Engr. Vicente E. DyReyes, DOST Balik Scientist

Seminar on Theory and Practical Application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in the Aerospace Industry

[Last September 21, 2018, Engr. Vicente E. DyReyes, a DOST Balik Scientist, conducted a free seminar on the theory and Practical application of FEA at the FEATI University. Here's a report by Engr. Joefreim E. Delicano of said event. Engr. Delicano is Assistant Professor 1 of the Department of Aeronautical Engineering and Aircraft Maintenance Technology, College of Engineering of FEATI.]

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The seminar was conducted in partnership with the Society of Aerospace Engineers of the Philippines (SAEP) and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCIEERD-DOST). Below are some of the insights I gained from the seminar and I hope it could be of help in your endeavor:

1) The first part of his talk was all about Engr. DyReyes sharing his professional experience. With his knowledge in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Engr. DyReyes was able to work with various aviation industries abroad, both in the civilian and military.

2) Engr. DyReyes gave emphasis on the importance of Finite Element Analysis in Aeronautical Engineering. He mentioned that industries were able to save a lot of money in testing and operation with the aid of FEA. He added that aircraft manufacturing and repair abroad are governed by FEA.

3) The second part of his talk delved on the origin of FEA as well the scientific principles behind it. He told that FEA was just like a method on how we determine the characteristics of orthographic objects e.g. square, rectangle. For instance, if we want to get the perimeter of the square, we just add its sides. Looking at it in the perspective of FEA, reactions, loads, and other characteristics of an object (irregular or regular in shape) can be approximated by performing a series of multiple linear equations. 

4) Practical applications of FEA in aircraft were discussed in the last part of the seminar. Uses of FEA for some real world problems were demonstrated. The seminar ended with the participants having a tour in the Aeronautical laboratory of FEATI University, funded by the Philippine Council of Industry, Energy and Emerging Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCIEERD).

Many thanks to Engr. Delicano for writing the report.

Editorial 2018 of the The Aero Engineer magazine

The Aero Engineer, official publication of SAEP

Holistic is the Word

Many words carry very powerful meaning and one of these is “holistic.” It has become a meme and many people are talking about it. The word is most commonly used to describe a new approach in medicine. Holistic medicine refers to a technique in which it attempts to treat both the mind and body in eradicating illnesses or diseases.

This year’s National Convention has the theme, “Cultivating the Holistic Aeronautical Engineer and Its Implications in Professional Practice.” It reflects the relevance of the subject to the tasks our profession is supposed to face. And one subject that our profession should put emphasis on is Continuing Professional Development. CPD is the new meme in the world of the professionals. Earning credit units is one requirement for the renewal of our professional IDs. But CPD goes beyond earning credit units. It is one’s commitment to excellence in all areas of the profession – whether it is to enhance competency, upgrade or improve skills or keep knowledge updated – CPD is synonymous with professionalism.

This year’s list of topics in the National Convention includes the business side of aviation as related to minimizing fuel consumption for narrow-body aircraft. So it’s not all technology. An aero engineer should also be well informed regarding aviation business and the regulations and policies that go with it. This leads to entrepreneurship and eventually becoming a full-pledged aviation businessman.

Another topic is about performance-based communication and surveillance aspects of air traffic management. Its purpose is to ensure that new technologies for communication and surveillance are harnessed to support air traffic operations. This involves various stakeholders, i.e., aircraft systems, aircraft operators, air navigation service providers, satellite service providers, communication service providers. This is a holistic approach to the challenge of air traffic management in improving its operations.

Once again, holistic approach to our profession will prove to be the right way to meet the challenges ahead. If it has been proven in other fields then there’s no reason we can’t do it.

SAEP 14th National Convention

Message from the Chairman
PRB of Aeronautical Engineering

Hon. Ernesto B. Ferreras Jr.

My warmest greetings to the Society of Aerospace Engineers of the Philippines for successfully holding this year’s National Convention.

With the theme “Holistic Aeronautical Engineering and Its Implications in Professional Practice,” our profession is taking the next level. Holistic in the sense that the parts are being treated in relation to the whole. Just like in medicine, the treatment is not only dealing with a specific part of the body but attempts to treat both the mind and the body. Applying this principle to our profession, all areas of practice in our profession must be considered in order to move forward.

The Board of Aeronautical Engineering is prepared to handle the tasks set forth this year and the years ahead. Once more, I say we should strive to be more globally competitive by enhancing our competencies, upgrade our knowledge in aero engineering technology and appropriate regulatory laws.

I challenge the Society to face the tasks at hand by being holistic in its approach. I think this is the best way to work towards the common goal of uplifting our profession. Foremost in our minds is how we should contribute to maintain safety in aviation and help improve quality as well.

Again kudos to SAEP for taking the extra mile.