Computer-Aided Design
Course Overview
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a numerical method used to simulate the behavior of complex engineering systems and structures. It involves dividing the system into small finite elements, approximating the governing equations, and solving them iteratively to obtain solutions for various physical phenomena like stress, strain, heat transfer, and fluid flow. FEA has practical applications in numerous fields, such as civil engineering for analyzing buildings and bridges, mechanical engineering for designing and optimizing machine components, aerospace engineering for evaluating aircraft structures and performance, and even biomedical engineering for simulating the behavior of implants and prosthetics. By providing valuable insights into system behavior, FEA enables engineers to improve designs, identify potential weaknesses, and make informed decisions to enhance performance, efficiency, and safety.
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In this course, NASTRAN and PATRAN software is used in a semester project to model and simulate a physical bridge model and its reaction under 3 separate loads; these are powerful software tools widely used in the field of engineering analysis. NASTRAN, short for NASA Structural Analysis System, is a finite element analysis (FEA) solver that computes the response of structures and systems to various loading conditions. It employs sophisticated numerical algorithms to solve complex equations and provides accurate predictions of stress, deformation, vibration, and other structural behavior. PATRAN, on the other hand, is a pre-and post-processing software that works seamlessly with NASTRAN. It enables engineers to create, modify, and mesh intricate models of structures, define material properties and boundary conditions, and set up analysis parameters. Additionally, PATRAN facilitates result visualization, allowing users to examine and interpret simulation outputs effectively. Together, NASTRAN and PATRAN form a comprehensive analysis solution, empowering engineers to simulate and analyze a wide range of engineering systems, from simple components to complex assemblies, and make informed decisions to optimize designs and improve performance.
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