The NASTRAN computer program for structural analysis

Abstract

NASTRAN is a large digital computer program for static and dynamic structural analysis by the finite element approach. It is nearing completion after three years of development under NASA sponsorship. It will be made available to all interested users and it will be maintained by NASA. It is currently programmed for the IBM 360, the UNIVAC 1108, and the CDC 6600 computers. The major functional capabilities of NASTRAN are static analysis of structures with either linear or nonlinear material properties; buckling analysis; vibration modes analysis of either conservative or damped systems; frequency response analysis; and transient response analysis. Many convenience features are provided to the user including an extensive list of structural elements; the automatic generation of several types of loads including gravity loads and loads induced by thermal strains; plots of deformed and undeformed structures; and the choice of alternate methods of analysis, including, for example, either direct or modal formulations of dynamic problems. NASTRAN is intended primarily for large problems with hundreds or thousands of degrees of freedom. All mathematical subroutines have been designed to provide for the efficient solution of large problems by taking maximum advantage of matrix sparsity and bandedness. A flexible Executive System is provided that facilitates the addition of new functional capabilities to NASTRAN.