In order to develop new numerical technique, an in-house developed software platform is a prerequisite. In our research we therefore make extensive use of our own software tools: Dawn and PyFEM. Dawn is our working horse. The development of this C++ finite element code was started in 2002 and now comprises of a variety of element formulations, materials and solver techniques, most of which are not available in commercial or open-source codes. Dawn is built using the Jem-Jive libraries that are developed by Erik Jan Lingen (Dynaflow).

Specific advanced numerical techniques that are incorporated in Dawn are:

  • The partition of unity method (X-FEM)
  • Isogeometric Analysis using the Bezier Extraction technique
  • Model Order Reduction techniques and Wavelet integration
  • Simulation of Additive Manufacturing processes
  • Discrete Dislocations