System and method for structural analysis

A method of analyzing a structural component, comprising the steps of:

• storing the following on a controlled-access server:
• at least one load case;
• at least one material allowable;
• and
• an analysis template having at least one analysis variable, the analysis template comprising at least one of a static analysis template, a fatigue analysis template, and a damage tolerance analysis template;
• executing the analysis template stored on the controlled-access server using an interface remote from the server;
• providing, using the interface to the server, at least one entry for the analysis variable;
• performing, using a processor-based analyzer, a strength analysis of the structural component using the analysis template based on the load case and the entry for the analysis variable;
• determining, using the analyzer, a margin of safety of the structural component based on the material allowable;
• providing, using the interface, a design variable and a constraint of the structural component;
• performing, using a processor-based optimizer, an optimization of the design variable by iteratively updating the design variable until the constraint is substantially satisfied;
• and
• determining, using the optimizer, an optimized geometry of the structural component based on the optimization of the design variable;
• and
• preventing alteration of the analysis templates such that the static analysis template, the fatigue analysis template, and the damage tolerance analysis template by a user accessing the templates via the interface such that all users use a same or substantially similar analysis template for analyzing a given structural component to reduce the time required to analyze a structural assembly.

A processor-based system for analyzing a structural component, comprising:

• a controlled-access server configured to store the following:
• at least one load case;
• at least one material allowable;
• and
• an analysis template having at least one analysis variable, the analysis template comprising at least one of a static analysis template, a fatigue analysis template, and a damage tolerance analysis template;
• an interface to the server, the interface being configured to execute the analysis template stored on the controlled-access server and facilitate a user providing an entry for the analysis variable;
• and
• a structural component analyzer configured to perform a strength analysis of the structural component using the analysis template based on the load case and the entry for the analysis variable;
• the structural component analyzer being configured to determine a margin of safety of the structural component based on the material allowable;
• and
• preventing alteration of the analysis templates such that the static analysis template, the fatigue analysis template, and the damage tolerance analysis template by a user accessing the templates via the interface such that all users use a same or substantially similar analysis template for analyzing a given structural component to reduce the time required to analyze a structural assembly.