The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), a prominent unit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has unveiled a groundbreaking Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software named FEAST (Finite Element Analysis of Structures). Developed to cater to a diverse range of structures, including rockets, aircraft, satellites, and buildings, FEAST is poised to revolutionize the analysis of structural integrity and performance during the design and development phase of various products.
Traditionally, users have relied on expensive foreign software for FEA applications. However, with the introduction of FEAST, ISRO aims to provide an indigenous, customizable, and cost-effective solution to the Indian user base. Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC, ISRO, expressed that FEAST is the result of decades-long efforts by scientists and engineers at VSSC, underscoring its origin as an in-house tool that evolved into a sophisticated FEA software.
FEAST has already been adopted by the structural design community in major ISRO centers across India. To extend its reach, ISRO has made FEAST available for the Indian academia at a fraction of the cost compared to similar foreign offerings. A free trial version is accessible on the ISRO/VSSC website, demonstrating the commitment to facilitating broader access.
The FEAST software operates seamlessly on both Windows and Linux operating systems and is designed to run on systems with minimal hardware configurations. Tailored to meet the varying needs of users, FEAST is available in three versions: academic (for students and educational institutions), premium (for small and medium-scale industries), and professional (for general large-scale applications).
To complement the software release, ISRO has undertaken efforts to educate and familiarize potential users with the fundamentals of FEA through a dedicated book. Titled ‘Introduction to Finite Element Analysis,’ the book is authored by practicing structural analysis experts from VSSC and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). Dr. S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space, along with Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair, edited the book. The comprehensive resource is specifically designed for undergraduate and post-graduate students, as well as practicing engineers.
The book covers fundamental concepts and applications of FEA in an accessible manner, providing insights into how FEAST can be utilized to solve real-world problems. Dr. Nair highlighted the book’s structure, emphasizing that the initial part focuses on introducing basic concepts of the finite element method, while the latter part delves into the features of FEAST, its use cases, modeling procedures, input specifications, and result interpretation.
Acknowledging the dynamic nature of technology, Dr. Nair mentioned that FEAST undergoes regular updates and enhancements based on user feedback. To facilitate continuous improvement, a national-level user’s conference of the FEAST community is conducted annually, providing a platform for users to share insights and recommendations.
The recent release of the book on FEAST marked a significant milestone for ISRO. The book launch event, held at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru, saw the participation of Prof. TG Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, who officially released the publication. The ceremony was presided over by ISRO chief Somanath and other high-ranking officials. Springer India has taken on the role of the publisher for the book, further enhancing its credibility.
In conclusion, ISRO’s VSSC has not only developed a cutting-edge FEA software in the form of FEAST but has also demonstrated a commitment to knowledge dissemination through the accompanying book. This strategic initiative is poised to empower a wider user base in India, fostering self-reliance and technological advancement in the domain of structural analysis and design.
