Which CAD Software is Most Widely Used in Aerospace Engineering?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the most widely used CAD and analysis software in aerospace engineering, exploring various tools and their applications in modeling and analysis. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding different software packages.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest CATIA as a comprehensive solution for CAD/CAM/CAE, while also recommending SOLIDWORKS and CREO for faster modeling.
  • One participant notes that SolidWorks is commonly used in their department, with CATIA being prevalent in the industry, particularly for parametric modeling.
  • Another participant mentions that ABAQUS is favored for finite element analysis (FEA) among structures engineers, alongside the use of custom code for specific cases.
  • NX CAD is brought up as a potential software option, though one participant admits to not being familiar with it.
  • NASTRAN is recognized as a long-standing general-purpose finite element program, applicable for structural analysis and other problems involving partial differential equations.
  • There is a viewpoint that SolidWorks is effective for 3D modeling but may not be ideal for finite element modeling, with Ansys being preferred for such tasks.
  • One participant emphasizes that the choice of software ultimately depends on the specific modeling problem being addressed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the software used in aerospace engineering, indicating that multiple competing views remain regarding the best tools for different applications.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of consensus on the best software for specific tasks, as well as varying experiences and preferences among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Aerospace engineering students, professionals in CAD and FEA, and individuals interested in software applications for engineering design and analysis may find this discussion relevant.

Monsterboy
Messages
305
Reaction score
96
What are the CAD and analysis softwares most widely used by Aerospace engineers?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
CATIA provides enough CAD/CAM/CAE solutions,I'm a aerospace graduate and have been using it for my projects, i'd also like to suggest SOLID WORKS & CREO for faster modelling solutions, if you want to do intense analysis of a model ANSYS is recommended.
 
We use SolidWorks in my department. CATIA seems to be common in industry. (At least for parametric modeling...)

The structures people here like ABAQUS for FEA. For certain cases custom code is also used. I'm not a structures person.
 
What about NX CAD ,NASTRAN?
 
Never heard of NX CAD.

NASTRAN has been around for ages. It is a general purpose FE program. Can be used for structural analysis, but it can also tackle other field problems by solving PDEs using a finite element procedure.
 
From what I've seen SolidWorks is common for the construction of 3d models, but it isn't great for actual FEM. For FEM work, a lot of the people I know use Ansys.
 
It ultimately depends on the actual, concrete modeling problem that you are trying to solve.
 

Similar threads

Does the title "Masters of Aerospace Engineering" exist?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Requirements and systems engineering
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Federal lawsuit against Boeing regarding IP of Wilson Aerospace
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Engine fire on Cathay Pacific CX383, Airbus A350, Rolls-Royce XWB-97
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Seeking information on aerospace engineering
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Rolls-Royce Trent-1000 Engine Issues - British Air cancels flights
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Studying What universities for studying Aerospace Engineering in UK?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Shifting from Mechanical Engineer to Aerospace Engineer
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
PW GTF (Geared TurboFan) Engines Manufacturing Issues Affecting A320/A321 NEO Aircraft
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
690
Other Advice wanted for self-directed aerospace research as a sophomore
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K