BigPatents India

Structure analysts often use commercially available finite element analysis (FEA) packages such as ANSYS for modelling of standard structural beam elements . Correct and consistent inputs regarding area, moment of inertia, offset distances, extreme fibre distances are essential for obtaining correct results. There is no known device to assist the structure analysts for providing correct and consistent inputs. A device to assist finite element analysis of structures consisting of standard beam elements is proposed which comprises a metallic base marked with two axes X and Z with a pair of a metallic rods (2) mounted on the said base defining Y axis; another pair of metallic rods(3) having a swiveling joint with the first rod(2) representing X-axis of beam. Three acrylic discs are rotatably mounted perpendicular to the rod(3). The first disc (4) forms a background disc and has a plane (7) attached to it. Second disc (5) has two axes XP and YP marked on it. Third disc (6) has two axes YL and ZL marked on it which are the local axes. The device assists the structural analyst in correctly identifying the orientation of the beam elements in space which is communicated to the said FEA packages to obtain correct and consistent results.