Knorr-Bremse Group Broadens Use of Altair HyperWorks to Enhance Development Processes

TROY, Mich., July 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair Engineering, Inc., a leading global provider of simulation technology and engineering services that empower client innovation and decision-making, announced today that Knorr-Bremse, a leading German manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles, has widened its use of Altair's HyperWorks suite of computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools. As a long-term customer, the company has recognized the benefits of HyperWorks and recently acquired additional HyperWorks license units to broaden its software use from HyperMesh and HyperView to also include RADIOSS, OptiStruct and other tools.

Knorr-Bremse engineers will use the additional software tools in its CAE centers in Munich, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; and Faridabad, India to simulate and analyze braking systems and components. These include brake control systems such as those for high speed trains, truck ESP (electronic stability program) and ABS (antilock brakes), disc brakes, and systems for compressed air production.

The primary reason for extending its pool of HyperWorks license units is the need to use RADIOSS as an explicit solver for finite element (FE) calculations, especially when handling large models that include many contacts. Additionally, Knorr-Bremse has started to access OptiStruct for topology optimization during the development process.

"What we like about HyperWorks is that we have a tool at hand to solve most, if not all, of our development tasks with only one licence agreement and one software family," said Dr. Frank Gunther, manager of technical analysis/simulation at Knorr-Bremse Systems for Rail Vehicles. "Thanks to the flexible HyperWorks licensing system, we can use the units we bought companywide for every HyperWorks tool included in the suite, which is especially helpful for an international company of our size. This helps us to consolidate software costs, to be flexible in the use of our software, and to intensify collaboration of our different CAE locations. HyperWorks offers some of the best CAE tools available. We are very pleased with the performance of HyperMesh. Additionally, we have also always been very satisfied with the support by Altair. The hotline support is very competent, quick and responsive."

"We are very glad that Knorr-Bremse has extended its use of Altair HyperWorks," said Dr. Detlef Schneider, managing director for Altair Germany. "This decision shows us that our offering helps manufacturers and tier one suppliers, such as Knorr-Bremse, to develop their products faster and more efficiently, while consolidating software costs. We know that our customers need a broad range of products - some every day, some only once in a while - and our flexible units-based licensing system allows Knorr-Bremse to address those needs. HyperMesh and HyperView are industry standards for pre- and post-processing. With RADIOSS, they have a best-in-class solver at hand to do their calculations; and with the same licensing agreement, they are also able to handle optimization tasks with OptiStruct, whenever needed."

About Knorr-Bremse Group

The Knorr-Bremse Group is the world's leading manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles. For more than 100 years now the company has pioneered the development, production, marketing and servicing of state-of-the-art braking systems. Other lines of business in the rail vehicle systems sector include automatic, electro-pneumatic or electric door systems, air conditioning systems, control components and windscreen wiper systems, as well as platform screen doors. In the commercial vehicle systems sector, the product range includes complete braking systems with driver assistance systems, as well as torsional vibration dampers and powertrain-related solutions and transmission control system for enhanced energy efficiency and fuel economy.

About HyperWorks

HyperWorks, A Platform for Innovation, is a comprehensive simulation solution for rapid design exploration and decision-making. HyperWorks provides a tightly integrated suite of best-in-class tools for all facets of the simulation process; modeling, analysis, optimization, visualization, reporting and collaborative knowledge management. Leveraging a revolutionary pay-per-usage licensing model, HyperWorks delivers maximum value and flexibility for customers worldwide. Visit www.altairhyperworks.com.

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.