Firehole Technologies, Inc. (www.firehole.com), a leader in the development of analysis software for composite materials, today announced a partnership with the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University. One of the top aerospace research institutions in the world, NIAR's mission is to provide research, transfer technology and enhance education for the purpose of advancing the aviation industry.

NIAR, a non-profit institution funded primarily by industry and federal contracts, will use Firehole's Helius:MCT and Helius:CompositePro products to understand the potential for advanced computer simulation of composite structures in the aviation industry. Along with providing educational opportunities to students and industry; researchers and technicians at NIAR will use Firehole's software to demonstrate the potential cost and time savings of using advanced analysis methods.

"The partnership with Firehole Technologies will add value to NIAR's composite analysis capabilities," said Dr. John Tomblin, executive director of NIAR. "The ability to certify composite materials – at least in part – by analysis methods is critical to the long term success of aviation manufacturers. We are excited about the potential shown with Firehole's Helius software to enable our clients and students to more accurately predict structural response and to aid in the efficient design of composite aircraft structures."

"Our Helius software is designed to improve the composite design process in multiple industries," noted Firehole CEO Jerad Stack. "Our relationship with NIAR is an outstanding opportunity to promote efficient and successful composites engineering in the aviation industry and specifically within the significant aircraft manufacturing community in Wichita. Firehole also has a long history of encouraging the next generation of engineers, and this partnership can further that goal as well."