SonoAnalyzer Pro RC - version 1.5.0 released

Announcing the release of SonoAnalyzer Pro RC (release-candidate) version 1.5.0. This is a 60-day trial version available free of charge to all clients who have purchased SonoAnalyzer OE (annual or one-month license) or SonoAnalyzer Pro pre-release.

This version moves SonoAnalyzer Pro from beta to release-candidate. It now includes all features promised for the Pro version (as well as several more!) and is moving towards full release.

Proflied hole definition in Pro #3 modelCylindrical models upgraded to include holes / profiled internal section

The four cylindrical Pro models (stepped, exponential, conical and user-defined profile) now also include axial holes. The hole type is defined in a separate design tab and can be selected from:

  • Solid - no hole, solid sonotrode
  • Simple - axial through hole of fixed diameter (like the hollow OE models)
  • Profiled - hole section defined by a series of lengths and diameters with optional blend radii (like the user-defined external profile). Setting the hole diameter to zero (solid) also makes blind holes possible, from one or both ends.

In the case of the profiled hole, the total length of all sections must be equal to the length of the outside profile. This is achieved automatically by making one section adjustable, and set automatically to match the lengths. The user selects which part to use for this through the "Adjust at" selection menu (bottom-left of profiled hole design tab).

Other new features and changes in version 1.5.0 are described below.

Stepped sonotrode design with large blend radius (SonoAnalyzer Pro #3 model)Stepped designs now support large blend radii

Earlier stepped sonotrode models (both block and cylindrical) with variable blend radius had the limitation on the maximum blend radius - not more than the radial step. So for example a stepped sonotrode with 40mm input diameter, 20mm output diameter has a 10mm radial step, and the blend radius would be limited to no more than 10mm. This is an artificial limit, however, since larger radii are possible, they simply extend further down the length. It was always possible to define the same geometry using the user-defined proflie models but the stepped models are much easier to use where appropriate.

Current stepped designs (#3 models for SonoAnalyzer Pro and #2 for OE) have now been modified to permit this, subject to the large radius fitting within the available sonotrode length.

Improved conical and exponential models

The Pro #3 conical and exponential models now allow the input length to be defined as a percentage of the total length, like the stepped models. The conical model also allows a blend radius to be applied to the internal corner. Using a large blend radius on the conical or stepped models can provide an approximation to the exponential shape with a simpler, easier-to-machine profile.

Improved multiple-component support

Each model that supports multiple components (currently the Pro #3 cylindrical models (stepped, exponential, conical and user-defined profile) now offers the facility to add additional components directly without first switching to the multi-component model type. Profiled or simple axial holes are also supported across multiple components.

Improved model redraw

For Pro #3 models the redraw process involves creating and meshing the finite-element model. This is slower than earlier models where the redraw was done locally, but allows for much more complex shapes. To alleviate the speed issue, redraws do not happen instantly for every geometry change the user makes; instead a timer counts down and triggers a redraw when it reaches zero. The starting value is set from the Pro Options dialog (Menu Pro -> Options).

Redraws can also now be triggered manually by clicking the "Recalculate" button (bottom right of the SonoAnalyzer window), which is renamed "Redraw" during the countdown period. With the extra control this offers, the default time has been increased to 20 seconds.

Performance improvement on slow internet connections

Tasks which can be slow over a poor internet connection, eg. connecting to a remote analysis server and creating the geometry of a Pro model, have now been moved to the background so they no longer adversely affect the responsiveness of the application. A fast connection or local analysis server is still highly recommended though.

Manual updates

The built-in manual available on this site and in the SonoAnalyzer application (Help -> Manual) has been updated to reflect changes made to SonoAnalyzer and the new models available.

Not working: Postprocessor access to shared FEA server

The shared analysis server provided for demo use is working well for performing the analysis but has not proved reliable for access to the postprocessor. In a shared environment users must be prevented from accessing each others' data, and the authentication this demanded added unwanted complications. For the final system, cloud servers will be used, each one dedicated to a single user. This will be the main focus for the next version released.

Local analysis server options are not affected - these have always been set up as single user.

Version expiry

Version 1.5.0 was built on 3 September 2014 and will expire 2 November 22 December 2014.

Information for current SonoAnalyzer Pro beta users:

Thanks for participating in the free SonoAnalyzer Pro beta trial. The latest version is now available for download through your user account at SonoAnalyzer.com. Version 1.4.9 of SonoAnalyzer Pro beta will expire on 9 September 2014 and 1.4.8 on 7 September 2014 (earlier versions have already expired). After that time, all users must either upgrade or revert to SonoAnalyzer OE (version 1.5.0 or higher). As usual, uninstalling the previous version of SonoAnalyzer / SonoAnalyzer Pro is recommended before installing a new one. Your saved settings should not be affected by this, provided that you install a compatible version number as shown above.

Information for current SonoAnalyzer OE users:

SonoAnalyzer Pro beta is available, free of charge and without obligation, to clients who have already purchased SonoAnalyzer OE (annual or one-month license).The latest version is now available for download through your user account at SonoAnalyzer.com, alongside SonoAnalyzer OE, and during the trial period you can switch between them at will using your existing license. As usual, uninstalling the previous version of SonoAnalyzer / SonoAnalyzer Pro is recommended before installing a new one. Your saved settings should not be affected by this, provided that you install a compatible version number as shown above.

Information for current SonoAnalyzer Demo users:

SonoAnalyzer Pro is not currently available to free demo users. The ability to read and display certain Pro models will be added in an upcoming version.

Information for current SonoAnalyzer RC users:

The release-candidate version SonoAnalyzer RC is no longer available, but early-adopters who purchased it receive all the benefits of OE as above.