We provide engineering analysis services in stress, mechanical failure and fatigue. We also provide model simulation of machine dynamics, design welds and fasteners, and design mechanical systems. Our analyses of failures encompasses a series of investigations into dynamic behavior, design, material and usage considerations. We examine failures from these perspectives and apply fatigue life prediction methodologies such as strain-life, stress-life and empirical standards from AWS and British Standards. Fatigue life may also need to be estimated from strain data using rainflow extrapolation techniques and durability design.
- Defining a mission for durability
Poorly designed fasteners can commonly be an area of weakness that may be the cause of a larger failure. The bolt shown failed because of large impact loads caused by joint separation resulting from improperly selected bolt stiffness.
Crashworthiness is another area of structural analysis we are investigating. The U.S. federal government and industry are examining ways to improve the crashworthiness behavior of passenger trains. The objective is to provide guidance on the design of new cars that achieve improved controlled structural crash deformation so that passengers are better protected from body-structure intrusion into the passenger compartment, and protected from large vehicle motions caused by deceleration. We are working with the standards committee of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers to establish guidelines for designs with this added protection. We also provide services for optimal design of crashworthy railcar structures.
