The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has crafted analysis software designed for conducting Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on a diverse range of structures, encompassing rockets, aircraft, satellites, buildings, and more.

FEA, a computerized methodology, predicts the response of a component or structure to real-world forces such as diverse structural loads, thermal conditions, and other physical effects encountered during operational use.

In the stages of product design and development, the implementation of FEA becomes integral for assessing the structural and functional viability of a component. It facilitates a comprehensive evaluation of the structure's or component's ability to withstand diverse loads, ensuring its integrity and operational effectiveness by preemptively identifying potential points of failure.

Historically, users have predominantly relied on costly software solutions from international companies to fulfill this particular function. However, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to change this paradigm with its recent introduction of a proprietary Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software called FEAST (Finite Element Analysis of Structures).

ISRO's objective is to make this indigenous and customizable FEA software accessible to the Indian user base, marking a significant stride towards self-sufficiency in this critical technological domain.

The FEAST software tool is the result of many years of hard work by scientists and engineers at ISRO's VSCC center in Thiruvananthapuram. Originally created for ISRO's own use, the tool gained expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC, ISRO, decided to share this software with a larger FEA user base in India.

FEAST is user-friendly, working on both Windows and Linux systems, and it doesn't require high-end hardware. It offers three versions for different users: academic (for students and schools), premium (for small and medium industries), and professional (for larger applications).

The software has been widely used by the structural design community in major ISRO centers across India. ISRO is making efforts to popularize FEAST by publishing a book aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students. This book explains the basics of FEA and how FEAST can solve real-world problems.

The book, 'Introduction to Finite Element Analysis,' is co-authored by experts from VSSC and LPSC, edited by Dr. S Somanath and Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair. Designed for undergraduates and engineers, it simplifies FEA concepts, emphasizing the application of the FEAST software through practical examples.

The book's first part covers the basics of finite element method concepts, while the latter part explores FEAST software features, use cases, and how to model and interpret analysis results. The software undergoes regular updates based on user feedback, with an annual national-level conference for the FEAST community.

The book was recently launched at ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru, with Prof TG Sitharam releasing it. ISRO Chief Somanath and other top officials attended the event, and Springer India is the book's publisher.

Image source: WION News