How to use javaFE?

The javaFE is written in java, providing a graphic interface for users to model and analyse 2D-truss or frame structures. You can modify your structure model as you like. javaFE also provides a message box to help monitor the whole procedure.
To model a truss or frame, following steps are recommended:

Set the dimensional and loading scales properly
Edit nodes/joints
Edit structural elements
Impose constraints or boundary conditions
Edit and assign external loadings to the structure
Check structural model you created and press [GO!] to start analyse
Go to Post-processing to view the analysis results

If javaFE is successfully completed, you will have all the information about displacements, eigenvalue/eigenmodes, and internal forces of the structures.

1. Edit Nodes Coordinate dialog box

Structural nodes can be created by Mouse or more precisely, by using Edit/Description manner. When you start a new model or after you open an existing model, a draw panel appears. The x- and y- rules will help you to allocate nodal coordinates if you use Mouse to create nodes otherwise a dialog box allowing you to enter x and y coordinates will appear like this.

2. Edit Elements

For frame-like structures, an element is a connection between two nodes. It is called bar for truss and beam for frame.
The Elements menu provides chance to create and remove elements.
To create an element you should go to submenu Add Element then simply click on a node and drag to another you want to connect to. More elements can be created in this way.
To delete element from a structure, you should enter menu Remove Element and then click on an element you want to remove.

3.Support Conditions

A stable structure needs to be defined with proper boundary conditions or supports. Boundary conditions consist of prescriptions of displacement and of stress. You can define boundary conditions under Support menu. For example, if you choose submenu X-constraint, click a node will impose an X-direction restriction on that node. The first click gives a symbol , the second changes direction like this and the third may eliminate the support condition.

It is not difficult to add constraints in y and q_z directions.

4. Loading

Loading menu covers a number of loading types for truss and frame:

Point loading : for truss and frame
Bending moment :
Distributed loading: on beam elements
Concentrated loading: on beam elements
Concentrated beading moment: on beam elements

The message window at the bottom

will keep tracking the procedure and giving explanation for the commands you committed

5. Post-processing

To view the analysis results, you should go to menu . This will pop-up a menu like this.

This menu allows you to display deformed graph, eigenmode, bending moment diagram,&ldots. and even play animation.

Menu Enable Buttons can bring up a stand-along button box which may be more convenice if the analysis results are frequently accessed.

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