This Python-based program performs geometric nonlinear analysis of three-dimensional frame structures, implementing the Finite Element Method (FEM) with von Kármán kinematics. It is particularly suitable for thin-walled structures and slender frames, where second-order effects are significant.
The program integrates the von Kármán strain-displacement relationship into the element stiffness matrix to capture coupling between axial and bending effects under moderate rotations and small strains.
- Geometric nonlinearity modeled via von Kármán theory
- Large displacement behavior enabled
- Small strain assumption maintained
- 🧮 Nonlinear solver using the Newton–Raphson iterative scheme
- 📊 3D post-processing with PyVista and Matplotlib
- 🧠 Eigenvalue buckling analysis module
- ✅ Validation with commercial software (ANSYS, Abaqus, Robot Structural Analysis)
- Displacement deviations below 0.11% compared to ANSYS, Abaqus, and RSA
- Buckling load predictions within 5% of Abaqus in complex cases
- Exact match with RSA results in most scenarios
This open-source tool is intended for use in:
- Civil engineering simulations
- Structural systems sensitive to second-order effects
- Educational and research purposes where commercial software may be inaccessible
git clone https://github.com/SimuFrame/docs.git
cd docs
pip install -r requirements.txt