You can use a Nastran input file to import a model into Abaqus/CAE by selecting FileImportModel from the main menu bar. Abaqus/CAE imports many common entities in the Nastran bulk data into the model you create; for more information on supported entities, see “Translating Nastran bulk data files to Abaqus input files,” Section 3.2.30 of the Abaqus Analysis User's Guide.

When you import a Nastran input file into Abaqus/CAE, you can control several aspects of the Nastran-to-Abaqus conversion. These options include:

• Mapping of elements from Nastran to Abaqus element types.

• Selecting a method for converting Nastran section or membrane data into Abaqus sections. You can create Abaqus sections corresponding to each Nastran PSHELL or PCOMP property ID, create sections for all homogeneous elements referencing the same material, or create a separate shell or membrane section for each combination of orientation, offset, and/or thickness in the Nastran input file.

• Using pre-integrated shell sections.

• Applying a scaling multiplier for all density, mass, and rotary inertia values created in the Abaqus/CAE model.

• Converting statements that use the Nastran libraries SOL 101, SOL 108, or SOL 111 into Abaqus perturbation steps with load cases.

• Coupling of beam element offsets by creating new nodes at the offset locations, changing the beam connectivity to the new nodes, and rigidly coupling the new and original nodes.