“The Simulation Stack” is a video podcast where we engage with engineers from diverse industries, who share a common interest in simulation technology and CAE. Our discussions cover various topics, including the drivers behind simulation adoption, real-world successes (and challenges), and forecasts for the future of simulation.

The conversations are informal with a wide range of guests from budding engineers to seasoned professionals across organisations of all sizes. We’re aiming to capture personal perspectives, spanning consultancy firms and software providers to OEMs, to highlight how today’s simulation practices are shaping tomorrow’s products.

In this episode, I’m joined by Fabien Leray, President of Simvia, a company on a mission to democratize high-performance digital simulation through open-source innovation and collaboration. Fabien shares his journey from nuclear operations engineering and VR training for power plants to leading an EDF spin-off that supports and develops open-source CAE solutions.

We discuss how open-source software empowers engineers, enhances teaching and learning, and offers a compelling alternative to traditional proprietary simulation tools. From cloud-based simulation to AI-assisted code generation, Fabien explains how open collaboration can accelerate innovation and make advanced simulation accessible to everyone.

In this episode  Jack Castro shares insights from a long career, initially with MSC Software and more recently Boeing, now as Senior Technical Fellow for Structures Engineering. He discusses the evolving role of FEA in commercial aircraft development—shifting from design validation to analysis-led workflows. Topics include the growing complexity of FEA models, collaboration across large engineering teams, and the importance of strategic modelling choices.

Jack emphasizes stakeholder buy-in, knowledge sharing, and balancing theory, tools, and product understanding, particularly for developing young engineers. Jack’s experience provides a rich perspective on engineering evolution within one of the aerospace industry’s most iconic companies.

In this episode, John Janevic shares insights from his 33-year career in simulation technology, spanning roles at Mechanical Dynamics Inc, MSC Software, and Hexagon, with expertise in strategy, customer support and services, and academic programs. He discusses the evolution of simulation tools, the shift in mindset for modern engineers, and how new graduates embrace multidisciplinary thinking.

John highlights standout projects where support engineers influenced next-generation software products and emphasizes the importance of user feedback in software development. The conversation concludes with reflections on simulation’s future — from deeper manufacturing integration to AI’s expanding role in engineering innovation.

In this episode of The Simulation Stack, we talk with structural dynamics consultant, Guy Gendron, about his journey from civil engineering and a PhD in composite materials to 18 years in academia and 12 years in industry. Guy shares insights from his research in structural optimization, teaching dynamics and vibrations, and his shift to consulting.

Guy highlights the importance of model validation, simplifying complexity, and speaking the customer’s language to sell expertise. He also discusses his dynamics course for engineers, emphasizing practical tools for real-world applications. This is a must-listen for anyone in structural dynamics and vibration control!

Robert Hurlston, is a co-founder of Fidelis Engineering Associates, a simulation services provider and Dassault Systemes software reseller. In this episode we explore his fascinating journey from academic research to founding a cutting-edge engineering consultancy. We discuss his experiences applying advanced simulation techniques in industry, his career in the USA, and the inspiration behind Fidelis.

Robert shares insights on the evolution of simulation software, the debate between integrated CAD/Sim/PLM platforms versus point solutions, and the future of engineering simulation. Whether you’re an engineer, researcher, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.

EUR ING Murat Islam is a lead mechanical engineer at John Crane Couplings, a Smiths company, based in the UK. His work is focused on the design and development of specialist couplings for rotating machinery, involved in high power/high speed applications. Previously Murat worked in several roles across the oil and gas, offshore, and renewable energy industries.

Murat is a fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, and is actively involved with STEM initiatives, the young members board, and the Process and Power Industries Division. In our conversation, we spoke about the complex aspects of coupling design, the difficulties in learning FEA at an early career level, and the benefits of being involved with an engineering institution.

Claudio Gianini is an experienced FEA engineer, with a long career in the motorsport and aerospace industries. He now works directly with numerous companies through his consultancy business, CG CAE. From supporting Michael Schumacher and the Ferrari F1 team achieve multiple race wins, to his analysis work in jet engine development, Claudio has been at the cutting edge of FEA for many years.

As well as his engineering career, Claudio has also published many technical papers and three best-selling books on the practical use of FEA. In our conversation, we spoke about Claudio’s first steps into the aerospace industry, his move into Formula 1 with Ferrari, Toyota and Sauber, his preferred CAE tools, and his journey into publishing.

Andrew Robson is a chartered naval architect, structural engineer and director at A Squared Engineering, a design and development consultancy he founded in 2018. Andy has a wealth of experience working in the marine, offshore and oil and gas sectors, and has helped to develop some of the largest vessels and offshore structures in use today.

In our conversation, we spoke about the inertia seen in large organisations, the amazing work that A-Squared have been involved with, from super-yacht development to a drill support rig for one of the biggest holes ever drilled in the seabed, to the use of contemporary FEA software, and how it has revolutionized the way in which A-Squared can help their clients.

Tony Abbey, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, has had a long and successful career in engineering simulation, spanning nearly half a century. As one of the most widely recognized and respected engineers working in FEA today, Tony has witnessed its growth from early aerospace research, where early solver hardware was priced in the millions of dollars, through to its ubiquity in contemporary product development.

In this conversation, we discussed the development of FEA from the early days (with tracing paper, punch cards and even crayons used in an analysis), the use of the latest tools and emerging technologies at the forefront of modern simulation, along with Tony’s advice for younger engineers making their way into simulation.

Alex Szatmary has held numerous professor roles at US academic institutions, with a PhD in modeling fluid-structure interaction, and is a registered professional engineer in the USA. Alex is the academic programs coordinator at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, and is ideally placed in helping students embark on careers in simulation.

In our conversation, we spoke about the juxtaposition between academic teaching and the skills required in professional design, his work developing solid mechanics curriculum, and the academic software that is available from Hexagon.

Masha Petrova is CEO at Nullspace Inc, a company specialising in simulation software for electromagnetic applications. Masha gained a PhD in aerospace engineering from UC San Diego and has held C-Suite positions at established and start-up simulation software companies, including MSC Software, Ansys, Onscale and Altium.

In our conversation, we discuss the importance of solver technology in simulation software, the pitfalls of letting engineers loose on a software marketing strategy, and with a subject very close to my heart, the early product positioning and marketing of MSC Apex.

Vasiliki (Vicky) Tsianika serves as the MSC Nastran product manager within the Design and Engineering group at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. Additionally, she holds the role of adjunct professor at Oakland University, focusing on AI/machine learning.

Our conversation delved into her background, the current development of Nastran, and the integration of AI/machine learning into product development and asset management in aerospace, automotive, and related sectors. Vicky’s enthusiasm shines through, especially regarding early female STEM involvement and the progression of women engineers in the professional sphere.