Altair® OptiStruct®/Analysis

The Enterprise Solution for Product Innovation
Altair® OptiStruct®/Analysis
The Modern NASTRAN Alternative
OptiStruct/Analysis is a fast and accurate finite-element solver for linear static and dynamics problems. This modern alternative to NASTRAN,
directly supports NASTRAN input and output data file formats (OUTPUT2 and PUNCH) for ease of deployment and interoperability. With
superior model checking, error messaging and results accuracy, OptiStruct/Analysis provides a better user experience while increasing
analysis efficiency and results quality.
Featuring robust six degrees-of-freedom per grid shell element formulations, OptiStruct/Analysis is a proven solver technology for linear
statics; inertial relief; eigenvalue calculation; buckling; direct and modal frequency response; direct and modal transient response; and
random response solution sequences.
Altair® OptiStruct®/Analysis
Altair OptiStruct/Analysis is a fast, accurate, and robust finite element solver, which offers a
comprehensive set of linear solutions as well as nonlinear contact. Using the latest
sparse matrix and Lanczos solver technologies, large finite-element models
can be analyzed quickly. Fast and accurate solution sequences are
available for linear static, eigenvalue, buckling, inertia relief, random
response, as well as for both direct and modal frequency and transient
response analysis. Numerous customers in aerospace, automotive,
heavy machinery and consumer products industries worldwide rely on
OptiStruct/Analysis for their daily analysis work.
Courtesy of Fiat, Italy
BENEFITS
• Comprehensive package: The most popular
linear analysis problems can be solved with
OptiStruct/Analysis. Deeply integrated in
HyperWorks and HWU* enabled,
OptiStruct/Analysis increases end-user
efficiency and significantly reduces corporate
investments in third-party solver solutions.
• Fast computation: The underlying solution
algorithms for linear and modal analysis
problems are very efficient compared to
conventional solvers.
• Accurate results: Modern 6 DOF/grid shell
element formulations in OptiStruct/Analysis
eliminate the problems associated with
AUTOSPC and K6ROT fudge factors
in NASTRAN.
• Large models: Model sizes are not restricted.
With intelligent memory management,
OptiStruct/Analysis easily simulates structures
with millions degrees of freedom (DOFs).
• Highly compatible: OptiStruct/Analysis uses
NASTRAN input syntax, which ensures
compatibility and reduces the need to convert
input decks.
• Ready for optimization: Most analysis
problems can easily be converted into an
optimization problem to quickly improve
the design.
* HyperWorks Units (HWU) is an Altair-patented, unit-based software licensing model that provides greater value
and flexibility than conventional and token-based licensing models.
CAPABILITIES
Complete set of linear solution sequences
OptiStruct/Analysis offers a comprehensive range of solutions for
displacements, stresses, strains or frequency evaluation. Sequences
currently available are:
• Linear Statics
• Inertia Relief
• Normal Modes
• Linear Buckling
• Direct and Modal Frequency Response
• Direct and Modal Transient Response
• Random Response
• Contact Analysis
Structural analysis of a motorbike frame.
Courtesy of Bajaj Auto
Depending on the solution type, OptiStruct/Analysis calculates
displacements, eigenvectors, stresses, strains, strain energy densities and
forces. Post-processing can be performed using the Altair HyperWorks tools.
OptiStruct/Analysis also writes out the NASTRAN OUTPUT2 and PUNCH file
formats to be compatible with almost every modern CAE environment.
Buckling analysis of a intermediate diagonal tension beam.
CAPABILITIES (CONTINUED)
Supported elements Input Data
TYPE
Model Definition
NAME
DESCRIPTION
GRID
SPOINT
CORD1C,CORD1R,CORD1S
CORD2C,CORD2R,CORD2S
PLOTEL
USET,USET1
grid point
Scalar point
coordinate system
coordinate system
plotting element
U set definitions
0D Elements
CVISC
CELAS1,2,3,4
CDAMP1,2,3,4
CMASS1,2,3,4
CONM1,CONM2
viscous damper
elastic spring
scalar damper
scalar mass
concentrated mass
1D Elements
CBEAM
CBAR
CBUSH
CGAP
CGAPG
CROD
CTUBE
CWELD
CONROD
general beam Static Load
simple prismatic beam
general spring
gap element
enhanced gap element
simple axial bar
tube element
weld element
simple axial bar
2D Elements
CTRIA3
CTRIA6
CQUAD4
CQUAD8
CSHEAR
CHEXA
CPENTA
CPYRA
CTETRA
triangular 3 noded shell
triangular 6 noded shell
quadrilateral 4 noded shell
quadrilateral 8 noded shell
quadrilateral shear element
6-sided solid element
5-sided solid element
5-sided solid element
4-sided solid element
MAT1,MAT2,MAT8,MAT9
MATT1,MATT2,MATT8,MATT9
TABLEM1,2,3,4
homogenous, anisotropic, orthotropic
temperature dependent materials
temperature dependence tables
3D Elements
Materials
TYPE
Static Loads
NAME
DESCRIPTION
FORCE,FORCE1
LOAD
MOMENT,MOMENT1
PLOAD,PLOAD2,PLOAD4
PLOAD1
GRAV
RFORCE
TEMP, TEMPD
static force, alternate form
load combination
static moment, alternate form
pressure on 2D and 3D elements
pressure on 1D elements
gravity load
centrifugal force
temperature load
Dynamic Loads
DELAY
DLOAD
DPHASE
FREQ
FREQ1,2,3,4,5
RLOAD1,2
TABDMP1
TABLED1-4
TIC
TLOAD1,2
TSTEP
dynamic load time delay
dynamic load combination
dynamic load phase lead
frequency list
frequency list, alternate forms
frequency response dynamic loads
modal damping table
dynamic tabular function
Transient initial conditions
Transient dynamic loads
Transient time step
Constraints
SPC,SPC1,SPCADD
SPCD
MPC, MPCADD
SUPORT,SUPORT1
single point constraint
enforced displacement
multipoint constraint
support constraint
Rigid Elements
RROD
RBAR
RBE1,RBE2,RBE3
rigid rod
rigid bar
rigid body
Matrix Input
ASET, ASET1
DMIG
degrees-of-freedom, alternate form
direct matrix input at points
Random Response
RANDPS
RANDT1
TABRND1
PSD definition
Autocorrelation function time lag
Power spectral density table
Advanced capabilities
Composite material
Complex composite lay-ups can be analyzed with OptiStruct/Analysis.
Homogenized anisotropic shell properties are derived from composite lay-up
information. HyperMesh's powerful laminate modeler helps to quickly define
composite stacks. Stresses, strains and failure indices for each individual ply
are derived from simulation.
Nonlinear GAP Analysis
OptiStruct/Analysis uses a quasi-static nonlinear solution for contact analysis.
A grid to element gap element (CGAPG) can be used to model the interaction
of different finite element meshes. A coulomb friction model is included to
simulate sliding conditions. The nonlinear solution can even be used
within optimization.
Connecting meshes with non-coincident
nodes using OptiStruct/Analysis
CWELD elements
Mesh Independent Weld Element
A mesh independent weld element (CWELD) can be used to connect
incompatible meshes. This reduces modeling time significantly since
components can be meshed independently. Replacing parts in an assembly
model doesn't require re-meshing when they are connected with mesh
independent welds.
Superelement Technique
Superelement modeling is a method to decompose large structures into
smaller sub-structures, which can be analyzed individually. This approach
increases computational efficiency. In OptiStruct/Analysis, the reduced
component is replaced by direct matrix input (DMIG).
OptiStruct/Analysis non-linear GAP elements
simulate the interaction of different
parts in an assembly
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