What's New

July 2025 - Aerospace Industry using FEMtools for FE Model Validation and Updating

The number of aircraft and aerospace companies using FEMtools continues to grow steadily. These include leading aircraft and engine manufacturers, component suppliers, and research centers. FEMtools is widely applied for finite element (FE) postprocessing, dynamic simulation, model validation, model updating, and structural optimization. Reference data typically comes from shake table testing, modal testing, ground vibration tests, and strain gauge measurements.

Validated and updated finite element (FE) models are essential tools in the aerospace industry, where precision, safety, and performance are non-negotiable. Once an FE model has been validated against experimental data and updated to reflect real-world behavior, it becomes a powerful asset across the entire product lifecycle. Here are some typical and impactful uses:

Verify the structural design.
Simulation of interface forces and response levels to demonstrate structural integrity of carrier structures and their impact on payload during typical load cycles.
Support pretest simulation for optimizing test conditions and identifying target modes that properly describe the dynamic behaviour of structures.
Creating reduced component models for assembly analysis.
Supporting prediction of vibrational behaviour during flight or launches to provide input for flutter analysis or aerodynamic stability controllers.
Feeding validated models into structural digital twin (DT) frameworks. These DT can be used for virtual sensing using real-time data, structural health evaluation, maintenance planning and life extension programs.

Global aerospace organizations actively using FEMtools include Airbus, Avio, Boeing, Airbus Defence and Space, Collins Aerospace, German Aerospace Research Institute (DLR), Honeywell Aerospace, L3Harris Technologies, Jet Propulsion Laboratories (NASA), Korean Aerospace Research Institutes, MTU Aero Engines, Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), Northrop Grumman, Pilatus Aircraft and Rolls-Royce.

June 2025 - Trying FEMtools During Courses at NAVCON

NAVCON Engineering Network regularly organizes courses on modal testing and FE model validation and updating where participants get hands-on experience using FEMtools.

At the Hands-On Modal Testing & Analysis course, attendees will be able to plan, setup and conduct a modal test from start to finish. This is a technology-based training about methods & applications; it is not a vendor product training. Modal theory is presented from the experimentalist point of view. Attendees acquire their own data and conduct their own analysis.

The modal seminar is intended for those engineers and technicians who conduct modal and/or operational deflection shape (ODS) tests, develop analytical (FE) or experimental (SDM) modal models and/or are responsible for overseeing modal related projects. Applications include noise and vibration troubleshooting, ground vibration testing (GVTs), FE modal validation & updating and health monitoring projects among others.

https://navcon.com/resources/training/hands-on-modal-testing-analysis-training/

During the Validation and Updating of FE Models for Structural Analysis course, all aspects of a FE model validation process will be reviewed including the import and correlation of FEA and test models, the correlation of FEA/test data and results, the selection of model updating parameters, the definition of realistic targets, the computation of sensitivity coefficients, running of updating loops and post processing of results.

Complementary technologies and applications such as probabilistic analysis, pretest planning, structural modifications, force identification and material characterization will also be discussed and applied.
Approximately 50% on the time will be spent conducting hands-on laboratories.

https://navcon.com/resources/training/validation-updating-of-fe-models/

June 2025 - Boosting Test Planning Efficiency with FEMtools Modal Pretest Analysis

Losing precious time due to inefficient testing methods? Struggling to select good candidates for sensor locations?

On June 11th, 2025 DDS and In Summa organized a webinar focused on FEMtools Pretest Analysis - a powerful solution for optimizing experimental test setups in structural dynamics. If you are doing modal testing, FEA analysis, modelating, or test planning, this session walked you through how FEMtools can help you identify optimal sensor locations, improve test quality, and minimize setup time. This webinar was intended for test engineers, simulation specialists, and R&D teams aiming to bridge the gap between finite element models and physical tests.

Those who missed this opportunity can contact DDS for more information or a demonstration. Information on FEMtools Pretest and Correlation Analysis can also be found here.

May 2025 - IOMAC 2025 Conference

It was great fun meeting with friends and like-minded people, at the DDS booth or at the social events, during the IOMAC 2025 conference in Rennes, France (May 20-23, 2025).

IOMAC 2025 website.

January 2025 - See FEMtools at the 43th IMAC Conference in Orlando (FL, USA)

Dynamic Design Solutions will show FEMtools at the 43nd annual International Modal Analysis Conference (IMAC XLII) that is held this year from February 10-13, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

IMAC is an annual conference and exposition focusing on structural dynamics, and has evolved to encompass the latest technologies supporting structural dynamics. This broad focus on structural dynamics includes topics in simulation and modeling, nonlinear dynamics, sensors, signal processing and control, spanning the full range of engineering disciplines.

For information and registration, see the conference website.

December 2025 - Season's Greetings

Season's Greeting and a Happy New Year from the FEMtools team at Dynamic Design Solutions! We look forward to continue working with you in 2025.

November 2024 - Courses for 2025 Announced

Our 2025 course schedule has been released and includes 2 Technology Courses on Verification, Validation and Updating of FE Models and 4 Modal Testing and Analysis Trainings. Locations are Leuven (Belgium) and Fullerton (CA, USA). Additional courses may be added to the schedule at a later time and will be announced on this website.

See the current calendar and links to the information and registration pages at the following web page:

Courses

September 2024 - FEMtools 4.5 at the ISMA 2024 Conference

Dynamic Design Solutions showed FEMtools 4.5 at the 31st bi-annual International Conference on Noise and Vibration Engineering (ISMA 2024) that was held from September 9-11 in Leuven, Belgium.

The conference provides a forum for engineers, researchers and other professionals active in the field of modelling, analysing, testing and improving the noise and vibration characteristics of mechanical and mechatronic systems and civil structures.

Prof. Randy Allemang visited the DDS booth. He is well known for introducing the Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) to the vibration engineering community but has contributed much more to the advancement of our field. MAC has become the go-to modal correlation tool for all FEMtools Model Updating users.

August 2024 - FEMtools Drives OptiStruct Solver

Among the new features of FEMtools 4.5 is support for the OptiStruct solver.

OptiStruct is a simulation technology developed by Altair that integrates structural optimization and analysis. It is used to solve both linear and nonlinear problems, providing comprehensive solutions for various analyses such as statics, dynamics, vibrations, acoustics, fatigue, and heat transfer.

Interfacing with OptiStruct is using the same types of files as with MSC.Nastran and Simcenter Nastran. Bulk data files are used for the FE model data, and binary OP2 files for element matrices and analysis results. The driver for the OptiStruct solver is a variant of the existing Nastran drivers.

August 2024 - FEMtools 4.5 Released

FEMtools 4.5 is a major new version that brings improvements to all FEMtools modules and introduces support for the Optistruct solver. The FE data interfaces and drivers are updated to support the current versions of the FE programs.

The FE data interfaces and drivers are updated to support the current versions of the FE programs:

MSC Nastran 2024
Simcenter Nastran V2023.2312 and V2406
Abaqus 2024
Ansys 2024R1
SAP2000 25.3

A new interface and driver is added for Altair OptiStruct (compatible with Nastran). OptiStruct is a simulation technology developed by Altair to solve both linear and nonlinear problems, providing comprehensive solutions for various analyses such as statics, dynamics, vibrations, acoustics, fatigue, and heat transfer. Interfacing with OptiStruct is using the same types of files as with MSC.Nastran and Simcenter Nastran. Bulk data file is used for the FE model data, and binary OP2 files for element matrices and analysis results. The driver for the OptiStruct solver is a variant of the existing Nastran drivers.

For an overview of the other highlights, click here.

The new version is available for download from the FEMtools support site for all customers who are current on Maintenance and Technical Support.

Screenshot from the new FEMtools 4.5 RBPE add-on panel showing the new frequency range sampling results.

June 2024 - New FEMtools Solutions Partner in North EMEA

DDS welcomes In Summa - Computer-Aided Engineering to our community of FEMtools partners!

In our journey to expand the reach of our FEMtools software suite, DDS has chosen In Summa as our distribution partner in the Benelux region, the UK, and the Nordic countries. In Summa is also Hexagon's prime and historical business partner in Benelux. DDS' leadership in the finite element model validation and updating field necessitates a partner like In Summa who prioritizes quality assurance in engineering simulation and is committed to pioneering solutions that integrate simulation with testing. Their extensive background in CAE software distribution across diverse industries and applications equips them with the insight to meet customer-specific challenges. This versatility ensures that our software can be tailored and positioned effectively, maximizing user satisfaction. In Summa has a young and dynamic team that brings an unmatched level of enthusiasm and innovation to the table.

The appointment of a distribution partner is not merely a business decision; it is a strategic alliance that is about creating value for our customers and help them in solving ever-increasing engineering challenges.

January 2024 - DDS Goes AI: Introducing FEMtools Assistant

We are excited to introduce you to FEMtools Assistant, a new innovative way to obtain 24/7 help on using FEMtools.

The chatbot is a customized, conversational AI chatbot, that has been trained with the FEMtools User Guides, Reference Manuals and knowledge bases. It can understand and respond to your queries in a natural and conversational way in 95 languages. This can be a powerful alternative to keyword-based searching in the documentation. To start chatting, simply type your question or issue in the chat window. Note that the chatbot is not intended as a replacement for the technical support services provided by our FEMtools specialists.

FEMtools Assistant is still in its experimental stage and we are testing and improving it constantly. Therefore, at this stage, access is on-demand only. Customers that are current on Technical Support and Maintenance can request access by sending an email to support@femtools.com.

We hope you will enjoy using our chatbot and we appreciate your feedback.

January 2024 - See FEMtools at the 42th IMAC Conference in Orlando (FL, USA)

Dynamic Design Solutions will show FEMtools at the 42nd annual International Modal Analysis Conference (IMAC XLII) that is held this year from January 29 to February 1, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

The following presentation will be made by DDS staff:

Tuesday January 30, 2024. Session 31, 2:20 PM, Virtual Modal Testing

For information and registration, see the conference website.

November 2023 - Courses for 2024 Announced

Our 2024 course schedule has been released and includes a Technology Course on Verification, Validation and Updating of FE Models and 4 Modal Testing and Analysis Trainings. Locations are Leuven (Belgium) and Fullerton (CA, USA). Additional courses may be added to the schedule at a later time and will be announced on this website.

See the current calendar and links to the information and registration pages at the following web page:

Courses

October 2023 - First Courses for 2024 Announced

A preliminary 2024 course schedule has been released with 4 Modal Testing and Analysis Trainings in Fullerton (CA, USA) already scheduled. Technology Courses on Verification, Validations and Updating of FE Models will soon be added to the schedule.

See the current calendar and links to the information and registration pages at following web page:

Courses

July 2023 - FEMtools 4.4 Released

FEMtools 4.4 is a major new version that brings exciting improvements to the FEMtools Framework, data interfaces and analysis tools.

The FE data interfaces and drivers are updated to support the current versions of the FE programs:

Support for ANSYS 2023.2
Support for MSC.Nastran 2023.3
Support for Simcenter (NX) Nastran 2306
Support for ABAQUS 2023
Support for SAP2000 v25

A new add-on tool for vibration data acquisition is added (FEMtools DAQ).

For script developers, a developer panel and toolbar are added.

The new ODS viewer merges test data and analytical modes shapes to display deformation, strain, stress and energy in time domain. For frequency domain analysis, a new FRF postprocessing panel is added.

The 4.4 release is of special importance to NASTRAN users because it introduces new innovative ways to select properties in a NASTRAN model as parameters, and to make NASTRAN and FEMtools work together for sensitivity analysis and model updating.

For an overview of the highlights, click here.

The new version is available for download from the FEMtools support site for all customers who are current on Maintenance and Technical Support.

Screenshot from the new FEMtools 4.4 Data Acquisition (DAQ) add-on panel.

June 2023 - New Courses on Modal Testing and Analysis Added

Additional courses on Modal Testing and Analysis are added to the schedule by Navcon Engineering, FEMtools Solutions Partner for North America. In this course attendees will be able to plan, setup and conduct a modal test from start to finish. Modal theory is presented from the experimentalist's point of view. It is intended for those engineers and technicians who conduct modal and/or operational deflection shape tests, do occassional analytical simulations (FEM), or are responsible for overseeing modal related projects.

During all courses, FEMtools will be used for hands-on exercises. Attending a course is therefore also a good opportunity for users and evaluators to learn more about FEMtools.

For an overview of the currently scheduled courses, click here.

April 2023 - See FEMtools at the SAE Noise and Vibration Conference and Exhibition

FEMtools Solutions Partner NAVCON will show FEMtools at the SAE Noise and Vibration Conference and Exhibition that is held from May 15-18, 2023 in Grand Rapids, MI.

The SAE Noise and Vibration Conference and Exhibition (NVC), held biennially, is the only event of its kind, uniting more than 1,000 forward thinking engineers, executives, researchers, designers, academia, and more to discuss the latest cutting-edge technologies surrounding NVH and sound quality.

For more information on the conferense, visit https://www.sae.org/attend/nvh

Come and visit us at booth #206 in the exhibition area to see FEMtools 4 or to discuss your dynamics simulation, modal pretest planning, modal testing, test-analysis correlation and FE model updating needs.

February 2023 - See FEMtools at the 41th IMAC Conference in Austin (TX, USA)

Dynamic Design Solutions will show FEMtools at the annual International Modal Analysis Conference (IMA) that is held this year from February 10-13, 2023 in Austin, Texas.

The following presentation will be made by DDS staff:

Tuesday February 14, 2020. Session 38, 04:40 PM, Orders-based Validating and Updating of Rotating Machinery FE Models

The slide material in PDF can be viewed here:

E. Dascotte, Orders-based Validating and Updating of Rotating Machinery FE Models, Presentation at 41st International Modal Analysis Conference (IMAC), February 2023, Austin, Texas, USA.

November 2022 - Courses for 2023 Announced

Our 2023 course schedule has been released and includes 2 Technology Courses on Verification, Validations and Updating of FE Models and 3 Modal Testing and Analysis Trainings. Locations are Leuven (Belgium) and Fullerton (CA, USA).

See the current calendar and links to the information and registration pages at following web page:

Courses

October 2022 - DDS Goes Green

Dynamic Design Solutions strives to reduce its carbon footprint and therefore has installed photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of our new office building in Leuven, Belgium. The estimated production of green energy is 11520 kWh per year, which corresponds to 8 tons C02 avoided. The produced electricity is mainly used to power the ventilation system and energy-efficient heat pumps that drive the airconditioning system.

September 2022 - ISMA Conference is Back

Dynamic Design Solutions participated at the 30th ISMA Noise and Vibration Engineering Conference that was held in Leuven from September 12-14. The conference was organized as a physical event, the first since the 2018 edition.

ISMA is a bi-annual conference that provides a forum for engineers, researchers and other professionals active in the field of modelling, analysing, testing and improving the noise and vibration characteristics of mechanical systems and civil structures.

It felt good to be back and meet with friends, customers and other conference participants. FEMtools 4.3 was on display at our booth, as well as a demo setup of the new FEMtools DAQ data acquisition for modal testing add-on.

July 2022 - FEMtools 4.3.1 Maintenance Release

Dynamic Design Solutions announces the release of FEMtools 4.3.1.

FEMtools 4.3.1 is a maintenance release that provides bug corrections, several enhancements and some additions. This version also consolidates all the maintenance builds since the release of v4.3.0.2052.

The FE data interfaces and drivers are updated to support the current versions of the FE interface programs:

Support for ANSYS 2022.1
Support for MSC.Nastran 2022.1
Support for Simcenter (NX) Nastran 2022.1
Support for ABAQUS 2022
Support for SAP2000 v24

For more information about the changes in this release, see the FEMtools 4 Release Notes

The new version is available for download from the FEMtools support site for all customers who are current on Maintenance and Technical Support.

March 2022 - FEMtools 4.3 Released

FEMtools 4.3 is a major new version that brings improvements to the FEMtools Framework, data interfaces and analysis tools. This version is also the first version that is tested to be compatible with Windows 11. The FE data interfaces and drivers are updated to support the current versions of the FE interface programs (Abaqus, Ansys, Nastran and SAP2000).

For an overview of the highlights, click here.

The new version is available for download from the FEMtools support site for all customers who are current on Maintenance and Technical Support.

February 2022 - New Course Dates

Due to continuing travel uncertainty, the VVU course scheduled for March 23-25, 2022 has been postponed. The new dates for the course are April 27-29, 2022. See the current calendar and links to the information pages at following web page:

Courses

December 2021 - Information about Log4j

The FEMtools development team has been investigating the Apache Log4j vulnerability which may come with the use of the Java programming language. Log4j is a logging tool used in many Java-based applications that could allow remote unauthenticated attackers to execute code on vulnerable systems.

We hereby inform our customers that Java is not used for the development of FEMtools code and neither does, to the best of our knowledge, any of the 3rd party libraries and tools that come with the FEMtools installers, including the RLM license manager. We found no references to Log4j.

At this time, we think that there are no FEMtools components at risk but will provide further updates as we learn more.

August 2021 - Moving to a New Office

Dynamic Design Solutions has moved to a brand new headquarter. Our new address is:

Dynamic Design Solution (DDS) NV
Ambachtenlaan 14, Suite 5
B-3001 Leuven
Belgium
+32 16 40 23 00

Come and visit us next time you are in Leuven.

April 2021 - 2021 Course Schedule Update

Our 2021 course schedule has been updated and new in-person courses added at the Fullerton (Los Angeles) location. See the current calendar and links to the information pages at following web page:

Courses

March 2021 - FEMtools 4.2 Released

Dynamic Design Solutions announces the release of FEMtools 4.2, a major new version that brings improvements to the FEMtools Framework, data interfaces and analysis tools. The FE data interfaces and drivers are updated to support the current versions of the FE programs (Abaqus, Ansys, LS-Dyna, Nastran and SAP2000). The 4.2 release is of special importance to ANSYS users because it introduces new innovative ways to select properties in an ANSYS model as parameters, and to make ANSYS and FEMtools work together for sensitivity analysis and model updating.

For an overview of the highlights, click here.

The new version will soon be available for download from the FEMtools support site for all customers who are current on Maintenance and Technical Support.

The new Ansys Parameter Browser panel in FEMtools 4.2.

February 2021 - New FEMtools Solutions Partner in Indonesia

Dynamic Design Solutions announces that it has appointed PT Testindo as a new FEMtools Solutions Partners in Indonesia.

PT Testindo Test and Measurement Solutions is trading instrumentation and engineering products in Jakarta Indonesia. The company was established in 2012 to serve the mechanical and civil engineering market in Indonesia. Customers include engineering consulting companies, research and development institutions, construction companies, and general manufacturers.

Testindo and DDS are looking forward to help their customers in Indonesia on FEA applications such as FE model validation, experimental and operational modal analysis, design optimization, digital twins and structural health monitoring.

www.testindo.com

See also the News Archives and Tech Tips.