Creating and building a product can be extremely time-consuming and expensive, which is why it’s so important to ensure that the design is assessed and refined as possible before any physical testing is undertaken.
At Portsmouth Aviation, we offer a range of technical services and solutions designed to aid you throughout the design and analysis process. Stress and aerodynamic analysis are some of these solutions.
Stress analysis and aerodynamics assessments are conducted using a variety of methods:
- Hand-calculations
- Semi-empirical methods
- Numerical modelling: Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
We can create digital mock–ups from drawings and CAD models and help to identify possible areas for improvement or give an insight into the behaviour, performance and efficiencies of a product. We use best-in-class software to ensure that the analyses we provide are as in depth and accurate as possible.
Our software includes:
- Mesh generation: ANSYS® Workbench™ & ANSYS® ICEM CFD™
- FEA: ANSYS® Professional™ NLT that includes linear structural and dynamics capability as well as nonlinear thermal capability
- Fatigue: ANSYS® nCode DesignLifeTM with vibration fatigue analysis
- CFD: ANSYS® CFX-Flo™ with advanced turbulence modelling
Portsmouth Aviation is a member of NAFEMS (National Agency for Finite Element Methods and Standards) which enables us to:
- be part of the wider numerical analysis community to expand and enhance our analysis knowledge
- ensure that the highest standards of FEA and CFD are achieved through recognised best-practises
- develop our engineers to achieve accreditation on the NAFEMS Registered Analyst Scheme
Stress Analysis
This is the calculation of mechanical stress and strain of structures that have been subjected to displacements, accelerations and forces etc. Stress analysis allows us to simulate the effect of stresses including compression, torsion and bending on the internal and external structure of a product. The Stress & Aerodynamic Analysis Group can use a combination of calculations and computer modelling software to determine the effects of a variety of stresses on your product from plastic mouldings to welded or bolted structures.
Fatigue Assessment
In addition to the other technical services we are able to offer here at Portsmouth Aviation we have the core capability to carry out fatigue assessments. The Stress & Aerodynamic Analysis Group can calculate the life expectancy of a product and with our recommendations you can improve a product before it goes to manufacture or identify its expected life post production.
Aerodynamic Analysis
Analysis of internal and external flowfields can help to assess the aerodynamic properties and efficiencies of a product upon which recommendations may be made to improve product performance. We can offer detailed analysis alongside advice by the Stress & Aerodynamic Analysis Group – all of which can help you to ensure the performance of your product.