Free Finite Element Analysis Software

AI Thread Summary
Several users are seeking recommendations for free finite element analysis (FEA) software, noting that commercial options like NASTRAN can be expensive. The discussion highlights the importance of considering the specific types of problems, such as vibrational and stress analysis, when selecting software. While a Wikipedia list of FEA packages is referenced, participants emphasize the value of personal experiences and recommendations over generic searches. The subjective nature of software quality, including user interface preferences, is acknowledged, suggesting that users may need to try multiple options to find the best fit. Ultimately, personal insights are deemed more helpful than broad lists.
anonME
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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.
 
Last edited:

Thread 'Race car suspension Class'

Posted June 2024 - 15 years after starting this class. I have learned a whole lot. To get to the short course on making your stock car, late model, hobby stock E-mod handle, look at the index below. Read all posts on Roll Center, Jacking effect and Why does car drive straight to the wall when I gas it? Also read You really have two race cars. This will cover 90% of problems you have. Simply put, the car pushes going in and is loose coming out. You do not have enuff downforce on the right...
View full post »
Thread 'Physics of Stretch: What pressure does a band apply on a cylinder?'

Thread 'Physics of Stretch: What pressure does a band apply on a cylinder?'

Scenario 1 (figure 1) A continuous loop of elastic material is stretched around two metal bars. The top bar is attached to a load cell that reads force. The lower bar can be moved downwards to stretch the elastic material. The lower bar is moved downwards until the two bars are 1190mm apart, stretching the elastic material. The bars are 5mm thick, so the total internal loop length is 1200mm (1190mm + 5mm + 5mm). At this level of stretch, the load cell reads 45N tensile force. Key numbers...
View full post »

Thread 'Cantilever help'

I'm trying to decide what size and type of galvanized steel I need for 2 cantilever extensions. The cantilever is 5 ft. The space between the two cantilever arms is a 17 ft Gap the center 7 ft of the 17 ft Gap we'll need to Bear approximately 17,000 lb spread evenly from the front of the cantilever to the back of the cantilever over 5 ft. I will put support beams across these cantilever arms to support the load evenly
View full post »

Similar threads

The 8 Mode Shapes of a plane finite element
Replies
2
Views
1K
Abuse of the Finite Element Method
Replies
9
Views
3K
Finite element method approximation
Replies
0
Views
991
Software for learning structural analysis and FEM?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Finite Element Model of Euler-Bernoulli Beam Theory
Replies
1
Views
2K
Finite Element Method: Find Total Mass Matrix of Coupled Element
Replies
4
Views
2K
Simplified Calculations for Nylon66 Composite Material Supporting Heavy Loads
Replies
3
Views
2K
Corrugated tube (bellow) under axial load
Replies
2
Views
2K
Random Vibration Fatigue Analysis
Replies
4
Views
2K
Determination of Modal loss factor by Finite Element Software
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top