Optimization of structural members software

[amorrison]

Personal project

Constructing a large hovercraft from structural plywood/epoxy.
The structural members (a truss/frame mixture) will be built up as required (solid,hollow,I beam).
Stressed skin of 1/8 inch(3mm)plywood epoxied to the interior frame members is thought to be a good possibility (semi-monocoque).
I have Googled for software using search words like "buckling frame optimization finite element" and have found ~ 5 softwares that might be suitable (~ $5,000+) but is there any software that you could recommend that is more suitable for least weight of this situation than others.

 

[GregLocock]

I'm surprised any are as cheap as 5000 bucks. The only one I've used is Optistruct and it wouldn't handle buckling.

Optistruct runs in two modes. I've only used one with any serious intent, which effectively alters the density of each solid element. You then filter out the low density elements. There is a mode for shell elements, which sounds more like what you want.




Cheers

Greg Locock

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