Eight Auto Companies Will Discuss Latest Innovations at Altair HyperWorks Technology Conference

TROY, Mich., May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Eight automotive original-equipment manufacturers and suppliers will discuss innovative ways they are using computer simulation in the design and testing of their latest initiatives when they participate in the 2011 Americas HyperWorks Technology Conference (HTC2011). The conference, hosted by Altair Engineering, Inc., a leading global provider of simulation technology and engineering services, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Fla., June 22-23.

Keynotes will be offered by John Viera, director of sustainability for Ford Motor Company, and Kent Day, engineering team technical director for Richard Childress Racing (RCR).  Viera's presentation will focus on product sustainability efforts at Ford, including those related to electric and hydrogen vehicles as well as controlling carbon dioxide emissions. He also will outline the company's sustainable material strategies and the approaches and tools Ford leverages to deliver sustainability.

Day's presentation will offer insights and experiences related to virtual engineering and discuss how a "virtual revolution" has significantly changed the auto industry and transformed NASCAR design. RCR employs a broad suite of simulation tools for racecar development and optimization, including Altair's HyperWorks software for optimizing suspension component design.

"We needed a comprehensive solution to facilitate the racecar development and optimization process," said Day. "The advanced meshing capabilities and optimization tools that HyperWorks offers are unparalleled in the industry, and we eagerly anticipate sharing our experiences with the advanced manufacturing community."

Other presenters from the automotive sector will include executives from Aethra Automotive Systems of Brazil, Chrysler, Dana Corp., Honda R&D Americas, International Automotive Components (IAC) and Volvo Truck.

"Reports from federal agencies have made clear that autos are safer than they've been in many decades, thanks in part to an industry focus on designing safer structures and systems by using simulation tools like the HyperWorks suite," said Tony Norton, Altair executive director of global automotive. "Now the auto industry is taking a similar approach to designing sustainability into powertrains, materials and components to better protect the environment and reduce dependence on foreign sources of oil. HyperWorks will continue to be a crucial innovation tool in these efforts." 

During the conference, Altair will introduce HyperWorks 11.0, the newest version of its suite of computer-aided engineering solutions. The software's advanced features will be previewed at a pre-conference training session on Tuesday, June 21.  Among the additions to HyperWorks 11.0 is the incorporation of recently acquired high-fidelity CFD solver AcuSolve™. AcuSolve integrates with Altair's RADIOSS solver and its OptiStruct and HyperStudy optimization tools, increasing Altair's offerings in CFD and multi-physics optimization.

HTC2011 is Altair's premier annual event and is free for all attendees. The two-day conference will offer sessions on developments and trends in the areas of simulation-driven design practices, design optimization, data management, process automation and decision-support systems.

For more information and to register, visit www.altairhtc.com. Connect with HyperWorks on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for HTC2011 updates and information.

About Altair

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 1,400 employees, Altair has offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. With a 25-year 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.altairhtc.com.

SOURCE Altair Engineering, Inc.