Concepts NREC’s Agile Engineering Design System Gets a Rotordynamic Upgrade

Concepts NREC launched the V2025.1 update for its Agile Engineering Design System (AEDS). The update includes:

• multiple software modules tailored to turbomachinery-based computer-aided engineering (CAE) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
• advanced rotating machinery dynamics software, which can be launched in real-time from within AxCent to analyze rotordynamics during the design phase
• a thermodynamic cycle analysis software, CYCAL
• ADS Code LEO, a new computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code powered by a graphics processing unit (GPU) that operates 15 - 120x faster than current CFD solvers

“The new release provides turbomachinery designers with some new tools at their fingertips: The ability to do rotordynamics analysis in parallel with aero design and the ability to run CFD 15 - 120X faster on GPUs will deliver competitive advantages to our users,” said Dr. Peter Weitzman, President of Agile Engineering Software.

The new modules feature secondary flow models for seals in all meanline codes, simplified transfer of seal geometry to AxCent and pbCFD, and leakage-path analysis in pbCFD. TurboOpt II has also been updated with a Design of Experiments feature, which allows users to explore design tradeoffs across the system. Lastly, the MAX-PAC machining software’s MAX-SI module was upgraded to perform the five-axis fabrication of integrally shrouded impellers.

New feature in the Agile Engineering Design System; image credit: Concepts NREC

Ansys with Concepts NREC

Recently, Ansys and Concepts NREC partnered to connect design and analysis tools for turbomachinery applications. They integrated Ansys CFX CFD software into Concepts NREC’s AxCent for 3D turbomachinery component design. Designers can quickly evaluate machine performance with increased predictive accuracy.

Ansys customers can now obtain machine performance results from the CFX solver using the same interface. The parameters are automatically created for all blade rows, and the physics setup can be defined in an uninterrupted workflow. With one click, engineers can quickly verify turbomachinery designs using Ansys’ solvers before manufacturing. The two companies plan to expand integration capabilities to include a broader variety of fluids in addition to features that will enable users to capture the system’s evolving dynamic behavior.

More Concepts NREC News

In late January 2025, Concepts NREC and Torquemeters launched the VAROC Air Dynamometer V85—an updated version of the variable-geometry radial outflow compressor typically used by the U.S. Military for testing turboshaft engines. The new testing tool offers a speed range up to 26,500 RPM, a power range up to 5,500 HP, and can traverse from low PP to maximum HP rating in 1 second or less. With in-house engineering, design, and manufacturing capabilities, the updated portable air brake now includes angle testing, a compact footprint, and lower cost. The new VAROC Air Dynamometer V85 is applicable for testing GE Aerospace’s T700 and T901 engines.

The U.S. Military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, have used the VAROC to test overhauled gas turbine engines for over 40 years, assessing safety and reliability on-base and in the field across all climates. This model is customizable for government, private, and commercial organizations that require the same portable quality and performance standards listed by the U.S. Military and the Swedish Navy.