WorldsView™ Technologies News
Autodesk Simulation Helps Create “Go Anywhere” Craft
ARKTOS Developments Ltd. (ADL), the designer and manufacturer of a remarkable amphibious vehicle known as the ARKTOS Craft, is using simulation software from Autodesk, Inc. to prepare its products to operate in some of the world's most environmentally demanding locations.
Originally designed as an amphibious evacuation craft for Arctic offshore oil facilities, the ARKTOS Craft can move from frigid -50°C temperatures, through burning flames, and back again, as in the case of evacuating a burning oil rig. Additionally, it can easily navigate ice-rubble fields, ice ridges and open water-and can even climb up or down vertical steps.
Autodesk Simulation technology was used to predict critical stresses for the ARKTOS at extreme temperatures and loading conditions. After finding an optimal design using FEA methods, physical testing and field use helped to validate the accuracy of the results.
Digitally Optimising Performance
The key to the ARKTOS Craft's mobility is an articulated arm between the vessel's two main compartments. As the Craft climbs up onto an ice shelf from the water, the hydraulics in that arm help push the front unit of the Craft up out of the water so that the special track spikes can grab the ice.
Using the multiphysics capabilities of Autodesk Simulation showed how thermal stress caused by temperature extremes would combine with mechanical stress within the articulated arm between the units. Additionally, since the arm would see repeated compressive and tensile loading, fatigue life was also analysed using the Autodesk Simulation multiphysics tools.
ARKTOS Craft units are currently operating in Alaska, China, and the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan.
Posted on 30 Jan 2012 / Tags: none
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