- Starting at $62.50/month
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Fabric Structure Analysis, previously known as MPanel FEA, is a simple yet powerful Finite Element Analysis solution for designers, fabricators and engineers of fabric structures. Unlike general-purpose FEA tools, the powerful non-linear solver is designed specifically to handle the unique behaviour of fabric structure membranes including slack fabric and large displacements.
Working as a plugin inside AutoCAD, Rhino, or our lightweight MPCore environment, the software includes a user-friendly interface making it easy to use and accessible to most users. Users can quickly set up models, define materials, apply pre-stress values, and simulate real-world conditions such as wind, rain and snow. The results appear directly in CAD as both graphical plots and tabular data, and can also be exported to Excel for submission to a certifying engineer.
“I’ve been really impressed with the system. It takes the guesswork out of complex projects, allowing us to be more precise and even reduce over-engineering. By integrating this into our workflow, we can take on larger projects with confidence.”
Jamie Watts
Director
Sail Shades Direct
What Our Fabric Structure Analysis Software Is & How It Works
Fabric Structure Analysis connects a powerful non-linear solver to a familiar CAD-native workflow. You can import models directly from AutoCAD, Rhino, or MPCore, specify fabric and cable properties, and apply environmental conditions like wind and snow to test performance.
MPCore, included free with every purchase, is our lightweight CAD engine designed to save you thousands on annual licensing if you don’t already use AutoCAD or Rhino. It’s simpler to learn, so your team can get productive faster.
Key features & benefits of Fabric Structure Analysis
Specialised for tensile structures
Accurately handles large membrane displacements where general FEA software fails.
Robust non-linear solver
Fast and reliable, resolving complex behaviour including loose fabric zones and zero-stress conditions.
Lightweight CAD environment
CAD-native workflow with MPCore included: Runs in AutoCAD, Rhino, or MPCore at no extra cost.
Environmental load testing and membrane structure stress testing
Apply wind, snow, and pre-stress conditions to test how your structures will perform under real-world stresses.
Actionable output
Export results into Excel to pass them directly to a certifying engineer for code-compliant verification.
Who is Our Fabric Structure Analysis Software For?
This software is designed for:
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Fabric structure designers and engineers to:
- Determine loads on structural elements
- Specify materials to be used
- Specify footings/mounting hardware
- Engineering firms delivering and certifying fabric structure projects
- Safety consultants requiring accurate engineering analysis
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Fabric structure companies needing analysis to:
- Specify correct materials before quoting and construction
- Provide client engineers with reactions to any building fixings
How hard is this software to learn and become proficient with?
Learn more about Support & Training ->Comparing Our Fabric Structure Analysis to other solutions
Other software platforms exist in the tensile space, but they are often far more complex to operate and can struggle to deal with real world problems such as loose fabric or zero stress zones.
Fabric Structure Analysis is different:
- Works inside AutoCAD, Rhino, or MPCore so your workflow stays familiar and you avoid the costs of purchasing and learning another CAD interface.
- Adds advanced Finite Element Analysis only when you need it, making it a flexible upgrade for design teams.
- Supported by the full MPanel ecosystem, connecting sales, design, fabrication, and analysis in one toolset.
Is Fabric Structure Analysis the tool you really need?
Click here to find out ->Book a live Fabric Analysis software demo
Book a demo to arrange a time to have one of our team take you through the software, or get started immediately by purchasing. We have monthly billing and no ongoing commitment; you can scale your usage as your projects demand!
Fabric Structure Analysis FAQs
You can use AutoCAD or Rhino, but every purchase also includes MPCore, our free lightweight CAD environment. MPCore is easier to learn and saves you thousands in licensing if you don’t already use those platforms.
You can use AutoCAD or Rhino, but every purchase also includes MPCore, our free lightweight CAD environment. MPCore is easier to learn and saves you thousands in licensing if you don’t already use those platforms.
You can use AutoCAD or Rhino, but every purchase also includes MPCore, our free lightweight CAD environment. MPCore is easier to learn and saves you thousands in licensing if you don’t already use those platforms.
