Simcenter Nastran—a powerful FEA tool
Analyze structural strength, vibrations and acoustics
with precise and scalable simulations
Predict responses to real-world forces
- 01 Prepare modeling
In the preprocessing phase, geometry is defined, which can be imported from CAD software. The model is discretized into finite elements and divided into smaller, simpler parts that are connected at nodes. Material properties and boundary conditions are assigned, which describe how the model is supported and loads that it may experience.
- 02 Specify analysis types
Specify the type of analysis to conduct, such as static, dynamic, thermal or aeroelastic. Each analysis type requires different settings and inputs. Simcenter Nastran provides the tools to set up these analyses effectively, including defining how the simulation interacts with physical phenomena and what results are of interest.
- 03 Solve equations
Simcenter Nastran uses numerical methods to solve equations that describe the behavior of elements under given loads and constraints. Complex computations predict displacements, stresses, strains, vibrations and other physical responses. The solver handles calculations efficiently—even for large and complex models.
- 04 Assess design performance and safety
After calculations are complete, results are typically output in forms that require interpretation. This phase is handled through post-processing software, which may or may not be integrated into Simcenter Nastran. In post-processing, results are visualized and analysts examine results to assess the performance and safety of designs.
- 05 Optimize and iterate
Simcenter Nastran supports this iterative process by allowing for adjustments and re-analysis to refine a model and its performance according to the desired specifications, identifying issues or areas for improvement.
Predict product performance
Support diverse analysis methods
Simcenter Nastran supports a wide range of analysis types, including linear and nonlinear static analysis, dynamic analysis, buckling analysis, thermal analysis and aeroelasticity.
Improve nonlinear capabilities
Simcenter Nastran involves sophisticated methods to handle nonlinearities in materials, geometries and boundary conditions—enabling realistic simulation of complex behaviors under various loading conditions.
Use best-in-class optimization tools
Access capabilities for structural optimization, including topology, shape, size and parameter optimization. These features help engineers design lighter, stronger and more efficient components and systems.
Solve faster with a unified Simcenter and AI-ready workflows
With former Altair products now part of the Simcenter family, Simcenter Nastran connects to a broader range of data science and AI capabilities alongside its core solving power. Nastran 2606 also improved solver robustness and convergence, valuable for the automated, repeat-run workflows behind AI training and optimization studies.
Utilize extensive material models
A comprehensive library of material models can be used to accurately represent the behavior of a wide range of engineering materials, including composites and hyperelastic materials.
Tap into specialized capabilities
Specialized capabilities are tailored to meet the unique needs of different industries, such as rotor dynamics for machinery, aeroelasticity for aerospace and explicit dynamics for crash simulations in automotive applications.
Ease use in a simple environment
The user interface facilitates model setup, analysis and result interpretation, often integrating well with CAD systems for easy model import and setup.
Simcenter Nastran—robust and accurate predictions
Improve computational performance
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Multiple analysis types
Many analysis types are supported including linear static, nonlinear, dynamic, thermal, optimization, aeroelasticity and rotor dynamics.
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Parallel processing
Utilize a multi-core CPUs effectively with parallel processing capabilities to speed up computation times—particularly for large models.
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High-Performance Computing (HPC)
Optimize the HPC environment to handle large and complex simulations efficiently.
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Advanced material models
Support a wide range of material models to accurately simulate the behavior of metals, composites, rubber and other materials under various conditions.
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CAD compatibility
Integrate with multiple CAD systems for seamless import and export of geometry and assembly data.
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Compatibility and integrations
Integrate easily and seamlessly with various third-party software and a wide variety of CAD systems. Integration with Siemens Digital Industries Software is simple.
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Flexible, value-based licensing
License Simcenter Nastran as a standalone solver or bundled with Simcenter Femap, and use Simcenter 3D value-based licensing to access the modules you need on demand, without committing to a fixed license type.
Client success is our success
I highly recommend Applied CAx as a trusted partner for any organization seeking innovative software solutions. Their expertise, commitment to excellence and ability to meet the unique requirements of the aerospace industry have been instrumental in our success at Rocket Lab.
CFD has been the backbone of PacMar Technologies’ engineering advantage in the marine industry, and it’s really helped us accelerate our design process to get to working prototypes. PacMar is pushing the limits of the CFD code, and Applied CAx support helps facilitate it.
Most larger firms struggle to understand our unique desires. Not Applied CAx. It’s as if they intuitively grasp why we’re not like the competition—and why that matters. This collaboration, along with a bent for action, is the underpinning of our Engineering Digital Transformation.
AppliedCAx has been fantastic in helping us scale our growing business with the necessary software tools appropriately and cost effectively. Additionally, and on multiple occasions, Applied has been invaluable to us by providing immediate, quick turn-around licensing requests that proved vital in being able to serve our customers.
Applied CAX has been the definition of a strategic partner to X-Energy.
They have demonstrated their expertise in both the technology as well as the unique challenges in the Nuclear Industry daily. Our company faces immense challenges in adopting innovative digital engineering capabilities, and the thought leadership and executive engagement from Applied CAx has made all of the difference and accelerated our adoption of these cutting-edge tools and processes.
The future success of X-Energy with respect to Design, Analysis, Build, and Operations has been positively impacted and strengthened by our partnership with Applied CAx and their team.
It’s time to unleash your potential
Simcenter Nastran FAQ
- What types of analysis does Simcenter Nastran support? Simcenter Nastran supports linear and nonlinear structural analysis, structural dynamics, acoustics, rotor dynamics, aeroelasticity, thermal analysis, and optimization, all from the same solver, so input and output file formats stay consistent across analysis types.
- Does Simcenter Nastran integrate with other tools? Yes. Simcenter Nastran is available as an integrated solution within Simcenter 3D or as a standalone solver, and it's commonly paired with Simcenter Femap for pre- and post-processing. It also works with whichever CAD or pre/post system your team already uses.
- Does Simcenter Nastran include AI capabilities? Nastran itself doesn't have a dedicated AI copilot the way some other Simcenter tools do, but with the June 2026 release, former Altair products joined the Simcenter family, giving Nastran users access to a broader range of data science and AI capabilities across the connected portfolio. Nastran 2606 also improved solver robustness for the automated, repeat-run workflows common in AI training and optimization studies.
- What are the licensing options for Simcenter Nastran? Simcenter Nastran can be licensed as a standalone solver, bundled with Simcenter Femap, or accessed through Simcenter 3D value-based licensing for on-demand use of the modules you need. Applied CAx will help you determine which configuration fits your team.