Services

Advanced FEA for Aerospace & Hi-tech

When standard linear analysis isn't sufficient, our team delivers specialist finite element solutions, from localised plasticity and ultimate failure assessment to structural optimisation and crashworthiness. We work across offshore energy, aerospace, and hi-tech industries.

Our engineers combine deep theoretical knowledge with industry-leading software to solve problems that demand more than code-check calculations.

FEA safety factor contour plot, structural connection detail

Specialist Capabilities

Localised Plasticity Analysis

When stresses exceed allowable limits, we perform detailed elasto-plastic FEA to assess local yielding, stress redistribution, and whether the structure can safely tolerate the overload without compromising integrity.

Ultimate Failure Analysis

Assessment of extensive plasticity under global collapse scenarios. We determine the true load-carrying capacity of structures beyond elastic limits, critical for accidental load cases and structural reassessment.

Structural Optimisation

We optimise structural designs to meet specific mass, stress, or frequency criteria, reducing weight while maintaining performance and compliance with design codes.

Crashworthiness Analysis

Collision and energy absorption assessment for aerospace and hi-tech applications. Crashworthiness analysis is the counterpart of ship collision in the offshore world, evaluating how structures deform and absorb energy during impact events.

Time and Frequency Domain Strength & Fatigue

Time and frequency domain strength and fatigue analysis where history from signals or loading statistics are known. We assess structural life under realistic operational loading conditions.

Bolted Connection Analysis

From simplified bolt representations for global models to fully modelled bolted connections for critical applications, including preload, contact, and fatigue assessment of the joint.

Weld Analysis

Detailed assessment of welded joints including hot-spot stress extraction, structural stress methods, and fatigue life prediction in accordance with applicable design codes.

Process Automation

We automate repetitive FEA workflows using Python, from model generation and load application to post-processing and reporting. This reduces computational time and eliminates manual errors in large parametric studies.

Software

We run both major FEA platforms, giving us the flexibility to match the right solver to the problem:

  • ANSYS Mechanical: implicit nonlinear, buckling, optimisation
  • Ansys Discovery / SpaceClaim: geometry preparation and rapid simulation
  • Simcenter (Siemens): advanced multiphysics and structural simulation
  • NASTRAN: industry-standard linear and nonlinear solver
  • Python & Matlab: workflow automation, pre/post-processing, parametric studies

Standards & Codes

Our analyses are performed and validated against internationally recognised standards:

  • DNV-RP-C208: Determination of structural capacity by non-linear FE analysis
  • DNV-RP-C203: Fatigue design of offshore steel structures
  • NORSOK N-004: Design of steel structures
  • Eurocode 3 (EN 1993): Design of steel structures
  • Bureau Veritas (BV): Rules for offshore units
  • API RP 2A: Fixed offshore platforms

Industries We Serve

Our advanced FEA capabilities extend beyond offshore energy into sectors where structural performance is mission-critical.

Offshore Energy

Wind foundations, jackets, topsides, FPSOs: ultimate strength, fatigue, and accidental load assessment.

Aerospace & Hi-Tech

Crashworthiness, lightweight optimisation, and collision analysis for advanced structures.

Civil & Industrial

Complex steel connections, bolted and welded joint assessment, structural reassessment of existing assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What FEA software do you use for advanced analysis?

We run both major FEA platforms: Ansys Mechanical for implicit nonlinear, buckling, and optimisation, and Simcenter NASTRAN for linear and nonlinear solving, with Ansys Discovery, SpaceClaim, Python, and Matlab for geometry and automation.

Do you perform nonlinear and ultimate failure analysis?

Yes. We carry out elasto-plastic FEA for localised plasticity, stress redistribution, and ultimate failure under global collapse scenarios, determining true load-carrying capacity beyond elastic limits for accidental cases and reassessment.

Can you analyse bolted and welded connections?

We assess bolted connections including preload, contact, and joint fatigue, and welded joints using hot-spot stress extraction, structural stress methods, and fatigue life prediction in accordance with the applicable design codes.

Which industries do you serve with advanced FEA?

We deliver advanced FEA across offshore energy, aerospace and hi-tech, and civil and industrial sectors, covering structural optimisation, crashworthiness, and reassessment of existing assets.

What standards do you validate advanced FEA against?

Our analyses are validated against DNV-RP-C208, DNV-RP-C203, NORSOK N-004, Eurocode 3 (EN 1993), Bureau Veritas rules, and API RP 2A, depending on the application and certifying authority.

Need Advanced FEA Support?

Get in touch to discuss your nonlinear analysis, optimisation, or specialist simulation requirements.

Contact Us