Finite Element Analysis

At Optimus we carry out linear and non-linear finite element analyses as both static and dynamic solutions. Alongside our extensive experience of carrying out finite element analyses for clients, we have a broad base of experience of both structural engineering, kinematics and machine design, contact interactions, tribology and materials science. Choosing the most appropriate and effective method of analysing a client’s design issue and providing an effective solution requires a depth of experience beyond modelling itself and this is one of our key strengths at Optimus.

Using our extensive FEA experience together with broad analytical and real-world engineering experience, we can offer analysis and insight in areas such as:

  • Virtual prototyping and design optimisation: Parametric design studies with rapid turnaround to develop and de-bug existing designs and new concepts.
  • Failure investigations: Ductile failure, Fatigue and fracture mechanics.
  • Insight into design behaviour where instrumentation is difficult, expensive or not an option

We use a number of proprietary FEA codes, including Abaqus, STAAD, Sesam and other codes from DNV. Our capabilities with Abaqus include:

  • Static analysis
  • Dynamic and transient analysis, including shock and impact
  • Highly non-linear events, such as crash/impact where extreme deformation occurs
  • Vibration and natural frequency analysis
  • Thermal analysis
  • Complex material modelling, including non-linear material behaviour (plasticity), hyperelasticity, and material failure
  • Contact – multicomponent assemblies with contact between parts can be modelled with or without friction
  • Fluid structure interactions e.g. sudden impact, dam wall breakage, tank sloshing
  • Detailed fatigue life analysis of whole structures. Both Low and High Cycle
  • Fracture mechanics

Supported Services

  • Structural

    FEA is used at Optimus to support the structural department when detailed analysis is needed, either to confirm a complex design or to provide a less conservative calculation of structural capacity. Being able to better simulate the real world environment, either via non-linear material response, contact modelling or by looking at dynamic behaviour, means that more efficient design solutions can be obtained. Typical structural analyses have included blast loading of accommodation modules, caisson repair and fatigue analysis, component optimisation, static loading of lifting structures involving complex contact conditions, to name but a few.

  • Piping

    Finite Element Analysis can be used for Fit For Service assessments in line with API/ASME Standard API 579/ASME FFS-1 methodology, taking into account thermo-mechanical loading and including the effect of corrosion and defects.

    Working closely with piping engineers, our analysts can evaluate the integrity and remaining life of a wide range of components, including pressure vessels, reactors, storage tanks, piping systems and pipelines. Providing design solutions to any problems, whether repair or replace, is what Optimus can provide.

  • Process

    Optimus have capabilities in fluid-structure interactions which allows the effect of fluid sloshing on baffles and tank walls to be assessed. We can also account for thermal loading in any structural analysis, whether transient/dynamic or static. Our Fatigue analysis tools can look at the effect of cyclic loading on the life of a range of scenarios encountered in Process engineering.

  • Mechanical

    Our analysts have the tools to look at a range of engineering failure scenarios, whether driven by vibration or cyclic loads or by static overloading. Complex systems of components with contact can be modelled for fault finding. Failure investigation and providing design solutions to these sorts of problems is where we can help.

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