Case Studies

Cohesive zone modeling is a powerful tool for predicting delamination in adhesively bonded structures. Veryst engineers use their expertise in experimental and computational fracture mechanics to calibrate cohesive zone models for accurate prediction of adhesive failure.

Composite materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers, provide a high strength-to-weight ratio for structures ranging from aerospace components to biomedical implants to consumer sports products. These materials require thorough and specialized methods for material testing and validation due to their anisotropic material properties.

Controlling spatial variations in chemical concentration is important for designing and operating many microfluidic devices across a wide range of industries and applications including diagnostics, genomics, and pharmaceutics. In this case study, we show how simulations may be used to quantify and control concentration gradients in microfluidic devices.

Medical devices, such as the cranial perforator here, show imperfections that are rejected by physicians. Veryst investigated the source of these imperfections and recommended steps to remove them.

Polymers are prone to deform slowly over long periods of time when subjected to applied load, a phenomenon known as creep. Over time, the deformation can grow so large that the part no longer functions as intended. Veryst utilized creep testing to compare material choices and set temperature specifications for polymers.

A commonly encountered failure mode in microfluidic devices is delamination between adjacent device layers. Veryst examined the influence of control channel geometry on the delamination pressure of a pneumatic microfluidic valve using finite element analysis.

Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive way to treat tumors, and simulating the physics of ablation can help in the design of ablation devices. Veryst designed and simulated a catheter-based acoustic ablation device relying on acoustic pressure waves to heat tissue to induce necrosis.

A high-strength reinforced hose failed in service under normal operating conditions well before its intended design life. Inspections of the subject hose revealed that failure was mainly due to delamination.

Manufacturing variations are of critical importance in MEMS design. In this MEMS gyroscope case study, Veryst created an approach to look at the effect of a range of manufacturing variations on MEMS devices using the same mesh. We also use semi-analytic equations to enable scalable modeling of the gyroscope electrostatic actuation and pick-off (which senses the motion produced by rotation).