This paper on "Finite Element Analysis Solutions on the Internet" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on The Evolution of Product Simulation From Established Methods to Virtual Testing & Prototyping - 24-28 April 2001, The Grand Hotel, Lake Como, Italy.

Abstract

This paper describes the details of how the internet can be used to run finite element analysis from a remote location. The basic principle consists in linking multiple computers with each other by using the internet (or a website). One of the computers is the server, and the others utilize the software by a remote connection. The business model associated with this method is typically referred as the application service provider (ASP) model. Users can log in to the server throughout a website that allows them access to the finite element package through a secure connection. The server checks the identity of the user and allows him/her to use the proper software. At this point, the user submits the request for a job execution. The request process includes an input file and a script containing output and priority requests. The server checks the status of the license and puts the job in the queue according to the priority requested. The server takes the input file and runs the finite element code. The output files requested are created at the end of the execution, then automatically sent back to the user by e-mail or by download procedure. The complete cycle does not take longer than having the finite element code residing in the user's computer, it could actually be faster, depending on which kind of computer the user has versus which kind of computer the server is. Another advantage of this method is that the user does not have to be in a central office to run the analysis, but it could very well be on the road, on in a remote location. This method has been successfully demonstrated in finite element codes such as Ansys and Abaqus. The paper describes the details of this approach and evaluates its feasibility to the finite element analysis implementation.