Altair furthers optimisation technology with acquisition of OmniQuest
October 4, 2023
Altair, located in Troy, Michigan, USA, has acquired OmniQuest, a software company based in Novi, Michigan, best known for its Genesis advanced software for structural analysis and optimisation. Genesis utilises the finite element method to solve complex problems with multiple variables and constraints.
“OmniQuest was founded by the late Professor Gary Vanderplaats, a giant in the field of structural optimisation who developed many unique and powerful optimisation algorithms used in the commercial market today. OmniQuest’s products are used by several major customers, and we are excited to make them available to all our customers going forward,” stated James R Scapa, founder and Chief Executive Officer, Altair. “The acquisition of this excellent technology and team will further enhance Altair’s optimisation leadership in the market driving lightweight and structurally efficient designs across the globe.”
In addition to the automotive sector, the acquisition brings experience in Formula 1motor racing, where Genesis is reportedly used for composite design applications. It is particularly utilised for applications that require agile engineering processes and specialised tools to produce highly engineered vehicles with short turnaround times.
Genesis offers a range of analysis capabilities, including static, normal modes, direct and modal frequency analysis, random response, heat transfer, system buckling calculations, acoustics, and fatigue analysis. It also provides various types of structural optimisation, such as sizing, shape, topology, topometry, topography and freeform optimisation.
Genesis also supports Equivalent Static Load Method (ESLM) for highly nonlinear structural behaviours, interfacing with popular third-party finite-element analysis (FEA) solvers.
