It is relevant to compare MYSTRAN to NASTRAN-95 and also discuss the state of NASTRAN-95.
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NASTRAN-95 (Advantages):
- More developed and includes aero and fluid elements.
- More history of use (more well known)
- The buckling solutions are more developed (MYSTRAN only supports beam elements for Eigen solutions).
- DMAP capability
NASTRAN-95 (Disadvantages):
- The user manual may need updates.
- Some of the element formulations are old (i.e. shells may exhibit shear locking).
- The code may be difficult to develop, but there may be a few developers who can work with it.
- The solver that is used may be outdated by today's standards (considering the solver is at least 25 years old).
- No PSHELL or PCOMP?
NASTRAN-95 (Unknowns):
- There appears to be some nonlinear analysis capability, but the extent is not known. Need to investigate the MATS1.
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MYSTRAN (Usability)
- A compiled version for Windows exists.
- Complete processes for compiling in Windows using open source tools.
MYSTRAN (Advantages)
- Perhaps the biggest advantage of MYSTRAN is developers should find it more user friendly.
- Created with more modern software and hardware in mind.
- User manual is complete and updated.
- Newer solvers can be incorporated with relative ease.
MYSTRAN (Disadvantages)
- Not as developed (less features) or well known as NASTRAN
-----------------------------------------------------
NASTRAN-95 (Advantages):
- More developed and includes aero and fluid elements.
- More history of use (more well known)
- The buckling solutions are more developed (MYSTRAN only supports beam elements for Eigen solutions).
- DMAP capability
NASTRAN-95 (Disadvantages):
- The user manual may need updates.
- Some of the element formulations are old (i.e. shells may exhibit shear locking).
- The code may be difficult to develop, but there may be a few developers who can work with it.
- The solver that is used may be outdated by today's standards (considering the solver is at least 25 years old).
- No PSHELL or PCOMP?
NASTRAN-95 (Unknowns):
- There appears to be some nonlinear analysis capability, but the extent is not known. Need to investigate the MATS1.
-----------------------------------------------------
MYSTRAN (Usability)
- A compiled version for Windows exists.
- Complete processes for compiling in Windows using open source tools.
MYSTRAN (Advantages)
- Perhaps the biggest advantage of MYSTRAN is developers should find it more user friendly.
- Created with more modern software and hardware in mind.
- User manual is complete and updated.
- Newer solvers can be incorporated with relative ease.
MYSTRAN (Disadvantages)
- Not as developed (less features) or well known as NASTRAN