Tutorial B9: Define the Properties and Mesh

Autodesk Inventor Nastran can access a material library.

  1. Expand the Model Tree, then right-click on Materials and select New.
  2. In the dialog, click on Select Material.
  3. The Material DB dialog will become populated with the available libraries.
  4. Expand the Autodesk Material Library tree, and select Aluminum 6061 as shown in the image below.

  5. Click OK to close the Material DB dialog.
  6. The corresponding properties are loaded into the appropriate fields in the Material dialog.
  7. In the Model tree, under Idealizations, check for any existing definitions under the standard categories, such as Solids and Shells. Solid 1, shown below, is an example of an existing definition:

    If there are any existing definitions, right-click Idealizations > Delete All. Doing this ensures that you won't have unwanted materials appearing in the part mesh and participating in the analysis.

  8. In the Model tree, under Idealizations, right-click Solids and select New.
  9. In the Idealizations dialog, type Solid Wheel Arch for Name, select Solid Elements under Type, and ensure that Material is set to Aluminum 6061.

  10. Then click OK. Solid Property is added to the Idealizations list.
  11. Right-click on Mesh Model and select Edit. Set the following:
    • Element Size: 0.15 inch
    • Element Order : Parabolic
    • Continuous Meshing: Off
  12. Create a Cylindrical coordinate system. Right-click on the Coordinate System at the bottom of the Model tree and click New. Change the Name to Cylindrical. Input the values as shown in the image below and click OK.