Structural Mechanics
Description
Structural mechanics simulation software are essential tools for engineers and designers seeking to analyze and optimize the behavior of structures under various constraints. These programs enable precise modeling of complex elements such as bridges, buildings, vehicles, or industrial components, simulating forces such as gravity, wind, or seismic loads. Using advanced methods like finite element analysis (FEA), they provide detailed visualization of deformations, stresses, and internal strains, helping to prevent structural failures. By integrating user-friendly interfaces and powerful computational capabilities, these software solutions make the design process more efficient, reducing costs and improving the safety and durability of projects.
ApeX
Modular CAE platform for simulation tool integration
MSC Apex is designed to include various modules and products for future developments and simulation tool integration. Currently, MSC Apex consists of three modules: MSC ApeX Modeller, Structures Solver, and Generative Design.
Features
MSC ApeX Modeller:
- Removal of unnecessary features
- Interactive midsurface extraction
- Surface repair through direct modeling
- Geometry meshing and mesh criteria definition
- Automatic creation of thickness and offset assignments
MSC ApeX Structures Solver:
- Define the model and analysis context
- Validate models before analysis
- Rapidly assemble different meshes
- Perform generative changes
- Evaluate different design variants
MSC ApeX Generative Design:
Uses advanced algorithms combined with integrated manufacturing constraints to generate optimized structures in seconds or minutes, based on user-defined design criteria. The final result can be exported directly as CAD geometry, ready for immediate 3D printing or for additive manufacturing simulation in Simufact Additive.
Patran
Finite Element Analysis
Patran is the most widely used pre- and post-processing software globally for finite element analysis (FEA). It offers advanced modeling, meshing, analysis setup, and a post-processing interface compatible with multiple solvers, such as MSC Nastran, Marc, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, ANSYS, and Pam-Crash.
Features
- Access CAD geometry
- Advanced tools for geometric feature creation, editing, and recognition
- Support for multiple FEA solvers
- Results evaluation using post-processing and reporting tools
- Patran Command Language (PCL)
Nastran
The reference FEA solver for aerospace and automotive
Nastran is an industry-leading FEA solver, particularly used in the aerospace and automotive sectors. This versatile software enables structural, acoustic, and thermal analyses using the finite element method (FEA). It supports both linear and nonlinear analyses, and excels in processing large linear, static models, as well as in classical dynamic analysis.
Features
- Static analysis
- Dynamic analysis
- Fatigue calculation
- Optimization
- Thermal analysis
Marc
Market-leading solver for nonlinear calculations
Marc is the specialist software for simulations in various domains such as structural, thermal, magnetic, electrical, and acoustic. It offers the ability to automatically remesh models when the mesh undergoes excessive deformations. Additionally, Marc supports fracture mechanics and uses remeshing to model crack propagation.
Features
- Solver in third-party software
- Contact between solid elements (shells, beams, etc.)
- Nonlinear materials: Hydro-elastic, Hyperelastic, Foam, Shape memory, Composite, Reinforcement bar
- Remeshing
- Crack propagation
- Multi-physics: numerous analysis types can be combined into one (thermal + structural; thermal + structural + electrical, etc.)
Application Examples
- Capped cylindrical shell
- 3D analysis of contact and friction using quadratic elements
- Air spring simulation
- Tube flaring
- Progressive failure analysis of lap joint
- Arc welding process simulation
- Superplastic forming
- Axisymmetric to 3D analysis
Dytran
Solution for short-duration event/impact modeling and fluid-structure interaction
Dytran is used to simulate short-duration events, such as drop tests and vehicle crashes. It enables modeling of structures, fluids, and fluid-structure interactions.