Lufthansa Technik Simulates Aircraft Engine Wear and Tear with ANSYS Software

PITTSBURGH, May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lufthansa Technik AG is leveraging simulation software from ANSYS (NASDAQ: ANSS) to simulate wear and tear of aircraft components, particularly in jet engines, to prolong service intervals and to create new ways to repair used parts. Part of Lufthansa Group, the German company is one of the world's largest providers of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support services for aircraft.

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As an aviation authority-approved development and production organization, Lufthansa Technik performs its own research to investigate blade damage due to bird strike and gradual erosion resulting from particles in the air, for example. By using simulation solutions from ANSYS, the company can gain a profound understanding of these processes, optimize the timing for parts replacement and develop new repair methods. Lufthansa Technik uses structural mechanics and fluid dynamics from ANSYS to perform, among other applications, studies on structural and thermal loads on different engine modules for several engine types.

"By researching wear of turbine blades, we are helping our customers to increase engine service life. Using innovative repair methods that we develop, these same customers can possibly avoid purchasing expensive new parts. For an airline, this is money in the bank," said Christian Werner-Spatz at Lufthansa Technik AG. "Multiphysics simulation software from ANSYS allows us to understand the operating environment of jet engine components and draw conclusions from these results with a high degree of confidence."

"Lufthansa Technik AG uses our software not to develop completely new products, but to increase service life for aircraft turbines. Condition-based maintenance and developing a deeper understanding of asset lifecycles are becoming more important as airlines struggle to control costs," said Rob Harwood, director of aerospace marketing at ANSYS. "Mere experience is not sufficient anymore in today's fast-changing and complex environment. As Lufthansa Technik AG has demonstrated, ANSYS simulation technology is being used at the forefront of this research.  Companies that are leaders in their field, like Lufthansa Technik, are increasing their use of simulation technology to gain deep insight into how components behave under loads and, therefore, a better understanding of processes."

About Lufthansa Technik AG

The Lufthansa Technik Group, with more than 30 subsidiaries and about 26,000 employees worldwide, is one of the leading manufacturer-independent providers of services for the aviation industry. In 2010, the Group's overall revenues stood at over 4 billion euros. Lufthansa Technik is licensed internationally as a repair, production and development enterprise. The Group's portfolio encompasses the entire spectrum of services in the areas of maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification and conversion, engines and components. For more information, visit http://www.lufthansa-technik.com.

About ANSYS, Inc.

ANSYS, Inc., founded in 1970, develops and globally markets engineering simulation software and technologies widely used by engineers, designers, researchers and students across a broad spectrum of industries and academia. The company focuses on the development of open and flexible solutions that enable users to analyze designs directly on the desktop, providing a common platform for fast, efficient and cost-conscious product development, from design concept to final-stage testing and validation. The company and its global network of channel partners provide sales, support and training for customers. Headquartered in Canonsburg, Pa., U.S.A., with more than 60 strategic sales locations throughout the world, ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries employ more than 1,700 people and distribute ANSYS products through a network of channel partners in 40+ countries. Visit www.ansys.com for more information.

ANSYS, ANSYS Workbench, Ansoft, AUTODYN, CFX, FLUENT, and any and all ANSYS, Inc. brand, product, service and feature names, logos and slogans are registered trademarks or trademarks of ANSYS, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries. All other brand, product, service and feature names or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Customer: ANSS-C

SOURCE ANSYS, Inc.