Analysis and calculation

It is important to simulate significant design parameters early in the development process to verify functionality and/or to get an early indication of whether your mechanical design has the necessary strength and durability.

In order to provide you with the most efficient simulations, analyses and calculations, we use everything from manually calculated estimates to Finite Element Modelling/Analysis (FEM/FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

By carrying out parallel simulations, analyses and calculations, you get optimised results every time and greater accuracy before manufacturing the prototypes. This is key for your results and your time to market.

During the process, a parallel fatigue calculation shows whether the design can be simplified or further adapted while retaining its strength and function at same time. Thus, a lot of money can be saved on the end product.

For instance, a parallel aeroelastic calculation can indicate whether the performance of a wind turbine rotor has declined and whether the aerodynamic profile needs to be adapted before finalising the design.

Parallel calculations are always worth it!

Examples of analysis and calculation tasks carried out by FRECON:

Modal analysis of a cooling system for trains and calculation of welded and bolted joints
Building of model for thermal storage
Calculations for a wind-turbine foundation and tower
Simulation of performance on wind turbine blades

SIMULATION AND CALCULATION USING COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS (CFD)

We provide thermal dynamic calculations and simulations of air, liquid, and gas flows using CFD. CFD is an incredibly effective method for simulating and optimising flows, air resistance, pressure drop, heat transmission, and chemical reactions. For example, if you want to prevent thermal loss, we ensure the correct flow of liquids or gasses in a pipe or ventilation system, or if you want to maximise the energy generated by a wind turbine blade profile.

CFD can also be used to analyse wind conditions around buildings and in urban areas, or to make thermal calculations of heating and cooling systems or flue and exhaust systems.

FEM/FEA – Finite Element Modelling/Analysis

FEM/FEA is an effective, time-saving, computer-based method for examining and verifying structural strength and durability – from simple structures to highly complex systems. FEM/FEA is used to forecast how a structure will react in different environments, e.g. with vibrations, heat and different loads. The results can then be used to optimise the design and ensure compliance with relevant standards.

Examples of tasks where we use FEM/FEA:

Optimisation of structural weight and strength
Stress and strain analysis, both linear and non-linear
Calculation of welded joints and bolted joints
Calculations of deformations and bending
Stability/buckling examination
Fatigue, stress and extreme calculations
Modal analyses for determining resonant frequencies and modes of vibration
Configuration of realistic load calculations – setting up of aeroelastic calculation models in multibody software

Analysis and calculation tools

At FRECON, we are experienced in using complex software tools for analysis, calculation and simulation. For example, we use ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFoam, Nastran, MathCAD, Matlab and HAWC2. We also use tools that are integrated into Creo, Inventor and SolidWorks, for example.