With over 70 years of expertise in conducting linear and non-linear FEA analysis Weir S&H’s strength is in shock and seismic analysis of high integrity systems. FEA capabilities include; Linear static analysis, Non-linear contact analysis, Thermal analysis, Modal analysis, Impact analysis and Blast analysis.

Weir S&H has worked closely with UK MoD to interpret and define the shock requirements for various projects. During this time techniques have been developed over and above those given in standards such as BR3021, BR8470, & CB 5012.

Working closely with the accepted seismic standards, such as ASCE 4-86/4-91 and ASME NOG 1, response spectra and time-history based methods have been used to ascertain the seismic loadings on numerous structures. Effects such as liquid sloshing have also been investigated by the team.

Weir S&H have extensive analysis capability in terms of classical hand calculations and the development of both simple and complex mathematical models.

Hand calculations in accordance with relevant standards are performed as a matter of course to analyse and substantiate designs at Weir S&H. Calculations using standard formats and sections are performed on previously-configured MathCAD or Excel files. Knowledge and experience exists in; Code based calculations, Pressure vessels, Strength, Structures and Fatigue.

The Weir S&H fluid dynamics team has more than 20 years of experience in conducting both experimental testing and theoretical analysis of complex thermo-fluid dynamic problems in the Defence, Nuclear, Marine, Aerospace & Renewable Energy sectors.

The team has always embraced and invested in new and emerging analysis techniques, such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), whilst recognising the importance of experimental validation as a way of ensuring accuracy and credibility in the results obtained.

Weir S&H’s background in both experimental and theoretical thermo-fluid dynamics, makes it one of the countries most capable and experienced independent thermo-fluid dynamic consultancies.

Our engineers have a wealth of expertise in solving internal, external, compressible, incompressible, and multi-phase flow problems, using both steady and transient CFD methods.

The Weir S&H team currently uses the commercial CFD solver CFX and the ICEM meshing software produced by ANSYS, and routinely produces its own in-house solver modules and post-processing routines for this software.

Weir S&H’s state-of-the-art parallel processing hardware allows our team of specialists to produce CFD solutions which fulfil the accuracy, time and cost requirements of our customers. Recent CFD projects include; Hydrodynamic analysis of tidal turbine device, Hydrofoil design & performance prediction, Torpedo discharge system performance prediction, Butterfly valve design modification comparative analysis and Unsteady flow analysis behind a Recoverable Tethered Optical Fibre (RTOF) communications buoy capture cradle.

Weir S&H has conducted thermal analysis using in-house developed codes as well as commercial CFD software for clients in the Defence, Nuclear, Marine and Aerospace industries. Thermal analysis projects include; Thermal analysis and design of an atmospheric planar combustion rig and Analysis of a Pegasus exhaust gas test rig.

Weir S&H has vast expertise in modelling compressible and incompressible internal flow systems using commercial and bespoke thermo-fluid dynamic tools, together with traditional empirical / analytical methods.

Weir S&H currently uses the commercial thermo-fluid flow system modelling tool Flowmaster. Our engineers have used this software to design and analyse numerous complex fluid systems, including submarine hydraulic and compressed air systems. Recent fluid systems modelling include; Ship integrated waste management system modelling, Compressed air torpedo discharge system modelling and Submarine countermeasures launch system modelling.

Our engineers have substantial experience in developing thermo-fluid dynamic software using numerical tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, MathCAD and programming languages such as FORTRAN & C++.

Weir S&H has long standing experience of experimental testing programmes, utilising wind / cavitation tunnel and towing tank facilities, together with the design / construction of test rigs. Below are a number of testing activities conducted by our engineers including; Cavitation tunnel testing of tidal turbine device, Manoeuvring basin trials of a Recoverable Tethered Optical Fibre (RTOF) communications buoy, Wind tunnel testing of body or revolution and Submarine counter measure testing using our torpedo Discharge Test Facility (DTF).

Weir S&H routinely uses the rigid-body dynamics and kinematics package "ADAMS" to analysis the complex behaviour of mechanical assemblies. ADAMS allows the user to test virtual prototypes and optimise designs without having to build and test numerous physical prototypes.

Weir S&H have developed a Store Launch Simulation (SLS) tool, which combines the ADAMS with CFD to predict the trajectory of stores launched from submarines and aircraft. The model takes into account complex flow fields, contact forces and inertial effects, as well as the interactions of moving bodies.

The kinematics modelling has also been extended to predict the behaviour of high tension cable based systems, including towed sonar arrays and Replenishment At Sea (RAS) systems.

Weir S&H have significant expertise in applying discrete event process simulation to Defence and Nuclear based applications. This technique has been used with significant success in designing and modelling the performance of various integrated handling systems, including an automated munition handling process, submarine weapon stowage / retrieval system, nuclear fuel route and process equipment, and various waste storage facilities associated with nuclear decommissioning projects.

Process modelling allows the interactions and statistical performances of highly complex systems to be predicted and assessed. In addition to its integrated system design capability, Weir S&H are currently using this tool to support equipment safety justifications, ARM assessments and Human Factors investigations. Current Weir S&H capability includes the use of AutoMod and Simul8 packages to assist in the development of these process simulations.

Mathematical modelling using Matlab/Simulink is performed where commercial analytical packages are not appropriate. Modelling of control systems as well as dynamic mechanical systems have been performed and in some cases integrated to co-simulate alongside our other tools.