Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC)

Applied Mechanics Division HH-60G Finite Element Model and DTA HH-60G Loads / Environment Spectra Survey

l Applied Mechanics Mechanical Design Information Systems Reliability and Human Engineering Electronic Systems Embedded Systems Logistics Services

Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC) has performed structural analyses of the C-130J Under Wing countermeasures dispensing system (CMDS) and aircraft backup structure to assess the structural impact of dispensing improved countermeasures. MERC utilized dynamic analyses of single shot and multiple shot (salvo) configurations using measured recoil loads to evaluate the safety margins of critical components and the effect of dispense interval on the fatigue life of the structure.

Sample project below - select a project link to view additional informationC-130 Truss Mount Lug Structural Analysis Condition Based Maintenance Fire Control Computer Electronics Thermal Modeling AC-130H Corrosion Effects Analysis Flare Launch Analysis NDI Procedure Development Targeting Pod Circuit Card Shock Loading Evaluation Helicopter Tailboom Misalignment Effects on Fatigue Tow Tractor Testing and Analysis School Bus Safety Study Aircraft Damage Tolerance Analysis UH-1N Flight Data AcquisitionFeatured Projects•Thermal Analysis •Structural Dynamics •Static Stress Analysis •Shock / Vibration Analysis •Linear and Non-Linear Mechanics •Impact/Crash Analysis •Fracture/Fatigue/Crack Growth Analysis •Flight and Ground Vehicle Data Acquisition •Finite Element Analysis •Automated Maintenance Data Collection •Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP) SupportAreas of ExpertiseThe Applied Mechanics Division (AMD) offers a broad range of analytical capabilities that provide timely, cost-effective, practical solutions to our customers’ needs. The staff has extensive test and analysis experience; credentials include undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees up to and including the doctorate level. Finite element modeling capabilities include meshing/preprocessing with tools such as FEMAP and HyperMesh, and importing geometry from a variety of CAD and solid modeling platforms like SolidWorks, Catia, and AutoCAD. Linear and non-linear solutions to static and dynamic problems are found using NASTRAN and LS/DYNA solvers. When special post-processing capabilities are required, the MERC staff is highly proficient at creating unique applications with advanced engineering tools like MATLAB, PERL, and FORTRAN. AMD provides durability and damage tolerance analysis, and is proficient with spectra generation codes and with crack growth codes like FRANC2D, FRANC3D, and AFGROW. The division supports Aircraft Structural Integrity Programs and related tasks for a range of USAF platforms including C-130, C-5, F-15, UH-1N, and HH-60G aircraft. These tasks include maintenance data collection and analysis, NDI procedures, Force Structural Maintenance Plans, ASIP master plans and Loads/Environment Spectra Survey development.

About MERC

Our Capabilities

Contract Vehicles

Job Center