FEPC Version 3.3 is a program that performs finite element

stress analysis of three-dimensional truss and two-dimensional

beam, plane solid, or axisymmetric solid structures.  There are two

companion programs.  FEPCIP is the FEPC INPUT PROCESSOR that is

used to input and check a model and prepare data files for FEPC. 

FEPCOP is the FEPC OUTPUT PROCESSOR that reads FEPC output data

files and produces graphic displays.  The programs executable

files, this README file, a user's guide documentation file

(FEPC33.DOC), a Wordperfect 5.1 documentation file (FEPC33.WP), and

some sample model and analysis files are supplied on one 3.5 in.

diskette.  First, make backup copies of all the files.  Then copy

the *.EXE files to any drive and directory you wish to operate them

from.  The data files may be in another directory.  Files that are

created during execution of FEPC will reside in the same directory

as the *.ANA input file.  The programs will work when copied to a

hard disk drive.  There are also some sample model, *.MOD, and

analysis, *.ANA, data files on the disk which can be recalled into

FEPCIP or run in FEPC.

       The user's guide file named FEPC33.DOC may be viewed in any

text editor to study the commands and responses of the programs. 

The page numbers listed in the table of contents will only serve as

a relative location since there is no page numbering in this

version of the user's guide.  It may be printed on a printer if

desired.  However, the Wordperfect 5.1 file, FEPC33.WP, may be

input into Wordperfect or another word processor that accepts

Wordperfect files and printed with page numbering and suitable

margins.

     This commercial version of the FEPC programs is currently

dimensioned to run in a PC with 640K memory.  The dimension limits

in the programs are 600 nodes, 600 elements, 10 materials, 100

points, 30 lines, and 20 arcs.  Also, the overall model size is

limited in FEPC based on number of nodes and average nodal

bandwidth.  For example, 600 nodes with an average nodal bandwidth

of 15, 500 with 18, or 400 with 24 are all maximum model sizes that

can be run in FEPC.  Dimension limits of the automatic mesh

generation grid in FEPCIP are I=25 by J=60.   Therefore a model can

be built in FEPCIP even within the 600 node and element limit which

is too large to run in FEPC, so plan carefully.

     The procedure for solving a problem is to run FEPCIP to create

the model, run FEPC to solve the equations, and run FEPCOP to

display the results.  The FEPCIP program presents the user with

menus for interactive input, checking and storing a model.  This

creates an analysis file used as input for FEPC.  Running FEPC

produces a listing file of printout results and files of results

used as input for FEPCOP.  Graphic displays of deformed shape and

stress plots may then be produced by FEPCOP.

     These commercial version programs are provided for your use

through payment of the registration fee.  They are copyrighted

programs and you are not authorized to copy or distribute to anyone

else without written permission from the author. You may make

backup copies for your own use.

     The programs are continually under development and your

comments concerning present features or future enhancements would

be appreciated.



            Dr. C. E. Knight

            Professor of Mechanical Engineering

            914 Ballard Ct.

            Blacksburg, VA  24060