Features advanced capabilities for contact, impact, optimization, composites

The developer of Nastran Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software is introducing NEi Fusion 2.0, a combination of Nastran FEA solvers and 3D modeler powered by SolidWorks.  The upgrade adds several types of advanced modal and heat transfer analyses, new element types, new load capabilities, and support for hyperelastic and orthotropic composite materials.

NEi Fusion 2.0 includes surface contact, optimization, and composites with fundamental analysis types.  Advanced version adds additional nonlinear capabilities.

NEi Fusion is used by product development professionals like CAD designers and product engineers to compress design time, cut prototyping and testing costs, and improve quality.  The product is also of interest to FE analysts who like the option of a pre-post tool with a 3D CAD orientation and CAD/FEA model associativity, and consultants who need such a package in their simulation software portfolio.  The new NEi Fusion release provides an alternative to “In-CAD” FEA offerings.  The release offers a combination of: comprehensive 3D CAD environment for model creation, professional level FEA capabilities with high accuracy solvers, surface contact, optimization, composites, automated impact analysis (AIA), and a future growth path to analyst level simulation if needed through the Nastran solver platform.

NEi Fusion 2.0 aims to fill the void between complete yet expensive simulation systems and inexpensive yet limited tools. If you struggle with the limitations of complex interfaces or limited capabilities, give NEi Fusion a hard look. While the product is based on established technologies from NEi and SolidWorks, the combination is new enough to show exciting improvements.

While the basic structural tools are standard fare, where NEi Fusion gets interesting is in the deeper levels of functions.  A case in point is the impact analysis tool. From a deceptively simple input set, under the hood the system does some incredibly complex mathematics. The composites analysis tools make something that could be incredibly complex, much more streamlined to the process of design.

NEi Nastran V9.2
In a separate development, the same firm released NEi Nastran V9.2, a major upgrade for high end Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The new version incorporates over 85 customer driven enhancements. Key additions include nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure Analysis (PPFA), concrete material model, direct enforced motion, bolt preload, enhanced rigid element features, visualization support for various entities, automatic dynamic plots during nonlinear analysis, transparent max/min, and a new look and feel for its Editor.

Technology Differentiators:
The new technology in V9.2 is of particular interest to engineers who are looking for more realistic simulations, and want to cut man-hours from analyses that typically are time consuming and tedious. Technology differentiators include:
• Automated Impact Analysis (AIA) for transient impact studies
• Automated Surface Contact Generation (ASCG) for easier and more realistic simulation involving assemblies
• Automated Edge Contact Generation (AECG) for increasing productivity on shell type structures typically found in aircraft, ships, and automobiles
• Linear Surface Contact for performing true surface-to-surface contact analysis in a linear static solution
• Composite Tools like Progressive Ply Failure Analysis (PPFA) and 3D Composite Solid Element
• Vibration Fatigue Analysis
• 64-Bit Large Model Capability
• Industry specific tools for aerospace and maritime users

Performance enhancements:
• Improved nonlinear surface contact performance especially for models where previously a reduced SFACT was required to obtain convergence.
• Improved nonlinear analysis performance for models with large displacement effects enabled and linear materials.
• Added PCGLSS solver support for direct linear and nonlinear transient response analysis.
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Linear analysis enhancements:
• Increased the tolerance for surface weld detection in Automated Surface Contact Generation (ASCG).
• Increased allowable gap size for Automated Surface Contact Generation (ASCG) when a weld or offset weld type is specified.
• Improved linear contact analysis accuracy and robustness.
• Added SPCD support for static load combination via the LOAD Bulk Data entry.
• Enhanced linear buckling analysis for models with quad elements.

In addition, many enhancements are included for nonlinear analysis, composite analysis, and thermal analysis. One thermal analysis enhancement is better support for thermal stress analysis in plane strain models. Previously the z-direction or through thickness stress generated when thermal loads were applied was ignored. Now the invariant stresses include the z-direction stresses.

NEi Software
www.NEiSoftware.com

For a 90-second video demo of Fusion 2.0, go to www.NEiSoftware.com/NEiFusion

::Design World::

Source: :: Design World ::