NEW ALGOR FLUID FLOW CAPABILITIES EXPAND THE RANGE OF COMPUTATION FLUID DYNAMIC (CFD) SCENARIOS THAT ENGINEERS CAN SIMULATE

This 3-D model of a kitchen sink demonstrates the capability of Algor’s fluid flow analysis software to consider the effects of gravity and use multiple load curves. The first load curve simulates a stream of water flowing into the sink from a faucet. The second load curve is associated with the gravity load that causes the water to drain from the sink. The model is shown sliced to reveal the areas of relatively higher velocity in the middle of the sink. (Algor Image.)

September 24, 1999, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -- Algor, Inc., a leading maker of software for mechanical engineers, today announced that its fluid flow analysis software is now available with capabilities that enable engineers to perform a wider range of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analyses with greater ease-of-use. The new software enables engineers to input multiple load curves, consider the effects of gravity and take advantage of an auto-velocity scale calculator.

"Now, engineers will be able to analyze a wider range of scenarios when they simulate the flow of fluids by using the gravity and multiple load curve capabilities," said Michael Bussler, president and CEO of Pittsburgh-based Algor, Inc. "Simultaneously, the auto-velocity scale calculator will make fluid flow analysis setup easier."

The new capability to define multiple load curves will expand the range of fluid flow analysis scenarios that can be simulated by enabling engineers to analyze cases in which models have multiple loads to consider, each of which operates on a different loading/unloading cycle. Take, for example, the case of a tank with valves controlling the flow of a fluid into and out of the tank on different cycles. Given the pressures over time at each valve, this scenario could be analyzed using two load curves - one to simulate the cycle of each valve.

The new gravity option enables engineers to consider the effects of gravity on 2- and 3-D models without simulating gravity with an applied pressure. Algor's easy-to-use Release 12 interface enables point-and-click application of a standard gravity load to any fluid flow model.

The auto-velocity scale calculator eliminates the need to estimate the maximum velocity that will be simulated so that engineers can more easily set up a fluid flow analysis. Engineers have the option of specifying the maximum expected velocity when they know that information in advance.

Algor's fluid flow analysis software enables engineers to simulate the flow of a fluid, for example air or water, around obstacles such as an airfoil or through hollow areas such as a pipe. Typically, engineers use this analysis type to study ways of reducing resistance to flow, thereby enhancing efficiency. With Algor's steady and unsteady fluid flow analysis capabilities, analysts can predict turbulent flow and laminar flow at the same time in the same model, obtaining Reynolds numbers of 1,000,000 or more.

These fluid flow capabilities are available for PC workstations running Windows NT, 95 and 98.

Algor has been a leader in the engineering software industry since introducing FEA for PCs in 1984 and interfacing with CAD systems in 1985. The company recently celebrated 20 years of providing finite element customers with innovative, affordable and easy-to-use software products and superior educational support and customer service.

Algor's most recent invention, Accupak/VE Mechanical Event Simulation software with linear and nonlinear material models, replaces physical prototype testing with virtual prototype testing because it realistically simulates motion and flexing in mechanical events and eliminates the need to input dynamic loads. Algor offers a range of other FEA capabilities including linear stress, vibration and natural frequencies, heat transfer, electrostatics, fluid flow, piping design and composite materials. Algor's software interchanges data with products from ANSYS, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANSS), Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), Baystate Technologies, Inc., MSC.Software (NYSE: MNS), Parametric Technology Corporation (Nasdaq: PMTC), Structural Dynamics Research Corporation (Nasdaq: SDRC), Unigraphics Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: UGS), SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY) company and others.