STARS is composed of modules which are fully integrated to yield unique multidisciplinary modeling and simulation capabilities.

• The SOLIDS module is capable of analyzing static, stability, vibration, and dynamic response problems for a wide variety of structures including spinning structures subjected to mechanical and/or thermal loading. It can also perform both linear and nonlinear analyses. An extensive element library consists of 1, 2-, and 3-D elements with general material properties that also include composites and sandwich elements. Structural as well as viscous damping may be included in analyses.

• The SOLIDS HEAT TRANSFER module provides STARS with its heat conduction analysis capabilities. Both steady state as well as transient analyses may be performed, including nonlinear effects. This module's element library consists of line, shell, and solid elements (including composites).

• The AEROELASTIC and AEROSERVOELASTIC modules are capable of predicting the stability of aircraft and spacecraft structures. These modules can be used in conjunction with the SOLIDS module. For instance, once a vibration analysis is performed utilizing SOLIDS, STARS can determine the flutter and divergence characteristics as well as perform open- and closed-loop stability analyses.

• The CFDASE module provides nonlinear aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic analysis capability. It enables effective computation of unsteady aerodynamic forces by employing both finite element-based structural and CFD computations. The associated PROPULSION module employs CFD techniques for simulation of flow mixing phenomenon. A preprocessor submodule enables the automated generation of nodal, element, and other associated input data for any continuum. It is capable of generating complex structural forms through duplication, mirrorimaging, and cross-sectioning of modular representative structures. This submodule also includes a fully automated 3-D mesh generation capability. Two postprocessor submodules provide extensive color plotting of various structural, heat transfer and CFD-related solution results.

A utility is included to translate NASTRAN and MSC/NASTRAN input data for structures into STARS input data. NSTARS transforms the Bulk Data portion of the NASTRAN input file. Specifically, it can translate defining coordinate systems, grid points, grid point constraints, rod elements, bar elements, triangular and quadrilateral shell elements, composite shell elements, tetrahedral and hexahedral solid elements, material properties, and distributed mass loads.