Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Spectral Element supercomputing and development. ASME V&V 10 and 20 quality simulations and validations. Don't be fooled by pretty pictures.
Read More3D CAD modeling is not a sketch pad for ideas, it is a highly accurate virtual environment to test fit, alignment, weight, strength, etc. Each part is drawn as it is fabricated.
Read MoreFor example, a flange is not bonded through the entire circumference, only at the bolt pattern.
This is more art than science - keeping quality high with element count (thus solving time) down.
The effect of mesh resolution MUST be taken out of the results. Otherwise all you have is a pretty picture which may have NOTHING to do with reality.
Certifying the results using quantitative data.
Parts are built in CAD as they are built in the fab shop. This "bottom-up" approach ensures the final product can be built with existing manufacturing capabilities. The trailer frame shown here is plasma cut, then bent on our brake press.
If the part cannot be brought in and attached (weld, bolt, etc) in CAD then it cannot be in real life. On the shown chassis, room is left for welding, deformation due to welding, and heat affected zone.
Looping here on the design cycle saves many prototypes. Does it move as desired? Does it hold stress as needed (FEA)? Is it the desired weight? The chassis shown is tested for safety factor of 8.
Since the "heavy lifting" was done in CAD, the assembly of these parts will be like lego. No shop-floor modifications. No "on the fly" measurements. Simply precision. Shown, the full assembly of the ExoVac130.
Custom designed and fabricated pressure vessel for combustion / plasma experiments in Dr. Staack lab. 1500 psi, optical ports, reusable rubber seal.
Package hydraulic systems, custom-designed for customers.
Custom designed trailer for lowering a concrete washout pad and reclaiming / reusing water.
We are developing a new titanium refinement strategy to significantly lower costs.
Along with Dr. Staack at Texas A&M University, we are developing a small fusion reactor (dense plasma focus) for use in subcritical nuclear assemblies.
Along with Dr. Handler at Texas A&M University, we are investigating wakes of underwater objects and their surface thermal signature.