|
|
|
|
Case Studies, Papers & Promotions
|
|
|
|
| Wilde at WFEL
05 January 2009
Wilde FEA has worked with WFEL Ltd, Stockport for a number of years, with engineer, Greg Roney being on permanent secondment since 1996. Greg is responsible for all technical aspects of the organisations products, including modular bridging, for example the Medium Girder Bridge, Dry Support Bridge and other special products. Other specialists from within the Wilde team are drafted to WFEL, as their business needs dictate.
WFEL were recently invited to design a demountable structure for use during the testing of the Short Take Off variant of the Joint Strike Fighter - F35B. A two man team was employed to work alongside the designers to provide technical support. Needs were met through structural analysis involving extensive finite element modelling, using both static and dynamic techniques. Greg and his colleague, Shakeel Chaudry, produced models and performed analysis to ensure the structures integrity under the worst loading conditions; from both the aircraft and the environment. This design work was initially presented through extensive reporting, subsequently followed by a full design review at the US Naval Airbase where the structure will be located. The review also addressed the proposed manufacturing methodology and a costing exercise, prior to developing a budgetary quote for production of all parts.
WFEL successfully won the bid and were awarded the contract to manufacture the Ski Jump. Greg was heavily involved with the structural testing of all major components, writing of the test specifications, undertaking the tests and report writing. Once all of the components were manufactured and individually tested, the complete structure was erected.
Once built, the structure was loaded in many positions representing snapshot locations along and across the flight deck. The testing successfully demonstrated that the structure is capable of withstanding all loads generated by the aircraft.
The customer (JSF Integrated Test Force) visited from the States to witness first hand the building and testing of their new hardware. Tom Briggs from JSF commented \"We have been very happy with the way the project has been run and all time milestones have been achieved throughout the process\".
The components are due to be delivered by the end of February 2009, ready for erection by a US contractor later in the year, where Greg will probably represent WFEL on site to provide technical support during the build process.
The first scheduled flight from the Ski Jump is expected towards the end of 2010.
Should you wish to learn more about the Ski Jump, or of the work of Wilde FEA Ltd or WFEL Ltd please do not hesitate to give Greg Roney a call on 0161 474 7479.
Previous Case Study
| |
|
