Simulating a flexible fluid container using Nastran and MARC led to considerable time and cost savings

An aero parts manufacturer needed to successfully drop test a flexible fluid container from a height of 80 feet in order to certify the part. Inaccuracies in the predictions led to 5 failed drop tests, each of which cost approximately $55k. The continued failure of the expensive physical tests prompted the company to acquire Marc and Nastran to create accurate simulations of the part for more reliable predictions. The explicit capability Nastran’s SOL 700 was used to simulate the drop testing and Marc was used for seal analysis.

The next physical test, using predictions based on Nastran and Marc’s simulation results was successful and qualified the part for certification. Hence, the simulation software saved the aero company significant costs that would have resulted from further unsuccessful physical tests.