SonoAnalyzer Pro beta - version 1.4.3 released (Slotted designs)

Announcing the release of SonoAnalyzer Pro beta version 1.4.3. This is a 60-day trial version available free of charge to all clients who have purchased SonoAnalyzer OE (annual or one-month license).

This version introduces two new "3rd generation" models - stepped and user-defined profile rectangular blocks with slots. Key changes from previous models are:

  • Slotted designs - specify the number of slots, slot width and distance from ends and sides.
  • The SonoAnalyzer graphics display is now derived directly from the finite-element model, instead of being generated separately. This permits more complex model shapes (eg. slots) to be developed more quickly and gives the user direct access to the finite-element model - the size of the mesh and shape of the elements are clearly visible without leaving SonoAnalyzer.
  • Since generating the complete FE model is more time-consuming than the previous geometry-creation routines, a brief time delay has been introduced to make changing geometry more convenient. After any change the time to redraw counts down in the status bar. During the countdown the visible geometry may be out of sync with the dimensions set, so the screen is darkened to indicate this. The time delay before redraw can be set in the Pro -> Options menu.

Note: As the new models make much more use of the CalculiX finite-element program, running the local / native version is highly recommended. If you have already installed one of the free downloadable CalculiX versions and set up a previous version of SonoAnalyzer Pro to connect to it, the new version should use the same settings automatically.

UI Changes - input tabs

As of version 1.4.3, the input tabs have been rearranged for all models. Previously there were always 4 tabs: Analysis, Dimensions, Materials and Results. The new models have just 3 top-level tabs: Analysis, Results and "Part 1" and the new "Part 1" tab contains second-level tabs Outline (replaces Dimensions), Slots and Materials. This allows for future development in two areas:

  1. Additional geometry features that may be common to different models (like slots) - will be added within the secondary tabs area.
  2. Multi-component analysis - additional components will be made available using new top-level tabs "Part 2", "Part 3" etc. Geometry (including slots etc.) and materials will be specified individually for each component.

NB: Multiple-component analysis is not available on this release but is planned for the next major version update.

Rearranging the tabs (moving results to second position after Analysis) ensures that the results can be found in a consistent position, even with multiple components defined. The tabs have also been rearranged for earlier models, where the tab order is now: Analysis, Results, Dimensions, Materials.

Version expiry

Version 1.4.3 was built on 05 February 2014 and will expire 06 April 2014.

Information for current SonoAnalyzer Pro beta users:

Thanks for participating in the free SonoAnalyzer Pro beta trial. The latest version is now available for download through your user account at SonoAnalyzer.com. The previous version 1.4.2 of SonoAnalyzer Pro beta will expire on 18 February. After that time, all users must either upgrade or revert to SonoAnalyzer OE (version 1.4.2 or higher). As usual, uninstalling the previous version of SonoAnalyzer / SonoAnalyzer Pro is recommended before installing a new one. Your saved settings should not be affected by this, provided that you install an equal or higher version number.

Information for current SonoAnalyzer OE users:

SonoAnalyzer Pro beta is available, free of charge and without obligation, to clients who have already purchased SonoAnalyzer OE (annual or one-month license).The latest version is now available for download through your user account at SonoAnalyzer.com, alongside SonoAnalyzer OE, and during the trial period you can switch between them at will using your existing license. As usual, uninstalling the previous version of SonoAnalyzer / SonoAnalyzer Pro is recommended before installing a new one. Your saved settings should not be affected by this, provided that you install an equal or higher version number.

Information for current SonoAnalyzer Demo users:

SonoAnalyzer Pro is not currently available to free demo users. A limited "demo" mode option is under consideration for the future.

Information for current SonoAnalyzer RC users:

The release-candidate version SonoAnalyzer RC is no longer available, but early-adopters who purchased it receive all the benefits of OE as above.