Free FEA-LISA FET, Visual FEA

[BigTank]

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:

http://www.lisa-fet.com

http://www.visualfea.com

 

[GregLocock]

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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[BigTank]

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

 

[Qshake]

I could not download LISA.

Regards,
Qshake

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[BigTank]

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

 

[corus]

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

 

[GregLocock]

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 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[BigTank]

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

 

[GregLocock]

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

Cheers

Greg Locock

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