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© Altair Engineering Inc. All Rights Reserved.
See how your team can lightweight components (with topology optimization and composites); analyze aerodynamics to reduce drag; optimize suspension design, steering, and vehicle dynamics & durability; manage electrical power for energy efficiency; and more!
The event features:
Student-led sessions from top teams working on vehicles, rovers, satellites, robots, and more -sharing how Altair tools helped them achieve their goals.
Altair-led sessions from expert engineers – sharing years of experience with simulation, design optimization, and AI. Including live software demonstrations tailored to competition-related usage scenarios.
Tools discussed: Altair Inspire, HyperMesh, OptiStruct, SimSolid, PSIM, MotionSolve, FlightStream, etc.
Abstract: This session will welcome you to the 2025 Altair Student Workshop and cover all of the information you need to know to get the most out of all the sessions. We will also provide an overview of many of the software tools Altair offers to help student teams Build Better Vehicles/ Robots/ Aircraft (you name it), Faster. Highlighting software on topics like Structural and Optimization analysis, Composite Design, Suspension Design, Power Electronics, Aerodynamics, and even Data Analytics, this session will get you in the right mind frame to plan your next steps and level up your team's game.
Tool discussed: Inspire
Abstract: Altair Inspire boosted our car’s performance at solar racing competitions by helping validate and optimize mechanical components. Our team wants to express how easy the software is to learn, highlighting its incredibly intuitive interface. After only a month of use, we were able to optimize a full rollcage, ultimately winning this year’s FSGP 2025 Altair Challenge. Furthermore, our team utilizes OptiStrut and SimSolid, Inspire’s unique solvers, for exceptionally powerful structural analysis, thereby minimizing vehicle mass. Lastly, we’ll showcase how our team plans to incorporate Altair Inspire into our newest state-of-the-art racecar, pushing the limits of sustainable technology to new heights.
About the team: UBC Solar is a student-run team at the University of British Columbia that designs and builds solar-powered racecars. Competing internationally, we strive to promote public awareness and innovation in solar technologies, providing vital teaching and leadership opportunities, while demonstrating the practical potential of solar energy through racing and iterative development.
Tools discussed: Inspire, HyperMesh, OptiStruct, SimSolid
Abstract: Discover how simulation-driven design can accelerate innovation in your student team projects. This session introduces Altair Inspire, a powerful tool for quick analysis of large assemblies and efficient structural optimization. Learn how to apply lightweight design principles to improve performance without sacrificing strength, and explore how Inspire supports mechanism design and motion analysis. Whether you’re working on a race car, robot, or other engineering system, this workshop will show you how to integrate simulation early in the design process to reduce development time, cut material costs, and gain valuable engineering insights.
About the presenter: Greg has been with Altair for over 25 years. His primary focus during that time has been the commercial application of structural simulation and numerical optimization solutions. After spending several years in both software development and account management roles, he currently manages a technical sales team supporting Altair’s Aerospace and Defence customers in the Americas.
Tools discussed: HyperWorks, SimLab, HyperStudy
Abstract: Our team utilized Altair HyperWorks, SimLab, and CFD to optimize both competition vehicle components and a dedicated composite design project.
For the Formula Student Korea car, we achieved significant weight reduction and verified structural integrity through swan neck optimization, carbon fiber stacking, sub-frame modal analysis, and front wing CFD, followed by real fabrication and testing.
Separately, for the Altair Optimization Contest, we optimized an EV battery lower cover using composite laminates, achieving up to 34.8% weight reduction with a 30.2% increase in torsional stiffness.
These projects highlight Altair tools’ impact from design to validation.
About the presenter: I am a mechanical engineering student at Tech University of Korea, focusing on FEM and topology optimization for Formula Student Korea and thermo-structural analysis of semiconductor equipment. Recently, I won a Silver Award at AOC 2025 for composite optimization of an EV battery lower case.
Tools discussed: HyperWorks, Motion Solve, MotionView, Inspire, Twin-Activate, OptiStruct
Abstract: This presentation highlights the application of Altair’s software suite in the kinematic analysis and modeling of the HERMES EXO robotic exoskeleton. Using advanced simulation tools, the team performs comprehensive studies of motion behavior, evaluates load distribution through dynamic simulations, and applies finite element analysis to ensure structural integrity under real-world conditions. Altair solutions enable accurate data extraction, performance optimization, and iterative design refinement, supporting a holistic research and development process. By integrating these tools into multiple stages of the project, the HERMES Team accelerates innovation, enhances reliability, and advances the development of a fully functional robotic exoskeleton for human mobility assistance.
About the Team: The HERMES Team, a student research team in Greece under the University of Thessaly, develops a robotic exoskeleton for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury. Representing Greece in CYBATHLON’s “Exoskeleton Race,” the team promotes assistive technologies, enhancing mobility and quality of life, supported by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Tools discussed: FlightStream, UltraFluidX
Abstract: Aerodynamic design forms an important part of many of the student competitions Altair supports worldwide. Traditional CFD methods and tools are often a significant bottleneck in the design process due to the model preparation needed and the long solver runtime. Altair Flightstream, a heavily modernised panel method solver, offers an alternative for many of the applications. It is easy to learn, allows a rapid model build process, and brings a fidelity level close to RANS but at a fraction of the runtime. This presentation will demonstrate how Flightstream can be used and integrated at different levels of the aerodynamic design process, from the conceptual level all the way to more detailed design phases.
About the Presenter: Julien Chaussée is a Senior Aerospace Specialist at Altair Engineering, where he helps customers better leverage simulation and numerical technologies to enhance their designs and products. Julien graduated from Cranfield University (UK) in 2003 with a Master of Science in Aerospace Vehicle Design, and spent over 13 years in the aerospace industry before joining Altair. As a research engineer working at Airbus UK and Bombardier in Canada, he focused initially on structural analysis and optimization, but through his work with the advanced product design teams at both companies, he expanded his expertise towards multidisciplinary optimization and technology integration, including aerodynamics and performance.
Tool discussed: FlightStream
Abstract: This presentation will describe how our Brunel Solar Car team has been using Altair FlightStream software for the past several years to evaluate and improve our vehicle's performance and will include a live demo of FlightStream using a solar car model.
This year, we performed 1000s of aerodynamics simulations with FlightStream, which helped make our car faster and ultimately helped us win 1st place in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge! The ~12-month development cycle for each new solar vehicle always feels very short and challenges us to find new ways to accelerate our time-to-insight. Our continually improving use of Altair FlightStream has helped us make better design decisions faster through seamless integration into our existing design process, reliable aerodynamics simulation results, and the ability to explore numerous design concepts through rapid iterations.
About the team: The Brunel Solar Team is a student-led organization from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands that designs, builds, and races solar-powered vehicles. Since winning their debut race in 2001, they've established themselves as the most successful team in solar racing history with eight Bridgestone World Solar Challenge victories. Each year, 18 dedicated students work together to develop innovative solar technology, demonstrated by their latest vehicle, Nuna 13, and its engineering achievements that helped secure their victory in 2025.
Tools discussed: MotionView, MotionSolve
Abstract: Engineering students involved in Formula SAE (FSAE) and similar competitions often face the challenge of designing, testing, and refining a complete vehicle under tight deadlines and resource constraints. These projects frequently involve troubleshooting unexpected issues, especially when working with new or unproven designs. Altair MotionSolve, a multibody dynamics (MBD) simulation tool, offers a robust solution by providing a comprehensive vehicle model library and advanced analysis capabilities. By enabling detailed simulations of vehicle kinematics and compliance (K&C), and internal load distributions under realistic operating conditions, MBD tools like MotionSolve can significantly streamline the design process and improve vehicle performance outcomes.
Tools discussed: MotionSolve, MotionView
Abstract: Baja SAE brings unique design challenges of long suspension travel and potential for high impacts. NJIT Highlander Racing leverages the Altair Hyperworks suite to rapidly design and iterate upon our vehicle’s double wishbone suspension. By viewing changes in wheel alignment and displacement over the full travel of our system, our engineering teams can make vast improvements to design without having to rely solely on physical testing. Pair this with the ability to trial multiple damping and bushing characteristics, and we can be confident that Altair allows Highlander Racing to make actionable design decisions to improve our performance and confidence in competition.
About the presenter: My name is Jaiden, and I’m a 5th-year Mechanical Engineering student at NJIT. I joined Highlander Racing in 2022, spending my first 2 years on the Suspension/Steering subteam, and am now overseeing the entire vehicle design, with a passion for optimizing vehicle dynamics, as our chief engineer.
Tools discussed: Designcenter (NX), Simcenter (STAR-CCM+, Amesim, etc.), Teamcenter
Abstract: In this presentation, Siemens' support for competition teams as part of the Siemens Academic Program will be showcased.
Examples will be provided to illustrate how competition teams across various disciplines and industries utilize Siemens software.
Additionally, information will be shared on how to get in touch with Siemens to obtain licenses and access training opportunities.
Tools discussed: Inspire, AI Studio, Monarch
Abstract: To achieve the lightweight design of orbital intelligent inspection robots, we utilized Altair Inspire to conduct topology optimization, geometric restructuring, and structural performance analysis on the wheel frame components. Through multi-parameter topology optimization and multi-method geometry reconstruction, the resulting model features a rational structure, clear force transmission paths, and smooth geometric transitions. Beyond lightweight design, we employed Monarch for data cleaning to preprocess raw data, ensuring high-quality inputs for subsequent modeling. For machine learning tasks, we used AI Studio to build machine learning models and summarized a standardized workflow for model development and iterative optimization.
About the presenter: Guofeng Sun, a student majoring in intelligent manufacturing at Central South University, once won first place nationwide in the lightweight design and AI application track of the 18th National College Students' Advanced Mapping Technology and Product Information Modeling Innovation Competition.
Tools: HyperMesh, OptiStruct
Abstract:
This session shares key lessons in composites design, from avoiding common pitfalls and applying smart shortcuts to using modeling for faster development. Highlights include drape analysis, composites optimization, and comparisons of zone-based versus ply-based modeling. Presented as a joint fireside chat with Altair experts and the Oxford Brookes student team, who, through their use of HW&OS, managed to lightweight their 2025 car by 24% compared to the previous year’s entry, which brought many performance upgrades.
About the team: Founded in 1999, Oxford Brookes Racing (OBR) has developed and grown into one of Europe’s elite Formula Student teams, collecting seven UK Top Team awards; more than any other University. We have broken records, broken barriers, and fuelled the engineers and leaders of the next generation, whilst consistently building an elite open-wheel racing car.
Tools discussed: SimSolid, Inspire
Abstract: At Penn State, Nittany Motorsports Designs, builds, and races a fully electric formula-style racecar for Formula SAE. In 2025, the Chassis Subsystem set out to reduce frame weight without compromising stiffness or safety. Using Altair SimSolid, the team rapidly evaluated load cases derived from suspension simulations, applying inertia relief and mirrored conditions to avoid overconstraint and accelerate iterations. This approach enabled a 9.3% frame mass reduction (4.6 lbs) and contributed to an 8-point improvement in the Design Event chassis score compared to 2024. Looking ahead, the team is exploring Inspire’s advanced analysis features to extend simulation-driven design into composite structures and motion integration.
About the team: Nittany Motorsports is Penn State’s Formula SAE Electric team, competing annually with a fully student-designed and manufactured racecar. The Chassis Subsystem focuses on lightweight frame design, composite integration, and structural validation. By integrating Altair’s simulation tools, the team drives rapid development and innovation to improve performance.
Tools discussed: HyperWorks, OptiStruct, MotionSolve, Radioss, HyperLife
Abstract: Our FSAE team utilized Altair’s simulation tools—including crash, composites, optimization, multi-body dynamics, static structural, thermal, fatigue, and modal analysis—to enhance vehicle performance and safety. Using MotionSolve, we validated the suspension with Kinematics & Compliance (K&C) analysis, extracted A-arm loads, and assessed drivetrain reliability through chain–sprocket analysis. These methods reduced weight while preserving structural integrity, helping us win the SAE SUPRA CAE Award in 2024 and 2025. This presentation highlights the benefits of Altair software, our streamlined workflow, and how advanced simulation drove innovation in our design process.
About the team: Veloce Racing India, the Formula Student team from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, has consistently excelled in national competitions. Ranked World Rank 2 in 2023 in the Combustion vehicle category and crowned winners of SAE SUPRA in 2024 and 2025, the team leverages Altair’s advanced simulation tools to design innovative, lightweight, and high-performance vehicles.
Tools discussed: HyperWorks, HyperMesh, HyperMesh CFD, SimSolid
Abstract: EUROAVIA Athens used Altair tools in the design process of two RC Planes that participated in International Competitions. HERMES VII, our latest aircraft, won 3rd place in the New Flying Competition in Stuttgart, Germany this summer, and we look forward to presenting how Altair aided us to achieve this goal!
About the presenter: Giorgos is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at NTUA, has been a member of EUROAVIA Athens for 2 years, and has been elected as Technical Chief for BY 2025-26. He is experienced with electronics and speaks Greek, English, and German.
Tools discussed: PSIM, HyperStudy
Abstract: This session presents an automated workflow using PSIM and HyperStudy to generate efficiency maps for PMSM motor drives. The integration enables efficient parameter sweeps and analysis, significantly reducing simulation time and manual effort in evaluating drive performance. Key Benefits include:
✅ Time-Saving – Generate efficiency maps quickly with a repeatable workflow.
✅ No Programming Required – No need for scripting; HyperStudy automates everything.
✅ Streamlined Process – Avoid tedious setups while maintaining flexibility to add your own scripts.
The Students can find the simulation files for all examples shown in the session here: https://community.altair.com/discussion/63348
Tools discussed: Inspire, MotionView, MotionSolve, EDEM
Abstract: The presentation will introduce the Lunabotics competition and MTU's team, the Astro-Huskies. Then it will show the evolution of the mobility system using Inspire for optimization and analysis. Inspire was key to transitioning from a skid-steer system to a four-wheel steer system. It enabled the team to meet mass requirements while transitioning to the more capable four-wheel steer system by aiding in the design of strong, stiff, and lightweight components.
About the presenter: I am a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at Michigan Tech, graduating in Spring 2026. I am also the lead systems engineer on MTU's Lunabotics team, a multi-disciplinary team of over 40 college students who build lunar rover prototypes for NASA's Lunabotics Challenge.
Tools discussed: SFRAME, SSTEEL, Inspire
Abstract: Using Altair has allowed our team to efficiently design and analyze our competition bridges for years. Our team uses Altair S-FRAME for deflection analysis, Inspire for material optimization, and S-STEEL for quantity takeoffs. Over the years, we have continuously leveraged S-FRAME and the Altair HyperWorks suite to refine our design processes and push our competition performances to new heights. With the help of S-FRAME, we have become the #1 Steel Bridge Team in the Pacific Northwest and have been climbing the ranks in our US National competitions.
About the team: UBC Steel Bridge is a design team competing in steel bridge competitions across North America. Every year, we build a 20-foot steel bridge tasked with handling heavy loads and minimizing vertical and lateral deflection.
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