Calculation and report
01Overview
Aerodynamic, vibration, structural integrity and fatigue analysis from one menu. Every run ends in a full report.
At the preliminary stage, a blade has to pass a few gates. Does it deliver the required thrust within its limits? Does it fail? Does it resonate in the operating range? How long will it last? Calculation and report answers these in one automated run.
02Choose the analysis
Aero only, natural frequency, prestressed modal with Campbell diagram, static structural with or without aerodynamic loads, and fatigue. The analysis type defines which inputs apply. For aero only, the geometry is enough.
Aerodynamics
A virtual blade model (VBM) embedded in 3D CFD calculates rotor or propeller performance and load distribution, in axisymmetric inflow and in severe cross-flow (non-axisymmetric) conditions.
Built-in corrections improve precision, including Prandtl and quadratic tip relief, and an AI-driven effective angle-of-attack correction.
The 2D aero coefficients for the VBM can be entered by you or generated from the blade geometry: by profile-tailored or generic-profile AI models, or by a dedicated 2D CFD routine.
Iterative and limit-curve options find the rpm or blade pitch that meets your thrust, torque or power target while staying inside the limit envelope.
The aerodynamic loads are mapped to the FE model automatically, for the structural and fatigue analyses.
Structure and vibration
Natural frequencies and mode shapes, and prestressed modal analysis with a Campbell diagram.
Deformation and integrity assessment under static load for each predefined load case.
Automated ply strength assessment with a choice of common first-ply failure criteria: maximum stress, maximum strain, Tsai-Hill, Hoffman, Tsai-Wu, Hashin and Puck. Baseline strength data and the additional failure model constants come from the Material Library.
Sandwich core strength analysis for three failure modes: core shear, shear crimping and facesheet wrinkling.
Fatigue
Fatigue assessment uses a direction-dependent Haigh diagram with an endurance limit. It draws on econblades' own fatigue model, the fatigue parameters in the Material Library and the fatigue profiles in Load groups. Damage from successive fatigue profile loading blocks is accumulated using Miner sum.
03The report
Every run produces a detailed, standardised report on the whole calculation workflow: profiles, geometry, materials, meshed model, layup, load groups and results. Lists of figures and tables make it easy to find what you need, and the report attaches directly to your simulation documentation.
04Classical way vs. econblades
Classically, an aerodynamicist and an FEM analyst build the aero model and the FE model, set up the mesh and contacts, and map the loads: 1 to 1.5 days. Post-processing, screenshots and the write-up take another 2 hours to 3 days. In econblades, setup takes about 5 minutes. The calculation and the report run automatically in 20 to 30 minutes.
05Inputs and outputs
Inputs: a layup on a geometry (or the geometry alone for aero only), a load group and, for fatigue, a fatigue profile. Outputs: the report, the STEP model of the blade and run-ready ANSYS metafiles for detailed design.
06Scope
econblades is a preliminary design tool. The report is not a manufacturing release, and key design points should still be confirmed in 3D CFD. econblades doesn't compare design variants or optimise the blade automatically.
07FAQ
Which failure criteria can I use?
For plies: maximum stress, maximum strain, Tsai-Hill, Hoffman, Tsai-Wu, Hashin and Puck. For sandwich cores: core shear, crimping and facesheet wrinkling.
How far can I trust the aero results?
The VBM with built-in corrections is designed for preliminary design decisions. It tells you whether the blade reaches its targets within its limits. Confirm key design points in 3D CFD during detailed design.
Can I get the simulation files?
Yes, on request. FEA inputs and results and project definition files can be provided for further work outside econblades, such as detailed design or manufacturing preparation. They are not part of the standard output.
Can I customize the report format?
The report's format and structure are fixed by default. In the interface, however, you can choose how much detail the report shows for results on the blade geometry, for example the entire blade or local sections, or how many worst-case elements get a detailed results table. On request, you can also get all automatically generated figures and tables to use in your own reports.