Finite Element Analysis
Finite element analysis is a numerical method for analyzing complex structural and thermal problems. For composites, check the pre- and post-processor to see how laminates are defined and what ply results can be examined. For plastics, look for good nonlinear capabilities. Often, nonlinear analysis is an add-on, not provided in the base package.
Algor
General-purpose, low cost finite element package with composite elements. Tons of info online, including case studies and tutorials. Use their search engine.
General-purpose, low cost finite element package with composite elements. Tons of info online, including case studies and tutorials. Use their search engine.
ANSYS
A general finite element package comparable in capabilities to NASTRAN. Most online info is in PDF format.
A general finite element package comparable in capabilities to NASTRAN. Most online info is in PDF format.
bmi3
Buckling analysis of composite shells, including postcritical path, using ABAQUS. Free executable for DEC/Alpha and SGI UNIX. Site includes full text paper which documents the program.
Buckling analysis of composite shells, including postcritical path, using ABAQUS. Free executable for DEC/Alpha and SGI UNIX. Site includes full text paper which documents the program.
COSMOS/M
Mid-range, general-purpose package from SRAC. Lots of info on site, but it's very slow loading (design problems). Primarily for PCs, but available on some workstations.
Mid-range, general-purpose package from SRAC. Lots of info on site, but it's very slow loading (design problems). Primarily for PCs, but available on some workstations.
Dyna3d User Defined Materials (UDM)
Dr. Ever Barbero describes how to use and write a user defined material (UDM) for Dyna3d. Includes a full example.
Dr. Ever Barbero describes how to use and write a user defined material (UDM) for Dyna3d. Includes a full example.
FEMAP
General pre-/post-processor for finite element analysis. Not a solver itself, but interfaces with 20 different programs. Has a good interface for defining laminates. SDRC also offers structural and thermal solver modules based on the I-DEAS engine.
General pre-/post-processor for finite element analysis. Not a solver itself, but interfaces with 20 different programs. Has a good interface for defining laminates. SDRC also offers structural and thermal solver modules based on the I-DEAS engine.
GENOA
Structural analysis, part manufacturability, virtual testing, micromechanics. Supports braids, weaves, laminates, stitched laminates. Plus much more. From Alpha STAR.
Structural analysis, part manufacturability, virtual testing, micromechanics. Supports braids, weaves, laminates, stitched laminates. Plus much more. From Alpha STAR.
I-DEAS
Full-featured CAD system from SDRC, including built-in FEA (or use as a pre-/post-processor for other systems). Powerful laminates module with a sometimes awkward interface.
Full-featured CAD system from SDRC, including built-in FEA (or use as a pre-/post-processor for other systems). Powerful laminates module with a sometimes awkward interface.
INERTIA
Modular finite element package from Meridian Marketing. Parametric modeler; structural, dynamic and thermal analyses; and more. Site is a bit heavy on marketing hype and a bit weak on program technical details.
Modular finite element package from Meridian Marketing. Parametric modeler; structural, dynamic and thermal analyses; and more. Site is a bit heavy on marketing hype and a bit weak on program technical details.
LAMPAT
Finite element pre- and post-processor for analyzing thick composite laminates. Integrates with PATRAN. Originally developed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. This is the only current reference to the program I can find.
Finite element pre- and post-processor for analyzing thick composite laminates. Integrates with PATRAN. Originally developed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. This is the only current reference to the program I can find.
LUSAS
A collection of finite element programs, including bridge, structural, civil, composite and analyst (for general FEA). Detailed product descriptions and case studies.
A collection of finite element programs, including bridge, structural, civil, composite and analyst (for general FEA). Detailed product descriptions and case studies.
MECANO
Software for nonlinear analysis, including structures, mechanisms, and cables. For UNIX and NT.
Software for nonlinear analysis, including structures, mechanisms, and cables. For UNIX and NT.
MI/NASTRAN
PC NASTRAN compatible with FEMAP. ME/NASTRAN included for full feature support. Fully functional downloadable demo available on site.
PC NASTRAN compatible with FEMAP. ME/NASTRAN included for full feature support. Fully functional downloadable demo available on site.
MSC/NASTRAN
Probably the best-known of the NASTRANs, running on everything from PCs to CRAYs. There are several case studies on the site.
Probably the best-known of the NASTRANs, running on everything from PCs to CRAYs. There are several case studies on the site.
MSC/PATRAN
MSC's pre- and post-processor compatible with several codes, now available with weekly, monthly and annual licenses. Specialized modules include a materials database and laminate modeler.
MSC's pre- and post-processor compatible with several codes, now available with weekly, monthly and annual licenses. Specialized modules include a materials database and laminate modeler.
NASTRAN and Honeycomb
Simple formulas for honeycomb sandwich plate properties. Follow the link at the bottom for instructions on creating PSHELL cards for honeycomb panels.
Simple formulas for honeycomb sandwich plate properties. Follow the link at the bottom for instructions on creating PSHELL cards for honeycomb panels.
NE/NASTRAN
A PC/Windows version of NASTRAN which includes the composite laminate elements. Very nice price. Several case studies in PDF format.
A PC/Windows version of NASTRAN which includes the composite laminate elements. Very nice price. Several case studies in PDF format.
NISA/DISPLAY
General-purpose NISA finite element package and pre-/post-processor. My personal favorite for composites. Available on most platforms. Detailed info about the various modules, including composites.
General-purpose NISA finite element package and pre-/post-processor. My personal favorite for composites. Available on most platforms. Detailed info about the various modules, including composites.
Pro/MECHANICA
The simulation portion of Pro/ENGINEER. Run your full analysis within Pro/E, or use it with an external solver. Not much info online about specific capabilities.
The simulation portion of Pro/ENGINEER. Run your full analysis within Pro/E, or use it with an external solver. Not much info online about specific capabilities.
Pro/MECHANICA and Laminated Shells
Shows how to calculate and enter the properties needed to run a composite analysis in PRO/Mechanica. Basically, it's an overview of lamination theory with some P/M screen shots.
Shows how to calculate and enter the properties needed to run a composite analysis in PRO/Mechanica. Basically, it's an overview of lamination theory with some P/M screen shots.
SOLVIA
General purpose FE program with integrated pre- and post-processor. Laminate and concrete elements. Targeted to civil engineering. PC and workstation versions.
General purpose FE program with integrated pre- and post-processor. Laminate and concrete elements. Targeted to civil engineering. PC and workstation versions.
Strand7
Full-featured finite element package for Windows systems. Extensive info about the program, including composite pre- and post-processing capabilities. Lots of screen shots, examples, and technical articles. Downloadable demo. From G+D Computing, Australia.
Full-featured finite element package for Windows systems. Extensive info about the program, including composite pre- and post-processing capabilities. Lots of screen shots, examples, and technical articles. Downloadable demo. From G+D Computing, Australia.
SYSPLY
FE program for design and optimization of composite structures. Extensive capabilities include micromechanics, 3D stresses, winding options, and more.
FE program for design and optimization of composite structures. Extensive capabilities include micromechanics, 3D stresses, winding options, and more.