News: nCode at the forefront of fatigue

Rotherham-based nCode, the leading brand of fatigue and durability software, is to release a new product to predict the fatigue of composite materials.

Composite materials are increasingly being used in high-performance products that need to be lightweight but strong, such as aerospace and automotive components.

The fatigue of composites poses particular challenges for engineers because the properties of the constituent parts, polymer (resin) matrix and fibres, interact to determine the fatigue properties, which vary in each location and direction.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, nCode's new innovative and industry leading solutions for fatigue of composites are a result of collaboration with e-Xstream engineering, provider of state-of-the-art material modeling platform, DIGIMAT.

The initial focus of the new DesignLife software is in the area of engineering plastics, such as short fibre polymers, which are commonly used in the automotive industry.

The aim is to answer the question "how long will it last?" or "will it pass the test?" before engineers and manufacturers even have prototype components.

Steve Tudberry, vice-president HBM-nCode software, said: "With the drive for reduced weight and increased fuel efficiency, the transportation sector is turning to lightweight materials such as polymers and composites. The challenge for automotive and aerospace manufacturers is to ensure the required longevity and durability under real operating conditions.

"The partnership with e-Xstream brings together the global leaders in our respective fields to provide a seamless and robust solution for fatigue analysis of composites."

nCode was acquired by German company, HBM in 2008 in a deal thought to be worth around £20m. They supply leading names including General Motors, Chrysler and Lockheed Martin.

nCode website

Images: ncode.com