Siemens NX 8 CAE enhancements include focus on CAE

NX CAE can operate as a standalone simulation solution or as a fully integrated component of the NX product development suite. It works with virtually all leading FEA solvers as well as Siemens PLM Software's own NX Nastran. NX CAE users can also import geometry from a variety of sources and easily modify it for rapid what-if analyses using synchronous technology, a Siemens PLM Software innovation that combines the speed and flexibility of direct modelling with the precise control of dimension-driven design. NX 8 for simulation offers new solutions for optimisation and multi-physics analysis, along with new methods for analysing complex assemblies. Enhancements to NX Nastran include improvements in non-linear and dynamic analysis, as well as increases in computational performance and modelling ease of use. Key benefits of the NX 8 simulation solution as cited by Siemens are: • Simulation environment and geometry foundation improvements reduce the time spent working with geometry and accelerate analysis modelling; • Multi-discipline simulation and optimisation enhancements broaden NX CAE to include new topology optimisation and multi-physics analysis solutions; • Systems-level simulation improvements streamline finite element assembly management and expand high performance computing capacity for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis; and • High definition 3D (HD3D) capabilities include enhancements like new simulation 'results measures' that allow users to tie results directly to requirements so teams can make smarter decisions. Enhancements to the NX 8 manufacturing capabilities identified by Siemens include new or extended functionality focused on both machinery and tooling design, such as optimised NC programming for machinery and heavy equipment part production, along with improvements that combine tooling design automation with CAE-based validation tools. NX CAM enhancements for machinery and heavy equipment extends existing CADCAM, programming automation and integrated machine tool simulation capabilities with new automated, context-specific functions to simplify the generation of smart tool paths for prismatic parts. Faster programming, automatic tracking of uncut material across multi-stage machining processes and programming automation for multi-part set-ups support volume-based 2.5D milling operations. Enhancements to NX 8 in the area of product design include more powerful and efficient modelling, draughting and validation solutions along with expanded HD3D support for better design decisions. 'Part modules' technology simplifies modelling and editing of complex designs, allowing users to sub-divide designs into functional elements that support concurrent development by multiple designers. Expanded HD3D and design validation tools provide enhanced interaction, more powerful reporting and enriched visual presentation of PLM information from more sources. Standard HD3D features now provide a visually rich and more flexible feedback environment to help users quickly locate, diagnose and fix problems, ensuring designs comply with standards and fulfil requirements. Synchronous technology enhancements make it simpler and easier to modify models and handle a wider range of geometric modelling problems, while new capabilities have been added for feature-based modelling, sheet metal, patterning, freeform design, routed systems and visualisation. Finally, feature modelling in NX 8 has received several enhancements including more flexibility and control in creating patterns. More pattern layouts can be created including linear, polygon, along, reference and circular spiral, and users can now fill specified boundaries with a pattern feature and create symmetric patterns in linear layout.