At SDC, composite product development of MDA systems begins with a close working relationship to the prime contractor. SDC takes the system level requirements and flows them down to the component and material level. Using these specifications and derived requirements, SDC develops both CAD and finite element models to perform trade studies that are used to select the best materials and processes. SDC materials experience spans from metals, fiber reinforced organic and inorganic matrix composites and thermal management materials.

SDC uses a large suite of analysis software for trade studies as well as for preliminary and final design, including:

As part of its technology and engineering development programs, SDC is building a significant material property data base for composite materials.