HYDROCODE & HYDRO-STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
At Shearwater we employ a wide range of cutting edge first-principle numerical tools to simulate highly dynamic events such as impact, shocks, penetration, blast, reactivity of energetic materials, and dynamic response and failure of materials. We have extensive experience using Lagrangian, Eulerian, and SPH (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics) methods (including coupled methods) in conjunction with appropriate material models to accurately capture realistic phenomena and predict product performance. Our team has the understanding to apply the appropriate numerical tool to the our client’s specific needs, enabling us to provide accurate and cost effective predictions in a timely manner.
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS (FEA) & MESH GENERATION
Shearwater uses LSTC LS-DYNA to perform large scale finite element analyses for rapid evaluation of mechanical stresses, strains, and deformations in component and system designs. We are skilled in using both implicit (low deformation, static and semi-static) and explicit (high deformation, high rate) numerical solvers to perform stress-strain-failure analyses and are able to perform coupled heat conduction / structural analyses as well. Shearwater personnel have in-depth understanding of material behavior and apply appropriate constitutive and failure models to predict material behavior and overall component performance. Additionally, we use the Cubit (now Trelis) meshing software to generate high quality hexahedral and tetrahedral meshes for highly complex component assemblies.
HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING
Shearwater utilizes the Penguin Computing POD (Penguin on Demand) high performance computing cluster to perform large, lengthy, or complex computations for our clients. The POD provides a cost effective means to access high value computational assets, and allows for high resource availability and fast turn around times. Penguin Computing’s POD is also ITAR compliant and provides enhanced security options to meet unique customer needs. Shearwater runs LS-DYNA and other hydro-structural codes on the POD.
ENGINEERING MODEL DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS
Shearwater has a deep history developing fast-running engineering models for performing system level effectiveness evaluations. We leverage high-fidelity simulations and available test data to identify key phenomena that have a first order effect on the problem. Depending on the needs of our clients we then develop a suite of physics based, empirical, and/or semi-empirical models to address the fundamentals of the problem. Shearwater personnel have developed and implemented dozens of engineering models into parent codes for our clients. We are also skilled in using engineering models to perform broad parametric analyses to evaluate overall system performance and identify potential vulnerabilities.
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY OPTIMIZATION
Shearwater utilizes the open-source DAKOTA framework developed by Sandia National Laboratories to perform Multi-Disciplinary Optimization (MDO) analyses. DAKOTA performs automated iterative analyses using a variety of gradient based, derivative-free, and global optimizations. The DAKOTA framework can be used in conjunction with any existing model or simulation as a black box to perform optimization, parameter studies, design of experiment (DOE) analyses, uncertainty quantification, and model calibration. Shearwater uses DAKOTA in conjunction with our high fidelity and engineering tools to enhance our computational capabilties.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
At Shearwater we have in-depth experience developing engineering analysis software using best software practices. We have experience developing in C, C++, FORTRAN, Python, MATLAB, SCILAB, and others. We also have experience developing parallel code using Intel Parallel Studio and OpenMP. Additionally, Shearwater has a long history developing and supporting legacy software products. We are capable of implementing complex software models into existing code and are able to integrate with our clients’ configuration management system using Git or SVN to provide seamless support.
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