Pynite — The Complete Guide: 3D Finite Element Structural Analysis in Python
Pynite is an open-source Python library (MIT licence) for 3D finite element analysis of structures. It has no graphical interface: you define nodes, beams, columns and plates in code, apply load cases and combinations, and get displacements, reactions and bending moment, shear and deflection diagrams.
Pynite
D. Craig Brinck (JWock82)
A Python library for 3D finite element analysis of frames, plates and shear walls — static, P-Δ, modal and PDF reports.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- 3D frames and plates — beams, columns, plates, shear walls and mat foundations.
- Load cases and combinations — defined in code and solved in one run.
- Static, P-Δ and modal analysis — plus pushover of steel frames.
- Diagrams and results — moments, shear, deflection, displacements and reactions.
- PDF report — a results report produced straight from the model.
Who it suits
Pynite is good for repetitive calculations — the same frame with different dimensions or loads — and for cross-checking results from commercial software. You work in a script or in JupyterLab, so basic Python knowledge is needed.
Related tools
For quick 2D analysis of frames and trusses — anaStruct. For non-linear and earthquake analysis — OpenSees. For properties of any cross-section shape — sectionproperties.
anaStruct
Ritchie Vink and contributors
Quick 2D frame and truss analysis in Python — moments, shear, axial force and displacements in a few lines of code.
Get it from the vendor
OpenSees
Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center, UC Berkeley
Nonlinear and dynamic structural analysis driven by scripts, from the earthquake engineering world.
Get it from the vendor
sectionproperties
Robbie van Leeuwen
Section properties of any shape by finite elements — inertia, torsion, warping, shear centre and stresses in the section.
Get it from the vendor
Frame3DD
Frame3DD Project
3D frame and truss solver driven by an input file — excellent for automation and repeat runs.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
Pynite is a light, free structural analysis engine that fits into any Python script — excellent for automation and cross-checks. Checking the model and results stays the engineer’s job.