NASTRAN training

Lesson 1 • Element Types and Selection

Surveys 1D, 2D, and 3D element families available in Nastran. Guides selection criteria based on geometry, loading, and accuracy requirements.

Lesson 2 • Nastran Input File Basics

Explains the bulk data, case control, and executive control sections of the input deck. Provides the syntax knowledge needed to build and modify models manually.

Lesson 3 • Finite Element Analysis Overview

Covers the mathematical basis of FEA, including discretization and equilibrium equations. Establishes the theoretical framework used throughout all Nastran analyses.

Lesson 4 • Nastran Software Architecture

Introduces Nastran's modular structure, executive system, and database organisation. Connects software layout to efficient model setup and job submission.

Lesson 1 • Meshing Strategies and Techniques

Teaches structured, unstructured, and hybrid meshing approaches for various geometries. Mesh quality directly affects solution accuracy and convergence.

Lesson 2 • Geometry Import and Preparation

Addresses importing CAD geometry, cleaning surfaces, and resolving topology issues. Proper geometry preparation directly reduces meshing errors downstream.

Lesson 3 • Boundary Conditions and Loads

Defines SPC, MPC, and load entry types for constraining and loading the model. Accurate boundary conditions are essential for physically meaningful results.

Lesson 4 • Connections and Interfaces

Covers RBE2, RBE3, and CBUSH elements for modelling joints, welds, and interfaces. Correct connectivity ensures accurate load transfer between components.

Lesson 1 • Convergence and Mesh Refinement

Demonstrates h-refinement and p-refinement strategies to achieve converged stress results. Convergence studies are a required step in credible FEA practice.

Lesson 2 • SOL 101 Setup and Execution

Configures the executive and case control sections for a static linear run. Correct setup prevents common job failure modes before submission.

Lesson 3 • Displacement and Stress Output

Explains DISP, STRESS, and FORCE output requests and their result formats. Connects output selection to post-processing efficiency and completeness.

Lesson 4 • Post-Processing Static Results

Uses pre/post tools to visualise deformed shapes, stress contours, and XY plots. Effective visualisation communicates results to engineering stakeholders.

Lesson 1 • SOL 103 Configuration

Sets up EIGRL and EIGR entries, frequency range, and mode count requests. Proper configuration ensures all relevant modes are captured efficiently.

Lesson 2 • Model Correlation Basics

Introduces MAC values and frequency comparison for correlating FEA modes to test data. Correlation validates the model before advanced dynamic analyses.

Lesson 3 • Mode Shape Visualisation

Animates and interprets mode shapes to identify bending, torsion, and local modes. Mode shape review guides design changes to shift critical frequencies.

Lesson 4 • Mass and Stiffness Modifications

Demonstrates how added mass, stiffeners, and boundary changes shift natural frequencies. Parametric studies connect design variables to dynamic performance.

Lesson 1 • Dynamic Load Definition

Defines RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1, and TLOAD2 entries for frequency and time domain loads. Accurate load definition is the foundation of meaningful dynamic results.

Lesson 2 • Damping Models in Nastran

Covers structural, viscous, and modal damping entries and their physical meaning. Correct damping representation is critical for realistic dynamic predictions.

Lesson 3 • Frequency Response Analysis Setup

Configures direct and modal frequency response solutions for harmonic excitation. Choosing the correct method balances accuracy and computational cost.

Lesson 4 • Transient Response Analysis Setup

Sets up SOL 109 and SOL 112 for time-domain structural response to impulse and ramp loads. Time step selection governs accuracy and stability of the solution.

Lesson 1 • Contact Analysis in Nastran

Sets up BCTABLE, BSURF, and contact parameters for surface-to-surface interaction. Contact modelling captures load transfer and stress concentrations at interfaces.

Lesson 2 • Geometric Nonlinearity Concepts

Explains large displacement, follower forces, and stress stiffening effects. These concepts justify when SOL 106 is required over linear solutions.

Lesson 3 • Material Nonlinearity and Plasticity

Introduces MATS1 and stress-strain curve input for elastic-plastic material behaviour. Material nonlinearity is essential for accurate failure and permanent deformation prediction.

Lesson 4 • Linear Buckling Analysis SOL 105

Sets up eigenvalue buckling to find critical load multipliers and buckling mode shapes. Buckling results inform safety factors and design margins for slender structures.

Lesson 1 • Steady-State Thermal Analysis SOL 153

Configures SOL 153 for steady-state heat transfer with nonlinear boundary conditions. Temperature field results feed directly into structural thermal stress analysis.

Lesson 2 • Thermal Analysis Fundamentals

Covers conduction, convection, and radiation boundary conditions in Nastran thermal models. Thermal physics understanding is prerequisite to accurate coupled analysis.

Lesson 3 • Transient Thermal Analysis SOL 159

Sets up time-dependent heat transfer using SOL 159 with time-varying boundary conditions. Transient results capture thermal gradients during heating and cooling cycles.

Lesson 4 • Thermal-Structural Coupling

Maps temperature fields from thermal runs onto structural models for stress analysis. Coupling workflow links two solution types for accurate thermomechanical results.

Lesson 1 • Random Vibration Analysis

Performs power spectral density analysis to predict RMS stress and displacement responses. Random vibration analysis is essential for aerospace and automotive durability assessments.

Lesson 2 • Aeroelastic Analysis Basics

Introduces doublet lattice aerodynamics and flutter analysis using SOL 145 and SOL 146. Aeroelastic capability extends Nastran to aerospace structural certification tasks.

Lesson 3 • Superelement and Substructuring

Uses Craig-Bampton and Guyan reduction to create superelements for large assemblies. Substructuring reduces computational cost while preserving accuracy at interfaces.

Lesson 4 • High-Performance Computing for Nastran

Covers parallel processing, DMP, and SMP options to reduce wall-clock time for large models. HPC configuration is critical for industrial-scale analysis turnaround.