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Towards the right side of the GUI, under Controls, note the items such as Mesh, Input Data, Solver, etc. We'll march down this list as we set up the problem, solve it and analyze the results. Below is a preview of what we'll be doing under each item on this list.
Menu Item | Action |
Mesh | Generate the finite-element model i.e. divide the domain into a discrete number of finite elements. |
Input Data | Apply material properties, boundary conditions and body forces to the finite-element model. |
Solver | Assemble the global stiffness matrix and invert it to obtain nodal results such as displacement values. |
Post-Process | Calculate quantities of interest such as stress components from the nodal displacements. |
Plotting | Plot the stress distribution and other quantities of interest to analyze the results. |
Export | Save data and plots. |
You'll be going through these same steps when, as a super-duper analyst, you'll be solving more complicated problems using an industry-standard FEA code. There is a close correspondence between the above menu items and the steps we'll be going through as indicated in the table below:
Menu Item | Step |
Mesh | Step 2: Generate finite-element model |
Input Data | Step 3: Specify inputs |
Solver | Step 4: Assemble and solve global system |
Post-Process | Step 5: Post-process the solution |
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Glance to the right of the Controls menu to see the Current Settings. Currently, there are no settings. As we go through the solution process, Current Settings items such as Mesh File and Input Filewill File will be updated. Use this area liberally to check on the status of your solution. On the lower, right side of the GUI, you'll see an area whereErrors where Errors are reported. You'll also see an area where the current Status is indicated; the READY message signifies that the program is ready and eager to do your bidding. While redAnTS is working at your command, the Status will indicate BUSY.
You can bring up this tutorial in the MATLAB help browser by clicking on the Tutorial button in the upper, left corner of the redAnTS GUI.
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