In computational fluid dynamics (CFD), complex surfaces that are not completely solid can be modeled using porous or permeability media. In the actual world, examples of such things include windbreak fabric structures, wire meshes, perforated facades and claddings, louvers, tube banks (stacks of horizontal cylinders), and so on.
The recently introduced Webservices gives users the ability to communicate with RFEM 6 using their programming language of choice. This feature is enhanced with our High Level Functions (HLF) Library. The libraries are available for Python, JavaScript, and C#. This article looks at a practical use case of programming a 2D Truss Generator with Python. "Learning by doing," as the saying goes.
A standard scenario in timber member construction is the ability to connect smaller members by means of bearing on a larger girder member. Additionally, member end conditions may include a similar situation where the beam is bearing on a support type. In either scenario, the beam must be designed to consider the bearing capacity perpendicular to the grain according to NDS 2018 Sec. 3.10.2 and CSA O86:19 Clauses 6.5.6 and 7.5.9. In general structural design software, it is typically not possible to carry out this full design check, as the bearing area is unknown. However, in the new generation RFEM 6 and Timber Design add-on, the added 'design supports' feature now allows users to comply with the NDS and CSA bearing perpendicular to the grain design checks.
RFEM and RSTAB programs provide parameterized input as an advantageous product feature to create or adjust models by means of variables. This article will show you how to define global parameters and use them in formulas to determine numerical values.
The dynamic analysis in RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9 is divided into several add-ons. The Modal Analysis add-on is a prerequisite for all other dynamic add-ons, since it performs the natural vibration analysis for member, surface, and solid models.
All data in RFEM 6 can be documented in a multilingual printout report. The design of the printout report is modern and has been highly optimized with respect to the previous (RFEM 5) generation of the program. Some of its most significant features are discussed in this article.
The new generation of RFEM software is an intuitive, powerful, and easy-to-handle 3D FEA program that meets all the latest demands in modeling, calculation, and structural design. The modern design concept, as well as the introduction of new features, make the program even more innovative and user-friendly. The main differences between RFEM 6 and its previous version, RFEM 5, are discussed in the following text.
RFEM and RSTAB provide various options for entering nodal loads. These implemented features allow the user to define the nodal loads in relation to different components in space.
Closed circular cross-sections are ideal for welded truss structures. The architecture of such constructions is popular when designing transparent roofs. This article shows the special features of the connection design using hollow sections.
Different methods are available for calculating the deformation in the cracked state. RFEM provides an analytical method according to DIN EN 1992-1-1 7.4.3 and a physical-nonlinear analysis. Both methods have different features and can be more or less suitable depending on the circumstances. This article will give an overview of the two calculation methods.
This article discusses the most common BIM interfaces. Adjustments are often necessary during the transition to the structural branch-specific model. The tasks that arise and the tools to address them successfully and quickly are presented.
The SHAPE‑THIN stand-alone program determines the characteristic values and stresses of any thin‑walled cross‑sections. Graphic tools and features allow for modeling complex cross‑section shapes. In addition to the graphical input, it is also possible to enter the data in tables. As an alternative, you can import a DXF file and use it as a basis for further modelling. Also, each cross-section can be entered using the cross-section library of Dlubal Software and combined as a part with the user-defined elements.
The RFEM/RSTAB printout report includes a text block function. This feature allows you to create user‑defined text blocks with formatting and heading and add them to the printout report.
As in RFEM, load combinations can be generated automatically in RF‑PIPING. This feature is activated by default and creates the recommended load and result combinations for piping design. It is necessary to assign the relevant action category to load cases in order to generate the correct combinations. To do this, new action categories have been implemented specifically for loads on piping. Pressure temperature conditions are generated as the sets of the first (second, third, and so on) load case of the "Pressure" category and the first (second, third, and so on) load case of the "Temperature" category. The default setting can be reviewed or adjusted in the "Grouping of Thermal and Internal Pressure Load Cases for Operating Combinations" dialog box. You can access this dialog box by clicking the corresponding button in the "Piping Load Combinations" tab of the "Load Cases and Combinations" dialog box. This dialog box is automatically offered to check your entries in the case of any change of the load case from the "Pressure" or "Temperature" category.
If crane runway girders are designed with flat steel rails, the welding of these rails is always a detail for the design. You can generally select between continuous and intermittent fillet welds as a rail fixing. The following article provides an overview of the design processes and their specific features, especially when using the EN 1993-6.
As of the version 5.06.1103, masses of nodes, lines, members, and surfaces can be neglected in RF‑DYNAM Pro. The setting to activate this feature can be found in the Details dialog box; the neglected masses are valid for all defined mass cases.
In addition to straight beams, it is sometimes necessary to calculate or design arched or circular beams in RSTAB. For this purpose, there is a special feature under "Tools" → "Generate Model – Members" → "Circle". You can easily use this tool to generate a full or pitch circle. The most important parameter here is the number of new nodes, which affects the accuracy of the results.
A new feature allows you to assign climatic loads to load cases when designing panes of insulating glass. Climatic loads are included in three categories here: temperature difference, atmospheric pressure difference, and altitude difference.
You can move and copy objects directly in the display window in order to work more efficiently. If this feature is not desired by the user, you can simply disable it. To do this, right‑click in the display window and select the "Enable Drag & Drop" entry in the shortcut menu.
The "Info About Member" feature is available in RFEM and RSTAB. allows you to quickly read the member properties and results in a graphic. When you move the mouse over a member, the information about the member is displayed in the corresponding window.
RFEM 5.04.xx allows for graphical visualization of normal and shear stress of members (this feature is available only if the RF‑STEEL add‑on module is licensed).
In the RFEM 5.04.0024 and RSTAB 8.04.0024 versions, there is a new feature in RF‑/TOWER Loading that allows you to define additional surface loads in a load case for dead loads; for example, from grids on platforms.