A general purpose postprocessor for static and dynamic finite element analysis

Abstract

This research develops a general purpose controlling program, named FEM2D, which can be used for two-dimensional static and dynamic finite element analysis and a general purpose post-processing program POST2D. The post-processor makes use of technologies of Interactive, Menu-Driven, Multi-windows, On-line Help, and Object-Oriented program. It can be employed to deal with the results of finite elements and to display the results in the forms of Mesh, Vector Arrow, contour Line and Color Contour with computer graphics. Due to the improved linear interpolation and the refined method of area comparison search, the speed of graphic process is increased significantly. Static and dynamic linear as well as non-linear analyses of a concrete dam on rock foundation are performed using the SST DYN finite element program. Results from the use of the POST2D program are used to analyze stresses and deformations under static and dynamic (earthquake) loading, including comparison of results from linear and nonlinear constitutive research.