SonoAnalyzer OE and Demo - version 1.3.5 released

Announcing the release of SonoAnalyzer OE version 1.3.5 (codename "Leonhard") also available as a 30-day, limited use demo.

This is a maintenance update including some minor bug-fixes and enhancements. There are also some changes for compatibility with the upcoming SonoAnalyzer Pro beta. Upgrade is optional. Further details are shown below.

Bug-fix: Analysis may not run when any dimensions are set to very small numerical values. This was a bug in the gateway server software failing to correctly read the data sent from SonoAnalyzer. Now fixed at the server - applies to all versions of SonoAnalyzer.

Bug-fix: Animated display showed excessively-distorted modeshapes for "User-defined sonotrode #2" at the small end of the dimensional ranges (eg. 50+kHz axial mode frequency). This was caused by the automatic distiortion scale being calculated wrongly. Note - the issue is cosmetic only. A workaround for previous versions is to select Display -> Distortion scale in the menu and set any reduced scale (eg. 10%) that shows reasonable modeshapes. This also applies to other models in the same family (Stepped sonotrode #2, Conical sonotrode, Exponential sonotrode).

Bug-fix: Unexpected program termination (crash) on failing to download FEA image - animations, displacement and stress plots. This might be caused by the computer losing its internet connection between initiating the job and downloading the image. Although it's not possible in these circumstances to prevent the failure to download, the new version should handle it gracefully.

Enhancement: Improved ability to introduce new geometry ranges for existing models. From this version on, new models based on existing geometry but with a different range of dimensions can now be added at the server without updating client software. At the client, new models will be found automatically at program startup or by selecting File -> Update -> Update Data Sources from the menu (active license required).

New model: Using this, by request, a new model has been added: "User defined #2 - high frequency". This permits a smaller range of diameters more suitable for sonotrodes in the 50+kHz range.

Deprecated models: The new #2 family of models is more versatile than all previous FEA models and has proven reliable, so the following earlier axial models are no longer recommended for general use:

  • Stepped cylinder plus
  • User-defined sonotrode plus

With default settings these will not be shown on the Analysis tab, but if you have a model using one of these already saved, loading it will still work (and will cause the model to be displayed in the list). To see all deprecated models select Options -> Show deprecated models.

Maintenance: SonoAnalyzer Pro compatibility. SonoAnalyzer Pro will introduce new analysis methods and models. Changes have been made to the storage database and licensing code of SonoAnalyzer OE to facilitate upgrades / downgrades.

Information for current SonoAnalyzer OE users:

Upgrading to the new version is optional - unless you have experienced problems with the current version you may prefer to wait for the Pro beta release coming soon. Your updated file download is shown under Files in "My account". The filename is "SonoAnalyzerOE-setup.exe". Please log into your account to download the new file. Uninstalling any / all versions prior to 1.3.x is required before installing this one. Your saved settings, including the license key, should not be affected by the removal / installation.

Information for current SonoAnalyzer Demo users:

The file download is the same as for the purchased SonoAnalyzer OE and can be downloaded and installed in the same way. Uninstalling any / all versions prior to 1.3.x is required before installing this one. Access is still restricted by the demo license. Previous demo users whose license has expired but who wish to try the new version, please email or open a support ticket to request an extension.

Information for current SonoAnalyzer RC users:

The release-candidate version SonoAnalyzer RC is no longer available, having been replaced by OE, but early-adopters who purchased it can continue to use it until the licence expiry on September 1, 2013 and thereafter purchase extensions or upgrades at the discounted prices fixed at the time of purchase.

The license key shown under Product Keys in "My account" will still show "SonoAnalyzer RC" but all RC licenses are now exactly equivalent to OE licenses. The file download shown under Files in "My account" will still show "SonoAnalyzerRC-setup.exe" but the download link will now provide the SonoAnalyzer OE setup file as above.