Software library for structural analysis of 3D Frames with the Finite Element Method

Static, Dynamic, Linear & Non Linear, 3D Structural Analysis. The ultimate object-oriented finite element library.

Now more powerful than ever with optimized methods that dramatically decrease solution time

General information and C# examples

Sample structural analysis using Visual Studio

The 3D Frame Analysis Library library is a complete analysis library for solving structural problems utilizing a powerful and robust analysis engine, which in combination with the reach analysis and element features can efficiently solve large scale static, dynamic, linear and non-linear problems. It has been developed from scratch by ENGISSOL’s Research & Development Department using the reliable and accurate platform Microsoft .NET and following the principle of object-based programming, a fact that ensures flexibility, easy communication and integration to other programs and inspectional interaction with it.

There are many advantages in using this developing environment that result into robust, fast and bug-free applications. Comprehensive documentation accompanied by full analysis reference, examples, sample primer problems etc are available together with the Software Development Kit.

3D Frame Analysis Library is under continual development, so users and developers should expect updates on a regular basis including improvements, enrichment by new features, more optimized solution techniques etc.

3D Frame Analysis Library has been designed to turn to account the power of the processors and the size of the memory of a normal home computer. Thus, optimized data handling techniques, improved storage schemes and intelligent memory management features have been included in this 100% .NET library.

A list of its features can be found below:

General

• Object based entities (elements, joints, loads etc are treated as objects)
• Effective sparse-skyline storage scheme of stiffness and mass matrices
• Direct solution of large scale models
• Optimized memory handling
• Direct solution algorithms (fast and accurate analysis)
• Automatic creation of the analysis model from the geometry defined by the user
• No limitations on element, joint, load count
• Use of 3 different coordinate systems for maximum convenience (global, element local, nodal local)
• All loads can be applied with regard to local, global and global projection system
• Creation of lumped or consistent mass matrix
• All nodal load types are supported (nodal forces, moments, prescribed displacements/ rotations.
• All element load types are supported (point in the element span, constant, triangular, trapezoidal load along whole all or partial element length)
• Element load starting and ending locations can be defined absolutely or relatively from the starting node of the element
• Prescribed displacements/rotations
• All types of full or partial restraints (supports) are supported at any defined coordinate system that can be different from the global one

Element features

• Advanced frame element with 12 degrees of freedom
• Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko elements
• Shear deformation effects
• Second order effects consideration
• All thermal loads are supported (temperature difference and gradient thermal loads)
• Full end releases application
• Partial end releases application (springs at element edges)
• Rigid offset joint at the edges of an element
• Exact calculation of internal actions/forces and deformation using high-order shape functions that take into account possible second order effects or the effect of shear deformation (if chosen to do so)
• Rigid floor diaphragm constraint element

Analysis types

• Linear Static analysis
• Modal analysis
• Response Spectrum analysis combining dynamic modes using Square Root Summer Sum (SRSS) or Complete Quadratic Combination (CQC) rules
• Linear Time History analysis
• Geometric Non Linear analysis (second order effects including both P-Δ and P-δ effect, using many stiffness updating algorithms)

Analysis output

• Force and deformation output for each static/ response spectrum/time history/geometric non linear case
• Reporting of period, modal displacements/rotations, effective modal masses for each calculated dynamic mode
• Definition of load combinations of any count by combining static/ response spectrum/time history/geometric non linear cases using Additional, Envelope, Absolute and Square Root Summer Sum (SRSS) rules
• Force and deformation output for all load combinations defined (minimum and maximum values if envelopes have been used)
• Results of non linear analysis can be obtained per load step