Combination of Bash and Python in Development of Wrappers used for Automation of Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

This paper presents developing wrapper scripts for automating Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis on GNU/Linux servers. The purpose of these scripts is to edit data in ASCII files that are inputs for FEM solver and to call FEM solver which performs the analysis. Input files consist of geometry model, material parameters, loads, constraints, time step definitions and other data. After the long-lasting calculations, based on the stress results, material parameters in input files are updated and the analysis is restarted. This loop is repeated until the analysis predicts structure failure and for each pass safety factor is calculated. These scripts are also used to extract certain element groups, combine file sections and adjust output file for post-processing. Although Bash is very versatile when it comes to text manipulation it was necessary to augment it with Python programing language in order to achieve required functionality, primarily for fitting material parameters needed for next calculation. Repetitive, tedious work that an engineer needs to perform is greatly reduced, utilization of server time is improved, and this solution can be used for further development, for example, an inclusion of optimization, on which will focus in the future work.