Course Overview

Structural analysis plays a vital role in modern engineering, helping designers and manufacturers ensure that products and components are safe, reliable, and fit for purpose. Inadequate simulation and validation can lead to structural failures, costly redesigns, production delays, and increased operational risks. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has therefore become an essential tool for improving design quality and reducing development costs across mechanical and industrial applications.

The Inventor Nastran: Linear and Nonlinear Static Analysis programme by TransforMentors Academy provides participants with the practical knowledge and technical skills required to perform advanced structural simulations using Autodesk Inventor Nastran. The course covers the fundamentals of finite element modelling, linear and nonlinear static analysis, material behaviour, contact interactions, meshing strategies, boundary conditions, and solution techniques.

Through practical exercises, engineering case studies, and hands-on modelling activities, participants will learn how to build accurate simulation models, apply appropriate loading and constraint conditions, evaluate convergence behaviour, and interpret analysis results with confidence. The programme also explores best practices for model validation and the effective use of simulation to support engineering decision-making.

Agenda

Day — 1 Introduction to Inventor Nastran Software

• Understanding the fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and its engineering applications
• Differentiating between linear and nonlinear analysis and their practical uses
• Exploring the Inventor Nastran environment and available analysis options
• Understanding the different FEA element types and their selection criteria:
  • Solids
  • Shells
  • Lines and Beams
• Exploring mesh types, quality metrics, and mesh control techniques
• Understanding the application of boundary conditions in structural FEA models
• Exercises: Hands-on practice with solid and shell elements, meshing, and boundary condition setup

Day — 2 Workflow for Linear Static Analysis

• Understanding the workflow for developing a linear static analysis model
• Exploring load cases and load combinations for linear structural analysis
• Examining connector types and their applications:
  • Bolts and bolt preload
  • Pins
  • Springs
• Analysing stress, strain, and displacement results for engineering evaluation
• Applying mesh refinement and convergence techniques to improve model accuracy
• Understanding best practices for validating linear static analysis models
• Exercises: Perform a bolt preload assembly analysis and evaluate mesh convergence for model optimisation

Day — 3 Techniques for Nonlinear Static Analysis

• Understanding the three main types of nonlinear analysis:
  • Material nonlinearity
  • Geometric nonlinearity
  • Contact nonlinearity
• Exploring contact conditions and follower forces in nonlinear simulations
• Examining nonlinear element types, including the Tension Only Cable element
• Understanding the workflow for creating and solving nonlinear FEA models
• Applying convergence control techniques and diagnosing non-convergence issues
• Interpreting nonlinear analysis results for engineering decision-making
• Exercises: Build and troubleshoot nonlinear static analysis models
• Key takeaways and course evaluation

Learning Outcomes

By attending this Inventor Nastran: Linear and Nonlinear Static Analysis course, you will be able to:

• Apply finite element analysis (FEA) principles to support engineering design and decision-making
• Navigate the Inventor Nastran interface and set up linear and nonlinear static analyses
• Select appropriate element types, generate meshes, and apply boundary conditions effectively
• Build linear static analysis models using load cases and load combinations
• Model connectors and component interactions while interpreting stress, strain, and displacement results
• Set up and solve nonlinear static analyses using suitable controls and convergence techniques
• Apply large displacement settings, evaluate nonlinear behaviour, and identify convergence issues in simulation results

Who Should Attend

The Inventor Nastran: Linear and Nonlinear Static Analysis course is ideal for professionals involved in mechanical design and simulation. It is especially beneficial for:

• Mechanical and Design Engineers
• CAD and CAE Engineers
• Product Development Engineers
• Structural Analysis Specialists
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Engineers
• Research and Development Engineers
• Stress and Durability Engineers
• Simulation and Virtual Testing Professionals
• Anyone involved in engineering design, structural analysis, and simulation