In keeping with tradition, the 4th International AST User Meeting 2007 continued to provide a unique platform for exchange and discussion of CAE experts from the engine, powertrain and vehicle development sections. The User Meeting took place on June 11 and 12 in Graz with approx. 300 AST software users from around the world, who enjoyed exchanging views and discussing new applications and methodologies.
Both conference days started with an Opening Session led by the well-known speakers, Prof. Albers, Institute for Product Development, University of Karlsruhe, Germany; R. Lauvergne, PSA, France and Prof. F. Franek, AC2T research GmbH, Austria.
Three parallel sessions focused on the growing importance of virtual product development regarding the topics engine fluid dynamics and thermodynamics, structural dynamics and flow dynamics in vehicle construction.
Emission regulations are becoming more and more rigorous which requires additional optimization of the mixture preparation and combustion process within the engine but also the additional actions of the exhaust gas aftertreatment. Therefore it was not surprising that in the area of engine fluid dynamics the main topics were spray simulation, chemistry of combustion in diesel and gasoline engines and also exhaust gas aftertreatment and exhaust system simulation.
The multi-phase simulation capabilities were a strong topic within the general purpose and vehicle CFD session together with vehicle climate control and aero acoustics.
Within new power train concepts the single parts like engine or transmission can no longer be investigated in isolation due to increasing interactions. Therefore presentations around the simulation of complete drive trains including transmission and driveshaft generated the largest interest in the field of structural dynamics. A very extensive topic in this area was also the simulation of oval pulley and their effect on timing drive and auxiliary vibrations.
In the area of vehicle drive train simulation two fields of applications were mainly covered. As at previous user meetings the vehicle thermal management was an important topic. Additionally, the simulation and comparison of hybrid concepts is of increasing interest for users.
In parallel to the sessions, participants could visit the exhibition area where 10 independent software vendors and computer hardware manufacturers presented their latest products.
The day after the Meeting was devoted to intensive product-specific seminars and one-to-one meetings between users and developers.
Social highlights included the welcome reception in the ‘Kunsthaus Graz’ (a new architectural landmark on the banks of the river Mur), a dinner in the ‘Dom im Berg’ (a unique underground location with remarkable attraction) and a cart race with mixed teams from individual companies.
The initial feedback from the participants was that they mostly enjoyed the high quality of presentations, the open discussion atmosphere between individual participants and also with application experts from AVL.