Structural analyses in support of sustaining engineering activities for Canadarm2 and ISS

Performed strength and fatigue analyses for various telecommunications towers through the use of finite element analyses. Also performed detailed FE and structural analyses on RRU Bracket assemblies for certification, as well as an upcoming aircraft monument.

Performed stress engineering activities in support of the development of a nose landing gear for a new United States Air Force aircraft (Boeing T-7). Stress engineering activities included classical limit/ultimate static analyses and strain-life fatigue analyses in support of drawing release and product certification. More detailed analyses also included the use of finite elements through Abaqus/CAE. These FE models ranged from common static loading analyses, to more detailed dynamic impact analyses.

Provided stress engineering support for sustaining engineering activities, specializing in detailed Finite Element modelling and fatigue analyses. Other stress support activities included performing static strength analyses, and general classical fatigue analyses both for sustaining engineering activities and for new programs.Also provided project role support for sustaining programs. This project role included coordinating with suppliers, customers, and internally at SPPCA on Change Requests and Production Incorporation Points, as well as maintaining project schedules and supervising stress activities. Also lead various projects in this role, such as the qualification testing of new components and product improvement activities.Was also involved in the development of methods and procedures for structural analyses of landing gears, and involved in the creation of software in VB.Net in conjunction with these methods. This included load superposition software, lug software, fatigue software (including a finite element fatigue software), and other general stress analysis software. These software are used on a daily basis in stress engineering at SPPCA.Also participated in bid proposals for new programs, including preliminary structural sizing, and the application of Finite Element modelling for weight and structural optimization. Sizing of preliminary components during PDR and CDR was also completed in support of a new program in development at SPPCA.

Developed a strain-life fatigue methodology for landing gear components that was based on a traditional strain-life approach. Research into more advanced methodologies focused mainly on investigations into cyclic stabilization of metals and residual stress effects on notched sections. This methodology was converted into VB.Net software, which was capable of performing fatigue analyses and predicting the fatigue life of components. This software was used both in sustaining engineering activities at SPPCA, in addition to new development landing gear programs.Preliminary material testing was performed at Ryerson University. Preliminary testing involved developing the capabilities of the test facility to perform strain-control fatigue tests. This mainly included tuning the PID controllers to levels capable of performing the required tests. Some first article inspections were also completed at Ryerson University, and included microstructural analyses and full-range monotonic testing. Other first article inspections were completed outside of the university, and included x-ray diffraction tests to measure surface stress in the first articles.

Analyzed amount of noise generated by landing gears using ANSYS Fluent. Created a benchmark landing gear acoustics model and decreased sound level of benchmark model through subsequent CFD analyses.

Stress engineering support for discrepant in-service and production parts (MRB), as well as support during Aircraft-On-Ground situations. Landing gears serviced included those found on A380-800, CRJ700/900, Fokker 70/100, and DHC-8-Q400.Also completed various support tasks on Goodrich landing gear programs including AW139, CRJ700/900, DHC-8-Q400, and G650. Provided further stress engineering support during life limit escalation activities on life limited parts. Life limit studies included in-depth fatigue analyses and Finite Element modelling.Types of analyses completed during work term included strength, internal loads, fatigue, and Finite Element analyses.

Refinement of fatigue analyses on lugs undergoing multi-angular loads. Included the use of VBA programming and Finite Element analysis.Developed automated optimization procedures for common design features found on landing gear components.

Developed beam and tubular cross section analyses, and completed beam and tube weight optimization studies for landing gear components. Research was eventually used by the company to help win a contract with an OEM.