Dassault Systemes Expands Multi-Physics Simulation, Acquires SIMPACK

Dassault Systemes announced this week that it has acquired simulation technology provider SIMPACK in an all cash deal. The transaction was completed on July 10, 2014. Not surprisingly, financial details of the deal were not revealed.

With the acquisition of Munich-based SIMPACK, Dassault continues to expand its multiphysics simulation technology portfolio to include multi-body mechatronic systems.

SIMPACK has more than 130 customers in the energy, transportation (primarily automotive and rail), and biomedical industries, including Alstom, Bombardier, BMW, Daimler, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, MAN, and Vestas.

SIMPACK Multibody Simulation (MBS) – Engine Chain

SIMPACK is a general purpose Multi-Body Simulation (MBS) software used for the dynamic analysis of mechanical or mechatronic systems. It generates and solves virtual 3D models in order to predict and visualize motion, coupling forces, and stresses.

SIMPACK has demonstrated strong technology, in particular through complex models, non-linear effects such as friction and flexible structures, efficient numerical algorithms, and real-time capabilities.

SIMPACK simulation software has always been particularly well-suited to high frequency transient analyses, even into the acoustic range. SIMPACK was originally developed to handle complex non-linear models with flexible bodies and harsh shock contact.

According to the company, this deal will assist Dassault in providing an integrated solution for end-to-end development of advanced systems, combining realistic multi-physics simulation, accurate real-time simulation of mechatronic assemblies and control of smart systems.

Multibody simulation (MBS) is a method of numerical simulation in which multibody systems are composed of various rigid or elastic bodies. Connections between the bodies can be modeled with kinematic constraints (such as joints) or force elements (such as spring dampers). Constraints can also be used to model frictional contacts between bodies. Multibody simulation is a useful tool for conducting motion analysis. It is often used during product development to evaluate characteristics of comfort, safety, and performance. For example, multi-body simulation has been widely used since the 1990s as a component of automotive suspension design. It can also be used to study issues of biomechanics, and human-machine interaction.

The heart of any multibody simulation software program, including SIMPACK, is the solver — a set of computation algorithms that solve equations of motion. Types of components that can be studied through multibody simulation range from electronic control systems to noise, vibration and harshness.

SIMPACK will join with Dassault Systèmes’ SIMULIA brand, formerly known as ABAQUS.

In October 2005, Dassault Systèmes acquired ABAQUS, Inc. and announced SIMULIA, the brand encompassing all DS simulation solutions, including Abaqus and CATIA Analysis applications. SIMULIA strives to make simulation an integral business practice that improves product performance and reduces physical prototyping.

SIMULIA Abaqus 3DExperience Platform

Dassault is hardly alone in the multi-body simulation space, but this acquisition shows the company’s continuing effort to round out its offerings, this time in relatively high-end simulation. Because SIMPACK and SIMULIA are so well suited for complementing CATIA, this acquisition also indicates that DS is continuing to push the high end of its design software, as well.

Could this acquisition be detrimental to other DS brands, such as SolidWorks, at least marginally? Keep in mind, SolidWorks has its own dedicated set of simulation packages that are quite capable. Possible, but not likely. As I’ve said for some time, I still maintain that it is doubtful that a SolidWorks customer will jump ship, unless further development of the product ceases. That possibility seems virtually nil at this time, but something we continue to monitor closely.

Tags: analysis, CAE, CATIA, Dassault Systemes, DS, SIMPACK, simulation, SIMULIA, SolidWorks

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 15th, 2014 at 13:57. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.