Conventional product development cycles typically involve design, prototyping, testing, design modification, re-testing etc., to achieve a pre-production version. ADAMS version 9.0 software, developed by US company Mechanical Dynamics Inc., enables all these functions to be conducted in the virtual domain of the computer, significantly reducing development cost and time tomarket. 

Virtual prototyping starts with CAD designed components which are transferred into ADAMS for assembly into a full system model. Once in that form, the model can be modified, animated to check fit and motion, and subjected to a full range of static, dynamic, and other tests. The program displays important parameters graphically and produces standardized reports with each simulation. The scope of these functions is exemplified in automotive applications, where vehicles can be designed, built, and road tested, entirely in the computer, reducing the cost of physical prototypes.
ADAMS version 9.0 is the latest edition of software that is already in use by most leading car manufacturers in the Asia/Pacific region, the USA and in Europe, adopted as part of plans to reduce new model design time and cost. The new version broadens the ADAMS application base by simplifying the user interface, allowing users to customize the software and automate their engineering practices, states Robert R. Ryan, the company's president and chief operating officer.
Other users of the ADAMS software are major manufacturers in the off-highway equipment, industrial machinery, aerospace, shipbuilding; railroad, electro-mechanical and sports equipment industries the company states. The software will run on all leading engineering computing platforms, including high powered Unix-based work stations, and Pentium driven PC's using Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems.
Mechanical Dynamics, Inc. is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. The company was founded in 1977 and has specialized in the development of mechanical simulation software since that time. Its products are marketed internationally through direct offices and distributors.


For further information, please contact:
Raymond J. Gaynor
Vice President, Asia/Pacific Operations
Mechanical Dynamics Inc.
2301 Commonwealth Boulevard
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
USA

Tel: 313 994-3800
Fax: 313 994-6418
E-mail: info@adams.com