Flexible Engineering Software: An Integrated Workstation Approach to Finite Element Analysis

• Main Author: Ross, Brant Arnold
• Format: Others
• Published: BYU ScholarsArchive 1985
• Subjects: Flexible; Software; Engineering; Integrated; Workstation; Finite; Element; Analysis; FEA; Data; Model; Fortran; Computer; Program; Rosetta.BYU; Preprocessors; Mesh; Generators; Neutral; Version; 2.0; IGES; Movie.BYU; Davinci.BYU; Squire.BYU; Mechanical Engineering
• Online Access: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/3460; https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4459&context=etd

One obstacle preventing more engineers from using finite element analysis (FEA) is the difficulty of transferring data between steps in the modeling process. A Fortran computer program, Rosetta.BYU, has been developed to open data paths between finite element preprocessors (mesh generators) and finite element analysis programs, using a custom data structure. It accepts neutral data files, Version 2.0 IGES data files, and Movie.BYU files for input/output. An application of Rosetta is described. A general workstation manager program, Davinci.BYU, is reviewed that provides a support layer between the engineer and the operating system, organizes software and data files, and facilitates on-line documentation and demonstrations. Requirements of a good user interface are discussed and supporting software, Squire.BYU, is described. An application of this software in an industrial setting is described.