automotive civil engineering glass aerospace marine photovoltaics
experimental stress testing for industry
experimental stress testing for industry... VisEng is an engineering consultancy specialising in the development and implementation of rapid experimental testing techniques. Formed in 2000, VisEng is built on extensive expertise and experience drawn from knowledge gained over 30 years working with the automotive, aerospace and marine industries. VisEng specialises in using innovative rapid experimental testing techniques in all sectors of manufacturing engineering and, its expertise in Photoelastic Stress Analysis (PSA) is particularly relevant for a multitude of glass quality, inspection and installation applications. New and innovative rapid prototyping technologies have also been developed in conjunction with the University of Warwick which have further enhanced our capabilities. Using rapid experimental techniques such as modern automated photoelastic stress analysis, customers can save considerable time and money on product development cycles by ensuring early validation of designs.
suppliers of specialist experimental analysis equipment
Customer Confidence Saving Time Eliminate Complex Design Saving Money Eliminate Serious Problems
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wind turbines are perhaps the most dramatic example of failure due to a lack of testing on realistic loadings.
design failure
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key to case studies
VisEng are also European distributors for Stress Photonics experimental analysis equipment, which is used extensively for stress analysis and glass quality control purposes. Latest developments on this front are with Near Infra-Red Photoelasticity which allows the quality inspection of silicon wafers and photovoltaic cells. We also provide specialist products and solutions for all aspects of experimental analysis techniques from simple inspection boroscopes to strain viewers and thermal imaging equipment. skipping quality checks and relying too much on computer simulations to assure quality might be a factor in the rise in quality problems and recalls. We are determined to build more physical prototypes in the future to quell recalls and quality glitches
case study fatigue analysis of suspension tower Use of dynamic PSA to determine stress distribution and set up a simple fatigue rig for durability tests.
conclusion Considerable time and cost savings due to identifying the problem area and building a single actuator rig to investigate design modifications instead of running the expensive four poster rig.
£ case study load path validation for cross beam
conclusion Fast response time to correct load path, saving time, money, and also uneccessary running of test rigs.
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The initial load path was creating maximum stress away from the notch-the use of “Dynamic “real time” PSA was used to validate fatigue prediction software to correct the test rig load path and maximise the stress concentration.
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Toyota President,Katsuaki Watanabe
consultancy
design failure
VisEng offers a range of consultancy services using the latest experimental analysis techniques for both structural analysis and quality assessment. Due to the range of activities undertaken and contacts made over the years a full array of experimental and even analytical projects can be undertaken, from strain gauging to vibration testing, deflection measurements and pressure testing as well as Finite Element Analysis solutions. Contact us to discuss the best solution for your problem.
the Millennium Bridge design failed to take into account the resonance generated by pedestrians crossing - resulting in swaying and major expensive modifications. More detailed analysis would have avoided this.
structural testing VisEng has available the very latest full field experimental stress analysis techniques to solve your structural integrity problems. With a vast experience in photoelastic stress analysis, VisEng can quickly apply specialist removable coatings to your components or structures and give you a full field load path and stress concentration map under a full range of loading conditions. Typical photoelastic coating exercises only take from 2 to 3 days and provide a wealth of real, useable stress data. This technique gives you actual values and not predictions! Most of our work comes from problems associated with failure to carry out early correlation with FEA predictions, so why not be one step ahead and carry out some rapid experimental analysis techniques prior to finalising your designs? Some of our work is equally effective on Rapid Prototype models so even if you haven’t got to the production prototype stage of design we can still help. Early validation of a design can make dramatic savings compared with changing the design late on in the development programme, so let VisEng help you keep your competitive edge.
case study sluice gate design validation Construction of static test rig and use of PSA to validate various designs of stiffening ribs to optimise material and manufacturing costs.
conclusion Simplified test rig allowed quick correlation with FEA, and by validating the first two designs gave enough confidence to avoid further experimental work.
£ case study one-man windscreen remover
Typical jobs undertaken:
VisEng analysed the stress patterns around the sucker with and without vacuum applied, and measured the bending stresses on the side screen.
● Vehicle chassis, subframe and body structural analysis ● Stress measurement on composites ● Assembly stress problems
glass quality inspection key to case studies Customer Confidence Saving Time
These techniques can work equally well on polymers or acrylics and we do work for OEMs and/or end users.
Eliminate Complex Design Saving Money Eliminate Serious Problems
VisEng has a long-standing track record in solving glass quality problems. Thanks to the latest experimental analysis techniques a full range of glass problems can be investigated. So whether it’s an architectural, automotive or even aerospace glazing problem, VisEng has the ability to provide the solution.
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Typical jobs undertaken:
conclusion Analysis used to boost customer confidence, validate the product and support the company’s H&S policy.
£ glass residual stress measurements
● Automotive windscreen, sidescreen and sunroof problems ● Building glass toughening issues ● Plastic moulding problems ● Optical distortion problems
different types of stress analysis
laminated windscreens edge stresses, forming and installation stresses
VisEng has the following equipment at your disposal: ● Full field GFP1200 automated polariscope ● Full field GFP200 dynamic polariscope ● EdgeMaster glass edge stress measurement instrument ● Strain gauging and date collection facilities
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toughened glass problem areas
experimental stress analysis procedures... photoelastic stress analysis
case study metro train window installation
Use of Stress Photonics Inc. modern automated Grey Field Polariscopes means even non-transparent materials or structures can be quickly coated with a special thin photoelastic material, to give full field stress distributions during loading and/or assembly, and in some cases even residual stresses can be obtained.
dynamic photoelastic stress analysis Especially useful for investigating full field stress distributions on components or structures subjected to dynamic testing up to 15 frames/sec. “Stress movies” can be made which enable a greater understanding of load path and fatigue predictions during dynamic loading.
conclusion
Use of PSA to optimise window frame design to reduce bending on glass and correlate with frame design FEA.
PSA showed up significant stresses on the glass due to frame designs as well as quality and dimension issues with the glass. By carrying out this analysis, modifications to the frame and glass manufacturing process resulted in a robust stress free design.
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photoelastic coating can typically be used on...
Welded chassis frames
Spot welds
key to case studies Customer Confidence
sat nav ref:CV31 1HP
22 New Street
Saving Time Eliminate Complex Design Saving Money Eliminate Serious Problems
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Plastic mouldings
Automotive windscreens
Stress Photonics glass inspection tools ● GFP 1400 - for lab based and static analysis ● GFP 2400 - for on-line glass testing ● EdgeMaster - both handheld and on-line for windscreen edge stress analysis and inspection ● Lam Master - for coupon testing of through thickness stress distribution in float glass
experimental stress testing for industry
VisEng Limited 22 New Street Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV31 1HP United Kingdom T: +44(0)7773 800769 E: info@viseng.com
www.viseng.com