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FEM-Design API Documentation

website·Indexed 31 days ago

https://femdesign-api-docs.onstrusoft.com

API documentation for FEM-Design, providing guides and examples for integrating structural analysis and design via Python and Grasshopper. Includes instructions for Async Mode live-linking, managing materials, sections, and load cases, as well as executing FEA analysis and retrieving results.

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What's inside FEM-Design

  1. Overview of FEM-Design automation with fdscript

    Since version 17.01.001, FEM-Design supports automation via .fdscript files. These scripts allow users to batch-analyze models, execute long calculations overnight, and automate the generation of .csv lists and .docx documentation.

    Critical Constraint: All file paths in an .fdscript file must be absolute (starting with the drive letter); relative paths are not supported.

  2. Overview of the FEM-Design API

    The FEM-Design API allows developers to interact with FEM-Design programmatically, enabling automation and integration without the need to use the FEM-Design graphical user interface (GUI). The API is open-source and supports development using C# or Grasshopper.

  3. Access FEM-Design API Design Group functionality

    The FEM-Design API provides access to the 'design group' feature, which allows users to assign the same section to a group of elements as part of an optimization process. This is particularly useful for users of Computational Engineering who want to move beyond simple model import/export to perform advanced design optimization.

  4. Automate FEM-Design analysis using Python

    The FEM-Design Python package allows for the automation of processes such as running analysis, design, and reading results. It includes interop.py, which converts XSD schemas to Python dataclasses for use with the Database object, supporting both serialization of dataclasses to struxml format and deserialization of struxml files into Database objects.

  5. Understand and use Interaction Volumes for concrete section capacity

    An interaction volume is a graphical representation of a concrete cross-section's capacity. It defines the permissible combinations of moment around the y-axis (My), moment around the z-axis (Mz), and normal force (N). Any combination of these forces falling inside the volume is acceptable; those outside result in failure.

    Key Constraints:

    • The interaction volume only considers the combined effect of moment and normal force.
    • It does not include checks for shear, buckling, fire design, or serviceability limit state (SLS) checks.

    Common Use Cases:

    • Preliminary Design: Rapidly evaluate sections without full analysis.
    • Reinforcement Optimization: Quickly test different reinforcement placements to optimize the volume shape for specific loads.
    • Parametric Optimization: Minimize material usage by parametrizing the cross-section shape.
    • Stress Testing: Checking members by setting normal forces to zero to find the lowest moment capacity.

  6. Optimize CLT Panel direction using FEM-Design API

    The FEM-Design API by StruSoft can be used to automate the placement and optimization of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels to enhance slab strength and durability, avoiding the manual complexity of aligning panels in complex geometries like domes.

  7. Perform stability analysis using FEM-Design API

    Starting from version 22.5.0, the FEM-Design API provides access to stability analysis calculations. This functionality allows developers and engineers to identify critical stability issues, such as buckling (sudden collapse under compressive forces), particularly in slender structures like columns and towers.

  10. Define foundation geometry using Extruded Solid

    The Extruded Solid object is used to define foundation geometry. To create the geometry, the component requires a flat surface to define the foundation boundaries and a numeric value to specify the thickness. Additionally, optional arguments a, b, and c can be provided to specify plinth geometry.

  12. Install FEM-Design API for Grasshopper

    The FEM-Design API toolbox allows Grasshopper users to communicate with FEM-Design via the struxml file format for parametric modeling and automated workflows. To install the API, you must have Rhino3D installed on your computer. The installation is performed via the Rhino3D Package Manager.
    1. Open Rhino3D and launch the Package Manager from the Tools menu.
2. Search for "FEM-Design" and click the "Install" button.
3. Restart Rhino3D to activate the plugin.