ASME's Mechanical Engine…ing Toolkit 1997 December/ASME's Mechanical Engineering Toolkit 1997 December.iso/fea_str/msafe3d2.lzh/MANUAL.DOC

Text File | 1988-02-18 | 117KB | 2,296 lines

                       Abbreviated On-disk Documentation for

                                   MICROSAFE 3-D

           Microcomputer-based Structural Analysis using Finite Elements

                                   Release : 2.0

               Copyright 1985, 1986, 1987 by MICROSTRESS Corporation.
                                All rights reserved.




       *********************************************************************
         THIS MANUAL IS AN ABBREVIATED VERSION OF THE FORMAL DOCUMENTATION
             PROVIDED TO PURCHASERS OF THE MICROSAFE 3-D PROGRAMS ON A
       PROFESSIONALLY TYPESET AND PRINTED 160 PAGE, 8.5 x 11 INCH SIZE BOOK.

       ALTHOUGH HEAVILY REDUCED IN ITS CONTENTS, THIS ON-DISK DOCUMENTATION
        IS COMPLETE ENOUGH TO ALLOW A SUFFICIENTLY COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION
       OF THE MICROSAFE 3-D SOFTWARE TO SHOW YOU ITS CAPABILITIES, WHICH IS
        THE SOLE PURPOSE FOR INCLUDING THIS FILE IN THE DISTRIBUTION DISKS.
       *********************************************************************







       No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or
       by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
       recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, except
       as may be expressly permitted by the 1976 Copyright Act or in writing
       from the publisher or as noted under the heading "Usage and copying
       of the MICROSTRESS 3-D package" in this file.

       Requests for permission should be addressed in writing to :

                         MICROSTRESS Corporation
                         10950 Forest Ave. So.
                         Seattle, Washington 98178 (U.S.A.)

       == PREFACE ==========================================================

       The following manual is presented in a very basic format because it
       was designed for printing on any printer.  This procedure was
       followed to allow potential users of the MICROSAFE 3-D package to
       print this on-disk file as an assist in evaluating the programs.

       The information contained in this file has been extracted from the
       160 page, 8.5 x 11 inch manual supplied with the purchased programs.
       The manual is professionally typeset in a custom binder and contains
       much more information about the use of the programs that is
       summarized here.

       The programs are written for in-core finite element solutions of
       models with any combination of up to 400 nodes, 500 plates, 600
       beams, 60 fasteners and 10 loadcases. The beam elements may have
       cross-sectional area and moments of inertia and the plate elements
       may have a triangular or quadrilateral shape and may provide bending
       stiffness besides membrane stiffness.

       This software package was written for the IBM-PC family of computers
       running DOS version 2.0 or later. It may also be used with the rest
       of IBM computers of the PC line, including the PC/AT and PS/2
       machines. Other computers will be able to run MICROSAFE 3-D as long
       as they are closely compatible with the IBM PC.

       The minimum IBM PC configuration required is one double-sided disk
       drive and the availability of 512K memory. Bigger memory
       configurations (up to 704K or the maximum recognized by DOS,
       whichever is lower) are fully exploited by MICROSAFE 3-D to allow the
       analysis of models with larger bandwidths without having to resort to
       the slower virtual memory methods.

       In addition, the plotting program will require a combination graphics
       monitor/display adapter that is currently supported. See elsewhere in
       this document for the complete list of graphical systems.

       For efficiency reasons MICROSAFE 3-D is a two-part package:

       * Part one is a program called SAFE3PLT used to present graphical
         displays of the model along with all input data for accuracy
         verification and assistance in correcting any data errors.

         The SAFE3PLT program generates plots of the nodal diagrams and
         structural element diagrams as well as the properties, applied
         loads, imposed deflections, restraints and coordinate values for
         all elements of the model. Windows are available for the user to
         see enlarged views of parts of the model. Details too small to be
         resolved in a larger scale view may thus be displayed.

       * Part two is the solution program called SAFE3STA used to conduct
         the actual structural analysis using the stiffness method finite
         element analysis for 3-dimensional structures.

         The analysis program SAFE3STA presents a commented listing of the
         input describing the model (optional) and tables of internal loads
         and stresses for each element. These tables include corner forces
         tabulated for each element as well as for all nodes, the latter
         showing the overall equilibrium of forces for the model.
         Deflections are also presented for all nodes.

       All input and output data correspond to right-hand rule sign
       conventions. That means that if the right hand is placed with the
       index finger pointing along the positive x-axis, the thumb is
       pointing in the positive z-axis direction and the middle finger is
       bent pointing to the positive y-axis, which is perpendicular to both
       the x- and z-axis. Positive rotations and moments are defined as
       being clockwise looking along the positive direction of each axis.

       In addition, the package includes example input files, and other
       miscellaneous files to set up the computer and printer and to generate
       a MICROSAFE 3-D input file.

       The package has been written in the FORTRAN language and makes
       extensive use of machine language routines to increase the speed and
       the capabilities of the programs.

       == ORGANIZATION OF THE MICROSAFE 3-D DISKS ==========================

       The following tables describe the contents of the two program disks.
       Please check your disks against these tables to insure that the
       copies are complete.

       DISK#  FILE NAME     DESCRIPTION OF FILE
       -----  ---------     ------------------------------------------------
         1    SAFE3PLT.EXE  This is the plotting program executable code.
              MAIN*.FNT     Fonts needed to display normal text on a variety
                            of displays.
              LABEL*.FNT    Fonts needed to display model labels on a
                            variety of displays.
              AUTOEXEC.BAT  This file contains instructions to be executed
                            at system start-up to configure the computer and
                            printer.
              *.INP         Sample input files.
              WING.BAS      This is the interpretive BASIC program that was
                            used to create the WING.INP input file.
              DEMO.BAT      Demonstration file. To get a short demonstration
                            of the graphics program type DEMO and press the
                            Enter key.
              DEMO.CMD      This file contains the commands used by the
                            demonstration batch file.

         2    SAFE3STA.EXE  This is the solution program executable code.
              SAFE3TRA.EXE  This is the program used to convert input files
                            used with MICROSAFE 3-D Release 1 to the format
                            required by MICROSAFE 3-D Release 2, which is
                            slightly different.
              AUTOEXEC.BAT  This file contains instructions to be executed
                            at system start-up to configure the computer and
                            printer.
              SOLVPRNT.BAS  This file, written in interpretive BASIC, is
                            used to set up an Epson printer and it may be
                            run from the AUTOEXEC.BAT file at system start
                            up. It may require modifications for non
                            Epson-compatible printers.
              MANUAL.DOC    This file. It is provided for MICROSAFE 3-D
                            evaluation with only a copy of the program disks
                            and no formal documentation. It presents a
                            summary of the formal documentation including
                            sample output. Copy this file to your printer or
                            view it on the screen with the DOS commands COPY
                            or TYPE.
              PURCHASE.DOC  Purchasing information for the MICROSAFE
                            programs.
              README.DOC    This file will only be included if there is a
                            need to provide the user with last-minute
                            information about the MICROSAFE 3-D programs
                            that complements or supersedes portions of this
                            manual.

       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
          NOTE : THE USER SHOULD MAKE BACK UP COPIES OF THE DISKS BEFORE
                                    PROCEEDING.
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------

       == TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE MICROSAFE 3-D MANUAL ====================

       This is the table of contents of the MICROSAFE 3-D User's Manual.
       The information in this file has been extracted and condensed from
       the formal documentation.


          Table of Contents                                              iii

          Preface                                                          1

       1  INTRODUCTION                                                     3
          1.1  Organization of the MICROSAFE 3-D disks                     4
          1.2  Set-up instructions for the production disks                5
               1.2.1  Setting up the SAFE3PLT disk                         6
               1.2.2  Setting up the SAFE3STA disk                         7
               1.2.3  Setting up a data disk                               8
               1.2.4  Hard disk set-up                                     8
          1.3  Usage and copying of the MICROSAFE 3-D package              9
          1.4  Purchasing information                                     10

       2  DESCRIPTION OF FINITE ELEMENTS                                  13
          2.1  Nodes                                                      13
          2.2  Beams                                                      14
          2.3  Plates                                                     16
          2.4  Fasteners                                                  19

       3  INTRODUCTION TO MODELING                                        21

       4  DESCRIPTION OF THE INPUT DATA FILE                              23
          4.1  Overview of the input file                                 23
          4.2  Input file summary                                         25
          4.3  Number of nodes                                            27
          4.4  Number of materials                                        27
          4.5  Number of beams                                            27
          4.6  Number of beam releases                                    28
          4.7  Number of plates                                           28
          4.8  Number of fasteners                                        28
          4.9  Number of primary conditions                               29
          4.10  Number of superposition conditions                        29
          4.11  Number of restraints                                      29
          4.12  Node definition                                           30
          4.13  Material definition                                       31
          4.14  Beam definition                                           33
          4.15  Beam end releases definition                              35
          4.16  Plate definition                                          37
          4.17  Fastener definition                                       38
          4.18  Primary loads definition                                  39
                4.18.1  Primary condition definition                      39
                4.18.2  Node loads definition                             40
                4.18.3  Beam loads definition                             41
                4.18.4  Plate loads definition                            43
          4.19  Superposition loads definition                            44
                4.19.1  Superposition condition definition                44
                4.19.2  Load combination definition                       45
          4.20  Node restraint definition                                 46

       5  CREATING THE MODEL - INPUT GENERATION                           47
          5.1  Converting input files from MICROSAFE 3-D Release 1        47

       6  PLOTTING THE MODEL - SAFE3PLT PROGRAM                           51
          6.1  Starting the SAFE3PLT program                              51
               6.1.1  Specifying the centering mode on the command line   51
               6.1.2  Specifying the graphics device on the command line  52
               6.1.3  Specifying the input file on the command line       53
               6.1.4  Specifying the movement jump on the command line    53
               6.1.5  Specifying the monochrome mode on the command line  53
               6.1.6  Specifying the pixel density ratio on the command
                      line                                                53
               6.1.7  Examples                                            54
          6.2  Running the SAFE3PLT program                               54
               6.2.1  Hidden-line removal in SAFE3PLT                     57
          6.3  SAFE3PLT program command summary                           58
          6.4  SAFE3PLT program command description                       61
               6.4.1  Plot a new file                                     61
               6.4.2  Plot beam elements                                  61
               6.4.3  Display beam area values                            62
               6.4.4  Plot beam distributed loads                         62
               6.4.5  Plot beam longitudinal loads                        63
               6.4.6  Plot beam normal loads                              63
               6.4.7  Plot beam transverse loads                          64
               6.4.8  Display distributed beam load values                64
               6.4.9  Plot beam loads acting along the global X-axis      65
               6.4.10  Plot beam loads acting along the global Y-axis     65
               6.4.11  Plot beam loads acting along the global Z-axis     66
               6.4.12  Display beam material codes                        66
               6.4.13  Display beam numbers                               67
               6.4.14  Display beam end releases                          67
               6.4.15  Display beam torsional constant values             68
               6.4.16  Display beam moment of inertia values about the
                       y-axis                                             68
               6.4.17  Display beam moment of inertia values about the
                       z-axis                                             69
               6.4.18  Clear screen                                       69
               6.4.19  Delay the execution of the program                 69
               6.4.20  Enlarge window                                     70
               6.4.21  Display fasteners                                  71
               6.4.22  Display fastener area values                       71
               6.4.23  Display fastener numbers                           72
               6.4.24  Display fastener shear stiffness values            72
               6.4.25  Display fastener axial stiffness values            73
               6.4.26  Plot elements in intervals                         73
               6.4.27  Set the movement jump when panning                 74
               6.4.28  Switch to a given Load condition                   74
               6.4.29  Display the load condition title                   74
               6.4.30  Move window                                        75
               6.4.31  Plot nodes                                         75
               6.4.32  Display node coordinates                           76
               6.4.33  Plot node forces along the global X-axis           76
               6.4.34  Plot node forces along the global Y-axis           77
               6.4.35  Plot node forces along the global Z-axis           77
               6.4.36  Plot node loads                                    78
               6.4.37  Display node load values                           78
               6.4.38  Plot node moments about the global X-axis          79
               6.4.39  Plot node moments about the global Y-axis          79

               6.4.40  Plot node moments about the global Z-axis          80
               6.4.41  Display node numbers                               80
               6.4.42  Plot node restraints                               81
               6.4.43  Display restraint values (imposed displacements)  881
               6.4.44  Display node X-coordinates                         82
               6.4.45  Display node Y-coordinates                         82
               6.4.46  Display node Z-coordinates                         83
               6.4.47  Plot plates                                        83
               6.4.48  Display plate bending codes                        84
               6.4.49  Display plate edges                                84
               6.4.50  Plot plate distributed loads                       85
               6.4.51  Plot plate longitudinal loads                      85
               6.4.52  Plot plate normal loads                            86
               6.4.53  Plot plate transverse loads                        86
               6.4.54  Display distributed plate load values              87
               6.4.55  Plot plate loads acting along the global X-axis    87
               6.4.56  Plot plate loads acting along the global Y-axis    88
               6.4.57  Plot plate loads acting along the global Z-axis    88
               6.4.58  Display plate material codes                       89
               6.4.59  Display plate numbers                              89
               6.4.60  Print display image                                90
               6.4.61  Display plate thickness values                     90
               6.4.62  Quit program                                       90
               6.4.63  Set the pixel density ratio                        91
               6.4.64  Shrink window                                      91
               6.4.65  Set the display in color mode                      91
               6.4.66  Set the display in monochrome mode                 92
               6.4.67  Set the viewpoint in absolute mode                 92
               6.4.68  Set the viewpoint in relative mode                 93
               6.4.69  Display the model World                            94
               6.4.70  Display the axis system                            94

       7  ANALYZING THE MODEL                                             95
          7.1  Memory requirements of the solution of a Finite Element
               Model                                                      95
          7.2  Starting the solution program                              96
               7.2.1  Specifying the echo mode on the command line        97
               7.2.2  Specifying the input file on the command line       97
               7.2.3  Specifying the output file on the command line      98
               7.2.4  Specifying the screen mode on the command line      98
               7.2.5  Specifying exponential notation on the command
                      line                                                98
               7.2.6  Examples                                            99
          7.3  Running the solution program                               99
          7.4  Speeding up MICROSAFE 3-D                                 102

       8  DESCRIPTION OF THE OUTPUT FILE                                 103
          8.1  Header                                                    103
          8.2  Listing of input data                                     104
          8.3  Listing of output data                                    108
          8.4  Ignorable degrees of freedom                              108
          8.5  Solution summary                                          109
          8.6  Node displacements                                        110
          8.7  Beam corner forces                                        111
          8.8  Beam loads and stresses                                   112
          8.9  Plate corner forces                                       113
          8.10  Plate load intensities and stresses                      114
          8.11  Fastener forces and stresses                             115

          8.12  Node internal forces and reactions                       116

       9  PROGRAM MESSAGES                                               119
          9.1  Warning messages                                          119
          9.2  Error messages                                            124
               9.2.1  Recoverable errors                                 124
               9.2.2  Non-recoverable error messages                     127

       A  REFERENCES                                                     137

       B  MICROSAFE 3-D SUMMARIES                                        139
          B.1  SAFE3TRA program                                          139
          B.2  SAFE3PLT program                                          140
          B.3  Supported graphics adapters                               143
          B.4  SAFE3STA program                                          144
          B.5  Input file format                                         145

       C  EXAMPLES                                                       147
          C.1  Reinforced Flat Panel                                     148
          C.2  Tower                                                     149
          C.3  Wing                                                      151

       D  PURCHASE FORM                                                  153

          Index                                                          155

       == SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PRODUCTION DISKS =====================

       The disks provided with MICROSAFE 3-D may be used as they come out of
       the package without any modification at all.

       It is recommended that the user make back up copies of the disks as
       soon as possible and file away the original disks in a safe place to
       minimize the risks of accidentally destroying their contents.

       Also, by rearranging the contents of the disks and including some
       files stored in the operating system (DOS) disks, the use of the
       MICROSAFE 3-D programs will be notably simplified.

       This section presents one method of setting up the production disks
       to run the MICROSAFE 3-D programs. The programs may be run from any
       drive as long as there are in the current directory or along the
       search path. The font files (*.FNT) needed by the plotting program
       must also be in the current directory or along the search path. The
       additional files may be convenient for users not familiar with the
       system.

       -- Setting up the SAFE3PLT disk -------------------------------------

       The SAFE3PLT disk will be set up so as to facilitate the plotting of
       MICROSAFE 3-D finite element models.  The disk will contain the
       plotting program, font files and other peripheral files to make the
       task easier to accomplish.

       Insert the DOS disk in drive A:. If you have two disk drives insert
       an empty disk in the other drive.

       Format a double sided disk with DOS 2.0 or later with the command
       "A:FORMAT B:/S/V". When the screen asks for a volume label, enter
       "SAFE3PLT".

       Copy the GRAPHICS.COM file, the BASIC.COM file and the PRINT.COM file
       from the DOS disk to the above newly formatted disk with the
       commands:

           COPY A:GRAPHICS.COM B:

           COPY A:BASIC.COM B:

           COPY A:PRINT.COM B:

       and follow the screen instructions as appropriate.

       Replace the DOS disk in drive A: with the MICROSAFE 3-D disk #1.

       Copy the needed files from the MICROSAFE 3-D disk #1 to the above
       newly formatted disk with the DOS commands:

           COPY A:SAFE3PLT.EXE B:

           COPY A:*.FNT B:

           COPY A:AUTOEXEC.BAT B:

       and follow the screen instructions as appropriate.

       Copy, if appropriate, the editor or word-processing program you
       regularly use to modify data files. For example, the DOS disk
       includes one such program, EDLIN.

       Add to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file any other items such as an
       initialization command for the system clock. Use the DOS editor EDLIN
       or any other editor with which you are familiar.

       This disk is now ready for your regular use of the SAFE3PLT program.

       -- Setting up the SAFE3STA disk -------------------------------------

       The SAFE3STA disk will be set up so as to facilitate the solution of
       MICROSAFE 3-D finite element models.  The disk will contain the
       solution program and other peripheral files to make the task easier
       to accomplish.

       Insert the DOS disk in drive A:. If you have two disk drives insert
       an empty disk in the other drive.

       Format a double sided disk with DOS 2.0 or later with the command
       "A:FORMAT B:/S/V". When the screen asks for a volume label, enter
       "SAFE3STA".

       Copy the BASIC.COM file and the PRINT.COM file from the DOS disk to
       the above newly formatted disk with the commands:

       COPY A:BASIC.COM B:

       COPY A:PRINT.COM B:

       and follow the screen instructions as appropriate.

       Replace the DOS disk in drive A: with the MICROSAFE 3-D disk #2.

       Copy the needed files from the MICROSAFE 3-D disk #2 to the above
       newly formatted disk with the DOS commands:

           COPY A:SAFE3STA.EXE B:

           COPY A:AUTOEXEC.BAT B:

           COPY A:SOLVPRNT.BAS B:

       and follow the screen instructions as appropriate.

       Copy, if appropriate, the editor or word-processing program you
       regularly use to modify data files. For example, the DOS disk
       includes one such program, EDLIN.

       Add to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file any other items such as an
       initialization command for the system clock. Use the DOS editor EDLIN
       or any other editor with which you are familiar.

       This disk is now ready for your regular use of the SAFE3STA program.

       -- Setting up a data disk -------------------------------------------

       Rather than keeping the data files containing the model
       specifications or the results of the solution on the program disks,
       it is better to create a separate disk.

       Use the following steps to create a data disk with the files for the
       example models included in the MICROSAFE 3-D disk #1.

       Insert the DOS disk in drive A:. If you have two disk drives insert
       an empty disk in the other drive.

       Format a double sided disk with DOS 2.0 or latter with the command
       "A:FORMAT B:/V". When the screen asks for a volume label, enter
       "SAFE3EXAMPL".

       Replace the DOS disk in drive A: with the MICROSAFE 3-D disk #1.

       Copy the needed files from the MICROSAFE 3-D disk #1 to the above
       newly formatted disk with the DOS commands:

           COPY A:*.INP B:

           COPY A:LAME.* B:

       and follow the screen instructions as appropriate.

       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
        WARNING : If your computer does not have an 8087 or 80287 installed
          and you have trouble running the example models included in the
                               package, add the line
                                   SET NO87=TRUE
         to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file and reboot the computer before running
                                     MICROSAFE.
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------

       -- Hard disk set-up -------------------------------------------------

       If you have a hard disk, we would suggest that you create a separate
       subdirectory for MICROSAFE. Use the following steps to create a
       subdirectory named MUSAFE3 under the root directory.

       Create the new subdirectory with the DOS command:

           MKDIR \MUSAFE3

       Switch to the newly created subdirectory with the DOS command:

           CD \MUSAFE3

       Insert in drive A: the MICROSAFE 3-D disk #1.

       Copy the needed files from the MICROSAFE 3-D disk #1 to the above
       newly created directory with the DOS command:

           COPY A:*.* C:

       Replace the disk in drive A: with the MICROSAFE 3-D disk #2.

       Copy the needed files from the MICROSAFE 3-D disk #2 to the above
       newly created directory with the DOS command:

       COPY A:*.* C:

       The executable (*.EXE) files and the font (*.FNT) files are the only
       ones that are needed to use MICROSAFE and they must reside in the
       current directory or in one listed on the search path. Modify the
       PATH command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file to include the newly created
       \MUSAFE3 directory. Also, make sure that other useful DOS utilities
       like BASIC.COM, GRAPHICS.COM and PRINT.COM can be found along the
       search path.

       Note that the plotting programs of both MICROSAFE 2-D and MICROSAFE
       3-D share the same font files, so that some space may be saved by
       keeping only one copy of them.

       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
          Remember to file the original MICROSAFE 3-D disks away in a safe
                 place after the production disks have been set up.
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------

       == Usage and copying of the MICROSAFE 3-D package ===================

       Users of MICROSAFE 3-D should be aware that both the computer
       programs and the User's Manual that make up the MICROSAFE 3-D package
       fall under the scope of the 1976 Copyright Act and that MICROSTRESS
       Corporation holds a copyright on them.

       MICROSTRESS Corporation does not sell buyers a license to use its
       programs but actually sells copies of them in a manner similar to the
       way publishing companies sell books.

       The MICROSAFE 3-D programs are not copy-protected. This allows the
       legal owner to make a back-up copy as a protection against accidental
       destruction.

       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
       The original disk, the back-up copy or a hard disk copy may be used,
              BUT ONLY ONE OF THE ABOVE MAY BE USED AT THE SAME TIME.
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------

       Any other use would be a violation of the copyright because the user
       paid for only one copy. On the other hand, there is no restriction on
       who uses the package or which computer runs it, but if the user wants
       to run simultaneously several copies of the program each copy must be
       purchased. Contact MICROSTRESS Corporation about conditions for
       multiple-copy purchases.

       The MICROSTRESS Corporation also authorizes the distribution of
       copies of the disks included in the MICROSAFE 3-D package, to
       prospective buyers, only if the following stipulations are satisfied:

       *    The distribution of copies is for evaluation purposes ONLY. Use
            of the programs on a regular basis and/or with the intention of
            applying results is only permitted to those purchasing the
            MICROSAFE 3-D package.

       *    No charge whatsoever may be collected, in any form, for the
            distribution.

       *    The recipient of the evaluation copy MUST be instructed by the
            donor, in advance, of these conditions.

       *    The copy must be COMPLETE, containing ALL the files included in
            the manufacturer's release. This is to prevent the evaluation of
            incomplete copies.

       *    THE PRINTED MANUAL IS NOT TO BE REPRODUCED. The on-disk
            documentation is adequate for evaluation with the many examples
            included. The printed manual contains additional documentation
            that is necessary for reliable applications of the MICROSAFE 3-D
            software to the design of structures.

       Purchasers of this software will be registered and notified of any
       enhancements and/or corrections that may be developed as long as
       their mailing addresses are kept up to date.

       The MICROSTRESS Corporation welcomes comments of any kind about the
       MICROSAFE 3-D programs and this user's manual. We encourage the

       users of this package to write to us relating experiences and
       suggestions to make it a better product.

       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
              LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY FOR USE AND THE RESULTS OF USE
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------

       The MICROSAFE 3-D software package has been tested by numerous
       engineers for problems of the type shown in the examples in Appendix
       C of the printed manual. New applications may uncover application
       problems beyond these and many other tests that have been run. If
       problems are detected, please notify the MICROSTRESS Corporation and
       an attempt will be made to correct the problem.

       These programs are provided on an ``as is'' basis and the
       MICROSTRESS Corporation does not guarantee, warrant or make any other
       representation regarding the use of these programs or the use of
       results generated from these programs. The user is responsible for
       the engineering validation of the program's mathematical results and
       the suitability of this analysis to the problem being analyzed.

       == DESCRIPTION OF FINITE ELEMENTS ===================================

       -- Nodes ------------------------------------------------------------

       Nodes are used to define the shape of the finite element model. A
       node is dimensionless and has the properties of physical coordinates
       only. It is defined by x-, y- and z-coordinates in a right hand
       cartesian coordinate system.

       This coordinate system is usually referred to as the global
       coordinate system because it spans the entire model, as opposed to
       local coordinate systems related to single elements.

       Concentrated loads and node restraints are applied to the nodes
       of the model to define part of the load conditions to be analyzed.
       An adequate number of restraints must be defined to prevent the
       complete model from being able to translate or rotate as a whole on
       any of the three spatial directions.

       The idealized model deforms under the effect of the applied loads
       and restraints. The deformations are represented by translations and
       rotations of the nodes in the global coordinate system.

       The node restraints generate reactions from the combination of
       applied loads and imposed deflections. These reactions are presented
       in the global coordinate system, along with any residual loads at
       nodes that are not restrained, in the SAFE3STA model solution printed
       output.

       MICROSAFE 3-D allows the user to create a model with up to 400 nodes.

       Not every node needs to be connected to the structural elements of
       the model since the program will ignore nodes that are disconnected
       from all elements. When models are modified, it is useful to be able
       to remove elements or some property values without having to renumber
       the remainder of the model.  This also allows the user to restore the
       model to the original configuration with less effort.

       -- Beams ------------------------------------------------------------

       Beam elements are used to define axial, torsional and bending
       stiffnesses between any two nodes. The shear stiffness terms are
       omitted since they are insignificant for the vast majority of
       problems.

       A beam is defined by geometric and material properties. The geometric
       properties are:

       * the length, which is defined by the distance between the nodes at
         the ends,

       * the cross-sectional area,

       * the torsion constant of the beam cross section and

       * the moments of inertia of the beam cross section relative to two
         perpendicular axes.

       The material property is defined by the Young's modulus and the
       Poisson's ratio on the property line.

       The sequence of the nodes defining the beam determines the local
       coordinate system. The local coordinate system originates at the
       first node of the beam and the x-axis extends towards the second node
       of the beam.  The y-axis is determined with the help of the third
       node of the beam, called the orientation node. In conjunction with
       the local x-axis, the orientation node defines a plane in which the
       local y-axis will be located so as to form a right angle with the
       local x-axis.  The local z-axis is normal to the local x-y plane of
       the beam to create the usual cartesian coordinate system.

       The properties of the beam and its internal loads are defined in the
       context of the local coordinate system.

       The cross-sectional area of the beam is defined as an average value
       along the length of the beam element that is representative of the
       stiffness of the real beam.

       The torsion constant of the beam is the second moment of inertia of
       the beam cross-sectional area about the local x-axis.

       The moments of inertia of the beam are the second moment of inertia
       of the beam cross-sectional area about neutral axes which are
       parallel to the local y- and z-axes.

       MICROSAFE 3-D allows the area, the torsion constant, the moments of
       inertia of the beam or any combination of these to be set equal to
       zero.

       * A rod is defined as a beam with both moments of inertia and the
         torsion constant equal to zero.

       * A zero area has the practical effect of disconnecting the element
         from the rest of the model.

       Beam loads are distributed loads and are defined by values of force
       per unit of length at each end of the beam. These distributed load
       end values may be of different magnitude and sign at each end to
       represent any desired loading. A linear variation is assumed between
       the two ends of the beam. The loads may be applied along six
       different directions, three local axes and three global axes.

       The loads are converted to statically equivalent node loads at each
       node of the beam except for the case of beams with no moments of
       inertia, where the moments are neglected.

       Sometimes it is useful to eliminate one or more of the beam degrees
       of freedom to better simulate special situations; for example, if the
       rotation at one end of a beam is eliminated, the beam will behave as
       if hinged at that end. It is often said in such a case that the beam
       end rotation has been released.

       Up to 600 beams may be included in a model to be analyzed with
       MICROSAFE 3-D.

       -- Plates -----------------------------------------------------------

       Plates are used to define the membrane, shear and bending stiffness
       connecting three or four nodes.

       The geometric properties of the plate are completely defined by the
       node locations and the thickness, which is assumed to be constant
       throughout the plate.

       A plate has two material properties:  Young's modulus and Poisson's
       ratio.  The plates idealized with MICROSAFE 3-D are isotropic, so the
       material properties in the two orthogonal directions are equal.

       Unlike beams, plates do not have a preferred natural local coordinate
       system and therefore the selection of one is arbitrary.  For the sake
       of consistency with beams and fasteners, in MICROSAFE 3-D the local
       x-axis for plates is defined from the first node to the second.

       The third node of the plate plays the same role as the beam
       orientation node (see above) to help define the local y-axis, which
       will lie in the plane of the plate, perpendicular to the local x-axis
       and pointing towards the general direction of the third plate node.
       The local z-axis is normal to the plate.

       In MICROSAFE 3-D plates may be defined as having bending stiffness
       besides the usual membrane stiffness.  A bending code is defined for
       each plate to indicate the type of behavior to be modeled.

       The user is free to use any sequence to define the nodes of a plate.

       The triangular plates used in conventional finite element analysis
       systems are simple but do not provide precisely symmetrical
       properties. To avoid this, MICROSAFE 3-D allows the use of
       quadrilateral plates. Comparisons of triangular and quadrilateral
       idealizations demonstrate that the quadrilateral plates should be
       used whenever possible for more accurate results.

       Plates may have associated external loads similar to beam distributed
       loads, the main difference being that they have a constant value over
       their surface and that no moments are considered.

       MICROSAFE 3-D allows a model to contain up to 500 plates.

       -- Fasteners --------------------------------------------------------

       Fasteners are used to define a connection between any two nodes. The
       fastener element transfers a load between the two nodes based on the
       relative deflection between these nodes and the stiffness of the
       fastener element.

       Both the axial and the shear stiffnesses are defined for the fastener
       element explicitly by input.

       The local coordinate system for fasteners is the same as the one
       defined for beams.

       Up to 60 fasteners may be included in a model to be analysed through
       MICROSAFE 3-D.

       == DESCRIPTION OF THE INPUT DATA FILE ===============================

       -- Overview of the input file ---------------------------------------

       The programs that make up the MICROSAFE 3-D software package use a
       common input data file containing all the relevant information about
       the finite element model to be analyzed.

       When the plotting program is used to check out the data in a given
       data file, the user knows it will be correct when run with SAFE3STA.

       The input data file is a group of lines of text in a given order that
       may be created with any editor or wordprocessing system that produces
       an ASCII output file. No embedded control characters -like many
       wordprocessors routinely use- are allowed in the data area, although
       they may not pose problems in the optional comment zone (see below).

       The MICROSAFE 3-D programs scan the input file sequentially ignoring
       all lines that do not contain a slash (/) as one of the first 125
       characters; this way the user can mix lines with comments througout
       the entire file for future reference. The only restriction in the
       comment lines is, obviously, that no slashes are allowed.

       Another place for including comments in the input file is the area
       behind the slash in regular data lines.  Again, they will be ignored
       because the program does not look beyond the slash.

       The data area in the lines of the input file is filled with
       individual numerical or text entries. Each entry must be separated
       from the others by one or more blank spaces and no other punctuation
       symbols (commas, dashes, ...) are allowed. No blank spaces are
       allowed within the numerical entries themselves.

       For each given line of the input file the programs expect a certain
       number of numerical entries and no deviation is allowed, although the
       text may be left out, in which case it is interpreted as an empty
       string of characters.

       The programs will not supply default values for missing entries. Also
       each numerical entry is supposed to be of a certain type and fall
       within a certain range of values. The entries not complying with
       these rules will be rejected and a detailed error message will be
       displayed.

       The entries used to create the input file may be divided in three
       mutually exclusive groups, according to their formats:

       * Entries that may have a fractional part, like the area of a beam or
         the thickness of a plate. They are labeled as `Real' and they may
         be expressed in any suitable numerical format, not necessarily as
         real numbers, as long as they fall within the prescribed range.

         For example, the following are all valid `Real' numbers:

         -0.0125 -.0125 -1.25E-2 200.34 2.0034E2 1E2 10.0E1 100 100.00 100.

       * Entries that cannot have a fractional part, like the material codes
         or the node numbers. They are labeled as `Integer or whole number'

         and they may be expressed in any suitable numerical format that
         implies a zero fractional part, as long as they fall within the
         prescribed range.

         For example, the following are all valid `Integer or whole'
         numbers:

                             1E2 10.0E1 100 100. 100.00

       * Entries that are considered text. Only the load condition titles
         fall in this group. Any character other than the slash (/) is
         acceptable.

         For example, the following are all valid `Text' entries:

         PRESSURE (18.2psi.)              Condition-1              Live Load

       All the numerical entries in the input file must be expressed in
       consistent units.

       Some entries are non-dimensional, like the indices used to number
       nodes, beams and the like, or like the counters that indicate the
       size of the model.

       All the other numerical entries have dimensions defined as a
       combination of two elemental dimensions: length and force. The only
       consistency requirement in the input data is that all the elemental
       dimensions of each type are measured with the same type of units. Any
       system of measurements (metric, English,...) may be used.

       All the values reported in the output file will be expressed in the
       same units used to define the model.

       The user should select the units of measurement in such a way that
       the reported results do not have values too high or too low because
       significant digits will be lost in the standard printed output file.
       If this happens, try using the x command line option to obtain the
       results in exponential -also called scientific- notation.

       -- Input file summary -----------------------------------------------

       The input lines must be ordered in the following manner:

       Type              Format                     Description
       ----              ------                     -----------
       Model size        NN /                       Number-of-nodes
                         NM /                       Number-of-materials
                         NB /                       Number-of-beams
                         NBR /                      Number-of-beam-releases
                         NP /                       Number-of-plates
                         NF /                       Number-of-fasteners
                         NPC /                      Number-of-primary-
                                                              conditions
                         NSC /                      Number-of-superposition-
                                                              conditions
                         NR /                       Number-of-imposed-
                                                              restraints
       Nodes             NI NX NY NZ /              Node   X-coordinate
            (One line per node                      Y-coordinate
             until all nodes                        Z-coordinate
             are defined)
                         .
                         .
       Materials         MI ME MP MW /              Material
            (One line per material                  Young's-modulus
            until all materials                     Poisson-ratio
            are defined)                            Specific-weight
                         .
                         .
       Beams             BI BN1 BN2 BON BA BTC BIY BIZ BM / Beam   Node-1
            (One line per beam                      Node-2
            until all beams                         Orientation-node   Area
            are defined)                            Torsional-constant
                         .                          Y-axis-moment-of-inertia
                         .                          Z-axis-moment-of-inertia
                         .                          Material
                         .
                         .
       Beam end releases RBI BEN ERC /              Beam   End-node
            (One line per beam end release          Degree-of-freedom
             until all beam end releases
             are defined)
                         .
                         .
       Plates            PI PN1 PN2 PN3 PN4 PT PM / Plate   Node-1   Node-2
            (One line per plate                     Node-3   Node-4
            until all plates                        Thickness   Material
            are defined)
                         .
                         .
       Fasteners         FI FN1 FN2 FON FA FAS FSS / Fastener   Node-1
            (One line per fastener                  Node-2
            until all fasteners                     Orientation-node   Area
            are defined)                            Axial-stiffness
                         .                          Shear-stiffness
                         .
                         .

       | Primary loads   PCI NLN NLB NLP WF PCT /   Condition   Nodes
       |                                            Beams   Plates
       |                                            Weight-factor   Title
       | Node loads      LNI PX PY PZ MX MY MZ /    Node   X-load   Y-load
       |    (One line per loaded node               Z-load   X-moment
       |     until all node loads for               Y-moment   Z-moment
       |     this condition are defined)
       |                 .
       |                 .
       | Beam loads      LBI CSC CAC BL1 BL2 /      Beam   Direction   Axis
       |    (One line per loaded beam               Load-at-first-node
       |     until all beam loads for               Load-at-second-node
       |     this condition are defined)
       |                 .
       |                 .
       | Plate loads     LPI CSC CAC PL /           Plate   Direction   Axis
       |    (One line per loaded plate              Load
       |     until all plate loads for
       |     this condition are defined)
       |                 .
       |                 .
            (One set of lines per condition until
             all primary conditions are defined)
                         .
                         .
       | Superposition   SCI NCC SCT /              Condition
       | loads                                      Superpositions   Title
       | Factors         CCI SF /                   Condition
       |    (One line per combined condition        Superposition-factor
       |     until all combined loads for
       |     this condition are defined)
       |                 .
       |                 .
            (One set of lines per condition until all
             superposition conditions are defined)
                         .
                         .
       Node restraints   RNI RC FD /                Node   Degree-of-freedom
            (One line per restrained freedom        Forced-displacement
             until all restraints
             are defined)
                         .
                         .

       All the lines not containing a slash character (/) will be treated as
       comment lines and ignored.

       Each input line is described in detail in the manual. The following
       page shows a typical example:

       -- Node definition --------------------------------------------------

       Input: NI NX NY NZ /
       Description:
          NI is the number of the node defined by the subsequent
          coordinates.
            Format: Integer or whole number
            Range: 1 <= NI <= NN
            Units: None
            Remarks: No two nodes are allowed to have the same number and no
               gaps are allowed in the node number sequence which starts
               with one. See note below.
          NX is the x-coordinate of the node along the x-axis.
          NY is the y-coordinate of the node along the y-axis.
          NZ is the z-coordinate of the node along the z-axis.
            Format: Real
            Range: -10E19 <= NX, NY or NZ <= 10E19
            Units: Length
            Remarks: Several nodes can have the same coordinate values,
                as when overlapping structure is defined, as long as they do
                not belong to the same element.

                ---------------------------------------------------
                Repeat this input line until all nodes are defined.
                ---------------------------------------------------

       SPECIAL CAUTION NOTE ON NODE SEQUENCING:

       The solution time for a matrix is very sensitive to the size of the
       bandwidth encompassing the element stiffness terms in the stiffness
       matrix. The bandwidth is equal to six times the sum of one plus the
       maximum numerical difference between the nodes defining any specific
       element in the model.

       The bandwidth can be kept small by ordering the sequential node
       numbers across the smallest dimension of the model first, followed by
       the next adjacent approximately parallel row. Continue this zig-zag
       input pattern from one end of the model towards the other end until
       all nodes are defined. This pattern is simple for a model with only
       one surface but becomes more difficult for models with multiple
       surfaces, that is, that have elements in all three directions at any
       one node. The goal is to number the nodes such that all of the nodes
       for each element connected to this node are defined as soon as
       possible. This pattern is continued without consideration of axis
       directions and keeps the stiffness terms associated with each node as
       close to the diagonal of the stiffness matrix as possible and thus
       produces the narrowest matrix bandwidth.

       == CREATING THE MODEL - INPUT GENERATION ============================

       The input file for the MICROSAFE 3-D programs is generated with any
       editor or wordprocessing program that is capable of generating an
       ASCII file.  EDLIN is able to do this and is on your DOS disk.

       Another method that is very useful in generating a large model is to
       write a program to generate the model.  A sample program, LAME.BAS,
       is included in the MICROSAFE 3-D package. This program is written in
       the interpretive BASIC language of DOS 2.0 and was used to generate
       the LAME.INP model. The program source and instructions on how to run
       it are also presented.  The methods shown can be modified to generate
       almost any model.

       -- Converting input files from MICROSAFE 3-D Release 1 --------------

       The current Release 2 of the MICROSAFE 3-D software uses an input
       file format that is very similar to the one used in the previous
       Release 1. Nevertheless, there are some differences, with the result
       that existing model input files will not be accepted by the new
       programs without modification.

       Although the changes required are simple and could be made by hand,
       we provide a translator program, SAFE3TRA, to facilitate the
       conversion task. To translate an input file from the previous
       Release 1 to a format compatible with the new Release 2, execute the
       command

                         A>d:SAFE3TRA 1=rel1file 2=rel2file

       The 1=rel1file and 2=rel2file parameters are optional and they may be
       specified in any order. If any of the parameters is not used the
       program will prompt for them.

       The 1=rel1file option may be used to specify the name of the file
       with Release 1 format. Only the name is required. If not specified,
       the program will revert to the default drive and to the current
       directory and an extension of .INP will be automatically added.

       The 2=rel2file option may be used to specify the file where the model
       data, in the new Release 2 format, is to be written. Again, if not
       specified, the program will revert to the default drive and to the
       current directory and an extension of .IN2 will be automatically
       added.

       After the conversion is done you can then check the contents of the
       newly created input file. After you have converted all the model
       files you need, you can delete the old versions and rename the
       Release 2 files with the usual .INP extension by using the commands

                                DEL *.INP
                                RENAME *.IN2 *.INP

       By now the model files are ready to be used with SAFE3PLT and
       SAFE3STA in the same manner as before.

       == STARTING THE SAFE3PLT PROGRAM ====================================

       The input data is verified with graphical displays of the model
       elements and with properties superimposed as defined by interactive
       user input.

       The following command will run the SAFE3PLT program:

           A>d:SAFE3PLT c g=grdevice i=inpfspec j=jumpmove m r=pixratio

       The c, g=grdevice, i=inpfspec, j=jumpmove, m and r=pixratio
       parameters are optional and they may be specified in any order.

       The c parameter centers all plotting of node and element labels
       relative to the node location or the element centroid, respectively,
       rather than making them stack around it. This is useful in fine grid
       models where a printed label is large relative to the size of the
       element.

       The g=grdevice option may be used to specify the graphics device and
       mode to be used. The following table presents the different display
       adapters and modes supported by SAFE3PLT and the codenames used to
       specify them.

                            SUPPORTED GRAPHICS ADAPTERS

       Codename Device                          Resolution        Colors
       -------- ------                          ----------    --------------

       3270-1   IBM 3270 PC                       720x350     2 (monochrome)
       3270-2                                     360x350            4
       AT&T-1   AT&T Graphics Adapter             640x400     2 (monochrome)
       AT&T-2        DEB Graphics Adapter         640x200           16
       AT&T-3                                     640x400           16
       ATI-1    ATI Graphics Solution Adapter     640x200           16
       ATI-2                                      320x200           16
       CGA-1    IBM Color Graphics Adapter        640x200     2 (monochrome)
       CGA-2                                      320x200            4
       EGA-1        Enhanced Graphics Adapter     640x350     2 (monochrome)
       EGA-2                                      320x200           16
       EGA-3                                      640x200           16
       EGA-4                                      640x350           16
       EVA480   Tseng Labs  EVA/480               640x480           16
       HERC-M   Hercules Mono. Graphics Adapter   720x348     2 (monochrome)
       MDS-G    MDS Genius Display Adapter       720x1024     2 (monochrome)
       S400     Sigma Design Color-400 Adapter    640x400           16
       STB2-1   STB GraphicsPlus-II Adapter       640x352     2 (monochrome)
       TGM-1    Tecmar Graphics-Master Adapter    720x352     2 (monochrome)
       TGM-2                                      720x704     2 (monochrome)
       TGM-3                                      640x200           16
       TGM-4                                      640x400           16
       VEGA-1   Video-7 VEGA Deluxe               640x480           16
       VEGA-2                                     710x410           16
       WY7-1    Wyse WY-700 Graphics Display     1280x800     2 (monochrome)
       WY7-2                                     1280x400     2 (monochrome)
       WY7-3                                      640x400     2 (monochrome)

       Other displays compatible with those above may also be used.

       If not specified, the program will try to determine the graphics
       device present in the computer and it will use it automatically.

       Under some circumstances, SAFE3PLT may have some trouble detecting
       the proper display adapter present in your computer. In that case you
       must specify which type of display you have. Also, many adapters have
       different modes; even if properly detected, you may not want to use
       the mode selected by default.

       The i=inpfspec option may be used to specify the file to be plotted.
       The inpfspec may be any valid DOS file name with drive specification,
       directory path, name and type as desired. Only the name is required.
       If not specified, the program will revert to the default drive and to
       the current directory and an extension of .INP will be automatically
       added by SAFE3PLT.

       The j=jumpmove option may be used to specify the movement jump when
       panning the display window over the model. If not specified, the
       program will use a default value of 0.9, resulting in a 10% overlap
       between displayed frames.

       The m parameter is used to set the monochrome mode, which forces the
       plotting program to display in white all the colors, except black,
       even on color displays.

       This option is useful when using a combination monitor/display card
       that does not work well with colors other than black and white or
       when screen dumps to a printer or plotter do not show certain colors
       properly. Test your equipment to see which option you like the best.

       The r=pixratio option may be used to specify the pixel density ratio
       of the display being used. If not specified, the program will use a
       standard value.

       Because your monitor may not coincide with the standard, you may want
       to use this command to eliminate distortion of the plotted image.
       Also, you may want set the value to the pixel density of your
       printer; in such a case you will get distorted images on the screen
       but realistic ones on paper.

       For example:

                              A>B:SAFE3PLT m i=beam C

       The program is in drive B: and the input file is BEAM.INP in the
       default drive A:. Both the monochrome and the centering options have
       been selected.

       == SAFE3PLT program command summary ==================================

       Command: CODE options

           CODE specifies the action to be taken.

        CODE   Description of function selected with CODE

        A      Run Another data file --- program prompts for file name.
        B      Plot Beam elements.
        BA     Display Beam Area values.
        BL     Plot Beam distributed Loads.
        BLL    Plot Beam Longitudinal Loads (along the local x-axis).
        BLN    Plot Beam Normal Loads (along the local z-axis).
        BLT    Plot Beam Transverse Loads (along the local y-axis).
        BLV    Display Beam distributed Load Values.
        BLX    Plot Beam Loads along the global X axis.
        BLY    Plot Beam Loads along the global Y axis.
        BLZ    Plot Beam Loads along the global Z axis.
        BM     Display Beam Material codes.
        BN     Display Beam Numbers.
        BR     Display Beam end Releases.
        BX     Display Beam torsional constant (about the X-axis) values.
        BY     Display Beam moment of Inertia (about the Y-axis) values.
        BZ     Display Beam moment of Inertia (about the Z-axis) values.
        C      Clear screen of all plotted and displayed data.
        D      Delay the execution of the program.
        E      Get in the Enlarge mode.
                B : Move Bottom of the box up.
                L : Move Left side of the box to the right.
                R : Move Right side of the box to the left.
                T : Move Top of the box down.
                - : Reverse direction of movement.
                Enter : Execute the enlargement.
                Esc : Abort the enlargement.
        F      Plot Fasteners.
        FA     Display Fastener Area values.
        FN     Display Fastener Numbers.
        FS     Display Fastener Shear stiffness values.
        FX     Display Fastener aXial stiffness values.
        I      Specify Interval of elements to be plotted in sequence.
        J      Set the movement Jump when panning.
        L      Switch to a given Load condition.
        LT     Display Load condition Title.
        M      Move the window --- The cursor keys may also be used.
        N      Plot Nodes.
        NC     Display Node Coordinate values.
        NFX    Plot Node Forces along the global X axis.
        NFY    Plot Node Forces along the global Y axis.
        NFZ    Plot Node Forces along the global Z axis.
        NL     Plot Node Loads.
        NLV    Display Node Load Values.
        NMX    Plot Node Moments along the global X axis.
        NMY    Plot Node Moments along the global Y axis.
        NMZ    Plot Node Moments along the global Z axis.
        NN     Display Node Numbers.
        NR     Plot type of Node freedom Restraints.
        NRV    Display Node Restraint Values.

        NX     Display Node X-coordinate values.
        NY     Display Node Y-coordinate values.
        NZ     Display Node Z-coordinate values.
        P      Plot Plates.
        PB     Display Plate Bending codes.
        PE     Plot Plate Edges.
        PL     Plot Plate distributed Loads.
        PLL    Plot Plate Longitudinal Loads (along the local x-axis).
        PLN    Plot Plate Normal Loads (along the local z-axis).
        PLT    Plot Plate Transverse Loads (along the local y-axis).
        PLV    Display Plate distributed Load Values.
        PLX    Plot Plate Loads along the global X axis.
        PLY    Plot Plate Loads along the global Y axis.
        PLZ    Plot Plate Loads along the global Z axis.
        PM     Display Plate Material codes.
        PN     Display Plate Numbers.
        PR     Print display without the "Option to plot?" prompt.
        PT     Display Plate Thickness values.
        Q      Quit --- used to terminate this program run.
        R      Set the screen pixel density Ratio.
        S      Shrink display grid to previous window.
        SC     Set the display in Color mode.
        SM     Set the display in Monochrome mode.
        VA     Set a new Viewpoint in Absolute mode.
        VR     Set a new Viewpoint in Relative mode.
        W      Display the World --- the complete model.
        X      Display the aXis system.

            Options are parameters used to specify the request with more
            detail when necessary. There are several types of options:

                Range: Used by commands that plot elements or properties of
                      elements, a range is a compact form of specifying a
                      list of elements for which the request is made.
                      The range is specified with three integers, the first,
                      last and skip values of the range.
                Direction: Required to specify the direction of movement for
                      some commands. It is specified by a single digit.
                Setting value: It assigns a value to some parameter.

       Here are some examples:

          Option to plot? BA       => Display all the beam area values.

          Option to plot? nn 1 18  => Display the node numbers for all the
                                      nodes in the range from 1 to 18, both
                                      inclusive.

          Option to plot? F 23     => Plot the fastener numbered 23.

       Each command is described in detail in the manual, in a similar way
       to the following examples:

       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
       Move window

           Command: M CODE

           Range: CODE values are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, or 9.

           Effect: Moves the window to the adjacent window location
               according to the code value. The code values indicate the
               direction of movement in the numeric keypad from the number 5
               key to the key with the number specified by CODE.

           Remarks: The display window may be moved in one of the eight
                directions around it by using the key layout in the numeric
                pad to specify the direction:

            7 = up and left       8 = up            9 = up and right

            4 = left              5                 6 = right

            1 = down and left     2 = down          3 = down and right

                There will be an overlap of about 10% between adjacent
                windows to allow a good indexing of the images both visually
                and to create a mosaic of images obtained in a printer (see
                the PR command). If the desired movement of the window
                amounts to half-frame or less, the Enlarge command should be
                used (see 6.4.20).

                This command does not enlarge the image and so the Shrink
                command will not return the window back to the previous
                frame from where it was moved but to the previous frame from
                where the image was actually enlarged.

                If numbers are to be entered from the numeric keypad, the
                Num Lock key may need to be toggled to switch the numeric
                key pad from the cursor ontrol state to the numeric entry
                state.

                SPECIAL NOTE: The cursor keys uparrow, leftarrow, rightarrow
                and downarrow and the Home, Pg Up, Pg Dn and End keys will
                also move the window in the same manner as the Move command
                described above. They are less cumbersome to use, requiring
                only to press the key in desired direction relative to the
                central key with the number 5.

       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
       Plot nodes

           Command: N init last jump

           Range: 1 <= init, last, jump <= NN

           Effect: All the nodes in the specified range of nodes will be
               plotted as rings in blue color centered on the location of
               the node.

               If jump is omitted all the nodes in the range between init
               and last, both inclusive, will be plotted.

               If last and jump are both omitted only the node init will be
               plotted.

               If all three parameters are omitted all nodes will be
               plotted.

       == ANALYZING THE MODEL ==============================================

       -- Memory requirements of the solution of a Finite Element Model ----

       The limitation of memory available to solve the stiffness matrix is
       easily reached.  In MICROSAFE 3-D three mechanisms are used to push
       the memory limitation further away:

       * The stiffness matrix of any model is always symmetric about the
         diagonal. This means that about one half of the matrix is a
         redundant copy of the other half and it does not need to be
         stored. Thus, the memory needs are cut in about half.

       * The stiffness matrix of most models is banded, which means that the
         non-zero terms lie inside a relatively narrow band centered in the
         diagonal of the matrix. Only that band needs to be stored.

       * MICROSAFE 3-D uses the computer disks as an extension of the RAM
         (random-access-memory).  When the program runs out of RAM, it will
         automatically start using the space available in the disk as
         virtual memory to store the rest of the coefficients of the
         stiffness matrix.

       -- Starting the solution program --

       The following command will run the analysis program

                     A>d:SAFE3STA e i=inpfspec o=outfspec s x

       The e, i=inpfspec, o=outfspec, s and x parameters are optional and
       they may be specified in any order.

       The e parameter is used to echo the input data in the output file.
       This is especially useful for three reasons:

       * It serves to check that the program is actually reading the values
         that you wanted to enter and not others.

       * It allows you to keep a record of your input data permanently
         linked to the results for future reference.

       * The copy of your input data will be nicely tabulated and it will be
         much easier to use than your original, free-field input file.

       The i=inpfspec option may be used to specify the file to be plotted.
       The inpfspec may be any valid DOS file name with drive specification,
       directory path, name and type as desired. Only the name is required.
       If not specified, the program will revert to the default drive and to
       the current directory and an extension of .INP will be automatically
       added by SAFE3STA.

       The o=outfspec option may be used to specify the file where the
       results are to be written. The outfspec may be any valid DOS file
       name with drive specification, directory path, name and type as
       desired. If not specified, the program will revert to the default
       drive and to the current directory and an extension of .OUT will be
       automatically added.

       The output file may be left completely unspecified (as long as o= is
       included) and the program will automatically use the same drive,
       directory path and name as the input file and the .OUT extension.

       As a special case the output file data can be routed to any legal
       output device known to DOS, in which case no output diskfile will be
       generated. An example of this is the screen device CON: or the line
       printer LPT1:. This is useful when screen output or printed output,
       but not diskfile, is desired or where insufficient hard disk or RAM
       disk space is available. The program will ask for another disk if the
       output fills up the existing floppy disk (see below) but this option
       is not available with a fixed disk or with a RAM disk.

       The s parameter is used to list a copy of the output file on the
       screen at the same time that it is created. This is useful to monitor
       the results being obtained.

       The x parameter is used to request that the program lists all
       floating point (`Real' as opposed to `Integer') values in exponential
       notation instead in the fixed point notation used by default.

       Examples:

             B>B:SAFE3STA i=a:beam o= e       => The program is in drive B:
       (also the default), the input file is BEAM.INP in drive A: and the
       output file is BEAM.OUT in the same drive A:. The echo option has been
       selected.

             C>SAFE3STA i=Beam o=A:           => The program is in the
        default drive C:, the input file is BEAM.INP in the default drive C:
       and the output file is BEAM.OUT in drive A:. None of the echo or
       screen options have been selected.

       -- Running the solution program -------------------------------------

       After the logo of the program is displayed in the screen the program
       will evaluate the and, either it will prompt for the input and output
       file names if missing, or it will report the names received through
       the command line.  The default options are always shown in the prompt
       enclosed in brackets ([]).

       Once the program has read the input file and printed it to the
       screen, if so requested, it will start assembling the stiffness
       matrix of the model.

       To do this SAFE3STA has to calculate the stiffness matrix of each
       individual element (beam, plate or fastener) and rearrange it in a
       global framework before adding it to the model stiffness matrix.

       If the virtual memory feature is needed to store the full stiffness
       matrix of the model the disk in the default drive will be used for
       this purpose, so enough space must be available in it for the program
       to run successfully.

       After assembling the model stiffness matrix, the program will proceed
       to obtain the solution of the system of simultaneous equations.

       The solution of the system is done in two steps:

       * The first one, called FORWARD ELIMINATION, consists of manipulating
         the equations in such a way that one of the unknowns is finally
         determined.

       * The second step, called BACKWARDS SUBSTITUTION, goes in the reverse
         direction substituting the already obtained unknowns to determine
         all the other unknowns.

       The entire process will take only a few seconds for simple models or
       several hours for the most complex models.

       The 8087/80287/80387 coprocessor chips significantly reduce the above
       solution times. If installed, all the programs in the MICROSAFE 3-D
       package will take advantage of its presence. The switch to the use of
       the coprocessor is automatically performed by the programs and no
       user intervention is required.

       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
        WARNING : If your computer does not have an 8087 or 80287 installed
          and you have trouble running the example models included in the
                               package, add the line
                                   SET NO87=TRUE
         to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file and reboot the computer before running
                                     MICROSAFE.
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------

       Once SAFE3STA has solved the system of simultaneous equations, it
       will proceed to write the results to the output file. The program
       then finishes by reporting the total amount of time required to
       analyze the model for future reference and returns control to the
       operating system.

       == DESCRIPTION OF THE OUTPUT FILE ===================================

       The SAFE3STA program reports all the information in a single output
       file. The name and destination of the output file is specified by the
       user at the beginning of each run. The destination of the output file
       consists of the disk drive and the directory path needed to reach it.

       The output file is a plain text file, in ASCII form, and does not
       contain any special control characters other than the standard
       carriage-return/line-feed at the end of each line.

       There are two formats used to create the output file, depending on
       the request to use exponential notation or not. Otherwise, the format
       is fixed, that is, the information is always written in the same way
       at the same locations and this format does not vary from run to run.

       -- Header -----------------------------------------------------------

       The first lines of the output file generated by SAFE3STA contain a
       header that is handy to quickly identify the run. For example:

       M I C R O S A F E --- STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS BY FINITE ELEMENTS
                     Version: SAFE3STA (3-D)  Rel. 2.0   12/31/1987  2:00:00


       Input data file  : SPLICE3B.INP
       Output data file : TEST.OUT

       It shows the date and time of day when the file was created and the
       data files involved. It also displays the version and release number
       of the MICROSAFE 3-D package used.

       -- Listing of input data --------------------------------------------

       The input data is displayed in labeled tables as the program
       progressively reads the input file. All short form inputs, input
       positional values and restraint codes are enhanced/translated to form
       a complete readable model data description.

       The program starts by displaying the parameters that define the size
       of the model:

       SIZE OF THE STRUCTURE

       Number of nodes                         :   31
       Number of materials                     :    1
       Number of beams                         :   17
       Number of beam end releases             :    0
       Number of plates                        :   17
       Number of fasteners                     :    4
       Number of primary loadcases             :    1
       Number of superposition loadcases       :    0
       Number of restrained degrees of freedom :   26

       and continues with the node coordinates definition:

       NODE COORDINATES

       Node   Coordinate X   Coordinate Y   Coordinate Z

          1         .20000         .00000        -.01500
          2        1.20000         .00000        4.00375
          3        3.20000      -16.22500        8.88000
          4        6.45000        -.12500       -5.00000
          5       10.00000        7.50000       10.00000

       in the same order that they are specified in the file, not necessarily
       in a sorted form. The following table presents the material codes
       definition:

       MATERIAL PROPERTIES

       Code    Young's modulus   Poisson's ratio   Specific weight

          1       10500000.          .33000                .000
          2       10500000.          .33000                .500
          3       10700000.          .30000               1.000
          4         400000.          .11000                .000

       and then the program displays the tables with the properties for the
       different types of elements--- beams, plates and fasteners--- in this
       order. If one or more types of elements are missing from the model
       definition, the corresponding tables will not be included.

       The table containing the beam properties looks like:

       BEAM DATA

       Beam     I     J     K      Length      Area    Polar M.I.
                                        Y-axis M.I.   Z-axis M.I.   Material

          1     1     2    10      20.881     .1000        .05000
                                             .00000        .00000       1
          2     2     3    10      20.881     .1000        .00000
                                             .06000        .02000       1
          3     3     4    10      20.881     .1000        .05000
                                             .07000        .02000       1
          4     6     5    17      13.396     .1200        .00500
                                             .00000        .04000       3
          5     7     6    17      13.396     .1300        .00000
                                             .00000        .00000       1
          6    12    13    17      13.396     .1400        .00500
                                             .00000        .04000       3
          7    13    14    22       6.100     .1750        .12400
                                             .16000        .16000       1

       The labels I and J are used to represent the end nodes of the beam.
       The label K marks the column where the beam orientation node is
       listed. Next, the beam end releases, if any, are presented:

       BEAM END RELEASES

       Beam  End node           Type of release

         12     16          Rotation about Z axis
          3      2         Translation along X axis
          7      9         Translation along Y axis

       After the beam end releases comes the table with the definition of
       the plates:

       PLATE DATA

       Plate    I     J     K     L   Thickness  Material  Bending

          1     1     6     7     2     .05000       4        1
          2     2     7     8     0     .05000       4        0
          3     3     8     9     4     .05000       1        0
          4     4     9    10     0     .05000       1        1

       The labels I, J, K and L are used to represent the corner nodes of the
       plate.

       The last element table will contain the information about the defined
       fasteners:

       FASTENER DATA

       Fastener I     J     K      Area   Axial Stiffness   Shear Stiffness

          1     7    22    10     .250000      200000.          5000000.
          2     8    23    10     .250000      200000.          5000000.
          4     9    24    10     .250000           0.                0.

       WARNING : Fastener 4 has been disconnected from the model.

          3    22    35    10     .250000           0.            20000.

       As is the case with the beams and plates, a warning message will be
       included when a given element is disconnected from the model.

       The labels I and J are used to represent the end nodes of the
       fastener. The label K marks the column where the fastener orientation
       node is listed.

       After all the element data tables have been written to the output
       file, the loads are displayed, starting with the primary loadcases.
       First, a summary is presented:

       PRIMARY LOADCASES

       Loadcase name           : Test #1
       Loadcase number         :   1
       Number of loaded nodes  :   3
       Number of loaded beams  :   0
       Number of loaded plates :   4
       Gravity loads factor    :     .00000

       followed by tables of the applied loads to nodes, beams and plates,
       if any:

       NODE LOADS

       Node             PX            PY            PZ            MX
                                                            MY            MZ

          5          50.00           .00           .00           .00
                                                           .00           .00
         10         100.00           .00           .00           .00
                                                     -30000.00           .00
         15          50.00           .00           .00           .00
                                                           .00           .00

       BEAM LOADS

       Beam   Loading direction     End Distributed Loads

          2     Global X axis      100.00000    100.00000
          2     Global Z axis        1.00000     -1.00000
          3     Local Y axis       -50.00000       .00000

       PLATE LOADS

       Plate  Loading direction     Distributed Load

         20     Local X axis            -6.00000
         23     Global Y axis           22.50000
         31     Local Z axis            50.00000

       The labels PX, PY and PZ are used to represent the node forces in the
       x-axis, y-axis and z-axis directions. The labels MX, MY and MZ are
       used to represent the node moments applied around the three
       corresponding axes.

       The superposition condition tables follow the primary loadcase
       tables:

       SUPERPOSITION LOADCASES

       Loadcase name            : Combined load
       Loadcase number          :   3
       Number of superpositions :   2

       LOADCASE   Superposition factor

          1                  .80
          2                  .25

       and finally the node restraints tables are displayed:

       MOVEMENT RESTRAINTS

       Node           Type of restraint         Displacement

         26         Rotation about Z axis           .00000
          1        Translation along X axis        -.25000
          1         Rotation about X axis           .00000
          1         Rotation about Y axis           .00000
          6        Translation along Y axis         .00000
          6        Translation along Z axis         .00000

       -- Listing of output data -------------------------------------------

       The information generated by SAFE3STA about the state of the deformed
       model is always written to the specified output file with no options
       to be specified. Again, to see the output data on the screen the user
       must specify the s option in the command line.

       Like the input data, the output data is displayed in labeled tables
       as the SAFE3STA program progressively generates it. The following
       Sections explain in some detail what the different columns in the
       different tables report.

       Because of the huge amount of output data generated by SAFE3STA for
       even mid-sized models, the program constantly monitors the amount of
       space available in the disk where the output file is being written to
       prevent a fatal `disk full' system error which would terminate the
       run.

       If the disk becomes full in the process of writing the output data,
       SAFE3STA will trigger a recovery process to allow the data to be split
       across different diskettes. This process will be repeated as many
       times as necessary.

       -- Ignorable degrees of freedom -------------------------------------

       The first table of the output data is a listing of the ignorable
       degrees of freedom. These are degrees of freedom that are not fixed
       but for which the elements in the model do not provide significant
       stiffness. They are displayed in the following format:

       IGNORABLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM

         1.3   1.4   1.5   2.3   3.6   4.6   5.6   8.4   8.5  10.6

       It is the user's responsibility to review this table to make sure
       that the degrees of freedom that are ignored should actually be
       ignored.

       The table presents the ignorable degrees of freedom as pairs of
       numbers in the form `node.degree-of-freedom'.

       -- Solution summary -------------------------------------------------

       A summary of some parameters of the solution is always presented in
       the output file.

       SOLUTION SUMMARY

       Number of degrees of freedom : 186 (186 in RAM and 0 on disk)
       Bandwidth :   96
       Number of loadcases :  2

       -- Node displacements -----------------------------------------------

       The first table of the output data is always the listing of the
       displacements of the nodes in the three degrees of freedom. The table
       has the following format:

       NODE DISPLACEMENTS

       Node         U           V           W        Theta-x     Theta-y
                                                                     Theta-z

          1      .000285    -.000021     .547780     .000000     .000000
                                                                     .000000
          2      .000294    -.000008    1.191926     .000000     .000000
                                                                     .000022
          4      .000313     .000017    2.000023     .000000     .000000
                                                                     .000025
          5      .000348     .000038     .000000     .000111     .000123
                                                                     .000016

       Note that the nodes that happen to be disconnected from the model are
       not included in this table. Node displacements at the indicated node
       are presented in a right handed Cartesian coordinate system.

       The U, V and W parameters represent the nodal deflection in the x-,
       y- and z-directions.

       The Theta-x, Theta-y and Theta-z values represent the node rotations
       about the three coordinate axes.

       -- Beam corner forces -----------------------------------------------

       Beam corner forces are presented as loads applied to the indicated
       ends of the beam elements.

       BEAM CORNER FORCES

       Beam     I     J           FX1          FY1          FZ1          MX1
                                                            MY1          MZ1
                                        FX2          FY2          FZ2
                                               MX2          MY2          MZ2

          2     2     3          -21.          -2.           0.           0.
                                                             0.          -2.
                                        21.           2.           0.
                                                0.           0.          -1.
          3     3     4          -37.          -3.           0.           0.
                                                             0.           1.
                                        37.           3.           0.
                                                0.           0.          -3.
          4     4     5          -33.           3.           0.           0.
                                                             0.           3.
                                        33.          -3.           0.
                                                0.           0.           0.

       Note that the beams that happen to be disconnected from the model are
       not included in this table.

       Data for node I and J are labeled ending in the numerals 1 and 2.

       The FXi, FYi and FZi parameters represent the corner forces in the
       three global coordinate axes. The MXi, MYi and MZi parameters
       represent the corresponding moments.

       -- Beam loads and stresses ------------------------------------------

       Beam internal loads and stresses are presented in relation to the
       beam element local coordinate system in the following manner:

       BEAM LOADS AND STRESSES

       Beam    I    J           PX1          SX1          PX2          SX2
                                 SHY1         SHY2         SHZ1         SHZ2
                                      TMX         BMY1         BMY2
                                                           BMZ1         BMZ2

          2    2    3           21.         208.          21.         208.
                                   2.           2.           0.           0.
                                        0.           0.           0.
                                                             2.          -1.
          3    3    4           37.         367.          37.         367.
                                   3.           3.           0.           0.
                                        0.           0.           0.
                                                            -1.          -3.
          4    4    5           33.         328.          33.         328.
                                  -3.          -3.           0.           0.
                                        0.           0.           0.
                                                            -3.           0.

       Axial loads (PXi) represent the forces along the axis of the element.
       Axial tension is positive and axial compression is shown as negative.

       The axial stresses (SXi) follow the same sign conventions as PXi.

       The SHYi and SHZi parameters represent the shear forces at both ends
       of the beam that are parallel to the local y- and z-axis,
       respectively. The shears at the second node (SHY2, SHZ2) are defined
       along the local positive y- and z-axis and the shears at the first
       node (SHY1, SHZ1) are defined in the opposite direction.

       The TMX parameter is the torsion moment applied to the beam. The BMYi
       and BMZi parameters represent the bending moments about local y- and
       z-axis existing at the ends of the beam.

       When the moments are positive, they correspond to a clockwise
       rotation of the second node relative to the first node when looking
       towards the positive end of the axis.

       -- Plate corner forces ----------------------------------------------

       Plate corner forces are presented as forces applied to the nodes at
       the corners of the plate element.

       PLATE CORNER FORCES

       Plate    I     J     K     L          FX1         FY1         FZ1
                                                 MX1         MY1         MZ1
                                                FX2         FY2         FZ2
                                                 MX2         MY2         MZ2
                                                   FX3         FY3
                                     FZ3         MX3         MY3         MZ3
                                                      FX4         FY4
                                     FZ4         MX4         MY4         MZ4

          1     1     6     7     2           9.          6.          0.
                                                  0.          0.          0.
                                                 0.         12.          0.
                                                  0.          0.          0.
                                                  -18.         -8.
                                      0.          0.          0.          0.
                                                       9.        -10.
                                      0.          0.          0.          0.
          2     2     7     8     3           3.          7.          0.
                                                  0.          0.          0.
                                               -20.         13.          0.
                                                  0.          0.          0.
                                                    0.        -10.
                                      0.          0.          0.          0.
                                                      17.        -10.
                                      0.          0.          0.          0.
          5     6    11    12     7           0.        -12.          0.
                                                  0.          0.          0.
                                                 9.         -6.          0.
                                                  0.          0.          0.
                                                    9.         10.
                                      0.          0.          0.          0.
                                                     -18.          8.
                                      0.          0.          0.          0.
          6     7    12    13     8         -20.        -13.          0.
                                                  0.          0.          0.
                                                 3.         -7.          0.
                                                  0.          0.          0.
                                                   17.         10.
                                      0.          0.          0.          0.
                                                       0.         10.
                                      0.          0.          0.          0.

       The plates that happen to be disconnected from the model are not
       included in this table. Data for node I, which corresponds to the
       first node defined for the plate, is presented under labels ending in
       the numeral 1. Data for nodes J, K and L is presented in a similar
       way.

       The FXi, FYi and FZi parameters represent the corner forces in the
       three global coordinate axes. The MXi, MYi and MZi parameters
       represent the corresponding moments.

       -- Plate load intensities and stresses ------------------------------

       The table following the plate corner forces displays the plate load
       intensities and stresses and looks like:

       PLATE LOAD INTENSITIES AND STRESSES

       Plate    I     J     K     L           SX          SY         TAU
                                    SMAX        SMIN        TMAX       Angle
                                                    MX          MY
                                                                         MXY

          1     1     6     7     2          88.       -182.       -353.
                                    330.       -425.        378.        -55.
                                                    0.          0.
                                                                          0.
          2     2     7     8     3          64.        339.       -404.
                                    628.       -225.        426.        -36.
                                                    0.          0.
                                                                          0.
          5     6    11    12     7          88.       -182.        353.
                                    330.       -425.        378.         55.
                                                    0.          0.
                                                                          0.
          6     7    12    13     8          64.        339.        404.
                                    628.       -225.        426.         36.
                                                    0.          0.
                                                                          0.

       The SX, SY and TAU values represent the plate membrane stresses in
       the x, y and xy directions respectively.

       The SMAX, SMIN and TMAX values represent the plate membrane principal
       stresses: maximum axial stress, minimum axial stress and maximum
       shear stress.

       The Angle parameter shows the orientation of the principal membrane
       stresses in the local coordinate system.

       The principal stress data are calculated with the traditional Mohr's
       circle method.

       The MX, MY and MXY values represent the plate bending and twisting
       moments per unit length in the local x and y directions.


       The xy direction is used to indicate the 45 degree diagonal between
       the x and y axes for shear stresses (TAU) and twisting moments (MXY).

       -- Fastener forces and stresses -------------------------------------

       After the plate data has been reported in the output file, SAFE3STA
       includes a table with forces and stresses in the fasteners ---if any
       are present:

       FASTENER FORCES AND STRESSES

       Fastener I     J           FX1          FY1          FZ1          FX2
                                                            FY2          FZ2
                                        PAX          SAX          PSH
                                                                         SSH

          1     7    22           75.           0.           0.         -75.
                                                             0.           0.
                                         0.           0.          75.
                                                                        302.
          2     8    23           41.           0.           0.         -41.
                                                             0.           0.
                                         0.           0.          41.
                                                                        165.
          3     9    24           83.           0.           0.         -83.
                                                             0.           0.
                                         0.           0.          83.
                                                                        333.

       Node I corresponds to the first node of the fastener and node J
       corresponds to the second node.

       The FXi, FYi and FZi parameters represent the corner forces in the
       three global coordinate axes.

       The PAX and PSH values represent the fastener load transfer in the
       axial direction and a perpendicular direction respectively.

       The SAX and SSH values represent the axial and shear stresses caused

       by the load transfer.

       The transfer loads and stresses are calculated in the local
       coordinate system.

       -- Node internal forces and reactions -------------------------------

       A summation of all element corner forces and applied nodal loads for
       each node is presented in this section. The results of this summation
       show the reaction forces for each node.

       NODE INTERNAL FORCES AND REACTIONS

       Node  Coordinate X  Coordinate Y  Coordinate Z         FX
                                            FY                   FZ
                       MX                   MY                   MZ

          1        .20000        .00000        .00000         0.
                                            0.                   0.
                       0. Reaction          0. Reaction         -7. Reaction
          2       1.20000        .00000        .00000         0.
                                            0.                   0.
                       0.                   0.                   0.
          3       2.20000        .00000        .00000         0.
                                            0.                   0.
                       0.                   0.                   0.
          4       3.20000        .00000        .00000         0.
                                            0.                   0.
                       0.                   0.                   0.

       The coordinates for each node followed by the forces in the x-, y-
       and z-direction and the moments around the x-, y- and z-axis are
       presented.

       If the model idealization results in a poorly or ill-conditioned
       matrix, the inaccuracy will be shown as a nonzero value for nodes
       with no restrained degrees of freedom. Each restrained degree of
       freedom is indicated by the word Reaction printed after the force
       value to aid in identifying the reactions. A review of this data is
       necessary to prove the accuracy of the solution.

       == PROGRAM MESSAGES =================================================

       There are three kinds of messages that the MICROSAFE 3-D programs
       provide:

       * Informative messages: The ones the programs use to keep you up to
         date about what they are doing.

       * Warning messages: The programs inform the user of facts that may be
         right but, if wrong, may have disastrous consequences.

       * Error messages: Diagnostics the programs make when they encounter a
         situation they cannot handle and that requires some changes to be
         introduced by the user.

       The following is a sample of the Section in the manual that describes
       the error messages:

       ---------------------------------------------------------------------

       Message:

       .....................................................................
       ERROR : INCOMPATIBLE TYPE OF NUMERIC ENTRY IN INPUT LINE.
       Encountered in line 1066 of file WRNGTYPE.INP.
        -------------|-----------------
       |108 192 199 2.4   0  .020 1 0 /|
        -------------|-----------------
       Reading properties of plate 108 it was expected to find the index of
       the third node of the plate - an integer between 1 and 400 - as the
       fourth entry.
       .....................................................................

       Occurrence: Both the SAFE3PLT and the SAFE3STA programs.

       Explanation: One of the entries in the line is of a type (integer,
                    real, ...) incompatible with the type of the expected
                    data.

                    The arrows in the error message point to the character
                    responsible for the type change and the following
                    message states the required type for the entry.

       Action: Check the input file and replace the entry with the incorrect
               type.

               Execute the program again with the modified input file.

       ---------------------------------------------------------------------

       == REFERENCES =======================================================

       The following is a list of references, sorted by author in
       alphabetical order, that may be helpful to the user of finite
       elements methods of analysis:

       Azar, J. J., ``Matrix Structural Analysis,'' Pergamon Unified
                  Engineering Series, 1972.

       Martin, H. C., ``Introduction to Matrix Methods of Structural
                  Analysis,'' McGraw-Hill, 1966.

       Przemiemecki, J. S., ``Theory of Matrix Structural Analysis,''
                  McGraw-Hill, 1968.

       Rao, S. S., ``The Finite Element Method in Engineering,'' Pergamon
                  International Library, 1982.

       Zienkiewicz, O. C., ``The Finite Element Method in Engineering
                  Science,'' McGraw-Hill, London, 1971.

       Zienkiewicz, O. C. and Holister, G. S., ``Stress Analysis - Recent
                  Developments in Numerical and Experimental Methods,'' John
                  Wiley & Sons, London, 1965.

       == PURCHASE FORM ====================================================

       To order MICROSAFE products use a copy of the purchase form shown in
       the next page or print it by sending the file PURCHASE.DOC to your
       printer.

       =====================================================================
       =           M I C R O S A F E   P U R C H A S E   F O R M           =
       =====================================================================

       Purchased from:  MICROSTRESS CORPORATION
                        10950 Forest Av. S
                        Seattle, WASHINGTON, 98178 (U.S.A.)
                        Telephone: [phone]

                             Federal Tax #:  91-1287902
                         Wash. State Tax #:  C 600 572 139
                             Purchase date:      /   /

       ------------------------    --------     ----------    --------------
         PRODUCT DESCRIPTION       QUANTITY     PRICE EACH    PRICE EXTENDED
       ------------------------    --------     ----------    --------------

       MICROSAFE 2-D package       ________        $75        ______________

       2-D Evaluation copies       ________        $10        ______________

       MICROSAFE 3-D package       ________       $120        ______________

       3-D Evaluation copies       ________        $15        ______________

       Combined 2-D/3-D package    ________       $160        ______________


                                   TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE   =   ______________

       PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: MICROSTRESS Corporation

       The above amounts are valid in the U.S.A. only and they include
       postage and state and local taxes within Washington State.  Overseas
       customers please add $20 per package and $2 per evaluation copy.

       Formal documentation is included with all the programs shown above
       except the evaluation copies.

       The undersigned consents to use each purchased copy of the product on
       one machine at a time only and agrees not to use the evaluation
       copies for any other purpose than the demonstration of the product's
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