We were honored to have Joshua Gorfain from Quartus Engineering present at the 2026 SIMULIA Americas Users Conference in Novi, Michigan, May 13-14, 2026.

Abstract: 

Novel fiber-reinforced composite materials enable the potential for high performance flywheel energy storage systems.  Designing flywheel components capable of realizing this potential is a challenge that heavily relies on simulation driven design.  The work presents the Abaqus finite element analysis (FEA) techniques used to successfully design a flywheel assembly capable of operating at more than 35,000 rpm.  Strength and compliance behaviors had to be balanced under the rotational inertial loads.  This was accomplished by applying a multi-level design optimization approach using the Tosca framework.  Rotordynamic analyses of the optimized system were then conducted to determine critical speeds of the system so performance problems associated with these resonances could be avoided when subsequent spin testing is performed.
 

Presenter: 

Joshua Gorfain

Senior Engineering Manager- Quartus Engineering

Joshua Gorfain is a senior manager and technical leader at Quartus Engineering, Inc.  He has more than 20 years of experience using physics-based simulations and experimental testing to solve challenging problems in the design, analysis, and characterization of a broad range of materials, structures, and systems.  Mr. Gorfain is a recognized expert and instructor in shock phenomena. He has published and presented over 25 works related to the mechanical and dynamic behavior of materials and structures, primarily within the aerospace and defense industries.  Mr. Gorfain holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland.