Open source FEA for spaceframe analysis
Open source FEA for spaceframe analysis
(OP)
Hi,
Does anyone know of a simple beam FEA solver that would be suitable for a spaceframe modelled with beam elements? This is not a uni or commercial project, this is just for my own project car.
Ideally I'm looking for something which will import a node and element description of the model and perform a static analysis based on a loadcase.
Specifications would be;
Solving for tensile, shear and bending forces/moments
Ability to add pin joints would be a plus
Frequency and modal analysis would be a plus
Bonus points if it has a post processor
I want to use it as a way to quickly try different configurations of the spaceframe to optimise the beam placements.
Matlab code will also be considered.
My intended work flow is;
1. Model frame in CAD program
2. Export wireframe beam representation to .igs or .stp file
3. Convert wireframe data to FEA input data in Matlab
4. Perform torsional and bending analysis in open source FE solver
5. Post process n Matlab
solid/surfacing elements are not required.
So far I have seen a few possibilities, so if anyone have experience in any of these, please pipe up!
Calculix
Code_aster
Elmer
FEAPpv
Cheers
Tim
Does anyone know of a simple beam FEA solver that would be suitable for a spaceframe modelled with beam elements? This is not a uni or commercial project, this is just for my own project car.
Ideally I'm looking for something which will import a node and element description of the model and perform a static analysis based on a loadcase.
Specifications would be;
Solving for tensile, shear and bending forces/moments
Ability to add pin joints would be a plus
Frequency and modal analysis would be a plus
Bonus points if it has a post processor
I want to use it as a way to quickly try different configurations of the spaceframe to optimise the beam placements.
Matlab code will also be considered.
My intended work flow is;
1. Model frame in CAD program
2. Export wireframe beam representation to .igs or .stp file
3. Convert wireframe data to FEA input data in Matlab
4. Perform torsional and bending analysis in open source FE solver
5. Post process n Matlab
solid/surfacing elements are not required.
So far I have seen a few possibilities, so if anyone have experience in any of these, please pipe up!
Calculix
Code_aster
Elmer
FEAPpv
Cheers
Tim





RE: Open source FEA for spaceframe analysis
It can be downloaded here: http://www.cuylaerts.net/ (and it's only 500kB).
P.S. Sorry if I sound overly enthusiastic about this proram before I've used it in anger- I've been looking for something like this for a long time, and stumbled upon it only recently.
RE: Open source FEA for spaceframe analysis
This looks quite promising after a quick look. An automotive spaceframe is just a big 3D truss, so this software seems quite appropriate.
Tim
RE: Open source FEA for spaceframe analysis
Calculix is a great FEA program but last time I checked it didn't have beam elements.
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Open source FEA for spaceframe analysis
If you decide on CalculiX, I'd encourage you to join their users group on Yahoo. It also shares syntax with ABAQUS, so you should be able to leverage the ABAQUS documentation a bit. I'm not a user, but it's on the top of my list for programs to become well-acquainted with. From what I can tell, it's the best open-sourced FEM software that exists today.
//signed//
Christopher K. Hubley
Mechanical Engineer
Sunpower Incorporated
Athens, Ohio
--
http://engineeringliberty.wordpress.com
RE: Open source FEA for spaceframe analysis
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Open source FEA for spaceframe analysis
Nonetheless, it is one the better (if not the best) open source FEM solvers.
Brian
www.espcomposites.com
RE: Open source FEA for spaceframe analysis
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Open source FEA for spaceframe analysis
Have you got any advise on how to do this?
Cheers
Gioacchino
RE: Open source FEA for spaceframe analysis
>ccx inputfilename
would appear to be enough
Everything else is the stuff you think you now how to do (building the model and post processing it) or boring file stuff.
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?