STRUCTURAL TESTING AND MODEL VALIDATION

Know your structure. Validate your model.

SIMAT is a structural and model validation software company. Our platform, Integrated Data Acquisition and Analysis Software (iDAAS), turns fiber-optic strain data into insights on structural shape, stiffness, loading, and fatigue—helping you compare test results with model predictions.

Built on NASA-licensed shape-sensing technology and SIMAT-developed analytics.

Same component. More measurement points. Distributed fiber-optic sensing captures strain along the instrumented fiber path, helping reveal concentrations between individual gauge locations.

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A FAMILIAR TESTING CHALLENGE

Structures fail silently in regions with no gauges.

3-8

gauge points on a typical article

1,000+

measurement points along the fiber

Strain gauges are often placed where a model predicts high stress. But unexpected strain concentrations can develop elsewhere. Distributed sensing provides more measurement points along the component, giving engineers a broader basis for assessing structural behavior and checking model agreement.

1

ruined article to prove a model wrong

0

new holes drilled, cables run, or channels wired

WHAT WE DO

Three insights from your test data

Optical fibers bonded along a component capture distributed strain data. iDAAS turns that data into insights for structural assessment, model validation, and degradation tracking.

Understand structural behavior

See how the component bends under load, assess stiffness along its length, and identify strain concentrations that warrant closer investigation.

For design, test engineers and testing labs

Validate the model

Compare measured structural behavior with simulation results. Identify discrepancies and assess the assumptions and boundary conditions that may explain them.

For CAE and design owners

Track changes in stiffness and estimated fatigue damage across test cycles to help your team assess how the component’s condition evolves.

For durability and reliability labs, asset owners

Track degradation

Project Manager,
University of Tennessee

"With iDAAS, we can visualize sensing data in minutes. It helps us make faster decisions and share clearer insights with our sponsors"

THE PLATFORM

Integrated Data Acquisition and Analysis Software (iDAAS)

From raw signals
to clear answers.

Acquire, organize, analyze, and visualize fiber-optic sensing and test-rig data in one workspace. Turn complex datasets into insights your engineering team can use.

Less data handling

Bring acquisition and file management together with reusable setups and a consistent workflow.

Faster insights

Explore sensing data with contour plots, 3D surfaces, mesh views, and scatter plots.

Clearer decisions

Compare results across tests and models, then share findings with your team.

Your rig. Your data. Your control.

iDAAS runs on your Windows acquisition PC.
We support your first campaign and help your team build a repeatable workflow.

Request an iDAAS Demo →

LICENSED PER RIG · IN USE SINCE 2022

HOW IT WORKS

Your test rig. Your load plan. More insight.

Add distributed strain sensing to your test setup and use iDAAS to connect measurements with structural behavior.

Distributed sensing along the component

One or more optical fibers are bonded along selected paths to capture strain at closely spaced points. The fiber layout is tailored to the geometry, loading, and structural behavior you need to understand.

Physics-based structural analysis

iDAAS uses strain data to reconstruct deflected shape and, where supported by the application, estimate stiffness, loading, and fatigue damage. The shape-sensing technology combines NASA-licensed methods with SIMAT-developed analytics.

Results you can evaluate

Compare measured responses with model predictions, review discrepancies, and investigate possible causes. Report the assumptions and available uncertainty estimates alongside the results.

1. MEASURE

2. RECONSTRUCT

3. ANSWER

APPLICATIONS

Structural insight across industries

Explore applications for distributed sensing and structural analysis. Each use case depends on the component, sensing setup, available data, and validation requirements.

Wind energy

Assess blade deflection, twist, stiffness, and fatigue behavior using distributed strain data.

Aerospace & UAVs

Reconstruct wing and spar shape and compare structural responses with model predictions.

Automotive durability

Analyze strain distributions and structural changes during component durability testing.

Bridges & rail

Assess deflection and support behavior to inform bridge load testing and rail monitoring.

Energy & wells

Evaluate casing deformation and formation movement using suitable fiber-optic sensing configurations.

Motors, gearboxes & e-axles

Explore methods for tracking stiffness, drag, and degradation using existing test-rig signals.

HOW TO START

Start with a desk study.
No hardware, no fiber on the part.

Share your drawings, load case, and available simulation or test data. We assess feasibility and sensing coverage before you invest in hardware or install fiber.

STEP 1 · ASSESS FEASIBILITY

A desk study of your component

We review your geometry, loading, and available data to assess a proposed sensing layout and the insights it could provide. Using simulation results where available, we compare distributed sensing coverage with your planned gauge locations. If you already have fiber-optic test data, we can analyze that instead.

What we need: Drawings, a load case, and any available simulation results or test data. No new instrumentation is required for the study.

STEP 2 · RUN A PILOT

An instrumented test

We work with your team to define the fiber layout, compatible acquisition hardware, and analysis for a selected test specimen. During the pilot, we assess strain concentrations and structural response, then compare measured behavior with your model.

What we need: A test specimen, access to the rig, an agreed load plan, and time for installation. Hardware and support requirements are defined in the pilot scope.

STEP 3 · BUILD A REPEATABLE WORKFLOW

iDAAS in your test workflow

Bring iDAAS into routine testing to organize data, analyze results, and compare behavior across specimens and test cycles. We help your team establish reusable setups and a consistent analysis process.

What we need: An agreed software license, compatible acquisition hardware, and a sensing setup appropriate to each test.

What could your next test reveal?

Share your drawings, load case, and available data. We’ll help you assess where distributed sensing can add insight and define a practical path to more structural and model validation.