Composite Finite Element Analysis - (Composite FEA) helps to create Robust Composite Designs using "Composite Design Principles" - which is by far the most critical competency that a composite manufacturer can have. Only a panoramic understanding of the various design aspects of composites can lead to a realistic Finite Element Analysis result and an Optimal Composite Design - that performs as intended.
Ironically these design aspects are numerous and many of them defy conventional engineering design logic. For example, as design engineers we are taught to "ignore" shear forces, in say a "beam" made in a Structural Steel Rectangular Box Section - because as compared to the flexural / bending forces, the shear forces are negligible (Actually the shear forces are not negligible - it’s just that the shear modulus and shear strength of isotropic materials like steel etc. is relatively high - thus the shear forces pale in comparison).
If one were to follow this logic and design a composite rectangular box section - then one is setting oneself up for a rude awakening. In Advanced Composite Structures shear forces cause significant deflections and in most poorly designed cases - it is the primary cause for failure.
Over the past few years we have developed sufficient expertise in using "Composite Design Principles" or "Composite Science" to design optimal composite components - relying heavily on the Finite Element Analysis Method.
Composite Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Capabilities
Our Composite Finite Element Analysis Capabilities can lead to the following tailor-made properties of advanced composites,
• Composite Mechanical Properties - Tensile, Compression, Deflection etc.
• Composite Thermal Properties - Thermal Expansion, Thermal Conductivity etc.
• Composite Fatigue Properties
• Composite Electrical Properties - Electrical Insulation, Electrical Conductivity etc.
We use special software, tailor-made, for composite finite element analysis and optimization for designing composite products. Dedicated high-end workstations for product modeling as well as for finite element analysis support the composite design process.
Designing of Advanced Composite Structures with a singular focus on optimization (maximization or minimization) of one or more physical / mechanical / thermal properties of the final composite structure leads to Optimal Advanced Composite Design.
This requires substantial design as well as practical expertise (knowledge and skills) and experience. Optimal Advanced Composite Design is still an "Art" than "Pure Science". The "art" part comes from experience - of having designed and tested multiple advanced composite products for diverse and unique applications - and also from a very subjective "knowing" of which arrangement will work and which will not.
The "Pure Science" part of it comes from the cutting edge advanced composite design software we use for Micromechanics, Micromechanics and Finite Element Analysis & Optimization.
Over the last few years we have worked with diverse and demanding applications & clients - including "ultra stringent design standards" of the Space Exploration, Defence or Military Applications. All these developmental projects honed our skills in both the "art" and "science" of Advanced Composite Design.