ProSim launches tool for durability estimation

Bangalore-based research and development company ProSim and the UK-based Safe Technology have launched the popular durability estimation and fatigue life prediction tool "" FeSafe "" in India.

The tool will enable companies in the automobile, aerospace and power generation sectors to predict the duration of failure for various components as well as the future impact of fatigue on such equipment, without developing a physical prototype.

FeSafe uses computer simulation to predict the life of various components and systems used in cars, buses and aircraft, and almost every equipment being used or developed in the engineering sector.

Speaking to Business Standard, ProSim Director S Shamasundar said, "The durability and impact of fatigue on vehicles and other equipment is predicted in India by using physical prototypes. Research laboratories use simulators to predict the impact.

But this takes a long time and a number of prototypes are wasted in this process. FeSafe is a tool that predicts durability within two to three hours and provides a solution."

According to Shamasundar, the physical testing of a car prototype costs anywhere between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1,00,000, which can be avoided using digital prototype testing.

"FeSafe has built a strong presence in Europe and the US-based companies for more than a decade now. As a large number of automobile companies from Europe and the US are setting up base in India, they would need FeSafe support. ProSim and Safe Technology will jointly work with interested companies, provide them FeSafe and conduct tests if required," he added. Companies such as John Deere, Cummins India and Satyam and institutions including the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi and Central Institute for Road Transport (CIRT) have opted for this tool in India.

Safe Technology said FeSafe's results resemble the tests conducted on physical prototypes to the extent of 90 per cent.

Safe Technology CEO Dr John Draper said, "We have conducted pilot tests for a steel tube manufacturer in India. While the physical prototype testing predicted durability of 72,000 cycles, it was 76,000 cycles in case of virtual prototype testing using FeSafe."