Case Study: Summit Analysis Inc. validates bonded T‑joint strength and fast‑tracks SkyWeb Express prototype with ANSYS Structural

Summit Analysis Inc. - Customer Case Study

Summit Analysis Inc. was hired to verify the structural integrity of the adhesive-bonded tubular aluminum T-joint that connects the cabin to the chassis of Taxi 2000’s SkyWeb Express personal rapid transit vehicle. The challenge was to quickly produce a weight-sensitive, safety-critical analysis so a working prototype could be built on schedule, ensuring the bonded joints could withstand turning, wind and repeated passenger-load cycles; Summit Analysis used ANSYS Structural to perform the work.

Using ANSYS Structural and its surface-to-surface bonded contact elements, Summit Analysis created a parametric finite-element model to extract joint loads and verify shear and peel strengths. ANSYS’s contact technology and reporting capabilities let the team rapidly confirm forces were within acceptable limits, enabling the SkyWeb Express prototype to be completed on time — more than 5,000 people have ridden the prototype and multiple cities worldwide are evaluating the system.

Summit Analysis Inc.