MTS Modeling Software Accelerates Automotive Industry Component Design

    EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., March 5 MTS Systems Corporation today announced the release of
Version 1.2 of its Component Empirical Dynamic Model (EDM(TM)) software for
nonlinear, dynamics models.  The latest version expands the software's
modeling abilities to automotive components traditionally difficult to
characterize but critical to developing exceptional vehicle designs, such as
engine mounts and suspension bushings.  This latest version enhances the
previously released single axis Component EDM capability.
    The Component EDM software package is an advanced tool that complements
MTS component test systems.  This software generates highly accurate,
computationally efficient models of nonlinear suspension and damping
components, by combining neural network technology with physical laboratory
measurements from test systems.  An Empirical Dynamics model used by a design
engineer early in the design process, before complete physical assemblies are
available, dramatically improves the accuracy of virtual prototypes and allows
vehicle developers to accurately assess performance and durability much
earlier in the design process.
    "We've eliminated the guesswork with our empirical methodology, drawing on
our depth of experience in physical testing and MTS's strong mathematical R&D
skills," explained Bill Bigot, Director of Modeling Integration Products and
Services.  "Aside from leveraging the accuracy inherent in empirical data, the
process of developing Empirical Dynamics models is computationally efficient,
so engineers aren't spending countless hours developing and adjusting
less-accurate, traditional spline or frequency response models."
    The EDM technology has a broad range of applications in the automotive and
aerospace industries.  Automotive applications include the modeling of
suspension system components, motor mounts, and powertrain torsional dampers.
Aerospace applications include landing gear models and vibration isolation
studies.  "Our first application of this technology is focused on automotive
components.  We expect this software to increase sales of some of our physical
testing systems, because it enhances the value of those systems. Now engineers
and designers have a convenient and reliable way to improve their
computational models with real physical data," said Bigot.
    Introduced in June 2000, Component EDM software has been acquired by
automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in Japan, Europe and North America, both
in conjunction with new MTS simulation systems or as an add-on to existing
systems.  "We've seen a rapid market acceptance," said Bigot.  "It's an
innovative, start-up technology, but once customers understand the model's
power, the acceptance is quick."
    Numerous customers are now evaluating the EDM technology software with the
intent of integrating it into their development process along with ADAMS(R)
functional virtual prototyping software from Mechanical Dynamics, Inc.
.  The Empirical Dynamics models produced by Component EDM
software are fully compatible with ADAMS software.  Mechanical Dynamics' suite
of products includes ADAMS/EDM, a module that provides ADAMS users with a
convenient and efficient way to import and work with EDM models.  This
improves the accuracy and speed of ADAMS models that include nonlinear,
dynamic components.  ADAMS/EDM is a result of a joint development effort
between MTS and Mechanical Dynamics.  It represents one of several efforts by
the two companies to integrate their virtual prototyping and laboratory
testing technologies.
    "Customers using the EDM technology together with ADAMS have achieved an
ideal level of interoperability between the physical and virtual world," said
Doug Peterson, Mechanical Dynamics' Vice President, Product Development.
"Durability testing pushes product testing to the limit, so EDM models are
critical to a virtual prototyping process that supports all the phases of
testing and improving product durability."
    MTS Systems Corporation manufactures computer-based testing and simulation
systems for determining the mechanical behavior of materials, products, and
structures, and measurement and control instrumentation products for the
automation of the manufacturing processes.  The company had 2,350 employees
worldwide and revenues of $392 million in the fiscal year ending September
2000.  Additional information on MTS can be found on the worldwide web at
http://www.mts.com