Free Finite Element Analysis Software

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for free finite element analysis (FEA) software, with participants sharing their experiences and preferences regarding various options available for vibrational and stress analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about good free FEA software, mentioning their previous experience with NASTRAN.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the types of problems to be analyzed, indicating that the choice of software may depend on specific applications.
  • A later post specifies the focus on vibrational and stress analysis as the intended application for the software.
  • One participant suggests consulting a Wikipedia list of FEA software packages, noting that the "goodness" of each software is subjective and may depend on user interface preferences.
  • Another participant acknowledges having found the Wikipedia list but expresses a desire for personal recommendations based on actual user experiences rather than a broad search.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on specific software recommendations, and multiple viewpoints regarding the evaluation of software options remain present.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit assumption that the effectiveness of software may vary based on user needs and experiences, and the discussion highlights the subjective nature of software evaluation.

anonME
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Anyone know of some good, free finite element analysis software?
I used NASTRAN in college, but from what I can tell that costs at least several thousand.
 
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It depends. What type of problems will you be analyzing with the software?
 
SteamKing said:
It depends. What type of problems will you be analyzing with the software?

Vibrational and stress analysis
 
Google has the answer:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_finite_element_software_packages

As for the "goodness" of each software, this is a subjective opinion, so you have to try some yourself. I guess all the above software's solves the equations in question in a proper manner so, the "goodness" may depend on GUI etc. And this is what you mainly pay for in a commercial software, so don't get your hopes to high when is comes to open source. But I might be mistaken.
 
SirAskalot said:
Google has the answer:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_finite_element_software_packages

Yes, I've searched via Google and come across the Wikipedia list before.

I was looking for more personal recommendations based upon what people here have used instead of trying a dozen different programs. Just because someone is asking something, it doesn't mean they haven't done any looking themselves.
 
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