By DE Editors

FEA-Opt Technology Introduces SmartDO

FEA-Opt Technology (Taiwan), a CAE consultancy and design optimization specialist firm, introduces SmartDO 1.1. SmartDO (smart design optimization system) has been developed and tested since 1994 and was originally used as an internal code for providing consultancy services from FEA-Opt Technology.

SmartDO specializes in CAE-based numerical optimization, where the meshing noise is a problem. Such noise usually “traps” the design point in the local design space. Many packages have used stochastic approaches, like the Genetic Algorithms, to try to overcome such problems.

According to a company press release, with the proprietary technology called the Response Smoothing Technology, SmartDO is able to smooth out the noise caused by meshing and package integrations. Solutions obtained from other optimization packages can usually be further improved by SmartDO using nonlinear programming (NLP) techniques.

SmartDO also comes with the Robust Genetic Algorithms (RGA) for users that prefer stochastic approach. The RGA in SmartDO has adaptive penalty function, automatic schema, automatic population and generation number calculation, and absolute descent convergence.

The core engine of SmartDO has been successfully applied in civil engineering, medical, aerospace, and consumer products in the fields of structural, electrical, CAD, and CFD. For more information, click here.

Info
FEA-Opt Technology
Taiwan

Maple Package for Strength of Materials

Mechanics of Materials is a new add-on to Maplesoft's Maple from Adept Scientific specifically for linear and elastic beam bending problems. Using Maple’s engine, problem specifications can be formulated in numeric or symbolic form, offering graphical and analytical solutions for beam sections with up to 100 separate segments.

Currently available to Maple users in the UK, Ireland, and Nordic countries, Mechanics of Materials contains eight functions that perform various calculations based on three theoretical foundations: the method of differential equation integration of linear elastic behavior; an improved theory of S. P. Timoshenko, taking into consideration shearing deformations for simple bend boundary conditions and shear angle boundary conditions; and the Winkler Foundation Model.

Mechanics of Materials

The company says that Mechanics of Materials is an ideal companion to Maple for researchers and mechanical or civil engineers who work with applied and structural mechanics and strength of materials. It is also suitable for education and training for all levels of post-secondary education learning the foundations of structural mechanics and applied mechanics.

Mechanics of Materials is published as part of the MapleConnect program. MapleConnect is a developer support program that enables Maple users to commercialize applications that they design and develop based on Maplesoft products. Like other MapleConnect products, it can be purchased as a downloadable product from the Adept Scientific WebStore.

Info
Adept Scientific
Bethesda, MD

Maplesoft
Waterloo, ONT

SolidWorks 10th Annual Design Contest

Design engineers have another chance to win recognition for designing better products in the upcoming 10th annual SolidWorks Design Contest. More than $150,000 in prizes will be awarded to 10 winners, who will be spotlighted at the SolidWorks World 2007 International User Conference and Exposition, February 4 to 7, 2007, in New Orleans.

The contest challenges SolidWorks 3D CAD software users to create outstanding designs in three categories: models, photorealistic images, and animations. Honors include a Grand Prize for best model, with the winner receiving an assortment of prizes, including a Dell Precision 390 Workstation and 20-inch monitor.

All entries will be judged based on aesthetic appeal, technical challenges, the organization’s use of SolidWorks software, and supporting explanatory text.

Last year’s winners included models of the womb-like PremaCare Incubator; the Hamilton Beach Change-a-Bowl food processor; an 1879 steam locomotive; the Sub-Zero PRO 48 refrigerator/freezer combination; and futuristic airport lounge chairs. All of last year’s winning entries can be viewed on the SolidWorks website.

Entries for this year’s contest must be received by November 30 at 11:59 p.m. EST. To enter, click here.

Info
SolidWorks Corp.
Concord, MA