Non-Linear Cables

[meca]

Does anyone know of an inexpensive Finite Element program that will can handle non-linear cable elements?

 

Ok, Meca. The answer to your question is very simple. You must become familiar with ANSYS (software - I will say technology because the ANSYS is technology).

 

[chandr]

Since you're an struct.eng., if you're dealing with only line elements I believe Microstran (

http://www.microstran.com)

or Spacegass (

http://www.spacegass.com)

are the best. If you visit their galleries, you'll see many interesting cable structures modelled using these softwares. If your problem requires also plate elements, next choice would be Gt-strudl. Staad III/Pro's or Strap's cable elements are insufficient.

 

[meca]

Thanks for the info chandr!!

 

[chandr]

And if your problem is tower structure related, you should take a look at Mstower (

http://www.engsys.com.au),

also from microstran maker. It has tower specific load generators.

 

There are free software for cable analysis at

http://www.Equation.com