Getting a deeper understanding of NASTRAN

[lusosa]

Good afternoon (or whatever particular time it may be),

I've been using NASTRAN for quite a while now (almost 5 years) and I am fairly familiar with how models are created, the basic logic of the program and I can read the most common bulk data entries.

However, I still feel a bit lost about the executive control and case control of most solutions. I've been dealing with this in my job by simply copying and pasting what other colleagues have been using and is working, but as I dive into deeper problems, trying to create my own input files for solutions, I realize that simply copying previous work will no longer be enough.

I've been trying to go trough the source material of Nastran User's Guides, but I am having trouble finding a master line to follow, and so much of the time I spend jumping from reference to reference and lose focus of what I was trying to learn.

I was looking for inputs of valuable resources or methods for acquiring a more detailed and complete view of NASTRAN and its solution.

 

[SWComposites]

https://www.amazon.com/MSC-NASTRAN-PRIMER-Static-Analysis/dp/1585240087

 

[dmapguru]

If it's help with MSC Nastran you are looking for, MSC has their documentation all in one place in their simcompanion site. Google "simcompanion" and get to the MSC simcompanion landing page. On the right, locate the "Product Info & Docs" link, then select MSC Nastran. You will see a table of documentation across the versions. Try the "Getting Started" guide, which has overviews of the Exec and case sections. Also try the "Linear Static Users Guide".

Unless you are writing DMAPs, the executive control section is used pretty much to define the SOL type and perhaps solver options with DOMAINSOLVER. There are other things, but they are esoteric.

The case control section on the other hand (everything after CEND up to the XY plot OUTPUT() section) is a different story. There are lots of options here, from simple data recovery requests to defining random response expanded subcases with superlements.

When you've read the relevant parts of Harry's book (a splendid tome) and the guides, come back with specific questions and we can help. Otherwise, a NAS 101 training course could be an idea.

DG

 

[lusosa]

@dmapguru

I am just finishing reading the 'Getting Started' guide, and while it is nice to have everything laid out in an organized way, I don't think it introduced me to anything particularly new.

And yes, I am at the point trying to write some DMAP Alters. I am also (generally) familiar with MSC documentation, although I use them more as one would use a dictionary, rather than a textbook.

I will try to bring more specific questions the next time, but it was kind of the intention leaving this thread open to see how other people went about on learning about the tool

 

[dmapguru]

I learnt the tool a bit at a time, trying things out, reading lots, asking experts. Nastran is complicated software, but there are people around who know it well.

Persist, ask questions, try things out.

DG