WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT — Concepts NREC and Siemens have formed a technical partnership to add Simcenter STAR-CCM+ as a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) option integrated with AxCent®, part of the Agile Engineering Design System® (AEDS). The alpha release of the integration will be part of the Concepts NREC 2026.2 software release on November 10, 2026.
CFD analysis from Simcenter STAR-CCM+ shown in AxCent®
With the integration, engineers can transfer detailed 3D geometry created in AxCent, along with meshing parameters and boundary condition inputs, directly to Simcenter STAR-CCM+ without rebuilding the model. The initial integration supports all axial machine types and select radial machines. By reducing the manual effort required to prepare CFD analyses, it continues Concepts NREC’s dedication to providing a connected workflow from design through simulation.
Simcenter STAR-CCM+ is a multiphysics simulation platform that enables engineers to analyze complex fluid flow and thermal behavior across a range of applications. Its CFD capabilities, automated meshing technology, and support for high-performance computing provide engineers with a flexible environment for evaluating machine performance under a range of operating conditions.
“Engineers have different requirements when it comes to CFD, and our goal is to make sure they have the right tools available within one connected workflow from meanline design through analysis,” said Jonathan Bicknell, Vice President of Software Products at Concepts NREC. “Working with Siemens allows us to bring STAR-CCM+ into the AxCent workflow, giving customers greater flexibility in their analysis approach while making it easier to move from design to simulation.”
By combining Concepts NREC's specialized turbomachinery design capabilities with Siemens' simulation technology, the partnership connects geometry development and CFD analysis in a workflow designed to reduce manual setup and support more efficient design evaluation.
“Engineers designing turbomachinery need simulation tools they can trust to capture complex flow physics. We are pleased to work with Concepts NREC as a technical partner to make Simcenter STAR-CCM+ available to AxCent users, giving them access to a proven CFD solution within a workflow built specifically for turbomachinery design,” said Erik Munktell, Director of Turbomachinery for Simulation and Test.
The STAR-CCM+ integration will be available to AxCent users operating the 2026.2 version of AEDS. Simcenter STAR-CCM+ version 2606 or later is required and can be purchased through Siemens.
To learn more about the Agile Engineering Design System®, visit conceptsnrec.com/design-software-solutions.
About Concepts NREC
Concepts NREC is the only independent company in the world with end-to-end capabilities to take turbomachinery products from concept to reality. For 70 years, Concepts NREC has been at the forefront of turbomachinery design and innovation, providing engineering services, design software, CAM software, precision manufacturing, assembly, testing, training, and installation. Headquartered in the USA, our mission is to provide the cutting-edge turbomachinery products, tools, and solutions the world needs for a sustainable future.
About the Agile Engineering Design System
Concepts NREC’s Agile Engineering Design System® is a complementary suite of programs for Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) that covers the entire design process — from preliminary sizing through fluid dynamics and mechanical stress and vibration analysis. Final designs can be easily imported into our industry-leading CAM software, MAX-PAC™, to create efficient 5-axis machining strategies.
About Siemens
Siemens Digital Industries Software helps organizations of all sizes digitally transform using software, hardware and services from the Siemens Xcelerator business platform. Siemens' software and the comprehensive digital twin enable companies to optimize their design, engineering and manufacturing processes to turn today's ideas into the sustainable products of the future. From chips to entire systems, from product to process, across all industries. Siemens Digital Industries Software – Accelerating transformation
Media Contact:
Meghan Hovey, Product Marketing Manager – Software & Corporate Marketing, Concepts NREC, mhovey@conceptsnrec.com