Combining MSC/NASTRAN, Sensitivity Methods, and Virtual Reality to Facilitate Interactive Design

Tsung-Pin Yeh
Judy M. Vance
Iowa Center for Emerging Manufacturing Technology
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011-2160

1995 MSC World Users’ Conference, May 8-12, 1995, Universal City, CA

Abstract
This paper will present results of a research project which investigated incorporating finite element analysis results into a virtual environment. Three programs developed in the course of this research are described. MSC/NASTRAN is used to perform the analysis and WorldToolKit and GL are used to develop the virtual environment. Virtual reality peripherals including a head-mounted display and a BOOM are used with a 3D mouse as interface devices. Sensitivity methods are incorporated into the programs to allow the designer to change design variables and immediately view the effects without performing a re-analysis.

For more information, see Virtual Reality Environment for Interactive Shape Design