The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled the latest version of its Finite Element Analysis of Structures (FEAST) software at the 8th National Finite Element Developers’ Meeting, held at IIT Hyderabad. The event brought together over 250 experts from academia and industry, highlighting the significance of FEAST in advancing India’s space missions. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan emphasized the software’s critical role in structural design for upcoming projects such as the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
What is FEAST?
Developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), FEAST is an indigenous finite element analysis software designed to predict how structures respond to different forces, including stress and temperature variations. The software provides a cost-effective alternative to foreign simulation tools, making it highly beneficial for students, researchers, and industries in India.
Applications of FEAST
FEAST plays a crucial role in several of ISRO’s major projects, including:
- Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first manned space mission relies on FEAST for structural design and analysis.
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station: The design and structural assessment of India’s proposed space station incorporate FEAST simulations.
- Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): The software aids in enhancing the structural robustness of ISRO’s future launch vehicles.
By streamlining complex simulations, FEAST strengthens India’s space exploration capabilities and reduces dependency on foreign software solutions.
Accessibility of FEAST
To encourage widespread usage, ISRO has issued over 4,000 licenses for FEAST across academic institutions, research centers, and industries. The software is available in three versions:
- Academic Version – Tailored for students and educational institutions.
- Premium Version – Designed for small and medium industries.
- Professional Version – Suitable for larger enterprises and advanced research applications.
Additionally, ISRO offers a free trial version on its official website, fostering accessibility and adoption among a broader user base.
Educational Initiatives
To further promote learning, ISRO has published a book titled Introduction to Finite Element Analysis, aimed at undergraduate engineering students and practicing engineers. This resource provides step-by-step tutorials and solved examples, making it easier to understand and apply finite element analysis (FEA) techniques.
Future Developments
Beyond FEAST, ISRO is also developing Pravaha, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. This initiative aligns with ISRO’s vision of enhancing simulation capabilities and fostering self-reliance in engineering software development.
By investing in indigenous software like FEAST and Pravaha, ISRO continues to pave the way for technological advancements, making India a global leader in space technology and structural engineering.