ANSYS acquires CEI to boost post-processing with EnSight

ANSYS has announced that it has acquired Computational Engineering International, Inc. (CEI), makers of EnSight, a nifty post-processor for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations. As you might be aware, simulations result in math outcomes that need to be made into something a human brain can understand; EnSight enables engineers to explore and visualize their results. EnSight comes in a several flavors from limited and free; to more fully-featured Standard, Desktop and HPC versions; and EnSight VR for users who want to explore their simulations using Virtual Reality headsets and other devices.

Mark Hindsbo, ANSYS vice president and general manager said in the press release announcing the deal, “By bringing CEI’s leading visualization tools into the ANSYS portfolio, customers will be able to make better engineering and business decisions, leading to even more amazing products in the future,” while CEI president Anders Grimsud said, “We’ve worked with ANSYS informally for years, but now are thrilled to become part of this great company. Joining ANSYS will give our customers access to the best engineering simulation technology on the planet, and EnSight will help ANSYS users make faster, smarter decisions. It’s a win-win.”

According to the release, CEI has 28 employees that serve over 750 customers around the world. As such a small company, it is unlikely to move ANSYS’ growth needle much but it’s an excellent technology acquisition. As our expertise in simulating complex phenomena grows, our ability to communicate the results needs to keep pace. I recently had the chance to explore a complex CFD results deck via VR, and it made a huge difference to be able to walk around the model, interrupt air streams, and zoom in on areas of interest. My “team” watched on monitors and we were able to discuss the object, simulation and results, and identify areas for further exploration. That kind of interaction can only broaden CAE adoption and use.

ANSYS says the deal was closed earlier this month and promises more info during its Q2 earnings call, which has yet to be scheduled