pay-as-you-go pricing model for its design and engineering applications. Customers can buy access in monthly, quarterly, or annual plans for the Design and Creation Suites and for Autodesk 3ds Max. Products within the suites that can be purchased via the pricing model include AutoCAD Design Suite, AutoCAD Inventor LT Suite, Factory Design Suite, Plant Design Suite, and Product Design Suite. Those who choose the plans will receive similar benefits to Autodesk’s subscription customers, including current product updates, access to select services, and basic support. The plans will be particularly attractive to freelancers, startup businesses, or those that are project-based, said Andrew Anagnost, senior vice president of industry strategy and marketing at Autodesk. ME

TOOLS // SOFTWARE
SUBMISSIONS

Submit hard copy or e-mail memag; asme.org, using subject line “Software Exchange." ME does not test or endorse software described here.

COMPOSITE ANALYSIS

SEAC02 SRL, TURIN, I TALY.

The CAD visualization software Linceo VR 4.0 turns CAD models into lifelike models for presentation. It now includes marker tracking, natural feature tracking, and Kinect tracking capabilities. Users can now add actual product photos and include imperceptible overlaying effects between virtual and real. A new drag-and-drop interface allows those who haven’t worked with the software before to design product presentations. Using the free viewer, they can share those presentations on websites, in PowerPoint, or other ways.

HYPERSIZER VERSION 6. 4. 5 COMPOSI TE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND optimization software now requires less user input than previous versions for optimization of composite compo- nents or parts, according to the company. The user inputs load magnitude and the tool is able to automatically configure a preview of optimization parameters. For those in the wind industry, weight versus cost optimization has been added so that engineers can include the effects of material choices on tools, labor, and facilities, when looking at the tradeoffs between carbon fiber and fiberglass. In this version, runs are speeded by

200 to 400 percent. Optional quick sizing and variable tuning
capabilities are up to 1,000 times faster, the developer says.

COLLIER RESEARCH CORP., HAMPTON, VA..

The HyperSizer software is used to analyze the structures of composite designs. The latest version speeds run times and includes updates specific to the wind industry. Image: Collier Research Corp.