V5i GPN - MSC.Nastran within CATIA V5

The following is a tutorial illustrating how you can use MSC.Nastran within CATIA V5. MSC.Nastran Generative (GPN) from MSC.Software will allow you to perform linear static analysis and normal modes directly within the GPS user interface.

GPN belongs to the MSC.visualNastran V5i products family; it complements CATIA V5 Analysis and Simulation with additional linear, nonlinear, thermal, and dynamic motion simulation modules. Please visit the MSC.Software V5i website at:http://www.mscsoftware.com or http://www.V5i.com for more information.

The following example is part of the V5i tutorial. After installing V5i on your computer, select Start, Programs, MSC.Software Corporation, V5i R10 Online Docs, User Guide.html.

   MSC.Nastran Linear Static Analysis Example

The following example will show you how to create a simple simulation model, run a MSC.Nastran linear static analysis, and perform simple postprocessing of the analysis results.

1. Start CATIA. Select File/Open from the Main Menu, select
<InstallDir>\Tutorial\Samples\Handle.CATPart and then click OK.
A model of a frying pan handle will appear something like this:

2. You will now add the restraint and load conditions. From the GPS menu, select Start/Analysis & Simulation/Generative Structural Analysis. Insert a new MSC case by selecting the MSC logo on the icon toolbar:

3. The `New Analysis Case' dialog is replaced by the following. Select MSC Linear Static Case and click OK.

4. On the Restraint toolbar select the icon shown below and drag it to one of the body's faces. This will apply a Clamp style restraint. To accept the new Clamp, click OK on the Clamp form that appears:

5. On the Load Toolbar, select the icon shown below and drag it to one of the body's faces. In the Pressure form that appears enter "50N_m2" in the Pressure text box. This will apply a pressure load on the body. To accept the pressure load, click OK.

6. The simulation model is now complete and ready to run. To run the MSC linear static case, click on the compute icon shown below. Select All on the Compute dialog. Then click OK to submit the Analysis Case:

7. The Computation Status window will appear:

8. To render the Von Mises plot, reselect the MSC Linear Static Case Solution: 1 entry in the specification tree, then click on the Image toolbar icon shown:

The Von Mises plot should appear like this

When you are done with this example, you can either move on to the Frequency Analysis Example or exit MSC.Nastran Generative by selecting Start / Exit.

This tutorial is a subset of a tutorial presenting the structural and thermal analysis of a model of a frying pan assembly.