Solid Sub-Model Finite Element AnalysisSolidFEA
About SolidFEA
SolidFEA is our innovative solid finite element analysis tool, designed to make advanced structural engineering design both accessible and affordable. Powered by the Calculix engine, it offers detailed sub-model analysis with lower cost and hardware requirements than competitors like Abaqus. Ideal for complex engineering challenges, including steel connections and bridge engineering, SolidFEA democratizes specialty software with ease of use and IFC file format compatibility, complementing our GenFEA software for comprehensive structural analysis.
SolidFEA marks a transformative step in structural engineering design, bridging the gap that has long existed due to the prohibitive costs, complex learning curves, and high-end computing requirements associated with solid finite element analysis (FEA). Historically, these barriers have confined the use of detailed FEA to well-resourced firms, forcing smaller practices to rely on traditional hand calculations and simplified models. While essential for basic compliance and initial designs, these methods lack the comprehensive insights that come from detailed, real-world modeling.By leveraging the powerful Calculix engine, SolidFEA delivers advanced volumetric finite element analysis capabilities at a fraction of the cost and hardware requirements of leading competitors like Abaqus. Designed for ease of use, it supports IFC file format imports, making it a seamless addition to engineering workflows. SolidFEA is specifically tailored to enhance our existing GenFEA suite, offering detailed insights into complex structural challenges such as steel connections, bridge engineering, moving loads, and contact elements.Our aim with SolidFEA is to democratize access to high-level structural analysis software, making it an indispensable tool for a broader range of engineering projects. This initiative not only expands the scope of design exploration and optimization but also serves as an essential sanity check against traditional calculation methods. SolidFEA empowers engineers to achieve a deeper understanding of structural behaviors, making sophisticated analysis a standard practice accessible to all.
Features and Capabilities
SolidFEA revolutionizes structural engineering by democratizing advanced finite element analysis, making it accessible, affordable, and indispensable for engineers seeking to push the boundaries of design and innovation. Capabilities include:
- Automatic volumetric mesh generation
- IFC format model import
- Linear and Non-Linear geometry engine
- Time-History Analysis
- Amplitude Loading
- Staged Loading
- Steel Connectors (Welds and Bolts)
- Contact Elements
- GenFEA shared material library
Parametric Connections
Template-driven steel / steel + concrete connections
Automatic Volumetric Meshing
Generate volumetric hexahedral or tetrahedral meshes
Contact Elements
Create contact elements to simulate interactions
Visualisation
Generate visualisations and simulation outputs directly
Reliable Output
Validated results and benchmark tests
IFC Format Support
Import IFC 3D model geometry directly from Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Advance Steel, or Tekla Structures
Steel Connectors
Create welds and bolted connections between steel components and contact elements to simulate real-world scenarios
Automation
Automated volumetric mesher with second order and mid-node meshing capabilities for faster and reliable output
SolidFEA Training and Tutorials
A comprehensive and ever-growing library of tutorials and training is directly accessible through the SolidFEA software Welcome Screen. Our training videos and samples are free to use, and easy to follow. SolidFEA software also provides an in-application 'Assistant' to guide you through the ​SolidFEA project setup, analysis, and design workflows.
Download Area
Download and install SolidFEA from the link below. No credit card required to try SolidFEA. You will require a trial license through our cloud-based licensing platform, CumulusGate.
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