PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL MODEL BROADENS MULTIPHYSICS CAPABILITIES OF ALGOR

Piezoelectric crystals are used in some inkjet print heads. The crystal (shown in light blue in the SolidWorks model in the background) changes shape when exposed to electricity. Results from this Algor linear static stress analysis show the forward displacement that occurs when a small negative charge is applied, pushing a plate toward the chamber that contains ink. (The SolidWorks Solution Partner trademark may be a trademark or registered trademark of its respective owner.)

PITTSBURGH, PA – June 23, 2000 – Algor, Inc., a leading maker of software for mechanical engineers, today announced the addition of voltage-dependent piezoelectrics to the list of material models available with Algor’s linear static stress analysis package.

The new material model takes advantage of Algor’s multiphysics capabilities by providing engineers with the ability to analyze a piezoelectric material without previously knowing the voltage.

"Algor is answering engineers’ calls for more material models in order to cover a wider range of mechanical analysis types," said Michael Bussler, president of Pittsburgh-based Algor. "The piezoelectric material model is linked closely to our electrostatic analysis package, thereby creating another multiphysics application."

Piezoelectric materials deform when subjected to voltage, or, conversely, produce a voltage through deformation. Some examples of piezoelectric materials are the buzzers inside pagers and cell phones and the quartz inside a watch, which keeps time with its vibrations.

Algor now provides engineers with two piezoelectric material models: a general model for engineers and designers performing analysis with routine constants that are readily available and a more detailed model for those interested in complex material behavior. Algor software helps the engineer to identify the more specific constants needed to elicit more detailed results.

If the engineer needs to determine the voltage for the linear static stress analysis, the tight integration with Algor’s electrostatic analysis software can solve the problem. An engineer can transfer a CAD solid model or define the geometry in Superdraw III, perform an electrostatic analysis on the part to determine voltage distribution and automatically apply the results to a linear stress model. Choosing the piezoelectric material model to represent the material behavior of the part, an engineer can then perform a linear static stress analysis to determine displacements and resultant stresses from the applied voltage.

The piezoelectric material model is newly included with Algor’s entire software product line that works with Windows NT/95/98/2000. Algor customers with current technical support and maintenance agreements can request a complete software update, including the piezoelectric material model through Algor’s Web site (www.algor.com) or an Algor account representative.

Algor has been a leader in the engineering software industry since introducing FEA for PCs in 1984 and interfacing with CAD systems in 1985. The company provides innovative, affordable and easy-to-use software products that have enabled 20,000 engineers in 60 countries to create safe, efficient, cost-effective designs. Algor also offers superior educational support and customer service that includes the use of state-of-the-art Internet audio/video technology for "Web Courses," which provide step-by-step software instruction, and free public "Webcasts" in live demonstration format.

Algor’s product line features FEA-based Accupak/VE Mechanical Event Simulation software. Accupak/VE reduces the need for physical prototyping and eliminates the need to input dynamic loads by determining the motion, flexing and resulting stresses of a part or assembly at each instant of an event. Algor’s proprietary kinematic element technology makes performing Mechanical Event Simulations using CAD solid parts and assemblies practical for realistic, accurate results. Engineers can use Algor’s InCAD^Plus and InCAD DesignPak products to seamlessly capture exact CAD geometry from popular CAD systems within Algor. The company also offers linear stress, vibration, heat transfer, electrostatic, fluid flow, composite materials and piping systems analysis tools. Algor’s software interchanges data with products from ANSYS, Inc. (Nasdaq:ANSS), Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), CADKEY Corporation, MSC.Software Corporation (NYSE:MNS), Parametric Technology Corporation, Structural Dynamics Research Corporation, Unigraphics Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:UGS), SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq:DASTY) company, and others.