Langford Analytic · Knowledge Base
Tools and Software
Practical guidance for engineering analysis, simulation, automation and technical computing — Abaqus, ANSYS, Nastran, SolidWorks Simulation, pre- and post-processing, MATLAB, Python, Excel, CAD preparation, optimisation tools, test data processing and reproducible engineering workflows.
Abaqus
Abaqus for Structural AnalysisEngineering-led guide to setting up and running structural analyses in Abaqus — model architecture, procedure selection, step control and result extraction.Choosing Element Types in AbaqusPractical guidance on selecting Abaqus element types — shells, solids, beams, connectors — and avoiding common formulation errors.Applying Boundary Conditions in AbaqusHow to apply physically realistic boundary conditions in Abaqus — encastre, symmetry, coupling constraints, RBE3 and avoiding over-constraint.Bolt Preload in AbaqusHow to apply and verify bolt preload in Abaqus using the *PRE-TENSION SECTION capability — setup, load steps and result extraction.Contact Modelling in AbaqusHow to set up, solve and verify contact in Abaqus — general contact versus surface-to-surface, penalty versus Lagrange, friction and convergence control.Nonlinear Static Analysis in AbaqusHow to set up, control and interpret nonlinear static analyses in Abaqus — plasticity, large displacement, contact and convergence management.Submodelling in AbaqusHow to set up global-local submodelling in Abaqus — driving a local model with displacement fields from a global model and verifying consistency.Abaqus Python Scripting for AutomationHow to use the Abaqus Python scripting interface to automate model creation, parametric studies and result extraction.Performing Mesh Convergence in AbaqusHow to run and document a mesh convergence study in Abaqus — local refinement, output monitoring and Richardson extrapolation.
Ansys
ANSYS Mechanical for Structural AnalysisEngineering-led guide to setting up structural analyses in ANSYS Mechanical — project setup, meshing, boundary conditions and result extraction.Contact Modelling in ANSYS MechanicalHow to set up and verify contact in ANSYS Mechanical — formulation selection, stiffness, friction, pinball and contact status interpretation.Bolt Pretension in ANSYS MechanicalHow to apply bolt pretension in ANSYS Mechanical — pretension load, lock condition and extraction of residual bolt force under external loading.Random Vibration Analysis in ANSYS MechanicalHow to set up and interpret a random vibration (PSD) analysis in ANSYS Mechanical — modal basis, PSD input, damping and 3σ response.Mesh Convergence in ANSYS MechanicalHow to perform a mesh convergence study in ANSYS Mechanical — refinement controls, result comparison and documentation.
Nastran
Nastran Model Structure and Bulk DataEngineering-led guide to Nastran model architecture — executive control, case control, bulk data sections and common card types.RBE2 versus RBE3 in NastranWhen to use RBE2 (rigid) versus RBE3 (distributing) in Nastran — the difference in stiffness, load transfer and common mistakes.Nastran SOL 101 Linear Static AnalysisHow to set up, run and verify a SOL 101 linear static analysis in Nastran — subcases, load selection, SPC and result extraction.Nastran SOL 103 Normal ModesHow to set up and verify a SOL 103 normal modes analysis in Nastran — eigenvalue extraction, effective mass and mode shape interpretation.Nastran SOL 105 Buckling AnalysisHow to set up and interpret a SOL 105 eigenvalue buckling analysis in Nastran — pre-stressed stiffness, eigenvalues and limitations.Fastener Modelling in NastranHow to model fasteners in Nastran using CBUSH, CWELD, RBE2/RBE3 and fastener elements — load extraction and verification.Nastran Grid Point Force BalanceHow to use the grid point force balance in Nastran to verify equilibrium, extract free-body loads and check model correctness.
Pre- and Post-Processing
Geometry Preparation for FEAHow to prepare CAD geometry for finite-element meshing — defeaturing, midsurface extraction, preserving load paths and avoiding common traps.Mesh Generation WorkflowsHow to plan and execute an efficient meshing workflow — hex versus tet, batch meshing, transition zones and quality control.Shell versus Solid Modelling Across FEA SolversWhen to use shell versus solid elements across Abaqus, ANSYS and Nastran — and the practical trade-offs for thin-walled and thick structures.
SolidWorks Simulation
MATLAB
Engineering Data Processing in MATLABHow to use MATLAB for processing FEA results, load spectra, fatigue data and vibration signals — practical workflows and code examples.MATLAB for Vibration Data ProcessingHow to process vibration and modal test data in MATLAB — FFT, PSD, frequency response, damping estimation and modal parameter extraction.
Python for Engineering
Python for Engineering AutomationHow to use Python to automate engineering workflows — FEA result extraction, batch processing, parametric studies and report generation.Python for Test and FEA Data ComparisonHow to use Python to compare strain-gauge and modal test data with FEA results — data parsing, interpolation, correlation metrics and reporting.
Excel for Engineering
CAD & Geometry Preparation
Optimisation Tools
Test & Data Tools
Strain-Gauge Data Processing WorkflowHow to process strain-gauge test data for FEA correlation — units, scaling, filtering, gauge orientation and uncertainty.Vibration Data Processing WorkflowHow to process accelerometer and vibration test data — FFT, PSD, frequency response, windowing and sampling considerations.
Reporting & Automation
Automating FEA Result ExtractionHow to automate the extraction of key results from multiple FEA runs — peak stress, reactions, displacements and margins across load cases.Automated Load Case Processing and EnvelopingHow to automate the processing and enveloping of multiple load cases — identifying critical cases, computing margins and generating summary reports.Building Reproducible Engineering WorkflowsHow to build engineering analysis workflows that are reproducible, traceable and reviewable — scripting, version control, documentation and evidence.