With over 25 years of mechanical engineering experience, MSA provides complete product development support for startups and small companies to help them get their ideas to market. Their engineering services range from occasional consulting to full product design.
MSA was formed in 1990, and their first project was to analyze the performance of large high-speed end mills for an aerospace company. Simulation has always been MSA’s core capability, one they continue to grow and expand. Their design and simulation expertise spans a broad range of industries including aviation, locomotive, construction equipment, consumer products, and electronics.
MSA’s simulation capabilities include a full range of linear static and nonlinear static analysis, dynamic analysis (impact), vibration analysis, thermal analysis (conduction, convection, radiation), and thermal analysis using CFD (electronics cooling). All analysis capabilities can be used for failure analysis of existing systems.
MSA’s preferred tools are Onshape and SimScale. Other tools can be used as required.
How can you collaborate?
Our partner has experience across multiple industries and project types, including:
- Fan blade and turbine blade static analysis, frequency analysis
- Locomotive fuel tank rupture analysis, nonlinear dynamic
- Vacuum pump stand failure analysis, harmonic analysis
- Concrete finishing trowel structural analysis, linear and nonlinear static
- Copier scanner support analysis, linear static, thermal effects


Case Study
MSA was retained by Motive Power of Boise, Idaho to verify whether the fuel tank on their new Metra commuter locomotive would meet the requirements set out in 49 CFR, Part 238, appendix D.
The fuel tank needed to be able to survive a minor derailment, a jack-knifed locomotive, and a side impact.
A nonlinear analysis was performed for the three load cases. With slight modifications, the tank design was able to meet the requirements of 49 CFR, Part 238, appendix D.
The SimScale Consulting Partner Program aims to help our users who are not familiar with engineering simulation and the SimScale platform get assistance and consulting services with their product design, testing, prototyping, and simulation.
If you are interested in collaborating with MSA – Mechanical Systems and Analysis on your project, request a quote through the following link.