Engineering Solutions Group

Overview | Air Systems | Blast Engineering and Explosion Migitation | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Custom Software | Finite Element Analysis | Noise and Vibration | Reverse Engineering | Simulated Environment and Accelerated Weathering

A Modern Approach to Design

Southern Research has assembled an impressive team of engineers and technicians with knowledge and experience in a wide variety of areas, backed by the comprehensive resources of the Institute. The Engineering Solutions Group provides advanced engineering analysis and problem-solving skills in structural design, blast analysis, noise and vibration control, fluid flow, heat flow and transfer, and many other areas. Our mission is to partner with engineers in the government, defense, aerospace, construction, industrial, power generation and engineering consulting arenas in order to arm them with a better understanding of the factors that affect their designs and the knowledge of the impact of design changes on finished products, so that they can make fully-informed decisions.

Classical Analysis

Historically, classical methods have been the first approach in the design process. They produce guidelines and boundaries for a proposed design and forecast usable materials and approximate costs.

Computer Modeling - Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Computer modeling extends the design process, often revealing problems that are not obvious to the classical designer. It is also useful in the “reverse engineering” process to eliminate problems revealed in the application of a design to a particular loading or situation. Once a numeric model is developed, it can be correlated with field results. Often a correlated model can be used to develop and test a solution, thus avoiding multiple attempts at physical modeling of a design or device.

 

Field Data Collection and Analysis

Acquisition of field data is invaluable to real world problem solving. When performed by qualified individuals, it often provides results that can reduce the scope of analysis and modeling. Field data collection is also useful to correlate numeric analysis with actual product or process data.

Experimental Development

In cases that require high reliability, it may be desirable to develop and test a model. When existing equipment is being analyzed, the device becomes the model and the test results are considered an in situ evaluation. Model testing provides a high degree of confidence in the proposed solution. When possible, modifications can be made to an existing device to fully qualify the solution. Post-correlation to any numeric analysis will increase understanding and confidence in the conclusions reached during the process. Finally, computer software can be developed to allow the results to be extended for similar applications.