Wizards such as one for automated impact analysis (AIA) let users perform virtual drop tests using a simple input form to define initial velocity and acceleration. The solver then sets up the surface contact and calculates time steps needed to simulate an accurate nonlinear transient event. The Optimization Analysis tool assigns design objectives to minimize, maximize, or target parameters such as weight, stress, eigenvalues, temperature, and geometric data. The tool can reveal innovative solutions that can otherwise be difficult to find because of design complexity.

Noran Engineering Inc., 5555 Garden Grove Blvd., Suite. 300, Westminster, CA 92683, (714) 899-1220, nenastran.com