INTRODUCTION

This document describes the use of the computer program which interfaces analysis modules in the BERSAFE 88 system to FEMGV. A single installation of the interface will not be able to access both database types directly, but access via a neutral character file is possible in both cases.

Data from the following BERSAFE 88 analysis modules can be handled by the interface program:

• BERSAFE - Static Elastic analysis, Phase II, Level 3
• ELOPPER - Post processor for Phase II
• BERSAFE - Static Non-linear analysis, Phase III, Level 3
• PLOPPER - Post processor for Phase III
• BERDYNE - Linear Dynamic analysis, Level 3

The interface program reads data from the 'F2' file that is generated by BERSAFE 88. The interface program translates the data into a form compatible with FEMVIEW and offers the following output options:

• write the data directly to the FEMVIEW database,
• write the data to a sequential character file,
• do both of the above.

Option 1 transfers the data directly to the FEMVIEW database. Options 2 above produces a character file containing data in the format required by FEMVIEW. This may be read into the FEMVIEW database by using the command 'UTILITY READ VIEWDATA'. Option 3 may be used as a backup facility if required.

This interface program requires the key file. The key file must be in the same directory as the interface program, or a link must be created to a remote keyfile using an operating system dependent command (see environment variable FGVKEY in the FEMGV Installation and Customisation Guide).

Note that to process data generated by the BERSAFE FLHE program for steady state and transient thermal analysis a separate interface program is available, the operation of which is not described in this manual. Users who require the interface program to FLHE should contact their distributor.