You need to analyse and size a spacecraft structure, a payload structure, electronic box, propulsion system? We have done this all before hundreds of times, benefit from our experience in projects such as:
- BIOMASS
- Orion ESM
- ExoMars
- Metop-SG
- SGEO/EDRS-C/H2-Sat
- PRISMA
- ACLS rack for the ISS
- and so many others
We use the Finite Element Method (FEM) to describe the behaviour of a structure from early conceptual phases up to the final sizing in addition to analytical methods and classical hand calculation. Space Structures uses NASTRAN, ANSYS® and and ABAQUS® for state-of-the-art solver technology together with HyperWorks or Femap as pre- and post-processing tool.
Other methods include vibro-acoustic analysis, fatigue & fracture mechanics. We simulate all materials including composites.
For CAD design we use state-of-the-art software suites such as CATIA® and SOLIDWORKS®
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Modeling based on CAD design data
- Problem-adapted discretisation
- Statics (linear and nonlinear)
- Dynamics (modal analysis and vibration, incl. random- & micro-vibration)
- Strength verifications
- Deformation analyses
- Stability analyses (imperfection modeling where required)
- Thermo-elastic analyses (including temperature mapping)
- Shock Analyses (modal and transient)
- Model correlation with test data
- Model condensation (Guyan and Craig-Bampton)
- Optimisation
General structure analysis
- Analytical methods and classic hand-calculation
- Programming of tools for FEA pre- and postprocessing
- Vibro-acoustic analyses (BEM & FEM)
- Shock analyses according to ECSS-E-HB-32-25A (we are co-authors of that HB)
- Bolt verifications according to ECSS-E-HB-32-23A, VDI 2230, DIN 18800, EN 1993-1-8
- Insert design according to ECSS-E-HB-32-22A
- Fatigue verifications according to ESAFATIG, EN 1993-1-9
- Fracture mechanics analyses with ESACRACK, NASGRO
Design engineering
- 2D and 3D CAD model building
- Parametric models
- Multibody simulations (pure kinematic and dynamic)
- Consideration of all relevant manufacturing constraints and boundary conditions
- All relevant drawings including manufacturing drawings
Materials
- Metals, including special alloys (INVAR, etc.)
- Composites (CFRP, GFRP, PCB, metal-ceramics, etc.)
- Special Materials (glas, tethers, concrete, ...)