PrePoMax is a freeware pre- and postprocessor for open-source Finite Element Analysis solver CalculiX 1 . 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 menu 2 . Generate a mesh using the Mesh menu 2 . Define the FE model using the Model , Property , Interaction , Initial Condition , and Step menus 2 . Export the input file for CalculiX using the File menu 2 . Run the analysis using the Tools menu 2 . Import the results file and visualize the output using the View menu 2 . You can find more detailed instructions and examples in the PrePoMax documentation 1 and video tutorials 1 . I hope this helps you get started with PrePoMax. π The official PrePoMax website 1 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