Modeling & Simulation
Understanding loads, failure modes and design margins before they become costly problems.
Blackfish provides advanced modelling and simulation services to support the design, validation and optimisation of engineered systems across a variety of industrial sectors. By expertly applying analysis tools in combination with practical engineering knowledge, our analysts enable clients to solve complex engineering challenges, reduce risk and optimise designs throughout the project lifecycle
We use structural and thermal modelling, including linear and non-linear finite element analysis in Ansys, to understand how components will behave before they're built. Where standard software doesn't fit the problem, we build bespoke analysis tools in Python, MATLAB and VBA.
Analysis is only valuable when it leads to a better outcome and with our years of experience, we know how to use these tools cost effectively. With the right expertise, we identify risks and opportunities and work with clients to improve the design to maximise performance in the field.
How We Support Your Project
The Blackfish Analysis team specialise in structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermal and multi-physics modelling, incuding.
• High-fidelity structural finite element analysis, covering assessments of stress, deformation, fatigue and failure, applying linear and nonlinear methods processed using implicit and explicit solvers.
• Thermal engineering services, such as conjugate heat transfer or thermomechanical stress analysis to assess combined structural and thermal load effects.
• Hydrodynamic simulations for assessing and managing the response of naval and offshore marine systems under environmental conditions.
Core Services
Design Support
Application of analytical and numerical techniques to support engineering design decisions from proof-of-concept through to detailed design
Evaluation of performance, structural integrity and operational behaviour
Reduction in risk
Validation
Independent assessment against requirements, industry standards and performance criteria
Validation of analytical models, calculations and assumptions
Building of confidence
Optimisation
Iterative analysis to refine performance, efficiency and reliability
Reductions in cost, weight and carbon footprint
Improvement in design
Who We Work With
Clients who need reassurance that a design will survive real loads and operating conditions before it's built, as well as clients who need independent, defensible analysis to support a certification or investment decision.
We tailor our involvement to your project, from a single independent assessment to ongoing support through iterative design. Every project has direct access to Blackfish Engineering's wider design and product development expertise, so analysis translates into a practical solution, not just a report.
Typical challenges we solve
A design that needs proving against fatigue, extreme loads or repeated cycles before it is manufactured
Understanding the root cause of an unexpected failure or in-service issue
Helping clients with independent verification for certification or project requirements
Using the right tools in the right way to solve complex or critical issues
Book a Consultation With Our Modelling & Simulation Lead
Dr James Hastie
Modelling and Simulation Lead
James is a chartered mechanical engineer with 13 years' experience in technology development and R&D, primarily across offshore drilling and renewables. He holds a PhD in the thermomechanical modelling of composite structures for deepwater applications, and is an Honorary Researcher at the University of Aberdeen. With his deep understanding of Finite Element and Finite Volume Analysis, he is able to guide clients towards the most appropriate analysis to overcome the challenges that they are facing. Book a 1:1 consultation to discuss your unique challenge.
Case Studies
View a selection of case studies where we outline the challenges, approach and outcome.
Structural FEA Deep Dive: Proving Complex Structures Before They're Built
Blackfish carries out structural finite element analysis across projects ranging from large offshore structures to complex mechanical assemblies, capturing nonlinear and fatigue effects using Ansys Workbench. Every model goes through internal quality control and convergence checks, giving clients confidence in results before committing to build.
Challenge
Structural problems vary widely, from large offshore towers and platforms under global loading to complex assemblies involving fasteners, bearings and cables. Real designs also carry manufacture and assembly effects such as welds, preloaded joints and interference fits, each needing an analysis approach matched to its complexity and risk.
Approach
Blackfish Analysis builds structural models in Ansys Workbench, ranging from simplified beam representations to detailed shell and solid geometry, working from client CAD or from scratch for early feasibility studies. Analysis covers stress, strain, deformation, fatigue life, vibration, buckling and dynamic loading, accounting for material, geometric and contact nonlinearities where needed. Every model passes through internal quality control and convergence checks before results are issued.
Outcome
Clients get analysis matched to how their structure will actually behave in service, with results they can view directly through the free Ansys Viewer tool even without an Ansys licence, and the confidence to move forward with manufacture or deployment.
Conjugate Heat Transfer Analysis of a Wave Energy Converter
Blackfish performed numerical heat transfer analysis on Mocean Energy's Blue Star 10 wave energy converter using Ansys Fluent, creating a conjugate model of solid conduction and fluid convection. The study confirmed the converter could be deployed at the proposed site with subsystem temperatures remaining safely within limits.
Challenge
Mocean Energy needed to confirm that its Blue Star 10 wave energy converter could operate safely in hot climates, despite the combined effects of solar irradiance and heat generated by internal components.
Approach
Blackfish Analysis used Ansys Fluent to perform numerical heat-transfer analysis, creating a conjugate model that accounted for solid conduction and fluid convection throughout the hull and nacelle.
Outcome
The analysis confirmed that the Blue Star 10 could be deployed at the proposed site, with critical subsystem temperatures remaining safely within their operating limits.
Fatigue assessment of WTG secondary steel-work
Blackfish was brought in to address a critical fatigue issue on secondary steel-work for a leading wind turbine manufacturer, with an expedited response a priority for the client. The team combined design experience and detailed FE fatigue analysis to down-select workable concepts, presenting practical, analysis-backed solutions to the client.
Challenge
The client required an expedited response to a technically sensitive fatigue problem, with limited time available to develop and assess viable solutions.
Approach
The team combined practical design experience, collaborative concept development and detailed finite element fatigue analysis to compare options and support the down-selection process.
Outcome
Blackfish presented practical, analysis-backed concepts to the client and worked effectively alongside consultants and stakeholders to support a rapid engineering response.
why innovators choose blackfish
Multidisciplinary Capability
Mechanical design, simulation, manufacturing, and testing sit under one roof, so you have a single point of contact.
Bespoke Problem Solving
We take on the problems that don't fit a standard approach, because that's the work we're built for.
Practical Manufacturing Experience
Hands-on engineering experience across offshore renewables, industrial equipment and emerging hardware technologies.
Embedded Partnerships
As an agile, flexible consultancy, we work as part of your team from day one, with communications at all levels.
Agile Delivery
We adapt as a project develops, rather than locking you into a fixed scope from day one.
Passion For Challenge
We're motivated by finding solutions to unique, difficult challenges.
Engineering For Innovators
CONTACT
Bristol (Head Office)
4 Unity St, Bristol BS1 5HH
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