A method for transferring NASTRAN data between dissimilar computers

The NASTRAN computer program is capable of executing on three different types of computers: (1) the CDC 6000 series, (2) the IBM 360-370 series, and (3) the Univac 1100 series. A typical activity requiring transfer of data between dissimilar computers is the analysis of a large structure such as the space shuttle by substructuring. Models of portions of the vehicle which have been analyzed by subcontractors using their computers must be integrated into a model of the complete structure by the prime contractor on his computer. Presently the transfer of NASTRAN matrices or tables between two different types of computers is accomplished by punched cards or a magnetic tape containing card images. These methods of data transfer do not satisfy the requirements for intercomputer data transfer associated with a substructuring activity. To provide a more satisfactory transfer of data, two new programs, RDUSER and WRTUSER, were created.