CHAPTER 1

Introduction
 Seminar Objective
Introduction to finite element analysis
Discussion of basic features available in MSC.Nastran in
solving structural engineering problems
Proper data structure of MSC.Nastran
At conclusion of seminar, familiar with MSC.Nastran, but
not expected to be an expert
 What is MSC.Nastran?
MSC.Nastran is a general-purpose, finite element analysis
program capable of solving a wide variety of engineering
problems including:
 Linear static analysis
 Static analysis with geometric and material nonlinearity
 Transient analysis with geometric and material nonlinearity
 Normal modes analysis
 Buckling analysis
 Direct and modal complex eigenvalue analysis
 Direct and modal frequency analysis (including random analysis)
 Direct and modal transient analysis (including response spectrum
analysis)
 Linear cyclic symmetry (including static, normal modes, buckling,
and direct frequency response)
 Linear and nonlinear steady state heat transfer
 Linear and nonlinear transient heat transfer
 Aeroelasticity
 Substructure analysis (superelements)
 Design sensitivity and optimization
 Acoustics
 Composite Material Analysis
 p-elements
Extensively documented (including on-line encyclopedia)
Extensively tested
Continually enhanced with new capabilities
Highly efficient using of modern numerical analysis
techniques
Mainly written in FORTRAN (with some C), over 1.4 million
program statements
 EMBRAER CAE Support

If you have any problem with MSC.Nastran or other CAE

application, please contact SDD group (extension
numbers 4413 and 1087).
Having the following information available when
contacting SDD group with technical questions relating to
MSC.Nastran will speed up the investigation process
 The version of MSC.Nastran being used (e.g., v70.7, v2001)
 Input file (.dat file)
 Output files (.f06, .f04, and .log files)
 Relevant user documentation (e.g., what are you department?)
 Description of the exact error encountered (if applicable)
 Description of the model
 Additional Sources of Information
News file printed at the top of the .f06 file contains
information on new capabilities and enhancements, and
changes made with respect to previous versions
Version-dependent release notes provide in-depth
discussions of new features
Current error list delivered with MSC.Nastran contains
known errors, general limitations, and in most cases an
avoidance for the error.
User conferences’ proceedings, technical articles(both
MSC.Software and outside publications)