The next release of Caedium (v3) is progressing well, and we are almost at the feature freeze point. This month we have a sneak peek of our new double-sided face modeling capability. In other news we were thrilled to be recognized by Microsoft in their Partner of the Year awards. And to round out this monthly update we have a varied selection of new blog posts.

Turning Vanes Represented as Double-Sided Faces

Double-Sided Faces

Double-sided faces, also referred to as zero-thickness walls, are a great way to efficiently represent high-aspect ratio geometry (i.e., where the width and height are much greater than the thickness). Applications include:

• Turning vanes (as show in the image above)
• Baffles
• Splitters on racecars
• Tensile fabric structures

You will be able to create double-sided faces with the new non-manifold topology modeling in the next Caedium (v3) release. Where applicable, double-sided faces often result in fewer mesh elements for the same level of accuracy, allowing your simulations to complete sooner.

Symscape Listed Among Top Finalists for the 2011 Microsoft Technical and High Performance Computing Innovation Partner of the Year Award

Enfield, NH, USA - June 22, 2011 - Today, Symscape announced it has been selected as a finalist for the Microsoft Technical and High Performance Computing Innovation Partner of the Year Award. Read more >>

Blog

Below are teasers for my latest blog posts.

The Jetpack You're Looking For

A jetpack from Martin Aircraft has taken flight and reached an impressive 5000 ft. Technically it's a twin rotor ducted fan, so it isn't really a jet but you get the idea. However, this is the jetpack you're looking for. Read more >>

Rocket for One

Copenhagen Suborbitals is a Danish team of rocketeers who are planning to launch a one person suborbital rocket called Tycho Brahe. The project has progressed to the demonstration stage with a dummy taking the place of the single passenger. It's a cozy fit with the rocket diameter not much large than the chest measurement of the lucky (brave) passenger, who will have to stand upright in the nose cone. Read more >>

Fake Real Cutaway Models

I just had to follow up on my recent fake real wireframe post with a similar theme on cutaway models. As an engineer I've always found it fascinating to see how things work, and so when I come across cutaway schematics of planes, cars, engines, etc. happy am I. Better still if I find an actual physical cutaway. So for your enjoyment, but also for mine, check out the physical cutaway collection at Oobject. Read more >>

Wind Tunnels Are Not Perfect

Much has been made of the CFD-only strategy recently abandoned by the Virgin Racing Formula 1 team as an admission that CFD is responsible for the team's poor performance. Whether this is in fact the case is open for debate. I believe VR's poor performance is due to a general lack of funding across many disciplines not just aerodynamics, but that's another story. Anyway, as a counter to those who think wind tunnel testing is essentially flawless, consider the recent problems Ferrari have experienced with their wind tunnel. Read more >>