Coupling FE Software through Adapter Elements: A Novel Use of User-Defined Elements

An adapter element provides a versatile and computationally efficient method for coupling several finite element (FE) analysis programs so that the unique modeling and analysis capabilities of each can be utilized simultaneously in the simulation of a complete system. FE software is coupled by (1) using each software's programming interface to embed an adaptor element, and (2) connecting the adapter elements using OpenFresco (Open-source Framework for Experimental Setup and Control). The theory underlying the adapter element is based on the penalty method and communication of information at the nodes of the adapter element connecting a master with a slave program. The implementation and accuracy are then demonstrated using a dynamic analysis of a structural model from earthquake engineering.