Structure analysis and design

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, ...)
Project heritage: Multiple space programs
Certification:
ISO/IEC 17025
ISO 9001
AS/EN/JISQ 9100
Keywords: FEM, analysis, CFRP, acoustic, vibration, shock, bolts, inserts