NeiNastran for an MSC user?

[JakeLiv]

Hi

I've read so much about NEINASTRAN, that I want to take it out for a spin. I'm mainly in the composite buisness, and I assue this means a seperate module...

can someone please post a tutoril for the composite module which covers it's capabilities? I assume the 300 node limited edition doesn't come with composite capabilities.

 

[SWComposites]

The noraneng.com site has lots of info on the capabilities of NEiNastran. Noran is usually very good about providing a full trial version of their software.

 

[ThomasH]

Speaking from experience my guess is that if you ask Noran they will provide you with a full 30-day evaluation license.

Thomas

 

[JakeLiv]

Thanks.

their representative has contacted me. I hope they will be able to give me the full version for eval.

going to run it thru hell and back

does the modeler have good meshing capabilities?

 

[SWComposites]

The modeler (Femap) is reasonably good, but like all meshers it has its quirks. There are a lot of options for controlling the mesh, so suggest you spend some time reading the relevant sections of the manuals, and try out a bunch of the options in some test models, both shells and solids. If you are dealing with composites, the biggest problem with Femap is that material coordinate system ids for Nastran are not supported; Femap converts material coordinate systems ids to angles when writing the Nastran data file.

 

[hansm2]

I could be wrong but I think all modules of NEi Nastran contain composites. They do not license this seperately. Your sales person can probably help you there.

As for composites capabilities they seem to have it all. I took their 2 day training class and it was very helpful. There is an advanced drapping tool available which they sell seperately. You probably will not need it though.

 

[JakeLiv]

hansm2,

if the module is similar to MSC laminate modeler, then I might need it..

I really hope femap doesn't mess up the directions and ply orientation, but I'll just wait and see.