Extreme Loading for Structures

Extreme Loading® for Structures
Developer(s)	Applied Science International
Stable release	ELS Version 3.0 / September 3, 2009
Operating system	Windows
Type	Simulation software
Website	ELS® 3.0

Extreme Loading for Structures (ELS) is a commercial advanced structural analysis software program developed by Applied Science International, LLC. Unlike many structural analysis tools based on finite element method technology in which structures bend but do not break, ELS is based on the applied element method (AEM), which allows for the automatic tracking and propagation of cracks, separation of elements, element collision, and collapse of structures under extreme loads.

History

Research and development related to the AEM based Extreme Loading^® Technology began in 2003 when Applied Science International was formed. AEM is a new method of analysis which combines features of FEM and DEM simulation methods with its own solver capabilities. This, in turn, allows AEM to effectively address the previous inability of desktop analysis tools to perform structural analysis through all three stages of loading. The first release of Extreme Loading for Structures appeared in the form of 2D analysis, where structures could be modeled, loading scenarios applied, and results viewed. ASI released version 2.0 in 2008 allowing users to perform 3D analysis though modeling was largely limited to 2D and limited 3D functionality. In 2008 the United States Department of Homeland Security assigned ELS Designation Status for Anti-terrorism under the SAFETY Act. In 2009, ELS version 3.0 was released, allowing its users to model, simulate, and view analysis with complete 3D functionality.

ELS Modeler

In the ELS modeler the user has the ability to model using a variety of default structural components such as columns, slabs, walls, windows, steel sections, reinforcement and 8-node objects. Pre-stressing, cables, pre-cracking and holes can also be added to models to reflect the required realworld attributes of structures. To aid the user in modeling, attachments such as *.dxf, *.stl, *.dgn, and *.jpeg can be easily imported. Models can also be imported from several FEM based software programs such as Abaqus, ANSYS, Etabs, Gambit, Ideas, LS-DYNA, Nastran, Patran, SAP2000, and STAAD. ELS is Building Information Modeling (BIM) compatible with a plug-in for Autodesk Revit Structure, thereby allowing users to import previously created structural components.

ELS Solver

Utilizing ELS users can perform multi-stage static and dynamic analysis in 2D and 3D. Static loading types include concentrated loads, displacements, hydrostatic pressures, uniform pressures, moving loads, element removals, and line loads. Available dynamic loading types include concentrated loads, displacements, seismic loads, uniform pressures, element removals, and moving loads. ELS comes with a predefined material library with both linear and non-linear material models that include steel, concrete, reinforced concrete, glass, aluminum, elastic, and tension.

The AEM solver automatically calculates

• Automated plastic hinge formation
• Buckling, post buckling and large displacements
• Automatic contact and collision detection

ELS Output Viewer

Once the AEM solver begins, output can be immediately observed in the ELS Viewer where a variety of animated diagrams, charts and files can be created for visual representation of the analysis. The ELS viewer can create the following exportable content:

• Animated diagrams:
  • Internal force
  • Envelope
• Animated stress-strain contours
• Load displacement curves
• Animated charts available:
  • Load
  • Displacement
  • Stress
  • Strain
  • Time
  • Velocity
  • Acceleration
• Eigen modes
• Export to *.avi and *.bmp
• Through additional plug-ins ELS can export animation data to Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya for use in visual effects for television and film.

Applications

ELS is currently being utilized for a variety of advanced engineering analysis functions. Structural vulnerability assessment & risk mitigation, progressive collapse analysis, blast analysis, demolition prediction analysis, impact analysis, seismic analysis, forensic engineering, performance based design, glass performance analysis product development and visual effects.

See also

• Failure analysis
• Physics engine
• Structural engineering
• Earthquake simulation

Academic institutions

Applied Science International is currently involved in research and development projects with more than 20 universities and academic institutions worldwide. This has resulted in the creation of numerous publications on topics related to the Applied Element Mehtod and Extreme Loading^® for Structures. Academic institutions working with ELS include:

Academic Institutions working with ELS
Auburn University	Carleton University	Concordia University	Dresden University of Technology
École de technologie supérieure	Helwan University	Technical Military Academy of Bucharest	Milwaukee School of Engineering
National Society for Earthquake Technology	National University of Singapore	Northeastern University	North Carolina State University
Pennsylvania State University	Portuguese Military Academy	Purdue University	Royal Military Academy (Belgium)
Rutgers University	Technical University of Cluj-Napoca	Tokyo Institute of Technology	United States Military Academy
University of Bristol	University of Connecticut	University of California	University of Miami
University of Missouri	University of Missouri–Kansas City	University of Oxford	University of Texas at Austin
University of Wollongong

External links

• Applied Element Method
• Extreme Loading for Structures
• Applied Science International, LLC