Altair's HyperWorks Partner Alliance Extends Its Reach Into Composites Further With ESAComp

TROY, Mich., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair, developer of the popular HyperWorks computer-aided engineering software suite, today announced the addition of Finnish-based Componeering Inc. to the HyperWorks Partner Alliance (HWPA). Componeering Inc.'s software ESAComp is a composite modeling tool that aids engineers in the design and structural analysis of composites.

HyperWorks customers can access ESAComp through the HWPA, a suite of third-party applications from HyperWorks partners that can be employed with the same units used to invoke HyperWorks software. The flexibility of these HyperWorks Units allow users to access the largest and most complete suite of CAE applications available at no incremental cost and with no long-term commitment.

As a standalone software tool with the ability to interface with finite element software packages, ESAComp fits seamlessly and efficiently into any design process. The European Space Agency (ESA) initiated the development of ESAComp in the early 1990s. The goal was to create a standard tool to replace the various in-house codes used by the aerospace industry for the analysis and design of composite structures. Today, users of ESAComp come from all industries using high-performance composites.

"ESAComp software primarily addresses the conceptual and preliminary design phases – in other words, parts of the design cycle that are not well-addressed by finite element software packages alone," said Markku Palantera, CEO of Componeering. "Studies show that simulation brings real cost savings in product design when it is sufficiently applied in the early phases, which then reduces the number of required design iterations. Focusing on this area, ESAComp makes a perfect match with HyperWorks."

ESAComp is used from preliminary design to the more advanced analyses that are necessary for final design verification. Its comprehensive material database forms the basis for design studies. ESAComp has a vast set of analysis capabilities for laminates and sandwich constructions and it also includes micromechanical analyses. It further contains additional tools to address structural elements, including but not limited to cylinders, columns, and panels.

"It is very exciting for us to welcome Componeering into the HyperWorks Partner Alliance," said Antoine Poussier, Altair vice president of global partner programs. "The addition of a technology such as ESAComp helps deepen Altair's offering in composites modeling and analysis and exemplifies once again Altair's commitment to providing its users with the broadest range of CAE solutions."

The HWPA is committed to providing its users the industry's most comprehensive offering of software applications across multiple relevant domains related to computer-aided engineering. The addition of ESAComp further increases the flexibility of the HyperWorks Units and strengthens the overall value of Altair HyperWorks.

About Componeering Inc.

Componeering specializes in structural analysis and design of composite structures. Componeering has gained its competence and recognition from the development of ESAComp software as a project initiated and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA). Besides the standard software package, Componeering develops customized software solutions to meet special customer needs and provides training for efficient composite design. The consulting services offered include concept development, FE analysis and design optimization of composite structures. To learn more, please visit www.esacomp.com.

About the HyperWorks Partner Alliance

Altair's HyperWorks platform employs a revolutionary subscription-based licensing model where customers use floating licenses to access a broad suite of Altair-developed and third-party software applications on-demand. The HyperWorks Partner Alliance effectively extends the HyperWorks Platform from 28 internally developed solutions to more than 50 applications with the addition of new partner applications. Customers can invoke these third-party applications at no incremental cost using their existing HyperWorks licenses. Customers benefit from unmatched flexibility and access, resulting in maximum software utilization, productivity and ROI. For more information about the HyperWorks Partner Alliance, visit www.hyperworksalliance.com. Join Altair and hundreds of other industry experts at the 2012 HyperWorks Technology Conference in Detroit May 15-17, 2012. Visit www.altairhtc.com/na for details.

About Altair Engineering, Inc.

Altair Engineering, Inc. empowers client innovation and decision-making through technology that optimizes the analysis, management and visualization of business and engineering information. Privately held, with more than 1,500 employees, Altair has offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. With a 26-year-plus track record for high-end software and consulting services for engineering, computing and enterprise analytics, Altair consistently delivers a competitive advantage to customers in a broad range of industries. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com and www.simulatetoinnovate.com.

SOURCE Altair Engineering, Inc.; Componeering Inc.