nCode's Durability Analysis Software Saves Time, Cost

    SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Jan. 21 Advanced software from nCode
International can help automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and
their suppliers who must employ all means possible to cut time to market and
reduce development and warranty costs.
    nCode's software suite includes products which measure, assess and model
data for product life and performance testing and accurately simulate
accelerated proving ground and rig test scenarios.
    As eighty to ninety percent of all structural failures occur through a
fatigue mechanism, with an estimated annual cost in the U.S. of about $1.5
billion, many engineers and product designers turn to sophisticated software
programs to determine critical attributes more quickly and prior to
development of expensive prototypes.
    The nCode approach is based on long-established durability science.
August Woehler was the first to study fatigue and propose an empirical
approach.  Between 1852 and 1870, Woehler studied the progressive failure of
railway axles.  He constructed a test rig and subjected two railway axles
simultaneously to a rotating bending test.
    Woehler then plotted the nominal stress versus the number of cycles to
failure, which came to be known as the SN diagram, and it is still widely used
today.
    "Durability is one of the most important product attributes," says Dr.
Chris Musiol, nCode's president.  "Therefore, reliable prediction of fatigue
early in the design phase can save time and money by avoiding expensive and
time-consuming redesign.  But current design and development processes tend to
focus on strength and performance issues."
    nCode's fatigue analysis software allows component engineers to detect
potential failure locations through simulation and then correct flaws early in
a product's design.  It has been used in the aerospace industry where early
detection helps to assure aircraft safety.  In agricultural equipment design,
the fatigue prediction process is key to determining that farm machines will
withstand the strain of rugged operation.
    "The future of the American vehicle industry rests upon the design and
manufacture of more reliable components and vehicles," Musiol noted.  "Market
share goes to automakers that produce dependable cars and trucks, and the
marketplace is becoming accustomed to longer warranty guarantees."
    In the automotive industry, vehicles that are perceived to be more
reliable have higher resale value and customer loyalty rates.  But today, OEMs
are increasingly outsourcing entire systems and holding their suppliers
responsible, requiring them to contribute to warranty reimbursements.  Tier 1
suppliers now have a need to also reduce ongoing warranty costs and other
associated expenses down the road.

    About nCode International
    nCode International is the world's leading supplier of engineering
solutions for durability, with major customers in the ground vehicle,
aerospace and offshore industries.  Many major Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs) use nCode solutions for durability management, including
Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Volvo, DaimlerChrysler and John Deere.
Additional information is available at http://www.ncode.com .  nCode is an AEA
Technology plc company.
    AEA Technology plc is one of the world's leading innovation businesses.
Additional information about AEA is available at http://www.aeat.com .