NAFEMS: in support of virtual prototyping and simulation world

Today low cost computing power and a wide range of analysis tools are readily available to the engineer. This has led to significant amounts of analysis carried out throughout the product design cycle and to the rapid uptake of analysis technology. In particular, three main key points to achieve market dominance consist in multi-partnered collaborative design optimization, testing procedure reduction and, to an ever-greater extent, engineering analysis result reliability as the means of performance verification. In order to maintain a skilled workforce and to secure market competitive advantage, the continual investment in training must take place. Specific aim of NAFEMS consists on promoting knowledge and diffusion of simulation computational codes normally based on the finite element method and related technology. The activities carried out by NAFEMS Int. and NAFEMS Italia are described, the author of the paper being in charge as Council member and manager of these two associations, respectively.