Structural Analysis and Finite Element Analysis for Well-Founded Engineering Decisions
Advanced structural analysis and finite element analysis (FEA) make it possible to understand how components, assemblies and technical systems behave under real loads. UNIKE helps industry, research institutions and universities identify weaknesses at an early stage, compare design alternatives and support development decisions with reliable technical evidence.
From linear FEA and nonlinear structural analysis to durability, thermomechanical coupling and optimisation, we provide a foundation for safe products, fewer physical prototypes and more efficient development processes. Our structural analysis does not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. We tailor the simulation model to your specific engineering question.
UNIKE can support you with structural analysis and FEA when you need to:
- Verify the strength of a component or assembly
- Understand deformations, stresses or critical load paths
- Make a design lighter, stiffer or more robust
- Assess thermal effects on a structure
- Reduce the number of physical prototypes
- Establish a sound basis for development, design approval or optimisation
Linear Structural Analysis
Once the boundary conditions have been defined, we calculate the stresses and deformations in a component or assembly using linear assumptions for material behaviour and deformation.
This includes the following disciplines:
- Static analysis
- Buckling analysis
- Steady-state thermal analysis
- Thermomechanical analysis
Modal analysis, including:
- Normal modes
- Differential stiffness
- Frequency response (linear dynamics)
FEA results: local stress distribution around ribs and holes.
FEA results: equivalent stresses in aircraft landing gear during landing and braking.
Illustration of structural analysis applications in aerospace.
Nonlinear FEA of a rubber sleeve: strain distribution under large deformation.
Explicit fan blade-out simulation showing equivalent stresses.
Nonlinear Analysis
Linear and nonlinear dynamic structural analysis in the time domain:
- Real eigenfrequency analysis
- Harmonic analysis and damping
- Response spectrum analysis
Coupled thermomechanical structural analysis:
- Thermal stress and strain analysis
- Temperature-dependent elastic material behaviour
- Temperature-dependent plasticity
Nonlinear structural analysis:
- Nonlinear elastic material behaviour at small and large strains
- Elastoplastic material behaviour at small and large strains for isotropic, orthotropic and anisotropic materials
- Hyperelastic material behaviour (elastomers), creep, viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity
Contact analysis in 2D and 3D:
- Deformable-to-deformable contact (discrete and analytical)
- Rigid-to-deformable contact
- Contact between multiple bodies (2D and 3D surface contact)
Durability and Fatigue Analysis
- Prediction of component service life
- Analysis of crack initiation and propagation
- Strength verification in accordance with FKM, EC and DIN EN 13001
We use CAE Fatigue for these analyses.
Durability analysis of a rotary mower: dynamic stresses in a flexible-body Adams model.
Thermal simulation: temperature distribution due to induction and resistive heating.
Steady-state temperature distribution around a control unit under natural convection.
Thermal Analysis
Analysis of:
- Thermal equilibration effects
- Transient heat transfer
- Convection
Thermal analysis and coupled thermomechanical structural analysis:
- Linear and nonlinear temperature field analysis
- Thermal stress and strain analysis
- Temperature-dependent elastic material behaviour
- Temperature-dependent plasticity
Shape Optimisation
- Topology optimisation for cast and machined parts
- Topography optimisation to improve the stiffness of sheet metal parts
- Topometry optimisation and sizing to reduce weight while taking manufacturing requirements into account
- Optimisation of additively manufactured products in both plastics and metals. We optimise the product and the manufacturing process, including the best orientation in the machine to minimise support structures and distortion.