Companies launch collaboration between best-in-class tools

Fluent Inc., the leading provider of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation software and services, and ABAQUS, Inc., the leading supplier of software and services for advanced finite element structural analysis (FEA), announced today the formation of a strategic technology initiative to develop and support coupled fluid-structure simulation capability. The collaboration will leverage the best-in-class tools of each company to deliver co-simulation capability for fluid-structure interaction (FSI), enabling manufacturers to address complex design problems in the automotive, aerospace, biomedical, and process industries among others.

Currently, engineering analysis of stress and thermal effects in structures is typically performed in isolation from the analysis of fluid flow phenomena, despite the impact of flow-induced forces and heat transfer on a structure and the impact of a structure on the fluid. The Fluent-ABAQUS initiative will provide engineers with easy-to-use tools that will take into account these important coupling effects including sophisticated simulation of nonlinear structural responses. The co-simulation capability is expected to address applications such as fan blade flutter, microfluidics, in-vivo vascular flows, and flow-induced vibrations in structures and equipment, as well as many consumer goods design and packaging applications.

"Implementation of co-simulation using FLUENT and ABAQUS will provide our customers with an outstanding coupled fluid-structure solution," notes Paul Bemis, Fluent's VP of Product Management. "Many of our customers’ most challenging design problems require assessment of interactions between fluid and structure. By teaming with ABAQUS, Inc. we will provide a solution based on industry-leading best-in-class technologies. "

“ABAQUS is extremely pleased to be working closely with Fluent, who are a recognized leader in CFD,” notes Ken Short, VP of Marketing at ABAQUS, Inc. “Our joint customers need robust, reliable solutions to real world simulation challenges. This initiative is a significant step toward a practical and useable FSI capability from two of the most respected solution providers in the software industry.”

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.

FLUENT® is a registered trademark of Fluent Inc.

For more information about Fluent, contact:

Jennifer Correa Fluent Inc. 10 Cavendish Court Lebanon, NH 03766 (800) 445-4454 Ext. 668 jrc@fluent.com

About ABAQUS

Founded in 1978, ABAQUS, Inc., is the world's leading provider of software and services for advanced finite element analysis. The ABAQUS® software suite has an unsurpassed reputation for technology, quality and reliability. It has been adopted by major corporations across all engineering disciplines as an integral part of their design process. ABAQUS offers a powerful and complete solution for simple to complex linear and nonlinear engineering problems, using the finite element method. A wide range of structural, thermal, and coupled analyses is supported. The software delivers a unified finite element analysis environment without equal, presenting a compelling alternative to implementations involving multiple products and vendors. ABAQUS employs over 400 people worldwide, with 27 direct offices for technical support, sales and services, plus a network of technically advanced distributors in emerging markets. (www.abaqus.com)

ABAQUS® is a registered trademark or trademark of ABAQUS, Inc., in the United States and other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

For more information about ABAQUS, contact:

Jeff Rankin ABAQUS, Inc. +1 401 727-4200 jeff.rankin@abaqus.com

Miles Parker Parker Group +1 401 272-1510 team@parkergroup.com