Organizations usually use various computer programs for specific tasks of
finite element analysis. These individual programs are to various degrees
integrated into the computer-aided design process.
For example, one finite element program is used for linear static and dynamic
structural analysis, another program is used for acoustic analysis, and yet
another program is used for nonlinear structural analysis. For nonlinear
dynamic analysis, frequently also different explicit and implicit codes are
employed. In addition, finite volume based programs may be used for fluid flow
analyses, and virtually no capability is available to analyse complex fluid
flows with structural interactions.
One Program System for all Finite Element Analyses:
The mission of ADINA R & D is to provide ONE finite
element program system - the ADINA System - that can be used to perform
comprehensive finite element analyses of structures, fluids, and fluid-structure
interactions, all in one.
The structure can be modeled as linear
or highly nonlinear, including material nonlinearities, large deformations
and contact conditions. Static analysis, frequency solutions or transient
analysis using mode superposition, explicit or implicit time integration
can be performed. Restarting from one type of analysis to another is directly
possible.
For example, in metal forming or crash analysis, explicit time integration can
be used for the initial time stepping and then a static or implicit dynamic
solution can be appended.
Fluids can be modeled as acoustic, incompressible
or compressible fluids governed by the full Navier-Stokes equations.
In analysis of fluid flows with structural
interactions, completely different mesh discretizations can be employed
for the structure and the fluid.
Pre-and post-processing and connection to CAD Systems:
The solvers of the program system are
fully supported by in-house developed pre- and post-processing, including
automatic meshing, and the complete program system can be used on PC's,
engineering workstations and supercomputers.
The ADINA System can also be directly employed with CAD programs such
as SolidWorks, UGS NX, SolidEdge, I-DEAS and MSC.Patran. Hence,
structural and fluid flow analyses can be performed directly on models
constructed using these CAD systems.
The ADINA System is unique because it offers
such wide range of applicability. The use of one highly effective program system
that is fully integrated for structural and fluid flow analyses provides
for a tighter integration of the complete analysis process in the CAD environment.
As a result, the use of just one program is less costly and more reliable.
The ease of use,
solution effectiveness and
reliability
of all program features are key aspects in the development of ADINA. They
are major reasons why the ADINA System is chosen by many organizations worldwide.
For some theoretical background and practical results regarding the methods
used refer to the following:
BATHE, K. J. Simulation of Structural and Fluid Flow Response in Engineering
Practice. Computer Modeling and Simulation in Engineering. 1996. vol 1.
pp. 47-77.
BATHE, K. J. Finite Element Procedures. Prentice Hall. 1996.
BATHE, K. J. ed. Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis and ADINA,
Proceedings of the 12th ADINA Conference, Computers and Structures. 1999.
vol. 72.
