Safe Technology Ltd release new version of fe-safe

Citation

(2003), "Safe Technology Ltd release new version of fe-safe", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 50 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2003.12850dab.003

Safe Technology Ltd release new version of fe-safe

Safe Technology Ltd release new version of fe-safe

Keywords: Software, Fatigue, Analysis

Safe Technology Ltd released fe-safe v5 in February 2003. This latest version of the suite of fatigue analysis software for finite element models offers a 15-fold increase in speed of analysis as well as incorporating extended capabilities, new optional modules, and unique state-of-the-art features.

High temperature, time-dependent fatigue phenomena can now be modelled in fe-safe v5 using the new thermo-mechanical creep fatigue module, fe-safe/TMF. This incorporates a number of effects including stress relaxation, strain ageing, cycle strain rate and variation in damage due to out of phase stress and temperature cycles. fe-safe/TMF is ideal for the analysis of components in a sustained high-temperature environment and complements the unique high-temperature fatigue analysis capability already developed in fe-safe.

A new optional module for the specialist user is fe-safe/rotate. Fatigue analysis of cyclically symmetrical parts from a single FEA result can be obtained quickly and easily using fe-safe/rotate by taking advantage of their axial symmetry, ideal for the quick analysis of components such as wheels, bearings and clutches.

fe-safe v5 has also been developed with a further emphasis on its ease-of-use and practical assistance for the non-specialist engineer. A new feature is the fe-safe Wizard, an alternative user interface that may be selected to provide a step-by-step guide through the software. The wizard will automatically select the most appropriate analysis method based on the selected material and will estimate material properties if test data is not available.

The new version of fe-safe will also incorporate Safe Technology's powerful signal processing software, safe4fatigue, as a no-cost addition. The safe4fatigue functionality includes graphics display, signal preparation, digital filters, amplitude, and frequency domain analysis and fatigue analysis from strain gauges and other measured load data.

New modules available in fe-safe v5 are given below.

fe-safe/rotate – easy analysis of cyclically symmetrical parts, ideal for speedy, and accurate analysis of components such as wheels, bearings, and clutches (Plate 1).

Plate 1 The results of high-temperature fatigue analysis of a piston using fe-safe(TM). The premature failure of the prototype was accurately predicted by the software

fe-safe/TMF – analysis of components in a sustained high-temperature environment (Plate 2).

Plate 2 Fatigue life contours for a suspension component using fe-safe(TM)

The unique analysis capabilities now standard in fe-safe are as follows:

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  complex loading conditions and advanced multiaxial capabilities;

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  cast iron;

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  welded structures;

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  high-temperature and creep fatigue;

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  comprehensive signal processing (safe4fatigue).

fe-safe is used worldwide by over 100 companies including Caterpillar, Land Rover, Perkins Engines, SKF, Rolls Royce, LuK, Dana Corporation, MAN, Federal Mogul, Joy Mining Machinery, AVL, GKN, Cummins and International Truck, and Engine Co. fe-safe is also available from Abaqus, Inc. worldwide offices.

For further information please contact: E-mail: wendy.kenny@safetechnology.com; Web site: www.safetechnology.com