Petroleum Storage Tank FEA Software

[Nanuuq]

Hello,

My company does repairs and modifications to petroleum storage tanks and I have been tasked with finding an FEA 3D modelling software to purchase. Having only solidworks experience I am hoping you could recommend a couple different alternatives.

Primarily, they are looking for a software that will be able to analyze buckling. Buckling of columns, jacking structures and buckling of the shell. The shell is the tank wall which is difficult to analyze by hand as it is curved. Can anybody please provide a recommendation?


Thank you

 

[TGS4]

Unless you have significant experience with finite element analysis, particularly so for "petroleum storage tanks", then my firm recommendation would be to NOT purchase any finite element analysis software, but to hire an expert for the few times that you will need that service.

That is, unless you (your company) is willing to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in your (or your colleague's?) education to bring you up to speed on how to perform such analyses, and to do so reliably, safely, and in a reasonable length of time.

 

[Nanuuq]

TGS4 - My boss has experience modeling these tanks and wants to see what else is out there for the specific purpose of the shell buckling.

Thanks for your response

 

[TGS4]

What software does your boss have experience with? Buy that one. You can make the integration with CAD work with whatever software you choose.

 

[rb1957]

talk to local sales people.

talk to others in your industry.

most importantly ... try before you buy (salemen have been known to sell snake oil)

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?