Analysis Methods

SonoAnalyzer Free / Demo

The following analysis methods are currently available for SonoAnalyzer Free / Demo:

Local Database

Available for three simple models (stepped cylinder, ring, fixed-end tube), these models use a database of finite-element analysis (FEA) results in a condensed format for all possible combinations of the model dimensions over the ranges specified. SonoAnalyzer uses this database to find the best match to your requested dimensions (including interpolating between stored results). This produces answers very quickly with some interpretation of the mode shape - where possible vibration modes are given appropriate names, eg. A1 for axial-mode first harmonic. The limitations of this are the relatively simple geometries available, slightly reduced accuracy (due to the interpolation process) and the removal of some unusual vibration modes that may be confined to certain regions of the model space.

Saved results file

Results can be saved from SonoAnalyzer OE or Pro (versions 1.6 onwards) and viewed in any version of SonoAnalyzer, including SonoAnalyzer Free. This allows for convenient distribution and communication of results, as well as demonstrating the functions of the paid versions.

SonoAnalyzer OE (online edition)

The following analysis methods are currently available for SonoAnalyzer OE (Note - not all methods may be available for all models):

Online Database

The same databases of FEA results as provided for local use in SonoAnalyzer Free. This type of analysis is now deprecated in SonoAnalyzer OE because readily available computing power makes the online FEA method (described below) fast enough so there's no reason not to use it. Models using this method can be found in SonoAnalyzer OE or Pro through the menu selection: Options -> Show deprecated models.

Online FEA

The exact dimensions and material properties you specify are run through a full finite-element analysis on your request. Compared to the database results above this type of analysis offers better accuracy on resonant frequencies (by removing interpolation errors in the database lookups) and a full set of vibration modes, but these modes are presented with only very limited interpretation, typically named Mode1, Mode2 etc. Significant extra computational resources are required, compared to the database lookup above, so this type of analysis is slower.

SonoAnalyzer Pro

SonoAnalyzer Pro, a more advanced version of SonoAnalyzer, includes all the same features as OE plus the following extra analysis methods.

Managed Analysis Server

A "cloud" virtual server, dedicated to a single client, which is started on demand and stopped when not in use. Managed servers, as the name implies, are fully-managed so all the user needs to do is select it. The Pro license includes access to up to 4000 hours of server time during the annual term. This is a convenient and cost-effective solution requiring no special setup by the user.

Root Analysis Server

The Root Analysis server is a solution for users that prefer to be 100% in control of their systems. This may be a virtual or dedicated server on the client's own machine / local network, or a server elsewhere connected via a secure tunnel over the internet. It may also be a cloud-server instance started and stopped on demand. A VirtualBox virtual server containing all necessary software is available for free download.

Local Native FEA

Other analysis solutions depend on a GNU-Linux server running CalculiX, the finite-element analysis program preferred for SonoAnalyzer. CalculiX is primarily a Linux / Unix - based program, but can also be run on MS Windows PCs using Cygwin. A Cygwin - CalculiX distribution package is available for free download.