Stress test?

[korat]

Hi, I'm new to vectorworks....Is there a way to stress-test a design in vectorworks? I'm trying to build a structure for a class that will hold at least 20lbs and wanted to know if I could test my design before I build it.

[islandmon]

Are you referring to Finite Element Analysis ?

[Taproot]

Korat,

Not that I'm aware of. VW has a simple beam component. But it sounds like you are needing a full frame analysis.

Islandmon, I'm curious what you use for calculating dynamic loads on geodesic domes?

I think what you're really after is a program called Dr. Frame. It's dual platform; analyzes in 2D or 3D; link as follows:

Dr. Frame

[Petri]

A structure for a class that will hold at least 20 Libras?

[jan15]

1 libra pondo (pound) = .45 kg

[Guest]

Have been requested - hopefully VW will give us as for minimum same as SOLIDWORKS at least a ALGOR FEA tab to have direct export / analysis on the go into ALGOR.

VW is ideally suited for structural / mechanical designs as it handles large size files with ease. Needs just the refinement on the 3D and other small areas and it can challenge Solidworks and the lot of other mechanical packages.

Easy to design with VW in Mechanical / Structural side.

Edited November 3, 2007 by clb

[islandmon]

Islandmon, I'm curious what you use for calculating dynamic loads on geodesic domes?

When RBFuller first began analyzing the structural loading of geodesics for the US Military, it soon became apparent that geodesic structures distribute loads very efficiently. His Princeton team discovered numerous interesting force event trajectories which eventually pointed to his Tensegrity continuous tension / discontinuous compression theory of structure. Along the way it became obvious that the strength of geodesics is best described by a reflected fractal surface with circumferential closure. A single reflected fractal triangle contains all the necessary relationships of forces which define the geodesic events. Furthermore, the efficiency of the fractal multiplication by division allows significant subtraction without affecting the structural integrity of the whole.

All modern structural programs can calculate loads for arches and geodesics beginning with the basic pi:2pi surface area and the moment of a simple beam.

Most of the Images in this link were created with VW:

http://www.fractalnet.org/gallery2/v/GeoMath/

This image shows the chord factor forces involved with a first order triacon geodesic:

http://www.fractalnet.org/gallery2/v/GeoMath/VW_2F_TRIA_LCD_SPH.JPG.html

per Synergetics 987.132F... the great-circle geodesics :

http://www.fractalnet.org/gallery2/v/GeoMath/VW_987_132F_LCD_HemiPent.JPG.html

Here are the basic geodesic trajectories:

http://www.fractalnet.org/gallery2/v/GeoMath/LCD_1132_01D_isoArcs.png.html