I just read the instructions for installing this, and it makes me very hesitant, as I have Windows Vista. It says that installing on Vista is much more difficult. Is there anything else out there that might be less daunting to install, that can be installed by someone like me who is not so computer literate?
The installation is only for the compiled solver, which you don't need. If it isn't installed it will run with the VBA solver, which for a small frame you won't be able to tell the difference in the solve time anyway.
Try it with a simple example and if you have any problems let me know.
I downloaded all the files but when I try to open one, it causes my screen to blink constantly, and I have to reboot. Don't know why, but this often happens when I try to download files. My computer is 32 bits...does that have anything to do with it?
IMHO, this is the sort of thing you just have to deal with when you're downloading free software.
It costs a surprising amount of time / effort / $$$ for software developer to deal with all the little issues unrelated to analysis or design. Installs, Windows permissions, operating systems, loading of various libraries, compatibility issues... et cetera.
Not railing against free software, just pointing out that free software isn't completely free. You end spending more of your time and energy working with it than you would for paid software. For some computer savvy folks that's the way they like it. For less computer savvy folks, it may not be worth the effort.
Note:
I work for RISA Technologies (a company that sells this type of frame analysis software). You can download a free demo version of RISA-2D from our website (www.risa.com) if you like. The demo version limits itself to a maximum of 20 members or joints. Anything larger than that and the ability to save the file is disabled. Therefore, it may not be suited for the type of model you describe. Keep in mind, of course, that it's not meant for production engineering, but merely as a trial version to demonstrate what the program can do.
ok, thanks. I will perhaps give Risa a try. We looked at Risa about 15 years ago at the office, but did not end up buying it, but now I am looking for something to use at home. How much to buy the simplest version that can do plane frame? Can it also do plane grid?
See if you can still find an install file for GTSTRUDL Student Edition floating around. The Student Edition has now been officially killed off by the company that bought STRUDL a few months ago, but you may have some luck finding an old version 11, 12 or 13. Its limits are 50 joints, 200 members and 10 loadings. Its a bit clunky if you only use the GUI, but unparalleled if you use text input and marry it up with Excel. Its insanely powerful. It does true P-(little)delta analysis, P-(big)delta analysis, non-linear cable elements, 2D & 3D elements, springs, and all the little bells and whistles that other software packages shrug off in the small print.
Oh, I do remember that you had to change some Windows setting in Vista or Win7 before installing it. Got to turn off User Account Control if I remember correctly.
We used to use STRUDL a long time ago. The true P-delta analysis is a great benefit, although in my current problem I do not need that capability. I will see if the student version is around.
I downloaded all the files but when I try to open one, it causes my screen to blink constantly, and I have to reboot. Don't know why, but this often happens when I try to download files. My computer is 32 bits...does that have anything to do with it?
For a 2D analysis you just need to open a copy of Frame4.xlsb, or Frame4.xls if you are using an Excel version before 2007, and enable macros, there is nothing else you need to install. A 32 bit OS should not be a problem.
Josh - I appreciate you being up front about working for Risa, but I don't appreciate you recommending ajk1 to give up before he has even started.
I didn't recommend giving up! And, I'm not making any comments about that software in particular.
Rather, I'm just suggesting that "free" software will, in general, expect more out of the user. You can't expect the developer to update / revise their install packages every time a new version of Windows is released. He/she is not getting paid for any of that. So, what's their motivation for dealing with all those pesky little compatibility issues that pop up?
It's crazy how much time and energy we spend at RISA dealing with these types of issues so our users don't have to. It would be impractical for anyone to put that kind of effort for free / shareware software....
I'm not a sales engineer, so they don't normally let me give out quotes.
But, if you download the demo you should get an automatic e-mail from our sales group. If you respond to them, I'm sure they'll give you a proper quote. My belief is that it should be around $1500 for a fully licensed version.
Getting back to the previous discussion. Let's say you are a computer savvy guy and it takes you an extra 1/2 hour or so a month to fiddle with a free program than it would if you used a commercial program. This might not matter to you if you're the type of person who LIKES to learn more about computers by dealing with these kinds of things yourself.
But, for those users who are not all that computer savvy or for those who value those extra hours very highly, the free software may quickly become the more expensive option.
Stated another way, the effect of a software on your everyday productivity is as important (or more so) than the initial cost of the program. At least when you consider your time / productivity in the long term cost / benefit analysis.
Josh - the thread is about free frame analysis software, not a discussion about the benefits or otherwise of using free software. I have no doubt that Risa is a good value product, and for very many people it is worth paying for; I use a commercial FEA package myself. The point is my frame analysis spreadsheet should just work, and if it isn't I'd like to find out why, rather than have people just dump it.
The Demonstration version of RISA-2D is not time limited. It is limited on the size of the model you can save (maximum of 20 nodes or 20 members) and it is limited in output. The reports and such will all have "Demo version" stamped across them.
The point is to make it useful enough for a robust trial, but to make it impractical to use for a long period of time for production engineering work.
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