Lufthansa Technik AG is
leveraging simulation software from ANSYS to simulate wear and tear of aircraft
components, particularly in jet engines, to prolong service intervals and to
create new ways to repair used parts.

As an aviation
authority-approved development and production organization, Lufthansa Technik
performs its own research to investigate blade damage due to bird strike and
gradual erosion resulting from particles in the air, for example. By using
simulation solutions from ANSYS, the company can gain a profound understanding
of these processes, optimize the timing for parts replacement and develop new
repair methods. Lufthansa Technik uses structural mechanics and fluid dynamics
from ANSYS to perform, among other applications, studies on structural and
thermal loads on different engine modules for several engine types.

“By researching wear
of turbine blades, we are helping our customers to increase engine service
life. Using innovative repair methods that we develop, these same customers can
possibly avoid purchasing expensive new parts. For an airline, this is money in
the bank,” said Christian Werner-Spatz at Lufthansa Technik AG. “Multiphysics simulation software from ANSYS allows us to understand the
operating environment of jet engine components and draw conclusions from these
results with a high degree of confidence.”

“Lufthansa Technik AG uses our software not to develop completely new
products, but to increase service life for aircraft turbines. Condition-based
maintenance and developing a deeper understanding of asset lifecycles are
becoming more important as airlines struggle to control costs,” said Rob
Harwood, director of aerospace marketing at ANSYS. “Mere experience is not
sufficient anymore in today’s fast-changing and complex environment. As
Lufthansa Technik AG has demonstrated, ANSYS simulation technology is being
used at the forefront of this research. Companies that are leaders in their
field, like Lufthansa Technik, are increasing their use of simulation
technology to gain deep insight into how components behave under loads and,
therefore, a better understanding of processes.”

ANSYS, www.ansys.com