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Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

(OP)
Does anyone use a free FEA package regularly?

We're a very young outfit, and the nature of our current business doesn't give much justification for more expensive alternatives.  Has anyone used a free FEA package with much success?

I've been tinkering with these for a couple of days with little-to-no success.  I think the software is capable and reliable, but the support of course, is terrible.  I can barely get a working model together, let alone actually get an analysis out of these things.  I remember LISA from friends and professors mention while I was in college, so I would expect it to be usable.

For completeness, here are some links so you can check out the software if you're unfamiliar:

www.lisa-fet.com
www.visualfea.com

RE: Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

I had no real luck with LISA. Calculix is free and has somewhat usable pre and post processing. However it doesn't have beam elements. Z88 is definitely usable, but it is like going to the dentist, circa 1910.





Cheers

Greg Locock

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RE: Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

(OP)
Thanks!  I downloaded Calculix and installed...time hasn't permitted me to mess with it, but I certainly appreciate the help!

RE: Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

I could not download LISA.

Regards,
Qshake
pipe
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

RE: Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

(OP)
That stinks, Q.  I just went to the site and the d/l started for me.  I don't think you're missing much anyway.

Fitter, happier, more productive

RE: Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

I've used a free program called FEAPPv with some success. It has the source code in fortran so you can edit it if you want.

corus

RE: Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

If you have Matlab then OpenFEM is a customisable and usable free FEA toolbox. It is not especially easy to use but of course it is endlessly configurable.

Unfortunately the Scilab port is not useable, in my opinion.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

RE: Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

(OP)
By any chance, are any older versions of Matlab available as a free download?  Scilab is all I have to work with at the moment.

Fitter, happier, more productive

RE: Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

I vaguely remember that a very early version of matlab is in the public domain.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

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