GGU-ELASTIC: Preface

The GGU-ELASTIC program allows modelling plane and axis-symmetrical strain conditions on the basis of Hooke’s law. The finite-element method with triangular elements is used to solve the differential equation.

The program system includes a powerful mesh generator and easy-to-use routines for comfortable evaluation of the modelling results (contours, 3D graphics, etc.).

It is not the purpose of this manual to give an introduction to finite element methods. For details of finite element methods you are referred to O. C. Zienkiewicz, "Methode der Finiten Elemente" (Finite Element Methods), published by Carl Hanser Verlag, Munich, Vienna, 1984.

The program includes convenient data input. The system is permanently displayed on the screen. Every change to the data is displayed on the screen, so that optimum control of the input data is guaranteed.

There are "?" and "Info"’ buttons in the dialog boxes for many technical and program-specific questions. Click on the "?" buttons or "Info" buttons to obtain the necessary information.

The graphic output supports the true type fonts provided by WINDOWS, so that an excellent layout is guaranteed. Colour output and numerous graphic formats (BMP, TIF, JPG etc.) are supported. PDF and DXF files can also be imported via the integrated Mini-CAD system (see "Mini-CAD" manual).

The program has been extensively tested. No errors have been found. Nevertheless, liability for completeness and correctness of the program and the manual, and for any damage resulting from incompleteness or incorrectness, cannot be accepted.