ESRD

What ESRD does

ESRD (Engineering Software Research and Development, Inc.) is a privately held Missouri corporation founded in 1989 in St. Louis, MO, by Dr. Barna Szabó, Mr. Kent Myers, and Dr. Ivo Babuška. The company develops and markets advanced engineering simulation software, centered on its flagship product StressCheck Professional—an FEA tool built on the p-version (hp-version) finite element method with hierarchic finite element spaces. This methodology is positioned around mathematically proven faster convergence to exact solutions than traditional FEA implementations, automatic solution verification, the separation of modeling errors from approximation errors, and a reduced element library (five element types versus hundreds in legacy codes) that maps geometry without defeaturing. ESRD markets the product around "Simulation Governance," a compliance-oriented approach to ASME and NASA VVUQ standards, with primary applications spanning detailed stress analysis, fracture mechanics, durability and damage tolerance (DaDT), composite structures, and bonded/fastened joint analysis for aerospace and defense engineering professionals.

Revenue is generated primarily through quote-based subscription software licenses (node-locked and floating), annual software maintenance and technical support contracts, and professional services including training, consulting, and custom application development. Pricing varies across the StressCheck Professional Core, modular Solver licenses (Linear Elasticity, Non-Linear, Cold Working, Margin Check, Modal & Buckling, Heat Transfer), Advanced Modules (Composites, Residual Stress SRS & BRS, MeshSim Advanced Automesher), the StressCheck ToolBox (SFAT, MFAT, LCAT), and the CAE Handbook framework. Distribution combines direct enterprise field sales targeting A&D engineering professionals with channel reach through the Altair Partner Alliance (CAE Handbook added February 2021), active presence at conferences (ASIP, CAASE, NAFEMS), joint webinars with partners, and gated 30-day trial evaluations that require attendance at Getting Started workshops; a free Student Version and discounted Academic Licensing extend the funnel into universities.

Named customers include NAVAIR, USAF's A-10 ASIP, AFRL, Boeing, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, EADS, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF-DSTO), Southwest Research Institute, Hill Engineering, Analytical Processes/Engineering Solutions (AP/ES), and Purdue University. According to company materials, StressCheck has been used by every leading U.S. aircraft contractor and supports every major U.S. military aircraft program. Strategic partners include Altair (channel), Hill Engineering (BAMF joint marketing for DaDT), LexTech (AFGROW integration), Simmetrix (MeshSim technology), NAFEMS, and the Revolution in Simulation thought-leadership initiative. The firm has no disclosed external funding, no identified parent company, and continues to release major product versions—most recently StressCheck v12.0 and v12.1 in September 2024—while operating with a headcount in the 11-50 range.

Name

ESRD

Legal name

Engineering Software Research and Development, Inc.

Website

https://esrd.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ESRD is a private St. Louis-based developer of StressCheck Professional, an advanced FEA software using p-version finite element methods for high-fidelity structural stress analysis in aerospace and defense applications, with anchor customers including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, NAVAIR, USAF, and AFRL.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Engineering Simulation Software (FEA)

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Risk Quantification, Modeling & Stress Testing (BPAHAFAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Risk Management (ERM), Operational Risk & Business Continuity (BPAEAPAJ)

Keywords

• Finite element analysis software
• Structural stress analysis
• Fracture mechanics software
• Composite materials simulation
• Aerospace simulation software

Headquarters

HQ city

St Louis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses - StressCheck Professional: Node-locked (single-device) and floating (server-hosted) license options. License types for various solver modules including Linear Elasticity, Non-Linear, Cold Working, Margin Check, Modal & Buckling, Heat Transfer. Advanced modules for Composites, Residual Stress (SRS & BRS), MeshSim Advanced Automesher.
2. Software Licenses - StressCheck Apps: CAE Handbook and StressCheck Toolbox licensed separately. CAE Handbook provides framework for deploying StressCheck-powered digital handbook solutions. ToolBox modules for specific analysis tasks.
3. Software Maintenance & Technical Support: Annual software maintenance and technical support policy (current version March 2024). Includes product updates, technical support, and access to resources.
4. Professional Services: Hands-on training, expert consulting, and sophisticated application development services for engineering analysis needs. Web-based training options available.
5. Academic Licensing: Special academic licensing available for teaching/educational purposes at reduced pricing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ESRD develops and sells StressCheck Professional, an advanced finite element analysis (FEA) software based on the p-version finite element method and hierarchic finite element spaces. The software delivers high-fidelity detailed structural stress analysis, fracture mechanics, composite analysis, and solution verification for aerospace and defense engineering applications. The product suite includes the StressCheck Core engine, specialized Solver Modules (Linear/Non-Linear, Cold Working, Modal & Buckling, Heat Transfer), Advanced Modules (Composites, Residual Stress, MeshSim Automesher), the CAE Handbook framework, and the StressCheck Tool Box (SFAT, MFAT, LCAT).

Product overview

ESRD develops a suite of FEA-based simulation software anchored by its flagship product StressCheck Professional, which implements the p-version finite element method with hierarchic finite element spaces. The portfolio is organized around three main pillars: the core StressCheck Professional platform with its modular Solver Modules (Linear Elasticity, Non-Linear, Cold Working, Margin Check, Modal & Buckling, Heat Transfer), Advanced Modules (Composites, Residual Stress SRS & BRS, MeshSim Advanced Automesher), and Utilities (CAD Translator Modules); the StressCheck Apps family including CAE Handbook (a template framework for digital engineering handbooks powered by StressCheck solvers) and the StressCheck Tool Box (containing Single Fastener Analysis Tool/SFAT, Multi-Fastener Analysis Tool/MFAT, and Laminated Cutout Analysis Tool/LCAT); and specialized licensing options including Academic Licensing and a free Student Version. All products are oriented toward high-fidelity structural analysis, solution verification, and Simulation Governance compliance for aerospace and defense applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• StressCheck Professional: Advanced FEA tool based on the p-version finite element method for detailed structural stress analysis.
• CAE Handbook
• StressCheck Tool Box
• StressCheck Apps

Products and services

• StressCheck Professional ESRD's flagship engineering FEA software based on the p-version finite element method and hierarchic finite element spaces, providing high-fidelity structural stress analysis, solution verification, and support for linear, nonlinear, buckling, heat transfer, composites, residual stress, and fracture mechanics analysis. Designed for aerospace and defense engineering professionals.
• StressCheck Core The core engine of StressCheck Professional providing the fundamental FEA framework, hierarchic modeling capabilities, and solution verification infrastructure. Sold as the foundational module of the StressCheck Professional product line.
• StressCheck Solver Modules Specialized solver modules extending StressCheck Core capabilities, including Linear Elasticity, Non-Linear, Cold Working, Margin Check, Modal & Buckling, and Heat Transfer solvers for distinct engineering analysis types.
• StressCheck Advanced Modules Advanced analysis modules including Composites (for laminated composite material analysis), Residual Stress (SRS & BRS for engineered/component residual stress), and MeshSim Advanced Automesher for high-fidelity structural analysis workflows.
• StressCheck Tool Box Collection of specialized analysis tools including Single Fastener Analysis Tool (SFAT), Multi-Fastener Analysis Tool (MFAT), and Laminated Cutout Analysis Tool (LCAT) for standardized recurring engineering analysis workflows.
• CAE Handbook Template-based framework for deploying StressCheck-powered digital engineering handbook solutions, enabling standardization and automation of recurring analysis tasks and processes for use by non-expert engineers.
• StressCheck Academic Licensing Specialized license program for academic institutions enabling use of StressCheck Professional for teaching and educational purposes at discounted pricing.
• StressCheck Student Version License-free student version of StressCheck for educational exploration and learning purposes, available without formal evaluation request.
• StressCheck Utilities Utility modules including CAD Translator Modules for importing and working with CAD geometry within StressCheck Professional.
• Professional Services (Training, Consulting, Application Development) Hands-on training, expert consulting, and sophisticated application development services for engineering analysis needs, with web-based training options available; supports StressCheck Professional users in achieving high-fidelity analysis outcomes.
• Software Maintenance & Technical Support Annual software maintenance and technical support policy (current version March 2024), including product updates, technical support, and access to resources.

Quantifiable outcome

• Where traditional FEA would require hundreds of elements, StressCheck uses just one quadrilateral element
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Altair (Altair Partner Alliance)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 February 2021CAE Handbook officially added to Altair Partner Alliance (APA) in late February 2021. CAE Handbook provides an elegant and intuitive framework for deploying StressCheck-powered digital handbook solutions through Altair's ecosystem. Enables access for Altair's existing customer base.
• Hill EngineeringcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 March 2020Joint marketing agreement executed March 2020 to collaboratively promote combined use of Broad Application for Modeling Failure (BAMF) and StressCheck Professional for fatigue and damage tolerance analysis. BAMF is developed by Hill Engineering and incorporates AFGROW and StressCheck.
• LexTech (AFGROW)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 July 2019LexTech develops AFGROW fatigue crack growth software. StressCheck integrates with AFGROW for combined use in durability and damage tolerance analysis. Joint webinar organized in July 2019 to discuss latest in 3D crack growth simulation.
• Revolution in Simulation (Rev-Sim)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2018RevolutioninSimulation.org initiative led by Malcolm Panthaki for simulation thought leadership. ESRD joined to provide thought leadership on Simulation Governance and Democratization of Simulation. Contributing papers, presentations, videos, blog articles. Hosted CAASE 2018 roundtable discussion.
• Altair (Webinar Partnership)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2018Co-presented April 2018 webinar on Global-Local Workflows and High-Fidelity Stress Analysis for Wing Flap Hinge Fitting using Altair's Aero Wing concept. Hosted on Altair platform.
• SimmetrixcoreTechnology or IntegrationSimmetrix develops MeshSim Advanced Module used in StressCheck Professional for advanced automeshing functionality. MeshSim is part of Simmetrix Simulation Modeling Suite.
• NAFEMScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization for engineering simulation. Co-sponsored CAASE 2018 conference. ESRD contributes to NAFEMS Benchmark magazine, FEA Puzzler challenges, and training courses. ESRD Chairman Dr. Barna Szabó contributes technical articles.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Dassault Systèmes (SIMULIA / Abaqus): SIMULIA Abaqus is a dominant FEA solver for nonlinear structural analysis, used heavily in aerospace and defense for detailed stress, composites, and fracture. A broad incumbent competing with StressCheck on detailed stress analysis and DaDT workflows at Boeing, Lockheed, and other primes.
• ANSYS: ANSYS Mechanical is the leading general-purpose commercial FEA platform for structural, thermal, and multiphysics analysis across aerospace, automotive, and energy. It is a broad incumbent that overlaps with StressCheck on detailed stress and fracture mechanics but is typically used as a primary platform with StressCheck complementing for high-fidelity stress.
• Siemens Digital Industries Software (Simcenter): Simcenter (incorporating NX Nastran and Samcef) is a broad CAE suite used for structural, thermal, and durability analysis in aerospace. Overlaps with StressCheck on detailed stress, composites, and DaDT for aircraft structural analysis.

Direct peers

• Altair Engineering: Altair offers OptiStruct and HyperWorks for structural analysis and is also a channel partner of ESRD via the Altair Partner Alliance. Altair is both a direct peer in FEA/sizing optimization and a distribution channel for StressCheck's CAE Handbook.
• BETA CAE Systems: BETA CAE provides ANSA pre-processor and μETA post-processor widely used for crash, NVH, and durability in automotive and aerospace. Overlaps with StressCheck on CAE workflow tooling and serves many of the same European A&D customers.
• ADINA R&D: ADINA is a specialized finite element solver known for nonlinear structural, thermal, and fluid-structure interaction analysis. Comparable to StressCheck as a small, technically rigorous FEA provider competing in detailed stress and nonlinear simulation niches.
• COMSOL: COMSOL Multiphysics is a widely used FEA platform for coupled multiphysics problems. While broader than StressCheck, it overlaps in structural mechanics and serves academic and industrial users with similar evaluation and licensing models.
• Hexagon MSC Software (MSC Nastran): MSC Nastran is the long-standing standard FEA solver for aerospace structural analysis, with deep usage in U.S. military aircraft programs. Directly comparable to StressCheck on detailed stress, fracture mechanics, and DaDT, and competes for the same A&D engineering seats.

Emerging players

• Hill Engineering: Hill Engineering develops BAMF (Broad Application for Modeling Failure), which incorporates AFGROW and integrates with StressCheck for fatigue and damage tolerance analysis. An emerging player and joint-marketing partner in the same DaDT niche.
• LexTech / AFGROW (Jiang): AFGROW is the U.S. Air Force's standard fatigue crack growth analysis tool, integrated with StressCheck. A complementary peer in the DaDT workflow with shared USAF customers and joint go-to-market activity.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ESRD