Python package for FEM-Design

News & Updates
1

We are currently working on a python package and it would be great if you can leave comment, thought and request over here.

What would you like to do with a python api? What would it be your end goal?

Python for FEM Design API
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Goals for a start:

  1. Generations of beam models including:
    • Member sizes
    • Orientation of members
    • Definitions of buckling lenght for members
    • Material ( of course :slight_smile: )
    • End conditions
    • Load cases
    • Load combinations
    • Covers
    • Loads
    • Supports
    • Code setup

And of course a good well explained documentation for the package.

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3

Hi @Kim_Moelgaard :wave: !

Thanks for your feedback.

What about modifying an existing model? Is for you more important being able to create a model or it is also really important to modify an existing model?

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4

Hi @MarcoPelle

It would be great being able to modify an existing model.

But for a start it would be great just to create a new model.

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5

As a start, I can think of the following:

1-Create new elements (eg beams), with their sections and the ability to assign properties like stiffness modifiers, hinges, etc. It is important that the geometry can be fully modelled from Python. This is very handy in projects that involves repetitive structures (eg transmission towers)

2-Modifying existing elements (eg change cross section).

3-Create load cases and load combinations and assign loads to existing elements.

4-Extract results. This is also very important; one can have some in-house design tools that needs inputs from FEM design.

5-The ability to run the model from Python. This is important in cases where the user runs some optimization from python, and FEM design is set into loops until certain output is met.

6

Hi Marco.
A few years ago I wrote a comprehensive python program that created the .struxml text file for an advanced model. I included a lot of functionality, but it is for FEM-Design 19. Do you want me to send it to you as a reference for those who develop this from Strusoft?

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Hi @davidkarlwesley :wave:

We would be amazed if you be willing to share with us the work that you have done. Feel free to send me an email at my work account marco.pellegrino@strusoft.com

Are you currently using C# or Grasshopper? or neither?

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I will send you an email later this evening. I haven’t really used so much automated/scripted models since then. But I prefer coding since it feels more reusable than Grasshopper. I am thinking about learning C# to better be able to interact with other software such as Revit aso.

1 Like
9

Exciting news!

A minimal python package has been released :slight_smile:

Currently, the scope has been to help the user in the automation of running, analysis, design, read results. The python package is a reflection of the :link:fdscript object and it makes easy the creation of it.

If some of the funcionality are missing, reach out and we will do the implementation.

Tool is still in early stage and it might contains bugs.

Example are available at GitHub.

3 Likes
10

Hi everyone.

Python for FEM-Design has been placed in the roadmap. Is there anyone who would like to use it/being part of a beta testing phase?

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11

Hi @MarcoPelle Has the Python PyPI module been released with the capability to modify existing models as well? It would be great to know.

12

Hi @Arun_N_Dinesh

We do not offer yet an easy way to modify a model. Right now, you should modify the .struxml on your own using library as xmltree which will help you in manipulate the model.

However, we are investigating a cross language API (c#, python, rust, go …) which will help you in modifying a model easily.

Can I ask you what are your common task while using the API?