ZNDAL's has an efficient bulk data input translator used to quickly process the FEA bulk data input deck. ZNDAL can be used to view finite element models in 3D space to verify modeling accuracy. Finite elements loaded into separate zones allow for different element types to be viewed in different colors for easy identification. Zones can be turned on or off to view only desired finite elements within the model. Tecplot’s Data/Dataset Information menu item provides the means for quick determination of the number of element types, the numbers of elements within each type, and the ranges of X, Y, Z coordinates and Grid ID’s for all of the finite element that make up the model. As a tool to view basic structural output analysis results, ZNDAL can load and display structural deformations due to loads, animate free vibration solution results due to a normal modes analysis, and display stress contours.
Some ZNDAL Features
- can handle free formatted input
- supports unique continuation card feature
- reads large field input for GRID* and CORDxx* bulk data cards
- employs dynamic memory allocation so that model size is limited only by the available computer memory
- automatically reads and includes additional bulk data decks assigned by INCLUDE statements
- stores the original model grid identification numbers for display
- accounts for grid point coordinate transformations
- accepts and applies default options for all grids specified by the GRDSET bulk data card (this applies to both grid point and displacement coordinate systems)
- minimizes Tecplot memory requirements when displaying the model by removing duplicate referenced grids between finite elements
- verifies existence of requested output data
- displays both the undeformed and deformed models from a static analysis
- allows for animation of the free vibration solutions through Tecplot’s animate zones feature
- allows for scaling of the static or dynamic deformations
- allows the user to specify the mode shape number and number of time steps for an animated display of free vibration solution
- displays stress contours from the grid point stress output (GPSTRESS)
- accounts for displacement coordinate system transformations
- displays mode number and natural frequency in the frame title
ZNDAL can be purchased through ZONA Technology, Inc. or Tecplot Inc.
To visit the ZNDAL page on Tecplot Inc.'s web site click here
http://www.tecplot.com/products/addons/zona_main.htm
Note that ZNDAL requires that Tecplot v8.0 or later be installed on the target platform prior to installing ZNDAL. Tecplot can be purchased from Tecplot Inc. at www.tecplot.com.
The ZONA Nastran Data Loader (ZNDAL) is a Tecplot Add-on developed by ZONA Technology, Inc. to allow for viewing of Nastran finite element models and basic output analysis results. As an input bulk data translator, ZNDAL can be used to view models to ensure modeling accuracy before submitting a Nastran job or to copy three dimensional model images to other applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc.). As a tool to view basic output analysis results, ZNDAL can be used to view structural displacements due to loads (static analysis), structural free vibration solutions (dynamic analysis), and stress contour plots (stress analysis).
