Technical Notes

Methods, observations, and analysis from the DCE team. Written for engineers, not for search engines.

Loads & Aeroelasticity
Gust Load Rational Analysis: When the Bookcase Isn't Enough

The regulatory minimum gets you to certification. Rational gust analysis tells you what your aircraft actually experiences in service — and why the two are often further apart than the programme expects.

Loads & Aeroelasticity
DLM Corrections: Practical CFD-to-Panel Aerodynamic Mapping

Panel methods are fast. CFD is accurate. Here's how we close the gap using AIC correction matrices — and where the approach breaks down.

Structures
GFEM Correlation Without Mystery: A Systematic Approach to Dynamic Model Update

GVT data is only useful if you know how to close the loop on your finite element model. A structured approach to mode tracking, sensitivity analysis, and model correction.

Certification
SC-VTOL Loads: What the Novel Air Vehicle Framework Actually Requires

SC-VTOL is not CS-25 for electric aircraft. The differences matter — especially for loads and aeroelasticity, where the regulatory basis is still being written.

Methods & Tools
The Unitary Load Approach: Efficient Fatigue Loading for Complex Airframes

How to turn millions of load cases into a manageable fatigue analysis without losing fidelity — and why the choice of unit loads matters more than most programmes realise.

CFD
ALE Methods for Fluid-Structure Interaction: When You Need Time-Accurate Coupling

Most FSI problems don't need explicit co-simulation. The ones that do are the ones where everything else has already failed. Understanding when ALE is the answer — and when it isn't.

Articles in preparation — real content published as it clears internal review. Subscribe below to be notified.
From concept to certainty.
Tell us about your programme.
Request Analysis →