💥💥💥 How to model in PrePoMAX ?

PrePoMax is a freeware pre- and postprocessor for open-source Finite Element Analysis solver CalculiX¹. It offers a user-friendly GUI and supports many features provided by the CalculiX solver. To model in PrePoMax, you need to follow these general steps:

• Create or import a geometry using the Geometry menu².
• Generate a mesh using the Mesh menu².
• Define the FE model using the Model, Property, Interaction, Initial Condition, and Step menus².
• Export the input file for CalculiX using the File menu².
• Run the analysis using the Tools menu².
• Import the results file and visualize the output using the View menu².

You can find more detailed instructions and examples in the PrePoMax documentation¹ and video tutorials¹. I hope this helps you get started with PrePoMax. 😊

• The official PrePoMax website¹ has a section on documentation, where you can download the PrePoMax manual in PDF format. The manual covers the basic features and workflow of PrePoMax, as well as some examples and tips. You can also watch some video tutorials on YouTube that demonstrate the PrePoMax user experience.
• The PrePoMax 1.3.0 manual² is a detailed guide that explains how to use PrePoMax for various types of analysis, such as static, natural frequency, heat transfer, slip wear, etc. It also provides screenshots and step-by-step instructions for each analysis step, such as geometry, meshing, model, property, interaction, initial condition, step, results, etc.
• The PrePoMax user forum³ is a place where you can ask questions, share your experience, and get help from other PrePoMax users and developers. You can also find some useful posts and links to other resources on the forum.

• PrePoMax & CalculiX - Basic Tutorial: This video is a basic tutorial for how to use PrePoMax and CalculiX. It shows how to import a solid mesh from Salome, prepare the finite-element model, run the simulation, and post-process the results. It also has subtitles with brief instructions.
• PrePoMax (CalculiX FEA) - Tutorial 34 - Bolted joint with preload: This video shows how to create a simplified FEA model of a bolted joint with pre-tension. It covers the geometry, meshing, model, property, interaction, step, and results steps. It also provides a link to download the geometry file.
• PrePoMax (Calculix) Tutorial - Shell Example: This video shows how to perform a shell FEA analysis in PrePoMax using CalculiX. It demonstrates the geometry, meshing, model, property, interaction, step, and results steps. It also provides a link to a case description and the results of the test.

Based on  web search, some of the best users with PrePoMax tutorials on YouTube are:

• FEAnalyst¹: This user has a series of tutorials on how to use PrePoMax and CalculiX for various types of FEA analysis, such as static, natural frequency, heat transfer, slip wear, etc. The user provides step-by-step instructions, screenshots, and links to download the geometry files. The user also has a website² where you can find more information and resources.
• Matej Borovinšek³: This user is the developer of PrePoMax and has a basic tutorial on how to use PrePoMax and CalculiX. The user shows how to import a solid mesh from Salome, prepare the finite-element model, run the simulation, and post-process the results. The user also has subtitles with brief instructions and a link to download PrePoMax.
• Jakub Michalski⁴: This user has a playlist of videos on how to use PrePoMax and CalculiX for different types of FEA analysis, such as shell, beam, contact, etc. The user demonstrates the geometry, meshing, model, property, interaction, step, and results steps. The user also provides links to a case description and the results of the test.

Can I use PrePoMax for other solvers?

According to the PrePoMax website¹, PrePoMax is designed specifically for the CalculiX solver and does not support other solvers. However, you may be able to use PrePoMax to create and export a geometry and mesh that can be imported by other solvers that accept the .inp file format. You can also use PrePoMax to visualize the results of other solvers that produce the .frd file format. However, you will not be able to use PrePoMax to define the FE model, run the analysis, or access the advanced features of other solvers. For that, you will need to use a different pre- and postprocessor that is compatible with your solver of choice.

Can I use PrePoMax on a Mac?

Unfortunately, PrePoMax is not available for Mac OS. PrePoMax is based on the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8, which is only compatible with Windows operating systems¹. You will need a Windows PC or a virtual machine to run PrePoMax. Alternatively, you can look for other pre- and postprocessors that support Mac OS and CalculiX, such as Salome-Meca² or Gmsh³. 

Can I run PrePoMax on Linux?

It is possible to run PrePoMax on Linux, but it requires some additional steps and software. PrePoMax is based on the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8, which is only compatible with Windows operating systems¹. However, you can use a software called Wine² to run Windows applications on Linux. Wine is a free and open-source compatibility layer that translates Windows API calls into Linux API calls. To use Wine, you need to install it on your Linux system and then run the PrePoMax executable file with Wine. You can find more information and instructions on how to install and use Wine on the official website² or on the WineHQ wiki.

Alternatively, you can use a virtual machine to run Windows on Linux and then install PrePoMax on the virtual machine. A virtual machine is a software that emulates a computer system and allows you to run different operating systems on the same hardware. Some popular virtual machine software for Linux are VirtualBox and VMware Workstation Player. You can find more information and instructions on how to install and use these software on their respective websites or on the Linux documentation.