nCode adds Premium Materials Database to Software Suite

The Premium Materials Database available in nCode 10 provides a new, unprecedented collection of fatigue properties for commonly used steels and aluminum alloys. All the data in the database has been derived from tests performed in the ISO 9001 certified Advanced Materials Characterization & Test Facility (AMCT Facility) operated by nCode.

It can be technically challenging to simulate fatigue failure, but it's impossible to get accurate fatigue life calculations without specific and reliable materials data. Fatigue life prediction methods commonly used in industry are empirically derived based on performing laboratory tests at a range of different load levels. Materials databases available on the Internet or for purchase provide basic static mechanical properties but typically do not include much data on fatigue. This limited data has often meant that companies commission their own materials tests to gather data on individually-tested fatigue curves. The new Premium Materials Database from nCode provides engineers with reliable, high-quality fatigue parameters and helps avoid costly material tests.

The first release of the Premium Materials Database in nCode 10 provides 72 materials and is available to customers exclusively through nCode CDS (Complete Durability System) licensing. nCode plans to add 20 to 30 materials to the database annually; its customers will receive notifications automatically as new material data are added. To help select required materials, the database identifies materials according to international standards (ISO, DIN, WNR, UNS, etc.) wherever possible. Statistical estimates of scatter are also provided to enable reliability and certainty of survival percentages to be assessed.

“We are particularly excited to utilize our state-of-the-art material testing capabilities for the creation of the Premium Materials Database,” said Steve Tudberry, Vice President, HBM-nCode. “nCode AMCT provides fatigue data and real-world validation critical to the success of advanced solvers for thermo-mechanical fatigue, welds, adhesive joints and composites. This close integration between innovative computer simulation methods, material characterization, and physical test validation is vital in the development of our world leading fatigue analysis software,” he added. The AMCT Facility also performs a number of specialized testing projects each year for external customers including racing teams, aircraft component manufacturers and automotive OEMs. All test equipment is calibrated to United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) standard by accredited bodies.

Existing nCode users can download the new version from the support portal.