The SDT Runtime license allows you to use the MATLAB compiler to generate stand-alone executables that use SDT and FEMLink capabilities. The Runtime license answers the need to allow large scale deployment of solutions developed with SDT. Typical reasons to purchase a Runtime license are
You are part of a group that develops methods and needs to pass these methods to other groups that will use your developments in a black box mode. This was for example the motivation of SNCF to use a Runtime license to deploy a pantograph/catenary interaction simulation package OSCAR.
You are part of a group that uses SDT to produce simulations on a regular basis (as part of a standard design and validation process). Purchasing SDT Runtime, will let you generate a standalone application that will let you deploy your simulation on several machines (cluster, cloud, …). This motivated Bosch Braking Systems to use a Runtime license in their design process.
The SDT Runtime license is based on a fixed annual rate that is independent on the number of instances of compiled SDT running. This can correspond to a major saving compared to the traditional licensing per running job found in major FEM packages (NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS).
The objective of the SDT in this area is to provide flexible access to all standard and many advanced tools to correlate experimental modal analysis results with industrial size finite element models.
Topology correlation
SDT visualization and analysis tools support general sensor setups with mixed translation/rotation measurements, non orthogonal sensors, laser measurements, non-coincident test and FEM nodes,… fe_sens provides sensor placement algorithms and automated and/or directed test/FEM node linking with support of different test/FEM coordinate systems, mixed translation/rotation sensors,and rotation interpolation for non- coincident nodes of volume models. The use of observability equations gives access to all correlation and shape expansion methods with no need to modify the FEM model (a unique and very time saving feature).
Automated test to FEM node linking
with ability to specify the substructure
to which sensors are connected.
Shape expansion
Expansion methods for arbitrary sensor configurations are modal, static, dynamic, and the advanced minimum residual with and without measurement error. The use of FEM model reduction lifts the computational restriction on using advanced methods.
Reduced basis dynamic expansion for a superelement model of Ariane 5 imported from PERMAS. (EADS-ST)
Correlation criteria
The new ii_mac GUI supports the COMAC, MAC, MACCO, POC, and relative error criteria,with standard graphical and tabular output, automated mode pairing, computation and use of reduced mass in all the criteria. Functionality is accessed either though menus or through the SDT handle object associated with the figure.
For analysis, the SDT provides a general finite element architecture that can be used in all fields (multi-physics modeling) and a range of specialized solvers to create models used to study vibration problems.
For test, all the tools for experimental modal analysis and related operations are provided in an open and programmable environment.
Key Features for Analysis
General 3-D Finite Element Modelling with an open architecture allowing easy user development of new multi-physics elements, …
Key compiled functions allow treatment of large models.
.m files for efficient implementation of major solutions (non-linear statics and time integration, eigenvalue, …)
Graphical User Interface (GUI) visualization tools let you build on the MATLAB/SDT ease of use to pre-/post-process computations done using SDT or other codes
Model reduction, substructuring and system model building
Physical parametrization of FEM models for optimization or updating
The Structural Dynamics Toolbox enhances MATLAB® core capabilities in controls and signal processing through extensions linked to general 3-D finite element modelling, experimental modal analysis and test/analysis correlation.
SDT Structural Dynamics Toolbox enhances MATLAB core capabilities in controls and signal processing through extensions linked to general 3-D finite element modeling, experimental modal analysis, test/analysis correlation.
FEMLink provides bidirectional interfaces with a number of finite element codes. These are used to build FEM, post-process FE results and manage sets of frequency domain measurements.
FEMLink is designed to pre- and post process industrial size models. It is thus systematically optimized to handle large files (result data > 2 GB and model data with several hundred thousand nodes or elements).
By nature, translators such as FEMLink are imperfect. SDTools thus makes a permanent effort to improve FEMLink by taking into account files submitted by users. Users submitting cases where the interface fails, typically get patches within a few days if not hours.
Currently FEMLink cannot be run independently from SDT, you thus must be a SDT user to purchase FEMLink.
Supported software
Ansys: ans2sdt Reads binary .rst and .emat files for : model definition (nodes, elements), element matrices (for use with upcom), and finite element results. Reads and writes text .cdb files for model input (nodes, elements, materials, boundary conditions, …)
Abaqus: abaqus Reads binary .fil files for : model definition (nodes, elements), element matrices (for use with upcom), and finite element results.
Reads and writes text .inp files for model input (nodes, elements, materials, boundary conditions, …)
Nastran: nasread and naswrite read/write BULK files : FE model, boundary conditions, constrains, materials, physical properties)
Read binary OUTPUT2 files : FE model, full and element matrices, displacements, stresses, …). Out-of-core element matrix manipulations. Read and write binary OUTPUT4 files. Drive NASTRAN from Matlab.
Ideas and other software: ufread and ufwrite Universal Files : experimental and FE datasets. Specific datasets supported FEMLink : 772, 788, 789, 2437 : Physical Properties (MASS, SHELL, BEAM, SPRING) 773 : Material Properties 780, 2412 : Elements (beams, 2D and 3D elements, shells, springs, rigids ans bars) 2414 : Analysis data 2432 : Permanent Groups
Samcef: samcef reads binary .u18 for models .u11 and .u12 for element matrices.Read and write .dat (samcef input file)
Permas: perm2sdt, reads PERMAS (> 7.0) files : for FE model and deformations.
SDTools specializes in providing open and extensible MATLAB® based solutions in experimental modal analysis and finite element modeling for vibration problems.
SDT Structural Dynamics Toolbox enhances MATLAB core capabilities in controls and signal processing through extensions linked to general 3-D finite element modeling, experimental modal analysis, test/analysis correlation.
