11/29/2019 Ansys - Wikipedia

Ansys
Ansys Inc. is an American public company based in Canonsburg,
Ansys Inc.
Pennsylvania. It develops and markets engineering simulation software. Ansys
software is used to design products and semiconductors, as well as to create
simulations that test a product's durability, temperature distribution, fluid
movements, and electromagnetic properties.

Ansys was founded in 1970 by John Swanson. Swanson sold his interest in the
company to venture capitalists in 1993. Ansys went public on NASDAQ in
1996. In the 2000s, Ansys made numerous acquisitions of other engineering
design companies, acquiring additional technology for fluid dynamics,
electronics design, and other physics analysis.

Ansys Inc. headquarters building in

Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
Contents Type Public
Corporate history NASDAQ: ANSS (h
Traded as
Origins
ttps://www.nasdaq.
Growth
com/symbol/anss)
2000s
S&P 500
Software Component
History
ISIN US03662Q1058
References
Industry Computer software
External links
Founded Canonsburg,
Pennsylvania,
United States
Corporate history (1970)
Headquarters Canonsburg,
Pennsylvania,
Origins
United States
The idea for Ansys was first conceived by John Swanson while working at the
Key people James E. Cashman
Westinghouse Astronuclear Laboratory in the 1960s.[2] At the time, engineers III, Chairman
performed finite element analysis (FEA) by hand.[2] Westinghouse rejected Ajei S. Gopal,
Swanson's idea to automate FEA by developing general purpose engineering President and CEO
software, so Swanson left the company in 1969 to develop the software on his Products Ansys suite of
own.[2] He founded Ansys under the name Swanson Analysis Systems Inc. engineering
(SASI) the next year, working out of his farmhouse in Pittsburgh.[3][4] simulation software
Revenue $1.0953 billion
Swanson developed the initial Ansys software on punch-cards and used a
(2017)[1]
mainframe computer that was rented by the hour.[2] Westinghouse hired
Operating $390 million
Swanson as a consultant, under the condition that any code he developed for
income (2017)[1]
Westinghouse could also be included in the Ansys product line.[3]
Net income $259 million
Westinghouse also became the first Ansys user.[3]
(2017)[1]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansys 1/5
11/29/2019 Ansys - Wikipedia

Growth Total assets $2.9 billion (2017)[1]

By 1991 SASI had 153 employees and $29 million in annual revenue,[5] Total equity $2.2 billion (2017)[1]
controlling 10 percent of the market for finite element analysis software.[5] Number of +2,900 (2017)[1]
According to The Engineering Design Revolution, the company became "well- employees
respected" among engineering circles, but remained small.[6] In 1992, SASI Website www.ansys.com (ht
acquired Compuflo, which marketed and developed fluid dynamics analysis tp://www.ansys.co
software.[6]
m)

In 1993, Mr. Swanson sold his majority interest in the company to venture capitalist firm TA Associates.[3][5] Peter Smith
was appointed CEO[6] and SASI was renamed after the software, Ansys, the following year.[3][5] Ansys went public in 1996,
raising about $46 million in an initial public offering.[6] By 1997, Ansys had grown to $50.5 million in annual revenue.[7]

In the late 1990s, Ansys shifted its business model.[6] It focused less on selling software licenses and corresponding
revenue declined.[6] However, revenue from services increased more dramatically.[6] From 1996 to 1999, profits at Ansys
grew an average of 160 percent per year.[5] In 1999, Ansys acquired Centric Engineering Systems, a private company based
in California that developed fluid, structural and thermal analysis software.[5]

2000s
In February 2000, Jim Cashman was appointed CEO.[6] Later that year, Ansys acquired ICEM CFD Engineering software
for $12.4 million.[5][8] ICEM was focused on mesh simulations for aerospace, automotive and electronics engineering
design.[5] In 2001, Ansys acquired a French computer-aided design company called Cadoe.[3][5][8] Ansys acquired CFX,
which developed fluid dynamics simulation software, two years later.[5] In 2005, Ansys acquired Century Dynamics, a
developer of hydrodynamics simulation tools, for $5 million.[5] Later that year, it acquired Harvard Thermal Inc., which
focused on simulating the cooling time and temperature of electronics.[5]

In 2006, Ansys acquired Fluent Inc. and its fluid dynamics tools for $299 million.[5][6] Before the acquisition, Fluent was
the second-largest fluid dynamics company, followed by Ansys.[5] Ansys acquired Ansoft Corporation, an electronics
design provider, for $387 million two years later.[5] In 2011, Ansys paid $310 million to acquire former competitor Apache
Design Solutions, which was focused on semiconductor simulation software.[9]

In 2012, Ansys acquired Esterel Technologies, a French-based company focused on simulating interactions between
software and hardware, for $53 million.[10] The following year, Ansys acquired EVEN (Evolutionary Engineering), a cloud-
based software company for engineering composites,[11] for an undisclosed sum. EVEN became a subsidiary of Ansys
called Ansys Switzerland.[12]

Ansys acquired a 3-D modeling company called SpaceClaim in 2014 for $85 million.[13][14] This was followed by deals for
the analytics company Gear Design Solutions (2015),[15] the systems analysis company Delcross Technologies (2015),[16]
an automotive design company called KPIT medini Technologies AG (2016), [17] a 3D printing company called 3DSIM
(2017),[18] and an optical simulation company called OPTIS (2018).[19] Current CEO Ajei S. Gopal was appointed in early
2017.[20][21]

In February 2015, ANSYS acquired Newmerical Technologies International Inc., a premier developer of in-flight icing
simulation software and associated design, testing and certification services.[22]

Software

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansys 2/5
11/29/2019 Ansys - Wikipedia

Ansys develops and markets finite element analysis software used to simulate engineering problems.[7] The software
creates simulated computer models of structures, electronics, or machine components to simulate strength, toughness,
elasticity, temperature distribution, electromagnetism, fluid flow, and other attributes.[7] Ansys is used to determine how
a product will function with different specifications, without building test products or conducting crash tests.[5] For
example, Ansys software may simulate how a bridge will hold up after years of traffic, how to best process salmon in a
cannery to reduce waste, or how to design a slide that uses less material without sacrificing safety.[4]

Most Ansys simulations are performed using the Ansys Workbench software,[23] which is one of the company's main
products.[5] Typically Ansys users break down larger structures into small components that are each modeled and tested
individually.[4] A user may start by defining the dimensions of an object,[24] and then adding weight, pressure,
temperature and other physical properties.[24] Finally, the Ansys software simulates and analyzes movement, fatigue,
fractures, fluid flow, temperature distribution, electromagnetic efficiency and other effects over time.[24]

Ansys also develops software for data management and backup, academic research and teaching.[5] Ansys software is sold
on an annual subscription basis.[5]

History
The first commercial version of Ansys software was labeled version 2.0 and released in 1971.[5][8] At the time, the software
was made up of boxes of punch cards, and the program was typically run overnight to get results the following morning.[3]
In 1975, non-linear and thermo-electric features were added.[8] The software was exclusively used on mainframes,[6] until
version 3.0 (the second release) was introduced for the VAXstation in 1979.[3] Version 3 had a command line interface like
DOS.[25]

In 1980, Apple II was released, allowing Ansys to convert to a graphical user interface in version 4 later that year.[25]
Version 4 of the Ansys software was easier to use and added features to simulate electromagnetism.[3] In 1989, Ansys
began working with Compuflo.[3] Compuflo's Flotran fluid dynamics software was integrated into Ansys by version 5,
which was released in 1993.[3] Performance improvements in version 5.1 shortened processing time two to four-fold, and
was followed by a series of performance improvements to keep pace with advancements in computing.[6] Ansys also began
integrating its software with CAD software, such as Autodesk.[6]

In 1996, Ansys released the DesignSpace structural analysis software, the LS-DYNA crash and drop test simulation
product, and the Ansys Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulator.[8] Ansys also added parallel processing support
for PCs with multiple processors.[8] The educational product Ansys/ed was introduced in 1998.[3] Version 6.0 of the main
Ansys product was released in December 2001.[3] Version 6.0 made large-scale modeling practical for the first time, but
many users were frustrated by a new blue user interface.[3] The interface was redone a few months later in 6.1.[3] Version
8.0 introduced the Ansys multi-field solver, which allows users to simulate how multiple physics problems would interact
with one another.[26]

Version 8.0 was published in 2005[8] and introduced Ansys' fluid-structure interaction software,[8] which simulates the
effect structures and fluids have on one another. Ansys also released its Probabilistic Design System and DesignXplorer
software products, which both deal with probabilities and randomness of physical elements.[27] In 2009 version 12 was
released with an overhauled second version of Workbench.[8][28] Ansys also began increasingly consolidating features into
the Workbench software.[23]

Version 15 of Ansys was released in 2014.[23] It added a new features for composites, bolted connections, and better mesh
tools.[23] In February 2015, version 16 introduced the AIM physics engine and Electronics Desktop, which is for
semiconductor design.[29] The following year, version 17 introduced a new user interface and performance improvement

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansys 3/5
11/29/2019 Ansys - Wikipedia

for computing fluid dynamics problems.[30] In January 2017, Ansys released version 18.[31] Version 18 allowed users to
collect real-world data from products and then incorporate that data into future simulations.[31] The Ansys Application
Builder, which allows engineers to build, use, and sell custom engineering tools, was also introduced with version 18.[31]

References
1. Form 10-K: 2016 Annual Report (http://otp.investis.com/clients/us/ansys2/SEC/sec-show.aspx?Type=html&FilingId=1
1877097&CIK=0001013462&Index=10000), retrieved June 2, 2017
2. "Ansys opens new markets with user-friendly software" (http://www.readingeagle.com/ap/article/ansys-opens-new-ma
rkets-with-user-friendly-software). Associated Press. May 16, 2017. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
3. Lee, H.-H. (2017). Finite Element Simulations with ANSYS Workbench 17 (https://books.google.com/books?id=G4EE
DgAAQBAJ&pg=PA50). SDC Publications. p. 50. ISBN 978-1-63057-088-0. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
4. Houser, Mark (February 5, 1995). "Small firm big player in software industry". Tribune.
5. Ansys Inc. The International Directory of Company Histories. 115. St. James Press. pp. 23–25. ISBN 1558627782.
6. Weisberg, David. "22". The Engineering Design Revolution (http://www.cadhistory.net/22%20Analysis.pdf) (PDF).
7. Ansys. Pennsylvania Technology Directory. 1999. p. 25.
8. Wahab, M.A. (2014). The Mechanics of Adhesives in Composite and Metal Joints: Finite Element Analysis with
ANSYS (https://books.google.com/books?id=w698AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA59). Destech Publications Incorporated. p. 59.
ISBN 978-1-60595-096-9. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
9. Editorial, Reuters (June 30, 2011). "Update 3 – Ansys to buy Apache Design for $310 mln" (https://www.reuters.com/a
rticle/apache-ansys-idUSL3E7HU1TE20110630). Reuters. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
10. Stackpole, Beth (June 5, 2012). "ANSYS Takes Aim at Embedded Software" (https://www.designnews.com/design-ha
rdware-software/ansys-takes-aim-embedded-software/140524912029263). Design News. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
11. Jenkins, Bruce (January 26, 2015). "Design Exploration Outlook: Acquisitions and Mergers 2015" (http://www.digitale
ng.news/virtual_desktop/2015/01/design-exploration-outlook-acquisitions-and-mergers-2015/). Virtual Desktop.
Retrieved June 10, 2017.
12. "Mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures review – 2013". Reinforced Plastics. Elsevier BV. 58 (1): 42–46. 2014.
doi:10.1016/s0034-3617(14)70042-6 (https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fs0034-3617%2814%2970042-6). ISSN 0034-3617
(https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0034-3617).
13. "Ansys' SpaceClaim Purchase Enhances Engineering Productivity" (https://www.gartner.com/doc/2733922/ansys-spa
ceclaim-purchase-enhances-engineering). Gartner Inc. May 8, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
14. Newton, Randall (April 1, 2014). "Ansys acquires SpaceClaim for $85 million" (http://gfxspeak.com/2014/05/01/acquir
es-spaceclaim-million/). GraphicSpeak. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
15. "Gear Design Solutions acquired by Southpointe-based Ansys; merican Medical Association taps Altoona surgeon" (h
ttp://www.post-gazette.com/business/news-briefs/2015/06/09/Gear-Design-Solutions-acquired-by-Southpointe-based-
Ansys/stories/201506090043). Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. June 9, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
16. "Ansys acquires Delcross Technologies" (http://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2015/09/02/Ansys-acquire
s-Delcross-Technologies-pittsburgh/stories/201509020177). Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 2, 2015. Retrieved
June 17, 2017.
17. Goldbacher, Alfred. "Ansys Inc.: Kauf des Analysespezialsten KPIT medini Technologies" (http://www.elektroniknet.d
e/elektronik/elektronikfertigung/kauf-des-analysespezialsten-kpit-medini-technologies-135781.html). Elektronik (in
German). Retrieved June 17, 2017.
18. "Ansys acquires additive manufacturing firm 3DSIM to reduce manufacturing costs" (http://www.post-gazette.com/busi
ness/tech-news/2017/11/15/Ansys-acquires-additive-manufacturing-firm-3DSIM-3D-printing-pittsburgh/stories/201711
150159). Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. November 15, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
19. "ANSYS to Acquire OPTIS" (http://www.digitaleng.news/de/ansys-acquire-optis/). Digital Engineering. April 5, 2018.
Retrieved April 14, 2018.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansys 4/5
11/29/2019 Ansys - Wikipedia

20. "ANSYS' New CEO Focuses on the Digital Twin, IoT and Core Technology" (http://www.engineering.com/DesignSoftw
are/DesignSoftwareArticles/ArticleID/14067/ANSYS-New-CEO-Focuses-on-the-Digital-Twin-IoT-and-Core-Technolog
y.aspx). Engineering.com | Information & Inspiration for Engineers. January 10, 2017. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
21. Picker, Leslie (August 30, 2016). "Ansys Inc. Names Chief Executive" (https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/30/business/
dealbook/ansys-inc-names-ajei-gopal-chief-executive.html). The New York Times. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
22. "ANSYS Acquires Assets Of Newmerical Technologies International" (https://www.ansys.com/about-ansys/news-cent
er/02-04-15-ansys-acquires-assets-of-newmerical-technologies-international). www.ansys.com. Retrieved
2019-11-28.
23. "Review: Ansys Workbench 15" (http://www.develop3d.com/reviews/review-ansys-workbench-15). DEVELOP3D. May
27, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
24. Nakasone, Y (2006). Engineering analysis with ANSYS software. Oxford Burlington, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.
ISBN 978-0-7506-6875-0.
25. Lee, H.H. (2017). Finite Element Simulations with ANSYS Workbench 17: (https://books.google.com/books?id=G4EE
DgAAQBAJ&pg=PA51). SDC Publications. p. 51. ISBN 978-1-63057-088-0. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
26. Engineers, American Institute of Chemical (2004). Chemical Engineering Progress (https://books.google.com/books?i
d=FbovAQAAIAAJ). American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
27. Reh, Stefan; Beley, Jean-Daniel; Mukherjee, Siddhartha; Khor, Eng Hui (2006). "Probabilistic finite element analysis
using ANSYS". Structural Safety. Elsevier BV. 28 (1–2): 17–43. doi:10.1016/j.strusafe.2005.03.010 (https://doi.org/10.
1016%2Fj.strusafe.2005.03.010). ISSN 0167-4730 (https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0167-4730).
28. Dadkhah, F.; Zecher, J. (2009). Ansys Workbench Software Tutorial with Multimedia CD: Release 12 (https://books.go
ogle.com/books?id=pODC_LOeeiwC&pg=SA1-PA5). SDC publications. Schroff Development Corporation. p. 1-PA5.
ISBN 978-1-58503-581-6. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
29. Lockwood, Anthony (February 11, 2015). "ANSYS 16.0 Launches" (http://www.digitaleng.news/de/ansys-16-0-launch
es/). Digital Engineering. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
30. "ANSYS Fluent 17.0 Introduces New User Interface" (http://www.engineering.com/DesignSoftware/DesignSoftwareArt
icles/ArticleID/11449/ANSYS-Fluent-170-Introduces-New-User-Interface.aspx). Engineering.com. February 5, 2016.
Retrieved June 16, 2017.
31. "ANSYS 18 Release Focuses on Digital Twin, IoT and Engineering Apps" (http://www.engineering.com/DesignSoftwar
e/DesignSoftwareArticles/ArticleID/14205/ANSYS-18-Release-Focuses-on-Digital-Twin-IoT-and-Engineering-Apps.as
px). Engineering.com. January 31, 2017. Retrieved June 16, 2017.

External links
Official website (http://www.ansys.com/)

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ansys&oldid=928297279"

This page was last edited on 28 November 2019, at 03:36 (UTC).

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this
site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia
Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansys 5/5