Fulcrum’s analysis team focuses on developing lightweight yet robust solutions for the modern warfighter. Fulcrum’s team uses the latest Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to quickly iterate and optimize solutions. Backing up the software is a deep understanding of the fundamentals of structural design and analysis, allowing for a broader and more effective solution set. The analysis team uses a combination of static linear/non-linear analysis, crack growth simulation, and a whole suite of dynamic analyses to fully federate systems and system modifications on any platform. The team has successfully completed many full AWR and STC approvals including weapons systems, internal and external aircraft modifications, and pressure bulkhead modifications. The Fulcrum analysis team’s scope and depth of analysis has shown to produce the lightest solutions while maintaining full usability and robustness on the battlefield.
Free-body-diagrams and hand calculations are employed as the basis for all structural designs. Starting with the fundamentals allow for Fulcrum’s engineers to create an efficient solution which meets all program requirements.
FEMAP+NASTRAN
Fulcrum employs world class stress analysts which are efficient in multiple suites of FEA solvers.
FEMAP+NASTRAN allows the analysts to solve statically indeterminate structures using the following NASTRAN solutions:
Linear static
Eigenvalue buckling/stability
Normal Modes
Frequency/Transient Response
Nonlinear static (material and geometric nonlinear)
Multistep nonlinear static and dynamics
NASTRAN superelement capabilities allows FEA models to be incorporated with attachment structure to better predict the interaction with existing structure. Fulcrum analysts have experience incorporating OEM airframe FEA models into new designs.
Detailed Composite Analysis
Fulcrum analysts have extensive experience in detailed analysis of composite laminate and sandwich panel structures. Classical laminate theory and FEA detailed failure criteria is used to efficiently design composite structures to meet all program requirements.
Dynamic Response
Structural Dynamics Analysis
Structural dynamics analysis allows for predictions of dynamic response of structure when attached to airframe.
Rotorcraft structure typically experiences high vibration levels so accurately predicting the dynamic response of the structure is critical in determining the fatigue life and performance.
Using NASTRAN normal modes and forced response analysis, Fulcrum is able to determine detailed mode shape and frequency predictions, as well as iterate through various store mass configurations to predict test results and identify critical store configurations.
Fulcrum has extensive experience in structural dynamics and has a proven track record of accurately predicting structural response within 5%.
MIL-STD-810 Vibration Analysis
Fulcrum has extensive experience in simulating MIL-STD-810 vibration analysis to predict sine-on-random test results. The analysis predicts fatigue and crack growth behavior of potential structural flaws.
Safe Separation/Jettison Analysis
Transient Analysis
Gunfire and munition launch loads analysis informs fatigue analysis of structures. Fulcrum is able to predict structural response within 5%.
Aerodynamic Force Mapping
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Fulcrum analysts utilize in-house CFD results to determine and analyze structure for aerodynamic loads using a large variety of flight conditions. Pressure loads can be incorporated into multi-load analysis to include gun fire + dive maneuvers.
Fatigue and Damage Tolerance
AFGROW Damage Tolerance Software
AFGROW damage tolerance suite is used to determine crack initiation, crack growth and fracture. Flight/load spectrums are developed in-house to determine crack growth cycles in structure. Accurate predictions allow for the analysts to develop inspection intervals and ensure all of Fulcrum’s designs are damage tolerant when delivered to the customer.
