Fluent Inc. and LMS International announced today the world leading Vibro-acoustics software LMS SYSNOISE Rev 5.6, released in April 2003, supports import of transient data from FLUENT 6.1, the leading computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software from Fluent. This allows results from FLUENT to be used for comprehensive computational aero-acoustics simulations within SYSNOISE Rev5.6, complementing FLUENT 6.1’s native aero-acoustics modeling capabilities.

Computational aero-acoustics is a critical technology for engineers in virtual prototyping environments who want to predict and compare the aero-acoustic performance of proposed designs. By using computational tools to identify and rank sources of flow-induced noise, engineers are able to design for noise reduction early in their design cycle, enabling them to produce better products while reducing the need for expensive physical testing, and shortening the overall time to market.

“We are very pleased to be working with LMS, who are market leaders in the simulation of acoustic performance,” notes Barbara Hutchings, Fluent’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. “Our clients require this kind of seamless interoperability in order to improve their CAE processes, and the coupling is part of our overall strategy to support this requirement.”

The coupling allows the time-varying pressures predicted by FLUENT to be imported by SYSNOISE for acoustics analysis. SYSNOISE’s ability to include mechanical excitations, propagation effects, and reflection of sound waves widens the range of acoustics simulations available to FLUENT users. Key applications include internal flows, flows in rotating equipment, and other applications in which vibro-acoustics plays a significant role. Of equal importance, the coupling provides SYSNOISE users with the ability to import transient data for the full range of SYSNOISE applications.

“Accurate prediction of an unsteady flow field is critical to the prediction of flow-induced noise," notes Dipankar Choudhury, Fluent’s Chief Technology Officer, “FLUENT 6.1 is the industry leader with respect to accurate, unsteady, turbulent flow predictions. In particular, FLUENT’s advanced LES and DES turbulence modeling capabilities will allow users to generate reliable inputs to SYSNOISE for acoustics analysis.”

“Obtaining accurate transient flow data is critical to our customers”, notes Werner Pohl Corporate Vice President and General manager CAE Division. “We are excited to be providing the first comprehensive ability to use CFD results in acoustics simulations, and to be working with Fluent to make this an option for the FLUENT 6 user community. The new interfacing capability clearly positions SYSNOISE as the ideal tool for customers who require comprehensive acoustics modeling capabilities.”

About Fluent Fluent is the world's largest provider of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and consulting services. Fluent's software is used for simulation, visualization, and analysis of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and chemical reactions. It is a vital part of the computer-aided engineering (CAE) process for companies around the world and is deployed in nearly every manufacturing industry. Using Fluent's software, product development, design and research engineers build virtual prototypes and simulate the performance of proposed and existing designs, allowing them to improve design quality while reducing cost and speeding time to market. Fluent's corporate headquarters are located in Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA, with offices in Belgium, England, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan and Sweden. Its CFD software is also available around the world through joint ventures, partnerships, and distributors in Korea, Australia, Brazil, China, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, Middle East, and most European countries.

FLUENT® is a registered trademark of Fluent Inc.

Fluent Contact Information Paul Whalen Fluent Inc. 10 Cavendish Court Lebanon, NH 03766 (603) 643-2600 Ext. 666 pww@fluent.com

About LMS International LMS enables customers to engineer functional performance targets into their products, creating and maintaining distinctive brand values. LMS’ unmatched understanding of the product development process is captured through a unique combination of products and services supporting physical and virtual product development: Test systems, CAE software products and engineering services. Critical attributes such as noise and vibration, ride, handling, motion, acoustics and fatigue are turned from problems to competitive advantage. LMS, a Dassault Systèmes Gold Partner, is a global company with the vision, resources and commitment to significantly impact product development performance of its customers.

LMS Contact Information Europe: Bruno Massa LMS International Tel +32 16 384 200 bruno.massa@lms.be

United States: Sarah Zajas LMS North America Tel 248 952 5664 sarah.zajas@lmsna.com