CAD INSTRUCTION ONLINE
Capability: The i get it 2008 New Users Express Courses are online learning programs that teach SolidWorks users their CAD program's basics in a short time. The course includes units on design intent, basic and intermediate sketching and modeling, drawing, patterns, managing errors, design changes, design libraries, and assemblies. Users learn through audio and video lessons. The courses are: SolidWorks Update and Specialized Topics, which includes units on SolidWorks 2005 to 2008; SolidWorks Professional, which includes a new user express unit; and SolidWorks Premium, which includes all SolidWorks units as well as those that cover the Cosmos analysis package.
Hardware: PC with Internet access.
Developer: Tata Technologies iKS, 41370 Bridge St., Novi, MI 48375-1302; (248) 426-1482; (248) 426-8398; www.myigetit.com.
Cost: SolidWorks Update and Specialized Topics, $95; SolidWorks Professional, $285; SolidWorks Premium, $395.
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GENERAL-PURPOSE DESIGN
Capability: SpaceClaim LT and LTX are general-purpose, two-dimensional and three-dimensional solid modeling tools. With them, users can create 3-D models; open and edit 3-D solid models that arrive from colleagues, suppliers, or customers; and bring 2-D drawings into the 3-D environment. The applications are useful for engineers who already have 2-D tools as well as for hobbyists who want 3-D design software. SpaceClaim LT provides import of STEP, IGES, DXF, DWG, BMP, JPG, and PNG file formats and export of DXF, DWG, XAML, STL, VRML, BMP, JPG, and PNG file formats. SpaceClaim LTX provides these capabilities as well as export of STEP and IGES files to other 3-D systems.
Hardware: PC running Windows XP or Vista.
Developer: SpaceClaim Corp., 150 Baker Ave. Extension, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 482-2100; fax (978) 369-5864; www.spaceclaim.com.
Cost: SpaceClaim LT, $695; SpaceClaim LTX, $895.
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FLOW ILLUSTRATED
Capability: 2DFlowPlus has been updated to version 2.5. Graphics depict flow across a wide range of fluid mechanics problems, including those induced by distributions of point and line singularities, such as vortices and dipoles. When used in the fluid dynamics class, the application helps students visualize the textbook theory they're learning. Professionals call upon the software to simulate and visualize complex flows.
Hardware: PC running Windows 95, 2000, NT, or XP.
Developers: Dynaflow Inc., 10621-J Iron Bridge Rd., Jessup, MD 20794; (301) 604-3688; fax (301) 604-3689; www.dynaflow-inc.com.
Cost: $250; academic version, $212.50.
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PLOTTING AND CALCULATION MANAGED IN EXCEL
Capability: EZplot for Excel creates and updates more than 50 plots. Plots and calculations are defined by parameter names rather than cell locations. EZplot provides formulas for 2-D interpolation, 3-D interpolation, and for polynomials. Formulas can be used like any other Excel formula. Chart events capture changes made to charts and write them back to the application. The plot package script is generated automatically. Add-ons include Contour Plot and Multy_Y. The Multy_Y program creates multiple y-axes plots in Excel. Users can provide internal and external customers with Excel plots or insert them as pictures into PowerPoint via an add-on called Insert Pics.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, NT, or XP.
Developer: Office Expander, 233 Main St., North Andover, MA 01845; (978) 758-8599; www.OfficeExpander.com.
Cost: Single-user license, $125.
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DEPLOYING MATHEMATICA
Capability: Developers who build applications in Mathematica can now use Player Pro—rather than Mathematica—to deploy them. Player Pro contains nearly all of Mathematica's features, but differs in that it is a pure runtime environment. The application gives users access to Mathematica-based notebook files, which allows them to perform adaptive visualizations, control dynamic interface elements, and connect to real-time data. Technical differences between Player Pro and the existing free Mathematical Player include Player Pro's capability to import or export user data at runtime, provide dialog-box entry, and run an almost-complete range of Mathematica applications.
Platform: PC running the Windows, Macintosh, or Linux operating systems.
Developer: Wolfram Research Inc., 100 Trade Center Dr., Champaign, IL 61820-7237; (217) 398-0700; fax (217) 398-0747; www.wolfram.com.
Cost: $195.
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