FeResPost 4.1.2 Review

FeResPost is a library that aims to aid software developers by allowing for the development of small programs rapidly to handle the post-processing of Nastran or Samcef finite element outputs. The library is available both as a COM component on windows XP as well as a ruby extension for ease of access.

FeResPost gives the user access to 5 main classses and 2 sub modules allowing for the analysis and manipulation of finite element results and entries. This is useful for engineers and can be used to save large amount of time doing private development for the implementation of these libraries. The main classes include: DataBase, NastranDb, SamcefDb, Result, ResKeyList, Group, CoordSys, and PostModule. Using each of these classes the user can manipulate different results and data sets according to the mathmatical principals of each function. More information on each function is available in the FeResPost manual, which can help new users become familiar with the new library with ease.

Four additional classes are included to assist the user with Classical Laminate Analysis and its distance equations. these classes include ClaDb that stories composite data, the ClaMat class used to configure materials, the ClaLam is used to store data and perform CLA equations and tasks. Also included are functions for manipulating loadings applied to the data sets. All CLA classes results are combined with the rest of FeResPost and allow the user to post process composite element finite structures with efficient results.

Additionally, FeResPost is also capable of the simultaneous editing of multiple models by inventing multiple NastranDb and SamcefDb objects, and allowing for distinct Samcef and Nastran models to be manipulated concurrently. When used correctly FeResPost is capable of downloading and manipulating result entries in order to help designers understand and produce margins of safely within their design. The modification of the reference coordinate system, calculation of total force and momentum corresponding to a distribution of different loads on the system, derivative criteria and Von Mises for elaborate stress testing, operations combining and margins calculations, and the ability to derive new results are all useful functions available to developers using FeResPost.