Structural Analysis

Our experience spans a broad range of structural and mechanical analyses of highly stressed structures.  We have a library of material properties including both composites and metallic alloys.  Criteria such as strength, deflection, buckling, fatigue, and fracture can be assessed using linear or nonlinear methods depending on the problem.  Our success in using advanced finite element analysis (FEA) and classical analysis methods gives usable results which are provided on time, every time.


Linear Stress Analysis

We have extensive industry experience in the prediction of stresses for both metallic and composite structures.  Limit and ultimate criteria can be evaluated and incorporate any necessary safety factors to determine whether a design has structural integrity and is compliant with specifications.  Classical analysis of bolted joints, lugs, and other mechanical fasteners are readily assessed for a number of failure modes.  Using the developed stress results, additional specialized analyses such as fatigue life prediction and crack propagation can be performed. Composite material assessment can also be evaluated for specific failure modes such as first ply failure, inter-laminar stress, and transverse stresses.



Nonlinear Analysis

Nonlinear analysis can be used to assess large deformation, large strain, plasticity, and contact stresses between adjacent components which may include both geometric and material effects of a structural analysis. We have successfully modeled creep and ductile fracture material models correlated to test data to produce high fidelity simulations. In addition, manufacturing processes such as rolling, ironing, and drawing can be simulated to determine stress, strains, and forces on both the part and forming equipment. Explicit analysis techniques are often employed depending on the nature of the problem and the severity of the nonlinearity as well as the total time to be simulated.  For more information on this methodology please see the Dynamics section.





Fatigue  

For components subject to cyclical loading rather than a monotonic load, the fatigue life can be determined using FEA and classical techniques.  The interaction between the applied load, environment, and duration time can increase the complexity of the analysis. Stress and strain based methods have been successfully used to evaluate components including bolted joints, welds, as well as other parts. The durability of a part can be evaluated to determine whether it is damage tolerant using fracture mechanics (see the section on Fracture).

Optimization & Sensitivity Studies

A structure can be optimized to drive the design to minimize material cost and obtain maximum system performance. We can develop models to meet stress requirements, minimize weight, or obtain a desired frequency response.  Sensitivity studies can also be performed to determine system response over a likely range of variance for a parameter.   We also have experience in developing surface response curves to obtain data fits for purposes of modeling and optimization.