This paper on "A New Software Tool for the Reliable Finite Element Analysis of Arbitrary Beam & Composite Shell Structures" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Design, Simulation & Optimisation: Reliability & Applicability of Computational Methods - 9-11 April 1997, Stuttgart, Germany.

Summary

A new concept is presented for the efficient, robust and reliable simulation of complex light-weight structures modelled by multilayered shells and beams of arbitrary cross-section. The necessary beam and laminate pre- and postprocessing is fully integrated into the analysis procedure of ASKA and, therefore, the Finite Element analysis is always performed in a single step. This reduces the user's effort to a minimum. With the aid of a new visualisation technique at first the geometry and after the calculation also the results are transformed to a three-dimensional image of the shell and beam structure. It is now very easy and efficient to check the geometrical input data which makes the beam / shell models much more reliable. Also the presentation of the computed results is as simple and illustrative as for real three dimensional models.