Learn more about the exciting capabilities available with HDF5 results in MSC Nastran, MSC Apex and Marc.
MSC first introduced HDF5 as a data container for MSC Nastran 2016 (with enhancements in subsequent releases). Interoperability of MSC Apex with the Nastran HDF5 file was added in the Iberian Lynx release (in January, 2019). With the Marc 2019 release, MSC expands the number of applications using the HDF5 format.
HDF5 is an open data model for storing and managing heterogeneous data. The database organizes FEA input and output data in a hierarchical structure. Its open format and access via multiple programming languages makes it ideal for FEA applications.
HDF5 has important advantages: faster access and plot generation, smaller file sizes, and easy access for downstream calculations. A single file can store all result types.
- For the MSC Nastran user, HDF5 can replace multiple file formats (XDB, OP2, Master/Dball, and punch files).
- For the Marc user, HDF5 can be used in place of T16 files.
- For the Patran user, HDF5 provides better performance when accessing and post processing results from both MSC Nastran and Marc.
- For the MSC Apex user, HDF5 provides the ability to create and export a Nastran model, run the analysis and review results with MSC Apex.