Software Description
| NDN Software Description |
Modeling
Building models in NDN is fast and easy. NDN has automatic mesh generation for any shape or configuration and many convenient functions for manipulating in 3D. You can also import and export DXF files.
Control Panel Menus include: Edit, Build, Adjust, Tools, Query, Utilities, Layer
properties
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Properties are defined three ways;
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shaping
All element types are active during form finding: Members, Cables, Beams, Geodesics, etc.
Soap Film Model - Equal Stress Field
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The shaping environment is used to preform Form Finding. Methods available include:
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By combining different element types and form finding methods any type of shape can be found. With NDN the user is in control and is never constrained to one type of solution.
Hypar - Not Shaped
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Hypar - Shaped
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loading
The loading environment is used to apply wind, snow, and other external loads to a structure. Wind and snow load coefficients are generated automatically based on building codes, wind direction, and the geometry of the structure. There is also a feature for applying realistic wind load to permeable open weave shade cloth fabric. With this feature the wind load coefficients will adjust automatically during analysis as the fabric deflects.
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Applied Wind Load - Tensile Membrane
Military Shelter |
Applied Dead Load (Nodal Load) - Tensile Membrane Military Shelter
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analysis
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The analysis environment is used to perform large deflection finite element method analysis. The stiffness method is used combining both the material and geometric stiffness matrices. Fabric is modeled with true membrane elements that have proper orthotropic material properties. The matrix solver has been tested by NASA and determined to be the fastest solver in existence, thus providing fast convergence.
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Post Processing
- Allows you to display and study analysis results.
- Performs automatic member sizing to US, Euro, British, and Australian codes.
- Checks rigid member connections.
- Generates outputs and calculates reports.
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Membrane Warp Stress |
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Member Axial Forces |
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Cable Forces |
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Resultant Moments |
automatic member sizing
This compares your analysis against whichever building code you select (US, EU, Australian, or British) and recommends member sizes that allow your structure to operate at peak efficiency. This allows you to build a structure you know if safe, without wasting money on over built components.
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Patterning
Membrane patterns can be defined individually, by the user or generated automatically to a given fabric width. They are mathematically flattened either by geometric triangulation methods or thru highly accurate minimum energy analysis, depending on the precision required. Seam allowances (i.e. adds and subtracts), cut lines, etc. are automatically added to the patterns. Corners are automatically trimmed, bolt hole markings can also be automatically transferred onto the patterns at the direction of the user.
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Patterning Demo. - Part 1
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Patterning Demo. - Part 2
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Output from the patterning module is in the form of both text and DXF files. The output includes the original nodes and work-lines form the model, the triangulation used for flattening, seam allowances, bolt hole layouts, curve fit perimeter/edges, index marks, etc.