Simcenter X debuts; automotive giants select their favorite software

Engineering.com’s roundup of recent simulation news.

Siemens introduces Simcenter X for cloud-based simulation

Simcenter, the popular simulation software from Siemens Digital Industries Software, is now available in the cloud — at least in part. Called Simcenter X, the software-as-a-service, pay-as-you-go product gives engineers a virtual desktop for modeling and post-processing powered by high-performance computers, plus enhanced collaboration and ad-hoc storage capabilities. However, Simcenter X is presently limited to STAR-CCM+, the computational fluid dynamics module of Simcenter. In a launch announcement, the company said it plans to make Simcenter X “generally available” later this year.

Simcenter X is the new cloud-based simulation and test solution delivered through Siemens Xcelerator as a Service. (Image: Siemens)

Simcenter X is the new cloud-based simulation and test solution delivered through Siemens Xcelerator as a Service. (Image: Siemens)

Altair acquires Research in Flight’s aerodynamics platform

Altair recently acquired Auburn, Alabama-based Research in Flight, a developer of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software that counts the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and NASA among its customers. Research in Flight’s flagship product, FlightStream, expedites the design and development of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic components for aerospace, defense, marine, energy, turbomachinery and automotive applications. In a release, Altair said that FlightStream will be integrated with Altair HyperWorks, a computer-aided engineering (CAE) software platform, and made available through its Altair Units licensing system. Altair said the acquisition will help it meet the evolving needs of engineers, including those designing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Bentley Motors adopts VI-grade technology to simulate electric-vehicle experiences

Luxury automaker Bentley Motors recently selected VI-grade’s Compact Full Spectrum Dynamic Simulator (FSS) technology to help build virtual prototypes of new battery-powered electric-vehicle models. The Compact FSS is a driver-in-the-loop simulator for evaluating key contributors to a rider’s experience, including comfort, motion, vibration and sound. Bentley’s goal is to reduce digital development cycles, minimize physical prototypes, and prioritize virtual technology for its next-generation vehicles, explained a Bentley engineer in a release.

MathWorks software to help Toyota achieve its mobility aspirations

Toyota Motor Corp. announced it will expand its use of Matlab and Simulink, the core products of MathWorks, a U.S.-based producer of mathematical computing software. Toyota said that using model-based design (MBD) with Matlab and Simulink will help it respond quickly to change and reduce development times, which will support its plan to become a “mobility company” within the automotive industry.

Written by

Rachael Pasini

Rachael Pasini has a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering and a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from The Ohio State University. She has over 15 years of experience as a technical writer and taught college math and physics. As Editor-in-Chief of Engineering.com and Design World and Senior Editor of Fluid Power World and R&D World, she covers automation, hydraulics, pneumatics, linear motion, motion control, additive manufacturing, advanced materials, robotics, and more.