FEA Program to Learn
FEA Program to Learn
(OP)
I am currently working for a company that, despite my urging, doesn't see a need for in-house FEA.
I think it is a good skill to have and the piece of mind that it would provide if the FEA results were in line with hand calculation would be nice too.
So I am thinking of purchasing my own copy so that I can get acquainted with the process. I would like to get a program that has some credibility since it may come in handy in the future if I look for another job.
The most promising, at least from a price standpoint, is NEiFusion. Has anyone here had any experience with this program? Is there some other program that you would recommend?
It also seems to have all of the capabilities that I need. Which are static, linear, and contact analysis. Modal is not necessary but would be nice too.
I currently have a 300 node limit of NE/Nastran but I keep running into that limit and I wouldn't be able to afford the full version.
My limit on cost is $5000-$6000 but less would be nice.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan
I think it is a good skill to have and the piece of mind that it would provide if the FEA results were in line with hand calculation would be nice too.
So I am thinking of purchasing my own copy so that I can get acquainted with the process. I would like to get a program that has some credibility since it may come in handy in the future if I look for another job.
The most promising, at least from a price standpoint, is NEiFusion. Has anyone here had any experience with this program? Is there some other program that you would recommend?
It also seems to have all of the capabilities that I need. Which are static, linear, and contact analysis. Modal is not necessary but would be nice too.
I currently have a 300 node limit of NE/Nastran but I keep running into that limit and I wouldn't be able to afford the full version.
My limit on cost is $5000-$6000 but less would be nice.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan





RE: FEA Program to Learn
RE: FEA Program to Learn
The way it seems to me (I could be wrong here) is that if a company wants experience with a particular modeling system, they want a LOT of experience with specifically that system. So experience with something similar doesn't count for much, and a general familiarity with it doesn't count for much.
RE: FEA Program to Learn
If you're going to use the software with your present company then don't waste your own money buying something that they can exploit. I'd download a free version and use that at work and then gently coax your 'largely ignorant and ill informed management' as to the benefits of using electrickery calcumometers (as they perceive them) and how you could do even better, and how the company would look more professional, with a full recognised commercial package, and let them buy it. My guess is that you have a an old-school computer-phobia management who think hand calculations are all you need - with a safety factor of 5.
corus
RE: FEA Program to Learn
RE: FEA Program to Learn
RE: FEA Program to Learn
I thought NEiFusion was only being offered at the $1999.00 price tag until December 31, but you may be able to pick it up if you act quickly. Noran puts out a really good product, and I'm sure it would be well-supported.
In principle, however, I have to agree with JStephen and corus, your company should equip you with the tools you need to do your job. Convincing them that you need it may be a bit difficult, but keep at it. Any chance some of thier product might fail? If so, have an analysis ready for them to warn them and see if you can do some testing against your analysis results. Accurately predict a problem and they should come around.
Garland E. Borowski, PE
Borowski Engineering & Analytical Services, Inc.
Lower Alabama SolidWorks Users Group
RE: FEA Program to Learn
RE: FEA Program to Learn
While I agree that if a company is looking for a full time analyst they will want someone that has a lot of real-world experience with a particular software package the reason I am looking at developing this skill is because many companies are incorporating basic FEA earlier in the design phase.
Being a designer, having practical experience (i.e. when to/not use shell elements and when/how a model can be simplified without effecting accuracy...)
Am I wrong in thinking this way?
GBor, thanks for the suggestion. I am getting the trial version now.
cowski, I have looked at Calulix and I was hoping for something a little easier on the modelling end.
Well, in a short period of time (<24hrs wow) I got some good suggestions on both sides of my question so I guess I should think about this a little more before I jump in.
Thanks to everyone. All of the responses were really helpful.
Dan
RE: FEA Program to Learn
For what you are looking for, I think either the NEiFusion or AMPS will be a great value (assuming NEiFusion is still within your price range).
RE: FEA Program to Learn
RE: FEA Program to Learn
The program that I was referring to is NEiFusion not NEiWorks. It is/was Fusion that was being offered for $2000. I agree that there is no way SW would allow NEiWorks to go out the door at anywhere near that price.
RE: FEA Program to Learn
RE: FEA Program to Learn
Just out of curiousity, what is your background?
Are you trying to learn FEA or just a software interface because that is not the same thing. Why is your employer not buying the tools you need provided that you know how to use them?
I don't mean to be negative but if you are a complete beginner and there is no previous experience inhouse with these tools. If I were an employer I would also hesitate. FEA is much more than working an interface.
As for software, I would continue with the 300 node limit to learn the process. For how long have you used it?
Good Luck
Thomas