Dassault Systemes Announces ABAQUS for CATIA V5 Version 2.4.

New Features Expand Realistic Simulation Capabilities for CATIA Users

PARIS & PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Dassault Systemes (NASDAQ:DASTY)(Paris:DSY), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, announces the availability of ABAQUS for CATIA V5 Version 2.4 software for finite element analysis (FEA) within the PLM process. This is the latest release from SIMULIA, the Dassault Systemes brand responsible for developing an open platform for the integration of multidisciplinary analysis as well as the ABAQUS and CATIA Analysis applications.

ABAQUS for CATIA V5 Version 2.4 integrates a broad spectrum of advanced linear and nonlinear FEA capabilities within the CATIA V5 environment. The new version introduces several advanced analysis capabilities, such as dynamic analysis, self-contact, submodeling, and cyclic symmetry, expanding the functional capabilities and benefits for CATIA users. The tight integration between ABAQUS and CATIA V5 allows product design engineers and expert analysts to use the same FEA methods and models, ensuring repeatability and accuracy.

"This new version of ABAQUS for CATIA V5 enables our customers to deploy sophisticated FEA methods to the enterprise as proven analysis workflows," says Steve Crowley, director of product management, SIMULIA. "Virtual testing and validation of product performance is accelerated without leaving the CATIA environment. Version 2.4 of ABAQUS for CATIA V5 provides the competitive edge to engineering companies that put a premium on development speed."

ABAQUS for CATIA V5 Version 2.4 builds on the SIMULIA strategy of providing scalable simulation solutions and an open framework for performing multidisciplinary analysis within the PLM process. Global leaders in the automotive and aerospace industries help set the development direction for ABAQUS for CATIA V5 by specifying and evaluating new features.

Version 2.4 offers the following major advancements:

* Dynamic simulation capabilities are based on ABAQUS/Explicit. Explicit dynamic analysis is well suited for large models with relatively short response times and for modeling extremely discontinuous events, such as impact. A new capability enables the definition of very general contact conditions, including contact between many or all regions of the model with a single interaction definition.

* Self-contact modeling simulates surface folding. Self-contact is typically the result of large deformation in a model, such as a complex rubber seal that folds over on itself. It is often difficult to predict which regions will be involved or how they will move relative to each other. A new capability in the software allows users to easily define self-contact for selected surfaces.

* Submodeling targets regions of interest for detailed stress analysis. When analyzing large, complex models such as automotive engines or transmission housings, it is often important to focus on specific, critical areas of the model. A new submodeling tool makes it easy to obtain accurate, detailed solutions in a local region. Users are able to target a region with a refined mesh and apply submodel boundary conditions in both mechanical and thermal steps.

* Cyclic symmetry modeling improves analysis efficiency and reduces model size. Cyclic symmetry modeling is useful for automotive brake disc analysis or turbomachinery simulation. When analyzing a body whose geometry, loads, prescribed conditions, and response are symmetric about an axis of revolution, users no longer need to model the entire body. With cyclic symmetry they can simply model a repeating sector of the body and set fastened pairs to define the sector boundaries. The software simulates the rest of the unmodeled body.

About SIMULIA

In 2005, Dassault Systemes acquired ABAQUS, Inc. and announced SIMULIA, the brand that encompasses all DS simulation solutions, including ABAQUS and CATIA analysis applications. SIMULIA provides a scalable portfolio of simulation solutions, as well as an open platform to support integration of multidisciplinary analysis with its industry-leading partners. By building on established technology, respected quality, and superior customer service, SIMULIA makes realistic simulation an integral business practice that enables engineers and scientists to improve product performance, eliminate physical prototypes, and drive innovation. Headquartered in Providence, RI, USA, with R&D centers in Providence and in Suresnes, France, the SIMULIA brand provides sales, services, and support through a global network of regional ABAQUS offices and distributors. For more information, visit http://www.simulia.com

About Dassault Systemes

As a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, Dassault Systemes brings value to more than 90,000 customers in 80 countries. A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systemes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance. The Dassault Systemes portfolio consists of CATIA for designing the virtual product - SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design - DELMIA for virtual production - SIMULIA for virtual testing and ENOVIA for global collaborative lifecycle management, including ENOVIA VPLM, ENOVIA MatrixOne and ENOVIA SmarTeam. Dassault Systemes is listed on the Nasdaq (DASTY) and Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA) stock exchanges. For more information, visit http://www.3ds.com

CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA and SolidWorks are registered trademarks of Dassault Systemes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries.