Altair has acquired Componeering Inc., a Helsinki, Finland-based technology company specializing in structural analysis and design of composite structures. Componeering, now Altair Engineering Finland Oy, is the developer of ESAComp composites simulation software. Originating through a European Space Agency (ESA) project, today ESAComp is a staple technology throughout the aerospace industry and has expanded to just about every industry where composite material structures are found, including marine, automotive, rail transportation, alternative energy and machinery to name a few.

The initial collaboration between Altair and Componeering was prompted by a mutual client, RUAG Space, who approached Altair to see if it was possible to transfer data between the two software packages. This kick-started the joint-development of a bi-directional interface to meet the customer's needs. "Altair HyperWorks and ESAComp are an essential part of RUAG's composite analysis process. We're looking forward to experience the tighter integration between the two products to further streamline the process and eliminate unnecessary breaks in the data flow," said Ralf Usinger, Manager Innovation & Industrialization, RUAG Space (CH). Franck Mouriaux, General Manager, Structures RUAG Space, added, “This achievement is another successful outcome of the close collaboration between Altair and RUAG Space. We appreciate the pro-active support and Altair’s solution-oriented approach. This partnership is essential for us in order to address the challenges of the new commercial space industry and remain competitive.”

ESAComp is software for the design and analysis of composites, ranging from conceptual and preliminary design of layered composite structures to advanced analyses for final design verification. The foundation of ESAComp’s micromechanical and solid/sandwich laminate analyses capabilities is its comprehensive material database. The software also includes analysis tools for structural elements including flat and curved panels, stiffened panels, beams and columns, and bonded and mechanical joints. ESAComp’s capabilities for early design of composites are complementary to the detailed analysis and optimization capabilities of OptiStruct® and Multiscale Designer™ for composite material structures.

“Previously distributed through the Altair Partner Alliance (APA), Componeering’s ESAComp adds classic, well-established expertise to the Altair HyperWorks suite for early design of layered composite structures. Altair’s customers across all industries will benefit from the knowledge of composite design embedded in the product and tight integration with OptiStruct and Multiscale Designer,” said Dr. Uwe Schramm, Chief Technical Officer, Solvers and Optimization. “This integration with HyperWorks will bring more streamlined processes and time savings by having everything in one workflow,” he added.

“The acquisition of Componeering brings to Altair our expertise in composites along with ESAComp, the industry-proven software for composites which focuses on the early design phases and detailed design considerations. It complements Altair’s finite element offering perfectly on both the pre- and post-processing side. The planned tight integration only further improves the user experience,” said Markku Palanterä, former CEO of Componeering Inc., now Director ESAComp at Altair.

To learn more about ESAComp capabilities and integration with HyperWorks sign-up for upcoming Webinar on September 21 here.