Rugged Structural Analysis to Military Specifications in Ruggedized COTS
In today’s military and aerospace systems, high-performance structural and ruggedization capabilities for electronic systems are more prominent than ever. Curtiss-Wright has solutions available which include but is not limited to air-cooled, conduction-cooled, or liquid-cooled applications with either rack-mounted or ATR enclosures. In applications ranging from military ground vehicles to surface ships, submarines, helicopters, propellers, and jet aircraft, Curtiss-Wright is the vendor of choice for rugged military specification and ruggedized COTS applications.
Design Considerations
Having the ability to withstand the harsh mechanical requirements set forth in specifications such as the MIL-STD-810 or RTCA DO-160 is crucial to the stability and reliability in rugged applications. Mechanical requirements such as high and low temperature, vibration and shock, altitude and pressure, and humidity and salt fog are all essential to guarantee the life and performance of our units in the field. Extensive design consideration and testing must go into the process of qualifying units for first flight. This is especially important with electronic systems since failure of the control unit to perform in the field can cost the end user greatly.
Design Tools
Using state of the art, industry standard finite element analysis tools such as Solidworks Simulation, Curtiss-Wright is able to predict and design reliable structural components using electronic mounting chassis and enclosures. Studies can be performed to predict the performance during:
- Static Loading
- Thermal Loading
- Frequency Response
- Buckling
- Drop Tests
- Fatigue
| Solidworks Simulation Fully Meshed Model | Solidworks Simulation Vibration Response |
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Along with this ability to predict good design practice, Curtiss-Wright ensures the robustness of these designs by testing them with either test equipment located onsite or at certified testing laboratories. Curtiss-Wright’s onsite testing lab includes various thermal chambers for temperature cycling and an Electrodynamic Shaker for vibration studies. This provides the ability to reduce costs, while maintaining the quality of our products upon which our customers depend on!
| Solidworks Simulation Vibration Response | Solidworks Simulation Stress & Displacement Analysis |
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Application
The application of the unit will have a profound impact on how the unit is tested. For example, in military applications the MIL-STD-810 has predefined testing values that can be strict or relaxed depending on the vehicle in which the unit is performing. The application is also taken into consideration during the design phase, for if a unit is located on a vehicle which experiences large vibration loads the unit will require a more rugged design than one where vibration may not be as large a concern. All in all Curtiss Wright has the tools, industry experience, and resolve to ensure our products will meet all structural requirements set forth by our customers!