HOME OF INNOVATION
Democratizing
Simulation
Opting for an Independent Business Unit
The business unit Advanced Simulation Technologies was
founded in 1996 as part of the reorganization of the engine
technology division. Prof. Helmut List recognized the potential
of the simulation software that had been developed in the
various departments. He had the vision to unite all AVL simu-
lation products in one business unit comprising development,
sales, and service, and to build a profitable business model.
The goal was to offer the simulation software products that
had primarily been used internally up to that point externally,
to further advance the already very precise physical models.
Based on customer feedback, the software was optimized and
the user-friendliness increased. This set the strategic focus for
the independent business unit – led by Dr. Gotthard Rainer un-
til 2018. The foundation has been an investment in the future,
with Prof. Helmut List as the driving force providing crucially
important assistance.
The Foundations Were Laid
Computer-aided simulation in AVL’s engine development dates
back to the early 1970s, with Dr. Gotthard Rainer – who joined
AVL in 1978 – playing an important part. “At that time, AVL
was already using CAE calculations and the first applications
of finite element methods (FEM),” says Dr. Rainer, recalling
a time when creating input data was still a tedious process
involving punch cards. Interactive computing was introduced
in the early 1980s. The installation of a TEKTRONIX 4014
From punch cards to Virtual Twins and beyond – there is a
long tradition of Advanced Simulation Technologies at AVL.
What started out more than 40 years ago is now a dedicated
business unit and an important pillar of the company – with
high added value and a great appearance.
“We have always
differentiated
ourselves from our
competitors through
high-precision
simulation software.”
DR. GOTTHARD RAINER
SIMULATION SOLUTIONS
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