SolidWorks helps reduce civil aircraft noise

Assystem airplane engine test rig designed in SolidWorks helps manufacturers reduce civil aircraft noise.

Assystem U.K.is using SolidWorks Office Professional software to develop test rigs that European aircraft engine manufacturers will use to ensure their gas turbine engines comply with new legislation to significantly reduce airplane noise around airports.

These test rigs are a third of the size of large aircraft engines, but are much cheaper to build and operate, saving manufacturers tens of thousands of dollars as they seek to reduce civil aircraft noise.

For decades, airplane noise has been a lightning rod of contention around the world between airports, airplane/engine manufacturers, and residents who live near airports.

Assystem U.K.is part of the Silence R (Significantly Lower Community Exposure to Aircraft Noise) collaboration of 53 European companies, including aircraft engine companies Rolls Royce, Snecma, and MTU.

The aim is to develop strategies to lower civil aircraft noise by six decibels by 2010, and cut it in half by 2020.

An engineering design consultancy with particular expertise in civil aerospace and defense industries, Assystem U.K.is using SolidWorks 3D CAD software to streamline new test rig development and reduce errors so clients can ensure their latest engines are quieter.

"In order to progress a test in an efficient manner, it is important that mechanical build and instrumentation problems are avoided," said Assystem U.K.Chief Engineer Bob Hemmings.

"We're designing smaller, more affordable test rigs that our clients can customize and deploy each time they need to conduct a practical test on a new engine design".

"Using SolidWorks helps us quickly custom design test rigs and to interface concurrently with the manufacturing supply chain for different clients and their engines".

Even at one-third scale, these test rigs are large and complex, at over one meter in diameter and with 3,000 parts working together.

Their mission is to detect the slightest variation in noise levels.

SolidWorks' support for large assembly modelling allows Assystem engineers to quickly and accurately design individual parts, sub-assemblies, and the entire test rig while ensuring smooth operation.

Engineers use SolidWorks' physical simulation capabilities to identify and fix part collisions before manufacturing begins.

SolidWorks Routing enables engineers to accurately design the correct connections for more than 2,000 instrumentation tubes and wires throughout the test rig.

Many of Assystem's customers and partners use SolidWorks, creating a common design language throughout the product development lifecycle.

SolidWorks eDrawings e-mail-enabled design communication tool enables Assystem engineers to share interactive 3D product models with customers, suppliers, and internal sales and marketing.

The company also uses PhotoWorks to generate life-like images of its products for compelling sales and marketing programs.

"It will take a collaborative effort among manufacturers and companies like Assystem to effectively reduce civil aircraft noise," said SolidWorks Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Rainer Gawlick.

"Using SolidWorks helps Assystem U.K.develop test rigs with the hyper-accurate sensitivity to make sure engine manufacturers achieve their bold, yet laudable goals".

Assystem U.K.relies on SolidWorks reseller NT CADCAM for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.

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