Interfaces with Other Programs

This ability to communicate with other databases is an essential feature of the software. Several direct interface programs are therefore provided so that FEMtools can be integrated in a CAE workflow, exchanging data with FE preprocessors, FE analysis systems, test systems or other tools (e.g. for reporting).

For interfacing with the main FEA programs, FEMtools includes add-on interface programs with ABAQUS, ANSYS, NASTRAN and I-DEAS Universal File. Other interfaces are based on FEMtools Script and are provided as standard components of FEMtools Framework. The FEMtools Framework license also includes a translator to import and export test data in Universal File format. Interfacing with programs like Excel, Matlab or Mathcad is possible using FEMtools Script functions.

FEMtools Add-On Interface and Drivers Programs

FEMtools includes several direct, two-way, interfaces with several popular FE programs. These interfaces are binary coded and provide the highest level of data exchange, performance and maintenance. Drivers automate import, export and re-analysis of updated or optimized FE models. The interfaces and driver programs require a separate license that can be added to any FEMtools standard configuration.

ABAQUS

The FEMtools interface program with the ABAQUS general purpose finite element program imports and exports FEM data, and imports element matrices, mode shapes, and operational shapes, all in ASCII format. The default file types are the ABAQUS input file and the FIL results file. Support for ODB is available using custom scripts.

ANSYS

The FEMtools interface program with the ANSYS general-purpose finite element code uses the ASCII formatted CDB file to read or write the FE model definition. Element structural matrices and modal data are imported through ANSYS binary files EMAT and RST respectively.

NASTRAN

Interfacing with the MSC.Nastran and NX Nastran general purpose finite element programs is based on the formatted Bulk Data File for FEM geometry and element properties and binary OUTPUT2 files created with the PARAM, POST, -5 command are used to interface element matrices and shapes (static, modal normal or complex). Punch files are used to import FRF data but can also be used to import modes. Bulk Data can be read or written, OUTPUT2 and punch files are read-only.
The Nastran interface and driver program can also be used with NE/Nastran.

I-DEAS/Universal File

The Universal File Format is an ASCII or binary formatted file used by many manufacturers of CAE software and test systems. The FEMtools interface program reads and writes ASCII files containing FEA and test datasets. The Universal File format is supported by many analysis and test software.

FEMtools Script-based Interfaces

Other interfaces are available, either being also binary coded (e.g. MSC.Marc) or written in FEMtools Script (e.g. FEMAP, SAP, ALGOR). They only provide limited data exchange and are included in the basic FEMtools Framework license and do not require a separate license. Script-based interfaces can easily be customized or extended to specific needs.

MSC.Marc

Interfacing with the MSC.Marc finite element program is based on the Marc input file (.dat) and results file (.t19). The input file is an ASCII file that contains the definition of the FE model, including materials, boundary conditions, and lumped masses. The results file is also an ASCII file from which mode shapes, and element stiffness and mass matrices are read.

SAP2000

The SAP2000 interface program reads FE model definition and mode shapes from SAP2000 s2k input files. The translator is compatible with s2k files generated by different versions of SAP2000.

ALGOR

The ALGOR interface imports the FE model definition and mode shapes from .ml files.

FEMAP

The FEMAP interface imports FE model definition and mode shapes from FEMAP neutral file (neu files).

Polytec

This interface imports the test mesh and the operational shapes from a Polytec scanning file (svd files). The script uses the Polytec File Access COM object to extract the data from the measurement file. The File Access COM object can be downloaded from the Polytec website and has to be installed before the FEMtools Polytec interface can be used.

Interfacing with other FE Programs

Users of COSMOS, ETABS, NISA, LUSAS, SAMCEF, PERMAS or any other finite element program that is not listed hereafter, contact us for current status of interface development. Interface development is an on-going process that is based on customer demand.