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The NASTRAN Theoretical Manual


The documentation for the NASTRAN computer program consists of four manuals: the Theoretical
Manual, the User's Manual, the Programmer's Manual and the DemonstratiOn Problem Manual. Since an
effort has been made to avoid duplication of material, a brief statement of the content of the
other three manuals will serve as a useful point of departure in introducing the Theoretical Manual.
The intent of the User's Manual is that it provide all of the information needed to solve
problems with NASTRAN. Users should find it to be both instructional and encyclopedic. .It
includes instruction in structural modeling techniques. instruction in input preparation and infor-
mation to assist the interpretation of output. It contains descriptions of all input data cards.
restart procedures and diagnostic messages. It is hoped that it can serve as a self-help instruc-
tion book.
The intent of the Programmer’s Manual is that it provide a complete description of the program
code, including the mathematical equations that are implemented in the Functional Modules. It des-
cribes the Executive System and the coding practices that have been employed. It contains the in-
formation that is reouired for maintenance and modification of the program.
The intent of the Denonstration Problem Manual is to illustrate the formulation of the types
of problems that can be solved with NASTRAN and to show that the results obtained are valid.
Generally, this manual discusses the nature of the problem. the underlying theory. the specific
geometric and physical input quantities, and the comparison of theoretical and NASTRAN results.
At least one problem for each of the rigid formats and nearly all of the elements is provided.
One of the roles that has been assigned to the Theoretical Manual is that of a commentary on
the program. It is, first of all, intended to be an introduction to NASTRAN for all interested
persons, including those who will go on to use the program and those whose interests are less
direct. For this purpose. the structure and the problem solving capabilities of the program are
described in a narrative style. The manual's most important function. however. is to present
developments of the analytical and numerical procedures that underlie the program.