The Autodesk^® Nastran^® In-CAD 2019.1: Essentials learning guide instructs students in the use of the Autodesk^® Nastran^® In-CAD software. The software is a finite element analysis (FEA) tool that is embedded directly in the Autodesk^® Inventor^® software as an Add-In. It is powered by the Autodesk Nastran solver and offers simulation capabilities specifically tailored for designers and analysts as a tool for predicting the physical behavior of parts or assemblies under various boundary conditions. Through a hands-on, practice-intensive curriculum, students acquire the knowledge required to work in the Autodesk Nastran In-CAD environment to setup and conduct FEA analyzes on part and assembly models.

Note: This learning guide was written using the 2019.1.0.200 build of the Autodesk^® Nastran^® In-CAD 2019.1 software.

Topics Covered

• Activate and navigate the Autodesk Nastran In-CAD environment to conduct FEA analyzes on part and assembly models.
• Create, edit, and assign idealizations and materials (linear and nonlinear) for use in an analysis (including composites).
• Manage the creation, setup, and modification of analyses and subcases that are used to analyze both static and dynamic models. Specific analyses types that are covered in this learning guide include:
  • Linear Static
  • Nonlinear Static
  • Nonlinear Transient Response
  • Normal Modes
  • Direct Frequency Response
  • Modal Frequency Response
  • Direct Transient Response
  • Modal Transient Response
  • Random Response
  • Shock/Response Spectrum
• Create constraints with the required degrees of freedom and assign them to entities in the model.
• Create loads that accurately represent the magnitude and location of the loads the model will experience in the working environment.
• Create Connector elements to simulate how a physical connector such as a rod, cable, spring, rigid body, or bolt will affect the model.
• Create Surface Contact elements to define contact between interacting components in an assembly.
• Assign global and local mesh settings.
• Run an Autodesk Nastran In-CAD analysis.
• Review and create result plots for analyzing the results of an Autodesk Nastran In-CAD analysis.

Prerequisites
This learning guide assumes that a student has Finite Element Analysis (FEA) knowledge, can interpret results, and in general, knows how a model should be setup for an analysis. The main goal of this learning guide is to teach a user that is new to the Autodesk^® Nastran^® In-CAD software how to navigate the interface to successfully analyze a model.
This learning guide was written using the 2019.1.0.200 build of the Autodesk^® Nastran^® In-CAD 2019 software. The software user-interface and workflow may vary if older or newer versions of the software are being used.