Complex Cross-Section Calculator

Intro

CCSC is an application for finding cross-sectional parameters and stress distribution over a complex beam cross-sections. One of its intended uses is dynamic wind turbine analysis, as this kind of analysis is strongly deendent on the detailed and reliable cross-sectional parameters derived from FEM analysis.

Analysis

CCSC supports analysis of both massive and thin-wall cross-sections. The following set of commands can be used when performing analysis:

Meshing

The program currently only supports the .msh file format, which can be produced by the Gmsh mesher. To allow for flexibility in choice of element types in the mesh the program currently supports three- and six-node triangles as well as four- and nine-node quads.

Output

CCSC outputs one of two formats: .vtk (visualization toolkit) and .stl format. The most commonly used format is .vtk, and .stl format is only used for verifying results. The output can be viewed in any visualizer supporting .vtk, like ParaView. In addition to these two outputs, a .txt file is produced, printing out all cross-sectional parameters, stiffnesses and applied loads.

Materials

The goal is to eventually implement support for composite materials. This will greatly increase the areas of use.