Flow Simulator is an integrated flow, heat transfer, and combustion design software, which enables mixed fidelity simulations to optimise machine and systems design.

As part of the acquisition, Altair and GE Aviation have signed a memo of understanding (MOU) to facilitate a higher level of collaboration and establish a long-term strategic partnership. The relationship will include Altair’s continuous development of Flow Simulator; granting GE Aviation access to Altair’s complete software suite to explore enhanced functionality aligned to real-world use cases and workflows; and ongoing executive engagement between both parties to establish deeper strategic alignment and pursue new ventures.

“We successfully collaborated with GE Aviation for many years on several initiatives including rotor dynamics using Altair OptiStruct, which opened doors for new opportunities to work together. We value our strong relationship with GE Aviation as we join forces to drive innovation for aircraft engines and beyond,” said James R. Scapa, founder and chief executive officer, Altair. “Utilising Altair's simulation and AI-driven approach to innovation, there is great potential to expand Flow Simulator’s capabilities and make it available to new industries focused on simulating systems models including automotive, electromobility, battery, defence, and renewable energy.”

“Altair will bring Flow Simulator’s capability to simplify the modelling of complex thermal systems to new industries. This will expand global technical capabilities,” explained Arjan Hegeman, senior executive – Technology, GE Aviation. “Concurrently, GE Aviation and Altair will continue developing Flow Simulator together, with even more advanced simulation technologies and design tools that will continue to expand its capabilities for a broader base of users.”

System-level design has become increasingly critical as organisations are tasked with simulating complex duty cycles. Fast software solutions like Flow Simulator are needed to model an entire system, including rapid iteration concept modelling and understanding of system simulation and system behaviour in applications such as rotating machinery design, electromobility, wind turbines, heat exchangers, and virtually anything that encompasses thermal management.

GE Aviation developed Flow Simulator to serve as a fast flow network simulator for aircraft engines – simulating how an entire flight cycle would behave in the real world, from runway and take off to flight and landing. Since its inception, it has been used to simplify modelling for a variety of complex thermal systems applications, including healthcare, locomotives, and renewable energy. Prior to acquiring the technology, Altair was a commercial distributor of Flow Simulator, which was available through the Altair Partner Alliance (APA).

www.altair.com/flow-simulator