Case Study: Dalhousie University achieves industry-ready mechanical engineers with Altair HyperWorks

HyperWorks Becomes Part of Mechanical Engineering Curriculum at Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University, a research‑intensive institution in Nova Scotia, faced a challenge keeping its mechanical engineering curriculum current with industry demands after employers reported graduates lacked practical experience with tools like finite element analysis (FEA). To address this gap the department adopted Altair’s HyperWorks suite as a core teaching tool, moving FEA content earlier in the program so students gained relevant, industry‑aligned skills.

Altair implemented HyperWorks across the undergraduate curriculum so 120 third‑year students use the software at least three hours per week (about 50–60 hours hands‑on each) and many apply it in fourth‑year capstone projects. The Altair solution improved numerical simulation and research capabilities, led to better job placement and positive industry feedback, and enabled the department to rework and modernize its FEA courses to meet employer expectations.

Dalhousie University

Darrel Doman

Associate Professor and Department Head