Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced the availability of Abaqus for CATIA V5 R18 SP4 from its SIMULIA brand for realistic simulation. This latest release of Abaqus for CATIA V5 provides improved usability and robust design analysis capabilities directly in CATIA V5 to accelerate the product development process.

"Using realistic simulation in the design phase has enabled us to cut our time to market for a new latch significantly," says Thomas Waldmann, manager of the Technical Analysis and Simulation department at Kiekert, a global supplier of automotive door latches. "Strength testing of automobile door latches is fundamental for us, but physical testing is slow and does not realize the whole job. We began our linear analysis of door latches with finite-element calculations inside CATIA. By adding Abaqus for CATIA V5 we are able to perform more complex nonlinear contact simulation, which is what we need for accurate strength testing in three dimensions."

"SIMULIA is dedicated to delivering a scalable suite of design analysis products that permit our customers to start with basic design analysis and add functionality such as nonlinear contact, thermal analysis, or coupled multiphysics as needed," states Steve Crowley, director of SIMULIA product management for Dassault Systèmes. "This release of Abaqus for CATIA V5 continues our strategy of delivering scalable analysis solutions that allow realistic simulation to be used throughout the product lifecycle."

Using Abaqus for CATIA V5, expert analysts can define and deploy approved analysis workflows for use across the enterprise. This capability enables design and engineering teams to improve collaboration while evaluating design performance through the use of common FEA models, technology, and methods that are synchronized with their CATIA V5 design.

New and Enhanced Capabilities

• Natural frequency analysis on the unloaded structure, or after any level of loading

• Enhanced precision in setting up models involving contact—nodal adjustments made by the Abaqus solver can be previewed in the user interface

• Improved CATIA Octree meshing to provide a higher level of element quality when working with Abaqus models

• Element quality checks implemented in CATIA specifically for Abaqus users