Computer-aided engineering (CAE) has become central to the design process of many of the products we use in our daily lives, from consumer electronics to vehicles and infrastructure. We are experts in CAE with long experience of applying advanced analysis to many of our most complex projects, often in contexts where no methods previously existed. We encourage our engineers to think critically and to challenge results, always referring back to first principles. Our goal is always to provide true insight and understanding, to illuminate the strategic design process and clients gain access to the wider Arup community of technical specialists.

How we can help

LS-DYNA expertise

We use LS-DYNA for a range of applications and were among the pioneers when the technology was first developed decades ago. Our clients value the Oasys LS-DYNA Environment for its powerful tools for creating and checking models, gaining insight into results and communicating with stakeholders. We use the same tools in the delivery of our project work and work closely with the developers to improve the products based on real industrial application.

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Discover more about how we use computer-aided engineering at Arup

Automotive design and engineering

We work with automotive makers and supply chains around the world providing vital analysis during product design to provide new insights into how a structure performs under complex loading conditions. This understanding can unlock efficiencies and optimise material usage, leading to more sustainable designs. To support modern automotive design timescales, holistic application of CAE is required, that considers the multitude of requirements on the vehicle structure. Our approach consolidates CAE outputs to develop a clear and compelling narrative to stakeholders across the design development process. 

Flexible delivery

We work within client organisations, as part of the analysis delivery team, or as the whole team if required. We understand the requirements of different stakeholders in the design process and effective methods of communication with all parties. We have experience working on a wide range of vehicle types and architectures, segment sizes and markets.  

In the automotive sector our CAE services include:

  • Design for structural crashworthiness, including regulatory and consumer safety requirements
  • Occupant safety, analysis of interior components and restraint systems
  • Pedestrian and vulnerable road user safety analysis
  • Structural integrity and durability analysis
  • Noise, vibration and harshness and vehicle refinement
  • High voltage battery system design and integration
  • System optimisation, trade-off studies
  • Test correlation and model validation
  • Material characterisation and failure modelling
  • Automation and workflow definition
  • Advanced LS-DYNA topics, e.g. implicit solver, fluid solvers and electromagnetics

CAE in other industries and sectors

In addition to the automotive sector, we provide services to other industries where digital prototyping can bring significant advantages during the design process:

Battery system design

Battery system design

Many global regions are on a pathway to net-zero in the coming decades.  Electrification is a major enabler in the road transportation sector but also aerospace, shipping, construction and mining amongst others.  CAE supports the design of battery systems that are safe and robust and able to withstand mechanical and thermal demands.  We work with cell and battery pack manufacturers in Europe to design a range of battery system products that meet regulatory safety requirements.

Aerospace and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

Aerospace and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

The AAM sector is growing quickly, offering sustainable alternatives to ground transportation with innovative aircraft, e.g. eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing).  CAE is used in a multitude of cases, from design of composite structures, integration of battery systems, protection from bird-strike, seating system safety, aerodynamics, occupant restraint systems and crashworthiness.  We offer a range of services to support customers in this sector.

Impact protection

Impact protection

We work with the designers of factories, airports, bridges and communication infrastructure to protect their products from accidental damage.  Valuable assets may be subjected to accidental impact during operation, from vehicles, boats or aircraft, objects dropped during lifting, or natural hazards such as rockfall.  In most cases, mitigation is often in the form of sacrificial structure that can absorb the energy of impact.  Simulation plays an important role in the design of these systems and the choice of materials.

Bio-medical products

Bio-medical products

Simulation is an important tool in the design of biomedical implants that are subjected to mechanical loading from the human body. The ability to precisely predict the effects of stresses and deflections helps to inform the design of these products and can support the certification process in some regions.  Our team has used CAE to help design vital medical products like stents and spinal inserts.

Radioactive waste packaging

Radioactive waste packaging

Arup has a long history of working in the design of radioactive waste transport containers, working with designers and operators in the UK. The containers must be able to prevent the escape of contents in the case of severe impacts during transportation and storage.  We use non-linear impact analysis to evaluate many different impact scenarios, to verify the design and contribute towards the certification and approval process.

Manufacturing processes and tooling

Manufacturing processes and tooling

We use CAE to improve the quality achieved during manufacturing for clients in the automotive industry or parts suppliers to other industries.  Forming processes such as sheet metal stamping or hydroforming can be simulated to inform the design of the tooling itself, which strongly influences the performance of manufactured parts. During assembly, parameters such as tooling forces and pressures, fixturing locations, or welding sequencing can affect the geometry of the final product and can be optimised by simulating the process.

Roadside safety barrier design and certification

Roadside safety barrier design and certification

We work with planners, infrastructure designers and manufacturers of products designed to protect our highways, infrastructure and road users.  Road restraint systems are designed to redirect vehicles during impact to prevent them leaving the road, entering adjacent carriageways or damaging infrastructure. Barriers are designed and validated to standards such as BS EN 1317 and simulation plays a vital role in their efficient design, enabling the barrier to be optimised to minimise the risk to vehicle occupants from the impact in the available space.