International Online CAE Education CENTER
ICAEEC
Introduction to FEM analysis
with Patran / MSC Nastran
1. Program identification
Title: Introduction to FEM analysis with Patran / MSC Nastran – online course.
Director: Professor Juan José Benito Muñoz.
Department: Construction & manufacturing engineering (UNED University)
2. Eligibility & requirements
A degree is required, although students in the last part of their degree may be admitted with
proof of their academic status.
3. Presentation y objectives
The objective of this course is to introduce the student to the use of Finite Element analysis
software so that they acquire the basic skills to be able cope with this type of analysis in
profesional practice.
This course originated as a collaboration between UNED and Ingeciber, S.A., a company that
specializes in Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE).
4. Content
The course consists of three subjects:
a. Introduction to the use of the application software I (50 hours)
b. Introduction to the use of the application software II (40 hours)
c. Practical application with Patran & Nastran. (40 hours)
The content of each subject is detailed below.
-
1st Subject: Introduction to the use of the application software I.
Structured into the following chapters:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Overview
Introduction to the Finite Element Method
Basics of MD Nastran and Patran
MD Nastran Elements Overview
Units
1
International Online CAE Education CENTER
ICAEEC
Sections
1.
2.
3.
4.
-
Space Station Truss
Case Study: Traffic Signal Pole
Case Study: Aircraft Wing Rib
Case Study: Intercooler Structure
2nd Subject: Introduction to the use of the application software II.
The chapters of this subject are:
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Case Study: Scuba Tank
Case Study: Car Design
Case Study: Communications Tower
Case Study: Slender Column Buckling
Linear Contact
Appendix
1.
2.
3.
Parasolid Modeling
Results Postprocessing
Model Checkout
The first two subjects consist of various practical exercises that complement the
documentation provided.
-
3rd Subject: Practical Application with Patran & Nastran. Examples.
This subject completes the two previous ones with complex practical exercises in order to
study the software in depth. The exercises are as follows:
Aerospace specialty
-
Aircraft wing
Space satellite
Mechanical specialty
-
Cap and ring
Intersection of two cylindrical shells
Construction specialty
-
Warehouse
Industrial building with saddle roof
2
International Online CAE Education CENTER
ICAEEC
5. Time table
Course duration: Two and a half months.
Distance evaluation tests: Students must deliver three of the practical exercises proposed in
the practical subject.
Delivery dates of the distance evaluation tests:
-
1st CAE: 4th week
2nd CAE: 6th week
3rd CAE: 9th week
Evaluation Exam:
- 10th week
6. Methodology
Distance learning methodology is used, with prepared study material and an annotated
bibliography, tutorials, online meetings, distance evaluation tests (principally practical
exercises using the computer) and evaluation exams.
7. Teaching material
Students will receive the teaching guide and corresponding material for each module, which
basically consists of the subject texts.
Furthermore, to perform the practical exercises and complete the training, the educational
version of MSC Patran & Nastran will be provided by the course.
The course uses a virtual classroom as a training facility where study tools can be found, and
also as the main means of communication with the students.
Other tools will also be used: Online sessions, additional material (video-classes) and other
complementary documentation.
8. Student services
The different consultations (by telephone, email, or in person) carried out by the teaching staff
are done in tutorial hours. Each subject has four hours (unless indicated otherwise) per week
during the teaching period of the subject plus two more weeks after it finishes, as indicated in
the following table and time table.
The tutorials of all the subjects will be:
-
Tuesdays from 12:00 to 14:00
Thursdays from 16:00 to 18:00
3
International Online CAE Education CENTER
ICAEEC
9. Evaluation and qualification criteria
Student evaluation will be performed using:
a. Continuous distance evaluation of each of the subjects. This consists of the
resolution of the tests that are sent with the course documentation, and must be
returned in the specified distance evaluation test delivery dates.
b. Evaluation exams evaluated by a commission chosen by the academic board.
These tests may be done off-site.
10. Accreditation
A diploma from Fundación UNED, UNED & Ingeciber specifying a pass and the grade, in the
case of passing the corresponding evaluation exams.
This title corresponds to 13 ECTS credits.
11. Teaching staff
Professor Juan José Benito Muñoz (Director). Construction & Manufacturing Engineering
Department (UNED).
Mr. Ambrosio Baños Abascal (Coordinator & tutor). UNED collaborator, Ingeciber, S.A.
Mr. Mariano Serrano de la Asunción (tutor). Ingeciber, S.A.
Mr. Pablo Arrieta Yáñez (tutor). Ingeciber S.A.
12. Fees
Tuition fees are €910.
For current and former students of the UNED Master’s in Theoretical and Practical Application
of the Finite Element Method and CAE Simulation, there is a 33% discount.
13. Validations
Students who pass this course can ask the academic board of UNED Master’s in Theoretical
and Practical Application of the Finite Element Method and CAE Simulation for the validation of
the application and practical subjects of the mechanical branch of the expert module with
Patran & Nastran
4