[Shop-talk] Advice regarding free (public domain) or affordable CAD software

[Wayne]

Ron & Mary Trimmer wrote:
> I am looking for public domain or affordable CAD software that will run on a
> PC.  I have XP.
> It would be desirable to have the capability for it to do stress tests.

I used to support Autocad 2000 and Pro-Engineer at a previous job;  but 
they're high-dollar.  I'm not aware of any free packages that fully 
featured.  You might try Wikipedia.  They usually have lists or 
comparison matrixes of types of software.  You probably need a package 
that does 3D modeling to do what you're asking.

The stress testing is called "Finite element analysis", to give ya' 
something to google on.  Or check: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finite_element_analysis

Some software offers inexpensive student versions.  Eg, AutoCAD for $160 
at the community college bookstore, if you're registered for the $60 CAD 
class.

   -Wayne