FEM 1.0 Code_Aster
FEM 1.0 Code_Aster – online finite element analysis
With this tool you analyse 3D parts from STEP files using the open-source solver Code_Aster. Meshing uses the same Gmsh/OpenCASCADE preprocessor as FEM CalculiX. Results include stresses, deformations and a report with robust evaluation (P95/P98 instead of maximum raw only).
What is FEM 1.0 Code_Aster used for?
Code_Aster is an established FEM package for linear statics, mechanics and further analyses. On Roltec the first version is a fast strength check: the same STEP file, the same adaptive tetrahedral mesh, linear static analysis.
Typical applications:
- Strength calculation of machine parts
- Stress and deformation analysis
- Estimate of the safety factor versus Rp0.2
- Comparison with FEM 1.5 CalculiX on the same geometry
- Checking parts before manufacturing
How does the FEM calculation work?
- Upload a STEP file
- Set material, mesh size and load
- Gmsh generates an adaptive volume mesh and exports MED
- Code_Aster solves MECA_STATIQUE (linear statics)
- Evaluate von Mises stress and displacement
- Download report, VTU and optional STEP/MSH exports
Automatic boundary conditions
After the STEP upload you can click the support face and the loaded face directly in the 3D model. The support is fully fixed; the total force in newtons is applied on the selected loaded face as a surface load (MPa). If no valid selection is available, the tool automatically uses faces near Zmin and Zmax as a fallback. These boundary conditions are suitable for a quick demonstration check and do not replace an engineered support layout. The selected faces are listed in the result report.
Which results are reported?
- Maximum displacement
- von Mises stress: robust range P5–P95, P98 and maximum raw
- Safety factor on P98 and on maximum raw
- Note on possible local stress peaks at the fixture
- graphical result plots and VTU for ParaView
Current limitations
- Analysis type currently linear static only
- Automatic boundary conditions only as fallback if no faces were selected
- Current maximum file size is 50 MB per STEP file
- Large or finely meshed models are coarsened automatically (element limit)
- Solver runtime on the server is limited (approx. 180 s)
- Results should be reviewed by a specialist before critical manufacturing decisions