This 'cage' is a security barrier for an underground parking garage. The 'blocks' shown are intended to represent a climber's feet. I just threw them in place an boolean-ed them on. I'm
getting the impression that this FEA has much to do with creating
jigs...
I've been wanting to get an idea of how the structure will react to
curious folks climbing on it. It also allows me to check different
configurations, stock types, etc. My process with SnS has not been highly scientific at all. Using forces/values that I drummed up through units conversions, and my limited memory of using Algor and Cosmos, I was able to get results that are meaningful to me. The ability to work within Rhino with Nurbs data seems to take much of the pain out of FEA.
SnS has allowed me to very simply and easily provide some "post-design justification," and set me at ease to a lingering question. I'm hoping to be able to add intelligence to future models/products with this tool.