digital tools and references
Capability: Engineers use Pipe-Flo to simulate fluid systems under
a variety of conditions. Users select pumps from more than 70 manufacturers'
catalogs for use with the software. The application can provide results
for series, branching, and looped systems—both open and closed—and
for primary and secondary piping systems. Users can visualize their systems
in a familiar format, calculate system operations, send the design to
others, and access supporting documents in electronic format.
Hardware: PC running Windows 98, 2000, XP, or Vista.
Developer: Engineered Software Inc., 4529 Intelco Loop S.E.,
Suite A, Lacey, WA 98503; (800) 786-8545; fax (360) 412-0672; www.eng-software.com.
Cost: $1,195 to start.
Words and Math
Capability: Maple 11 solves math problems and creates
technical documents. The upgrade features enhancements to the application's
document interface and computation engine. The smart document environment
automatically captures technical knowledge in an electronic form to integrate
calculations, explanatory text and math, graphics, images, and sound.
The documents can be reused or shared across the organization. The application
supports a range of software products for industrial applications. Companion
products from the developer include design tools for automatic model generation
and intelligent control, as well as reference e-books.
Hardware: PC running Windows, Linux, or Macintosh OS X.
Developer: Maplesoft, 615 Kumpf Dr., Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1K8
Canada; (519) 747-2372; fax (519) 747-5284; www.maplesoft.com.
Cost: $1,895.
Click here to obtain information on this product
Capability: Version 2.5 of the Sinda/G plug-in for MSC.Patran integrates the thermal analysis software with the finite element analysis pre- and post-processing capabilities of MSC.Patran or MSC.Nastran. The thermal result generated by the application is passed to the FEA software, which calculates thermal stress and distortion. Advanced thermal features, such as heat pipes or thermal electric devices, can be added to a model built in Patran. A Patran-style graphical user interface makes the thermal analysis software familiar to Patran users.
Hardware: PC running Windows or Unix.
Developers: Network Analysis Inc., 4151 W. Lindbergh Way, Chandler,
AZ 85226; (480) 756-0512.
Cost: $8,000.
Model Gas Reservoirs
Capability: The plotting tool Tecplot RS 2007, which
has been upgraded to release 2, is specifically designed to visualize
modeling information for oil and gas reservoirs. The upgrade now offers
the capability to compare well data on a bubble plot. It contains a plot
type for creating complex x-y plots and functionality that controls controlling
the color legend for grid variables. The software allows data from multiple
sources to be loaded and displayed in plots ranging from x-y graphs to
complex 3-D renderings. It manages data from multiple reservoir simulation
software applications as well as observed data, such as production rates
and formation tests.
Hardware: PC running Windows XP or Linux.
Developer: Tecplot Inc., 3535 Factoria Blvd. SE, Suite 550, Bellevue, WA 98006; (425) 653-1200; fax (425) 653-9200; www.tecplot.com.
Cost: $4,000.
Surfaces to Solids
Capability: Rhino 4.0 includes 500 new features and
enhancements compared with Rhino 3.0, according to the developer. The
design software creates, edits, and analyzes nonuniform rational B-spline
curves, surfaces, and solids. The upgrade gives designers tools to deform
solids while maintaining their integrity. The software restitches the
NURBS surfaces into a solid after deformations. Tools include simple commands
like bend, twist, and flow. More complex tools include deformation splines,
as well as two-dimensional and three-dimensional control cages with local,
regional, and global control. Other tools are used for pattern flattening
and grading, embossing, and healing.
Hardware: PC Windows 2000 or XP.
Developer: Robert NcNeel and Associates, 3670 Woodland Park Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103; (206) 545-7000; fax (206) 545-7321; www.rhino3d.com.
Cost: $995.
Correction
CEI offers an academic license for EnSight Lite at $625. The price was
printed incorrectly in the May Software Exchange.
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