The Effective Engineer 

Helping you solve your engineering challenges
For Engineers, Managers, and Technical ProfessionalsJanuary 2012 | No. 2
Greetings! 

In this issue we provide
a methodology for effectively identifying modes of vibration via 
NX-Nastran , discuss tailoring of composite layups, announce a recent contract award from the US Air Force Advanced Composites Office, and introduce a 45 day free trial offer for Femap and the Femap Video Tip of the Day. Enjoy!

GLAST Pogo Mode

Easy_Mode_IDFast & Intuitive Mode ID with NX-Nastran

Using strain and kinetic energy methods to identify modes of vibration can aid the dynamic analyst in better understanding complex structures and suggest how to modify structures to meet requirements and optimize the design for minimum weight. 

This article illustrates how to use NX-Nastran output to quantify the details of every mode of vibration in your finite element model using custom software available for free from SMC.

 

Read on

X29 Example of composite coupling Tailored_Composites
I Pull, It Twists - Tailored Composites

Composite laminates can be designed to exhibit unique structural responses not possible with conventional isotropic materials. The layup can be tailored to induce various elastically coupled structural responses such as twisting when pulled, or shearing when compressed. It is an often underutilized characteristic of fiber reinforced composite structures. This article explores the challenges and the successful exploitation of this feature. 

Read on

Air Force Research Lab
SMC_wins_ACO_ContractUS Airforce ACO awards SMC Reverse Engineering Contract

Structural Mechanics Corporation (SMC) has been awarded a contract from the United States Air Force (USAF) Advanced Composites Office (ACO), to provide reverse engineering, design, analysis, and manufacturing support for a KC-135 refueling shroud

 

"We are delighted with this opportunity to showcase our core competence in composite structures to help meet the goals of the USAF..."

 Read on

 Siemens Channel Partner - Femap - Nastran - NX-CAE - Solid Edge
Siemens Channel Partner Logo Femap_45DayFREE 45 Day Femap License From SMC

Fully functioning Femap and NX-Nastran is available via download from Structural Mechanics Corporation by clicking here.

 

Demo the world's best solver and pre/post processor at home or work for 45 days.

Read on

FEMAP 10.3 Splash Femap_Video_of_the_DayIntroducing FEMAP Video Tip of the Day

 

SMC short videos highlight new features, common solutions, and clever tricks to use Femap more effectively. We produce them, so they are right to the point, clear, and thorough.

 

Initial Topics will include, Element Normals, Display Geometry, View Cross Sections, Suppressing Features and More.

 

 Sign Up Now!

In This Issue
 Easy Mode Identification 
Tailored Composites Basics
SMC wins ACO Contract

Free 45 day Femap Trial
 Femap Video Tip of the Day

NASA Project Manager Quotes

Video Tips & Tricks
Nastran

View our profile on LinkedIn Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our videos on YouTube
 
Effective Engineering
The focus of this publication is on individual contributors and their first line managers in engineering and technical organizations. SMC provides insight and tools on challenging engineering problems seen in the competitive marketplace. Our focus is on effective methods and behaviors that will make you and your organization competitive and create a rewarding professional experience.
 
Videos
Tips to keep you effective at work and in your career.


NastranNASTRAN -Grid Point Weight Generator View our videos on YouTube

 
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EventsUpcoming Events
IMAC XXX '12 
Visit SMC in Booth 315 at this Conference and Exposition on Structural Dynamics! We will demonstrate how effective use of digital simulation can help project managers reduce many downstream costs and risks.
   January 30th - February 2nd, Hyatt Regency, Jacksonville, Florida USA

 

Open SMC Training Webinar - The Best Way to Review Nastran Decks with FEMAP
   February 9th, 2012 @ 8:00 AM PST ( click to register now and reserve your spot today! )

 

Step up to the next generation of CAE! This is the next in our bi-monthly webinar series to help improve your efficiency with best practices shared by other customers and with training and advice from our developers.
   February 16, 1 PM (Eastern)

 

Open SMC Training Webinar - Using Topological Optimization in Product Development 
   March 8th, 2012 @ 8:00 AM PST ( click to register now and reserve your spot today! )

 

   March 27-29, 2012 @ Los Angeles Convention Center  (visit us at our booth) 
NASANASA Project Managers Guideline #2
 
Most equipment works "as built," i.e., not as the designer planned. This is due to layout of the design, poor understanding on the designer's part, or poor understanding of component specifications.
 

Contact Information           |    www.structuralmechanics.com       |                    (310) 372-2277

Please feel free to contact us at Structural Mechanics Corporation with any questions you have regarding this newsletter or our complete engineering, training, and Siemens CAE software sales.

Call us, we'd like to hear from you. (310) 372-2277
- Eric & Tom