NuMAD is a user-friendly, X-windows based (GUI) pre-processor and post-processor for the ANSYS ^® commercial finite element engine. It is designed to enable users to quickly and easily create a three-dimensional model of a turbine blade.

Given the complex geometry of most wind turbine blades, structural modeling using the finite element method is generally performed using a unique model for each particular blade analysis. Development time (often considerable) spent creating a model for one blade may not aid in the development of a model for a different blade. NuMAD has been developed in an effort to reduce model development time and increase the usability of advanced finite element analysis capabilities.

A new version of NuMAD has recently been completed (Sep 2008). This code may be obtained by contacting Sam Gershin (smgersh@sandia.gov). Please provide your name, affiliation, address, and email.

The draft version of the User's Manual will be available early December 2008.