Summary	Atlas Finite Element Analysis
Categories	None
License	GNU General Public License (GPL v. 2.0)
Owner(s)	wegge

ATLAS Finite Element Analysis

We have nearly completed a prototype. Check out the WebStart Link and Screenshots below.



Screenshot

Introduction

The finite element method has been used for over thirty years to solve increasingly complex problems. It is utilized heavily in automotive, aerospace, construction, and other engineering fields on a daily basis. It is also a staple class being taught in graduate level classes.

There are literally hundreds of finite element solvers available to students and academia. These solvers run the gamut of different solution domains, programming languages, implementation strategies, and levels of maturity. Many of these solvers are the result of graduate studies that have not been continued past graduation. Others are platform specific and must be compiled before they can be used. Additionally, it does not appear that most of these solvers allow an individual to easily add their own capabilities to the solution sequence or to add additional element formulations.

However, after much searching, we have yet to find a good Java implementation of the finite element method. It is our belief that using Java to develop will significantly ease development hassles, and allow us to get to the "good stuff" much quicker. Java has some very appealing aspects that make it an ideal platform:

• Cross-Platform

• Reflection This allows new capability to be added without recompiling.

• Java3d This technology can easily be used to visualize finite element models and results.

• Open Source There appears to be a large amount of open source development in Java. These resources will be leveraged as much as possible in this project.

Intended audience

This program is targeted at academic audiences. It will not be nearly robust enough to handle commercial applications.

Objectives

User Defined Element Formulations

User Defined Solution Sequences

Consistency with AP209

Ability to define model in XML

Ability to define model in COSMIC/NASTRAN format

Development Philosophy

Sacrifice performance for development ease, at least in the initial design phase.

Make it as easy as possible to "plug in" solutions, elements, etc....

Use open source resources as much as possible.

Planned capabilities for prototype version

This version will be the basic definition of capabilities.

• Linear static solution with one-dimensional rod elements.

• Able to read input from XML file.

• Able to visualize model, and post-process displacement results.

Planned deliverables for version 1.0

• Basic Linear static, normal modes, stability solutions
• Basic element and material set.
• Ability for new element formualtions to be added
• Ability for new solution types to be added
• Model definition via XML file or COSMIC/NASTRAN input file.