NX Nastran Introduction to Finite Element Analysis is an introductory course intended for analysts who want to learn the details of how to perform static structural analysis using NX Nastran. The course covers the details of the structural analysis processes to define loads and boundary conditions, FEA model checking and solving, and interpreting the results. A variety of hands-on workshop exercises supplement the lecture content.

The NX Nastran Advanced Dynamic Analysis course continues where the NX Nastran Introduction to Dynamic Analysis course left off teaching NX Nastran’s dynamic analysis capabilities. It covers fundamental methods of dynamic response, including both modal and direct analysis. An emphasis is placed on practical applications and applying engineering judgment to dynamic response. The fundamentals of structural dynamics theory and the numerical methods used to solve them are presented. This course covers the linear dynamic response capabilities in NX Nastran, including direct transient and frequency response, normal modes analysis with preload, random response analysis, shock and response spectra, model reduction, and nonlinear applied loads. A variety of hands-on workshop exercises supplement the lecture content.

The NX Nastran Superelement Analysis course offers training in the use of the superelement analysis capabilities of NX Nastran. Superelements can play a key role in allowing the analyst to solve larger and more complex finite element models with limited computer resources. NX Nastran offers three types of superelements, and these can all be used with most NX Nastran analysis sequences. The different types of superelements each have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on the particular needs of a program. The student will learn to use all three types of superelements through the presentation of lecture materials and the completion of example problems.

The NX Nastran Coupled Structure/Acoustic Analysis course introduces the acoustics and structural-acoustics coupled analysis capabilities of NX Nastran. It covers the solution of acoustic systems, the solution of coupled structural-acoustic systems, the implementation of acoustic boundary conditions, and the modeling of absorbers, barriers, and infinite boundaries. Examples and workshops give the student practical hands-on experience.

The NX Nastran Rotor Dynamics with Femap course introduces the rotor dynamics analysis capabilities of NX Nastran. It covers the solution of rotor dynamic problems in both rotating and fixed coordinates, including complex eigenvalues (Campbell diagrams), synchronous and asynchronous frequency response and synchronous and asynchronous time response. Examples and workshops give the student practical hands-on experience.

The class is focused on NX Nastran and all of the material applies independently of pre- or postprocessor. The workshops and examples are deck centric (i.e. the decks will be prepared with a text editor), though, where appropriate, Femap will be used for preprocessing of the model and visualization of results.

The NX Topology Optimization course offers the theoretical and practical aspects of design optimization using the NX topology optimization capabilities. Topology and shape optimization can be used to automate the improvement of structural designs by, for example, minimizing weight while observing displacement or other constraints for either static or dynamic models. The class will cover the topology and shape optimization design processes and how to implement them in NX, as well as interpretation of the results. Best practice techniques and pitfalls will be discussed. The student will learn to use NX topology and shape optimization solution processes through the presentation of lecture materials and the completion of example problems.

The Femap 101 course provides the engineer new to Femap with a substantial introduction to the software, its structure, capabilities, and how to take advantage of its efficiency and strengths. For the engineer who already is using Femap, this course will fill in the grey areas, provide important time-saving knowledge, and guide them on their way to becoming a Femap expert.