The Structures and Mechanical Systems group focuses on the solution of complex engineering problems and on research and development for structures. Our technical expertise lies primarily in these five areas:
The group maintains an ISO 9001 quality system.
We perform design, analysis, development, and testing of materials, components, and systems for commercial and military customers:
Design: The group has developed specialized software for product design and analysis, advanced material modeling, and other applications. Using solid modeling and CAD, and working closely with other UDRI groups, systems can be designed and developed incorporating structural, mechanical, optical, electronic, and computer components.
Analysis: In addition to the use of custom-written, system-specific software, Structures group engineers conduct both conventional handbook and computational analyses, including finite element and computational fluid dynamics analyses. Computational analyses include stress, fatigue, vibration and damping (modal analysis), impact, dynamics, kinematics, aerodynamics, thermal effects/heat transfer, and others. The group also performs failure analysis, analysis for redesign, and reverse engineering for existing systems.
Development: We participate in all phases of component and system development, from the feasibility and concept phase, through design, analysis, prototype manufacture, first article, testing, and limited manufacturing.
Testing: The Structures group performs material characterization testing, performance/functional and structural qualification and acceptance testing, in-service testing/monitoring, failure analysis and troubleshooting, noise and vibration testing, wind tunnel testing, heat transfer experimentation, and fan testing.
Structures and systems we have worked on include: manufacturing equipment, hospital and medical equipment, bicycles, personal watercraft, automobile components, military transport vehicles, shipping containers and military shelters, jet engine components, aircraft, aircraft ground support equipment, and ground and flight testing including instrumentation/data acquisition for a variety of systems, space vehicles and commercial fans.