FEMtools SDM

Real-time Simulation of Structural Dynamics Modification

Structural Dynamics Modification (SDM) is a design-oriented tool to rapidly simulate effects of structural changes on the dynamics of structures. A library of lumped, 1D, 2D or 3D modification elements is available to model most commonly encountered structural modifications. Because only a model geometry and modal parameters are used, SDM works on finite element data, test data and hybrid models. The structural changes can be modeled as simple springs, masses, dampers, or any type of finite element (bar, beam, shell, volume).

Benefits

The benefit of using SDM is that all analysis is done in modal space. Structural modifications are transformed to equivalent changes of mass, stiffness and damping expressed in modal coordinates. The resulting set of equations can be solved at minimal computational expense and can therefore be done real-time. For example, using a slider control, FEMtools can dynamically change parameter values and the user immediately sees the effect of the change in tables and graphics.