Nastran for Inventive Designers

Autodesk Nastran In-CAD 2015 for Inventor from Autodesk Inc. is a general-purpose finite element analysis (FEA) toolset powered by the high-level Autodesk Nastran FEA solver. It embeds inside of Autodesk Inventor and provides users a suite of simulation tools for basic analyses such as exploring the viability of design alternatives and concept validation. It is also equipped with advanced analysis capabilities like impact, random vibration fatigue and nonlinear static and transient response.

The Autodesk Nastran In-CAD general-purpose FEA tool embeds within Autodesk Inventor directly. It can be used for basic analyses that explore the viability of design alternatives or validate concepts. Image courtesy of Autodesk Inc.

This image taken from a video demonstration shows how from inside of Autodesk Inventor users can leverage Autodesk Nastran In-CAD to simulate the extreme conditions endured by a bolted connection within a differential. Image courtesy of Autodesk Inc.

Autodesk Nastran In-CAD 2015 for Inventor, says Autodesk, provides designers, engineers and analysts CAD-embedded FEA tools that enable them to do more complex analyses with its physics capabilities for linear, stress and thermal analysis. Basic stress analysis functionalities include static fatigue, linear buckling, heat transfer and stress, strain and deformation. The software, adds Autodesk, delivers capabilities for advanced analyses and efficient modeling capabilities through an open and integrated experience.

A screenshot taken from a video demonstration of how users can simulate thermal displacement and stress on a rotor within a brake assembly inside Autodesk Inventor using Autodesk Nastran In-CAD 2015. Image courtesy of Autodesk Inc.

Among the advanced analyses capabilities offered by Autodesk Nastran In-CAD 2015 for Inventor are frequency response, impact analysis, nonlinear static and transient response, random vibration fatigue and automated projectile impacts and virtual drop tests.

This screenshot from a nonlinear analysis of a plastic hand shield on a hedge trimmer that needs to be able to bend and deflect a large amount before it will break. Image courtesy of Autodesk Inc.

By “efficient modeling,” the company means that Autodesk Nastran In-CAD 2015 for Inventor deploys with capabilities like intelligent, associative meshing so that your meshes update as the model changes or the ability to use beam models, also known as 1D line elements, to represent a component with a small number of elements when that component is made up of an overly large number of solid elements.

This image, taken from a simulation of a lift arm assembly, demonstrates how Autodesk Nastran In-CAD can help engineers design such assemblies to be light yet still be able to lift heavy objects without bending or buckling. Image courtesy of Autodesk Inc.

A version of Autodesk Nastran In-CAD 2015 that embeds in the SolidWorks mechanical CAD system from Dassault Systèmes is available as well. Additionally, both versions are offered with a flexible licensing scheme that allows users to share one license of the software across multiple CAD platforms.

An Autodesk Nastran In-CAD fatigue analysis of a bike fork is pictured. Image courtesy of Autodesk Inc.

Autodesk Nastran In-CAD 2015 is a member of the Autodesk Digital Prototyping line of integrated applications for product design, analysis, manufacturing and data management.

For further details on Autodesk Nastran In-CAD 2015 for Inventor, click here.

Watch Autodesk Nastran In-CAD running a nonlinear static analysis inside Autodesk Inventor.

Visit the Autodesk Nastran In-CAD video and image features gallery.

Autodesk Nastran In-CAD, Simulation Mechanical and Inventor Professional comparison chart.

Go here for details on Autodesk’s Digital Prototyping solutions.

Here are the details on the full line of Autodesk simulation and analysis software.

Read DE Contributing Editor Pamela Waterman’s article “Autodesk Broadens Simulation Offerings with Non-Linear Capabilities.”

See why DE’s Editors selected Autodesk Nastran In-CAD 2015 for Inventor as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.