The process involves transferring temperature distribution data, typically represented visually, into a structural analysis software environment. This data, reflecting thermal loads across a component or assembly, is then used within Nastran to evaluate structural responses such as stress and deformation. For instance, data depicting the temperature gradient on an engine block can be converted into thermal loads for finite element analysis within the software.
This transfer of thermal information provides a more accurate representation of real-world operating conditions, facilitating improved design and optimization. Incorporating temperature-dependent material properties and boundary conditions allows for more reliable structural simulations. Historically, this was a manual and often cumbersome procedure, but advancements in software interoperability have streamlined the workflow and reduced the potential for error.
