IABG - Earthquake qualification - verification of complete product families

Initial situation: The entire product family is to be qualified for use in power plants in earthquake regions

Their product family (e.g. high-voltage switchgear) consists of a large number of modules with different sizes and designs, which can be installed individually or in a network of variable configuration.
The load assumptions are standardised and known (shock response spectra)
The test qualification of all possible module configurations is not affordable. Moreover, more than two modules bolted together cannot be tested because of the size and the high weight.
The same connection techniques (screw connection types), the same materials and manufacturing techniques are used for all modules.

Our solution approach:

FEM analyses: 1-2 example modules

Model development, shock response analysis - determination of utilisation, iterative derivation of reinforcement philosophy and measures across all modules, demonstration of effectiveness of measures

Design adaptations and prototype construction of example modules (customer)

Consultation on design modifications for product optimisation

Experimental analysis of the sample modules on earthquake test bench

Resonance search, determination of dynamic properties, earthquake testing

Numerical qualification of the product family

Model matching based on measurement results - Adjustment of modelling techniques, modelling, shock response analyses and strength assessment of all module configurations, if necessary

Your benefit

Minimisation of qualification costs by saving on tests and expensive prototypes
Enables the qualification of non-testable designs of your product (size / mass)
Transferability of the determined component properties to simulation models of product variants for time and cost savings
The simulation provides additional detailed information to complement the test results and better assess the product, e.g. on the basis of differentiated stress distributions.