GRAPHIC PACKAGE FOR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Abstract

Computer graphics is relatively a new subject and the need to exploit its use to represent numerical output is growing rapidly as computers become larger, faster and able to handle bigger problems. Use of Finite Element Method for structural analysis has drastically cut the time required for accurate analysis and tremendously increased the scope of design for complex struc-tures. This method of analysis is adapted_ using computer. graphics the use of which is very much exploited in preparing meshes for finite element analysis and also to represent the numerical output for plane as well as space problems. A program for automatic generation of finite element meshes using linear, parabolic and cubic elements in 2-D problems and shells (both flat surfaced and curved surfaced) 'ISOSHELL' has been developed. The elements can be of Serendipity as well as of Lograngion family and the mesh can accomodate any type of joint and interfaces. Another program TEOPLOT' is developed for the checking of input and graphical interpretation of output as an aid to the user of this method. The program interprets the output in different ways as desired. Original and/or deformed meshes, stress/strain vectors at desired Gaussian points, plotting of Gaussian points continuous contour of the entire structure iv or in a part of the structure wherein the interest of the user lies, are the special features of the program. It has the facility of plotting images in all or some of the four quadrants. Further, two packages related to multistoreyed building frames have been developed. The program 'BFGOPLOT' involves all main operations of calculating the coordinates of nodes and also formation of connectivities of elements. The facility of achieving 3-D and 2-D plotting of frame is also incorporated in the program. The other program related to multistoreyed building frame named as 'FFPLOT' act as a post processor to actual analysis programs which facilitates the plotting of various forces as bending moment, shearforce, axial force and so on superimposed over 2-D frames. Lastly, a new approach "CONCEPT OF SLICES" for 5-D finite element analysis has been proposed. Here the program developed 1S5DPLOT' generate and plot a three-dimensional picture of an object which can be regarded as made up of a number of planes. A simple hidden surface removal algorithm is also incorporated.