Stiffness & strength analysis

Verifying that a structure carries its loads without excessive deformation or failure.

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ISO 9001 EN 9100 ISO 27001 TISAX Level 3
BorgWarner Brose SGS Flex Hyundai Claas Knorr-Bremse Bosch

The aim and outcome of a stiffness and strength analysis

The aim of a stiffness and strength analysis is to evaluate whether a structure or component can withstand the applied loads without excessive deformation (stiffness) or failure (strength). It helps engineers verify that the design meets performance, safety, and durability requirements.

The outcome of a stiffness and strength analysis is a detailed assessment of stresses, strains, displacements, safety factors, and critical load conditions. These results identify potential weak points and support design optimization to ensure structural integrity and reliable operation.

Stress distribution result on a structural component

Analysis types we run

Linear static analysis

  • stresses, strains and displacements under static loads, assuming linear material behavior and small deformations
  • commonly used for initial strength and stiffness assessments

Nonlinear structural analysis

  • material nonlinearity, large deformations and contact effects
  • used when linear assumptions are not valid

Buckling analysis

  • susceptibility of structures to instability under compressive loads
  • critical buckling load and safety margin

Fatigue analysis

  • effect of cyclic loading on structural durability
  • component life prediction and potential fatigue failure locations

Modal analysis

  • natural frequencies and mode shapes of a structure
  • helps avoid resonance and vibration-related issues

Dynamic analysis

  • structural response to time-varying loads such as impacts, vibrations or accelerations
  • includes transient, harmonic and random vibration analyses

Thermomechanical analysis

  • stresses and deformations caused by thermal loads and temperature gradients
  • often combined with mechanical loading conditions

Stress analysis

  • stress distribution throughout a component or structure
  • verifies that stresses remain below allowable limits

Deflection (stiffness) analysis

  • displacements and deformations under load
  • ensures that excessive deflection does not impair functionality
Case study
Stiffness & strength · Automotive

Manufacturing tolerances for a camshaft phaser system

The deformation behaviour of a camshaft phaser system including the rotor and stator is crucial in terms of efficiency. The manufacturing tolerances must be very accurate: the gap between rotor and stator surfaces should be big enough to avoid tension, but small enough to minimize oil leakage. We analysed the deformations of the parts under different operational loading conditions and developed a method to evaluate the smallest enclosing circle of the deformed rotor and the largest inscribed circle of the deformed stator. It helped the design engineers to define the manufacturing tolerances.

What are the steps in a typical project?

1

Schedule a discovery call and together we decide what is needed to achieve your design objectives.

2

Receive a proposal within 3 days. For a one-time project, a 2–4 week service package meets most clients' needs.

3

When all input data specified in the proposal is given, a kick-off call gets the project started.

4

We issue a project status report document outlining background, modeling details, boundary conditions to ensure common understanding of the details.

5

We work collaboratively and quickly to meet objectives, maintaining focus on how design variants will be impacted based on simulation results.

6

The project report is updated with simulation results and design suggestions, and meetings are used to discuss conclusions and define next steps.

7

Achieve greatness.

Stiffness & strength in action

Turbocharger housings

  • thermomechanical analysis of turbine housing and bearing housing of a turbocharger

Turbocharger vibrations

  • harmonic response analysis of a turbocharger assembly

Camshaft phaser

  • mechanical and thermomechanical analysis of a camshaft phaser system

Thermostat leakage

  • mechanical analysis of the sealings of an automotive thermostat with mounting loads and internal pressure

Ignition coil temperature distribution

  • thermal-electric analysis of an automotive ignition coil

Designing aluminium castings

  • topology optimization, mechanical analysis and fatigue evaluation of alu castings
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