Vibration & Fatigue Analysis
Correlating measurement with virtual testing allows vibration issues to be identified and fatigue life to be determined.
Combining finite element analysis (FEA) based structural dynamics with accelerometer measurement and deterministic/stochastic fatigue analysis methods enables mitigation of resonance issues and determination of remaining life of structures and components.
Vibration
Understanding the dynamic behaviour of structures is crucial for identifying potential resonance issues and accurately quantifying responses to dynamic (time varying) loading events. We have extensive experience in applying finite element analysis (FEA) to structures and equipment to determine vibrational modes and mode shapes, vibration induced dynamic structural responses and transient dynamic behaviour.
Our vibration analysis capabilities include:
- Natural frequency analysis to determine modes and mode shapes for comparison with vibrational frequencies sources (to identify potential resonance issues).
- Harmonic response analysis to determine peak structural response from sinusoidally varying loads.
- Spectral response analysis using response spectra (deterministic) or response PSD (stochastic) data for seismic (earthquake) and random vibration loading.
- Moving load analysis to simulate time varying dynamic loads induced by vehicles and people.
- Transient dynamic analysis to represent short duration impulse loading events, including shock, impact and blast loads, and considering large deflection, elastic-plastic material behaviour and nonlinear contact conditions.
Additionally, we use theoretical calculations and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to quantify wake turbulence induced oscillating (lateral) loads (i.e. von Karman vortex shedding) for dynamic structural assessment of equipment including chimneys/stacks, damper blades and silencers.
Fatigue Analysis
Accurately determining the remaining life of structures and components is essential for preventative maintenance and service life extension. We apply a variety of fatigue analysis methods based on various standards/codes and best engineering practices to estimate fatigue life for both new and existing designs, using static and dynamic finite element analysis (FEA) to assess parent material, welds and connection details.
Our fatigue analysis capabilities include:
- Stress-life fatigue assessment applying standards/codes and best engineering practices for high cycle fatigue.
- Strain-life fatigue assessment considering elastic-plastic material behaviour for low cycle fatigue.
- Mean stress effects and temperature dependent material properties.
- Deterministic (rainflow cycle counting) and stochastic (response PSD) approaches for damage accumulation.
Advanced Simulation
Leading edge engineering analysis accurately visualises and quantifies problems leading to the development of optimised solutions.
Fracture Mechanics
Combining fracture mechanics theory and simulation with measurement allows accurate prediction of crack growth in critical components.
Root Cause Failure Analysis
Root cause analysis of failures in equipment allows solutions to be developed that mitigate future issues.