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MSC.Software Announces Working Model 4D

14 September 1999

MSC.Software Announces Working Model 4D, the Integration of Motion and FEA Into a Single Functional Modeling System; Allows Simulation to Be Deployed Throughout the Organization

    DETROIT--Sept. 14, 1999--MSC.Working Knowledge, a division of MSC.Software Corp. (MSC) , the world's leading developer of simulation software, today announced Working Model 4D, the new flagship product for its popular MSC.Working Model product family.
    Available later this year, Working Model 4D, for the first time, allows users to perform integrated dynamic motion and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) simulations on assemblies in one environment. This integration simplifies FEA analysis by automatically generating and applying loading conditions based on the behavior of a simulated assembly model.
    Also, users can open and view MSC.NASTRAN binary output files from any source, allowing the visualization of FEA simulation results. With this announcement, MSC.Software further solidifies its commitment to providing individuals engaged in engineering activities, including independent engineers, entrepreneurs and engineering consultants, with the most advanced simulation tools to simulate stress, motion, reliability and safety earlier in the design process and to reduce their time to market.
    "Functional Modeling applications combine motion simulation, FEA and visualization technologies, providing significant increases in ease-of-use through a common data model and user interface. Working Model 4D removes the distinctions between motion simulation and FEA in response to users' demands for unified simulation solutions that are easy to use," said David Baszucki, vice president and general manager of MSC.Working Knowledge.
    "Working Model 4D is the one Functional Modeling system that can deploy powerful yet easy-to-use simulation throughout the organization."
    Working Model 4D integrates the simulation and animation technologies found in the Working Model Motion and Working Model FEA products into a single Functional Modeling system.
    Working Model 4D is completely integrated with most of today's leading CAD systems, including Mechanical Desktop(R) R4.0 from Autodesk , Pro/ENGINEER(R) 20 and 2000i from Parametric Technology Corp. , Solid Edge(tm) 7.0 from Unigraphics Solutions and SolidWorks(R) 99 from SolidWorks Corp. .
    Additionally, access to CAD data from nearly every other CAD system is available through the STEP, Parasolid, IGES, STL and Spatial Technology's (AMEX:STY) ACIS translators.
    Working Model 4D uses Automatic Load Transfer(TM) (ALT) technology to convert joint reaction forces to distributed loads and to transfer inertial information for FEA simulation of parts. FEA linear stress and strain simulations can be performed automatically through a range of motion, using the proven MSC.NASTRAN FEA solver technology. Support for normal modes and buckling FEA simulation is also included.
    Working Model 4D also includes the visualization, animation and collaboration capabilities of Working Model Studio and Working Model View. These capabilities include advanced animation features such as keyframing of bodies, lights and cameras, as well as markup and dimensioning. Users can create photorealistic JPEG, TIFF and BMP images and AVI files of their integrated motion and FEA simulations.
    MSC.NASTRAN binary output files (XDB), with any combination of 2D and 3D element types, can also be visualized and animated, with support for static, modal, thermal and transient analysis types.

    About MSC.Software Corp.

    MSC is the world's leading supplier of simulation software to major manufacturers worldwide. MSC develops, markets, and supports software tools that simulate the performance of a product design before manufacture. The ability to model and test software prototypes has cost effectively enabled manufacturers to design and build everything from sophisticated aircraft and automobiles to electronic products.
    For additional information, visit the company's Web sites at www.workingmodel.com or www.mscsoftware.com.

NOTE: NASTRAN is a registered trademark of NASA. MSC is a registered trademark of MSC.Software. All other trademarks are trademarks of their registered owners.