PEC provides high-level structural design and analysis support to Tier 1 aerospace OEM suppliers.  This support involves both metallic and composite primary and secondary aircraft structures.  Linear, nonlinear, contact, static, dynamic (modal and vibration) with point, pressure, inertial, thermal, and vibratory loads.  From top-level global finite element models (GFEMs) to detailed component-level analyses.

  • Test loading the transporter for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope into a USAF C-5C aircraft
  • Arrival of the transporter for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope on a USAF C-5C aircraft
  • Transporter for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope
  • Computer aided design of transporter for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope attached to truck made in Dassault Solidworks
  • Finite element model of running gear made in Siemens Femap
  • Finite element model of container section for transporter for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope made in Siemens Femap
  • Finite element model of air transport assembly for JWST made in Siemens Femap
  • Air transport getting load tested in warehouse
  • Load testing in warehouse
  • Rear view looking into C-5 aircraft with crew after transporter was fully loaded
  • Optical Telescope element / Integrated Science instrument module being lifted into air in NASA cleanroom

James Webb Space Telescope Transporter

PEC teamed with the fabricator, Nelson Manufacturing, to design, analyze, manufacture, and test STTARS, the transporter for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. PEC helped direct the design team on key technical decisions, perform complex assembly FEA (stress and shock), ensure a manufacturable design, and develop the test plan. As the unit was transported on a specialized C-5 aircraft, PEC also led the air transport certification effort.

  • Computer aided design of satellite transporter made in Dassault Solidworks
  • Finite element model of satellite transporter made in Siemens Femap
  • Load testing the satellite transporter in a warehouse
  • Crew using rollover fixture for satellite transporter in NASA cleanroom

NASA LDCM and MMS Satellite Transporter

PEC worked with the design team on key technical decisions and performed the assembly FEA (stress and shock) for both the transporter and the transport/rotation frame. PEC developed the concept for the rotation frame to meet stiffness requirements while still allowing access for spacecraft loading.

  • Drawing of NASA JWST Component Transporter being loaded into aircraft
  • Computer aided design of NASA JWST Component Transporter attached to truck made in Dassault Solidworks
  • Finite element model of NASA JWST Component Transporter made in Siemens Femap
  • NASA JWST Component Transporter being tested in warehouse with people in background
  • Side view of truck loading NASA JWST Component Transporter into C-5 aircraft

NASA JWST Component Transporter

PEC performed the strength analysis and assembly FEA for all components of the transport container. Uniquely, due to height limitations at the manufacturer, the cover did not lift off, but translated along the length of the unit. PEC also led the air transport certification effort for transport in USAF C-5 aircraft.

  • Computer aided design and finite element model of trailer to transport rocket motor made in Dassault Solidworks and Siemens Femap
  • Finite element model predicted results of a rocket motor transport trailer made in Siemens Femap
  • Finite element model of rocket motor transport trailer made in Siemens Femap
  • Accelerometer and pen on grey trailer floor
  • Rear view of testing instruments on rocket motor transport trailer with test weight attached

Rocket Motor Transport

PEC worked with the fabricator to develop a successful design for a heavy-haul motor transporter. The design included a unique trailer frame shape to accommodate the all-steering hydraulic suspension and compensating gooseneck. PEC performed the full assembly strength and fatigue analysis via FEA. PEC also validated the design and analysis performance predictions by instrumenting the vehicle during test with accelerometers, strain gauges, and string pots.

  • Computer aided design and finite element model of Roller Bed Conveyor Trailer made in Dassault Solidworks and Siemens Femap
  • Finite element model of Roller Bed Conveyor Trailer made in Siemens Femap
  • Finite element model of Roller Bed Conveyor Trailer Air Transport made in Siemens Femap

Roller Bed Conveyor Trailer

PEC teamed with the fabricator to develop a successful design for a self-leveling, roller bed conveyor trailer to load and unload transport containers from aircraft. PEC performed the full assembly strength analysis via FEA.