Interactive problem set-up (pre-processing) solution and analysis (post-processing) 

Working interactively with a graphical user interface, instead of preparing a text input file, makes it easy and convenient to immediately identify and correct bad input values, thus resulting in a working solution in the shortest possible time.

Remapping in space 

High resolution fast running 1-D problems can be mapped into 2-D or 3-D, enabling highly accurate results to be created extremely fast. The remapping is accomplished with just a few clicks of the mouse. 3-D problems can also be remapped into 3-D for extending the physical size of the problem.

Remapping solution method

The solution method for a part can be changed when the problem requires a different methodology. In the example to the right a 2-D axis-symmetric Euler solution is mapped into a 3-D Lagrange solution enabling the simulation of an oblique impact. Running this problem in 3-D with the same result resolution and accuracy would require 1,000 times as much computer time. 

Import of data from Geographic Information System (GIS) services 

For modeling large city structures information from a GIS data base can be imported, making the creation of a mesh and solution space virtually automatic. Manual set-up of this type of a problem would make it totally unpractical.

Mass scaling 

Mass is artificially added to individual elements to ensure their timestep is at least equal to a user defined value. This is a valuable technique for problems with a limited number of small elements. A contour plot of the time step for each element enables quick identification of the scope of the problem and whether this technique is practical and safe.

 Dezoning

Parts using the Euler solver can be “dezoned” increasing the size of each element and reducing the number of elements. This process tool provides a way to increase the computational speed during the later stages of a calculation when less resolution might be required.

Erosion 

Erosion is a numerical method to eliminate elements that have become degenerate, or have caused the time step to be reduced below a minimum value. Erosion criteria can be based on minimum time step values, strain or material failure. The eroded element can optionally be retained as a point mass, enabling more accurate momentum conservation and potential loading from the eroded nodes.

Natural Fragmentation 

Natural fragmentation provides a statistical way to model failure due to impurities. This technique is invaluable when modeling symmetrical parts under uniform strain, where normally all elements would fail at the same time. Natural fragmentation introduces minor variance in the failure criteria randomly in the elements that make up the part, resulting in “natural fragmentation.”