RMIT University is working with Altair Engineering to enable students and staff to use the company’s high-end engineering simulation design software.
The technology is used by companies including Boeing, Telstra and GM Holden to reduce the weight of aeroplane and automotive structures, enhance the safety of Japan’s high-speed bullet safer, develop ultra-light bikes and drones, create wireless sensors that detect damage to planes from lighting strikes and for simulating bio-electromagnetic effects.
Students are currently using the simulation software as part of RMIT Combustion and Electric Racing, which competes in the Formula SAE competition, and the RMIT unmanned aircraft systems research team, which has seen staff and students showcase high-tech autonomous drones in overseas competition.
This is the first US-based Altair has worked with an Australian University to provide access to its engineering software programs for teaching and non-commercial research use.
Joel Kennedy, a project engineer at Altair and an RMIT alumni said that the university had previously had very limited access to the software.
“This campus-wide agreement means students across science, engineering and health courses can access world-class engineering tools,” Kennedy said.
“We hope this agreement enables more collaboration between the disciplines as well as forging a strong industry connection between RMIT and Altair.”
Associate dean of aerospace engineering and aviation, Professor Pier Marzocca, said that the partnership with Altair would provide excellent learning opportunities for students.
“From few users to many, it is fantastic to see our students learning world-class computational engineering tools that can help in their academic and real-world engineering practices,” Professor Marzocca said.
“It’s another example of RMIT embedding industry into everything we do and our commitment to providing students the best tools available to get them industry ready.”
Advanced Manufacturing Precinct director, Professor Milan Brandt, said software could link high-end product design capabilities with high-end manufacturing techniques.
“This software gives us access to the design tools and enable the ability to incorporate new manufacturing methods into prototyping and serial production,” Brandt said.