Which FEA software packages use Nastran Solvers?

[chris9]

Do FEA software packages such a CosmosWorks use industry standard solvers like Nastran? Could you use the CosmosWorks solver with FEMAP? How do you identify the solvers?

 

[GBor]

CosmosWorks would generally use the Cosmos solver for FEA problems. Cosmos files do open well in FEMAP, with a few minor exceptions (for example, shell elements often come in as plates...you have to redefine them, but this is easy to do). Not sure I understand your final question regarding identifying the solver...are you referring to the specific solution program within the subdirectory? Or, in general, identifying which solvers particular packages use (for example, the SAPP codes, or the Cosmic Nastran Kernel, etc.)?

Garland E. Borowski, PE

 

[fkmeyers]

NEiNastran for Windows uses the NEiNastran solver. MSC.Nastran for Windows uses the MSC.Nastran solver. MSC hard codes their solver to their Nastran for Windows product but I have heard there is a way to break this lock. NEiNastran has no such lock and can be run with any modeler that supports Nastran Bulk Data files. CosmosWorks uses only one solver...Cosmos. NEiWorks will allow any Nastran solver to be used since it simply generates a Nastran Bulk Data file. I think Cosmos can also create such a file but I am not sure how complete it is. Just like GBor said the FEMAP support for cosmos is not very good and probably has not been updated for 8 or more years. If you own FEMAP now just get the solver from Noran since you can purchase this seperately for much lower cost than the bundled Nastran for Windows products. MSC may sell you a solver by itself as well but my guess is it will be very $$$$.