Code-aster: free code for studying of the behavior structural mechanics/ nuclear / electricity

Code_Aster is a code general practitioner for the study of the behavior structural mechanics.

The priority scope of application is that of the mechanics of deformable solids: that justifies the number of functionalities attached to the mechanical phenomenon. However, the study of the mechanical behavior of the industrial components requires beforehand the modelization of the stresses to which they are subjected, or of the physical phenomena which modify the parameters of
this behavior (fluid offsite intern or, temperature, phase change metallurgical, forces of electromagnetic origin...). For these reasons, Code_Aster
offers several possibilities of “sequence” of the mechanical phenomenon with the thermal or the acoustics, or with of other software, as well as a “kit” of construction of problems thermo-hydro-mechanics coupled.

Although Code_Aster can be used for many problems of structural analysis (code general practitioner), it was developed in particular to allow the study of the components of materials or machines used in the field of the electricity production and transmission. Thus the priority was given to the modelization of metal structures, géomatériaux and the reinforced concrete structure components.
One will find very few modelizations available for composites or elastomers.

The nonlinear analyses, as well in mechanics as in thermal, are in the middle of
Code_Aster : their effective drug required the tuning of powerful and relatively simple algorithms of use, even if the goal is not to make them function in “black box”. For the complex studies, it is thus necessary to understand the nature of the operations carried out by the code, in order to be able to control them in
an optimal way: one refers then to the theoretical notes giving the details of the modelizations and the methods, gathered in the Reference material.

http://www.code-aster.org