Engineering Mechanics (Including Finite Element Analysis and Fatigue Analysis)
Analytical Mechanics (incl. Finite Element Analysis and CAD)
Stress analysis can involve both “hand” calculations, for simple structures and modes of load application and Finite Element Analysis, for more complex situations. The use of FEA can often minimize the physical testing required for successful products.
RTS uses 3-Dimensional SolidWorks to create CAD drawings and then COSMOS-FEA to analyze structures, and to solve complex linear or non-linear stress, loading, thermal or deformation problems. Prior projects included design of rock crushers, electric generation turbine blades, flexible shaft couplings, pressure vessels.
Experimental Stress Analytics
High-speed data acquisition, using standard strain gage applications or specialty transducers, is used to measure loads, stresses, speeds, pressures, noise and vibration. Telemetry and field computer systems are mounted directly to moving or rotating machinery to dynamically measure transducer output.
Testing can be designed to correlate laboratory and field measurements. Vibration data are taken using accelerometers or modal hammer and a field computer, and subsequently converted to useable data. The use of VRC field data simulation software permits simulating field conditions in the laboratory on servo-hydraulic or electromechanical test stations.
Fatigue Analysis
ASTM, SAE, MIL-STD and industry-specific testing of a wide range of products and components including: Industrial bearings, pumps, shafts, axles, panels, frame structures, crankshafts, connecting rods, bearings, seals, door locks, hydraulic cylinders, etc.
Testing modes include axial, torsional, bending, radial, oscillatory or full rotation, and with feedback controls. Analysis can include calculation of predicted fatigue lives following experimental determinations.
Equipment Capabilities include: Load frames, servo-hydraulic actuators and controls from 1,000 lbs to 150,000 lbs, four open architecture test beds, environmental chambers, vibration and shock, and computer controlled complex loadings.
Modeling & Analysis
Dynamics, impact, structures, systems, thermal and other modeling can highlight problems, optimize configurations or suggest new design directions. RTS uses both analytical and numerical methods to explain observations and predict future performances.
Metallic Materials Engineering Capability
Materials issues often dominate product development efforts and can make the difference between commercial success or failure. RTS determines material composition, macro and microstructure, hardness distribution, mechanical properties, resistance to corrosion, salt, humidity, environmental exposure and abrasives. This information can be used to infer prior processing, weld quality, coating stability, etc.
- Microstructural examination of metals with particular focus on heat treatment analysis of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys.
- Mechanical and material property determination including: Fatigue and fracture testing, ultimate, yield and flexural strength, impact strength and corrosion resistance of components.
- Material performance in controlled environments including temperature extremes, humidity, salt spray immersion, abrasion and corrosion.
- Macro and microhardness evaluation using Rockwell, Brinell, Knoop and Vickers Diamond Pyramid scales.
- Portable Hardness testing.
- Weld quality evaluation and testing.
- Hardfacing and coating evaluation.
- Boiler tube analysis.
- Chemical analysis including spectrographic analysis of steels, polymer, characterization and analysis of contaminants and debris.