3D Design

We carry out our 3D design work in CATIA V5, on parts, assemblies and tooling for the aeronautics and space industry. In fact, we build every model with the next step in mind: meshing, analysis and then production.

3D design that holds up in analysis

An aerospace 3D model is not a picture to look at. In fact, engineers use it to build the mesh, extract thicknesses and sections, and also check installation clearances. For this reason, we work with clean surfaces, readable parameters and a tree that matches the client’s own standards.

When the person modelling also knows how analysts will use the model, they idealise the geometry the right way. As a result, we remove details that do not change the structural response and, instead, keep fillets, holes and thickness changes where stresses concentrate.

What we design

• Structural components for helicopter interiors, such as crashworthy seats
• Brackets, fittings and reinforcements for midlife updates
• Manufacturing and assembly tooling
• Test rigs and fixtures for static and dynamic tests
• Drawings and production documentation

From model to analysis, without conversions

Working in the same environment from 3D to analysis cuts format conversions and, therefore, the errors that badly imported geometry brings. For example, on the crashworthy helicopter seat project the same team handled 3D design, FE model, sizing and test planning.

After 3D design the model moves on to structural verification and numerical simulation. The full case, instead, is on the crashworthy seats project page.