Machine/Structural Design

[agriengineer]

What softwares are best suited in machine and structural designs wherein shear, moment, deformation and other reactions are automatically computed when loads are given? Can these same softwares recommend material (type, dimensions, points of support) when the allowable deformation, loads, and other reactions are given?

 

[npsingh]

You need a 3-D CAD and a FEA software to solve your problem.
For model and assembly creation you should have a CAD software and for analysis of structure you must have a FEA software.
There are too many CAD softwares such as: Pro/Engineer, Pro/Desktop, CATIA, UG, SolidWorks, I-Deas, AutoCAD Inventor, CADKEY and many more.
Name of some FEA software is as: COSMOS/M, ANSYS, Nastran, Pro/Mechanica, FEMAP, Algor etc.
If you need detail write me at npsingh@engineer.com N P Singh

 

[DanCo9]

If you haven't been using CAD software all your life, I recommend SolidWorks and Nastran. Stay away from traditional big money guys like ProE unless you are forced into it by peer useage. Your aspirin bill will be a lot less. I also recommend

http://www.cati.com

as support people. If nothing else, they will tell you if they don't have what you need.
p.s. This is not a paid endorsement. I was just very impressed with these guys, and did a lot of comparison by myself.

 

[MASSEY]

Did someone above recommend CADKEY? I thought the company I work for was the only one still using it.

Does anyone else use CADKEY or do they keep producing it just for us?