Features

FEA software with CAD integration

Autodesk Nastran In-CAD finite element analysis (FEA) software uses Autodesk Nastran solver and integrates with compatible software to simulate real-world behavior. Solve engineering challenges before you begin manufacturing.

NASTRAN is a registered trademark of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. SOLIDWORKS is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation.

Advanced analysis

• Frequency response – Determine the structural harmonic response.
• Impact analysis – Solve impact events and drop testing.
• Normal modes – Reduce the impact of vibration.
• Prestress normal modes – Examine stiffness-influenced natural frequencies.
• Random vibration fatigue – Evaluate long-term structural robustness.
• Nonlinear static and transient response – Explore dynamic responses to dynamic loads.
• Automated drop test – Automate projectile impact and virtual drop tests.
• Surface contact – Explore natural interactions between parts.
• Advanced material models – Model metals, rubber, and soft tissue.
• Composites – Easily handle complex ply data.
• Transient response – Determine structure responses through time.
• Random response – Analyze structural response to random loading.

Open and integrated experience

• Inventor integration – Go beyond basic analysis with Inventor.
• SOLIDWORKS integration – Perform more advanced analysis.
• Autodesk Nastran solver – Get accurate results from advanced analysis.

Efficient modeling

• Automatic midplane mesher – Idealize thin solid models as shell.
• Frame Generator idealization – Automatic beam idealization for Frame Generator.
• Beam modeling – Use cross-section or geometry optimization.
• Bolt and connection – Solve accurately with fewer elements.

Linear, stress, and thermal analysis

• Static fatigue – Determine the durability of structures.
• Heat transfer – Avoid assembly failure due to high thermal stress.
• Linear buckling – Examine structures for sudden failure modes.
• Linear statics – Determine stress, strain, and deformation.

System Requirements

Minimum Workstation Budget Workstation High-End Workstation

• Computer, CPU Intel Pentium or AMD based Intel Core i5/i7 – Dual or Quad Core at high clock speed Dual Intel Xeon Quad-core CPUs at high clock speed (3.5+GHz). or single Xeon 8-core CPU at high clock speed (2.8+GHz)
• Memory, RAM 2GB 8GB 32GB+
• Graphics Card 256MB workstation video card 1GB dedicated video card 2+GB NVIDIA Quadro K4000 or similar
• Hard Disk 40GB free space 1TB SATA 7200RPM and 256GB SSD for temp files 2TB 7200 SATA for file storage and 512GB SSD for temp files
  Note: High write speed is critical (at least 400MB/sec is good)
• Network Card Required for network installation with FlexLM licensing Required for network installation with FlexLM licensing Required for network installation with FlexLM licensing
• Operating System Windows 7 SP1 64-bit Windows 7 SP1 Professional 64-bit, or Windows 8 Professional 64-bit Windows 7 SP1 Professional 64-bit, Windows 8 Professional 64-bit, or Windows 8.1 Professional   64-bit

Minimum Laptop Budget Laptop High-End Laptop

• Computer, CPU Intel Pentium or AMD based Intel Core i5 – Dual or Quad Core at high clock speed Intel Core i7 – Dual or Quad Core at high clock speed
• Memory, RAM 2GB 4GB 16GB+
• Graphics Card 256MB workstation video card 1GB dedicated video card 2+GB NVIDIA or equivalent ATI
• Hard Disk 40GB free space 1TB SATA 7200RPM 512GB or 1TB SSD.
  Note: High write speed is critical (at least 400MB/sec is good)
• Network Card Required for network installation with FlexLM licensing Required for network installation with FlexLM licensing Required for network installation with FlexLM licensing
• Operating System Windows 7 SP1 64-bit Windows 7 SP1 Professional 64-bit, or Windows 8 Professional 64-bit Windows 7 SP1 Professional 64-bit, Windows 8 Professional 64-bit, or Windows 8.1 Professional   64-bit

There are many types of hardware that will allow you to use Autodesk Nastran In-CAD.  Proper choice of hardware however, can often make the difference between frustration and productivity. 

Here are a few suggestions:

• Add more memory (RAM) above the minimum configuration.  This will allow you to specify more memory for the Autodesk Nastran In-CAD and reduce the likelihood of memory thrashing (excessive paging of virtual memory to disk).
• Required hard disk space is difficult to estimate, but in general you will never have enough.  This is especially true when running large models.  If you are continuously running out of disk space, you may want to invest in a larger and faster hard disk.  Disk compression software may also help, but may also degrade performance.
• Purchase or upgrade to the latest versions of Windows.  The improvements in performance and reliability will more than outweigh the initial cost – even if you only use Autodesk Nastran In-CAD occasionally.