MSC Marc

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MSC Marc is a nonlinear finite elements analysis software used to simulate behavior of complex materials and interaction under large deformations and strains. It can also simulate multi-physics scenarios across structural, thermal, piezoelectric, electrostatic, magnetostatic, and electromagnetic behaviors. It uses automatic two-dimensional and three-dimensional remeshing to analyze structures undergoing large distortions, and crack propagation.

Finite element method Numerical method for solving physical or engineering problems

The finite element method (FEM) is a numerical method for solving problems of engineering and mathematical physics. Typical problem areas of interest include structural analysis, heat transfer, fluid flow, mass transport, and electromagnetic potential. The analytical solution of these problems generally require the solution to boundary value problems for partial differential equations. The finite element method formulation of the problem results in a system of algebraic equations. The method approximates the unknown function over the domain. To solve the problem, it subdivides a large system into smaller, simpler parts that are called finite elements. The simple equations that model these finite elements are then assembled into a larger system of equations that models the entire problem. FEM then uses variational methods from the calculus of variations to approximate a solution by minimizing an associated error function.

Software Non-tangible executable component of a computer

Computer software, or simply software, is a collection of data or computer instructions that tell the computer how to work. This is in contrast to physical hardware, from which the system is built and actually performs the work. In computer science and software engineering, computer software is all information processed by computer systems, programs and data. Computer software includes computer programs, libraries and related non-executable data, such as online documentation or digital media. Computer hardware and software require each other and neither can be realistically used on its own.

A simulation is an approximate imitation of the operation of a process or system; the act of simulating first requires a model is developed. This model is a well-defined description of the simulated subject, and represents its key characteristics, such as its behaviour, functions and abstract or physical properties. The model represents the system itself, whereas the simulation represents its operation over time.

Contents

History

Marc was the first commercial nonlinear finite element software developed by Marc Analysis Research Corporation founded in 1971 by Dr. Pedro Marcal. It was acquired in 1999 by MSC Software Corporation. Mentat is the dedicated pre- and post-processor used to support Marc. [1]

Introduction

Engineering structures and systems often use nonlinear materials and experience complex interactions between various parts. For example, the stress-strain curve of an elastomer is highly nonlinear. [2] During installation, elastomeric components could fold onto themselves and could undergo buckling. Their properties change with temperature and time. These nonlinearities are often grouped into three major categories, namely geometric, material and boundary condition nonlinearities. [3] Marc is used to perform Finite Element Analysis of structures accounting for all these nonlinearities, in one, two and three dimensions.

Technology

Marc can be used to run various types of mechanical simulations. [1]

Statics is the branch of mechanics that is concerned with the analysis of loads acting on physical systems that do not experience an acceleration (a=0), but rather, are in static equilibrium with their environment. When in static equilibrium, the acceleration of the system is zero and the system is either at rest, or its center of mass moves at constant velocity. The application of Newton's second law to a system gives:

Dynamics is the branch of classical mechanics concerned with the study of forces and their effects on motion. Isaac Newton defined the fundamental physical laws which govern dynamics in physics, especially his second law of motion.

In science, buckling is an instability that leads to structural failure. The failure modes can in simple cases be found by simple mathematical solutions. For complex structures the failure modes are found by numerical tools.

Marc can also simulate coupled physical phenomena like: [1]

Various constitutive formulations are used during simulations to represent the behavior of materials used in the designs. Marc can be used to model materials like: [1]

Applications

Marc is used in several industries including automotive, aerospace, machinery, electronics, biomedical, oil and gas, consumer goods and packaging, manufacturing, civil engineering and mining to solve complex nonlinear problems that involve large deformations and strains, contact interaction, damage, fracture and failure. [4]

See also

Related Research Articles

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  1. Abaqus/CAE, or "Complete Abaqus Environment". It is a software application used for both the modeling and analysis of mechanical components and assemblies (pre-processing) and visualizing the finite element analysis result. A subset of Abaqus/CAE including only the post-processing module can be launched independently in the Abaqus/Viewer product.
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  4. Abaqus/CFD, a Computational Fluid Dynamics software application which provides advanced computational fluid dynamics capabilities with extensive support for preprocessing and postprocessing provided in Abaqus/CAE.
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NEi Fusion

NEi Fusion is a finite element analysis program sold by NEi Software that is used by engineers to build and analyze 3D models of parts and assemblies of various products. NEi Fusion digital-simulation software virtually applies forces, pressures, vibration, acceleration loads, or thermal conditions to 3D models of parts, structures, and assemblies. It obtains results of various engineering parameters, such as deformation, stresses, strains, temperature distributions, and modal shapes the design would experience if implemented. The results, which range from tables of data to contour plots and animations, provide engineering insight. For example, result visualizations like color-coded, contour plots can help deepen understanding of physical phenomena in complex geometry. NEi Fusion consists of a 3D parametric CAD modeler powered by SolidWorks with NEi Nastran finite element analysis solvers. NEi Fusion runs on Microsoft Windows and provides CAD modeling, import and meshing tools.

ADINA is a commercial engineering simulation software program that is developed and distributed worldwide by ADINA R & D, Inc. The company was founded in 1986 by Dr. Klaus-Jürgen Bathe, and is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, United States.

Pam-Crash is a software package from ESI Group used for crash simulation and the design of occupant safety systems, primarily in the automotive industry. The software enables automotive engineers to simulate the performance of a proposed vehicle design and evaluate the potential for injury to occupants in multiple crash scenarios.

DIANA FEA

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MOOSE (software) software

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ACTRAN is a finite element-based computer aided engineering software modeling the acoustic behavior of mechanical systems and parts. Actran is being developed by Free Field Technologies, a Belgian software company founded in 1998 by Jean-Pierre Coyette and Jean-Louis Migeot. Free Field Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary of the MSC Software Corporation since 2011.

PZFlex is a commercial software package for finite element analysis and virtual prototyping, developed by Weidlinger Associates Inc, USA. It was an outgrowth of the Flex family of codes developed for structural engineering.

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