Open source beam FEA for spaceframe

[Tim.Wright]

Hi,

Does anyone know of a simple beam FEA solver that would be suitable for a spaceframe modelled with beam elements? This is not a uni or commercial project, this is just for my own project car.

Ideally I'm looking for something which will import a node and element description of the model and perform a static analysis based on a loadcase.

Specifications would be;
Solving for tensile, shear and bending forces/moments
Ability to add pin joints would be a plus
Frequency and modal analysis would be a plus
Bonus points if it has a post processor

I want to use it as a way to quickly try different configurations of the spaceframe to optimise the beam placements.

Matlab code will also be considered.

My intended work flow is;
1. Model frame in CAD program
2. Export wireframe beam representation to .igs or .stp file
3. Convert wireframe data to FEA input data in Matlab
4. Perform torsional and bending analysis in open source FE solver
5. Post process n Matlab

Cheers

Tim

[Greg Locock]

Hi Tim

OpenFEM is a matlab based FEA package that is pretty damn good for spaceframes. I used it a few years back but may have enough to get you going on a dusty old laptop somewhere.

[flynfrog]

Not even sure its still around but we Used to use a program called GRAPE.

If you are a student autodesk has free algor.