Comsol
This company has introduced Version 5.5 of its Multiphysics software suite (photo), with new features including new sketching tools for easier modeling of planar drawings and several new add-on modules that tackle shape and topology optimization, nonlinear shells, random vibration, fast linear elastic-wave simulations and combined full-wave and ray-optics analysis. Version 5.5’s new Metal Processing Module provides modeling functionality for welding, heat-treatment and additive-manufacturing applications, while the new Porous Media Flow Module is used for processes handling food, pharmaceutical and biomedical products. The shape and topology optimization function provides useful analysis of chemicals, mechanical components, acoustics, electromagnetics and more. Users can also create their own add-in for customizing their workflow. — Comsol, Inc., Burlington, Mass.