🛰 Jeff Strain Email and Phone Number

I perform structural (stress, vibration, impact, fatigue, and optical distortion) analyses on electrical and optomechanical systems used in the aerospace and defense industry.I use the following tools in the course of my work: FEMAP for finite element model pre- and post-processing, Simcenter Nastran for static, modal, transient dynamic, and frequency response finite element solutions, Structural Analysis Tool Kit (SATK) from Maya HTT for random vibration analysis, VA One from ESI for acoustics impingement modeling, and Sigfit for optical distortion analysis.My contributions to the team include writing a manual on how to perform acoustics impingement analysis using VA One and co-writing a manual outlining electronics box structural analysis methods.

Engineering Simulation Consulting and Training Services: Empowering you to successfully implement simulation-driven design throughout your global engineering and design organization.

While at Autodesk I helped potential customers understand the value proposition of physics-based simulation by helping them understand the cost savings of up-front simulation vs "build and break." I also frequently communicated more complex technical features of the Autodesk simulation tool set and helped prospective customer figure out the best approaches to their problems. I pride myself in having technically closed over 90% of my presales demos.I specialized in structural finite element analysis (FEA) but also provided in-depth support of CFD via presales, quick-start courses, and full training courses. I also helped customers understand the necessity of as-manufactured modeling of fiber-reinforced injection molded parts using Helius PFA to accurately account for fiber orientations, weld surfaces, and post-failure behavior.

Among other things, PADT is an ANSYS channel partner covering Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and southern California. While at PADT I supported ANSYS in a variety of roles, including training, tech support, and sales support. I covered the full extent of ANSYS structural capabilities including more advanced areas such as nonlinearities and structural dynamics. I also familiarized myself with the CFD tools and electromagnetics modeling capabilities.At PADT, I also proposed and closed on a number of enhanced support and training sales efforts. My success was due to my ability to demonstrate the value of these proposals as well as our team's reputation for quality support and training.PADT also provides additive manufacturing (3D printing) services and sells additive manufacturing machines. As an ambassador to a smaller mechanical engineering firm I became conversant in various additive manufacturing technologies such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), PolyJet, stereolithography, selective laser sintering (SLS), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), and electron beam melting (EBM).

At Orbital Sciences, I performed static stress analyses on rocket modules based on launch loads. For this, I used MSC.Patran and MSC.Nastran. In addition to module stresses, I also calculated fastener stresses such as rivet shear, bolt tension, and bolt shear. Module analyses included fiber composite modeling, accounting for ply pickups and drop offs around doors and other features.While at Orbital, I was always eager to share knowledge and information with my colleagues. For example, I delivered a lunch and learn on the value of simulation to an audience consisting of employees outside the analysis group. I also shared modeling techniques and methodologies with engineers in my group via mentoring and group meeting presentations. I was also on the team that evaluated FEMAP as a potential pre- and postpressor tool for our group.

Cerprobe was a manufacturer of semiconductor probe cards, used to verify conductivity through chips and wafers. Here I performed displacement and thermal studies on these test cards using hand calculations and Solidworks Simulation finite element modeler.

At AlliedSignal, I performed stress and vibration analyses on aerospace components, particularly valves. For this I used closed form calculations along with ANSYS. I also participated in the new hire rotation program, working in areas such as product management, manufacturing, and the test lab.

At Northwest I worked in the Airframe Maintenance and Engineering group at the DC-9 maintenance facility in Atlanta. My work functions consisted mainly of creating engineering documents and drawings to implement airframe inspection, repair, and modification procedures.My most memorable project consisted of performing validation on new DC-9 tail cone emergency exit handle design as part of corrective action following a fatal runway collision, where the original tail cone exit handle broke when the passenger pulled it incorrectly.