Florida International University adopts Ansys engineering simulation solutions campus-wide

Students at Florida International University (FIU) now have access to the full suite of ANSYS  multiphysics solutions – enabling them to be better prepared for engineering careers by using the same software used by professionals around the world. University faculty will also be able to conduct research using the campus-wide license.

“ANSYS is the global leader in engineering simulation solutions. By using ANSYS software, our students have the opportunity to develop practical skills that are highly attractive to many employers,” said Stavros Georgakopoulos, a professor in FIU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “The opportunity to become proficient with software solutions identical to those they’ll encounter in the workplace can give our students a leg up on their peers at many so-called ‘elite’ schools. Additionally, more than 60 percent of FIU’s students are of Hispanic origin, so the use of ANSYS solutions will help to increase the diversity of individuals who pursue careers in engineering and the sciences.”

Faculty and students have already found ANSYS solutions insightful in developing FIU’s Wall of Wind, an open-circuit, 12-fan wind tunnel that simulates conditions of Category 5 hurricanes. The wall tests the structural integrity of buildings and other objects that can be affected by high winds brought by such hurricanes.

The new campus-wide license expands a previous agreement, giving all of FIU’s students access to ANSYS engineering simulation solutions for structures, fluids and electronics. Georgakopoulos had been using ANSYS software to pioneer the development of novel origami folding/unfolding antennas and RF systems that are expected to have significant impact to next generation space-borne and airborne communication systems.

“ANSYS is excited to substantially grow our relationship with FIU for the benefit of students and faculty alike,” said Sin Min Yap, ANSYS vice president of marketing. “Training students on our technology while they're still in college significantly cuts down the learning curve in the professional world and creates more skillful and effective engineers in the long run.”