PAPNUM (version 3.0) a finite element modeling and preprocessing system

"The purpose of this study is to develop the automated modeling of NASTRAN [2] Rod and Bar elements in the finite element modeling program PAPNUM, which includes the defini­ tion of the geometry and structural properties of all rod and bar elements in the finite element model. The necessary NASTRAN Bulk Data cards are automatically generated. The acronym NASTRAN is formed from NAsa STRuctural ANalysis, and the program has its origins in the research councils of NASA. The acronym PAPNUM is formed from Pre- And Post-processing of NASTRAN at the University of Missouri. PAPNUM version 2.0 [8] was written at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and allows the user to interactively build a finite element model using plate elements at a com­ puter terminal for subsequent NASTRAN processing without requiring the user to know the details of data coding for NASTRAN. PAPNUM allows the user to define the geometry, structural properties, constraints and loads of the finite element model. For user verification a three-dimensional graphics package allows the user to manipulate the view of the model. PAPNUM currently supports the following types of NASTRAN rigid formats: 1. Static Analysis 2. Normal Mode Analysis 3. Elastic Stability (Buckling) Analysis."--Page 2.