The Transportability Branch provides 3D Modeling and Simulation for conducting transportability design and testing in simulation. This consists of commercial Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) software packages applied to solving physical transportation issues. This capability allows us to compare vehicle design characteristics with transportability requirements and physical limitations. Through the use of these tools, we can help materiel developers reduce the overall cost of development by decreasing the number of failed tests and actually eliminating testing where feasible. The following paragraphs describe our Modeling and Simulation capabilities:

• 3D Modeling – Engineers use CAD software to model transport configurations of military equipment. The engineers can quickly and accurately determine cargo-transporter incompatibilities, physical restrictions, provide design guidance and alternatives. A 2D Model Database and a 3D Model Database are available containing many of the equipment models used for analyses.

• Structural Analysis – Engineers create detailed models of equipment and parts to analyze their structural integrity under various loading scenarios imposed on equipment by the defense and commercial transportation systems using commercial Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.

Typical Applications:

• Rail Clearance Analysis – We use 3D modeling to compare a vehicle's dimensional characteristics with its rail transportability requirements.
• Aircraft Loading Analysis – We use high-fidelity 3D modeling and kinematics to check clearance and suitability of loads and loading procedures. Aircraft cargo bay models used for these analyses are high-resolution models that were created using photogrammetry techniques. These models are more detailed than the published clearance envelopes for these aircraft.
• Lifting and Tiedown Analysis – Use of 3D modeling and structural analysis is used to evaluate the ability of equipment to withstand the MIL-STD-209 test requirements for lifting and tiedown provisions.
• Other – Use of 3D modeling and structural analysis to resolve day-to-day field transport issues, such as the feasibility of using commercial aircraft for transporting military equipment, the design of portable railcar-loading ramps, and the development of a Roll-on Roll-off platform container concept.

Requests for Support – Other modeling requirements are located here.  For additional information, please contact the Transportability Branch at usarmy.scott.sddc.mbx.tea-dpe@mail.mil.