MIRA, a leading automotive design, development and certification consultancy, has launched a new service that can accurately measure the development of microscopic cracks in materials, a service which could ultimately lead to longer-lasting car design.
Having a more accurate measurement of crack potential allows design engineers to model new parts using FEA (Fine Element Analysis) codes which incorporate crack potential. Not only could it lead to longer-lasting parts, but it should also lead to more accurate predictions on the lifespan of a piece of equipment.
Commenting on the development, David Ensor, MIRA’s Senior Durability Consultant, explained: “These essential fracture mechanics material properties provide one of the most difficult-to-obtain inputs for fatigue engineers. We can now predict the total life of vehicle systems and components. MIRA’s overall integrated durability engineering strategy combines road-load-data measurements taken from either the virtual2 or real proving ground or the public road, with the design geometry and these complete material properties (fracture & crack initiation) to provide design level total life …rather than waiting for the completion of lengthy proving tests.”
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Date Published: February 04, 2008
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