A version of the graphics-oriented interactive finite element time-sharing system (GIFTS) for an IBM with CP/CMS.

Abstract

A version of the Graphics-oriented, Interactive, Finite element, Time-sharing System (GIFTS) has been developed for, and installed on, an IBM computer with the Conversational Monitor System (CMS). GIFTS, developed at, and available from the Interactive Graphics Engineering Laboratory of the University of Arizona, is an extensive code for static, transient, modal, and constrained substructural analysis of three dimensional truss, plate, shell, and solid finite element models. A brief description of GIFTS, including insights into its logic and structure necessary to the version's development, and an in-depth description of the method used to invoke CMS commands from the executing program for the purpose of data base management are provided. The version, making use of the Tektronix 4000 series graphics terminals, is self-contained and portable, allowing its installation on other IBM computers with the CMS operating system.