AEM used in practice?

[nicus]

I have heard about Applied Element Method, and I was wondering if anyone knows if it is used in someway in common structural practice?

 

[Qshake]

I must say I follow most structural/mechancis journals for new items and do not know what the applied element method is. Is that shorthand for Applied Finite Element Method?

Please explain in more detail or give an example.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

 

[rowingengineer]

Qshake,
Can't blame you for not know this one, as far as I know the only people using this method are in Japan doing blast analysis of glass.

It is similar to the finite element method. Use small elements to model the structures, however if differs in that each element is connected by a non-linear spring. Not used in practice unless you’re in a very specialised area, such as glass blast cambers or high level earthquake analysis of existing structures.

google it and you will find out more


ANY FOOL CAN DESIGN A STRUCTURE. IT TAKES AN ENGINEER TO DESIGN A CONNECTION.”

 

[rscassar]

I remember reading and participating in a post several years back regarding the Applied Element Method. It was removed several days later because it was written by a sales representative who was trying to advertise their product.

I did not see too much difference between the applied element method and the finite element method.

FEM- Structure is discretized by nodes, stiffness is derived from the elements.
AEM- Structure is discretized by elements, stiffness is derived by the nodes.

I haven't see it used commercially.

 

[nicus]

Thank you.

 

[xahcolo]

Hi! I work for Applied Science International, which has created the software called, "Extreme Loading for Structures." This software uses the Applied Element Method. I would like to answer a few questions brought up in this conversation.

In general, this software is made by scientists for engineers and for a variety of engineering applications. It is not meant to replace SFEM design software, but rather to be used to supplement and "sharpen the pencil" when looking at a few controlling load cases for your project. Performance based design codes (seismic, blast, progressive collapse, etc.) for new or existing design cases is just one area where the Applied Element Method can be sued.

@Nicus: I would be happy to provide additional information if you are interested. If so, please fill out the contact form here, and I can contact you to discuss further.

http://www.appliedscienceint.com/ContactASI.aspx

@Qshake: The Applied Element Method is a well established method with many papers being published in all over the world. Take a look at the following two links for further resource information.

http://appliedelementmethod.com/Publications.aspx

http://www.extremeloading.com/Publications.aspx

@Rowingengineer: AEM is used for many practical applications. It is used for progressive collapse analysis, blast analysis, and many other applications. Further information can be found at the aforementioned websites.

@kikflip: I agree that there are many similarities between FEM and AEM. One of the biggest differences is that the stiffness in AEM is derived at surface connections in the form of springs. Each spring represents the material properties of the given element.

I would love to continue this discussion and answer additional questions you may have.