Expertise

Structural Mechanics is the computation of deformations, deflections, and internal stresses within structures as a means to evaluate performance.

Citadel Structural Mechanics uses Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to provide our clients (see the Partners page, Client tab) with answers to product performance questions and insight into product behavior:

• Is it strong enough?
• Is the stress too high?
• Is it rigid or flexible enough?
• How far will this part deflect or move?
• What does the force-deflection curve of this mechanism look like?

FEA can also be used to run do investigational studies like:

• Components of Variation (COV)
• Design of Experiments (DOE)

Linear and nonlinear FEA analysis:
Citadel can address simple linear analyses, but also specializes in more complex nonlinear analysis, with experience in handling the following nonlinearities:

• Large deflection and large strain
• Multi-body Contact including complex frictional behavior
• Advanced material models
• Engineering polymers, elastomers, and biomaterials (including UHMWPE)
• Validation & Correlation
• Additionally, we conduct the following analyses:
  • Fatigue Analysis
  • Harmonic and Modal Analysis

Validation, Calibration & Correlation:
Citadel leverages physical test data whenever possible to ensure simulation results that the client can have confidence in:

• Validation of the analysis model against the physical test ensures correct constraints, loadings, and boundary conditions.

• Calibration of Material Models with material test data ensures that correct properties, including non-linear behaviors, are captured and replicated.
• Correlation of the analysis to equivalent physical test data establishes boundaries on how well the Finite Element Analysis will predict physical test results.

Citadel will partner with certified test labs and your own test facilities to build confidence in the predictive results.