FEM Workbench: Difference between revisions

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{{Docnav
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* [[Image:Fem-analysis.svg|32px]] [[FEM_Analysis|Analysis container]]: Creates a new container for a mechanical analysis. If a solid is selected in the tree view before clicking on it, the meshing dialog will be opened next.
* [[Image:FEM_Analysis.svg|32px]] [[FEM_Analysis|Analysis container]]: Creates a new container for a mechanical analysis. If a solid is selected in the tree view before clicking on it, the meshing dialog will be opened next.


=== Materials === <!--T:67-->
=== Materials === <!--T:67-->


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* [[Image:Fem-material.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MaterialSolid|Material for solid]]: Lets you select a material from the database.
* [[Image:FEM_MaterialSolid.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MaterialSolid|Material for solid]]: Lets you select a material from the database.


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* [[Image:Fem-material-fluid.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MaterialFluid|Material for fluid]]: Lets you select a material from the database.
* [[Image:FEM_MaterialFluid.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MaterialFluid|Material for fluid]]: Lets you select a material from the database.


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* [[Image:Fem-material-nonlinear.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MaterialMechanicalNonlinear|Nonlinear mechanical material]]: Lets you select a material from the database.
* [[Image:FEM_MaterialMechanicalNonlinear.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MaterialMechanicalNonlinear|Nonlinear mechanical material]]: Lets you select a material from the database.



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* image is missing [[FEM_MaterialReinforced|Reinforced material]]: Lets you select reinforced materials consist of a matrix and a reinforcement from the database.
* [[Image:FEM_MaterialReinforced.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MaterialReinforced|Reinforced material]]: Lets you select reinforced materials consist of a matrix and a reinforcement from the database.


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* [[Image:Fem-beam-section.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ElementGeometry1D|Beam cross section]]:
* [[Image:FEM_ElementGeometry1D.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ElementGeometry1D|Beam cross section]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-beam-rotation.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ElementRotation1D|Beam rotation]]:
* [[Image:FEM_ElementRotation1D.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ElementRotation1D|Beam rotation]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-shell-thickness.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ElementGeometry2D|Shell plate thickness]]:
* [[Image:FEM_ElementGeometry2D.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ElementGeometry2D|Shell plate thickness]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-fluid-section.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ElementFluid1D|Fluid section for 1D flow]]: Creates a FEM fluid section element for pneumatic and hydraulic networks.
* [[Image:FEM_ElementFluid1D.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ElementFluid1D|Fluid section for 1D flow]]: Creates a FEM fluid section element for pneumatic and hydraulic networks.


=== Electrostatic Constraints === <!--T:69-->
=== Electrostatic Constraints === <!--T:69-->


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* [[Image:fem-constraint-electrostatic-potential.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintElectrostaticPotential|Constraint electrostatic potential]]:
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintElectrostaticPotential.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintElectrostaticPotential|Constraint electrostatic potential]]:


=== Fluid constraints === <!--T:70-->
=== Fluid constraints === <!--T:70-->


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-initial-flow-velocity.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintInitialFlowVelocity|Constraint initial flow velocity]]: Used to define an initial flow velocity for the domain.
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintInitialFlowVelocity.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintInitialFlowVelocity|Constraint initial flow velocity]]: Used to define an initial flow velocity for the domain.


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-fluid-boundary.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintFluidBoundary|Constraint fluid boundary]]:
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintFluidBoundary.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintFluidBoundary|Constraint fluid boundary]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-flow-velocity.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintFlowVelocity|Constraint flow velocity]]: Used to define a flow velocity as a boundary condition at an edge (2D) or face (3D).
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintFlowVelocity.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintFlowVelocity|Constraint flow velocity]]: Used to define a flow velocity as a boundary condition at an edge (2D) or face (3D).


=== Mechanical constraints === <!--T:71-->
=== Mechanical constraints === <!--T:71-->


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-fixed.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintFixed|Constraint fixed]]: Used to define a fixed constraint on point/edge/face(s).
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintFixed.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintFixed|Constraint fixed]]: Used to define a fixed constraint on point/edge/face(s).


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-displacement.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintDisplacement|Constraint displacement]]: Used to define a displacement constraint on point/edge/face(s).
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintDisplacement.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintDisplacement|Constraint displacement]]: Used to define a displacement constraint on point/edge/face(s).


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-planerotation.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintPlaneRotation|Constraint plane rotation]]: Used to define a plane rotation constraint on a planar face.
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintPlaneRotation.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintPlaneRotation|Constraint plane rotation]]: Used to define a plane rotation constraint on a planar face.


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-contact.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintContact|Constraint contact]]: Used to define a contact constraint between two faces.
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintContact.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintContact|Constraint contact]]: Used to define a contact constraint between two faces.


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-transform.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintTransform|Constraint transform]]: Used to define a transform constraint on a face.
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintTransform.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintTransform|Constraint transform]]: Used to define a transform constraint on a face.


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-force.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintForce|Constraint force]]: Used to define a force in [N] applied uniformly to a selectable face in a definable direction.
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintForce.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintForce|Constraint force]]: Used to define a force in [N] applied uniformly to a selectable face in a definable direction.


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-pressure.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintPressure|Constraint pressure]]: Used to define a pressure constraint.
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintPressure.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintPressure|Constraint pressure]]: Used to define a pressure constraint.


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-selfweight.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintSelfWeight|Constraint self weight]]: Used to define a gravity acceleration acting on a model.
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintSelfWeight.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintSelfWeight|Constraint self weight]]: Used to define a gravity acceleration acting on a model.


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-bearing.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintBearing|Constraint bearing]]: Used to define a bearing constraint.
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintBearing.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintBearing|Constraint bearing]]: Used to define a bearing constraint.


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-gear.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintGear|Constraint gear]]: Used to define a gear constraint.
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintGear.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintGear|Constraint gear]]: Used to define a gear constraint.


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-pulley.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintPulley|Constraint pulley]]: Used to define a pulley constraint.
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintPulley.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintPulley|Constraint pulley]]: Used to define a pulley constraint.


=== Thermal constraints === <!--T:72-->
=== Thermal constraints === <!--T:72-->


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-InitialTemperature.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintInitialTemperature|Constraint initial temperature]]: Used to define the initial temperature of a body.
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintInitialTemperature.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintInitialTemperature|Constraint initial temperature]]: Used to define the initial temperature of a body.


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-heatflux.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintHeatflux|Constraint heatflux]]: Used to define a heat flux constraint on a face(s).
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintHeatflux.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintHeatflux|Constraint heatflux]]: Used to define a heat flux constraint on a face(s).


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-temperature.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintTemperature|Constraint temperature]]: Used to define a temperature constraint on a point/edge/face(s).
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintTemperature.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintTemperature|Constraint temperature]]: Used to define a temperature constraint on a point/edge/face(s).


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* [[Image:Fem-constraint-heatflux.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintBodyHeatSource|Constraint body heat source]]:
* [[Image:FEM_ConstraintBodyHeatSource.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ConstraintBodyHeatSource|Constraint body heat source]]:


== Menu: Mesh == <!--T:73-->
== Menu: Mesh == <!--T:73-->


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* [[Image:Fem-femmesh-netgen-from-shape.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshNetgenFromShape|FEM mesh from shape by Netgen]]:
* [[Image:FEM_MeshNetgenFromShape.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshNetgenFromShape|FEM mesh from shape by Netgen]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-femmesh-gmsh-from-shape.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshGmshFromShape|FEM mesh from shape by GMSH]]:
* [[Image:FEM_MeshGmshFromShape.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshGmshFromShape|FEM mesh from shape by GMSH]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-femmesh-boundary-layer.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshBoundaryLayer|FEM mesh boundary layer]]:
* [[Image:FEM_MeshBoundaryLayer.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshBoundaryLayer|FEM mesh boundary layer]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-femmesh-region.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshRegion|FEM mesh region]]:
* [[Image:FEM_MeshRegion.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshRegion|FEM mesh region]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-femmesh-from-shape.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshGroup|FEM mesh group]]:
* [[Image:FEM_MeshGroup.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshGroup|FEM mesh group]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-femmesh-create-node-by-poly.svg|32px]] [[FEM_CreateNodesSet|Nodes set]]: Creates/defines a node set from FEM mesh.
* [[Image:FEM_CreateNodesSet.svg|32px]] [[FEM_CreateNodesSet|Nodes set]]: Creates/defines a node set from FEM mesh.


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* [[Image:Fem-femmesh-to-mesh.svg|32px]] [[FEM_FemMesh2Mesh|FEM mesh to mesh]]: Convert the surface of a FEM mesh to a mesh.
* [[Image:FEM_FemMesh2Mesh.svg|32px]] [[FEM_FemMesh2Mesh|FEM mesh to mesh]]: Convert the surface of a FEM mesh to a mesh.


== Menu: Solve == <!--T:74-->
== Menu: Solve == <!--T:74-->


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* [[Image:Fem_Solver.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverCalculixCxxtools|Solver Calculix CCX tools]]: Creates a new solver for this analysis. In most cases the solver is created together with the analysis.
* [[Image:FEM_SolverCalculixCxxtools.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverCalculixCxxtools|Solver Calculix CCX tools]]: Creates a new solver for this analysis. In most cases the solver is created together with the analysis.


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* [[Image:Fem_Solver.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverCalculiX|Solver CalculiX]]:
* [[Image:FEM_SolverCalculiX.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverCalculiX|Solver CalculiX]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-elmer.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverElmer|Solver Elmer]]: Creates the solver controller for Elmer. It is independent from other solver objects.
* [[Image:FEM_SolverElmer.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverElmer|Solver Elmer]]: Creates the solver controller for Elmer. It is independent from other solver objects.


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* [[Image:Fem_Solver.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverZ88|Solver Z88]]:
* [[Image:FEM_SolverZ88.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverZ88|Solver Z88]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-equation-heat.svg|32px]] [[FEM_EquationHeat|Equation heat]]:
* [[Image:FEM_EquationHeat.svg|32px]] [[FEM_EquationHeat|Equation heat]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-equation-elasticity.svg|32px]] [[FEM_EquationElasticity|Equation elasticity]]:
* [[Image:FEM_EquationElasticity.svg|32px]] [[FEM_EquationElasticity|Equation elasticity]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-equation-electrostatic.svg|32px]] [[FEM_EquationElectrostatic|Equation electrostatic]]:
* [[Image:FEM_EquationElectrostatic.svg|32px]] [[FEM_EquationElectrostatic|Equation electrostatic]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-equation-fluxsolver.svg|32px]] [[FEM_EquationFluxsolver|Equation fluxsolver]]:
* [[Image:FEM_EquationFlux.svg|32px]] [[FEM_EquationFlux|Equation flux]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-equation-flow.svg|32px]] [[FEM_EquationFlow|Equation flow]]:
* [[Image:FEM_EquationFlow.svg|32px]] [[FEM_EquationFlow|Equation flow]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-control-solver.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverControl|Solver job control]]: Opens the menu to adjust and start the selected solver.
* [[Image:FEM_SolverControl.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverControl|Solver job control]]: Opens the menu to adjust and start the selected solver.


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* [[Image:Fem-run-solver.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverRun|Solver run calculation]]: Runs the selected solver of the active analysis.
* [[Image:FEM_SolverRun.svg|32px]] [[FEM_SolverRun|Solver run calculation]]: Runs the selected solver of the active analysis.


== Menu: Results == <!--T:75-->
== Menu: Results == <!--T:75-->


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* [[Image:Fem-purge-results.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ResultsPurge|Results purge]]: Deletes the results of the active analysis.
* [[Image:FEM_ResultsPurge.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ResultsPurge|Results purge]]: Deletes the results of the active analysis.


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* [[Image:Fem-result.svg|24px]] [[FEM_ResultShow|Result show]]: Used to display the result of an analysis.
* [[Image:FEM_ResultShow.svg|24px]] [[FEM_ResultShow|Result show]]: Used to display the result of an analysis.


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* [[Image:FEM_PostApplyChanges.png|32px]] [[FEM_PostApplyChanges|Post Apply changes]]:
* [[Image:FEM_PostApplyChanges.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostApplyChanges|Post Apply changes]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-data.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostPipelineFromResult|Post Pipeline from result]]:
* [[Image:FEM_PostPipelineFromResult.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostPipelineFromResult|Post Pipeline from result]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-warp.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostCreateWarpVectorFilter|Post Create warp vector filter]]:
* [[Image:FEM_PostFilterWarp.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostFilterWarp|Post Create warp vector filter]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-clip-scalar.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostCreateScalarClipFilter|Post Create scalar clip filter]]:
* [[Image:FEM_PostFilterClipScalar.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostFilterClipScalar|Post Create scalar clip filter]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-cut.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostCreateCutFilter|Post Create cut filter]]:
* [[Image:FEM_PostFilterCutFunction.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostFilterCutFunction|Post Create cut filter]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-clip.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostCreateClipFilter|Post Create clip filter]]:
* [[Image:FEM_PostFilterClipRegion.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostFilterClipRegion|Post Create clip filter]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-DataAlongLine.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostCreateDataAlongLineFilter|Post Create data along line filter]]:
* [[Image:FEM_PostFilterDataAlongLine.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostFilterDataAlongLine|Post Create data along line filter]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-linearizedstresses.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostCreateLinearizedStressesFilter|Post Create linearized stresses]]:
* [[Image:FEM_PostFilterLinearizedStresses.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostFilterLinearizedStresses|Post Create linearized stresses]]:


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* [[Image:fem-post-filter-data-at-point.png|32px]] [[FEM_PostCreateDataAtPointFilter|Post Create data at point filter]]:
* [[Image:FEM_PostFilterDataAtPoint.svg|32px]] [[FEM_PostFilterDataAtPoint|Post Create data at point filter]]:


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* [[Image:Fem CompPostCreateFunctions.png|48px]] [[FEM_PostCreateFunctions|Post Create functions]]:
* [[Image:Fem-post-geo-sphere.svg|32px]][[File:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|16px]] [[FEM_PostCreateFunctions|Post Create functions]]:
** [[Image:Fem-sphere.svg|32px]] :
** [[Image:Fem-post-geo-sphere.svg|32px]] :
** [[Image:Fem-plane.svg|32px]] :
** [[Image:Fem-post-geo-plane.svg|32px]] :


== Menu: Utilities == <!--T:76-->
== Menu: Utilities == <!--T:76-->


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* [[Image:fem-clipping-plane-add.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ClippingPlaneAdd|Clipping plane on face]]:
* [[Image:FEM_ClippingPlaneAdd.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ClippingPlaneAdd|Clipping plane on face]]:


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* [[Image:fem-clipping-plane-remove-all.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ClippingPlaneRemoveAll|Remove all clipping planes]]:
* [[Image:FEM_ClippingPlaneRemoveAll.svg|32px]] [[FEM_ClippingPlaneRemoveAll|Remove all clipping planes]]:


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* [[Image:Preferences-fem.svg|32px]] [[FEM_Examples|FEM Examples]]: Open the GUI to access FEM examples.
* [[Image:FEM_Examples.svg|32px]] [[FEM_Examples|FEM Examples]]: Open the GUI to access FEM examples.


== Context Menu == <!--T:77-->
== Context Menu == <!--T:77-->


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* [[Image:Fem-femmesh-clear-mesh.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshClear|FEM mesh clear]]:
* [[Image:FEM_MeshClear.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshClear|FEM mesh clear]]:


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* [[Image:Fem-femmesh-print-info.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshPrintInfo|FEM mesh print info]]:
* [[Image:FEM_MeshDisplayInfo.svg|32px]] [[FEM_MeshDisplayInfo|FEM mesh display info]]:


== Preferences == <!--T:78-->
== Preferences == <!--T:78-->


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* [[Image:Std_DlgParameter.svg|32px]] [[FEM_Preferences|Preferences...]]: Preferences available in FEM Tools.
* [[Image:Std_DlgPreferences.svg|32px]] [[FEM_Preferences|Preferences...]]: Preferences available in FEM Tools.


== Information == <!--T:47-->
== Information == <!--T:47-->
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Tutorial 6: [[Post-Processing_of_FEM_Results_with_Paraview]]
Tutorial 6: [[Post-Processing_of_FEM_Results_with_Paraview]]


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Tutorial 7: [[FEM Example Capacitance Two Balls]]; Elmer's GUI tutorial 6 "Electrostatics Capacitance Two Balls" using FEM Examples.
Tutorial 7: [[FEM Example Capacitance Two Balls]]; Elmer's GUI tutorial 6 "Electrostatics Capacitance Two Balls" using FEM Examples.


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{{Docnav
{{Docnav
|[[Drawing Workbench|Drawing Workbench]]
|[[Drawing_Workbench|Drawing Workbench]]
|[[Image Workbench|Image Workbench]]
|[[Image_Workbench|Image Workbench]]
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Revision as of 14:52, 9 December 2020

FEM workbench icon

Introduction

The FEM Workbench provides a modern finite element analysis (FEA) workflow for FreeCAD. Mainly this means all tools to make an analysis are combined into one graphical user interface (GUI).

Workflow

The steps to carry out a finite element analysis are:

  1. Preprocessing: setting up the analysis problem.
    1. Modeling the geometry: creating the geometry with FreeCAD, or importing it from a different application.
    2. Creating an analysis.
      1. Adding simulation constraints such as loads and fixed supports to the geometric model.
      2. Adding materials to the parts off the geometric model.
      3. Creating a finite element mesh for the geometrical model, or importing it from a different application.
  2. Solving: running an external solver from within FreeCAD.
  3. Postprocessing: visualizing the analysis results from within FreeCAD, or exporting the results so they can be postprocessed with another application.

As of FreeCAD 0.15 the FEM Workbench can be used on Linux, Windows, and Mac OSX. Since the workbench makes use of external solvers, the amount of manual setup will depend on the operating system that you are using. See FEM Install for instructions on setting up the external tools.

Workflow of the FEM Workbench; the workbench calls two external programs to perform meshing of a solid object, and perform the actual solution of the finite element problem

Menu: Model

  • Analysis container: Creates a new container for a mechanical analysis. If a solid is selected in the tree view before clicking on it, the meshing dialog will be opened next.

Materials

  • Reinforced material: Lets you select reinforced materials consist of a matrix and a reinforcement from the database.

Element Geometry

Electrostatic Constraints

Fluid constraints

Mechanical constraints

  • Constraint force: Used to define a force in [N] applied uniformly to a selectable face in a definable direction.

Thermal constraints

Menu: Mesh

  • Nodes set: Creates/defines a node set from FEM mesh.

Menu: Solve

  • Solver Calculix CCX tools: Creates a new solver for this analysis. In most cases the solver is created together with the analysis.
  • Solver Elmer: Creates the solver controller for Elmer. It is independent from other solver objects.

Menu: Results

  • Result show: Used to display the result of an analysis.

Menu: Utilities

Context Menu

Preferences

Information

The following pages explain different topics of the FEM Workbench.

FEM Install: a detailed description on how to set up the external programs used in the workbench.

FEM Mesh: further information on obtaining a mesh for finite element analysis.

FEM Solver: further information on the different solvers available in the workbench, and those that could be used in the future.

FEM CalculiX: further information on CalculiX, the default solver used in the workbench for structural analysis.

FEM Concrete: interesting information on the topic of simulating concrete structures.

FEM Project: further information on the unit system, limitations, and the development ideas and roadmap of the workbench.

Tutorials

Tutorial 1: FEM CalculiX Cantilever 3D; basic simply supported beam analysis.

Tutorial 2: FEM Tutorial; simple tension analysis of a structure.

Tutorial 3: FEM Tutorial Python; set up the cantilever example entirely through scripting in Python, including the mesh.

Tutorial 4: FEM Shear of a Composite Block; see the deformation of a block that is comprised of two materials.

Tutorial 5: Transient FEM analysis

Tutorial 6: Post-Processing_of_FEM_Results_with_Paraview

Tutorial 7: FEM Example Capacitance Two Balls; Elmer's GUI tutorial 6 "Electrostatics Capacitance Two Balls" using FEM Examples.


Coupled thermal mechanical analysis tutorials by openSIM

Video tutorial 1: FEM video for beginner (including YouTube link)

Video tutorial 2: FEM video for beginner (including YouTube link)

Many video tutorials: anisim Open Source Engineering Software (in German)

Extending the FEM Workbench

The FEM Workbench is under constant development. An objective of the project is to find ways to easily interact with various FEM solvers, so that the end user can streamline the process of creating, meshing, simulating, and optimizing an engineering design problem, all within FreeCAD.

The following information is aimed at power users and developers who want to extend the FEM Workbench in different ways. Familiarity with C++ and Python is expected, and also some knowledge of the "document object" system used in FreeCAD is necessary; this information is available in the Power users hub and the Developer hub. Please notice that since FreeCAD is under active development, some articles may be too old, and thus obsolete. The most up to date information is discussed in the FreeCAD forums, in the Development section. For FEM discussions, advice or assistance in extending the workbench, the reader should refer to the FEM subforum.

The following articles explain how the workbench can be extended, for example, by adding new types of boundary conditions (constraints), or equations.

A developer's guide has been written to help power users in understanding the complex FreeCAD codebase and the interactions between the core elements and the individual workbenches. The book is hosted at github so multiple users can contribute to it and keep it updated.