General Questions:
- What is AFGROW?
- Who develops AFGROW?
- How much does AFGROW cost?
- Do you offer network licensing?
- How do I get started with AFGROW?
- How Can I purchase the commercial version of AFGROW?
- What kind of support do you offer?
- Can AFGROW users make suggestions for new features and capabilities?
- Why is AFGROW no longer free?
- Is AFGROW open source?
- Why should I consider purchasing a yearly maintenance plan for AFGROW?
- Who is responsible for maintaining the Damage Tolerance Design Handbook?
What is AFGROW?
AFGROW was originally developed as an Air Force fatigue crack growth life analysis tool by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. The history of AFGROW can be traced back to ASDGRO, a program developed by Mr. Ed Davidson at the Air Force Aeronautical Systems Division in early to mid 1980's. A full history of AFGROW can be found on the AFGROW history page. Simply put, AFGROW is a program that "predicts" the life of a metallic structure subject to repeated fatigue loading. This prediction is used to establish an inspection schedule so that cracks may be found before a structure fails.
Who develops AFGROW?
AFGROW is under development as a commercial product by LexTech, Inc.
How much does AFGROW cost?
The current commercial version of AFGROW (Version 5.4) is available to purchase at a cost of $1650.00 (US). This price includes one hour of technical support and access to the “MyAFGROW” section of the AFGROW web site for a period of one-year after a license has been activated. Access to the MyAFGROW section of the web site includes the ability to search/download information from our fracture mechanics database.
Do you offer network licensing?
We offer three licensing options. The most common option is a node locked license where AFGROW may be used on a single PC or laptop. We offer a dongle based license that uses a removable USB “dongle” to verify the license. AFGROW may be loaded on more than one PC or laptop, but the dongle must be installed to use the license. The dongle is purchased separately through LexTech, Inc. Finally, the network licensing option is available to customers who purchase 15 licenses or more.
How do I get started with AFGROW?
There are several great places to get started with using AFGROW. The best way to learn how to use AFGROW and get direct help from our staff is at one of our scheduled training classes. We have a presentation that describes all available AFGROW Online Resources. Finally, for a jump start today you can view our Getting Started with AFGROW video.
How can AFGROW users purchase the commercial version of AFGROW?
Users must register on this site to obtain a login ID and Password. Once approved, users may login at any time for access to the My AFGROW section of the web site. The commercial version of AFGROW is available for download with a 5-day trial license. Customers may contact LexTech, Inc. to purchase a permanent license.
What kind of support do you offer?
Context sensitive html help is included with AFGROW to provide information on how various AFGROW features and capabilities may be used. In addition, a large number of references, including a comprehensive Users Guide and Technical Manual is available on the My AFGROW page section for users who have a registered account on the AFGROW Web Site. Technical support for the commercial release is available through LexTech, Inc. One hour of support is provided as part of the purchase of an AFGROW license for one year after the license is activated. One hour of support is also provided as part of the annual maintenance option. Additional support is available through LexTech, Inc.
Can AFGROW users make suggestions for new features and capabilities?
Yes. The developers of AFGROW are proud to have such an active user base and welcome all comments and suggestions
via email.
Users can also fill out the Future AFGROW Development Poll, which we use to prioritize the features we will work on next. Another great option is to attend the AFGROW user workshop where you can meet other AFGROW users and our staff to share experience and knowledge. We are also very happy to work with governments, industries, and individuals to implement specific new features.
Why is AFGROW no longer free?
The Air Force Research Laboratory has discontinued funding for new development, maintenance, and training. All funding for these services must now be provided by AFGROW Users.
Is AFGROW open source?
AFGROW is not open source and the source code is not available to the public, but we welcome all comments and suggestions via email.
Why should AFGROW users consider purchasing a yearly maintenance plan for AFGROW?
Yearly maintenance provides ongoing software and technical support (one hour per year) as well as access to software updates and access to the AFMAT fracture mechanics database. This ensures that users have the latest improvements and bug fixes for AFGROW. Although users may continue to use their AFGROW license without purchasing yearly maintenance, the license can’t be updated for a new computer.
Who is responsible for maintaining the Damage Tolerance Design Handbook?
The DTDH was developed under contract to the University of Dayton Research Institute from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. It was maintained and updated for several years under various Air Force contracts and was posted on the Air Force Research Laboratory web page until a decision was made to discontinue support for the document. LexTech, Inc. is simply providing a digital home for the most recent digital document as a courtesy to our customers and others in the damage tolerance community. LexTech, Inc. does not own the document, is not responsible for the contents, and has no maintenance responsibilities.
