ALGOR ANNOUNCES INVENTION OF VIRTUAL ACTUATOR TECHNOLOGY THAT ALLOWS ENGINEERS TO REALISTICALLY SIMULATE COMPLEX COMPUTER-CONTROLLED MOVEMENT

Algor’s Mechanical Event Simulation (MES) software was used on this motion simulator to replicate the movement of computer-controlled hydraulic cylinders. The cylinders were represented with Algor’s actuator elements (shown here as blue lines). Replays of the MES show the cylinders extending and retracting independently, providing the seat and occupants with roll, pitch, yaw, heave, surge and sway motion in coordination with the on-screen adventure action. Algor’s actuator elements were invented to simulate axial extension and retraction movement in three-dimensional space, typical motion for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders and electric solenoids.

PITTSBURGH, PA March 30, 2000 -- Algor, Inc., a leading maker of software for mechanical engineers, today announced that new actuator element technology enables engineers to realistically simulate complex computer-controlled movement with their proprietary Mechanical Event Simulation (MES) software. The new element technology is available for Algor’s entire MES family of products.

"Algor’s actuator element provides a reliable way to describe complex motion over time. With this new element technology, engineers can now model complex mechanical systems, their movements and related stress loads more completely than in any other software available today," said Michael L. Bussler, president of Algor. "This addition to our MES software gives mechanical engineers the tool to get accurate results required in dynamic analysis."

The actuator element technology, developed in response to a consulting engineer’s challenges in analyzing an amusement park ride dynamically, illustrates how Algor continues to respond to customer needs while providing leading edge tools like FEA-based Accupak/VE MES software. This software reduces the requirement for physical prototyping and eliminates the need to input dynamic loads by automatically determining the motion, flexing and resulting stresses of a part or assembly at each instant of an event. In addition, Algor’s proprietary kinematic element technology makes performing Mechanical Event Simulations using CAD solid parts and assemblies practical by optimizing run times.

Actuator elements are engineering elements (like contact or dashpot elements). In using these actuator elements, engineers can specify contraction and extension values over time to drive motion between the connected parts. Multiple actuator elements can be used in a system to replicate asymmetric motion. Alternatively, several actuators working in unison can simulate hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders and electric solenoids that function symmetrically.

Since most FEA strives for a symmetric matrix, the invention of the actuator elements necessitated that a new solver be developed. Algor developed a sparse unsymmetric solver for that purpose because the math that describes independent computer-controlled motion leads to a completely unsymmetric matrix. A motion-data translator, which allows engineers to import a spreadsheet containing load-versus-time data rather than the engineer entering the information manually, was also added to support Algor’s actuator element technology.

All of Algor's software product line is available for the Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 operating systems.

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 provides innovative, affordable and easy-to-use software products that have enabled 20,000 engineers in 60 countries to create safe, efficient, cost-effective designs. Algor also offers superior educational support and customer service that includes the use of state-of-the-art Internet audio/video technology for "Web Courses," which provide step-by-step software instruction, and free public "Webcasts" in live demonstration format.

Engineers can use Algor’s InCAD^Plus and InCAD DesignPak products to seamlessly capture exact CAD geometry from popular CAD systems within Algor. The company also offers linear stress, vibration, heat transfer, electrostatic, fluid flow, composite materials and piping systems analysis tools. Algor’s software interchanges data with products from ANSYS, Inc. (Nasdaq:ANSS), Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), CADKEY Corporation, MSC.Software Corporation (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.