Satelite ARSAT 1

ARSAT-1 is a geostationary communications satellite. Was launched into orbit on October 16, 2014 from French Guiana. ARSAT-1 is the first geostationary satellite built in Latin America. Weighs three tons and was designed to have a useful life in orbit of 15 years. It will offer a wide range of telecommunications, data transmission, telephone and television services mainly across South America including direct broadcast TV in the ISDB-S standard.

Our mechanical engineering team worked on the structural analysis and verification according to EASA and NASA regulations.

VDS’s team worked on the following:

• CAD Design of critical components (Panels, Phyrovalves, Nozzles, Propellant Tanks).
• Thermal Shield Insulation.
• Structural Analysis of Tubing Systems.
• Sine Sweep Testings.
• FEM Validation and Verification of model according to test measurements.
• Analysis and Design of Propulsion Systems
• PFM Testing (Protoflight Model)
• STM (Structural Testing Model)
• Notching Criteria
• Random Analysis
• Quasi-static Analysis based on Launch Loads
• Frequency Response Analysis

VDS has colaborated in other projects and continues to assist our client in other important satellite and radar projects such as CUBESAT; SAOCOM; ARSAT-2 and ARSAT-3 Satellites and RMA (Meteorological Radar), MET-V Surveillance Radar and MTPS Radar for Military and Commercial Operations.

NATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

25MW NUCLEAR REACTOR CAREM
National Atomic Energy Commission

CAREM is the first Pressure Water Reactor developed in South America. Argentina has over 50 years of experience in the Atomic Energy Industry.

VDS works on the Mechanical Design and Engineering of critical components for this reactor. This project represents a great challenge for it is an automated new generation (4th generation) reactor with full passive safety. It is also a modular reactor so it represents a flexible, cost-effective energy alternative.

VDS’s services to this project include Conceptual and Detailed Engineering of Pressure Vessel, Steam Generators, Fuel Handling System (FH), and Control Rods among other Mechanisims. Currently VDS is participating also in the construction of milled parts for these components.

For more information on this project please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbVqrMwVhaU

BUENOS AIRES INTERURBAN RAILWAY

ALERCE PROJECT

VDS used its experience in the aeronautical and aerospace field and applied it to a totally different industry: Railways. We suggested our client the benefits of building train with a much lighter structure (lighter materials) than the commonly used in this industry.

VDS’s engineering staff worked hand in hand with our client so this change in technology would not impact nor change radically there processes and costs of production. This ALERCE project was a breakthrought in the local railway industry.

VDS worked on this project in all its stages; from Conceptual Design, Analysis to Testing and Data Acquisition. Currently we continue improving ALERCE I. During 2014 ALERCE III was released.

This light train brings multiple benefits to the industry:

• Lower fuel costs (Cost Efficient)
• Lighter and a more Rigid Class Structure due to its Monocoque Construction.
• The Modular Construction makes it easier to build multiple configurations of this train at a lower cost.
• We improved the stability of the vehicle by lowering its center of gravity.