Engineering Services

Engineering Services

PCKA is a world leader in modeling, simulation, analysis, and design of large interactive dynamic systems such as the advanced power systems of ships, aircraft, spacecraft, and ground vehicles. PCKA delivers on time, on budget and often works as an “honest broker.”  […]

Jet Engine

The concentration of high-level research and development personnel in the Engineering Services Division of PCKA is generally found only in academic research environments. The mission of this elite group of engineers is to develop and transition advanced technologies to meet the needs of government and industry high-tech programs; particularly, in the design of dynamic power-electronic-based electromechanical systems of the types to be found in advanced aircraft, spacecraft, ships, and ground vehicles. PCKA supports numerous programs and research initiatives for several government agencies and industries and has a well-established reputation for solving engineering challenges through the use of advanced modeling, simulation, analysis, and optimization techniques. The company is currently involved in a wide variety of activities related to system integration and subsystem design which includes the development and demonstration of high-power, high-efficiency power supplies, high-temperature electromechanical actuation systems, electric machine optimization, prognostics and health management of power generation/utilization systems, high-performance heat exchangers, and advanced motor controls. The software tools developed by PCKA’s Computer Services Division allow fast and accurate computer simulations of large, interactive, dynamic systems making computer simulation a convenient and money-saving step in the design of these systems. Using these tools, the interactions between the components within a system can be determined before the components are built. This capability allows the design of components to achieve optimal overall system performance rather then designing the system component by component with limited knowledge of the system interactions that may occur. PCKA has assisted manufacturers in installing these software tools and provided instruction and assistance in simulation and the conducting of analysis and the design; however, in many cases, PCKA has developed the simulation of systems and conducted the analysis, design, and optimization for the manufacturer.

There are two Air Force activities in which PCKA is heavily involved; the Modeling Simulation and Analysis Team (MSAT) and the INtegrated Vehicle and Energy Technology (INVENT) program. These programs are discussed briefly followed by a listing of PCKA publications which serve to provide the reader with an overview of the engineering projects in which PCKA is involved. Due to Non Disclosure Agreements (NDA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions, PCKA is not at liberty to discuss many of the engineering projects that have been done or are currently underway. Therefore, only the material that has been cleared for open presentation and publication can be used here. In this section, the presentations and publications in which PCKA employees have been involved are listed by title and divided into three general categories; namely, “Electromechanical Power System Analysis and Component Design”, which has been the largest effort, “Thermal Management System Analysis and Component Design”, and “Prognostics and Health Management”. By clicking on the title of the paper, the abstract of the presentation or publication will appear and by clicking on an author their resume will appear if they are a full-time PCKA employee At the end of each abstract, information is given as to where the complete presentation or copyrighted publication can be obtained.