nCode's Durability Software Aids Chrysler Group's New Truck Design

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 25 -- With an advanced software program from nCode International, the Chrysler Group is now able to save significant time and cost in designing and verifying durability performance in its new trucks.

FE-Fatigue(TM) Release 5.0 is the most sophisticated durability software available, providing integrated fatigue analysis with standard CAE tools including MSC.Nastran, ABAQUS, ANSYS, HyperMesh and I-DEAS. FE-Fatigue Release 5.0 enables a wide range of real industry applications from the fatigue of small components to complete vehicle structures, and from safety factor calculations to elastic-plastic multiaxial fatigue life predictions. FE-Fatigue Release 5.0 includes new features for the fatigue analysis of spot and seam welds, vibration-induced fatigue and temperature corrections for applications such as engine components.

The Chrysler Group is using nCode's FE-Fatigue Release 5.0 to identify and prioritize durability issues and predict the life of components and structures, according to Kevin Knill, vice president of product development at nCode. This software enables rapid assessment of critical failure locations and delivers the information to both physical testing and virtual prototyping groups.

"FE-Fatigue Release 5.0 streamlines the entire durability design process, as it can be easily embedded into the customer's design environment," Knill added. "Also, it is easy to use, requiring little additional training."

"FE-Fatigue Release 5.0 is compatible with analysis tools currently in use at the Chrysler Group, which helps to accelerate time to completion through enhanced fatigue analysis pre- and post-processing," stated Sridhar Srikantan, lead CAE engineer, truck chassis, for the Chrysler Group.

"The Dodge Ram team uses FE-Fatigue Release 5.0 as one of our tools to help ensure design integrity," stated Jack Thompson, director of CAE and concept development for the Chrysler Group.

"To stay competitive, manufacturers must shorten the time it takes them to get new products on the market," says nCode's Knill. "A software solution that determines durability early in the design process can save the company millions of dollars at the prototype phase."

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 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 www.aeat.com .