ANIMATED MODELS

Capability: Bongo brings animation into the 3-D surface modeling tool Rhino 3.0 and 4.0, using familiar tools found in most animation packages. It can be used to show clients how a design works by demonstrating moving objects in real time. Bongo users can animate the moving, scaling, and rotating of Rhino objects without exporting. They can preview animations in the 3-D application in real time and then render straight to an animation file using any Rhino renderer.

Hardware: PC running Windows 2000 or XP.

Developer: Robert NcNeel and Associates, 3670 Woodland Park Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98103; (206) 545-7000; fax (206) 545-7321; www.rhino3d.com.

Cost: $495.

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SEE TECHNICAL DATA

Capability: The data visualization software Tecplot 360 2008 has been upgraded to release two. The application offers a range of plotting capabilities and a multiframe workspace for effective analysis, presentation, and publication of analysis results. Features include two-dimensional and three-dimensional plotting capabilities. New features included with the upgrade allow users to create images and plots more quickly than past versions, to display time and date on any axis, and to generate enhanced nonFlash animations for PowerPoint. Now, users can create plots with up to 90 percent fewer mouse clicks after loading data. They also can create plots with absolute or elapsed times on any axis.

Hardware: PC running on the Windows or Linux platforms or on Macintosh operating system X.

Developer: Tecplot, 13920 S.E. Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA; (425) 653-1200; fax (425) 653-9200; www.tecplot.com.

Cost: $3,200 to start. Tecplot 360 2008 users with current service management agreements can upgrade to revision two at no cost.

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ROTORCRAFT ANALYSIS

Capability: The developer of the Charm rotorcraft analysis has made reduced-cost academic licenses available for educational purposes. Charm models the complete aerodynamics and dynamics of rotorcraft in general flight conditions. As such, it can be used to perform rotorcraft aerodynamic design and research on emerging rotorcraft technologies. It can be licensed as a stand-alone analysis application or as a module that can be coupled directly with flight simulation or analysis software.

Hardware: PC running on the Windows, Linux, IRIX, or HP-UX platform.

Developer: Continuum Dynamics Inc., 34 Lexington Ave., Ewing, NJ 08618-2302; (609) 538-0444; fax (609) 538-0464; www.continuum-dynamics.com.

Cost: $3,000 to start.

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EXAMINING STATISTICS

Capability: The statistical analysis and technical plotting program ProStat has been upgraded to version 4.8. The application includes a range of basic statistical methods and advanced multivariate statistical methods, such as descriptive statistics, t-test, f-test, nonparametric test, factor analysis, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, discrimination analysis, and correspondence analysis. The data sheet interface includes a set of speed buttons to quickly access the most-used commands. Data can be exchanged with most popular file formats, including Excel and dBase. A new plot wizard creates plots in a more intuitive way than past versions. Several new plot types and new axis scales have also been added.

Hardware: PC running Windows 98, 2000, XP, or Vista.

Developer: Poly Software International, P.O. Box 60, Pearl River, NY 10965; (845) 735-9301; fax (845) 735-9303; www.polysoftware.com.

Cost: $299; upgrade, $69.99.

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REMIXING SHAPES

Capability: 3DVIA Shape has been upgraded to version 2.0. The 3-D modeling software features 3-D remix capability that allows users to construct or remix 3-D scenes using models contributed by other users on the 3DVia.com content library. The 3-D remix functionality is accessed through a search panel within the product. Users enter a search term, select a model from the results, and insert the model they need into their projects. Projects can be published within Web sites or on the 3DVia community homepage.

Hardware: PC with Internet connection.

Developer: Dassault Systèmes of America Corp., 6320 Canoga Ave., Trillium East Tower, Woodlands Hills, CA 91367-2526; www.3dvia.com.

Cost: Free.

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