When I began my automotive engineering career, simulation technologies were primarily thought of as validation tools, used to verify the performance of components and system against crash, NVH, durability targets etc. Simulation rarely influenced the design early on. Instead, it highlighted problems and passed reports back for modifications. That approach served its purpose, but as the technologies have become more sophisticated and able to deliver results more quickly, the scope to use simulation earlier in the design cycle and deliver design direction in line with the pace of vehicle development programs is now enabling manufacturers to realize significant time and cost savings.

No longer is simulation a tool to ‘okay’ a design. It is now a driver of innovation, allowing engineers to propose optimised design solutions that exhibit the best compromise of multiple engineering functions and constraints. At Altair we call this “simulation-driven design” and it remains a key tenant of our design philosophy and vision of where simulation should play in the product development process.

Read More

We are proud to announce the winners of the 2019 Altair Enlighten Award, the automotive industry’s only award dedicated to vehicle lightweighting. Presented annually in conjunction with the 2019 CAR Management Briefing Seminars (MBS), the award honors the year’s greatest achievements in vehicle weight savings and is given in four categories: Full Vehicle, Module, Enabling Technology, and The Future of Lightweighting.

Since its inception seven years ago, the award offers nominees the opportunity to be recognized internationally as leaders in the effort to reduce vehicle weight, meet emissions targets and inspire new ideas to achieve innovation as we all work towards a greener future.

Chosen among 60 entries, the seven winners of the 2019 award were presented the award by Altair’s Richard Yen, SVP, and global automotive business lead at a dinner reception hosted by Altair at the Garvey Barn in Williamsburg, Michigan.

Read More