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WHAT IS Carat++?

Carat++ is a finite element program for simulation, structural optimization and form finding.

The software is the result of a complete redesign of CARAT, the research code at the Chair of Structural Analysis, Prof. Dr. K.-U. Bletzinger, TU Muenchen.

Standard FE Analyses

The kernel of Carat++ is a general finite element solver. Details can be found here. It offers the following analyses:

• Static (linear/nonlinear)
• Dynamic (linear/nonlinear)
  • Explicit: central difference
  • Implicit: Newmark-β, Generalized-α
• Eigenfrequency
• Linear Buckling
• Contact (Work in Progress)
• Interface for coupled analyses like fluid-structure interaction (FSI)

Isogeometric Analyses

The kernel of Carat++ is also a general finite element solver for isogeometric analysis (IGA). Details can be found here. It offers the following analyses:

• Static (linear/nonlinear)
• Form Finding
• Eigenfrequency

Structural Optimization

Carat++ comprises a general-purpose optimization toolbox. The main application field is FEM-based shape optimization. Detailed information about the optimization toolbox and its features can be found here.

shape optimization of a pressure bulkhead

Eigenfrequency optimization of a car rear shelf

Form Finding and Cutting Pattern Generation

Carat++ can perform numerical form finding as well as cutting pattern generation. Detailed information can be found in separate chapters here.

Formfinding of a prestressed membrane with an eye cable.

TODO

Three main features are:

Carat++ is platform independent
Carat++ is suitable for large problems (due to massively parallel programming)
Carat++ is modular and thus easily extensible (due to object-oriented programming)

Domain decomposition for parallel computing