Using state-of-the art computer hardware and software technology, MegChem provides complete solutions to engineering problems, integrating where necessary the use of 3D Computer Aided Design, Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Experimental Analysis
Abbreviations
- CAD - Computer Aided Design
- FEA - Finite Element Analysis
- CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics
- CAE - Computer Aided Engineering
Who are we?
Engineering Analysis is the division of MegChem Engineering and Drafting Services that specializes in engineering analysis. The division consists of qualified engineers specializing in structural and fluid analysis using numerical techniques to solve static, dynamic and transient problems.
What can we do?
The Engineering Analysis division integrates its experience in engineering analysis in the fields of FEA, CFD and experimental analysis to provide engineering solutions to the industry.
The tools
Structural analysis:
We use software developed and marketed by MSC.Software (www.mscsoftware.com), one of the leading providers of CAE software, most commonly used:
- MSC.Patran
- MSC.Nastran
- MSC.Fatige
- MSC.Marc
- MSC.Adams
- MSC.Dytran
CFD Analysis:
We use CFX developed by ANSYS Inc. (www.ansys.com).
Experimental Analysis:
The highest quality transducers are used for experimental analysis. The strain gauges, accelerometers, displacement transducers and other types of transducers we use are all manufactured by companies known for the quality and consistency of their products. We use LabVIEW by National Instruments (www.ni.com) to create data acquisition software that can easily be customised for specific applications.
Common Areas of Application
Detail Design:
The experience and tools available to MegChem enables us to perform accurate designs on virtually any equipment or part. Using online measuring techniques, applied loads and temperatures can be accurately determined. In flow applications, CFD analysis can be used to quantify pressure and temperature boundary conditions. Using finite element analysis a detail stress distribution can be calculated. Stresses can be evaluated statically or dynamically. Afterwards, online measuring can be used to verify results.
Design Optimisation:
By means of computer simulation the duration of design cycles are drastically reduced compared to physical prototypes. In addition to being excellent design tools, FEA and CFD can be highly cost-effective when used to optimise a design to reduce cost of manufacture or operation or to increase the operational efficiency. Accurately quantifying operational loads by means of online measuring could also result in a more optimised design by decreasing design safety factors.
Failure Analysis:
The cause of failure of a component can often be determined after determining the operational loads and using these as input for a detailed stress analysis. Very often, cyclic loading can be a cause of unexpected failure. MegChem has the ability to perform advanced fatigue analyses on components. Using a combination of online measuring and finite element analysis, a stress history during an operational cycle is obtained. In-house developed software is then used for stress cycle counting and fatigue damage assessment. The method is also used for real-time fatigue damage assessment of components during operation. A fracture mechanics analysis can also be used to determine growth rate and severity of defects.
Problem Tracing:
By measuring the boundary conditions and simulating the operation of a part or process by means of FEA or CFD, a good basic understanding of the principles of operation can be formed. This invariably leads to an understanding of problems that are being experienced with the equipment and the formulation of likely solutions. Proposed solutions to the problem can be evaluated with FEA or CFD to reduce the risk of failure to acceptable levels.
