Quick modeling using 3ds MAX native objects

View and Render the analysis result

Heat map and deformed shapes

And mush more to come...

Para 3d FEM

Para 3d FEM is an add-on for Para3d plug-in enabling 3ds MAX users to perform finite element method analysis on structural system composed of frames ,beams and trusses. This plug-in is open source and implements Brief Finite Element .Net which is also an open source code providing tools for Linear Finite Element Analysis. 

This add-on requires Para3d v5.0 or higher to be installed on 3ds MAX. A demo version is available for download from Autodesk App Store.

Installation

To install Para 3d FEM download the package from GitHub repository . The package contains two files “parametric_array_FEM_Solver.ms” and “fem_solver.jpg” and a folder named “Para3dFEM”

You may copy the folder anywhere on your hard disk but the max-script file (.ms) and the image must be placed under the following path :  

<3ds max installtion folder>\\scripts\\Para3D\\addon

Note 1The part of the path within the brackets must match the installation folder of 3ds Max in your computer.

Note 2 : You may need to have administrative permission to copy files under your program files. 

Note 3 : You may unblock the .dll files depending on your user administration settings. Read more here to see how you can unblock files in Windows 10.

After copying the max-script file in the destination you need to set the correct paths according to the location of “Para3dFEM” folder in lines 5, 10 to 12 and line 17 (see the image on the left)

Upon the next start of 3dsMAX and Para-3d you must see the

Features

This version of Para3d FEM only supports only the Linear Anaysisi of the Bar elements (Trusses and Beams/Frames) 

Auto Generate Model

The scripts is able to generate Finite Element Model from the edges and vertices in a Mesh or Poly object as well as line segments and knots in a spline shape simply by clicking on Generate Model button.

Parametric

All the nodes, elements, loads objects are MAX objects and therefore parametric! User is able to create or edit them within 3ds MAX directly or from Para3d nodes.

Node base UI

The script works under Para 3d which support Node base scripting for 3ds MAX. Here you are able to colorize the analysis results using the Paint node or animate the deformation using the Key-frame Maker node.

Multi Solvers

You may choose between Cholesky decomposition technique or conjugate gradient for solving linear systems.

Export to SAP

Check your result agains the commercial finite element softwre SAP

Free Updates

Keep your package updated by hooking up to the BFEM repository

 

Open material library

Extend the material library simply  by editing the FEM_Materials.ms

easy Load assignment

Create concentrated or distributed load directly from 3ds MAX. Assign the loads to multiple nodes or elements from Para 3d.

predefined Cross sections

Choose cross section for bar elements simply from pre defined collection.

Simulate the deformation

Visulize and animate the nodal displacmenent and element deformation.

Display the internal loads

Display the nodal rections, internal load and moment diagram.

Tutorial (coming soon…)

Learn using Para3d FEM in 10 minutes ! stay tune by subscribing to our YouTube channel. 

Download Now

This is an open source max-script plugin.

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