Issue Q2 2026
Bringing You the Latest Insights, Innovations, and Stories  

As spring arrives here in Ohio, it always brings a sense of renewed momentum. After the long winter months, the days get longer, ideas start moving faster, and industries across the state begin gearing up for another season of innovation and growth.

Ohio has become an exciting place to build and advance technology. From advanced air mobility and automotive development to aerospace and high-performance computing, the state continues to foster a collaborative environment where engineering innovation thrives. Partnerships with organizations like the Ohio Supercomputer Center and programs that support emerging technologies help create an ecosystem where new ideas can move quickly from concept to reality.

At TotalSim, we’re proud to be part of that landscape. Our work continues to support engineers and innovators across industries — from motorsports and aerospace to energy and advanced manufacturing. Whether it’s using high-performance computing to analyze complex aerodynamic challenges or helping teams accelerate design through simulation, our goal remains the same: turning ideas into high-performance solutions.

This issue of the newsletter highlights just a few of the projects, people, and ideas that keep pushing us forward — from new tools and partnerships to a few fun throwbacks that remind us how far simulation technology has come.

Thank you, as always, for being part of our community. We’re looking forward to an exciting season ahead.

With Siemens’ acquisition of Altair Engineering Inc., the powerful Altair simulation and HPC portfolio is now part of the broader Siemens ecosystem — and we’re excited to share that TotalSim is officially licensed to sell and support these solutions.

You now have direct access, through our team, to expanded capabilities in advanced simulation, AI-driven design exploration, manufacturing optimization, and high-performance computing. Tools within the HyperWorks suite — including HyperMesh, OptiStruct, RADIOSS, and SimSolid — help streamline multi-domain analysis, accelerate design iterations, and improve design-for-manufacturing outcomes.

We’re excited to welcome Alberto back to the team! Based in Texas, he returns with over 14 years of experience in modeling and simulation, bringing deep expertise in multiphysics solutions and a passion for solving complex engineering challenges. Alberto has worked across industries, including automotive, aerospace, and energy, helping organizations reduce time, cost, and complexity through advanced simulation.

Some of you may remember working with him previously — his blend of technical knowledge and real-world application, spanning engineering, software, consulting, and technical sales, makes him a valuable partner to our clients.

Alberto is a computational scientist driven by making a meaningful impact, helping organizations solve complex problems more efficiently and effectively. He specializes in working with clients to reduce time, energy, and cost through advanced modeling and simulation.

With his years of cross-industry experience, including automotive, aerospace, and energy, Alberto brings a broad multi-disciplinary perspective shaped by roles in engineering, software development, consulting, and technical sales. His background in computational science and engineering focuses on applying advanced simulation methods to real-world challenges.

Outside of work, he enjoys staying active and exploring — whether hiking, kayaking, playing tennis, or traveling to experience new cultures.

We’re thrilled to have him back and diving in — please join us in welcoming Alberto!

The Vital Role of Innovation in Engineering:

Harnessing CAE Tools for Groundbreaking Advances

In today's fast-paced world, engineering isn't just about building structures or machines—it's about pushing boundaries to solve complex problems and create a sustainable future. Innovation stands at the heart of this evolution, enabling engineers to address global challenges like climate change, energy efficiency, and healthcare advancements. As industries demand more efficient, eco-friendly solutions, the ability to innovate has become a key driver of economic growth and competitive advantage. This blog explores why innovation is indispensable in engineering and how Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools amplify it, transforming ideas into reality faster and more effectively.

Why Innovation Matters in Engineering

Innovation in engineering goes beyond creativity—it's the integration of novel ideas with practical application to drive progress. Historically, technological breakthroughs like the iPod or iPhone didn't just invent new devices; they created entire markets by meeting unmet customer needs in cost-effective ways. Today, engineers are at the forefront of improving infrastructure, revolutionizing healthcare through advanced devices, and promoting environmental sustainability with renewable energy systems.

Without innovation, industries risk stagnation. For instance, only 4.4% of U.S. undergraduate degrees are in engineering, lagging behind Europe (13%) and Asia (23%), which underscores the need for a vibrant innovation culture to maintain global competitiveness. Innovation fosters problem-solving, stimulates job creation, and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals by enabling solutions for clean water, poverty reduction, and disaster resilience. It encourages creative approaches in design and manufacturing, ensuring engineers can tackle both current trends and future challenges.

Moreover, innovation builds opportunities for greener futures, such as through raw materials solutions and sustainable technologies. In essence, it's essential for survival in a rapidly evolving landscape where half of S&P 500 companies from 2000 vanished by 2010 due to innovation failures.

Understanding CAE Tools: The Digital Backbone of Modern Engineering

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) refers to software tools that use simulations to analyze, optimize, and validate designs virtually. These include techniques like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stress testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for fluid behavior predictions. Unlike traditional methods, CAE allows engineers to test concepts digitally, reducing the reliance on physical prototypes.

CAE integrates seamlessly into product development phases, from concept to production, enabling analysis of subsystems and performance metrics. Tools from companies like Siemens, Ansys, and Dassault Systèmes support multiphysics simulations and digital twins, making them indispensable in sectors like aerospace and automotive.

How CAE Tools Fuel Innovation in Engineering

CAE tools supercharge innovation by accelerating design efficiency and minimizing risks. They enable rapid iterations, allowing engineers to explore unconventional ideas virtually without high costs. For example, by simulating real-world conditions, CAE reduces development cycles, cuts expenses, and improves product reliability—key factors in fostering creativity and breakthrough solutions.

One major way CAE boosts innovation is through optimization. Engineers can analyze designs for flaws early, experiment with variations, and integrate real-world data for data-driven decisions. This iterative process streamlines workflows, enhances accuracy, and supports compliance with standards, leading to faster market entry. In the cloud era, CAE offers scalability and accessibility, empowering teams to collaborate globally and innovate at scale.

Real-world applications highlight this impact: Automotive firms use CAE for aerodynamic simulations to create efficient electric vehicles, while aerospace engineers optimize structures for lighter, safer aircraft. By combining CAE with AI and machine learning, future innovations will be even more precise, driving efficiency and sustainability.

Conclusion: Embracing CAE for a More Innovative Tomorrow

Innovation is the lifeblood of engineering, essential for tackling societal challenges and ensuring long-term success. CAE tools elevate this by providing a low-risk platform for experimentation, cost savings, and rapid prototyping, ultimately leading to higher-quality, market-ready products. As we move forward, adopting CAE isn't just an option—it's a necessity for engineers aiming to lead in an era of constant change. Whether you're a student, professional, or industry leader, integrating these tools can unlock unprecedented potential and shape a brighter, more innovative future.

Visualizing “Dirty Air” in Indy Racing

As racing season ramps up this spring — with the excitement building toward the Indianapolis 500 — we’re revisiting one of our favorite throwbacks. This CFD animation shows the “dirty air” that drivers experience when running in tight packs at speeds over 200 mph.

Using a model provided by Dragon Racing (now DS Penske), the TotalSim team ran detailed CFD simulations to visualize how turbulent airflow moves across and behind the car. The results make it easy to see why drivers describe these wake effects as "dirty air"—the disturbed flow can make cars harder to control and dramatically affect performance.

"Dirty air" refers to the turbulent, low-pressure, and chaotic wake left behind a leading car. It restricts a following car from getting close in corners by disrupting aerodynamic performance, which reduces downforce and grip, causes understeer, and triggers tire/engine overheating, making overtaking difficult".

The project was completed back in 2012 and required 48 computers running continuously for five days to complete the simulation. The study caught the attention of broadcast media and was featured in a television segment highlighting how CFD helps explain the aerodynamics behind high-speed racing. 

Today, thanks to advances in computing power and simulation technology, we could run the same case — in even greater detail — overnight or faster. So if you want your car to go fast or faster, let us know, and we have the right people, tools, and experience to help.

We’re looking forward to joining leaders from industry, government, and academia at the upcoming VFS Forum 82 in West Palm Beach, Florida, May 5-7th. The Forum is the world's leading international technical event on vertical flight technology. The conference will span three days and include 250+ technical papers on every discipline from Acoustics to Test & Evaluation, as well as invited presentations and discussions by leaders in the military, government agencies and industry. We will be at booth #410 and hope to you can stop by to chat.

We also plan to attend the Vertical Flight Society's (VFS) Electric Aircraft Symposium (EAS). EAS is the world's longest-running conference dedicated to electric aviation and advanced air mobility (AAM). Held annually in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, before EAA AirVenture, it features industry leaders discussing eVTOL technology, battery advancements, and certification. This year it will take place on July 18-19th. More details to follow. If you’ll be attending, reach out — we’d love to see you there.

With spring arriving and allergy season in full swing, airflow and indoor air quality are nothing to sneeze at. As concerned humans (and engineers), we wanted to share with you a study we conducted at our TotalSim Dublin, OH office to better understand how air moves through our own workspace.

Using CFD, our team analyzed the building’s HVAC system to visualize airflow patterns throughout the office. The simulation revealed areas of recirculation, zones where airflow was weaker than expected, and how conditioned air was distributed across the space. By modeling the system virtually, we were able to explore adjustments that could improve air distribution, comfort, and overall system efficiency.

Depending on how in-depth you might want to go, this study highlights how CFD can make the invisible visible — providing actionable insights into the performance of HVAC systems, Aircraft Cabins, Automotive interiors, helping create healthier, more comfortable environments.

Explore the full case study to see how we put our own tools to work on our home turf.