Introduction

A leading European manufacturer of commercial kitchen systems partnered with Femto to perform a detailed thermomechanical analysis of its deep fryer system. The objective was clear: identify critical stress concentrations caused by thermal loads, uncover potential design weaknesses early, and validate the effectiveness of targeted improvements. The insights gained would directly support safer, more durable, and more efficient product development.

Main challenge

Commercial deep fryers operate under high thermal loads, and their structural response changes over time. To reflect these real world conditions, transient analyses were performed. Multiple load cases were defined, combining different burner air supply cycles (on/off) with the corresponding burner temperatures and convection conditions. These factors influence the temperature distribution in the structure and therefore affect the resulting thermal stresses.

Solution

Femto’s engineering team approached the task using the nonlinear, coupled structural‑thermal solver in Simcenter 3D. This advanced setup enabled:

• Highly accurate prediction of thermal hotspots
• Reliable simulation of heating, cooling, and steady‑state conditions
• Robust handling of complex, transient thermal loads

With this approach, Femto was able to evaluate the thermomechanical behavior of the fryer across relevant operating scenarios and identify the conditions that created the highest stress levels. These insights formed the basis for focused design optimization in close collaboration with the customer.

As an experienced Simcenter 3D user and reseller, Femto combines software expertise with practical engineering experience. This allows us not only to perform advanced simulation analyses, but also to help customers apply the results effectively within their development process.

Outcomes

In this project, it was observed that among all evaluated scenarios, the combination of fully heated oil with the burner switched off produced the highest thermally induced stresses. This case became the primary basis for optimization.

Key findings included:

• Five critical stress zones identified
• Design modifications developed collaboratively with the customer
• Stress levels successfully reduced below the allowable stress limits.
• Improved structural reliability under real operating conditions

Conclusion

• Femto demonstrated its ability to perform complex simulations that tightly integrate structural and thermal physics.
• The analyses enabled targeted design optimization, significantly reducing stresses in critical areas and enhancing product durability.
• This project highlights Femto’s role in combining simulation expertise with practical, solution‑oriented collaboration, enabling us to effectively translate analysis results into feasible real-world design improvements.

Author: Felix Rathmann
Project Engineer, Femto Engineering