On April 11, 2024, the 22nd Econ Conference brought together experts and enthusiasts in Engineering Simulation at the Holiday Inn in Budaörs, Hungary. The event delved into the diverse industrial applications, cutting-edge advancements, and promising opportunities of engineering simulation, presented through plenary and specialized section talks, along with captivating case studies. Gracing the conference as the Chief Patron was Dr. Orsolya Ferencz, the Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research. During the plenary presentations, participants gained valuable insights into the transformative power of Engineering Simulation across industries, including space exploration, defense, artificial intelligence (AI), industrial automation, and hydrogen storage. The esteemed lineup of plenary speakers featured Dr. Orsolya Ferencz (HUNOR Hungarian Astronaut Program), Balázs Hendrich (VIKI Nonprofit Ltd. – Defense Innovation Research Institute), Dr. János Abonyi (Pannon University), Dr. Balázs Zsigmond (MONO Group), and our colleagues János Szegletes and Tibor Meszes.

Simulation Professionals Forum

The plenary lectures were followed by presentations in two parallel sections: focusing on fluid mechanics and polymers, and mechanical and electromagnetic topics. See the specific topics of each session in the agenda. Attendees had the opportunity to vote on-site for their favorite presentations in each section of the 22nd Econ Conference. One of the winners was Prof. Dr. István Kistelegdi’s presentation “Simulation in architecture – goals, methods, lessons”, while Tamás Olajos’ presentation “Reinforcement of railway vehicle frame structures using strength calculations” was a resounding success in the other section.

An afternoon of stimulating discussion ensued, with a thought-provoking panel titled “Trends and Artificial Intelligence in Product Development.” This engaging round table session featured industry experts Dr. János Abonyi (Pannon University), Dr. Huba Németh (Knorr-Bremse Fékrendszerek Kft.), László Fekete (thyssenkrupp Components Technology Hungary), Gergely Kiss (Attrecto Zrt), and László Németh (Arkance Systems HU Kft.), who delved into the transformative impact of AI on the product development landscape.

Econ Simulation Study Competition

Now in its third year, the Econ Simulation Study Competition for Engineering Students took center stage at the conference. This year’s competition saw engineering students tackle real-world engineering challenges using Ansys or Moldex3D simulation software. The 11 submitted projects were meticulously evaluated by a panel of industry experts. The top three winners received certificates and prizes for their outstanding achievements at the event. Participation in the competition provided engineering students with invaluable hands-on experience in utilizing simulation software and solving engineering problems. As a new feature of the conference, the three podium winners presented their projects in brief, garnering enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Winner: Zoltán Hafner – “Aerodynamic Performance Investigation of Rocket Air Brakes“

2nd prize: Gergely Antal Kátai – “Impact of Vortex Rings“

3rd prize: László Dániel Joó – ” Track-Bridge Interaction for Steel Railway Bridges “

Exhibition hall

During coffee breaks, the conference’s exhibition hall buzzed with activity as Econ Engineering’s partners showcased their cutting-edge technologies. Varinex Zrt. captivated attendees with their 3D printing solutions, while Cavity Eye Kft. highlighted their expertise in injection molding services. Arkance Systems HU Kft. dazzled visitors with their industrial software and hardware solutions. At a dedicated stand, visitors gained comprehensive information about the newly launched Technocatalyst support program, designed to empower product-developing startups.

The Econ software island offered a hands-on haven for participants to explore a variety of simulation solutions. Attendees could gain insights into the benefits of these innovative tools and engage in insightful discussions with experts on the software’s applications and potential. Divided into specialized areas, the software island showcased a diverse range of simulation software, including:  Ansys Discovery (Experience the power of real-time simulation with Ansys Discovery), Particleworks and Ansys Rocky (Immerse yourself in particle-based simulation demo), Moldex3D, and Ansys (Explore the world of polymer technology simulation tools).