Engineering&Simulation Page 14

SMT MASTA 15.0: Advanced Powertrain Design & Analysis Software MASTA 15.0 is the latest version of SMT’s comprehensive transmission and electrified powertrain design software. This release introduces machine learning capabilities, enhanced NVH analysis, and deeper integration with manufacturing workflows. Key New Features in MASTA 15.0 Machine Learning Micro Geometry Optimizer MASTA 15.0 leverages machine learning technology to automatically optimize gear micro geometry . This AI-powered tool: Focuses on micro geometry optimization through user-defined targets and constraints Addresses noise, durability, and efficiency across multiple operating conditions Requires no AI expertise from the user CAD Export with Micro Geometry For the first time, 3D CAD exported from MASTA can include micro geometry details . This enables: Direct prototyping using 5-axis CNC machining,...

WORKNC 2026 | The CAM Software That Demystified 5-Axis Machining WORKNC 2026 (Version 18) represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Sescoi’s premier automatic CNC software for mold, die, and complex part manufacturing. This release introduced groundbreaking 4 and 5-axis capabilities that made multi-axis machining accessible to every engineering company while delivering visibly superior surface finishes through advanced toolpath smoothing technology . Core Functionality Overview Revolutionary Auto 5 Technology: Transforms 3-axis toolpaths into collision-free 5-axis programs automatically, considering machine kinematics and angular limitations while introducing flip movements to safely reach complex part geometry Dedicated Aerospace & Impeller Machining: New 4-axis cylindrical part toolpaths for turbine blades and shafts, plus three specialized 5-axis impeller routines (Z-Level Roughing, Blade Re-Roughing, and...

ODEON is a specialized software for room acoustics design and simulation . It allows acoustical engineers, consultants, and researchers to predict the acoustic behavior of spaces—such as concert halls, theaters, auditoriums, and industrial environments—before they are built or renovated . The software combines advanced calculation methods, including image-source and beam-tracing algorithms, to simulate sound propagation and reflection . Users can create 3D models of rooms, assign acoustic materials to surfaces, and then analyze various acoustical parameters or even “listen” to the simulated acoustics through auralization . ✨ Key New Features in ODEON 19 ODEON 19 introduces a range of powerful new capabilities across several editions (Basics, Industrial, Auditorium, and Combined). The table below summarizes the most significant updates : Feature...

ESI PipelineStudio 5.2 is a comprehensive engineering solution for the design, planning, and simulation of gas and liquid pipeline systems . It combines powerful, industry-validated simulation engines with an intuitive graphical interface, enabling engineers to perform steady-state and transient analyses for a wide range of pipeline scenarios . Core Capabilities & Features PipelineStudio is used globally by pipeline operators and engineering firms for its robust analysis tools. Its core capabilities include: Comprehensive Pipeline Modeling: Perform detailed design, sizing, and routing of pipeline networks. It allows for the evaluation of capacity, compression requirements, fuel consumption, and storage needs . Advanced Transient & Steady-State Simulation: Model both stable operating conditions and dynamic events such as surge analysis, line packing, and unpacking. This...

Simufact Additive 2025.4 is confirmed as the latest version of this leading metal additive manufacturing simulation software. A primary source detailing this update reveals significant performance enhancements for large-scale Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) simulations . Here are the key features and improvements in Simufact Additive 2025.4:  Major Performance Leap for Large Parts This version focuses heavily on accelerating simulations for large, complex parts, directly addressing a key industry bottleneck. Radically Faster Simulation: For large L-PBF models with 2 to 5 million or more voxel elements, simulation speed is increased by an average of 5 times . With optimized solver settings, this can reach up to 8 times faster than before . New “Balanced Performance” Mode: A new default mode...

Simufact Forming 2025.4 Features and Capabilities Simufact Forming 2025.4 (released late 2025 as a service pack/update in the Simufact Forming 2025 series) is the latest version of the powerful process simulation software from Hexagon (MSC Software) for metal forming, forging, sheet metal forming, rolling, ring rolling, and additive manufacturing processes. This comprehensive tool enables engineers to virtually design, optimize, and validate forming operations, predict defects (cracks, folds, underfill, die wear), analyze material flow, temperature distribution, forming forces, die stresses, and microstructure evolution—reducing physical trials, shortening development time, and improving part quality/yield in industries like automotive, aerospace, heavy machinery, and fasteners. Version 2025.4 focuses on stability improvements, enhanced solver performance for large/complex models, better integration with Hexagon ecosystem tools, and refinements...

Luceda Photonics IPKISS Design Suite 2025.12 is the latest major version of the comprehensive photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design platform from Luceda Photonics. Built around IPKISS—a powerful parametric design framework in Python—it enables designers to create, simulate, layout, and verify photonic circuits with full control over geometry, simulation, and tape-out preparation. This release empowers PIC designers to work more efficiently, collaborate seamlessly, and gain deeper insights from the earliest design stages through streamlined PDK creation, interactive visualization, smarter placement & routing, native dummy fill support, and enhanced simulation robustness. The platform integrates layout (IPKISS Canvas), circuit simulation (Caphe), physical simulation (via PDKs and solvers), verification, and fabrication prep in one ecosystem, supporting foundry PDKs (SiFab, open-source, commercial) and enabling rapid...

Ansys Zemax OpticStudio v2026 Features and Capabilities Ansys Zemax OpticStudio v2026 (latest release as of early 2026, following patterns from 2025 R2 and prior updates) is the leading optical design and analysis software from Ansys, used globally for simulating, optimizing, and tolerancing imaging, illumination, laser, and photonic systems. This version builds on recent advancements in multiphysics integration, metalens design, productivity tools, and deeper Ansys ecosystem connectivity (e.g., with Ansys Speos for illumination, Ansys Lumerical for photonics, and Ansys optiSLang for optimization). OpticStudio supports sequential and non-sequential ray tracing, tolerancing, optimization, and analysis of complex optical systems—from lenses and mirrors to diffractive optics, freeform surfaces, and metasurfaces—ensuring high accuracy for real-world performance in aerospace, automotive lighting, consumer electronics, medical devices, and...

OptiLayer V2026.2 | Advanced Optical Thin Film Design & Analysis Software OptiLayer V2026.2 is the latest release of the comprehensive software suite for the design, analysis, and production of optical thin film coatings. It provides optical engineers and coating specialists with powerful tools for developing complex multilayer coatings, reverse engineering, and production monitoring. Core Functionality Overview: Advanced Thin Film Design Tools: Features sophisticated optimization algorithms including needle optimization, gradual evolution, and global search methods for designing complex multilayer coatings with challenging spectral requirements. Comprehensive Material Database & Characterization: Extensive library of optical materials with dispersion models. Includes tools for determining optical constants (n, k) from spectrophotometric measurements using advanced reverse engineering techniques. Reverse Engineering & Re-optimization: Analyzes measured spectral data...

Reconstructor 4.5.0 | Professional Forensic & Accident Reconstruction Software Reconstructor 4.5.0 is a comprehensive, specialized software platform for forensic analysis and 3D accident reconstruction. It provides investigators, engineers, and law enforcement professionals with advanced tools to analyze crash scenes, visualize accident dynamics, and present findings with scientific accuracy. Core Functionality Overview: Complete 3D Scene Modeling & Visualization: Creates detailed 3D models of accident scenes using survey data, drone imagery, photogrammetry, and laser scans. Features advanced rendering and animation for clear visualization of complex crash scenarios. Vehicle Dynamics Simulation: Simulates vehicle motion before, during, and after impact using physics-based models. Includes comprehensive vehicle databases and allows for accurate reconstruction of speeds, trajectories, and impact conditions. Photogrammetry & Evidence Documentation: Extracts precise...

PCSWMM 2024 is a comprehensive GIS-based modeling platform for stormwater, wastewater, and watershed management. It serves as a professional graphical interface for the EPA’s SWMM5 engine, transforming it into a powerful decision-support tool with advanced visualization and analysis capabilities .  Core Capabilities of PCSWMM 2024 Professional PCSWMM 2024 is designed as a 1D/2D, fully distributed, deterministic hydrology and hydraulic model . Its core functionality spans the entire modeling workflow, including: Rainfall-Runoff Simulation: It performs single-event or continuous simulation of surface runoff, considering key processes like rainfall, snowmelt, infiltration, evapotranspiration, and groundwater interaction . Hydraulic Conveyance & Control Modeling: The software can model steady-state and dynamic flow in complex systems including natural rivers, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and water distribution networks....

AI-Powered Route Planning (Path Explorer AI): A key new feature that quickly finds low-cost, constructable road and corridor locations by analyzing multiple route options between two points. It considers constraints like grade limits, side slopes, and environmental factors to accelerate decision-making and optimize costs . Core Application: It is a leading software for forest engineering, specifically designed for rural road design and optimization . The new version (v11) was released globally in April 2024 . Other v11 Enhancements: The release also includes improvements in hydrology tools, LiDAR data processing, corridor design, automated curve generation (horizontal and vertical), and general drafting and output capabilities .

PVCAD Mega is a professional solar design software built specifically for engineers and designers working on photovoltaic (PV) systems. It operates as an add-on within AutoCAD to automate the creation of engineering drawings for utility-scale and commercial solar projects . Core Functionality Overview Automated Solar Layouts: Quickly place solar panels on ground-mount systems while optimizing spacing and accounting for shading . Topography Integration: Automatically calculates pier schedules and adjusts the layout based on topographical constraints . Structural & Electrical Analysis: Helps ensure designs meet local code requirements for wind, snow, and structural loads . Bill of Materials (BOM) Generation: Auto-generates a complete list of materials needed for the project, streamlining procurement . Energy Production Estimates: Uses simulation tools to predict...

ESI BM-Stamp 2026 | Specialized Stamping Simulation Software for Automotive Manufacturing ESI BM-Stamp 2026 represents the latest advancement in sheet metal forming simulation technology, specifically tailored for critical automotive stamping processes . As part of ESI Group’s comprehensive virtual prototyping portfolio (now under Keysight Technologies), this software addresses the unique challenges of modern automotive manufacturing, including high-strength steel forming, multi-stage tooling validation, and hot stamping applications . Core Functionality Overview: Purpose-Built Automotive Stamping Focus: Specifically designed for key automotive stamping processes including single-action tryout, multi-stage tooling, warm forming, and hot stamping (press hardening) operations . Intuitive User Interface & Simplified Workflow: Features a completely redesigned graphical user interface with streamlined operation setup, enabling engineers to more intuitively configure multi-stage and...

Thermo-Calc 2026a is the latest biannual update of the leading computational thermodynamics software from Thermo-Calc Software AB. This powerful platform performs equilibrium and non-equilibrium calculations for multi-component materials systems, enabling accurate prediction of phase diagrams, thermodynamic properties, diffusion kinetics, precipitation, and additive manufacturing processes. It supports a wide range of applications in materials science, metallurgy, alloy design, corrosion analysis, and process optimization across industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing. Version 2026a introduces a groundbreaking Aqueous Calculator for advanced corrosion studies, user-friendly common phase names, Electron Beam Melting (EBM) support in the Additive Manufacturing Module, efficiency gains in TC-PRISMA, and eight new/expanded databases for enhanced coverage of steels, titanium alloys, aqueous solutions, permanent magnets, and more. The January 30 patch...

Schlumberger OFM 2025 (Oil Field Manager, now under Sensia/SLB) is the powerful well and reservoir analysis software for production surveillance, performance optimization, and data-driven decision-making in oil and gas fields. The 2025 release (including updates like 25.1) emphasizes a 64-bit architecture for handling large datasets, new visualization tools, performance boosts, and enhanced usability to support engineers in analyzing production/injection data, decline curve analysis (DCA), forecasting, mapping, and custom workflows. OFM integrates seamlessly with tools like Petrel, Peep, and SQL databases for end-to-end field management, turning raw data into actionable insights for improved recovery and operational efficiency. Key Features of Schlumberger OFM 2025 Performance and Database Enhancements: Transition to fully 64-bit application; new SQL performance options for faster queries; Autosave feature...