Finite Difference vs. FEM: FLAC3D
Finite Difference vs. FEM: FLAC3D
(OP)
I have come accross a program for geotechical engineering called FLAC3D (http://www.itascacg.com/flac3d.html). It is said to be a 'Finite Difference' program. How a Finite Difference program is different from Finite Element programs that we use? Is there any special advantage of using such programs for geotechnical problems?
Any insight will be helpful.
Thanks and regards to all folks.
Any insight will be helpful.
Thanks and regards to all folks.





RE: Finite Difference vs. FEM: FLAC3D
The benefits of FD methods are that it is easy to understand, easy to explain
What the benefits of the software you mention are, I don't know, as all of the features mentioned are covered in most FE codes, unless it's modelling some phenomena not covered by FE methods which I can't see.
RE: Finite Difference vs. FEM: FLAC3D
Thanks to Eng-Tips too
Regards.
RE: Finite Difference vs. FEM: FLAC3D
Some people at U of Illinois are working in a true FE dynamic analysis discretizing space and time (kind a 4D analysis).