Case Study: NASA achieves validated JWST structural performance with MSC Nastran

Structural Analysis and Model Validation for the JWST ISIM Structure Using MSC Nastran

NASA faced the challenge of designing and validating the precise composite support structure for the James Webb Space Telescope. This structure had to meet stringent requirements for distortion, strength, and dynamic performance under extreme temperature changes from ambient to cryogenic, as well as various loading events. MSC Software used its MSC Nastran solver to supplement limited physical testing and develop methodologies to ensure performance within a tight uncertainty range.

The solution involved creating a high-fidelity MSC Nastran model to examine structural integrity under thermal, static, and dynamic loads. This model was validated through testing and used to predict thermal distortion, establish error bounds, and validate strength allowables for composite and metallic joints. As a result, MSC Software delivered a validated design where analysis correlated with dynamic test results within 5% accuracy, and established that the predicted failure allowables were conservative, ensuring a reliable final design.

NASA