NAFEMS User Conference 2012

TRaC’s FEA and broader product validation experts were on hand at the NAFEMs 2012UKconference, in a very successful event, where much of TRaC’s own advancements, developments and validation strategies using Finite Element Analysis were reinforced by many of the presenting industry experts.  

The strategy of validating your FEA model through partial test was a prevalent theme during technical  presentations from industry on (i) Impact, (ii) Fully Coupled Thermal/Structural Analysis and (iii) Fracture modelling. This approach which has been at the front of TRaC’s success. Our stress analysts regularly work in conjunction with our test engineers in developing validation strategies, test methods, and carry out test/measurement, feeding real World data back into the model to refine our theoretical models.  

Of particular direct interest to TRaC was a Seismic Qualification paper presented by Xian Lu of Alstom. Alstom used FEA modelling as the method for product validation on a large HVDC Thyristor Valve. They used response data from Seismic Vibration testing of a subsystem carried out by TRaC’s test engineers, to feed “real” dynamic characterisation data back their model, in order to validate the complete system through a combined FEA/test approach. TRaC are heavily involved in the field of seismic qualification, with TRaC’s Chris Stone regarded as one of the UK’s leading experts on structural dynamics and response to a seismic events. Chris has been involved with the seismic qualification testing of structures and equipment for the Nuclear Power, Defence and Telecommunications industries since the 1990’s.  His work includes lecturing on the practical considerations of Earthquake Testing, based on his unique experience of performing in excess of fifty seismic qualification test programmes on equipment that is currently in service in seismically active regions around the world. Typically, TRaC will partner with Companies, from the initial tendering stage of a project, providing technical and commercial advice. In many instances, this involves working with the Design Authority to produce a relevant and practical seismic Qualification Test Plan (QTP), which often involves Finite Element Analysis, Physical Testing or a combination of both. Once the QTP has been approved, TRaC has a team of highly qualified and experienced analysis and test engineers that can provide analysis support at the early design stage, and assured and timely qualification of a new or developed product.  This is accomplished using a range of leading finite element analysis software tools and the most comprehensive seismic test facility in theUK.  

Finally, the presentations closed with a very interesting presentation from Selex on Electromagnetic Compatibility modelling. TRaC were pleased to have an EMC subject matter expert on hand at the exhibition, as this topic drew a lot of interest from delegates, who primarily mechanical engineering biased, had a keen interest the wider aspects of product qualification to EMC test standards.  

Further info: analysis@tracglobal.com or tel Graham Andrews on 01926 478478