FEA Software Comparison Abstracts

This section contains links to several comparisons between NEi Nastran solutions, theoretical values, and other FEA solvers, as well as various NEi Nastran performance/speed comparisons. Please register to access these comparisons.

PDF NEi Nastran Verification Manual - This is a complete list of the standard problems used by NEi to verify the analysis accuracy of NEi Nastran for a variety of solution types. This type of verification manual is not only an invaluable resource but required for work in certain safety critical industries like those overseen by the FAA.

PDF Odan/Detech Inc. Supplementary Structural Verification Manual - An additional structural verification manual created by ODAN/Detech Inc., users of NEi Nastran, STAAD.Pro, STARDYNE, ETABS, SAFE, SAP2000 and CAEFEM a good guidance. Welcome to the world's most widely used structural engineering computer programs and to the world’s first commercially available finite element software. STAAD.Pro, STARDYNE, ETABS, SAFE, SAP2000, NE/Nastran and CAEFEM are large-scale general-purpose finite element based programs that can be used for solving many classes of engineering problems. The analysis capabilities are extensive and include static, linear static/eigen solution, linear dynamic analysis, non-linear static/dynamic analysis, 3D heat transfer, composite materials analysis, P-Delta Analysis, fatigue analysis, buckling analysis, non linear foundations, substructures and soil interaction analysis (layered media).

PDF NEi Nastran MSC.Nastran Capabilities Comparison V9.1 - A direct comparison of the capabilities of NEi Nastran and the full version MSC.Nastran product. This document compares all entries in the bulk data entry deck, case control command deck, and the different solution types.

PDF Accuracy and Performance Comparison NEi Nastran vs. MSC.Nastran vs. Abaqus vs. Marc vs. Ansys Test cases for the NEi Nastran V8.4, MSC.Nastran V2004r3, Abaqus V6.3.5, Marc V2003r2 and Ansys V8.1 Finite Element Analysis solvers. These test cases verify the functionality of NEi Nastran by analyzing Nodal Loads on a Square Tube with both Linear & Nonlinear Solutions.

PDF Comparison of Torsional Constants and Shear Areas of Beams Torsional constants and shear stiffness factors of various cross-sectional beams, with results are obtained from FEMAP, NEi Nastran and MSC.Nastran. The torsional constants are compared with results calculated from finite element models composed of solids, while the shear stiffness factors are compared with data published by Guttmann and Wagner.

PDF Performance Comparison NEi V83 Single vs. Multi-Processing - Comparison of 10 complex models, mostly aerospace, using MSC.Nastran V70.05 (MSC.Nastran for Windows V4.5) and NEi Nastran V8.3. Model 8 starts with mode 7 as modes 1-6 are rigid body. Compares total analysis times, frequencies and mode shapes of Train Bogie, Missile Seeker Head, Spacecraft, Aircraft Brake Housing, Missile Guidance Assembly, Equipment Panel, Equipment Housing, Civil Aircraft, Military Aircraft, and a Rocket Engine Section.

PDF NEi Nastran vs. MSC.Nastran: Dynamic Analysis Results Comparison - Dynamic analysis comparison performed in NEi Nastran and MSC.Nastran. The model that was used for this comparison is a seven story building made up of beam elements and concentrated masses. The building is then shaken at the base with an enforced acceleration function matching the El Centro earthquake data. The time history of the T1 translation at the top, response end, of the building is compared.

PDF Unique Features in NEi Nastran V8.3 - All entries in the bulk data entry deck, case control commands deck, and the different solution types. Case Control Commands - DDAM Dynamic Design Analysis Method, Enforced Displacement Interpolation, Model Database Element Deletion, Global Matrix Output Request, Grid Point Discontinuity, Grid Point Thermal Gradient and Heat Flux Output Request, Grid Point Strain Output Request, Grid Point Offset, Grid Point Scale Factor, Load Interpolation, Result Limits Output Request, Set Generation, Temperature Generation, Temperature Interpolation, Temperature Scale Factor, Surface Contact Parameters, Cable Element Connection, Pipe Element Connection, Cable Element Property, Layered Composite Element Property, Pipe Element Property, Shell Element Property, Thermal Shell Element Orthotropic Material Dependence, Gravity Vector, and Dynamic Design Analysis Method Data.

PDF Complex Model Analysis Comparison (Normal Modes) vs. MSC.Nastran - Selected Normal Modes for models of Train Bogie, Missile Seeker Head, Spacecraft, Aircraft Brake Housing, Missile Guidance Assembly, Equipment Panel, Equipment Housing, Civil Aircraft, Military Aircraft, and a Rocket Engine Section.

PDF Lanczos Eigensolver Performance Comparison NEi Nastran V8.2 vs MSC.Nastran - For element types including shells, beams and solids, DOF, and solution times for analyses of models including: Ship Mast Shells, Frame, Linkage, Regional Jet, Bracket, Seeker Head, Missile Guidance, Camera Housing, Spacecraft, Inter-stage, Tanks in Ship Hold, proprietary Vehicle Chassis, proprietary Mini Van, and Sport Utility Vehicle.

PDF Comparison of NEi Nastran and MSC.Nastran, Sample 1 of MSC's CD - Results of NEi Nastran and MSC.Nastran using a flat square plate example provided by the MSC demo CD. After noticing that the results for the following problem disagree when comparing NEi Nastran and MSC.Nastran, the theoretical solution to the sample problem was researched and calculated. This document discusses the theoretical findings and the percent error of both NEi Nastran and MSC.Nastran to these findings. Includes thin plate, mesh density, solid TET model, and solid HEX models.

PDF Comparison of NEi Nastran and MSC.Nastran for a Normal Modes Analysis of a Fixed Circular Plate - Three models of a flat circular plate clamped along its edge. Models only differ in mesh density. A normal modes solution (103) is performed using the exact same model for both solvers and default settings. 20 modes are extracted.

PDF Comparison of NEi Nastran and MSC.Nastran for Stress Analysis of a Flat Plate with Hole - Model consists of 228 CQUAD4 elements and 254 grid point nodes. The model was created in FEMAP using a single boundary surface. A static solution 101 is performed using the exact same model for both solvers and default settings. NEi Nastran and MSC/Nastran stresses are plotted on the deformed shapes.

PDF Composite Aircraft Bulkhead Analysis - Typical aircraft bulkhead modeled in FEMAP and compared using NEi Nastran V7.1 and MSC/Nastran V70.0.6. The model consists of composite laminate elements used to model the walls and beam elements used to model the frames. A 0.1 psi pressure load is applied to the aft wall. The bulkhead is reacted by four fixed supports, one at each corner. Includes comparison of the two solvers is run using the exact same model with no alterations. The results show excellent agreement in all critical areas with no significant difference noted. These types of agreement in results between NEi Nastran and MSC/Nastran are typical.

PDF Composite Aircraft Bulkhead Analysis B - Aircraft bulkhead is modeled in FEMAP and compared using NEi Nastran V7.1 and MSC/Nastran V70.0.6. The model consists of composite laminate elements used to model the walls and beam elements used to model the rails. The bulkhead is constrained at 2 points on the top rail and 3 points on the bottom. RBE2 rigid elements are used to model rigid fittings for the lower 3 attach points. A 0.1 psi pressure load is applied to the aft wall. The bulkhead is reacted by four fixed supports, one at each corner. The comparison of the two solvers is run using the exact same model with no alterations. The results show excellent agreement in all critical areas with no significant difference noted. These types of agreement in results between NEi Nastran and MSC/Nastran are typical.

PDF Solid Model Static Analysis - Contour Solid Von Mises Stress

PDF Skin Stress Accuracy in NEi Nastran - Two test cases where NEi Nastran CTET10 elements are compared to MSC’s CTRIA6 element using the skinning technique. One case has a Cantilever Beam with Rectangular Cross-Section and one with Circular Cross-Section.

PDF Effects of the WTMASS Parameter in NEi Nastran - The use and effects of the WTMASS parameter in NEi Nastran The model is a 7 in diameter steel plate with a thickness of 0.125 in. The mesh is comprised of 6 elements along the radial and 24 elements around the circumference. Includes Model Properties and Conditions, Effect on Mass Properties and Gravity Loading, Effect on Normal Modes Analysis and a Discussion of NEi Nastran vs. MSC.Nastran WTMASS parameters.

PDF Modal Bracket Analysis Comparison vs. MSC.Nastran - Solution time of NEi Nastran V9.2 in Iterative and Direct Modes vs. MSC.Nastran 2001

PDF Development and Comparison of the CQUADR Element in NEi Nastran vs. MSC.Nastran (**For level 3 users only) - Available for authorized users only. Call to request access 1-877-NASTRAN

PDF Accuracy Comparison and Mesh Convergence NEi Nastran versus MSC.Nastran - Advanced hybrid CQUAD4/CQUADR element that contains additional internal DOF making it more accurate in coarse meshes and when there is initial element distortion such as skew and taper. Testing has shown that the NEi Nastran element is generally more accurate than the MSC element. A tubular steel frame is modeled using 2,976 shell elements.