Capability: CAD2PDF allows users to batch render an unlimited number of AutoCAD and MicroStation files to text-searchable portable document format (PDF). The files are content-searchable, so users can search across a library of drawings to find what they need. The software also automatically hyperlinks and bookmarks drawings within large engineering projects. Users can use the Adobe Acrobat PDF program to view, review collaboratively over the Web, redline, annotate, mark up, print, digitally sign, and secure or encrypt the PDF file.

Hardware: The software is pre-bundled with an IBM X-135 server, included in the price. PC running Windows 98, 2000, or NT.

Developer: Layton Graphics Inc., 155 Woolco Dr., Marietta, GA 30062; (770) 973-4312; www.layton-graphics.com/CAD2PDF.

Cost: $14,999 for the 10-user license, which allows up to 10 people in various locations to submit rendering jobs and publish an unlimited number of PDFs.

Click here to obtain information on this product

Capability: Because more electronic functions are embedded into components than in the past, the power of those components is increased and their thermal design becomes critical, according to the developer of Integrated-Component Board, a software application for integrated-component and board thermal analysis. The immediate thermal environment of a component is mainly controlled by board thermal performance. The application allows for simultaneous thermal design of the component and analysis of the board environment. Design of the component includes material, configuration, and use of heat sinks. The board thermal analysis part of the application considers component placement, board structure, air speed, and cooling. Results are given via simulation.

Hardware: PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, ME, or XP.

Developer: Dynamic Software Analysis Inc., 5001 Baum Blvd., Suite 656, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; (412) 683-0161; fax (412) 683-3641; beta@betasoft-thermal.com; www.betasoft-thermal.com.

Cost: $12,900.

Click here to obtain information on this product

Femlab version 2.3, from Comsol of Burlington, Mass., allows for modeling and simulation in all science and engineering fields.

Capability: The Multiphysics program Femlab version 2.3 allows for modeling and simulation in all science and engineering fields by including a set of solvers for parametric analysis, for modeling large vector-field models in electromagnetics and structural mechanics, and for transport processes in chemical engineering. The upgrade includes eigenvalue solvers for larger models in eigenfrequency and eigenmode analyses. The structural mechanics model is now fully incorporated into the software program and includes new applications for shells, beams, and solids. The chemical engineering module includes applications for the study of non-Newtonian fluids, compressible flow, multicomponent transport, and turbulence. The electromagnetics module includes applications for optoelectronics and photonics as well as new models for radio frequency and microwave engineering.

Hardware: PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, ME, or XP, or Macintosh Operating System 7.1 or later.

Developers: Comsol Inc., 8 New England Executive Park, Suite 310, Burlington, MA 01803; (781) 273-3322; fax (781) 273-6603; www. comsol.com.

Cost: $4,495.

Click here to obtain information on this product

Capability: SketchCalc is an add-on for standard CAD programs that allows users to automatically calculate 12 section properties for any cross section. Section properties that are automatically calculated include area, perimeter, moments of inertia, product of inertia, polar moments of inertia, distance of neutral axis from extremes, radius of gyration, and section moduli. All calculations are automatically aligned to the centroid. The application also detects holes and islands.

Hardware: PC running Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, or ME.

Developer: Geomate Corp., 3474 Nova Scotia Ave., San Jose, CA 95124; (408) 371-6095; fax (408) 371-4251; www.sketchcalc.com.

Cost: $65.

Click here to obtain information on this product

home | features | news update | marketplace | departments | about ME | back issues | ASME | site search

© 2002 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers