Finite Element Analysis Software

Hello,

Does anyone here know of a free or reasonably priced to download FEA package? What I need to do is a thermal analysis. Failing a full FEA package how about a thermal analysis one?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Carl.

There are plenty of free ones, some of which are very capable indeed - the biggest issue I have found with free ones is getting help, clear instructions etc. The examples/help (where there is any) tend to be written by very experienced FEA analysts and/or software geeks - net result can be that getting started can be an absolute nightmare.

Hopefully you'll find somebody with experience to help you get started with a particular package.

I used FEMdesigner to analyse the stresses and displacements in the hollow CI pistons for my traction engines. Like this:

I used it within Alibre/Geomagic, but I think they do a standalone version. The more advanced version does thermal analysis too, although I haven't done more than have a basic play with that. Cost is on the order of £500; so far I've only used the 30 day free download.

Regards,

Andrew

I fiound this a few days ago, I haven't used it.

**LINK**

Neil

There's another free one here they have a user forum which should help getting to grips with it.

Russell.

Hello,

Profuse thanks for all the suggestions and help. This has given me plenty to go on.

Carl.

Just do like the Victorians did, make it twice as thick and twice as heavy and it won't break.

That was their FEA software

I thought it was too good to be true, all the help. Thank you for not disappointing me by posting that comment which is absolutely typical for this site. Yes they did. Very interesting. The Victorians however weren't building liquid propellant rocket engines and requiring to do thermal analysis and heat transfer plots to ensure that their creations didn't melt.