Case Study: Multi-step machining distortion modeling

Distortion of parts during the machining process is a significant problem faced by many machining vendors. This phenomenon typically results from the release and redistribution of residual stress in the material once the part is unclamped from the machine table. When not accounted for, machining distortion can lead to out-of-tolerance parts that either require reworking, or have to be scrapped. Continue reading Case Study: Multi-step machining distortion modeling

#HillEngSTEM Summer Challenge

Summertime is just around the corner and we at Hill Engineering are always looking to engage our followers with fun and interesting information about engineering and residual stress. This summer we’re going to host the virtual Hill Engineering STEM challenge – a series of fun activities to demonstrate your engineering intuition and creativity. Participate on your own or with your family to compete for some cool Hill Engineering prizes! Continue reading #HillEngSTEM Summer Challenge

Case Study highlight: Broad Application for Modeling Failure

Our latest case study discusses our Broad Application for Modeling Failure (BAMF) software.

Broad Application for Modeling Failure (BAMF) enables fatigue crack growth analysis of parts with non-standard geometry, loading, and residual stress conditions through the implementation of multi-point fracture mechanics (MPFM). This user-friendly software environment provides structural analysts and engineers a tool to accurately and efficiently complete challenging fatigue crack growth problems.

Continue reading Case Study highlight: Broad Application for Modeling Failure

Strain gage in a bottle

A representative composite overwrapped pressure vessel. Image courtesy of CompositesWorld: https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/thermoplastic-composite-pressure-vessels-for-fcvs

We’re putting something in a bottle, and no, it’s not an SOS to the world. It’s a strain gage!

Hill Engineering has recently developed technology to orient and apply strain gages inside a pressure vessel with restricted interior access. Continue reading Strain gage in a bottle

Residual Stress 101 vlog

Today, we’ve released the newest episode of our vlog: Residual Stress 101. The video is a return to basics, discussing the core of what it is we do here at Hill Engineering.

If you haven’t checked out our YouTube channel, it might be time. Our mission is to post content that helps highlight the capabilities of our organization, so that everyone can see how and why residual stress is important to their manufacturing processes.

Today’s post is a broad overview of what residual stress is, including the several techniques for measuring residual stress found in our lab. Look for future content that delves further into each technique, and contact us if you have any further questions or want to see a video related to something we haven’t discussed.  

Case Study: cold hole expansion process modeling

Cold hole expansion (Cx or cold expansion for short) of fastener holes is a technique that has been widely used in the aircraft industry to improve the fatigue performance of structural components. The cold hole expansion process introduces compressive residual stress near the vicinity of the hole that slows crack growth and can significantly improve fatigue performance. Continue reading Case Study: cold hole expansion process modeling

Case Study: Machine distortion modeling

We’ve recently uploaded a new case study on the topic of part distortion caused by machining. Distortion is a significant problem faced by many industries, especially where rigorous dimensional tolerances are required. When not appropriately accounted for, distortion can lead to significant economic loss and should be managed for effective design and production. Continue reading Case Study: Machine distortion modeling