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Hi Matt, There has been a little use of ELFEN for structural geology and mineralising processes in Australia. I tried it about a decade ago. However, the ITASCA codes remain good value. I've been using them (as they've been developed) since about 1985. Courtesy of Roger Hart, the manuals are superb, for the physics as well as its translation into usable code. FLAC and FLAC3D are both easily accessible, and have an internal code, FISH, which may be used for programming within the codes e.g. plotting evolution of finite strain magnitudes and orientations during 3D deformations. The original and central ITASCA offices are in Minneapolis. Check with them re educational licences. http://itascacg.com/software/flac http://itascacg.com/software/flac3d If you want to see some 3D geological examples, check out: Sorjonen-Ward, P., Zhang, Y., and Zhao, C. Numerical modelling of orogenic processes and gold mineralisation in the southeastern part of the Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 49, 935-964, 2002. Gow, P.A., Upton, P., Zhao, C., and Hill, K.C. Copper-gold mineralisation in New Guinea: numerical modelling of collision, fluid flow and intrusion-related hydrothermal systems. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 49, 753-771, 2002. Ord, A., Hobbs, B.E., Zhang, Y., Broadbent, G.C., Brown, M., Willetts, G., Sorjonen-Ward, P., Walshe, J.L., and Zhao, Y. Geodynamic modelling of the Century deposit, Mt Isa Province, Queensland. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 49, 1011-1039, 2002. Some papers are beginning to come out using Abaqus, see for example: Zhang, Y., Karrech, A., Schaubs, P.M., Regenauer-Lieb, K., Poulet, T., and Cleverley, J.S. Modelling of deformation around magmatic intrusions with application to gold-related structures in the Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia. Tectonophysics, 526-529, 133-146, 2012. I like the introduction as it provides a concise history for the development of numerical modelling for understanding mineralising processes as explored over the couple of decades in Australia. I have also had a lot of success with mathematica, for exploring the intricacies of deformation and all its parts. Have fun! Best wishes, Alison ________________________________________ From: Tectonics & structural geology discussion list [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Hermann Lebit [[log in to unmask]] Sent: Tuesday, 20 August 2013 10:31 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Numerical Modeling Software Matt, actually 3D deformation fields and strain are an ambitious subject and glade somebody is taking it on. I would recommend to have a look at ELFIN FEM program package from Rockfield. They may have some affortable edu licensing. It is a quiet widespread application in the oil industry and therefore easy to use. Good luck Hermann On 8/19/13 10:34 PM, Massey, Matthew A wrote: > Hi All, > > I'm delving into the world of numerical modeling (mostly progressive deformation, at this point) and wanted a some advice. I had originally assumed that most structural geologists (and maybe most geologists?) use MATLAB or Octave, but after talking with several others, I've been informed this may not be entirely true. So before I begin, I'd like to get an idea of what most people really are using these days, and should a beginner start with something else? For the second part of that question, some things to keep in mind about myself: (1) I'm definitely not a programmer, nor a mathematician, but I think I can figure a lot of things out with some work; (2) at the moment, I plan on using this for modeling the evolution of finite strain magnitudes and orientations during 3D deformations, BUT I'm definitely interested in other future possibilities within the realms of structural geology, petrology, and geochronology. And one last follow up question - can you recommend some good instructional materials for said software (online tutorials, papers, published textbooks/manuals, etc.)? > > Thanks, > > Matt > > > ___________________ > Matthew A. Massey > Department Earth & Environmental Sciences > University of Kentucky > Lexington, KY 40506-053