...simple FEA software?

[Donnis]

Hello everybody,

I'm looking for a simple "FEA" software which should only handle the following: it has a simple drawing interface (something like a sketcher) where I can draw the profile of a bar (or beam) - but just the neutral fiber, just lines and arcs - to be able to represent linear bars, but also combined configurations (line + arc + ...), section characteristics (only basic sections: rectangular, circular), than I have to be able to put constraints on it (clamp, fixed areas, supports) and loads. After that, I would need as output the value of reactions in different areas, the values of stress and displacements under the load and diagrams of forces (T, N) and torque.
I don't need a 3D analysis software, just one as help for hand-made, paper calculations of stress and deformations for mechanical elements.
Does anybody know if such a software exists?

Thank you very much in advance for any sugestion.

 

[corus]

I did have a simple program called Beam!2d that allowed about 20 nodes in the trial version. Not sure you can still get the trial version but you can buy teh full version still.

corus

 

[feajob]

Try winbeam 3.1 at

http://www.tumcivil.com/engfanatic/software/detail.php?id=368

I think that it does whatever you expect.

A.A.Y.

 

[GregLocock]

That'd be a single straight continuous beam, no?



Cheers

Greg Locock

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

 

[brkica]

Donnis,

If you are a designer with CAD experience but no experience with FEM, then you may use one of the FEM modules provided with the CAD software. Most CAD programs have some simple FE module which allows you to define a simple problem, not only beams and trusses but also 2D and 3D, with minimum effort. For example using Mechanica, FE module of Pro Enigneer, you define a solid beam (or whatever), including application of matieral and boundary conditions, in 30 seconds. Such modules can thus be used for analysis of very simple beams and trusses but more realistic problems, although linear elastic, can be handled just as easy. So instead of seeking some kind of a beam/truss analysis software, maybe you should try a simple FEM software (linear elastic), which allows you to analyze much more than only beams.

 

[desertfox]

Hi Donnis

Have a look at this site:-

http://www.quickfield.com/stress.htm

regards

desertfox

 

[bwanamukubwa]

Try solidworks, you can create a model of the beam (very easy) or get one ready made from 3Dcontentcentral.com. Then there's an add-on called Cosmos which is a trimmed down FEA for quick and dirty solutions. A little pricey, but depends on your intentions..

 

[MaxRatio]

Donnis,
You can get some limited DOF software FEA tools from Cranes Software who now markets the NISA suite of tools for the price you are looking to spend. My understanding is that these are fully capable in funtions and element types, but limited in problem size (degrees of freedom).

http://www.nisasoftware.com/

good luck!