Cradle CFD is a comprehensive suite of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software designed to meet the complex simulation needs of engineers across various industries. Known for accuracy, speed, and a user-friendly interface, this software enables precise analysis of fluid flow, heat transfer, and aerodynamics, helping companies optimize product performance and design. Whether you’re working on automotive, aerospace, electronics cooling, or environmental applications, Cradle CFD offers powerful tools and advanced capabilities to tackle the most challenging fluid dynamics problems, driving innovation and efficiency in your projects.
CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics Software
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Company Background: Cradle CFD
Cradle CFD originated from Software Cradle, a pioneering company in Japan that specialized in developing advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. Founded in 1984, Software Cradle focused on creating high-performance simulation tools that addressed the needs of engineers in various industries, from automotive and aerospace to electronics and environmental engineering. The company’s flagship products, scSTREAM and SC/Tetra, quickly gained recognition for their ability to handle large-scale and complex fluid dynamics simulations with precision and efficiency.
Over the years, Software Cradle continued to innovate, introducing new products like HeatDesigner for electronics cooling and expanding its software’s capabilities to include multi-physics simulations and high-performance computing support. These innovations solidified its reputation as a leader in the CFD industry, offering powerful tools that help engineers optimize designs and improve product performance.
In 2016, Software Cradle was acquired by MSC Software, a global leader in CAE and simulation solutions, integrating the CFD tools into MSC Software’s extensive suite, enabling engineers to leverage both structural and fluid dynamics simulations in a unified environment. The following year, in 2017, MSC Software became part of Hexagon AB, further expanding Cradle CFD’s reach and capabilities. Today, this technology is a key component of MSC Software’s offerings, continuing to empower engineers with cutting-edge CFD technology across a wide range of industries.
About MSC Software and Hexagon
About MSC Software and Hexagon
MSC Software was founded in 1963 as the MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation, and quickly established itself as a pioneer in the field of computer-aided engineering (CAE). The company’s early innovations, particularly in finite element analysis (FEA) with the development of MSC Nastran for NASA, laid the groundwork for what would become a global leader in simulation software. Over the decades, MSC Software expanded its portfolio, acquiring and developing advanced CAE tools that cater to a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and more. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to excellence, MSC Software has remained at the forefront of engineering simulation, helping companies design better products, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-market.
Integration of Cradle CFD into the MSC and Hexagon Ecosystem
In 2016, MSC Software expanded its capabilities in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) by acquiring Software Cradle, a leading Japanese company known for its cutting-edge CFD solutions. This acquisition brought Cradle CFD into the MSC Software family, enhancing its ability to provide comprehensive simulation tools that cover both structural and fluid dynamics analysis. The integration of Cradle CFD into the MSC ecosystem allowed engineers to leverage a broader range of tools for multiphysics simulations, improving the accuracy and efficiency of their designs.
In 2017, MSC Software itself became part of Hexagon AB, a global leader in digital solutions that drive productivity and quality across geospatial and industrial applications. This further integration positioned Cradle CFD within a larger network of advanced technologies, enabling seamless collaboration across different domains of engineering. Today, Cradle CFD benefits from the combined expertise and resources of MSC Software and Hexagon, offering users a powerful and unified platform for all their simulation needs.
The Evolution of Cradle CFD
Development Milestones and Innovations
The software has a rich history of innovation, marked by several key milestones that have shaped its evolution as a leading computational fluid dynamics solution. Initially developed by Software Cradle in Japan, Cradle CFD quickly gained recognition for its high-performance simulation capabilities and user-friendly interface. One of the earliest milestones was the development of scSTREAM, a software designed for large-scale, complex thermal fluid analyses, which set the foundation for Cradle CFD’s reputation in the industry.
Another significant innovation was the introduction of SC/Tetra, a general-purpose CFD software known for its flexibility in handling complex geometries and detailed simulations. This was followed by the launch of HeatDesigner, specifically tailored for electronics cooling, allowing engineers to optimize thermal management in increasingly compact and sophisticated devices.
Over the years, The software continued to advance its technology, integrating multi-physics capabilities, high-performance computing (HPC) support, and enhanced visualization tools. These innovations have allowed Cradle CFD to address the growing demands of modern engineering challenges, from automotive and aerospace to electronics and environmental systems. Each of these milestones reflects a commitment to providing powerful, precise, and accessible simulation tools that empower engineers to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
How Cradle CFD Has Evolved Over the Years
Since its inception, the software has undergone continuous evolution, adapting to the needs of a rapidly changing engineering landscape. Originally focused on providing robust thermal fluid analysis solutions, Cradle CFD has expanded its capabilities to cover a broad spectrum of applications, including fluid-structure interaction (FSI), aerodynamic optimization, and multi-physics simulations.
The acquisition by MSC Software in 2016 marked a pivotal point in the software’s evolution, as it became part of a larger ecosystem of simulation tools. This integration enabled Cradle CFD to offer even more comprehensive solutions, combining structural and fluid dynamics in a unified workflow. As part of the Hexagon AB family since 2017, the software has benefited from the latest advancements in digital solutions, further enhancing its ability to deliver accurate, high-fidelity simulations.
Today, Cradle CFD stands as a mature and versatile tool, trusted by engineers worldwide for its precision, speed, and ease of use. Its evolution is a testament to a relentless pursuit of innovation, ensuring that the software remains at the cutting edge of simulation technology, capable of meeting the complex demands of modern product development.
Customer Support and Training
Cradle CFD is committed to providing exceptional customer support and training to ensure that users can maximize the value of their simulation tools. Whether you are new to CFD or an experienced engineer, the software offers a comprehensive range of support services designed to help you succeed in your projects.
Customer Support:
Cradle CFD‘s dedicated support team is available to assist with any technical issues, questions, or challenges you may encounter. Our experts are highly knowledgeable in both the software and the industries it serves, offering timely and effective solutions to keep your projects on track. Support is provided through various channels, including email, phone, and an online support portal, where users can access FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and technical documentation.
Training Programs:
To help users get the most out of Cradle CFD, we offer a variety of training programs tailored to different skill levels and application areas. These programs include:
- Introductory Training: Designed for new users, this training covers the basics of Cradle CFD software, including how to set up simulations, interpret results, and optimize designs.
- Advanced Training: For more experienced users, advanced training sessions delve deeper into specific features and complex applications, helping you refine your skills and tackle more challenging simulations.
- Industry-Specific Training: Customized training programs are available to address the unique needs of specific industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics, ensuring that the training is relevant to your particular field.
- On-Demand Webinars and Tutorials: Cradle CFD offers a library of on-demand webinars, tutorials, and videos, allowing users to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from basic usage to advanced techniques.
User Community and Resources:
In addition to direct support and training, Cradle CFD fosters a strong user community where engineers can share insights, ask questions, and learn from one another. The community forums, user groups, and annual conferences provide opportunities for networking and continuous learning. Additionally,the software provides access to an extensive collection of case studies, white papers, and technical articles that showcase best practices and innovative applications.
By offering robust customer support and comprehensive training programs, Cradle CFD ensures that users have the knowledge and resources they need to achieve their engineering goals with confidence and efficiency.
References
- MSC Software – Cradle CFD Overview
A detailed overview of the software and its capabilities, provided by MSC Software.
Visit MSC Software - Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence – Cradle CFD
Information on how the software integrates with Hexagon’s broader simulation and manufacturing solutions.
Explore Hexagon MI - MSC Software – Cradle CFD Case Studies
Explore real-world examples of how the software has been applied across various industries to solve complex engineering challenges.
View Case Studies - Hexagon AB – MSC Software Acquisition
Learn more about Hexagon’s acquisition of MSC Software and how it has strengthened the capabilities of Cradle CFD.
Read More on Hexagon’s Website