FEM / NASTRAN
Virtuality – Reality
NASTRAN can be applied universally and we use it for every possible calculation there is, from linear to non-linear. Among the areas where we apply the program are, among others, statics, dynamic and linear problems, heat propagation as well as design optimization.
NASTRAN has already established itself as the standard for calculations across the entire production industry and is regarded as the forerunner for all calculation programs in existence today. Originally developed by NASA in 1965, NASTRAN is an FE program that can be used universally. This program was named “NAsa STRuctural ANalysis”, NASTRAN for short. Since its development, every astronautics vehicle, aircraft and vehicle have been calculated using this program.
Over the past number of years our engineers have continued to develop NASTRAN further to become a multidisciplinary program with strong algorithms for all possible manner of calculations in civil engineering. NASTRAN not only allows our engineers to simulate the physical characteristics of components, it also can simulate the realistic behaviour of entire complex systems.
Bionic topology optimisation
The bionic topology optimisation is one of our specialist optimisation branches. It deals with the optimum design of construction components considered against the backdrop of the respective framework conditions that exist. The properties which often require optimisation are weight, load-bearing capacity, the rigidity or the life span. The optimisation goal involves one or more of these properties and these should be maximised or minimised.
A fundamental task for engineers is to make the best possible use of construction materials, this also means that the over-used as well as under-used areas should be avoided.
Our computer-based, bionic optimisation tools such as Computer Aided Optimization (CAO) and Soft Kill Option (SKO) modify the shape or topology of a construction component using the finite element method (FEM), and in this way they homogenise the stresses.
