Siemens acquires simulation expert Zona Technology

Siemens Digital Industries Software has entered into an agreement to acquire Zona Technology, a renowned specialist in the field of aeroelastic simulation solutions.

With the global drive toward climate-neutral aviation gaining pace and the rebirth of interest in supersonic travel, innovations in aircraft configurations require careful and diligent use of aerodynamic and structural design optimisation. Siemens says the addition of the Zona Technology simulation technology to Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio will assist customers in making their digital threads as comprehensive and as efficient as possible to help speed innovation, ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of more sustainable aerospace invention.

Zona’s simulation technology will become part of Siemens’ Simcenter software portfolio, allowing the creation of an end-to-end airframe structure design and certification analysis digital thread, beginning with early concept studies, through high-fidelity aero-structural optimisation and to the structural certification and documentation. The combination of Zona Technology high fidelity aeroelastic methods and Simcenter simulation can reduce dependency on third-party aeroelasticity tools and replace disjointed workflows for airframe analysis, simulation and verification.

“The aerospace industry is facing unprecedented technological challenges as it pursues the complexity of both climate-neutral aviation and the rebirth of supersonic travel,” said Jean-Claude Ercolanelli, senior vice president for simulation and test solutions at Siemens Digital Industries Software. “The addition of Zona Technology capabilities to the Xcelerator portfolio will help to support our customers going further with their digital transformation and will strengthen Siemens effort to build a comprehensive and cutting-edge end-to-end airframe structure design and certification workflow to the Aerospace industry.”

P.C. Chen, CEO at Zona Technology, added: “We are excited to join Siemens Digital Industries Software and bring our expertise and technology for aeroelastic simulation to improve the digital thread for aircraft structures and airframe design. A continuous digital connection between the flight physics and structural departments can reduce the number of iterations and speed up the airframe structure certification for aircraft companies striving to launch innovative new aircraft programs on time and on budget.”