NEWPORT BEACH, CA, June 2, 2015 – MSC Software Corp. announced an extended collaboration with CIRA (Italian Aerospace Research Center), which will place MSC Software technical staff on-site to work with engineers and materials scientists on innovative research projects.

CIRA was created in 1984 to manage the Italian Aerospace Research Program (PRORA) and keep Italy at the forefront in the fields of Aeronautics and Space. For years, MSC Software and CIRA have cooperated on projects related to the study of composite materials and Progressive Failure Analysis, within the European program Clean Sky and Campania, and national Aerospace projects.

With the goal of accelerating research and development, CIRA will host a panel of experts from MSC Software to work together in the following areas:

• Design of composite material structures for the purpose of reducing structural weight
• Progressive failure analysis (PFA) for composites materials
• Crashworthiness
• Development of topological methods of design to support ALM (additive layer manufacturing)
• Virtual testing aimed at reducing costs and time in mechanical tests for certification of composite parts
• Virtual Allowables and material models
• Development of adhesive material models for the simulation of failure in elasto-plastics
• Thermo-structural analysis and design of thermal protection systems for spacecraft re-entry

Luigi Carrino, president of CIRA and DAC (Aerospace District of Campania) and professor of Technology and Processing Systems at the University Federico II of Naples said, “The partnership with MSC Software, along with other research groups from major aerospace companies opens the path to a real, innovative technology center within CIRA. This will lead to more efficient collaboration between research and business. It will also reduce the time and cost of technology transfer, and increase competitiveness within the international arena.”

“The presence of MSC Software at CIRA is a natural evolution of a multi-year collaboration, based on the sharing of expertise, methods, and new advancements in aerospace research,” said Massimo Montenegro, country manager of MSC Software Italy. “We look forward to supporting the important initiatives at CIRA.”

About CIRA

CIRA was created in 1984 to manage PRORA, the Italian Aerospace Research Program, and uphold Italy’s leadership in Aeronautics and Space. CIRA is a company with public and private sector shareholders. The participation of research bodies, local government and aeronautics and space industries sharing a common goal has led to the creation of unique test facilities, unmatched anywhere in the world, and of air and space flying labs. The CIRA is located in a 160-hectar area in the immediate vicinity of Capua, in the province of Caserta, north of Naples. It has a staff of 370 people, most of which are engaged in research activity within domestic and international programs.

About MSC Software

MSC Software is one of the ten original software companies and a global leader in helping product manufacturers to advance their engineering methods with simulation software and services. As a trusted partner, MSC Software helps companies improve quality, save time, and reduce costs associated with design and test of manufactured products. Academic institutions, researchers, and students employ MSC’s technology to expand individual knowledge as well as expand the horizon of simulation. MSC Software employs 1,100 professionals in 20 countries.

For additional information about MSC Software’s products and services, please visit www.mscsoftware.com.