ANSYS version 8.0 has been released and includes serveral new features. Of particular interest to vibration engineers is the addition of component mode synthesis (click on the link below and the Structural tab on the left window), and also improvements with the multi-physics features.
Read more on the ANSYS web site.
LMS International have released a 4 channel analyzer called Pimento. The system is expandable up to 24 channels.
Read more on the LMS web site.
QinetiQ and Ultra Electronics have developed an active noise control system for the interior of aircraft to reduce broadband noise. The system uses active trim panels attached to the inside of the fuselage.
Read more on the QinetiQ web site.Read about the QinetiQ and Lufthansa alliance.
Shell Global Solutions has installed vortex induced vibration (VIV) suppression fairings on the mooring tendons of the Marco Polo platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The modified tendons are designed to suppress vibrations caused by water currents, thereby helping to prevent premature fatigue failure.
Read more on the Shell Global Solutions web site.
Chrysler Group has launched the Durango 2004 model that has new noise control products in the body.
PUR foam is a patented noise suppression adhesive that is injected into the body of the vehicle to minimize noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The second technology, Liquid Applied Sound Deadener system (LASD) is an underbody system that applies a liquid compound to the vehicle’s floor pan and helps reduce noise inside the vehicle.
Read more on the Daimler Chrysler web site.
Canada’s National Research Council has started construction for the new National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT). The laboratory’s environment will have ultra-low vibration and minimal acoustical noise and electro-magnetic interference.
Read more on the NRC web site.
HandDee Spectrum Analyzer is a software program for PocketPC’s (Xscale, ARM, MIPS, and SH3 machines).
Read more about the HandDee Spectrum Analyzer.
Motorola make a range of relatively cheap sensors to measure acceleration, pressure and temperature. Motorola are part of the ZigBee consortium that is an alliance of companies that have developed low-power wireless protocols and products. See Motorola’s product range here. They also sell evaluation boards which can be found on their web site.
Eurocopter’s latest development the EC225 joins their Super Puma family of helicopters. The new helicopter has lower cabin noise than the Super Pumas by about 3dB. In addition, an active vibration control system reduces vibration levels to about 0.08g.
Read the news article on the Rotor Hub web site.
Read more about the EC225 on the Eurocopter web site.
Nastran was developed by NASA (NASA Structural Analysis) and has been available as a commercial product through MSC Software. Now EDS have released their version called NX Nastran.
Read more on the EDS web site.