As a world leading engineering company specialising in the diagnosis and removal of existing and potential vibration issues, you’d expect us to provide more than a modicum of thought leadership. Below you will find some articles that we have written and published as well as news stories that are pertinent to our company and industry. Without wishing to sound too introspective, we are continually fascinated by the task of providing vibration solutions using dynamic analysis and modeling.
News Stories
Xi present at Influencers' Business Breakfast
Our Managing Director Mark-Paul Buckingham was asked to speak at the Edinburgh Head Offices of top law firm, Maclay Murray and Spens on Friday 11th May.
His topic centred around mitigating the risks associated with wind turbine developments, in the light of a number of high profile failures in the past year. To an audience of over specially 60 invited individuals, Mark-Paul dispelled the myths that wind turbines are inherently unstable although he was quick to point out that regular maintenance is essential to protect the life-span and effectiveness of these structures.
Hammerfest Strøm launch tidal turbine in Orkney
Hammerfest Strøm have successfully deployed the first HS1000 tidal turbine at the European Marine Energy Centre at Orkney. Xi developed structural-acoustic interaction models of the HS1000 during the design phase of the 1 megawatt turbine. The models show how the HS1000 is affected by turbulence in the tidal stream, vortex shedding from the support structure and vibrations produced in the gearbox and generator. The models include the complex dynamic interaction between the turbine and the marine environment.
The models have been used to design out potentially damaging vibrations. Fatigue analysis was performed to help avoid cyclic stress that may damage the drive train, nacelle and the substructure. The results of the models will be used by Hammerfest Strøm to during the certification process of the HS1000.
Ten HS1000 will be deployed at Islay on the west coast of Scotland in words first tidal stream turbine array. Each turbine will fulfil the electricity requirements of 500 households.
http://www.hammerfeststrom.com/news/26-12-11-hammerfest-strom-tidal-turbine-installed-in-orkney/
COMSOL Certified Consultants
Xi became only the third company in the United Kingdom to be officially accredited by COMSOL Multiphysics as Certified Consultants. The certification came in recognition of Xi’s five year experience modeling complex structural, vibration and acoustics problems with the simulation package. During this period Xi has gained a reputation in producing both robust and innovative numerical models across a range of industrial sectors. While the models produced by Xi are always focused on the commercial requirements of their clients, the quality of the models has been assured by regulatory bodies and peer reviewed papers.
The accreditation will also allow Xi to partner with fellow Certified Consultants who have expertise outside of the vibration and acoustics field. This will provide a true multiphysics approach to delivering their client’s requirements. Xi Engineering Consultants look forward continuing their relationship with COMSOL Multiphysics.
