TACT: A Set of MSC/PATRAN- & MSC/NASTRAN-based Modal Correlation Tools


Jill M. Marlowe
Assistant Head
Engineering Analysis Branch
NASA Langley Research Center
Hampton, Virginia 23681
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Genevieve D. Dixon
Aerospace Engineer
Engineering Analysis Branch
NASA Langley Research Center
Hampton, Virginia 23681



Abstract:

The Test Analysis Correlation Tools (TACT), are a suite of MSC/PATRAN Command Language (PCL) tools which automate the process of correlating finite element models to modal survey test data. The initial release of TACT (May 1996) provides a basic set of tools for performing correlation totally inside the PATRAN/NASTRAN environment. Features include a step-by-step menu structure, pre-test accelerometer set evaluation and selection, analysis and test result export/import in Universal File Format, calculation of frequency percent difference and cross-orthogonality correlation results using NASTRAN, creation and manipulation of mode pairs, and five different ways of viewing synchronized animations of analysis and test modal results. For the PATRAN-based analyst, TACT eliminates the repetitive, time-consuming and error-prone steps associated with transferring finite element data to a third-party modal correlation package, which allows the analyst to spend more time on the more challenging task of model updating. The usefulness of this software is presented using a case history, the correlation for a NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) low aspect ratio research wind tunnel model.


Additional Information:

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Software Description:
"TACT: A Set of MSC/PATRAN & MSC/NASTRAN-based Modal Correlation Tools"
Presented at the International Modal Analysis Conference (IMAC) - XVI, Paper #81
Session 1: Model Updating & Correlation
February 2-6, 1998
 Full Conference Paper
Presentation Slides
Software Download:
NOTE: The Structural & Thermal Analysis Branch is no longer supporting development of this code, as we now use a commercial product to perform this function. All downloads of this tool are completely unwarranted.

A government software release form must be completed and signed before the program can be released for use. Once you have completed and returned the release form, instructions will be sent via email for how to obtain the source code.

NOTE: NASA policy prohibits the transfer of computer codes to individuals outside of the United States without a formal agreement between our organizations.
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Software Help:
TACT Reference Manual
(Current version is 1.6 released 1/8/99)

NOTE: The Structural & Thermal Analysis Branch is no longer supporting development of this code, as we now use a commercial product to perform this function. All downloads of this tool are completely unwarranted. 		Postscript TACT Manual
PDF TACT Manual


Last Modified: 7/18/00
Site last reviewed: January 5, 2004
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