NEi Nastran is a comprehensive finite element analysis (FEA) tool based on NASA's popular NASTRAN finite element analysis software. NEiNastran offers a complete suite for structural analysis: linear statics, modal analysis, buckling, prestress, advanced dynamics, non-linear analysis, thermal analysis. It can handle large complex structural analysis problems on your personal computer using Intel (Pentium, Xeon, Centrino) or AMD (Athlon, Opteron) processors running any Windows platform without requiring large amounts of resources. Versions are also available for the UNIX and Linux platforms for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

Compatibility with Nastran World

NEi Nastran is compatible with the mainstream 3D CAD systems such as SolidWorks, Solid Edge, CATIA, Pro|Engineer, Inventor, One Space and finite element modelers such as FEMAP, Hypermesh, Ideas, PATRAN, ANSA. Compatibility is granted by the standard Nastran Bulk Data File (BDF) input format and e by different output formats like FNO (Femap Neutal Output), OP2 (Nastran Output2), XDB (Nastran Access Database).

NEiNastran Editor

The NEi Nastran Editor™ is an industry unique tool that gives engineers greater control over their Nastran FEA models and results. Features such as advanced editing, context-sensitive input, dynamic help and automatic HTML reporting greatly increase productivity and results reliability from the start. Built-in tools such as the trade study generator, a basic optimization utility, give users quick insight into the effects of design changes. Real-time results are displayed through an integrated post-processor allowing users to visualize results as they are generated during the solution sequence. These features combined make the NEi Nastran Editor an indispensable tool for designers and analysts alike.

Performance

NEi Nastran uses the latest in solver technology providing fast results for the largest and most complex FEA models. Three linear solvers (PCGLSS, VSS, and VIS) and two eigensolvers (LANCZOS and SUBSPACE) are included. The PCGLSS (Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient Linear System Solver) is an advanced iterative solver licensed from CA&SI and used in many other leading FEA products. The VSS (Vector Sparse Solver) and (Vector Iterative Solver) are based on NASA developed technology and have been enhanced to provide better performance and accuracy. NEi Nastran supports the Dual Core technology of Intel and AMD.

Composites

NEi Nastran has unique features for the analysis of structures made out of laminated composites. In addition to the classical failure criteria (Tsai-Wu, Hill, etc.), NEi Nastran has built-in more advanced and modern criteria such as LaRC02 and Puck, and provides specific output for sandwich structures (core buckling, crippling, etc.). Apart from the Failure Index calculation, the more meaningful Safety Factor calculation is available as well.

Help Designed to Help

NEi Nastran's Cause, Action, Remarks formatted error and warning message help is designed to make it easy to diagnose and correct model errors quickly. All Nastran documentation is easily accessed through both context sensitive Windows help and Adobe .pdf file formats.