Extreme Loading for Structures - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

Extreme Loading for Structures (ELS) - a commercial structural analysis software program based on the applied element method

Applied element method

The Applied Element Method is a numerical analysis used in predicting the continuum and discrete behavior of structures. The modeling method in AEM adopts the concept of discrete cracking allowing it to automatically track structural collapse behavior passing through all stages of loading:...

(AEM

AEM

AEM is a three-letter acronym that may refer to:* Agencia Espacial Mexicana , the space agency of Mexico* AEM , a French electric car;* AEM , a Welsh-built version of the Mini-Moke car;...

) for the automatic tracking and propagation of cracks, separation of elements, element collision, and collapse of structures under extreme loads. AEM combines features of Finite element method

Finite element method

The finite element method is a numerical technique for finding approximate solutions of partial differential equations as well as integral equations...

and Discrete element method

Discrete element method

A discrete element method , also called a distinct element method is any of family of numerical methods for computing the motion of a large number of particles of micrometre-scale size and above...

simulation with its own solver capabilities for the generation of PC-based structural analysis.

2003

Research and development related to the software begins with the formation of Applied Science International. The first release of ELS appears in the form of 2D analysis with structures modeled, loading scenarios applied, and results viewed.

2008

Version 2.0 allows users to perform 3D analysis, though modeling is largely limited to 2D and restricted 3D functionality.
The United States Department of Homeland Security assigns ELS Designation Status for Anti-terrorism under the SAFETY Act.

ELS Modeler

In the ELS modeler the user has the ability to model using a variety of default structural components such as columns, slabs, walls, windows, steel sections, reinforcement and 8-node objects. Pre-stressing, cables, pre-cracking and holes can also be added to models to reflect the required attributes of structures. To aid the user in modeling, attachments such as *.dxf, *.stl

STL (file format)

STL is a file format native to the stereolithography CAD software created by 3D Systems. This file format is supported by many other software packages; it is widely used for rapid prototyping and computer-aided manufacturing. STL files describe only the surface geometry of a three dimensional...

, *.dgn

DGN

DGN is the name used for CAD file formats supported by Bentley Systems' MicroStation and Intergraph's Interactive Graphics Design System CAD programs.There are two versions of DGN:...

, and *.jpeg

JPEG

In computing, JPEG . The degree of compression can be adjusted, allowing a selectable tradeoff between storage size and image quality. JPEG typically achieves 10:1 compression with little perceptible loss in image quality....

can be easily imported. Models can also be imported from several FEM based software programs such as Abaqus

Abaqus

Abaqus FEA is a suite of software applications for finite element analysis and computer-aided engineering, originally released in 1978...

, ANSYS, Etabs, Gambit, Ideas, LS-DYNA

LS-DYNA

LS-DYNA is an advanced general-purpose multiphysics simulation software package developed by the Livermore Software Technology Corporation...

, Nastran

Nastran

NASTRAN is a finite element analysis program that was originally developed for NASA in the late 1960s under United States government funding for the Aerospace industry. The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation was one of the principal and original developers of the public domain NASTRAN code...

, Patran, SAP2000

SAP2000

SAP2000 is integrated software for structural analysis and design, developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. Currently in its 15th edition, it is frequently used by civil engineers in the design and analysis of bridges, buildings, dams, etc....

, and STAAD. ELS is Building Information Modeling

Building Information Modeling

Building information modeling is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle.BIM involves representing a design as objects – vague and undefined, generic or product-specific, solid shapes or void-space oriented , that carry their geometry, relations and attributes...

(BIM

Bim

Bim is a 1974 Trinidad and Tobago film written by Raoul Pantin and directed by Hugh A. Robertson. It was described by Bruce Paddington as "one of the most important films to be produced in Trinidad and Tobago".-Plot:...

) compatible with a plug-in for Autodesk Revit Structure

Revit

Autodesk Revit Architecture often referred to as simply Revit is a Building Information Modeling software developed by Autodesk. It allows the user to design with both parametric 3D modeling and 2D drafting elements...

, allowing users to import previously created structural components.

ELS Solver

The solver performs multi-stage static and dynamic analysis in 2D and 3D. Static loading types include concentrated loads, displacements

Displacement (vector)

A displacement is the shortest distance from the initial to the final position of a point P. Thus, it is the length of an imaginary straight path, typically distinct from the path actually travelled by P...

, hydrostatic pressures, uniform pressures, moving loads, element removals, and line loads. Available dynamic loading types include concentrated loads, displacements, seismic loads

Earthquake

An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time...

, uniform pressures, element removals, and moving loads. ELS comes with a predefined material library with both linear and non-linear material models that include steel

Steel

Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...

, concrete

Concrete

Concrete is a composite construction material, composed of cement and other cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate , water and chemical admixtures.The word concrete comes from the Latin word...

, reinforced concrete

Reinforced concrete

Reinforced concrete is concrete in which reinforcement bars , reinforcement grids, plates or fibers have been incorporated to strengthen the concrete in tension. It was invented by French gardener Joseph Monier in 1849 and patented in 1867. The term Ferro Concrete refers only to concrete that is...

, glass

Glass

Glass is an amorphous solid material. Glasses are typically brittle and optically transparent.The most familiar type of glass, used for centuries in windows and drinking vessels, is soda-lime glass, composed of about 75% silica plus Na2O, CaO, and several minor additives...

, aluminum, elastic

Elasticity (physics)

In physics, elasticity is the physical property of a material that returns to its original shape after the stress that made it deform or distort is removed. The relative amount of deformation is called the strain....

, and tension.

The AEM solver automatically calculates:

Crack generation
Plastic hinge formation
Element separation
Buckling, post buckling and large displacements
Contact and collisions

ELS Output Viewer

Once the AEM solver begins, output can be immediately observed in the ELS viewer. A variety of animated diagrams, charts and files can be created for visual representation of the analysis. The ELS viewer can create the following exportable content:

Animated diagrams:
- Internal force
- Envelope
Animated stress-strain contours
Load displacement curves
Animated charts available:
- Load
- Displacement
- Stress
- Strain
- Time
- Velocity
- Acceleration
Eigen modes
Export to *.avi and *.bmp
Through additional plug-ins ELS can export animation data to Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya for use in visual effects
Visual effects
Visual effects are the various processes by which imagery is created and/or manipulated outside the context of a live action shoot. Visual effects involve the integration of live-action footage and generated imagery to create environments which look realistic, but would be dangerous, costly, or...

for television and film.

Applications

ELS is currently being utilized for structural engineering analysis functions such as structural vulnerability assessment & risk mitigation, progressive collapse analysis

Progressive collapse

A building undergoes progressive collapse when a primary structural element fails, resulting in the failure of adjoining structural elements, which in turn causes further structural failure, similar to a house of cards....

, blast analysis, demolition prediction analysis, impact analysis, seismic analysis

Seismic analysis

Seismic Analysis is a subset of structural analysis and is the calculation of the response of a building structure to earthquakes...

, forensic engineering, performance based design, glass performance analysis product development and visual effects.

Academic institutions

More than 20 universities and academic institutions are currently invlolved in research and development projects resulting in the creation of numerous publications on topics related to the Applied Element Mehtod and Extreme Loading for Structures. Academic institutions working with ELS include:

Academic Institutions working with ELS
Auburn University Auburn University Auburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts...	Carleton University Carleton University Carleton University is a comprehensive university located in the capital of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. The enabling legislation is The Carleton University Act, 1952, S.O. 1952. Founded as a small college in 1942, Carleton now offers over 65 programs in a diverse range of disciplines. Carleton has...	Concordia University Concordia University Concordia University is a comprehensive Canadian public university located in Montreal, Quebec, one of the two universities in the city where English is the primary language of instruction...	Dresden University of Technology Dresden University of Technology The Technische Universität Dresden is the largest institute of higher education in the city of Dresden, the largest university in Saxony and one of the 10 largest universities in Germany with 36,066 students...
École de technologie supérieure École de technologie supérieure Founded in 1974, the École de technologie supérieure is part of the Université du Québec system. Specialized in applied teaching in engineering and technology transfer to companies, it teaches engineers and researchers who are recognized for their practical and innovative approach...	Helwan University Helwan University Helwan University is a public university based in Helwan in Egypt. It comprises 18 faculties as well as 50 research centers.Generally, it is known for engineering and business studies...	Technical Military Academy of Bucharest Technical Military Academy of Bucharest The Academia Tehnică Militară is a public university in Bucharest, Romania, founded in 1949....	Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee School of Engineering The Milwaukee School of Engineering is a private university located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. MSOE is best known for its applications-oriented curriculum, close association with business and industry, and extremely high placement rate...
National Society for Earthquake Technology	National University of Singapore National University of Singapore The National University of Singapore is Singapore's oldest university. It is the largest university in the country in terms of student enrollment and curriculum offered....	Northeastern University	North Carolina State University North Carolina State University North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public, coeducational, extensive research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Commonly known as NC State, the university is part of the University of North Carolina system and is a land, sea, and space grant institution...
Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania State University The Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State or PSU, is a public research university with campuses and facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855, the university has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service...	Portuguese Military Academy Portuguese Military Academy The Military Academy is a Portuguese military establishment, which has the ability to confer educational qualifications equivalent to a university...	Purdue University Purdue University Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue was founded on May 6, 1869, as a land-grant university when the Indiana General Assembly, taking advantage of the Morrill Act, accepted a donation of land and...	Royal Military Academy (Belgium) Royal Military Academy (Belgium) The Royal Military Academy is the military university of Belgium. The school is responsible for the education of the officers of the four components of the Belgian defence . The school is located in Brussels in a building construct by the architects Henri Maquet and Henri Van Dievoet...
Rutgers University Rutgers University Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , is the largest institution for higher education in New Jersey, United States. It was originally chartered as Queen's College in 1766. It is the eighth-oldest college in the United States and one of the nine Colonial colleges founded before the American...	Technical University of Cluj-Napoca Technical University of Cluj-Napoca The Technical University of Cluj-Napoca , Cluj-Napoca, Romania, is the second largest university in the city. The university has seven faculties, all in Romanian, and two in English.- Faculties :...	Tokyo Institute of Technology Tokyo Institute of Technology The Tokyo Institute of Technology is a public research university located in Greater Tokyo Area, Japan. Tokyo Tech is the largest institution for higher education in Japan dedicated to science and technology. Tokyo Tech enrolled 4,850 undergaraduates and 5006 graduate students for 2009-2010...	United States Military Academy United States Military Academy The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
University of Bristol University of Bristol The University of Bristol is a public research university located in Bristol, United Kingdom. One of the so-called "red brick" universities, it received its Royal Charter in 1909, although its predecessor institution, University College, Bristol, had been in existence since 1876.The University is...	University of Connecticut University of Connecticut The admission rate to the University of Connecticut is about 50% and has been steadily decreasing, with about 28,000 prospective students applying for admission to the freshman class in recent years. Approximately 40,000 prospective students tour the main campus in Storrs annually...	University of California University of California The University of California is a public university system in the U.S. state of California. Under the California Master Plan for Higher Education, the University of California is a part of the state's three-tier public higher education system, which also includes the California State University...	University of Miami University of Miami The University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1925 with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida, a medical campus in Miami city proper at Civic Center, and an oceanographic research facility on Virginia Key., the university currently enrolls 15,629 students in 12...
University of Missouri University of Missouri The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...	University of Missouri–Kansas City University of Missouri–Kansas City The University of Missouri–Kansas City is a public university located in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. It is a branch of the University of Missouri System. Its main campus is in Kansas City's Rockhill neighborhood east of the Country Club Plaza...	University of Oxford University of Oxford The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...	University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas at Austin is a state research university located in Austin, Texas, USA, and is the flagship institution of the The University of Texas System. Founded in 1883, its campus is located approximately from the Texas State Capitol in Austin...
University of Wollongong University of Wollongong The University of Wollongong is a public university located in the coastal city of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, approximately 80 kilometres south of Sydney...

External links

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