Autodesk Nastran 2023

Reference Manual
Nastran Solver Reference Manual

© 2022 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

Autodesk® Nastran® 2023

Except as otherwise permitted by Autodesk, Inc., this publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, by any
method, for any purpose.

Certain materials included in this publication are reprinted with the permission of the copyright holder.

Trademarks

The following are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and other countries:
123D, 3ds Max, Alias, ATC, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD, Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, Autodesk 123D, Autodesk Homestyler, Autodesk Inventor,
Autodesk MapGuide, Autodesk Streamline, AutoLISP, AutoSketch, AutoSnap, AutoTrack, Backburner, Backdraft, Beast, BIM 360, Burn, Buzzsaw,
CADmep, CAiCE, CAMduct, Civil 3D, Combustion, Communication Specification, Configurator 360, Constructware, Content Explorer, Creative
Bridge, Dancing Baby (image), DesignCenter, DesignKids, DesignStudio, Discreet, DWF, DWG, DWG (design/logo), DWG Extreme, DWG
TrueConvert, DWG TrueView, DWGX, DXF, Ecotect, Ember, ESTmep, Evolver, FABmep, Face Robot, FBX, Fempro, Fire, Flame, Flare, Flint,
ForceEffect, FormIt, Freewheel, Fusion 360, Glue, Green Building Studio, Heidi, Homestyler, HumanIK, i-drop, ImageModeler, Incinerator, Inferno,
InfraWorks, InfraWorks 360, Instructables, Instructables (stylized robot design/logo), Inventor, Inventor HSM, Inventor LT, Lustre, Maya, Maya LT,
MIMI, Mockup 360, Moldflow Plastics Advisers, Moldflow Plastics Insight, Moldflow, Moondust, MotionBuilder, Movimento, MPA (design/logo),
MPA, MPI (design/logo), MPX (design/logo), MPX, Mudbox, Navisworks, ObjectARX, ObjectDBX, Opticore, Pixlr, Pixlr-o-matic, Productstream,
Publisher 360, RasterDWG, RealDWG, ReCap, ReCap 360, Remote, Revit LT, Revit, RiverCAD, Robot, Scaleform, Showcase, Showcase 360,
SketchBook, Smoke, Socialcam, Softimage, Sparks, SteeringWheels, Stitcher, Stone, StormNET, TinkerBox, ToolClip, Topobase, Toxik,
TrustedDWG, T-Splines, ViewCube, Visual LISP, Visual, VRED, Wire, Wiretap, WiretapCentral, XSI.

NASTRAN® is a registered trademark of the National Aeronautics Space Administration. All other brand names, product names or trademarks
belong to their respective holders.

Disclaimer

THIS PUBLICATION AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS MADE AVAILABLE BY AUTODESK, INC. “AS IS.”
AUTODESK, INC. DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE REGARDING THESE
MATERIALS.
Nastran Solver Reference Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents
NASTRAN COMMAND LINE .......................................................................................................1
Running Autodesk Nastran ................................................................................................................................. 2
INITIALIZATION ...........................................................................................................................3
The Model Initialization File ................................................................................................................................. 2
Model Initialization Directive Descriptions ........................................................................................................ 4
File Management Directives – Output File Specifications: .............................................................................. 5
BULKDATAFILE .................................................................................................................................................... 7
DATABASE............................................................................................................................................................ 8
DATINFILE1 ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
DATINFILE2 ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
DISPFILE ............................................................................................................................................................. 11
ELEMFILE ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
FILESPEC ............................................................................................................................................................ 13
FILESPEC1 .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
FILESPEC2 .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
FILESPEC3 .......................................................................................................................................................... 16
FILESPEC4 .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
FORCFILE............................................................................................................................................................ 18
GRIDFILE ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
LOADFILE............................................................................................................................................................ 20
LOGFILE .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
MODALDATFILE ................................................................................................................................................. 22
MODLINFILE........................................................................................................................................................ 23
MODLOUTFILE.................................................................................................................................................... 24
NLINDATFILE ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
OUTFILESPEC .................................................................................................................................................... 26
RSLTDATFILE ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
TOPTDATFILE ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
TOPTDEPXFILE .................................................................................................................................................. 29
TOPTINDXFILE.................................................................................................................................................... 30
FILEBUFFERSIZE ............................................................................................................................................... 31
FILEBUFFERSIZE1 ............................................................................................................................................. 31
FILEBUFFERSIZE2 ............................................................................................................................................. 31
FILEBUFFERSIZE3 ............................................................................................................................................. 31
FILEPFACTOR1 .................................................................................................................................................. 31
FILEPFACTOR2 .................................................................................................................................................. 31
FILEPFACTOR3 .................................................................................................................................................. 31
FILEPFACTOR4 .................................................................................................................................................. 31
NFILEBUFFER..................................................................................................................................................... 31
NFILEBUFFER1................................................................................................................................................... 31
NFILEBUFFER2................................................................................................................................................... 32
NFILEBUFFER3................................................................................................................................................... 32

Autodesk Nastran iii

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

PURGE ................................................................................................................................................................. 32
RSLTFILEPURGE................................................................................................................................................ 32
TOPTDATFILE ..................................................................................................................................................... 32
TOPTDEPXFILE .................................................................................................................................................. 32
TOPTINDXFILE.................................................................................................................................................... 32
Output Control Directives .................................................................................................................................. 33
BULKDATAOUT .................................................................................................................................................. 33
BULKDATASORT................................................................................................................................................ 33
DISKSTATUS....................................................................................................................................................... 33
ELAPSEDTIME .................................................................................................................................................... 33
FEMAPRSLTVECTID .......................................................................................................................................... 33
INCRRSLTOUT .................................................................................................................................................... 33
LEFTMARGIN ...................................................................................................................................................... 33
LINE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 33
MEMORYSTATUS ............................................................................................................................................... 33
MODLDATAFORMAT.......................................................................................................................................... 33
MODLDATAOUT ................................................................................................................................................. 33
MODLINITOUT..................................................................................................................................................... 33
MODLSTATUS..................................................................................................................................................... 33
OUTCONTSYMBOL ............................................................................................................................................ 33
OUTDISPGEOMMODE ........................................................................................................................................ 34
OUTDISPSETID ................................................................................................................................................... 34
OUTGRIDOFFSET ............................................................................................................................................... 34
OUTLOADSETID ................................................................................................................................................. 34
OUTPAGEFORMAT ............................................................................................................................................ 34
OUTSPCSETID .................................................................................................................................................... 34
OUTSTRNSETID.................................................................................................................................................. 34
OUTTEMPSETID ................................................................................................................................................. 34
OUTWIDEFIELD .................................................................................................................................................. 34
OUTZEROVECT .................................................................................................................................................. 34
PCHFILEDBLEPRCS .......................................................................................................................................... 34
PCHFILETYPE ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
RSLTFILEDBLEPRCS ........................................................................................................................................ 34
RSLTFILECOMP.................................................................................................................................................. 34
RSLTFILETYPE ................................................................................................................................................... 35
RSLTLABEL ........................................................................................................................................................ 35
SECONDS ............................................................................................................................................................ 35
SYSTEMSTATUS ................................................................................................................................................ 35
TRSLDDAMDATA ............................................................................................................................................... 35
TRSLDFGMDATA................................................................................................................................................ 35
TRSLDISPDATA .................................................................................................................................................. 35
TRSLDMIDATA.................................................................................................................................................... 35
TRSLLOADDATA ................................................................................................................................................ 35
TRSLMODLDATA................................................................................................................................................ 35
TRSLPRESDATA ................................................................................................................................................ 35
TRSLRBSEDATA ................................................................................................................................................ 36
TRSLSPCDATA ................................................................................................................................................... 36

Autodesk Nastran iv
Nastran Solver Reference Manual

TRSLSTRNDATA ................................................................................................................................................ 36
TRSLTEMPDATA ................................................................................................................................................ 36
TRSLTOQEDATA ................................................................................................................................................ 36
XYPLOTCSVOUT ................................................................................................................................................ 36
Memory Management Directives: ..................................................................................................................... 37
MAXRAM ............................................................................................................................................................. 37
MINRAM ............................................................................................................................................................... 37
RAM ..................................................................................................................................................................... 37
RESERVEDRAM.................................................................................................................................................. 37
Program Control Directives ............................................................................................................................... 38
CNRMETHOD ...................................................................................................................................................... 38
DECOMPMETHOD .............................................................................................................................................. 38
DECOMPAUTOSIZE............................................................................................................................................ 38
DYNRSLTMETHOD ............................................................................................................................................. 38
EXTRACTAUTOSIZE .......................................................................................................................................... 39
EXTRACTMETHOD ............................................................................................................................................. 39
FEATURECODE .................................................................................................................................................. 39
GPWEIGHTMETHOD .......................................................................................................................................... 39
HEXEGRID ........................................................................................................................................................... 39
HPFAFILESPEC .................................................................................................................................................. 39
INCRGEOMOUT .................................................................................................................................................. 39
INMEMORYIO ...................................................................................................................................................... 39
LICENSECODE.................................................................................................................................................... 40
LICENSEMANAGER ........................................................................................................................................... 40
NDISKS ................................................................................................................................................................ 40
NPROCESSORS.................................................................................................................................................. 40
OPTIMIZESETTINGS........................................................................................................................................... 40
OUTGEOMDATFILE ............................................................................................................................................ 40
OUTGEOMFILETYPE .......................................................................................................................................... 40
PCGLSSDMI ........................................................................................................................................................ 41
PENTEGRID......................................................................................................................................................... 41
PYREGRID ........................................................................................................................................................... 41
QUADEGRID........................................................................................................................................................ 41
RESTART ............................................................................................................................................................. 41
RSPECDISPMETHOD ......................................................................................................................................... 41
RSPECVECTMETHOD ........................................................................................................................................ 42
SHELLEGRID ...................................................................................................................................................... 42
SOLIDEGRID ....................................................................................................................................................... 42
SOLUTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 43
TETEGRID ........................................................................................................................................................... 43
TOPTENGINE ...................................................................................................................................................... 44
TRIEGRID ............................................................................................................................................................ 44
WAITFORLICENSE ............................................................................................................................................. 44
PROCESSCONTROL .......................................................................................................................................... 45
OPTIMIZESETTINGS Directive Function Matrix: ............................................................................................. 48
DECOMPMETHOD Directive Applicability Matrix:............................................................................................. 1
CASE CONTROL .........................................................................................................................2

Autodesk Nastran v
Nastran Solver Reference Manual

The Case Control Section .................................................................................................................................... 3

Case Control Command Descriptions ................................................................................................................ 3
$..............................................................................................................................................................................5
ACCELERATION ................................................................................................................................................... 6
ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
B2GG ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
B2PP .................................................................................................................................................................... 10
BEGIN BULK ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
BOLTLD ............................................................................................................................................................... 12
CMETHOD ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
CONTACTGENERATE ........................................................................................................................................ 14
CONTACTSET ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
CORRELATE ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
CYSYMGENERATE ............................................................................................................................................. 18
DDAM ................................................................................................................................................................... 19
DEFORM .............................................................................................................................................................. 20
DISPINTERPOLATE ............................................................................................................................................ 21
DISPLACEMENT ................................................................................................................................................. 23
DLOAD ................................................................................................................................................................. 25
DMIGADD ............................................................................................................................................................ 26
ECHO ................................................................................................................................................................... 27
ELEMDELETE ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
ELEMSET............................................................................................................................................................. 29
ELFORCE ............................................................................................................................................................ 30
ELSTRAIN............................................................................................................................................................ 32
ELSTRESS........................................................................................................................................................... 34
ENTHALPY .......................................................................................................................................................... 36
ESE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 37
EXTSEOUT .......................................................................................................................................................... 38
FATIGUE .............................................................................................................................................................. 39
FLUX .................................................................................................................................................................... 40
FORCE ................................................................................................................................................................. 41
FREQUENCY ....................................................................................................................................................... 43
GEOMCHECK ...................................................................................................................................................... 44
Equivalent Model Parameter ............................................................................................................................... 48
HEXARTOL ...................................................................................................................................................................... 48
HEXFACEMAXIATOL ....................................................................................................................................................... 48
HEXFACEMINIATOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 48
HEXFACESKEWTOL ......................................................................................................................................................... 48
HEXFACETAPERTOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 48
HEXFACEWARPTOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 48
HEXMAXEPADTOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 48
HEXMINEPLRTOL ............................................................................................................................................................ 48
PENTFACEMAXIATOL ..................................................................................................................................................... 48
PENTFACEMINIATOL ...................................................................................................................................................... 48
PENTFACESKEWTOL ....................................................................................................................................................... 48
PENTFACETAPERTOL ...................................................................................................................................................... 48
PENTFACEWARPTOL ...................................................................................................................................................... 48
PENTMAXEPADTOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 48

Autodesk Nastran vi
Nastran Solver Reference Manual

PENTMINEPLRTOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 48
PYRFACEMAXIATOL........................................................................................................................................................ 48
PYRFACEMINIATOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 48
PYRFACESKEWTOL ......................................................................................................................................................... 48
PYRFACETAPERTOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 48
PYRFACEWARPTOL ......................................................................................................................................................... 48
PYRFACEMAXIATOL........................................................................................................................................................ 48
PYRMAXEPADTOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 48
PYRMINEPLRTOL ............................................................................................................................................................ 48
QUADARTOL................................................................................................................................................................... 48
QUADMAXEPADTOL....................................................................................................................................................... 48
QUADMAXIATOL ............................................................................................................................................................ 48
QUADMINEPLRTOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 48
QUADMINIATOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 48
QUADSKEWTOL .............................................................................................................................................................. 48
QUADTAPERTOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 48
QUADWARPTOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 48
TETARTOL ....................................................................................................................................................................... 49
TETFACEMAXIATOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 49
TETFACEMINIATOL ......................................................................................................................................................... 49
TETFACESKEWTOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 49
TETMAXEPADTOL ........................................................................................................................................................... 49
TETMINEPLRTOL ............................................................................................................................................................ 49
TRIARTOL ....................................................................................................................................................................... 49
TRIMAXEPADTOL ........................................................................................................................................................... 49
TRIMAXIATOL ................................................................................................................................................................. 49
TRIMINEPLRTOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 49
TRIMINIATOL.................................................................................................................................................................. 49
TRISKEWTOL................................................................................................................................................................... 49
GLBMATRIX ........................................................................................................................................................ 51
GPDISCONT ........................................................................................................................................................ 53
GPFLUX ............................................................................................................................................................... 54
GPFORCE ............................................................................................................................................................ 55
GPSTRAIN ........................................................................................................................................................... 56
GPSTRESS .......................................................................................................................................................... 58
GRIDOFFSET ...................................................................................................................................................... 60
GRIDSCALEFACTOR ......................................................................................................................................... 61
GROUNDCHECK ................................................................................................................................................. 62
HDOT ................................................................................................................................................................... 63
IC .......................................................................................................................................................................... 64
IMPACTGENERATE ............................................................................................................................................ 65
INITSTRAIN ......................................................................................................................................................... 67
INCLUDE.............................................................................................................................................................. 68
K2GG ................................................................................................................................................................... 69
K2PP .................................................................................................................................................................... 70
LABEL .................................................................................................................................................................. 71
LINE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 72
LOAD ................................................................................................................................................................... 73
LOADINTERPOLATE .......................................................................................................................................... 74
LOADSET ............................................................................................................................................................ 76
M2GG ................................................................................................................................................................... 77

Autodesk Nastran vii

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

M2PP .................................................................................................................................................................... 78
MASTER .............................................................................................................................................................. 79
METHOD .............................................................................................................................................................. 80
MFLUID ................................................................................................................................................................ 81
MODES ................................................................................................................................................................ 82
MODESET ............................................................................................................................................................ 83
MPC ...................................................................................................................................................................... 84
MPCFORCES....................................................................................................................................................... 85
MPRES ................................................................................................................................................................. 86
NASTRAN ............................................................................................................................................................ 87
NLPARM .............................................................................................................................................................. 88
NLSTRESS .......................................................................................................................................................... 89
NONLINEAR ........................................................................................................................................................ 90
OFREQUENCY .................................................................................................................................................... 91
OLOAD ................................................................................................................................................................. 92
OTIME .................................................................................................................................................................. 93
P2G ...................................................................................................................................................................... 94
PARAM ................................................................................................................................................................ 95
RANDOM ............................................................................................................................................................. 96
RESULTLIMITS ................................................................................................................................................... 97
RESVEC ............................................................................................................................................................... 99
SDAMPING ........................................................................................................................................................ 100
SELEMGENERATE ........................................................................................................................................... 101
SET ..................................................................................................................................................................... 102
SETGENERATE................................................................................................................................................. 103
SKIP ................................................................................................................................................................... 104
SOLUTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 105
SPC .................................................................................................................................................................... 107
SPCFORCES ..................................................................................................................................................... 108
STATSUB........................................................................................................................................................... 109
STRAIN .............................................................................................................................................................. 110
STRESS ............................................................................................................................................................. 113
SUBCASE .......................................................................................................................................................... 116
SUBCOM............................................................................................................................................................ 117
SUBSEQ ............................................................................................................................................................ 118
SUBTITLE .......................................................................................................................................................... 119
SURFACE .......................................................................................................................................................... 120
TEMPERATURE ................................................................................................................................................ 121
TEMPGENERATE.............................................................................................................................................. 122
TEMPINTERPOLATE ........................................................................................................................................ 123
TEMPSCALEFACTOR ...................................................................................................................................... 125
THERMAL .......................................................................................................................................................... 126
TITLE .................................................................................................................................................................. 127
TSTEP ................................................................................................................................................................ 128
TSTEPNL ........................................................................................................................................................... 129
VECTOR ............................................................................................................................................................. 130
VELOCITY.......................................................................................................................................................... 131

Autodesk Nastran viii

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

VIBFATIGUE ...................................................................................................................................................... 133

VOLUME ............................................................................................................................................................ 134
WELDGENERATE ............................................................................................................................................. 135
XSETGENERATE .............................................................................................................................................. 137
XYDATA ............................................................................................................................................................. 138
XYDATAGENERATE ............................................................................................................................................. 1
BULK DATA .................................................................................................................................2
The Bulk Data Section.......................................................................................................................................... 3
Bulk Data Entry Descriptions .............................................................................................................................. 3
$..............................................................................................................................................................................5
ASET ...................................................................................................................................................................... 6
ASET1 .................................................................................................................................................................... 7
BAROR .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
BCONP................................................................................................................................................................... 9
BEAMOR.............................................................................................................................................................. 13
BFRIC ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
BLSEG ................................................................................................................................................................. 15
BOLT .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
BOLTFOR ............................................................................................................................................................ 18
BOUTPUT ............................................................................................................................................................ 19
BSCONP .............................................................................................................................................................. 20
BSET .................................................................................................................................................................... 25
BSET1 .................................................................................................................................................................. 26
BSSEG ................................................................................................................................................................. 27
BWIDTH ............................................................................................................................................................... 28
CBAR ................................................................................................................................................................... 29
CBARAO .............................................................................................................................................................. 32
CBEAM ................................................................................................................................................................ 34
CBUSH ................................................................................................................................................................. 37
CBUSH1D ............................................................................................................................................................ 40
CCABLE............................................................................................................................................................... 41
CDAMP1 .............................................................................................................................................................. 42
CDAMP2 .............................................................................................................................................................. 43
CDAMP3 .............................................................................................................................................................. 44
CDAMP4 .............................................................................................................................................................. 45
CELAS1 ............................................................................................................................................................... 46
CELAS2 ............................................................................................................................................................... 47
CELAS3 ............................................................................................................................................................... 48
CELAS4 ............................................................................................................................................................... 49
CGAP ................................................................................................................................................................... 50
CHBDYG .............................................................................................................................................................. 52
CHBDYP .............................................................................................................................................................. 55
CHEXA ................................................................................................................................................................. 57
CMASS1............................................................................................................................................................... 59
CMASS2............................................................................................................................................................... 60
CMASS3............................................................................................................................................................... 61
CMASS4............................................................................................................................................................... 62

Autodesk Nastran ix
Nastran Solver Reference Manual

CONCRETE ......................................................................................................................................................... 63
CONM1 ................................................................................................................................................................. 65
CONM2 ................................................................................................................................................................. 66
CONROD.............................................................................................................................................................. 68
CONV ................................................................................................................................................................... 70
CORD1C .............................................................................................................................................................. 72
CORD1R .............................................................................................................................................................. 74
CORD1S............................................................................................................................................................... 76
CORD2C .............................................................................................................................................................. 78
CORD2R .............................................................................................................................................................. 80
CORD2S............................................................................................................................................................... 82
CPENTA ............................................................................................................................................................... 84
CPIPE ................................................................................................................................................................... 86
CPYRA ................................................................................................................................................................. 87
CQUAD4 .............................................................................................................................................................. 89
CQUAD8 .............................................................................................................................................................. 94
CQUADR .............................................................................................................................................................. 99
CREEP ............................................................................................................................................................... 104
CROD ................................................................................................................................................................. 109
CSET .................................................................................................................................................................. 110
CSET1 ................................................................................................................................................................ 111
CSHEAR ............................................................................................................................................................ 112
CTETRA ............................................................................................................................................................. 114
CTRAX6 ............................................................................................................................................................. 116
CTRIA3 ............................................................................................................................................................... 118
CTRIA6 ............................................................................................................................................................... 122
CTRIAR .............................................................................................................................................................. 127
CTRIAX6 ............................................................................................................................................................ 131
CTUBE ............................................................................................................................................................... 133
CVISC ................................................................................................................................................................. 134
CWELD .............................................................................................................................................................. 135
DAREA ............................................................................................................................................................... 139
DCONADD ......................................................................................................................................................... 140
DCONSTR .......................................................................................................................................................... 141
DDAMDAT ......................................................................................................................................................... 142
DDVAL ............................................................................................................................................................... 145
DEFORM ............................................................................................................................................................ 146
DELAY ............................................................................................................................................................... 147
DESVAR............................................................................................................................................................. 148
DLOAD ............................................................................................................................................................... 149
DMIG .................................................................................................................................................................. 150
DPHASE............................................................................................................................................................. 152
DRESP1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 153
DTI, SPSEL ........................................................................................................................................................ 155
EIGC ................................................................................................................................................................... 156
EIGR ................................................................................................................................................................... 158
EIGRL ................................................................................................................................................................. 160

Autodesk Nastran x
Nastran Solver Reference Manual

ELIST ................................................................................................................................................................. 163

ENDATA ............................................................................................................................................................. 164
ENDDATA .......................................................................................................................................................... 166
EPOINT .............................................................................................................................................................. 167
ESET .................................................................................................................................................................. 168
ESET1 ................................................................................................................................................................ 169
FATIGUE ............................................................................................................................................................ 170
FORCE ............................................................................................................................................................... 174
FORCE1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 175
FREQ .................................................................................................................................................................. 176
FREQ1 ................................................................................................................................................................ 177
FREQ2 ................................................................................................................................................................ 178
FREQ3 ................................................................................................................................................................ 179
FREQ4 ................................................................................................................................................................ 181
GENEL ............................................................................................................................................................... 183
GRAV ................................................................................................................................................................. 186
GRDSET ............................................................................................................................................................. 187
GRID ................................................................................................................................................................... 188
INCLUDE............................................................................................................................................................ 190
LOAD ................................................................................................................................................................. 191
LSEQ .................................................................................................................................................................. 192
MAT1 .................................................................................................................................................................. 193
MAT2 .................................................................................................................................................................. 196
MAT3 .................................................................................................................................................................. 198
MAT4 .................................................................................................................................................................. 200
MAT5 .................................................................................................................................................................. 201
MAT8 .................................................................................................................................................................. 202
MAT9 .................................................................................................................................................................. 207
MAT12 ................................................................................................................................................................ 209
MATHP ............................................................................................................................................................... 214
MATHP1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 217
MATL8 ................................................................................................................................................................ 219
MATL12 .............................................................................................................................................................. 225
MATPFA ............................................................................................................................................................. 232
MATS1 ............................................................................................................................................................... 234
MATS2 ............................................................................................................................................................... 238
MATST1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 240
MATT1 ................................................................................................................................................................ 241
MATT2 ................................................................................................................................................................ 243
MATT4 ................................................................................................................................................................ 245
MATT5 ................................................................................................................................................................ 246
MATT8 ................................................................................................................................................................ 247
MATT9 ................................................................................................................................................................ 249
MATT12 .............................................................................................................................................................. 250
MATVE ............................................................................................................................................................... 252
MATXM .............................................................................................................................................................. 255
MFLUID .............................................................................................................................................................. 256

Autodesk Nastran xi
Nastran Solver Reference Manual

MILLDIR ............................................................................................................................................................. 258

MOMENT ............................................................................................................................................................ 261
MOMENT1.......................................................................................................................................................... 262
MPC .................................................................................................................................................................... 263
MPCADD ............................................................................................................................................................ 264
NITINOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 265
NLPARM ............................................................................................................................................................ 267
NLPCI ................................................................................................................................................................. 273
NOLIN1 .............................................................................................................................................................. 275
NOLIN2 .............................................................................................................................................................. 276
NOLIN3 .............................................................................................................................................................. 277
NOLIN4 .............................................................................................................................................................. 278
OMIT ................................................................................................................................................................... 279
OMIT1 ................................................................................................................................................................. 280
PARAM .............................................................................................................................................................. 281
PBAR ................................................................................................................................................................. 282
PBARL ............................................................................................................................................................... 284
PBEAM............................................................................................................................................................... 289
PBEAML ............................................................................................................................................................ 293
PBUSH ............................................................................................................................................................... 299
PBUSH1D .......................................................................................................................................................... 301
PBUSHT ............................................................................................................................................................. 303
PCABLE ............................................................................................................................................................. 305
PCOMP .............................................................................................................................................................. 307
PCOMPG............................................................................................................................................................ 311
PCOMPS ............................................................................................................................................................ 315
PCONV ............................................................................................................................................................... 318
PDAMP............................................................................................................................................................... 320
PDAMPT ............................................................................................................................................................ 321
PELAS ................................................................................................................................................................ 322
PELAST ............................................................................................................................................................. 323
PGAP ................................................................................................................................................................. 324
PHBDY ............................................................................................................................................................... 327
PLOAD ............................................................................................................................................................... 328
PLOAD1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 330
PLOAD2 ............................................................................................................................................................. 332
PLOAD4 ............................................................................................................................................................. 333
PLOADG ............................................................................................................................................................ 335
PLOADX1........................................................................................................................................................... 336
PLSOLID ............................................................................................................................................................ 338
PMASS ............................................................................................................................................................... 339
PMOUNT ............................................................................................................................................................ 340
PPIPE ................................................................................................................................................................. 343
PROD ................................................................................................................................................................. 345
PSHEAR............................................................................................................................................................. 346
PSHELL ............................................................................................................................................................. 347
PSOLID .............................................................................................................................................................. 351

Autodesk Nastran xii

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

PTUBE ............................................................................................................................................................... 353

PVISC ................................................................................................................................................................. 354
PWELD ............................................................................................................................................................... 355
QBDY1 ............................................................................................................................................................... 357
QBDY2 ............................................................................................................................................................... 358
QBDYG .............................................................................................................................................................. 359
QHBDY............................................................................................................................................................... 360
QSET .................................................................................................................................................................. 361
QSET1 ................................................................................................................................................................ 362
QVOL ................................................................................................................................................................. 363
RADBC ............................................................................................................................................................... 365
RADCAV ............................................................................................................................................................ 367
RADM ................................................................................................................................................................. 368
RADMT ............................................................................................................................................................... 369
RADSET ............................................................................................................................................................. 370
RANDPS ............................................................................................................................................................ 371
RANDT1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 372
RBAR ................................................................................................................................................................. 373
RBE1 .................................................................................................................................................................. 374
RBE2 .................................................................................................................................................................. 375
RBE3 .................................................................................................................................................................. 376
RFORCE ............................................................................................................................................................ 378
RLOAD1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 380
RLOAD2 ............................................................................................................................................................. 382
RROD ................................................................................................................................................................. 384
RSPLINE ............................................................................................................................................................ 385
RTRPLT ............................................................................................................................................................. 386
RVDOF ............................................................................................................................................................... 387
RVDOF1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 388
SEELT ................................................................................................................................................................ 389
SELABEL ........................................................................................................................................................... 390
SESET ................................................................................................................................................................ 391
SLOAD ............................................................................................................................................................... 392
SNDATA ............................................................................................................................................................. 393
SPC .................................................................................................................................................................... 395
SPC1 .................................................................................................................................................................. 396
SPCADD ............................................................................................................................................................ 397
SPCD .................................................................................................................................................................. 398
SPOINT .............................................................................................................................................................. 399
STRAIN .............................................................................................................................................................. 400
SUPORT............................................................................................................................................................. 402
TABDMP1 .......................................................................................................................................................... 403
TABFV ................................................................................................................................................................ 405
TABLED1 ........................................................................................................................................................... 406
TABLED2 ........................................................................................................................................................... 408
TABLED3 ........................................................................................................................................................... 410
TABLED4 ........................................................................................................................................................... 412

Autodesk Nastran xiii

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

TABLEM1........................................................................................................................................................... 413
TABLEM2........................................................................................................................................................... 415
TABLEM3........................................................................................................................................................... 417
TABLEM4........................................................................................................................................................... 419
TABLES1 ........................................................................................................................................................... 420
TABLEST ........................................................................................................................................................... 422
TABRND1 .......................................................................................................................................................... 423
TABVE ............................................................................................................................................................... 426
TEMP .................................................................................................................................................................. 427
TEMPBC ............................................................................................................................................................ 428
TEMPD ............................................................................................................................................................... 429
TEMPP1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 430
TEMPRB ............................................................................................................................................................ 432
TIC ...................................................................................................................................................................... 434
TLOAD1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 435
TLOAD2 ............................................................................................................................................................. 437
TOPVAR ............................................................................................................................................................. 439
TSTEP ................................................................................................................................................................ 443
TSTEPNL ........................................................................................................................................................... 445
VFATIGUE ......................................................................................................................................................... 450
VIEW .................................................................................................................................................................. 453
VIEW3D .............................................................................................................................................................. 454
XSET .................................................................................................................................................................. 456
XSET1 .................................................................................................................................................................... 1
PARAMETERS.............................................................................................................................2
Parameter Descriptions ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Model Translator Parameters:............................................................................................................................. 4
ALIGNEDGENODE ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
AUTOFIXELEMGEOM........................................................................................................................................................ 4
AUTOFIXRIGIDELEM ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
CYSYMGEN ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
CYSYMTOL ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
EDGENODETOL................................................................................................................................................................. 4
FLOATINZERO ................................................................................................................................................................... 4
KRIGIDELEM ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
MAXADJEDGE ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
RIGIDELEM2ELAS ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
RIGIDELEMCORD .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
RIGIDELEMTYPE ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
WARNING......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Geometry Processor Parameters: ...................................................................................................................... 6
CB1, CB2 ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6
CHECKRUN ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
CHECKOUT ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
CK1, CK2 ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6
CM1, CM2 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
CONVMATRIX ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
COUPMASS....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
CP1, CP2 ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Autodesk Nastran xiv

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

DMIPDIAG ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
ELEMGEOMCHECKS ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
ELEMGEOMFATAL ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
ELEMGEOMOUT ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
GPWEIGHT ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
GRDPNT............................................................................................................................................................................ 8
GRIDCOLTOL .................................................................................................................................................................... 8
HEXARTOL ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
HEXENODE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
HEXFACEMAXIATOL ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
HEXFACEMINIATOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
HEXFACESKEWTOL ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
HEXFACETAPERTOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
HEXFACEWARPTOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
HEXINODE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
HEXMAXEPADTOL ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
HEXMINEPLRTOL .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
HEXREDORD ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
J4ROT ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
K6ROT .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
MAXELEMGEOMMSG ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
M6ROT ............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
NBEAMINTNODE .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
NSLDPLYINTPOINT ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
PARTGEOMOUT ............................................................................................................................................................. 10
PARTMASSOUT .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
PENTARTOL .................................................................................................................................................................... 10
PENTFACEMAXIATOL ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
PENTFACEMINIATOL ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
PENTFACESKEWTOL ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
PENTFACETAPERTOL ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
PENTFACEWARPTOL ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
PENTMAXEPADTOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
PENTMINEPLRTOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
PENTREDORD ................................................................................................................................................................. 10
PYRARTOL ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11
PYRFACEMAXIATOL........................................................................................................................................................ 11
PYRFACEMINIATOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
PYRFACESKEWTOL ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
PYRFACETAPERTOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
PYRFACEWARPTOL ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
PYRMAXEPADTOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
PYRMINEPLRTOL ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
PYRREDORD ................................................................................................................................................................... 11
QUADARTOL................................................................................................................................................................... 11
QUADBNDREDORD ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
QUADINODE ................................................................................................................................................................... 12
QUADMAXEPADTOL....................................................................................................................................................... 12
QUADMAXIATOL ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
QUADMEMREDORD ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
QUADMINEPLRTOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
QUADMINIATOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 13
QUADREDORD................................................................................................................................................................ 13
QUADRNODE.................................................................................................................................................................. 13
QUADSKEWTOL .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
QUADTAPERTOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Autodesk Nastran xv
Nastran Solver Reference Manual

QUADWARPLIMIT .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
QUADWARPTOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 13
RADMATRIX ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
RBCHECKLEVEL ............................................................................................................................................................... 13
RBCHECKMODES ............................................................................................................................................................ 13
RESEQGRID..................................................................................................................................................................... 14
RESEQSTARTGRID .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
ROTINERTIA.................................................................................................................................................................... 14
SHEARELEMTYPE ............................................................................................................................................................ 14
SHELLRNODE .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
SHELLTVSMATTYPE ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
TEMPDEPCOMP ............................................................................................................................................................. 14
TETARTOL ....................................................................................................................................................................... 14
TETFACEMAXIATOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
TETFACEMINIATOL ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
TETFACESKEWTOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
TETINODE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15
TETMAXEPADTOL ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
TETMINEPLRTOL ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
TETREDORD .................................................................................................................................................................... 15
TRIARTOL ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15
TRIBNDREDORD ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
TRIELEMTYPE ................................................................................................................................................................. 15
TRIMAXEPADTOL ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
TRIMAXIATOL ................................................................................................................................................................. 15
TRIMEMREDORD ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
TRIMINEPLRTOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 16
TRIMINIATOL.................................................................................................................................................................. 16
TRIREDORD .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
TRIRNODE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
TRISKEWTOL................................................................................................................................................................... 16
UNRESEQGRID ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
WTMASS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 16
VFMADDMETHOD .......................................................................................................................................................... 16
VFMINTERACTTOL.......................................................................................................................................................... 17
VFMNORMTOL ............................................................................................................................................................... 17
VMOPT ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17
VOXELMESH ................................................................................................................................................................... 17
ZERONPDELEMMASS ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
Solution Processor Parameters:....................................................................................................................... 18
ADAPTLNCONTACT ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
AUTOSPC ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18
BAREQVLOAD ................................................................................................................................................................. 18
DELTASTRAINEGOUT...................................................................................................................................................... 18
EPSILONFLOAT ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
EPZERO ........................................................................................................................................................................... 18
FACTDIAG ....................................................................................................................................................................... 18
FACTRATIOTOL ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
GRIDTEMPASGN ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
GRIDTEMPAVE ............................................................................................................................................................... 19
INERTIALRELIEF .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
INREL .............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
LINEARCONTACT ............................................................................................................................................................ 19
LNCONTACTITERTOL ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
MAXLNCONTACTITER..................................................................................................................................................... 20

Autodesk Nastran xvi

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

MAXRATIO ..................................................................................................................................................................... 20
MAXSPARSEITER ............................................................................................................................................................ 20
MINSPARSEITER ............................................................................................................................................................. 20
PRGPST ........................................................................................................................................................................... 20
RESEQGRIDMETHOD ...................................................................................................................................................... 20
QUADEQVLOAD ............................................................................................................................................................. 20
SHELLEQVLOAD .............................................................................................................................................................. 20
SIGMA ............................................................................................................................................................................ 20
SPARSEITERMETHOD ..................................................................................................................................................... 21
SPARSEITERMODE .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
SPARSEITERTOL .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
SPARSEMETHOD ............................................................................................................................................................ 22
SPARSEOUTOFCORE ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
SOLUTIONERROR ........................................................................................................................................................... 22
SPCGEN .......................................................................................................................................................................... 22
STIFFRATIOTOL............................................................................................................................................................... 22
STIFFZEROTOL ................................................................................................................................................................ 22
TABS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 23
TRIEQVLOAD .................................................................................................................................................................. 23
WTMASSMETHOD.......................................................................................................................................................... 23
Eigenvalue Processor Parameters: .................................................................................................................. 24
AUTOBPD ....................................................................................................................................................................... 24
BPDEFDIAG..................................................................................................................................................................... 24
CLOSE ............................................................................................................................................................................. 24
DDAMPHASE .................................................................................................................................................................. 24
DMILABEL....................................................................................................................................................................... 24
EIGENFLEXFREQ ............................................................................................................................................................. 24
EIGENSHIFTSFACT .......................................................................................................................................................... 24
EIGENSOLACCEL ............................................................................................................................................................. 24
EXTOUT .......................................................................................................................................................................... 25
LANCZOSVECT ................................................................................................................................................................ 25
MAXEIGENRESTART ....................................................................................................................................................... 25
MODALDATABASE.......................................................................................................................................................... 25
MODEFSPCSTORE........................................................................................................................................................... 25
MODEPFACTOR .............................................................................................................................................................. 25
NCBMODE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 25
OPTION .......................................................................................................................................................................... 25
RESVEC ........................................................................................................................................................................... 26
RESVPGF ......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
RIGIDBODYMODE........................................................................................................................................................... 26
SCRSPEC ......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
SORTMODEMASS ........................................................................................................................................................... 26
ZONADATAOUT .............................................................................................................................................................. 26
Transient Response Processor Parameters: .................................................................................................. 27
ADAPTTIMESTEP ............................................................................................................................................................ 27
ALPHA ............................................................................................................................................................................ 27
BETA ............................................................................................................................................................................... 27
DYNLMDIRECTDIF .......................................................................................................................................................... 27
DYNRESPEIGVOUT.......................................................................................................................................................... 27
DYNSOLACCEL ................................................................................................................................................................ 27
DYNSOLDIRECTINT ......................................................................................................................................................... 27
DYNSOLRELGRID ............................................................................................................................................................ 27
G ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
HFREQ ............................................................................................................................................................................ 27
LFREQ ............................................................................................................................................................................. 27

Autodesk Nastran xvii

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

LMODES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 27
MAXIMPACTSTEP ........................................................................................................................................................... 28
MODEVAROUT ............................................................................................................................................................... 28
NDAMP .......................................................................................................................................................................... 28
RSPECTRA ....................................................................................................................................................................... 28
USAWETSURFACE .......................................................................................................................................................... 28
W3, W4 .......................................................................................................................................................................... 28
XDAMP ........................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Frequency Response Processor Parameters: ................................................................................................ 29
ACBINTERACTTOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 29
ACBPRESSET ................................................................................................................................................................... 29
ACBREFPRES ................................................................................................................................................................... 29
ACBVC ............................................................................................................................................................................ 29
ADDPSDAFREQ ............................................................................................................................................................... 29
DFREQ ............................................................................................................................................................................ 29
FREQRESPRSLTINCR ....................................................................................................................................................... 29
FREQRESPRSLTOUT ........................................................................................................................................................ 29
KDAMP ........................................................................................................................................................................... 29
RANDRESPINVLEVEL....................................................................................................................................................... 29
RANDRESPRSLTOUT ....................................................................................................................................................... 29
VFM2ACB ....................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters: ..................................................................................................... 31
ADDNLTOQUADLOAD .................................................................................................................................................... 31
ADPCON ......................................................................................................................................................................... 31
BARDKMETHOD ............................................................................................................................................................. 31
BISECT ............................................................................................................................................................................ 31
COMPE1RSF ................................................................................................................................................................... 31
COMPE1RSFTID .............................................................................................................................................................. 31
COMPE2RSF ................................................................................................................................................................... 31
COMPE2RSFTID .............................................................................................................................................................. 31
COMPE3RSF ................................................................................................................................................................... 31
COMPE3RSFTID .............................................................................................................................................................. 31
COMPG12RSF ................................................................................................................................................................. 31
COMPG12RSFTID ........................................................................................................................................................... 31
COMPG1ZRSF ................................................................................................................................................................. 31
COMPG1ZRSFTID ........................................................................................................................................................... 32
COMPG23RSF ................................................................................................................................................................. 32
COMPG23RSFTID ........................................................................................................................................................... 32
COMPG2ZRSF ................................................................................................................................................................. 32
COMPG2ZRSFTID ........................................................................................................................................................... 32
COMPG31RSF ................................................................................................................................................................. 32
COMPG31RSFTID ........................................................................................................................................................... 32
CONTACTGEN................................................................................................................................................................. 32
CONTACTSTAB ............................................................................................................................................................... 32
CONTACTTOL ................................................................................................................................................................. 33
EMODES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 33
FIXNLTOQUAD................................................................................................................................................................ 33
HPNLMATREDORD ......................................................................................................................................................... 33
HPNLMATSFACT ............................................................................................................................................................. 33
INITSTRAINSFACT ........................................................................................................................................................... 33
LANGLE........................................................................................................................................................................... 33
LGDISP ............................................................................................................................................................................ 34
MAXBISECTRESTART ...................................................................................................................................................... 34
MAXINCREFSTRAINP ...................................................................................................................................................... 34
NCONTACTGEOMITER.................................................................................................................................................... 34

Autodesk Nastran xviii

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

NITERCUPDATE .............................................................................................................................................................. 34
NITERPFUPDATE............................................................................................................................................................. 34
NITERKSUPDATE............................................................................................................................................................. 35
NITERMUPDATE ............................................................................................................................................................. 35
NITERSUPDATE............................................................................................................................................................... 35
NLAYERS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 35
NLCOMPPLYFAIL ............................................................................................................................................................ 35
NLINDATABASE .............................................................................................................................................................. 35
NLINDATALOADSF .......................................................................................................................................................... 35
NLINSOLACCEL ............................................................................................................................................................... 36
NLINSOLTOL ................................................................................................................................................................... 36
NLKDIAGAFACT .............................................................................................................................................................. 36
NLKDIAGCOMP............................................................................................................................................................... 36
NLKDIAGMINAFACT ....................................................................................................................................................... 36
NLKDIAGSET ................................................................................................................................................................... 36
NLLSSTRAINTYPE ............................................................................................................................................................ 36
NLLSSTRESSTYPE ............................................................................................................................................................ 36
NLMATSFACT ................................................................................................................................................................. 36
NLMATTABLGEN ............................................................................................................................................................ 36
NLNPDKRESET ................................................................................................................................................................ 36
NLSUBCREINIT ................................................................................................................................................................ 37
NLTOQUAD .................................................................................................................................................................... 37
NLTOL ............................................................................................................................................................................. 37
NLTRUESTRESS ............................................................................................................................................................... 37
NSUBINCRBISECT ........................................................................................................................................................... 37
QUADSECT ..................................................................................................................................................................... 37
SLINEEDGENORMTOL .................................................................................................................................................... 37
SLINEFACENORMTOL ..................................................................................................................................................... 37
SLINEKAVG ..................................................................................................................................................................... 37
SLINEKSFACT .................................................................................................................................................................. 38
SLINEKSFACT2TC ............................................................................................................................................................ 38
SLINEMAXACTCORD ....................................................................................................................................................... 38
SLINEMAXACTDIR........................................................................................................................................................... 38
SLINEMAXACTDIST ......................................................................................................................................................... 38
SLINEMAXACTRATIO ...................................................................................................................................................... 38
SLINEMAXACTWIDTH ..................................................................................................................................................... 38
SLINEMAXDISPTOL ......................................................................................................................................................... 38
SLINEMAXPENDIST ......................................................................................................................................................... 39
SLINEOFFSETTOL ............................................................................................................................................................ 39
SLINEOPENKSFACT ......................................................................................................................................................... 39
SLINEPENTOL ................................................................................................................................................................. 39
SLINEPLANEZDIR ............................................................................................................................................................ 39
SLINEPOSTOL.................................................................................................................................................................. 39
SLINEPROTOL ................................................................................................................................................................. 39
SLINESLIDETYPE.............................................................................................................................................................. 40
SLINESTABKSFACT .......................................................................................................................................................... 40
SLINESTABOPTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 40
SLINESTRESSLOC ............................................................................................................................................................ 40
SLINEUNLOADTOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 41
Results Processor Parameters ......................................................................................................................... 42
ADDPRESTRESS .............................................................................................................................................................. 42
ALTFAILINDEXFORM....................................................................................................................................................... 42
AUTOCORDROTATE........................................................................................................................................................ 42
BOLTPRELOADTOL ......................................................................................................................................................... 42
COMPILSMETHOD .......................................................................................................................................................... 42

Autodesk Nastran xix

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

COMPK1 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 42
COMPK2 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 42
COMPRSLTOUT .............................................................................................................................................................. 43
DATABASEACCEL ............................................................................................................................................................ 43
DIRSTRESSTYPE .............................................................................................................................................................. 43
DISPGEOMSFACT ........................................................................................................................................................... 43
ELEMRSLTCORD ............................................................................................................................................................. 43
ELEMRSLTMAXTYPE ....................................................................................................................................................... 43
ENHCBARRSLT ................................................................................................................................................................ 43
ENHCCONTACTRSLT ....................................................................................................................................................... 43
ENHCQUADRSLT............................................................................................................................................................. 43
EQVSTRESSTYPE ............................................................................................................................................................. 44
FLOATOUTZERO ............................................................................................................................................................. 44
GPFORCEMETHOD ......................................................................................................................................................... 44
GPRSLTAVEMETHOD ...................................................................................................................................................... 44
GPSTRESS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 44
LARC02TSAITOL .............................................................................................................................................................. 44
MATGEN......................................................................................................................................................................... 44
MAXSRITER .................................................................................................................................................................... 44
MECHSTRAIN.................................................................................................................................................................. 44
NOCOMPS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 44
OGEOM .......................................................................................................................................................................... 44
OUTSETTOL .................................................................................................................................................................... 45
POST ............................................................................................................................................................................... 45
RSLTDATABASE .............................................................................................................................................................. 45
SKINGEN ......................................................................................................................................................................... 45
STRENGTHRATIO ............................................................................................................................................................ 46
STRESSERROR ................................................................................................................................................................. 46
TSAI2LARC02 .................................................................................................................................................................. 46
TSAI2MCT ....................................................................................................................................................................... 46
TSAI2MCTBVF ................................................................................................................................................................ 46
TSAI2MCTFVF ................................................................................................................................................................. 46
UNITS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 47
Topology Design Optimization Processor Parameters: ................................................................................. 48
MAXITERRESTART .......................................................................................................................................................... 48
MAXTOPTITER ................................................................................................................................................................ 48
NITERLCUPDATE ............................................................................................................................................................. 48
NTOPTSTRESSDIV ........................................................................................................................................................... 48
TOPTACITERSOLTOL ....................................................................................................................................................... 48
TOPTACTHRESHOLD ....................................................................................................................................................... 48
TOPTALMMETHOD......................................................................................................................................................... 48
TOPTALMSPSFACT ......................................................................................................................................................... 48
TOPTBTHRESHOLD ......................................................................................................................................................... 49
TOPTCOMPINDEX........................................................................................................................................................... 49
TOPTDATABASE.............................................................................................................................................................. 49
TOPTDEPXITER ............................................................................................................................................................... 49
TOPTDESIGNCONSTR ..................................................................................................................................................... 49
TOPTDESIGNMODE ........................................................................................................................................................ 49
TOPTDESIGNREGION...................................................................................................................................................... 49
TOPTDESIGNTOL ............................................................................................................................................................ 49
TOPTDTHRESHOLD ......................................................................................................................................................... 49
TOPTELEMEXTTOL.......................................................................................................................................................... 49
TOPTELEMSYMTOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 49
TOPTGEN ........................................................................................................................................................................ 50
TOPTGLBDMETHOD ....................................................................................................................................................... 50

Autodesk Nastran xx
Nastran Solver Reference Manual

TOPTGLBSMETHOD ........................................................................................................................................................ 50
TOPTITERSOLMODE ....................................................................................................................................................... 51
TOPTITERTOL ................................................................................................................................................................. 51
TOPTMANCONSTR ......................................................................................................................................................... 51
TOPTMANCORD ............................................................................................................................................................. 51
TOPTMANDIR ................................................................................................................................................................. 51
TOPTMAXACTDIST ......................................................................................................................................................... 51
TOPTMAXALPHA ............................................................................................................................................................ 51
TOPTMAXBETA............................................................................................................................................................... 52
TOPTMAXDELTAOBJ....................................................................................................................................................... 52
TOPTMAXGRAYSCALE .................................................................................................................................................... 52
TOPTMAXPNORMEXP .................................................................................................................................................... 52
TOPTMINADJVF .............................................................................................................................................................. 52
TOPTSOLACCEL .............................................................................................................................................................. 52
TOPTSTRESSTOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 52
TOPTTDMAXEPSILON ..................................................................................................................................................... 52
Nastran Binary Results File Geometry Data Block Definition Table: ............................................................ 53
Nastran Binary Results File Results Data Block Definition Table:................................................................ 53
Nastran Binary Results File Modeler Compatibility Table: ............................................................................ 53
Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix: .............................................................................................. 54
RESULTS NEUTRAL FILE FORMAT ..........................................................................................1
Results Neutral Files ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Results Neutral File Descriptions ....................................................................................................................... 2
Structural Solutions – Real ................................................................................................................................. 6
Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.ELS) .................................................................... 6
Grid Point Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPS)............................................................... 14
Element Internal Load Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.ELF) ............................................. 16
Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.DIS) ......................................... 17
Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPF) ...................................................... 18
Structural Solutions – Complex ........................................................................................................................ 19
Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.ELS) .................................................................. 19
Grid Point Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPS)............................................................... 22
Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.DIS) ......................................... 23
Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPF) ...................................................... 24
Heat Transfer Solutions ..................................................................................................................................... 25
Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.ELS) .................................................................. 25
Grid Point Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPS) ............................................................... 27
Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.DIS) ......................................... 28
Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPF) ...................................................... 28
Element Type Code Definition .......................................................................................................................... 29
Element Type Label Definition .......................................................................................................................... 30
Vector Id Offset Definition for Complex Results: ............................................................................................ 30
Structural Neutral File Element Results Column Descriptions ..................................................................... 31
Spring Element Results Column Descriptions: .............................................................................................. 31
Bush Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................. 32
Rod Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................... 34
Bar Element Results Column Descriptions: .................................................................................................... 35
Beam Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................ 39
Pipe Element Results Column Descriptions: .................................................................................................. 43

Autodesk Nastran xxi

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

Weld Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................. 45

Gap Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................... 47
Cable Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................ 48
Shell Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................. 49
Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions: ............................................................................. 54
Shear Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................ 61
Solid Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................. 62
Axisymmetric Solid Element Results Column Descriptions: ........................................................................ 65
Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions: ............................................................................. 67
Quad Contact Surface Element Results Column Descriptions: .................................................................... 74
Tri Contact Surface Element Results Column Descriptions: ........................................................................ 76
Miscellaneous Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................. 78
Structural Neutral File Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions ................................................... 79
Virtual Fluid Mass Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions: ........................................................ 79
Shell Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions:............................................................................... 80
Solid Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions:............................................................................... 84
Contact Surface Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions:............................................................ 87
Miscellaneous Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions: ............................................................... 88
Structural Neutral File Element Internal Load Vector Results Column Descriptions ................................. 89
Element Internal Load Vector Results Column Descriptions: ....................................................................... 89
Structural Neutral File Grid Point Vector Results Column Descriptions...................................................... 90
Grid Point Displacement and Force Vector Results Column Descriptions: ................................................ 90
Heat Transfer Neutral File Element Results Column Descriptions ............................................................... 93
Rod Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................... 93
Bar Element Results Column Descriptions: .................................................................................................... 94
Beam Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................ 95
Cable Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................ 96
Pipe Element Results Column Descriptions: .................................................................................................. 97
Weld Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................. 98
Bush Element Results Column Descriptions: ................................................................................................. 99
HBDY Element Results Column Descriptions: .............................................................................................. 100
Shell Element Results Column Descriptions: ............................................................................................... 101
Solid Element Results Column Descriptions: ............................................................................................... 102
Heat Transfer Neutral File Vector Results Column Descriptions ................................................................ 103
Grid Point Temperature and Heat Flow Vector Results Column Descriptions .......................................... 103
MODEL INPUT FILE COMMAND AND ENTRY SUMMARY .......................................................1
Model Input File Case Control Command Summary......................................................................................... 2
Model Input File Bulk Data Entry Summary: ...................................................................................................... 4

Autodesk Nastran xxii

 Section 1

NASTRAN COMMAND LINE

Running Autodesk Nastran

Autodesk Nastran is run by executing the file: Nastran.exe. The syntax for this along with the optional command line
arguments are shown below:

NASTRAN [[d:][path]filename.INI] [[d:][path]filename.NAS] [[d:][path]filename.NDB]

[directive = option]
The command line arguments are defined as follows:

[d:][path]filename.INI Model Initialization File specification. This file contains directives

that configure Autodesk Nastran to run on your system. The default
filename is Nastran.INI and need not be specified unless you plan
on using multiple initialization files with different names. This file
configures Autodesk Nastran to run on your system and contains
primarily file and memory management directives. For details, see
Section 2, Initialization.

[d:][path]filename.NAS NASTRAN Model Input File specification. This file contains the
NASTRAN Case Control commands and Bulk Data entries that
define the input model. This file can also be specified in the Model
Initialization File using the MODLINFILE directive. For details, see
Section 2, Initialization.

[d:][path]filename.NDB Model Database Identification File specification. This file contains

the model database identification number that locates an existing
model database generated by the Model Translator. This file can
also be specified in the Model Initialization File using the DATABASE
directive. For details, see Section 2, Initialization.

directive = option Model Initialization directive or Model Parameter. For details, see
Section 2, Initialization.

Either a Model Input filename or a Model Database filename or both can be specified for the input model. The Model
Input filename and the Database filename can be specified either on the command line or in the Model Initialization
File. When a Model Input filename is specified in the Model Initialization File, any extension can be used. In the
below example Nastran.INI is the Model Initialization File and filename.NAS is the NASTRAN Model Input file.

NASTRAN filename.NAS

File specifications and directives specified on the command line will override ones specified in the Model Initialization
File. This allows you to configure the Model Initialization File with your default settings and change specific model
dependent settings on the command line. For example, if the Model Initialization directive RAM was set to 100
megabytes in the Model Initialization File, it would be set to 200 megabytes using the Nastran command line below.

NASTRAN filename.NAS RAM=200

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

Section 2

INITIALIZATION

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-3

Nastran Solver Reference Manual Directives

The Model Initialization File

The Model initialization file performs the following basic functions:

• Defines input and output file specifications.
• Defines model database file locations.
• Defines output format and type.
• Defines memory usage.
• Defines program control settings.
• Defines model parameters.

Thus, the Model Initialization File can be divided into the following five sections:
Section Purpose
[File Management] File Management directives allow the user to specify the
names and locations of input, output, and database files.
[Output Control] Output Control directives allow the user to control what
output files are generated and what they have in them.
[Memory Management] Memory Management directives allow the user to control
what type of memory (virtual or physical) and how much will
be used for memory intensive tasks such as matrix
assembly and decomposition. By optimizing memory
usage the user can optimize performance.
[Program Control] Program Control directives allow the user to customize
program execution by controlling how and what tasks are
to be performed.
[Parameters] Parameter statements that are specified using the
PARAMETER command or entry can be specified in this
section using the directive format. See Section 5,
Parameters.

Each section has associated with it a group of related directives and each directive has a default setting (see the
Nastran Solver Reference Manual, Section 2, Initialization Directives, for directive syntax and default settings).

For most configurations, the default settings in the nastran.ini file will provide optimal performance. There are a few
directives you may want to change depending on your configuration. Changes can be made either using a standard
text editor or through the Autodesk Nastran Editor Options menu.

The easiest way to modify the Nastran Model Initialization File (nastran.ini) is to open the Autodesk Nastran Editor
by clicking on the Windows Start, Programs, Autodesk Inventor Nastran, Autodesk Inventor Nastran Editor
Utility menu item. Then select Setup, Default Analysis Options and click on the desired section and option. To
set model specific options, open the Model Input File and use the options menu displayed to the left.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-2

Nastran Solver Reference Manual Directives

The first directive you may want to modify is the scratch file folder. Double click on File Management, then on the
FILESPEC directive to change the folder. You will want to select a folder on a disk with a large amount of available
space. If you specified a scratch folder during installation it will be displayed here.

The next setting you may want to modify is under Memory Management, RAM. This setting can greatly affect
performance and may not be initially optimized for your particular computer. On ia-32 systems with 2 GB or more of
memory, set RAM equal to 1800. For systems with less than 2 GB, set RAM equal to the system memory in MB. On
x64 systems set RAM equal to the installed system memory in MB minus 1000 MB (which will be used for the
operating system). For example if you have 8 GB of physical memory, set RAM equal to 7000. If you specified a
RAM available value during installation it will be displayed here.

Another directive you may want to modify is under Geometry Processor Parameters, SHELLRNODE. Turning
SHELLRNODE to ON converts all CQUAD4 and TRIA3 elements to CQUADR and CTRIAR. The CQUADR and
CTRIAR elements are complete 6 DOF/node elements, which typically give more accurate results.

One last directive you may want to modify is under Solution Processor Parameters, SOLUTIONERROR. You can
avoid getting a fatal error when a non-positive definite caused by a modeling error is encountered by setting
SOLUTIONERROR to ON and FACTDIAG to 0.0. You can also avoid getting a fatal error when a singularity is
encountered by setting SOLUTIONERROR to ON and FACTDIAG to 1.0E-10. Note that while these options are
useful for detecting modeling errors, they may lead to solutions of poor quality or fatal messages later in the run. It
is recommended that SOLUTIONERROR be set to OFF for production runs.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-3

Nastran Solver Reference Manual Directives

Model Initialization Directive Descriptions

Model Initialization directives that listed in single page format are described as follows:

Description
A single sentence Description is given which states the function of the directive.

Format
The directive syntax is defined under Format.

Example
A typical example is given under Example.

Remarks
Additional information about the directive is given under Remarks.

Model Initialization directives that are listed in tabular format are described as follows:

Description
A complete description is given under Description, which states the function of the directive along with usage
guidelines, any notes and other pertinent information.

Option
Option keyword syntax or allowable data range is given under Option. Character keywords are separated by a “/”.
Only one keyword can be specified.

Default
The default option is given under Default.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-4

Nastran Solver Reference Manual Directives

File Management Directives – Output File Specifications:

The only required file specification is the Model Input filename. All output file specifications will default to the model
input filename base with the appropriate extension. The Model Input file can be specified on the Nastran command
line (see Section 1, NASTRAN Command Line).

Below is a summary of all output file specifications. Detailed descriptions are given later in this section.

Directive Description
BULKDATAFILE Bulk Data Output File specification.
DATINFILE1 Data Input File specification 1.
DATINFILE2 Data Input File specification 2.
DISPFILE Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File specification.
FORCFILE Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File specification.
LOADFILE Element Internal Load Vector Neutral File specification.
LOGFILE System Log File specification.
ELEMFILE Element Results Neutral File specification.
GRIDFILE Grid Point Results Neutral File specification.
MODALDATFILE Modal Database File specification.
MODLINFILE NASTRAN Model Input File specification.
MODLOUTFILE Model Results Output File specification.
NLINDATFILE Nonlinear Database File specification.
RSLTDATFILE Results Database File specification.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-5

Nastran Solver Reference Manual Directives

File Management Directives – Database File Specifications:

Database file specifications point to the location of permanent and scratch database files used during program
execution. When Autodesk Nastran is executed, it generates a database that is located using the FILESPECi
directives. A single file located in the same directory as the Model Results Output File is also generated and contains
the location of that run’s database. The DATABASE directive can be used to specify this file in place of the Model
Input File if the database has already been generated by the Model Translator. Database files can become very
large and fill up all available storage space. The database file specifications can also be used to break up a very
large model database over several storage devices.

Below is a summary of all database file specifications. Detailed descriptions are given later in this section.

Directive Description
DATABASE Model Database File specification.
FILESPEC Model Database File specification 1 – 4.
FILESPEC1 Model Database File specification 1.
FILESPEC2 Model Database File specification 2.
FILESPEC3 Model Database File specification 3.
FILESPEC4 Model Database File specification 4.
OUTFILESPEC Output file specification.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-6

Nastran Solver Reference Manual BULKDATAFILE

BULKDATAFILE Bulk Data Output File Specification

Description: Bulk Data Output File specification.

Format:

BULKDATAFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

BULKDATAFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.BDF

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. The default file specification is the Model Output File specification with the “.BDF” extension.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-7

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DATABASE

DATABASE Nastran Database File Specification

Description: Nastran Database File specification.

Format:

DATABASE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

DATABASE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.NDB

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. The default file specification is the Model Output File specification with the “.NDB” extension.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-8

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DATINFILE9

DATINFILE1 Generic Data Input File Specification 1

Description: Data input file specification used for Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) analysis.

Format:

DATINFILE1 = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

DATINFILE1 = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.MDB

Remarks:

3. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

4. To specify an MS Excel compatible Comma Separated Variable file format use a “.CSV” extension. To
specify an Autodesk Nastran compatible Modal Database file format use a “.MDB” extension.
5. DATINFILE1 can also be used to reference a DMIG matrix already included in the Model Input File by setting
it equal to the DMIG name.
6. DATINFILE1 is defaulted to the current modal database if not specified.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-9

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DATINFILE

DATINFILE2 Generic Data Input File Specification 2

Description: Data input file specification used for Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) analysis.

Format:

DATINFILE2 = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

DATINFILE2 = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.CSV

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. To specify an MS Excel compatible Comma Separated Variable file format use a “.CSV” extension. To
specify an Autodesk Nastran compatible Modal Database file format use a “.MDB” extension.
3. DATINFILE2 can also be used to reference a DMIG matrix already included in the Model Input File by setting
it equal to the DMIG name.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-10

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DISPFILE

DISPFILE Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File Specification

Description: Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File specification.

Format:

DISPFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

DISPFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.DIS

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. To disable the generation of the Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File set DISPFILE = NONE in the
Model Initialization File.
3. When the Model Initialization directive RSLTFILETYPE is set to PATRAN ASCII or PATRAN BINARY,
multiple file subcases, modes, time steps, etc. are enumerated in the last one to 16 characters of the base
filename.
4. The default file specification is the Model Output File specification with the “.DIS” extension.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-11

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ELEMFILE

ELEMFILE Element Results Neutral File Specification

Description: Element Results Neutral File specification.

Format:

ELEMFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

ELEMFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.ELS

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. To disable the generation of the Element Results Neutral File set ELEMFILE = NONE in the Model
Initialization File.
3. When the Model Initialization directive RSLTFILETYPE is set to PATRAN ASCII or PATRAN BINARY,
multiple file subcases, modes, time steps, etc. are enumerated in the last one to 16 characters of the base
filename.
4. The default file specification is the Model Output File specification with the “.ELS” extension.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-12

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FILESPEC

FILESPEC Model Database File Specification

Description: Model Database path.

Format:

FILESPEC = [d:] path

Example:

FILESPEC = c:\temp

Remarks:

1. This directive sets the default for FILESPEC1 through FILESPEC4.

2. Maximum file specification length is 244 characters.
3. The default directory for storage of database files is the directory where the Nastran command is executed.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-13

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FILESPEC1

FILESPEC1 Model Database File Specification 1

Description: Model Database partition one path.

Format:

FILESPEC1 = [d:] path

Example:

FILESPEC1 = c:\temp

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 244 characters.

2. The default directory storage of database files is the directory where the Nastran command is executed.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-14

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FILESPEC2

FILESPEC2 Model Database File Specification 2

Description: Model Database partition two path.

Format:

FILESPEC2 = [d:] path

Example:

FILESPEC2 = c:\temp

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 244 characters.

2. The default directory for storage of database files is the directory where the Nastran command is executed.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-15

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FILESPEC3

FILESPEC3 Model Database File Specification 3

Description: Model Database partition three path.

Format:

FILESPEC3 = [d:] path

Example:

FILESPEC3 = c:\temp

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 244 characters.

2. The default directory for storage of database files is the directory where the Nastran command is executed.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-16

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FILESPEC4

FILESPEC4 Model Database File Specification 4

Description: Model Database partition four path.

Format:

FILESPEC4 = [d:] path

Example:

FILESPEC4 = c:\temp

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 244 characters.

2. The default directory for storage of database files is the directory where the Nastran command is executed.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-17

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FORCFILE

FORCFILE Grid Point Force Neutral File Specification

Description: Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File specification.

Format:

FORCFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

FORCFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.GPF

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. To disable the generation of the Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File set FORCFILE = NONE in the Model
Initialization File.
3. When the Model Initialization directive RSLTFILETYPE is set to PATRANASCII or PATRANBINARY, multiple
file subcases, modes, time steps, etc. are enumerated in the last one to 16 characters of the base filename.
4. The default file specification is the Model Output File specification with the “.GPF” extension.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-18

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GRIDFILE

GRIDFILE Grid Point Results Neutral File Specification

Description: Grid Point Results Neutral File specification.

Format:

GRIDFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

GRIDFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.GPS

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. To disable the generation of the Grid Point Results Neutral File set GRIDFILE = NONE in the Model
Initialization File.
3. When the Model Initialization directive RSLTFILETYPE is set to PATRANASCII or PATRANBINARY, multiple
file subcases, modes, time steps, etc. are enumerated in the last one to 16 characters of the base filename.
4. The default file specification is the Model Output File specification with the “.GPS” extension.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-19

Nastran Solver Reference Manual LOADFILE

LOADFILE Element Internal Load Vector Neutral File Specification

Description: Element Internal Load Vector Neutral File specification.

Format:

LOADFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

LOADFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.ELF

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. To disable the generation of the Element Internal Load Vector Neutral File set LOADFILE = NONE in the
Model Initialization File.
3. When the Model Initialization directive RSLTFILETYPE is set to PATRANASCII or PATRANBINARY, multiple
file subcases, modes, time steps, etc. are enumerated in the last one to 16 characters of the base filename.
4. The default file specification is the Model Output File specification with the “.GPF” extension.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-20

Nastran Solver Reference Manual LOGFILE

LOGFILE System Log File Specification

Description: System Log File specification.

Format:

LOGFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

LOGFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.LOG

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. To disable the generation of the System Log File set LOGFILE = NONE in the Model Initialization File.
3. The default file specification is the Model Output File specification with the “.LOG” extension.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-21

Nastran Solver Reference Manual MODALDATFILE

MODALDATFILE Modal Database File Specification

Description: Modal Database File specification.

Format:

MODALDATFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

MODALDATFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.MDB

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. The default file specification is the Model Output File specification with the “.MDB” extension.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-22

Nastran Solver Reference Manual MODLINFILE

MODLINFILE Model Input File Specification

Description: Model Input File specification.

Format:

MODLINFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

MODLINFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.NAS

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. The Model Input filename can also be specified on the Nastran command line. See Section 1, NASTRAN
Command Line.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-23

Nastran Solver Reference Manual MODALDATFILE

MODLOUTFILE Model Results Output File Specification

Description: Model Results Output File specification.

Format:

MODLOUTFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

MODLOUTFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.OUT

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. The default file specification is the Model Input File specification with the “.OUT” extension.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-24

Nastran Solver Reference Manual NLINDATFILE

NLINDATFILE Nonlinear Database File Specification

Description: Nonlinear Database File specification.

Format:

NLINDATFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

NLINDATFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEADI1L08000.TDB

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. No default file specification is provided.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-25

Nastran Solver Reference Manual OUTFILESPEC

OUTFILESPEC Output File Specification

Description: Model output path.

Format:

OUTFILESPEC = [d:] path

Example:

OUTFILESPEC = c:\bulkhead

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 244 characters.

2. The default output file specification is the Model Output File path.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-26

Nastran Solver Reference Manual RSLTDATFILE

RSLTDATFILE Results Database File Specification

Description: Results Database File specification.

Format:

RSLTDATFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

RSLTDATFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEADI1L08000.RDB

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. No default file specification is provided.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-27

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TOPTDATFILE

TOPTDATFILE Topology Design Optimization Database File Specification

Description: Topology Design Optimization Database File Specification.

Format:

TOPTDATFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

TOPTDATFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEAD.ODB

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. The default file specification is the Model Output File specification with the “.ODB” extension.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-28

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TOPTDEPXFILE

TOPTDEPXFILE Topology Design Optimization Dependent File Specification

Description: Topology design optimization dependent Model Input File Specification.

Format:

TOPTDEPXFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

TOPTDEPXFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEADI1L08000.NAS

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. No default file specification is provided.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-29

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TOPTINDXFILE

TOPTINDXFILE Topology Design Optimization Independent File Specification

Description: Topology Design Optimization Independent Model Input File Specification.

Format:

TOPTINDXFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

TOPTINDXFILE = c:\bulkhead\BULKHEADI2L08000.NAS

Remarks:

1. Maximum file specification length is 256 characters.

2. No default file specification is provided.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-30

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FILEBUFFERSIZE – NFILEBUFFER1

File Management Directives – Miscellaneous:

Directive Description Option/Type Default

FILEBUFFERSIZE File buffer size in kilobytes for all functions. A larger value may Integer ≥ 0 10
increase I/O performance but decreases available physical
memory. A value between 1 and 100 is recommended.
Note: Overall performance may be significantly affected by this
directive. It is recommended that you test a range of values since
optimal settings vary with operating system and hardware.
FILEBUFFERSIZE1 File buffer size in kilobytes for Model Translator functions. A larger Integer ≥ 0 10
value may increase I/O performance but decreases available
physical memory. A value between 1 and 100 is recommended.
Note: Overall performance may be significantly affected by this
directive. It is recommended that you test a range of values since
optimal settings vary with operating system and hardware.
FILEBUFFERSIZE2 File buffer size in kilobytes for Geometry and Results Processor Integer ≥ 0 10
functions. A larger value may increase I/O performance but
decreases available physical memory. A value between 1 and 100
is recommended.
Note: Overall performance may be significantly affected by this
directive. It is recommended that you test a range of values since
optimal settings vary with operating system and hardware.
FILEBUFFERSIZE3 File buffer size in kilobytes for Solution Processor functions. A Integer ≥ 0 10
larger value may increase I/O performance but decreases available
physical memory. A value between 1 to 100 is recommended.
Note: Overall performance may be significantly affected by this
directive. It is recommended that you test a range of values since
optimal settings vary with operating system and hardware.
FILEPFACTOR1 Relative speed index for FILESPEC1 for parallel I/O operations. 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 1.0
The fastest device should have an index of 1.0. See also NDISK.
FILEPFACTOR2 Relative speed index for FILESPEC2 for parallel I/O operations. 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 1.0
The fastest device should have an index of 1.0. See also NDISK.
FILEPFACTOR3 Relative speed index for FILESPEC3 for parallel I/O operations. 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 1.0
The fastest device should have an index of 1.0. See also NDISK.
FILEPFACTOR4 Relative speed index for FILESPEC4 for parallel I/O operations. 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 1.0
The fastest device should have an index of 1.0. See also NDISK.
NFILEBUFFER Number of file buffers for all functions. A larger value may increase Integer > 0 1
I/O performance but decreases available physical memory. A
value between 1 to 10 is recommended.
Note: Overall performance may be significantly affected by this
directive. It is recommended that you test a range of values since
optimal settings vary with operating system and hardware.
NFILEBUFFER1 Number of file buffers for Model Translator functions. A larger Integer > 0 1
value may increase I/O performance but decreases available
physical memory. A value between 1 to 10 is recommended.
Note: Overall performance may be significantly affected by this
directive. It is recommended that you test a range of values since
optimal settings vary with operating system and hardware.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-31

Nastran Solver Reference Manual NFILEBUFFER2 - TOPTINDXFILE

File Management Directives – Miscellaneous: (Continued)

Directive Description Option/Type Default

NFILEBUFFER2 Number of file buffers for Geometry and Results Processor Integer > 0 1
functions. A larger value may increase I/O performance but
decreases available physical memory. A value between 1 to 10 is
recommended.
Note: Overall performance may be significantly affected by this
directive. It is recommended that you test a range of values since
optimal settings vary with operating system and hardware.
NFILEBUFFER3 Number of file buffers for Solution Processor functions. A larger Integer > 0 1
value may increase I/O performance but decreases available
physical memory. A value between 1 to 10 is recommended.
Note: Overall performance may be significantly affected by this
directive. It is recommended that you test a range of values since
optimal settings vary with operating system and hardware.
PURGE Deletes all output and data files that match the current output ON/OFF ON
filename. Only temporary data files are deleted when a model
database is specified for the Model Input File.
RSLTFILEPURGE Deletes the Femap Binary Neutral File and Model Data Output File ON/OFF ON
after the Nastran Binary Results File is generated.
TOPTDATFILE Topology Design Optimization Database File specification
TOPTDEPXFILE Topology Design Optimization Dependent Model Input File
specification
TOPTINDXFILE Topology Design Optimization Independent Model Input File
specification.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-32

Nastran Solver Reference Manual BULKDATAOUT - OUTCONTSYMBOL

Output Control Directives:

Directive Description Option/Type Default

BULKDATAOUT Case Control and Bulk Data echo in Model Results Output File. ON/OFF OFF
BULKDATASORT Output Bulk Data sorting. ON/OFF ON
DISKSTATUS Disk space status during critical phases of program execution. ON/OFF ON
ELAPSEDTIME System Log File elapsed time output. ON/OFF OFF
FEMAPRSLTVECTID Femap result vector identification numbers in Femap binary ON/OFF ON
results neutral file. For full results post processing support with
Femap this value should set to ON.
INCRRSLTOUT Incremental results neutral file output during nonlinear analysis. ON/OFF OFF
When set to ON, a separate Femap binary results neutral file will
be generated for each load increment or time step. At the end of
the analysis a single neutral file with all steps will be generated.
LEFTMARGIN Model Results Output File left margin size in characters. 1 – 80 1
LINE Model Results Output File lines per page. This value should Integer > 0 75
correspond to the number of printed lines per page of your
printer.
MEMORYSTATUS Available physical and virtual memory status during critical ON/OFF ON
phases of program execution.
MODLDATAFORMAT Expanded model data output format in Model Results Output File. 1–8 3
See below table.

MODLDATAFORMAT Setting
Data Type 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Subcase     
Coordinate Systems   
Grid Definitions 
Element Definitions 
Element Properties      
Material Properties        
Tables      
Loads  
Constraints  

MODLDATAOUT Expanded model data output in Model Results Output File. ON/OFF ON
MODLINITOUT Model Initialization File directives echo in Model Results Output ON/OFF ON
File.
MODLSTATUS Destination of program status information. DISPLAY/FILE/ DISPLAY
BOTH/NONE
OUTCONTSYMBOL Bulk Data Output File continuation symbol option. When set to ON/OFF OFF
ON, a continuation symbol will be used whenever a continuation
entry is present.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-33

Nastran Solver Reference Manual OUTDISPGEOMMODE - RSLTFILECOMP

Output Control Directives: (Continued)

Directive Description Option/Type Default

OUTDISPGEOMMODE Specifies the subcase, mode number, or time step to be used Integer > 0 1
in generating translated deformed geometry. See also
TRSLDFGMDATA below.
OUTDISPSETID Translated enforced displacement set identification number. Integer ≥ 0 100
See also TRSLDISPDATA below.
OUTGRIDOFFSET Specifies the starting grid point id associated with generated Integer ≥ 0 100000
PLOADG entries. See also TRSLPRESDATA below.
OUTLOADSETID Translated force and moment set identification number. See Integer ≥ 0 100
also TRSLLOADDATA below.
OUTPAGEFORMAT Model Results Output File page format option. When set to ON/OFF OFF
ON, blank lines will be added as required to position page
headings correctly at the top of the page.
OUTSPCSETID Translated single point constraint set identification number. Integer ≥ 0 100
See also TRSLSPCDATA below.
OUTSTRNSETID Translated element strain set identification number. See also Integer ≥ 0 100
TRSLSTRNDATA below.
OUTTEMPSETID Translated grid point temperature set identification number. Integer ≥ 0 100
See also TRSLTEMPDATA below.
OUTWIDEFIELD Option for wide field output in Bulk Data Output File ON/OFF ON
generation. When set to ON, translated GRID and CORD2i
Bulk Data entries will be translated in wide field format. When
set to OFF, entries will be in narrow field format.
OUTZEROVECT Output a zero global vector at a grid point. When set to ON, ON/OFF OFF
a zero vector at a grid point will be output.
PCHFILEDBLEPRCS Double precision option for Nastran ASCII Result File ON/OFF OFF
(Nastran punch file format). When set to ON, extends the
data precision from 6 decimal places to 15.
PCHFILETYPE Punch file compatibility option. When set to NASTRAN will NASTRAN/ NASTRAN
provide compatibility with MSC.Nastran element type codes NORAN
and labels.
RSLTFILEDBLEPRCS Double precision option for the Femap Binary Results Neutral ON/OFF OFF
File. When set to OFF, will use single precision data storage
with extended length titles and labels. When set to ON, will
use double precision data storage with standard length titles
and labels. The OFF option is only compatible with Femap
versions 9.3 and higher and will provide better performance
and more informative results labels.
RSLTFILECOMP Results Neutral File compression option. When set to ON, ON/OFF AUTO
will use sparse storage formatting which typically reduces AUTO
disk space requirements and increases results processing
performance. The AUTO setting will use sparse storage
when the model contains composite laminates or SUBCOM
Case Control commands.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-34

Nastran Solver Reference Manual RSLTFILETYPE - TRSLPRESDATA

Output Control Directives: (Continued)

Directive Description Option/Type Default

RSLTFILETYPE Results neutral file type and format. For compatibility with the NORANBINARY/ FEMAPBINARY
Femap use FEMAPBINARY. For compatibility with Patran, NORANASCII/
Hypermesh, and I-Deas use NASTRANBINARY. For PATRANBINARY/
compatibility with Pro-E use NASTRANXDB. For CADAS PATRANASCII/
compatibility use CADAS. FEMAPBINARY/
Note: The FEMAPBINARY setting will produce a single binary FEMAPASCII/
results neutral file of the form filename.FNO generated from NASTRANBINARY/
the NORANBINARY formatted displacement, element, and NASTRANXDB/
grid point results neutral files. The FEMAPASCII setting will CADAS
produce a single ASCII results neutral file of the form
filename.NEU generated from the NORANBINARY formatted
displacement, element, and grid point results neutral files. The
NASTRANBINARY setting will produce a single binary
NASTRAN Output 2 formatted results file. The
NASTRANXDB setting will produce a single binary NASTRAN
XDB results database file which will permit the selective
importing of results.

RSLTLABEL Specifies the format and location of the subcase or step label 1 or 4 1
in the results neutral file system. For Femap compatibility this
value should be set to 1.
SECONDS Process time output in seconds. ON/OFF ON
SYSTEMSTATUS System status at the start of program execution. The ON/OFF OFF
operating system, CPU type, CPU speed, and installed
physical memory will be output to the System Log File.
TRSLDDAMDATA DDAM data translation option for Bulk Data Output File ON/OFF OFF
generation. When set to ON, will translate DDAM coefficient
data into equivalent response/shock spectrum tables and
output scaled mode shapes.
TRSLDFGMDATA Deformed grid point translation option for Bulk Data Output ON/OFF OFF
File generation. See also the Results Processor parameter,
DISPGEOMSFACT, in Section 5, Parameters, for more
information.
TRSLDISPDATA Enforced displacement translation option for Bulk Data Output ON/OFF OFF
File generation. When set to ON, will translate the global
displacement vector into equivalent SPC Bulk Data entries.
See also OUTDISPSETID above.
TRSLDMIDATA Direct matrix input data translation option for Bulk Data Output ON/OFF OFF
File generation.
TRSLLOADDATA Applied load translation option for Bulk Data Output File ON/OFF OFF
generation. When set to ON, will translate the global applied
load vector into equivalent FORCE and MOMENT Bulk Data
entries. See also OUTLOADSETID above.
TRSLMODLDATA Model data translation option for Bulk Data Output File ON/OFF OFF
generation.
TRSLPRESDATA Applied pressure load translation option for Bulk Data Output ON/OFF OFF
File generation. When set to ON, will translate applied surface
element pressure loads (PLOAD2 and PLOAD4) on shell
elements to grid point PLOADG Bulk Data entries. The
OUTGRIDOFFSET directive is used to specify the starting grid
point id associated with the generated PLOADG entries.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-35

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TRSLRBSEDATA - XYPLOTCSVOUT

Output Control Directives: (Continued)

Directive Description Option/Type Default

TRSLRBSEDATA Automatic spring element and associated grid point translation ON/OFF OFF
option for Bulk Data Output File generation. Applicable when
the AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC model parameter is set to ON and
CELAS1 elements are generated to correct improperly
constrained rigid elements.
TRSLSPCDATA Automatic single point constraint translation option for Bulk ON/OFF OFF
Data Output File generation. See also OUTSPCSETID above.
TRSLSTRNDATA Solid and shell element strain translation option for Bulk Data ON/OFF OFF
Output File generation. See also OUTSTRNSETID above.
TRSLTEMPDATA Temperature data translation option for Bulk Data Output File ON/OFF OFF
generation. See also OUTTEMPSETID above.
TRSLTOQEDATA Reverted tension-only quad element translation option for Bulk ON/OFF OFF
Data Output File generation. When set to ON,
CQUAD4/CQUADR and CSHEAR element Bulk Data entries
will be written out for each subcase.
XYPLOTCSVOUT MS Excel Comma Separated Variable file (.CSV) generation ON/OFF OFF
option when an x-y plot is requested.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-36

Nastran Solver Reference Manual MAXRAM - RESERVEDRAM

Memory Management Directives:

Directive Description Option/Type Default

MAXRAM Maximum amount of system memory in megabytes. This value is Integer ≥ 0 0
used to provide an upper bound when RAM is set to zero and all
available physical memory is used. See also MINRAM and RAM
below.
MINRAM Minimum amount of system memory in megabytes. This value is Integer ≥ 0 0
used to provide a lower bound when RAM is set to zero and all
available physical memory is used. See also MAXRAM above and
RAM below.
RAM Amount of system memory available for program operations. If an 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 AUTO
integer value is specified that value will be used and the units are Integer ≥ 0
megabytes. If a real value is specified then that fraction will be used
based on the physical memory available at the start of program AUTO
execution. The AUTO setting uses a value equal to 0.8 times the
available physical memory.
Note: If RAM is set to integer zero or real 1.0, all available physical
memory will be used. This may result in either improved or degraded
performance depending on the model size and available physical
memory. The MAXRAM and MINRAM settings will override the RAM
value specified. See also MAXRAM and MINRAM above.
RESERVEDRAM Amount of reserved system memory in megabytes. This directive is Integer ≥ 0 AUTO
used mostly when running in a multitasking environment such as AUTO
Microsoft Windows. It directs the program memory manager to
reserve the specified amount of system memory in megabytes for
use by other programs. AUTO selects the value based on the
amount of memory available at the start of program execution. A
maximum of 500 megabytes is reserved depending on the RAM
value specified and available physical memory.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-37

Nastran Solver Reference Manual CNRMETHOD - DYNRSLTMETHOD

Program Control Directives:

Directive Description Option/Type Default

CNRMETHOD Conditional Numerical Reproducibility (CNR) method. When set to ON/OFF/AUTO AUTO
ON program results will be more consistent and repeatable
regardless of the number of processors used (NPROCESSORS
directive) and how many times the same model is run repeatedly.
Enabling CNR may degrade performance. The default AUTO
setting enables CNR for topology optimization and nonlinear
solution sequences which tend to display slight differences in
results when many iterations occur in the analysis sequence.
DECOMPMETHOD Decomposition method: PCGLSS/ AUTO
PCGLSS – Selects the parallel sparse iterative solver available in VSS/VIS/PSS/
all linear and nonlinear static solutions. This solver is AUTO
recommended for large problems and will generally be faster than
the VSS solver.
VSS – Selects the sparse direct solver available in all solutions.
This solver is recommended for most problems. Significant
performance degradation can occur if the RAM directive is set too
low and an out of core solution is performed and/or physical
memory is limited. The PCGLSS solver should be faster for these
types of problems.
VIS – Selects the sparse iterative solver available in all except
eigenvalue solutions. If VIS solver is selected for an eigenvalue
solution, the VSS solver will be used. This solver is recommended
for static solutions of models consisting mostly of solid elements.
It can be significantly faster that the VSS solver in some cases and
uses less resources (memory and disk space).
PSS – Selects the parallel sparse direct solver available in all
solutions. This solver will be generally faster than the VSS solver
especially on multiple CPU machines, but may require more
memory.
AUTO – The program picks the best method based on the RAM
directive setting, material properties, model size, and solution
selected in the model. See also DECOMPAUTOSIZE.
DECOMPAUTOSIZE DECOMPAUTOSIZE is the threshold model size in degrees of Integer > 0 50,000
freedom used to select the PCGLSS over the PSS solver.
DECOMPAUTOSIZE is only used when DECOMPMETHOD is set
to AUTO. For very large models the PCGLSS solver is usually
faster than the PSS solver, especially if there is not enough
physical memory available for an in-core solution.
DYNRSLTMETHOD Dynamic results calculation method. Two methods are available MATRIX/ AUTO
for the calculation of element results during modal transient and DISP/AUTO
frequency response: MATRIX and DISP. Both methods will give
the same results. Typically when a large number of time/frequency
steps are specified versus the number of modes requested,
MATRIX works best. AUTO selects the most efficient method
based on the number of modes requested and the number of
time/frequency steps specified.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-38

Nastran Solver Reference Manual EXTRACTAUTOSIZE - INMEORYIO

Program Control Directives: (Continued)

Directive Description Option/Type Default

EXTRACTAUTOSIZE EXTRACTAUTOSIZE is the threshold model size in degrees of Integer > 0 10,000
freedom used to select the Lanczos eigensolver over the subspace
eigensolver. EXTRACTAUTOSIZE is only used when
EXTRACTMETHOD is set to AUTO. For very large models the
PCGLSS Lanczos eigensolver is usually faster than the subspace
solver, especially if there is not enough physical memory available
for an in-core solution.
EXTRACTMETHOD Eigenvalue extraction method: LANCZOS/ AUTO
LANCZOS – Selects the high performance PCGLSS block SUBSPACE/
Lanczos eigensolver. This eigensolver is recommended for large FEAST/
problems and will generally be faster than the subspace AUTO
eigensolver.
SUBSPACE – Selects the subspace eigensolver.
FEAST – Selects the FEAST eigensolver.
AUTO – The program picks the best method based on the RAM
directive setting and model size. See also EXTRACTAUTOSIZE.
FEATURECODE Updates license information by supplying a coded 20 character Character Blank
string to the security processor.
GPWEIGHTMETHOD Mass properties calculation method. Two methods are available MATRIX/ AUTO
for the calculation of mass properties: MATRIX and VECTOR. The VECTOR/
MATRIX method is the most accurate, but is more time consuming AUTO
and not efficient unless a coupled mass matrix formulation is
requested (see the Geometry Processor parameter, COUPMASS,
in Section 5, Parameters, for more information). AUTO selects the
most efficient method based on the type of mass matrix formulated.
HEXEGRID Hex element edge grid generation option. When HEXEGRID is set ON/OFF OFF
to ON, all hex elements are converted from an eight node to a 20
node configuration. This results in the generation of an additional
grid point at each common element edge node. If a single point
constraint exists at both adjacent corner grid points, a similar
constraint will be generated for the edge grid point using the corner
with the most constraint.
HPFAFILESPEC Helius PFA path specification to set the Autodesk Helius PFA Character
binary resources location for Autodesk Nastran (helius.dll).
Autodesk Helius PFA installer sets the latest Helius PFA installed
location automatically during its installation
INCRGEOMOUT Writes a separate geometry file based on the ON/OFF OFF
OUTGEOMFILETYPE directive setting for each topology
optimization design iteration and nonlinear solution increment.
When OUTGEOMFILETYPE is set to a value greater than 0 for
nonlinear solutions, a non-smoothed geometry file based on the
deformed geometry is generated.
INMEMORYIO Directive to store temporary files in memory or on disk. When ON/OFF ON
INMEMORYIO is set to ON, the program will store the temporary AUTO
files created during the analysis in memory. When INMEMORYIO
is set to OFF, the temporary files will be stored on disk. Setting the
directive to ON improves the performance. INMEMORYIO is set to
OFF when either RESTART is set to ON or DATABASEACCEL is
set to OFF.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-39

Nastran Solver Reference Manual LICENSECODE - OUTGEOMFILETYPE

Program Control Directives: (Continued)

Directive Description Option/Type Default

LICENSECODE License manager feature code string that contains a series Character AUTO
of alphanumeric pairs defining which analysis sequence, AUTO/DIAGNOSTIC
results translation, and additional features are available.
The license code is provided with the license file by
customer service. Both the AUTO and DIAGNOSTIC
options will locate the required license code and features
for the specified model by searching all license types
including a security device, external licensing, and FlexLM
network and token licensing. When set to AUTO, the first
valid license is selected. When set to DIAGNOSTIC, all
licenses are checked and reported on with the last valid
license checked being selected.
LICENSEMANAGER License manager type. The license manager type is ADLM/ ADLM
provided with the license file by customer service. FLEXLM/
DOMINO
NDISKS Number of physical disk drives for parallel I/O operations. 0 < Integer ≤ 64 1
A value greater than one enables parallel I/O for PCGLSS
solver operations. The number of disks specified should
correspond to physical devices defined using the
FILESPECi and FILEPFACTORi directives. See also
FILESPEC1 – FILESPEC4 and FILEPFACTOR1 –
FILEPFACTOR4 above.
NPROCESSORS Number of processors for parallel processing operations. Integer > 0 1
A value greater than one enables parallel processing for
PCGLSS solver operations.
OPTIMIZESETTINGS Option for modifying all Model Initialization directives to NONE/ NONE
optimize SPEED, ACCURACY, or BOTH speed and SPEED/
accuracy. When SPEED is selected, directives are set to ACCURACY/
give the best possible performance at the cost of accuracy. BOTH/
When ACCURACY is selected, directives are set to give NASTRAN
the best accuracy at the cost of speed. When BOTH is
selected, directives are a compromise between speed and
accuracy. When NASTRAN is selected, directives are set
to provide similar accuracy and performance to other
Nastran versions. Note that several initialization directives
and model parameters will be reset by this single directive.
See the OPTIMIZESETTINGS Directive Function Matrix
below for more information.
OUTGEOMDATFILE Output Geometry File Specification
OUTGEOMFILETYPE Outputs stereo lithography (.STL) geometry in topology 0, 1, 2 2
optimization solutions. For option 0, no file is generated.
For option 1, the generated STL geometry represents the
outer element faces of the final design as determined by
PARAM, TOPTBTHRESHOLD. For option 2, smoothed
geometry is generated in the STL file.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-40

Nastran Solver Reference Manual PCGLSSDMI - RSPECDISPMETHOD

Program Control Directives: (Continued)

Directive Description Option/Type Default

PCGLSSDMI When set to ON, enables DMIG support for the PCGLSS ON/OFF ON
solver and LANCZOS eigensolver. The ON setting also
forces six degrees of freedom per node regardless of
connected element types if the Model Input File references
DMIG Bulk Data entries. Typically, solid elements only
require three degrees of freedom per node. When set to
OFF, the PCGLSS solver and Lanczos eigensolver will not
be used if the Model Input File references DMIG Bulk Data
entries regardless of the DECOMPMETHOD and
EXTRACTMETHOD settings.
PENTEGRID Pent element edge grid generation option. When ON/OFF OFF
PENTEGRID is set to ON, all pent elements are converted
from a six node to a 15 node configuration. This results in
the generation of an additional grid point at each common
element edge node. If a single point constraint exists on
both adjacent corner grid points, a similar constraint will be
generated for the edge grid point using the corner with the
most constraint.
PYREGRID Pyr element edge grid generation option. When ON/OFF OFF
PYREGRID is set to ON, all pyr elements are converted
from a five node to a 13 node configuration. This results in
the generation of an additional grid point at each common
element edge node. If a single point constraint exists on
both adjacent corner grid points, a similar constraint will be
generated for the edge grid point using the corner with the
most constraint.
QUADEGRID Quad element edge grid generation option. When ON/OFF OFF
QUADEGRID is set to ON, all quad elements are
converted from a four node to an eight node configuration.
This results in the generation of an additional grid point at
each common element edge node. If a single point
constraint exists on both adjacent corner grid points, a
similar constraint will be generated for the edge grid point
using the corner with the most constraint.
RESTART Database restart option when a database is specified for ON/OFF ON
an input file name. When RESTART is set to ON and a
DATABASE file name is specified as the input file, the
program will restart execution at the end of the last
completed module. When RESTART is set to OFF and a
DATABASE file name is specified as the input file, the
program will load the DATABASE and perform a complete
process control sequence.
RSPECDISPMETHOD Modal summation vector results method used in response NODAL/ NODAL
spectrum analysis for calculating vector results. . Note GLOBAL
that the NODAL setting is required for NAVSEA 0908-LP-
000-3010 conformance in DDAM analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-41

Nastran Solver Reference Manual RSPECVECTMETHOD - SOLIDEGRID

Program Control Directives: (Continued)

Directive Description Option/Type Default

RSPECVECTMETHOD Modal summation vector method option used in response ON/OFF ON
spectrum analysis for calculating element results. When set to
OFF, modal direct stresses, strains, and forces are summed and
other result measures such as von Mises stress are derived from
these summed values. When set to ON, all modal results
measures are calculated and then summed. The ON setting may
result in higher resource requirements and solution times. Note
that the ON setting is required for NAVSEA 0908-LP-000-3010
conformance in DDAM analysis.
SHELLEGRID Shell element edge grid generation option. When SHELLEGRID ON/OFF OFF
is set to ON, all shell elements are augmented with midside edge
nodes. This results in the generation of an additional grid point
at each common element edge node. If a single point constraint
exists on both adjacent corner grid points, a similar constraint will
be generated for the edge grid point using the corner with the
most constraint.
SOLIDEGRID Solid element edge grid generation option. When SOLIDEGRID ON/OFF OFF
is set to ON, all solid elements are augmented with midside edge
nodes. This results in the generation of an additional grid point
at each common element edge node. If a single point constraint
exists on both adjacent corner grid points, a similar constraint will
be generated for the edge grid point using the corner with the
most constraint.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-42

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SOLUTION - TETEGRID

Program Control Directives: (Continued)

Directive Description Option/Type Default

SOLUTION Type of solution sequence. Available solution types depend on License LINEAR
the license purchased. The following solution types are Dependent STATIC
supported:
LINEAR STATIC
PRESTRESS STATIC
NONLINEAR STATIC
MODAL
MODAL COMPLEX EIGENVALUE
LINEAR PRESTRESS MODAL
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS MODAL
LINEAR PRESTRESS COMPLEX EIGENVALUE
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS COMPLEX EIGENVALUE
LINEAR BUCKLING
NONLINEAR BUCKLING
DIRECT FREQUENCY RESPONSE
MODAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
LINEAR PRESTRESS FREQUENCY RESPONSE
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS FREQUENCY RESPONSE
DIRECT TRANSIENT RESPONSE
MODAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE
NONLINEAR TRANSIENT RESPONSE
LINEAR PRESTRESS TRANSIENT RESPONSE
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS TRANSIENT RESPONSE
LINEAR STEADY STATE HEAT TRANSFER
NONLINEAR STEADY STATE HEAT TRANSFER
NONLINEAR TRANSIENT HEAT TRANSFER
This directive may also be specified on the first line of the Model
Input File.
TETEGRID Tet element edge grid generation option. When TETEGRID is ON/OFF OFF
set to ON, all tet elements are converted from a four node to a
ten node configuration. This results in the generation of an
additional grid point at each common element edge node. If a
single point constraint exists on both adjacent corner grid points,
a similar constraint will be generated for the edge grid point using
the corner with the most constraint.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-43

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TOPTENGINE- WAITFORLICENSE

Program Control Directives: (Continued)

Directive Description Option/Type Default

TOPTENGINE Determines the appropriate Topology Optimization Engine to OCM, GOCM AUTO
use. When set to OCM, the Optimality Criteria Method is used. MAM, AUTO
When set to GOCM, the Generalized Optimality Criteria Method
is used. When set to MAM, the Moving Asymptote Method is
used. When set to AUTO, the solver determines the best
optimization approach, based on the objective and constraint
applied.
The Optimality Criteria Method can provide improved
performance when the objective of the topology optimization is to
minimize compliance with a fixed volume fraction. The Moving
Asymptote Method is a general purpose topology optimization
engine that will work with any objective or constraint. It may
require more design iterations and result in an increased solution
time. The Generalized Optimality Criteria Method can offer
improved performance over MAM for large models.
TRIEGRID Tri element edge grid generation option. When TRIEGRID is set ON/OFF OFF
to ON, all tri elements are converted from a three node to a six
node configuration. This results in the generation of an additional
grid point at each common element edge node. If a single point
constraint exists on both adjacent corner grid points, a similar
constraint will be generated for the edge grid point using the
corner with the most constraint.
WAITFORLICENSE WAITFORLICENSE specifies how long to wait in seconds for a Integer ≥ 0 100
license to become available before generating a fatal error.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-44

Nastran Solver Reference Manual PROCESSCONTROL

PROCESSCONTROL Program Sequence Control

Description: Controls program operation by allowing selective execution of specific modules and functions.

Format:

PROCESSCONTROL(module/function) = control command

Control Command Definition

EXECUTE Execute module or function and continue program execution.

TERMINATE Execute module or function and terminate program execution.
SKIP Skip module or function and continue program execution.
HALT Skip module or function and terminate program execution.

Module/Function Type Definition

CPASPRCS Module Component Assembly Processor Module.

DFRSPRCS Module Direct Frequency Response Processor Module.
DTRSPRCS Module Direct Transient Response Processor Module.
EIGVPRCS Module Eigenvalue Processor Module.
GEOMPRCS Module Geometry Processor Module.
INSTPRCS Module Initial Stress Processor Module.
MCEGPRCS Module Modal Complex Eigenvalue Processor Module.
MFRSPRCS Module Modal Frequency Response Processor Module.
MTRDPRCS Module Matrix Reduction Processor Module.
MTRSPRCS Module Modal Transient Response Processor Module.
NLINPRCS Module Nonlinear Static Solution Processor Module.
NLTHPRCS Module Nonlinear Transient Heat Solution Processor Module.
NLTRPRCS Module Nonlinear Transient Response Solution Processor Module.
RSLTPRCS Module Results Processor Module.
SEASPRCS Module Superelement Assembly Processor Module.
SOLNPRCS Module Solution Processor Module.
TRSLMODL Module Model Translator Module.
AASETMOD Function Matrix ASET reduction.
AEPSILON Function Solution error estimation calculation.
AFACTOR Function Stiffness matrix factorization.
AMLS Function AMLS eigenvalue extraction.
AMPCMOD Function Matrix multipoint constraint modification.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-45

Nastran Solver Reference Manual PROCESSCONTROL

Module/Function Type Definition

AQSETMOD Function Matrix QSET reduction.

ASOLUTN Function Solution for displacement vector.
ASSEMBLA Function Global stiffness matrix assembly.
ASSEMBLB Function Global mass matrix assembly.
ASSEMBLC Function Global differential stiffness matrix assembly.
ASSEMBLD Function Prescribed non-zero SPC vector assembly.
ASSEMBLF Function Transient load vector assembly.
ASSEMBLG Function Frequency load vector assembly.
ASSEMBLH Function Global capacitance matrix assembly.
ASSEMBLN Function Nonlinear transient load vector assembly.
ASSEMBLQ Function Modal damping matrix assembly.
ASSEMBLR Function Static load vector assembly.
ASSEMBLT Function Global tangent stiffness matrix assembly.
ASSEMBLU Function Direct enforced motion transient load vector assembly.
ASSEMBLV Function Direct enforced motion frequency load vector assembly.
ASSEMBLW Function Global damping matrix assembly.
AUTOBPDB Function Automated global mass matrix SPC.
AUTOSPCA Function Automated global stiffness matrix SPC.
CNE2FASCI Function Femap complex ASCII results file translator.
CNE2FBIN Function Femap complex binary results file translator.
DASETMOD Function Displacement vector ASET expansion.
DMPCMOD Function Multipoint constraint displacement calculation.
DSOLUTN Function Dynamic differential equation solution.
ELEMRSLT Function Element and grid point results generation.
GPFRSLT Function Element grid point force generation.
INITEIGV Function Eigenvalue extraction initialization parameter determination.
INITNLND Function Nonlinear solution initialization parameter determination.
LANCZOS Function Lanczos eigenvalue extraction.
NE2FASCI Function Femap ASCII results file translator.
NE2FBIN Function Femap binary results file translator.
NE2OP2 Function Nastran binary results file translator.
NE2XDB Function Nastran XDB results file translator.
PASETMOD Function Load vector ASET reduction.
PMPCMOD Function Load vector multipoint constraint modification.
RESEQ Function Stiffness matrix profile minimization.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-46

Nastran Solver Reference Manual PROCESSCONTROL

Module/Function Type Definition

RESVECT Function Residual vector generator.

RMPCMOD Function Multipoint constraint force calculation.
RSLTLIM Function Results limits generation.
RSOLUTN Function Single point constraint force calculation.
SPCA Function User defined global stiffness matrix SPC.
SUBSPACE Function Subspace eigenvalue extraction.
UNRESEQ Function Unresequences model database grid point labels.
UPDTDISP Function Nonlinear incremental global displacement vector update.
UPDTGEOM Function Nonlinear geometry update.
UPDTSTRN Function Nonlinear stress, strain, and internal force update.

Remarks:

1. Incorrect use of this directive may produce unpredictable and erroneous results.

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-47

Nastran Solver Reference Manual OPTIMIZESETTINGS Directive Function Matrix

OPTIMIZESETTINGS Directive Function Matrix:

The matrix below depicts initialization directive and model parameter settings based on the value of the
OPTIMIZESETTINGS directive.

OPTIMIZESETTINGS Value
Parameter/Directive SPEED ACCURACY BOTH FUSION NASTRAN
ALIGNEDGENODE OFF ON ON OFF OFF
AUTOFIXRIGIDELEM ON ON ON ON ON
AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC OFF OFF OFF OFF ON
BAREQVLOAD ON ON ON ON ON
BISECT OFF ON ON OFF ON
COUPMASS OFF ON AUTO OFF OFF
DATABASEACCEL ON AUTO AUTO ON AUTO
DECOMPMETHOD AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO
ELEMGEOMCHECKS OFF ON ON OFF ON
ENHCBARRSLT OFF ON ON OFF OFF
ENHCQUADRSLT OFF ON ON OFF OFF
EXTRACTMETHOD LANCZOS AUTO AUTO LANCZOS LANCZOS
FREQRESPRSLTOUT OFF ON ON OFF OFF
GPFORCEMETHOD NASTRAN NASTRAN NASTRAN NASTRAN NASTRAN
HEXINODE AUTO ON AUTO AUTO AUTO
MAXSPARSEITER 1000 AUTO AUTO 1000 AUTO
MODLDATAOUT OFF ON ON OFF OFF
NBEAMINTNODE 2 4 2 2 2
NLAYERS 6 12 9 6 6
NLINSOLACCEL AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO
NLTOL 3 1 2 3 2
PCHFILEDBLEPRCS OFF ON OFF OFF OFF
PCHFILETYPE NASTRAN NASTRAN NASTRAN NASTRAN NASTRAN
QUADINODE AUTO ON AUTO AUTO AUTO
QUADSECT OFF ON ON OFF OFF
RANDRESPRSLTOUT OFF ON ON OFF ON
ROTINERTIA ON ON ON ON OFF
SHEARELEMTYPE NASTRAN NASTRAN NASTRAN NASTRAN NASTRAN
SHELLEQVLOAD OFF ON OFF OFF OFF
SHELLRNODE OFF ON ON OFF OFF
SHELLTVSMATTYPE FLEXIBLE FLEXIBLE FLEXIBLE FLEXIBLE RIGID
SKINGEN DISABLE SURFACE SURFACE DISABLE DISABLE
SLINEMAXACTDIST AUTO 1.0E+30 1.0E+30 AUTO AUTO

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-48

Nastran Solver Reference Manual OPTIMIZESETTINGS Directive Function Matrix

OPTIMIZESETTINGS Directive Function Matrix (Continued):

OPTIMIZESETTINGS Value
Parameter/Directive SPEED ACCURACY BOTH FUSION NASTRAN
SPARSEITERMETHOD AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO
SPARSEITERMODE 3 AUTO AUTO 3 AUTO
1.0E-4 for
Modal solutions
SPARSEITERTOL 1.0E-4 1.0E-6 1.0E-5 1.0E-5
1.0E-5 for other
solutions
TETINODE OFF AUTO AUTO OFF OFF
XYCSVPLOT OFF OFF OFF OFF ON

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-49

DECOMPMETHOD Directive Applicability Matrix:

The matrix below depicts which initialization directives are applicable to the four linear equation solvers available.
The DECOMPMETHOD directive is used to choose a particular solver.

Solver (DECOMPMETHOD)

Directive/Parameter PCGLSS PSS PIS VSS VIS

(Sparse Iterative) (Sparse Direct) (Sparse Direct) (Sparse Direct) (Sparse Iterative)
DECOMPAUTOSIZE     
DECOMPMETHOD     
MAXSPARSEITER  
RESEQGRIDMETHOD   
SPARSEITERTOL   
SPARSEITERMETHOD 
SPARSEITERMODE 
SPARSEMETHOD 
Nastran Solver Reference Manual OPTIMIZESETTINGS Directive Function Matrix

Section 3

CASE CONTROL

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-2

Nastran Solver Reference Manual The Case Control Section

The Case Control Section

The Case Control Section performs the following basic functions:

• Selects loads and constraints.
• Defines the contents of the Model Results Output File.
• Defines the output coordinate system for element and grid point results.
• Defines the subcase structure for the analysis.

Case Control Command Descriptions

Case Control commands may be abbreviated down to the first four characters provided the abbreviation is unique
relative to all other commands. Each command is described as follows:

Description
A single sentence Description is given which states the function of the Case Control command.

Format
The command syntax is defined under Format. Listed options are further described under Option. The following
conventions are used:
• Options in uppercase are keywords that must be specified as shown.
• Options in lowercase indicate that the user must provide a value.
• Parentheses ( ) must be included if an option requiring them is specified.
• Brackets [ ] indicate that specifying an option is not required.
• Braces { } indicate that specifying an option is required.
• If the command line is longer than 80 columns, then it may be continued to the next line with a comma. For
example:

SET 12 = 15, 16, 17, 28, 39,

100 THRU 556

Example
A typical example is given under Example.

Option, Definition, and Type

Each option is listed under Option and briefly discussed under Definition. The option’s type (e.g., Integer, Real, or
Character) and allowable range are specified under Type. The default option is annotated with a  symbol.

Remarks
Additional information about the command is given under Remarks.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-3

Nastran Solver Reference Manual $

$ Comment

Description: Used to add comments to the Model Input File.

Format:

$ followed by any characters out to column 80.

Example:

$ Nitrogen Tank Model Version 8.4, 17 Feb 2000

Remarks:

1. Comments are ignored by the program and may appear anywhere within the Model Input File.
2. Comments will not appear in either the sorted or unsorted echo of the Bulk Data.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-5

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ACCELERATION

ACCELERATION Acceleration Output Request

Description: Requests acceleration vector output.

Format:

  PRINT   PSDF   ALL 

ACCELERATI ON ( PLOT   REAL or IMAG  ABS    
 ,  PHASE  , REL  ,  ATOC ) =  n
NONE
 PUNCH      RALL  
   

Example:

ACCELERATION = 25

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point accelerations will be output to both the Model Character 
Results Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Grid point accelerations will be output only to the results Character
neutral file system.
PUNCH Grid point accelerations will be output additionally to the Character
Model Results Punch File.
REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
ABS Requests output as absolute displacement (see Remark 2). Character 
REL Requests output as relative displacement (see Remark 2). Character
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
ALL Accelerations for all grid points will be output. Character 
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only accelerations of grid points whose identification
numbers appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Grid point accelerations will not be output. Character

Remarks:

1. ACCELERATION results are output in the global coordinate system. (See CD field on the GRID Bulk Data
entry in Section 4, Bulk Data.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-6

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ACCELERATION

2. Relative acceleration output is only applicable to modal transient and linear direct transient response
solutions. The reference point for relative motion is defaulted to the direct enforced motion input point. When
direct enforced motion is not specified the point with the largest mass in the model is used. The reference
point may be specified explicitly using the DYNSOLRELGRID model parameter. See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on DYNSOLRELGRID.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-7

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ANALYSIS

ANALYSIS Analysis Type

Description: Specifies the type of analysis being performed.

Format:

ANALYSIS = type

Example:

ANALYSIS = HEAT

Option Definition Type Default

STRU Structural Analysis. Character 

HEAT Heat Transfer Analysis. Character
BUCK Buckling Analysis. Character

Remarks:

1. ANALYSIS = HEAT must be specified for linear heat transfer solutions.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-8

Nastran Solver Reference Manual B2GG

B2GG Direct Input Damping Matrix Selection

Description: Selects a direct input damping matrix.

Format:

B2GG = name

Example:

B2GG = BDMIG

Option Definition Type

name [ ]
Name of the B 2
gg
matrix that is defined on the DMIG Bulk Data Character
entry.

Remarks:

1. Direct input matrices will not be used unless selected.

2. Terms are added to the global damping matrix before any constraints are applied.
3. The matrix must be symmetric in form (field 4 on DMIG Bulk Data entry must contain the integer 6).
4. A scale factor may be applied to this input using PARAM, CB2.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-9

Nastran Solver Reference Manual B2PP

B2PP Direct Input Damping Matrix Selection

Description: Selects a direct input damping matrix.

Format:

B2PP = name

Example:

B2PP = BDMIG

Option Definition Type

name [ ]
Name of the B 2
pp
matrix that is defined on the DMIG Bulk Data Character
entry.

Remarks:

1. Direct input matrices will not be used unless selected.

2. Terms are added to the global damping matrix after constraints are applied.
3. The matrix must be square or symmetric in form (field 4 on DMIG Bulk Data entry must contain the integer
1 or 6).
4. This command is only supported in complex eigenvalue solutions.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-10

Nastran Solver Reference Manual BEGIN BULK

BEGIN BULK Case Control Delimiter

Description: Designates the end of the Case Control Section and the beginning of the Bulk Data Section.

Format:

BEGIN BULK

Remarks:

1. BEGIN BULK and ENDDATA are required even if there are no Bulk Data entries.
2. Only one occurrence of BEGIN BULK is allowed.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-11

Nastran Solver Reference Manual BOLTLD

BOLTLD Bolt Load Set Selection

Description: Selects the BOLTFOR Bulk Data entry for bolt preload processing.

Format:

BOLTLD = n

Example:

BOLTLD = 10

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of BOLTFOR Bulk Data entries. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. BOLTFOR Bulk Data entries will not be used unless selected in the Case Control Section.
2. Bolt preloads are supported in the following solutions:

Solution Character Variable Solution Number

LINEAR STATIC 101
LINEAR BUCKLING 105
NONLINEAR STATIC 106
DIRECT FREQUENCY RESPONSE 108
DIRECT TRANSIENT RESPONSE 109
NONLINEAR TRANSIENT RESPONSE 129
NONLINEAR BUCKLING 180
PRESTRESS STATIC 181
LINEAR PRESTRESS MODAL 182
LINEAR PRESTRESS FREQUENCY RESPONSE 183
LINEAR PRESTRESS TRANSIENT RESPONSE 184
LINEAR PRESTRESS COMPLEX EIGENVALUE 188
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS COMPLEX EIGENVALUE 189

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-12

Nastran Solver Reference Manual CMETHOD

CMETHOD Complex Eigenvalue Extraction Method Selection

Description: Selects the complex eigenvalue extraction parameters.

Format:

CMETHOD = n

Example:

CMETHOD = 45

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of an EIGC Bulk Data entry. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. The CMETHOD command must be specified in order to compute complex eigenvalues.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-13

Nastran Solver Reference Manual CONTACTGENERATE

CONTACTGENERATE Automated Surface Contact Generation

Description: Automated Surface Contact Generation (ASCG) and Automated Edge Contact Generation (AECG).
Automatically generates surface contact/weld elements between solid or shell elements near or in
contact with other solid or shell elements.

Format:

CONTACTGENERATE, ptype, esid, sfact, fstif, mu, maxad, w0, tmax, eid

Example:

CONTACTGENERATE, 1, , , , 0.1

Option Definition Type Default

ptype Penetration type. See Remark 1. 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 5 2

1 = Symmetric general contact
2 = Symmetric welded contact
3 = Symmetric bi-directional sliding contact
4 = Symmetric rough contact
5 = Offset welded contact.
esid Element set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 All
previously appearing SET command. Only elements
whose identification numbers appear on this SET
command will be used.
sfact Stiffness scaling factor used to scale the penalty values Real ≥ 0.0 1.0
determined automatically. See Remark 2.
fstif Frictional stiffness for stick. See Remark 3. Real ≥ 0.0 Model
dependent
mu Coefficient of static friction. Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
maxad Maximum normal and radial activation distance. See Real ≥ 0.0 See Remark 4
Remark 4.
w0 Penetration surface offset. See Remark 5. Real 0.0
tmax Maximum allowable penetration used in the adjustment of Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
penalty values normal to the contact plane. A positive
value activates the penalty value adjustment. See Remark
6.
eid Element identification number. Integer > 0 or See Remark 8
blank

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-14

Nastran Solver Reference Manual CONTACTGENERATE

Remarks:

1. Welded contact behavior is accomplished by selecting the welded contact setting (2). With this setting the
element will behave the same in tension as in compression and will not slide. Note that for linear solutions
with the LINEARCONTACT model parameter set to OFF, general contact will default to welded behavior (see
Section 5, Parameters, for more information on LINEARCONTACT). Bi-directional sliding contact behavior
is accomplished by selecting the bi-directional contact setting (3). With this setting the element will act similar
to a welded contact element in tension and compression, but will slide in-plane. Bi-directional sliding contact
is available in all solutions. Rough contact behavior is accomplished by selecting the rough contact setting
(4). With this setting the element will act similar to a general contact element in tension and compression,
but will not permit sliding in-plane. The offset weld setting (5) is intended for welded connections with
significant separation between contact surfaces. Welded contact with a separation less than the value
defined by the SLINEOFFSETTOL model parameter is automatically converted to an offset weld (see Section
5, Parameters, for more information on SLINEOFFSETTOL).
2. sfact may be used to scale the penalty values that are determined automatically based on adjacent diagonal
stiffness matrix coefficients. Additionally, penalty values calculated may be further scaled by the
SLINEKSFACT model parameter (see Section 5, Parameters, for more information on SLINEKSFACT). The
penalty value is then equal to k ∗ sfact ∗ SLINEKSFACT , where k is a value selected for each slave node
based on the diagonal stiffness matrix coefficient and sfact is specified in the sfact field above. Note that the
SLINEKSFACT value applies to all contact regions in the model. The use of a scale factor (sfact or
SLINEKSFACT) less than one is recommended when convergence problems arise and a value greater than
one when excessive penetration occurs. Penalty values are normally recalculated every time there is a
change in stiffness. However, if SLINEKSFACT is negative, penalty values are not recalculated. This setting
is generally not recommended. Note that for heat transfer solutions with the SLINEKSFACT2TC model
parameter set to ON, sfact will be interpreted as contact capacitance (see Section 5, Parameters, for more
information on SLINEKSFACT2TC).
3. The value of frictional stiffness should be chosen carefully. A method of choosing a value is to divide the
expected frictional strength (mu ∗ expected normal force) by reasonable value of the relative displacement
before slip occurs. A large stiffness value may cause poor convergence, while too small a value may result
in reduced accuracy.
4. maxad is the contact surface normal and radial tolerance for generating a contact element. A recommended
value is a distance approximately 10% larger than the largest gap to be recognized as contact (or welded).
If maxad is not specified it will be internally calculated by multiplying the model reference dimension by 1.0E-
04. Note that when maxad is specified, the SLINEOFFSETTOL model parameter will be set to this value.
(See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on SLINEOFFSETTOL.)
5. The contact plane is defaulted to the xy-plane of the master nodes. A positive value of w0 offsets the contact
plane in the element z-direction and results in a contact condition occurring when a slave node penetrates
the offset plane.
6. There are two methods for adaptive stiffness updates normal to the contact plane: proximity stiffness based
and displacement based. If tmax ≠ 0.0, the displacement based update method is selected. When tmax =
0.0 (default), the proximity stiffness based update method is selected. The recommended allowable
penetration tmax is between 1% and 10% of the element thickness for plates or the equivalent thickness for
other elements that are connected to the contact element.
7. The CONTACTGEN and CONTACTTOL model parameters provide the same functionality as this command.
See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on CONTACTGEN and CONTACTTOL.
8. The default element identification number is one plus the maximum element identification number in the
model.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-15

Nastran Solver Reference Manual CONTACTSET

CONTACTSET Active Contact Set Definition

Description: Defines the active contact set.

Format:

 ALL 
 
CONTACTSET =  n 
NONE
 

Example:

CONTACTSET = 12

Option Definition Type Default

ALL All slide line and contact surface elements will be active. Character 
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only slide line and contact surface elements whose
identification numbers appear on this SET command will be
active.
NONE All slide line and contact surface elements will be inactive. Character

Remarks:

1. This command is only applicable to nonlinear static and dynamic solutions with slide line and contact surface
element types. For other element types see the ELEMSET command in Section 3, Case Control.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-16

Nastran Solver Reference Manual CORRELATE

CORRELATE Modal Assurance Criterion and Cross-Orthogonality Request

Description: Requests that Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) and Modal Cross-Orthogonality (MXO) checks be
performed.

Format:

  MAC    ALL 
 PRINT   [ ]= n 
CORRELATE ( CTOL value ) 
,  MXO , 

NONE 
  PLOT  MALL
   

Example:

CORRELATE( PLOT, MAC, CTOL 0.1) = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Modal assurance data will be output to both the Model Character 
Results Output File and displayed graphically in the
Autodesk Nastran Editor.
PLOT Modal assurance data will be output only to the Autodesk Character
Nastran Editor.
MAC Modal assurance criterion data output request. Character
MXO Modal cross-orthogonality data output request. Character
MALL Both MAC and MXO will be output. Character
CTOL Off-diagonal output tolerance. See Remark 2. Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
ALL Modal assurance data for all modes will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only modal assurance data for modes whose identification
numbers appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Modal assurance data will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. This command is used to compare modal data from two different sources defined using the DATINFILE1 and
DATINFILE2 Model Initialization directives. See Section 2, Initialization, for more information on DATINFILE1
and DATINFILE2.
2. Output of off-diagonal Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) and Modal Cross-Orthogonality (MXO) matrix terms
will be suppressed if less than the output tolerance, CTOL.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-17

Nastran Solver Reference Manual CYSYMGENERATE

CYSYMGENERATE Cyclic Symmetry Boundary Condition Generation

Description: Defines parameters for automatic cyclic symmetry boundary condition generation on an
axisymmetric model.

Format:

CYSYMGEN, cid, ptol

Example:

CYSYMGEN, 12, 1.-6

Option Definition Type Default

cid Reference cylindrical coordinate system id that matches a Integer > 0 Required
CORD1C or CORD2C Bulk Data entry.
ptol Near tolerance used to identify boundary grid points for the Real or blank 1.0E-10
application of cyclic symmetric boundary conditions.

Remarks:

1. When set to a valid cylindrical coordinate system id, boundary conditions are automatically generated which
force cyclic symmetric behavior. Grid points are automatically identified at each r-z boundary plane based
on the specified near tolerance, ptol. The two symmetry planes must have identical mesh patterns.
2. The near tolerance is used to identify boundary grid points for the application of cyclic symmetric boundary
conditions. The actual tolerance is derived using ptol and a model reference dimension. Each r-z boundary
is identified as all grid points within this tolerance at the minimum and maximum θ values of the model.
3. The CYSYMGEN and CYSYMTOL model parameters provide the same functionality as this command. See
Section 5, Parameters, for more information on CYSYMGEN and CYSYMTOL.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-18

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DDAM

DDAM Dynamic Design Analysis Method Data Set Selection

Description: Selects the DDAMDAT Bulk Data entry to be used in the DDAM analysis. DDAM is a form of
response spectrum analysis.

Format:

DDAM = n

Example:

DDAM = 12

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of a DDAMDAT Bulk Data entry to be used in Integer > 0

DDAM analysis.

Remarks:

1. DDAM must reference a DDAMDAT Bulk Data entry to perform DDAM analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-19

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DEFORM

DEFORM Element Deformation Static Load

Description: Selects the Element Deformation Set to be applied to the model.

Format:

DEFORM = n

Example:

DEFORM = 27

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of DEFORM Bulk Data entries. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. DEFORM Bulk Data entries will not be used unless selected in the Case Control Section.
2. The total load applied will be the sum of external (LOAD command), element deformation (DEFORM
command), constrained displacement (SPC command), and thermal (TEMPERATURE command) loads.
3. Static, thermal, and element deformation loads should have unique set identification numbers.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-20

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DISPINTERPOLATE

DISPINTERPOLATE Enforced Displacement Interpolation

Description: Interpolates grid point enforced displacement data from a known set of input grid points and
displacements to a set of output grid points and displacements based on geometric position in 2d or
3d space.

Format:

DISPINTERPOLATE, ossid, ogsid, issid, igsid, nnri, ndlsf, cgsize, maxnus

Example:

DISPINTERPOLATE, 100, 10, 1, 1

Option Definition Type Default

olsid Output single-point constraint set identification number (see Integer > 0 Required
Remark 1).
ogsid Output grid set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 or All grid points
previously appearing SET command. Only grid points blank in model
whose identification numbers appear on this SET command
will be used.
issid Input single-point constraint set identification number (see Integer > 0 Required
Remark 2).
igsid Input grid set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 or All grid points
previously appearing SET command. Only grid points blank in constraint
whose identification numbers appear on this SET command set
will be used.
nnri Number of interpolation nodes within radius of influence. Integer > 0 or See Remark 3
blank
ndlsf Number of data nodes in least squares fit. Integer > 0 or See Remark 4
blank
cgsize Number of rows, columns, and planes in the cell grid. A box Integer > 0 or See Remark 5
containing the nodes is partitioned into cells in order to blank
increase search efficiency.
maxnus Maximum number of unique solution occurrences. Integer > 0 or See Remark 6
blank

Remarks:

1. Output is SPC Bulk Data entries at grid points defined by ogsid.

2. Input is GRID and SPC Bulk Data entries which need not be associated with the analysis model. (See
Section 4, Bulk Data, for more information on GRID and SPC Bulk Data entries.)
3. The valid range for nnri is 1  nnri  min(100, n -1) ), where n is the number of input data points. The
default is 100. A lower value may increase performance at the cost of accuracy. A value greater than or
equal to 32 is recommended.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-21

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DISPINTERPOLATE

4. The valid range for ndlsf is 9  ndlsf  min(100, n -1), where n is the number of input data points. The
default is 100. A lower value may increase performance at the cost of accuracy. A value greater than or
equal to 17 is recommended.
5. The recommended value for cgsize is:
1
 n 3
cgsize =  3 
 
where n is the number of input data points. The default is determined using the above formula.
6. A 3d interpolation algorithm is used initially, but will automatically revert to a 2d algorithm if the number of no
unique solution errors exceeds maxnus while processing the input data points. Models that are dominantly
flat but still have 3d features that default to the 2d interpolation algorithm may not be interpolated accurately.
A larger maxnus value can be used to force a 3d interpolation. It is advisable to always check the interpolated
loads.
7. Generated SPC Bulk Data entries can be exported using the TRSLBULKDATA Model Initialization directive.
(See Section 2, Initialization, for more information on TRSLBULKDATA.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-22

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DISPLACEMENT

DISPLACEMENT Displacement Output Request

Description: Requests displacement vector output.

Format:

  PRINT   PSDF   ALL 

DISPLACEME NT ( PLOT   REAL or IMAG ABS    
 ,  PHASE  , REL  , ATOC )  =  n 
 PUNCH      RALL   NONE
   

Example:

DISPLACEMENT = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point displacements will be output to both the Model Character 
Results Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Grid point displacements will be output only to the results Character
neutral file system.
PUNCH Grid point displacements will be output additionally to the Character
Model Results Punch File.
REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ABS Requests output as absolute displacement (see Remark 3). Character 
REL Requests output as relative displacement (see Remark 3). Character
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
ALL Displacements for all grid points will be output. Character 
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only displacements of grid points whose identification
numbers appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Grid point displacements will not be output. Character

Remarks:

1. DISPLACEMENT results are output in the global coordinate system. (See CD field on the GRID Bulk Data
entry in Section 4, Bulk Data.)
2. The translation components are in the same units of measure as the model. The rotation components are in
radians.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-23

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DISPLACEMENT

3. Relative displacement output is only applicable to modal transient and linear direct transient response
solutions. The reference point for relative motion is defaulted to the direct enforced motion input point. When
direct enforced motion is not specified the point with the largest mass in the model is used. The reference
point may be specified explicitly using the DYNSOLRELGRID model parameter. See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on DYNSOLRELGRID.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-24

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DLOAD

DLOAD Dynamic Load Set Selection

Description: Selects a dynamic load to be applied in a transient or frequency response problem.

Format:

DLOAD = n

Example:

DLOAD = 10

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of a DLOAD, RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1, or Integer > 0

TLOAD2 Bulk Data entry.

Remarks:

1. TLOAD1 and TLOAD2 may only be selected in a transient response problem.

2. RLOAD1 and RLOAD2 may only be selected in a frequency response problem.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-25

Nastran Solver Reference Manual DMIGADD

DMIGADD DMIG Combination

Description: Combines multiple DMIG matrixes referenced in the Bulk Data for selection in the Case Control
using K2GG, K2PP, M2GG, etc. commands.

Format:

DMIGADD name =  
 name1 [, name 2, name3] 
 

Example:

DMIGADD KALL = K1, K2, K3, K4

Option Definition Type Default

name The name of the combined DMIG matrix. See Remark 1. Character Required
name1, The names of existing DMIG matrixes. See Remark 2. Character Required
name2,
etc.

Remarks:

1. The combined name should be unique with respect to all other DMIG names.
2. This command may not refer to a DMIG name generated from another DMIGADD command.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-26

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ECHO

ECHO Bulk Data Echo Request

Description: Requests echo of the Bulk Data.

Format:

 SORT 
 
ECHO = UNSORT 
 NONE 
 

Example:

ECHO = NONE

Option Definition Type Default

SORT Sorted echo will be output. Character

UNSORT Unsorted echo will be output. Character
NONE No echo will be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. Default is to not echo the Bulk Data.

2. A translated Case Control and Bulk Data output file can be requested with the Initialization Directive,
TRSLMODLDATA = ON. See Section 2, Initialization.
3. This command is equivalent to the Initialization Directive, BULKDATAOUT. See Section 2, Initialization.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-27

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ELEMDELETE

ELEMDELETE Model Database Element Deletion

Description: Deletes elements in the specified set from the model database.

Format:

ELEMDELETE = n

Example:

ELEMDELETE = 21

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Only Integer > 0

elements whose identification numbers appear on this SET
command will be deleted.

Remarks:

1. This command can be used along with the SETGENERATE Case Control command and the RCN option to
delete elements that have a result quantity obtained in a previous run which is above a threshold value. (See
the SETGENERATE command in Section 3, Case Control.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-28

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ELEMSET

ELEMSET Active Element Set Definition

Description: Defines the active element set.

Format:

 ALL 
 
ELEMSET =  n 
NONE
 

Example:

ELEMSET = 15

Option Definition Type Default

ALL All structural elements will be active. Character 

n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only elements whose identification numbers appear on this
SET command will be active.
NONE All structural elements will be inactive. Character

Remarks:

1. This command is only applicable to nonlinear static and dynamic solutions excluding slide line and contact
surface element types. For these element types see the CONTACTSET command in Section 3, Case
Control.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-29

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ELFORCE

ELFORCE Element Force Output Request

Description: Requests element force output.

Format:

  PRINT   CENTER  PSDF    ALL 

    REAL or IMAG     
ELFORCE ( PLOT , CORNER ,  PHASE , ATOC ) =  n 
 PUNCH   GAUSS    RALL  NONE

   

Example:

ELFORCE = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Element forces will be output to both the Model Results Character 
Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Element forces will be output only to the results neutral file Character
system.
PUNCH Element forces will be output additionally to the Model Character
Results Punch File.
CENTER Output shell and solid element forces at the center only. Character 
CORNER Output shell and solid element forces at the center and Character
corner nodes.
GAUSS Output shell and solid element forces at the center and Character
gauss/integration points.
REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
ALL Element forces for all elements will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only forces for elements whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Element forces will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. FORCE is an alternate form and is entirely equivalent to ELFORCE.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-30

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ELFORCE

2. Not available for solid elements.

3. Shell elements must be referenced on a SURFACE. (See the SURFACE command in Section 3, Case
Control.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-31

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ELSTRAIN

ELSTRAIN Element Strain Output Request

Description: Requests element strain output.

Format:
  PRINT  CENTER   SHEAR  THERMAL  PSDF  VRMS    ALL 
      REAL or IMAG STRCUR         
ELSTRAIN ( PLOT , CORNER , VONMISES ,  PHASE ,
  FIBER ,  MECH , ATOC ,  BIAX ) =  n 
 PUNCH   GAUSS   TRESCA       TOTAL   RALL   VALL   NONE
   
   

Example:

ELSTRAIN(VONMISES, CORNER) = 45

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Element strains will be output to both the Model Results Character 
Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Element strains will be output only to the results neutral file Character
system.
PUNCH Element strains will be output additionally to the Model Character
Results Punch File.
CENTER Output shell and solid element strains at the center only. Character 
CORNER Output shell and solid element strains at the center and Character
corner nodes.
GAUSS Output shell and solid element strains at the center and Character
gauss/integration points.
SHEAR Maximum shear strain request for shell elements and Character
octahedral shear strain request for solid elements.
VONMISES Von Mises strain request for shell and solid elements. Character 
TRESCA Tresca strain request for shell and solid elements. Character

REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
STRCUR Strain at reference plane and curvatures are output for shell Character
elements.
FIBER Strain at locations Z1 and Z2 are output for shell elements. Character 
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
VRMS RMS von Mises output request. Character

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-32

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ELSTRAIN

Option Definition Type Default

BIAX Biaxiality ratio output request. Character

VALL RMS von Mises, RMS principal, RMS maximum shear, and Character
biaxiality ratio will be output.
THERMAL Thermal strain request for shell and solid elements. Character
MECH Mechanical strain request for shell and solid elements. Character
TOTAL Total strain (thermal plus mechanical) request for shell and Character 
solid elements.
ALL Element strains for all elements will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only strains for elements whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Element strains will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. STRAIN is an alternate form and is entirely equivalent to ELSTRAIN.

2. Both STRESS and STRAIN cannot be requested in the same subcase.
3. Shell elements must be referenced on a SURFACE and solid elements must be referenced in a VOLUME.
(See the SURFACE and VOLUME commands in Section 3, Case Control.)
4. See the STRAIN command in Section 3, Case Control, for the equations used to calculate strain invariants.
5. If the MECHSTRAIN model parameter is set to ON (default is OFF), mechanical strain will be output
regardless of settings on this command. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on
MECHSTRAIN.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-33

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ELSTRESS

ELSTRESS Element Stress Output Request

Description: Requests element stress output.

Format:

  PRINT  CENTER   SHEAR  PSDF  VRMS    ALL 

     REAL or IMAG     
ELSTRESS ( PLOT , CORNER , VONMISES ,  PHASE 
 , ATOC ,  BIAX ) =  n 
 PUNCH  GAUSS   TRESCA   RALL   VALL   NONE
    

Example:

ELSTRESS(CORNER, SHEAR) = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Element stresses will be output to both the Model Results Character 
Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Element stresses will be output only to the results neutral file Character
system.
PUNCH Element stresses will be output additionally to the Model Character
Results Punch File.
CENTER Output shell and solid element stresses at the center only. Character 
CORNER Output shell and solid element stresses at the center and Character
corner nodes.
GAUSS Output shell and solid element stresses at the center and Character
gauss/integration points.
SHEAR Maximum shear stress request for shell elements and Character
octahedral shear stress request for solid elements.
VONMISES Von Mises stress request for shell and solid elements. Character 
TRESCA Tresca stress request for shell and solid elements. Character

REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
VRMS RMS von Mises output request. Character

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-34

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ELSTRESS

Option Definition Type Default

BIAX Biaxiality ratio output request. Character

VALL RMS von Mises, RMS principal, RMS maximum shear, and Character
biaxiality ratio will be output.
ALL Element stresses for all elements will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only stresses for elements whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Element stresses will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. STRESS is an alternate form and is entirely equivalent to ELSTRESS.

2. Both STRESS and STRAIN cannot be output in the same subcase.
3. Shell elements must be referenced on a SURFACE and solid elements must be referenced in a VOLUME.
(See the SURFACE and VOLUME commands in Section 3, Case Control.)
4. See the STRESS command in Section 3, Case Control, for the equations used to calculate stress invariants.
5. VRMS, von Mises RMS stress, is calculated by evaluating the PSD response of the peak RMS stresses
calculated at each frequency step in a frequency or random response analysis. It is used as a measure of
the total component stress.
6. BIAX, Biaxiality Ratio, is the ratio of the minimum and maximum principal stress and is used in conjunction
with the von Mises RMS stress to assess the nature of stress components in a frequency or random response
analysis. Values that tend towards -1 indicates a pure shear state, 0 indicates uniaxial state, and 1 indicates
equal biaxial loading.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-35

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ENTHALPY

ENTHALPY Heat Transfer Enthalpy Output Request

Description: Requests enthalpy vector output in transient heat transfer analysis.

Format:

  PRINT    ALL 
    
ENTHALPY ( PLOT ) =  n 
 PUNCH   NONE
   

Example:

ENTHLAPY = 10

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point enthalpy will be output to both the Model Results Character 
Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Grid point enthalpy will be output only to the results neutral Character
file system.
PUNCH Grid point enthalpy will be output additionally to the Model Character
Results Punch File.
ALL Enthalpy for all grid points will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only enthalpy for grid points whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Grid point enthalpy will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. ENTHALPY = NONE is used to override a previous ENTHALPY = n or ENTHALPY = ALL command.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-36

Nastran Solver Reference Manual ESE

ESE Element Strain Energy Output Request

Description: Requests element strain energy output.

Format:

  PRINT    ALL 
    
ESE( PLOT ) =  n 
 PUNCH   NONE
   

Example:

ESE = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Element strain energy will be output to both the Model Character 
Results Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Element strain energy will be output only to the results Character
neutral file system.
PUNCH Element strain energy will be output additionally to the Character
Model Results Punch File.
ALL Strain energy for all elements will be output. Character
n Set identification number of a previously appearing SET Integer > 0
command. Only elements whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be included in the
element strain energy output.
NONE Element strain energy will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. The strain energy calculations do not include the contribution of thermal strain.
2. Strain energy density (element strain energy divided by element volume) is also computed.
3. Shell elements must be referenced on a SURFACE and solid elements must be referenced in a VOLUME.
(See the SURFACE and VOLUME commands in Section 3, Case Control.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-37

Nastran Solver Reference Manual EXTSEOUT

EXTSEOUT Superelement Matrix Export

Description: Specifies the type, format, and media for superelement data storage.

Format:

EXTSEOUT [([STIF],[MASS],[DAMP],[LOAD],[MODEL ],[DMIGOUT ],[DMIGBDF ],[DMIGOP2 ],[DMIGSFIX name])]

Examples:

EXTSEOUT(STIF, MASS, DMIGBDF)

EXTSEOUT(MASS, DMIGOP2)

Option Definition Type Default

STIF Include global stiffness matrix output. Character 

MASS Include global mass matrix output. Character 
DAMP Include global damping matrix output. Character 
LOAD Include global load vector output. Character 
MODEL Requests model data translation to the Bulk Data Output Character
File.
DMIGOUT Requests global matrix output to the Model Results Output Character
File.
DMIGBDF Requests global matrix export in DMIG format to the Bulk Character
Data Output File.
DMIGOP2 Requests global matrix export to a NASTRAN Output 2 Character
formatted results file.
DMIGSFIX Matrix name. Specifies the name field in the exported Character
DMIG Bulk Data entry. See Remark 4.

Remarks:

1. If no matrix type is specified all matrixes will be exported.

2. If multipoint constraints or RBEi elements are included in the model the exported matrixes will be modified.
If ASET or QSET reduction is performed the exported matrixes will be reduced.
3. The GLBMATRIX command provides additional options for matrix output to the Model Results Output File.
(See the GLBMATRIX command in Section 3, Case Control.)
4. The exported DMIG matrix name is generated by concatenating the matrix type with the DMIGSFIX name
where the boundary stiffness matrix name becomes Kcccccc, the mass Mcccccc, the damping Bcccccc, the
load Pcccccc, and cccccc the name specified after DMIGSFIX. DMIGSFIX is only applicable when
DMIGBDF is also specified.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-38

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FATIGUE

FATIGUE Multiaxial Fatigue Analysis Data Set Selection

Description: Selects the FATIGUE Bulk Data entry to be used in multiaxial fatigue analysis.

Format:

FATIGUE = n

Example:

FATIGUE = 10

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of a FATIGUE Bulk Data entry to be used in Integer > 0

multiaxial fatigue analysis.

Remarks:

1. FATIGUE must reference a FATIGUE Bulk Data entry to perform multiaxial fatigue analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-39

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FLUX

FLUX Element Thermal Gradient and Heat Flux Output Request

Description: Requests element thermal gradient and heat flux output in heat transfer analysis.

Format:

  PRINT   CENTER    ALL 

     
FLUX ( PLOT , CORNER ) =  n 
 PUNCH  GAUSS   NONE
   

Example:

FLUX = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Element thermal gradients and heat fluxes will be output to Character 
both the Model Results Output File and the results neutral
file system.
PLOT Element thermal gradients and heat fluxes will be output Character
only to the results neutral file system.
PUNCH Element thermal gradients and heat fluxes will be output Character
additionally to the Model Results Punch File.
CENTER Output thermal gradients and heat fluxes at the center only. Character 
CORNER Output thermal gradients and heat fluxes at the center and Character
corner nodes.
GAUSS Output thermal gradients and heat fluxes at the center and Character
gauss/integration points.
ALL Thermal gradients and heat fluxes for all elements will be Character
output.
n Set identification number of a previously appearing SET Integer > 0
command. Only gradients and fluxes for elements whose
identification numbers appear on this SET command will be
output.
NONE Element thermal gradient and heat flux will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. Shell elements must be referenced on a SURFACE and solid elements must be referenced in a VOLUME.
(See the SURFACE and VOLUME commands in Section 3, Case Control.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-40

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FORCE

FORCE Element Force Output Request

Description: Requests element force output.

Format:

  PRINT  CENTER  PSDF    ALL 

   REAL or IMAG    
FORCE ( PLOT , CORNER ,  PHASE 
 , ATOC ) =  n 
 PUNCH   GAUSS    RALL   NONE
    

Example:

FORCE = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Element forces will be output to both the Model Results Character 
Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Element forces will be output only to the results neutral file Character
system.
PUNCH Element forces will be output additionally to the Model Character
Results Punch File.
CENTER Output shell and solid element forces at the center only. Character 
CORNER Output shell and solid element forces at the center and corner Character
nodes.
GAUSS Output shell and solid element forces at the center and Character
gauss/integration points.
REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
ALL Element forces for all elements will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only forces for elements whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Element forces will not be output. Character 

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-41

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FORCE

Remarks:

1. ELFORCE is an alternate form and is identical to FORCE.

2. Not available for solid elements.
3. Shell elements must be referenced on a SURFACE. (See the SURFACE command in Section 3, Case
Control.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-42

Nastran Solver Reference Manual FREQUENCY

FREQUENCY Frequency Set Selection

Description: Selects the set of solution frequencies to be solved in frequency response problems.

Format:

FREQUENCY = n

Example:

FREQUENCY = 20

Option Definition Type

n Set identification number of FREQ, FREQ1, FREQ2 FREQ3, Integer > 0

FREQ4 Bulk Data entries.

Remarks:

1. One or more FREQi entries must be selected to perform frequency response analysis.
2. All FREQi entries with the same frequency set identification numbers will be used. Duplicate frequencies will
be ignored. Two frequencies are considered duplicated if
fi − fi −1 < DFREQ∗ fMAX − fMIN
where DFREQ is defaulted to 1.0E-5 and fMAX and fMIN are the maximum and minimum solution frequencies
of the combined FREQi entries. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on DFREQ.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-43

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GEOMCHECK

GEOMCHECK Geometry Check Options

Description: Specifies tolerance values and options for element geometry checks.

Format:
WARNING 
GEOMCHECK [testtype = tol ], [MSGLIMIT = ] = , [SUMMARY ]
n , MSGTYPE 
 FATAL 

Examples:

Set the tolerance for the CQUAD4 element skew angle test to 30.0 degrees and limit element geometry warning/fatal
error messages to 100:

GEOMCHECK Q4_SKEW = 30.0, MSGLIMIT = 100

Set the message type to fatal for CQUAD4 element taper tests:

GEOMCHECK Q4_TAPER, MSGLIMIT = FATAL

Request summary table output using default tolerance values:

GEOMCHECK SUMMARY

Option Definition Type Default

testtype Element geometry test type: One of the character variables Character
shown in Remark 3.
tol Tolerance value for the specified testtype. Real > 0.0 See Remark 3
n Maximum number of element geometry warning/fatal error Integer See Remark 4
messages. See Remark 4.
FATAL Geometry tests that exceed tolerance values produce fatal Character
error messages.
WARN Geometry tests that exceed tolerance values produce Character 
warning messages.
SUMMARY Option to output individual element geometry statistics. Character
See Remark 5.

Remarks:

1. The GEOMCHECK command combines several Geometry Processor Parameters which control element
geometry check tolerances, the number and severity of associated warning and fatal error messages, and
output of additional tabular summary information. Multiple GEOMCHECK statements may be present.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-44

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GEOMCHECK

2. Autodesk Nastran performs a number of element checks internally for every analysis. These are done to
identify elements that can potentially cause numerical issues, such as singularities. The GEOMCHECK
element checks are included to help a user identify elements that will potentially give bad results. Virtually all
the distortions that are checked can cause elements to be too stiff (as compared with ideal elements).
Additionally, the extrapolation of calculated results from Gauss points to corner nodes is adversely affected in
distorted elements. If only centroid output is requested, many of the checks can be relaxed, but highly distorted
elements may still be too stiff. The default values for the checks represent limits beyond which the element
results may be compromised significantly.

Interior Angle Interior Angle

Figure 1. Interior Angle Check.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-45

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GEOMCHECK

Intersection Angle

Midpoint

Midpoint

Intersection Angle Intersection Angle

Midpoint Midpoint

Midpoint Midpoint

Figure 2. Skew Angle Check.

Triangle for Vertex/Node 4

Triangle for Vertex/Node 2

Figure 3. Taper Ratio Check.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-46

 Nastran Solver Reference Manual GEOMCHECK

Warping Angle

Warping Angle = Max Element Corner Normal Angular Deviation from Normal of Mean Plane
Figure 4. Warping Angle Check.

EPAD

Figure 5. Edge-Point Angular Deviation and Length Ratio Checks.

(Continued)

Autodesk Nastran Initialization 2-47

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GEOMCHECK

3. The following table lists the testtype character variable options and the associated model parameter which
may also be used to change the default setting.

Testtype Character Equivalent Model Description Default

Variable Parameter Value
HEX_AR HEXARTOL Hex element aspect ratio. 100.0
HEX_IAMAX HEXFACEMAXIATOL Hex element face maximum interior angle (degrees). 165.0
HEX_IAMIN HEXFACEMINIATOL Hex element face minimum interior angle (degrees). 25.0
HEX_SKEW HEXFACESKEWTOL Hex element face skew angle (degrees). 65.0
HEX_TAPER HEXFACETAPERTOL Hex element face taper ratio. 0.75
HEX_WARP HEXFACEWARPTOL Hex element face warping angle (degrees). 45.0
HEX_EPAD HEXMAXEPADTOL Hex element maximum edge-point angular deviation (degrees). 30.0
HEX_EPLR HEXMINEPLRTOL Hex element minimum edge-point length ratio. 0.5
PENT_IAMAX PENTFACEMAXIATOL Pent element face maximum interior angle (degrees). 165.0
PENT_IAMIN PENTFACEMINIATOL Pent element face minimum interior angle (degrees). 25.0
PENT_SKEW PENTFACESKEWTOL Pent element face skew angle (degrees). 65.0
PENT_TAPER PENTFACETAPERTOL Pent element face taper ratio. 0.75
PENT_WARP PENTFACEWARPTOL Pent element face warping angle (degrees). 45.0
PENT_EPAD PENTMAXEPADTOL Pent element maximum edge-point angular deviation (degrees). 30.0
PENT_EPLR PENTMINEPLRTOL Pent element minimum edge-point length ratio. 0.5
PYR_IAMAX PYRFACEMAXIATOL Pyr element face maximum interior angle (degrees). 165.0
PYR_IAMIN PYRFACEMINIATOL Pyr element face minimum interior angle (degrees). 25.0
PYR_SKEW PYRFACESKEWTOL Pyr element face skew angle (degrees). 65.0
PYR_TAPER PYRFACETAPERTOL Pyr element face taper ratio. 0.75
PYR_WARP PYRFACEWARPTOL Pyr element face warping angle (degrees). 45.0
PYR_IAMAX PYRFACEMAXIATOL Pyr element face maximum interior angle (degrees). 165.0
PYR_EPAD PYRMAXEPADTOL Pyr element maximum edge-point angular deviation (degrees). 30.0
PYR_EPLR PYRMINEPLRTOL Pyr element minimum edge-point length ratio. 0.5
Q4_AR QUADARTOL Quad element aspect ratio. 100.0
Q4_EPAD QUADMAXEPADTOL Quad element maximum edge-point angular deviation (degrees). 30.0
Q4_IAMAX QUADMAXIATOL Quad element maximum interior angle (degrees). 165.0
Q4_EPLR QUADMINEPLRTOL Quad element minimum edge-point length ratio. 0.5
Q4_IAMIN QUADMINIATOL Quad element minimum interior angle (degrees). 25.0
Q4_SKEW QUADSKEWTOL Quad element skew angle (degrees). 65.0
Q4_TAPER QUADTAPERTOL Quad element taper ratio. 0.75
Q4_WARP QUADWARPTOL Quad element warping angle (degrees). 45.0

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-48

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GEOMCHECK

Testtype Character Equivalent Model Description Default

Variable Parameter Value
TET_AR TETARTOL Tet element aspect ratio. 100.0
TET_IAMAX TETFACEMAXIATOL Tet element face maximum interior angle (degrees). 170.0
TET_IAMIN TETFACEMINIATOL Tet element face minimum interior angle (degrees). 5.0
TET_SKEW TETFACESKEWTOL Tet element face skew angle (degrees). 80.0
TET_EPAD TETMAXEPADTOL Tet element maximum edge-point angular deviation (degrees). 30.0
TET_EPLR TETMINEPLRTOL Tet element minimum edge-point length ratio. 0.5
T3_AR TRIARTOL Tri element aspect ratio. 100.0
T3_EPAD TRIMAXEPADTOL Tri element maximum edge-point angular deviation (degrees). 30.0
T3_IAMAX TRIMAXIATOL Tri element maximum interior angle (degrees). 170.0
T3_EPLR TRIMINEPLRTOL Tri element minimum edge-point length ratio. 0.5
T3_IAMIN TRIMINIATOL Tri element minimum interior angle (degrees). 10.0
T3_SKEW TRISKEWTOL Tri element skew angle (degrees). 65.0

Notes:
• Testtype character variables starting with the characters Q4 are applicable to CQUAD4 and CQUADR
elements. Testtype character variables starting with the characters Q8 are applicable to CQUAD8
elements. Testtype character variables starting with the characters T3 are applicable to CTRIA3 and
CTRIAR elements. Testtype character variables starting with the characters T6 are applicable to
CTRIA6 and CTRIAX6 elements. Testtype character variables names starting with the characters TET
are applicable to CTETRA elements. Testtype character variables starting with the characters HEX
are applicable to CHEXA elements. Testtype character variables starting with the characters PENT
are applicable to CPENTA elements. Testtype character variables starting with the characters PYR
are applicable to CPYRA elements.
• Aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of the length of the longest element side to the length of the shortest
side. This check looks at all element edges to find the maximum and minimum lengths. For solid
elements, edges along all faces are considered. Only element corners are used. Edge nodes of
parabolic elements are ignored. Quad and hex elements are often very tolerant of large aspect ratios
especially for in-plane loads, hence the large default value. For shear and twisting loads, however, a
significantly lower tolerance should be considered. For tri and tet elements, high aspect ratios can
result in poor extrapolation of results to corner nodes. It is recommended that a lower tolerance be
used for these elements if corner stresses are required.
• Interior angles are defined to be the angles formed by the edges that meet at the corner node of an
element. There are four for quadrilateral shapes and three for triangular shapes. A perfect rectangle
would have four 90 degree interior angles. An equilateral triangle would have three 60 degree interior
angles. Internal angles are evaluated against both a minimum and a maximum tolerance. Like skew,
large and small internal angles result in poor element performance, especially as they approach the
upper and lower default limits of this check. And internal angle of 180 degrees or more will result in a
singular element. An internal angle of zero degrees is also singular.
Skew angle for a quadrilateral element or solid element face is a measure of how much of a
parallelogram it is relative to a rectangle. It is defined to be the angle between the lines that join
midpoints of the opposite sides of the quadrilateral minus 90 degrees. A rectangle would have a zero
skew angle. Skew angle for a triangular element or solid element face is a measure of how close it is
in shape relative to an equilateral triangle. Skew angle for the triangular element is defined to be the
angle between the lines that join midpoints of two opposite sides relative to the line through their vertex
and the midpoint of the remaining side minus 90 degrees. An equilateral triangle would have a zero
skew angle. Each vertex of the triangle is examined and the largest skew angle reported. Element
accuracy can be sensitive to element skew angle.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-49

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GEOMCHECK

• Taper ratio for the quadrilateral element is defined to be the absolute value of (the ratio of the area of
the triangle formed at each corner grid point to one half the area of the quadrilateral minus one). The
largest of the four ratios is compared against the tolerance value. Note that as the ratio approaches
zero, the shape approaches a rectangle. A large taper ratio implies an element that is trapezoid
shaped, with a short edge opposite a long edge. High tapers affect the ability of an element to
extrapolate Gauss point values to corner nodes accurately.
• The warping angle is the angle formed between the normal vectors located at diagonally opposite
corner points. The warping angle is zero when all four corner points are in the same plane. Quad
elements are very sensitive to even small amounts of warping and users should keep elements as flat
as possible, breaking them up if necessary to prevent warpage.
• The edge point length ratio and edge point interior angle tests are only performed for solid and shell
elements when edge node points exist. The length ratio test evaluates the relative position of the edge
node point along a straight line connecting the two vertex nodes of that edge. Ideally, the edge point
should be located on this line at a point midway between the two end points. The edge point angular
deviation is the angle between the lines joining the edge node and the end points. For curved elements,
some angular deviation is necessary and expected, but high values will compromise the stiffness of
the element.
4. The default limit on the number of warning/fatal error messages output for element geometry checks is either
10,000 or the number of lines in the Model Input File, whichever is larger.
5. The specification of the SUMMARY character variable is equivalent to PARAM, ELEMGEOMOUT, ON.
When ELEMGEOMOUT is set to ON, the following statistics are output to the Model Results Output File for
each element:
• Aspect ratio
• Taper ratio
• Skew angle
• Warping angle
• Normalized Jacobian
The data is sorted based on normalized Jacobian determinant, skew angle, and aspect ratio in ascending
order for each element type. See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on ELEMGEOMOUT.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-50

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GLBMATRIX

GLBMATRIX Global Matrix Output Request

Description: Requests output of the global stiffness, differential stiffness, damping, and mass matrices at
selected phases of analysis at specified grid points.

Format:

  ALL 
[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ] = n
GLBMATRIX ( KG , KN , KF , KA , MG , MN , MF , MA , BG , BN , BF , BA ) NONE 

  

Example:

GLBMATRIX(KA, MA) = 25

Option Definition Type Default

KG Include output of the global stiffness matrix before Character

modification for multipoint constraints.
KN Include output of the global stiffness matrix after Character
modification for multipoint constraints.
KF Include output of the global stiffness matrix after Character
modification for single point constraints.
KA Include output of the global stiffness matrix after reduction Character
to the analysis set.
MG Include output of the global mass matrix before modification Character
for multipoint.
MN Include output of the global mass matrix after modification Character
for multipoint.
MF Include output of the global stiffness matrix after Character
modification for single point constraints.
MA Include output of the global mass matrix after reduction to Character
the analysis set.
BG Include output of the global damping or differential stiffness Character
matrix before modification for multipoint constraints.
BN Include output of the global damping or differential stiffness Character
matrix after modification for multipoint constraints.
BF Include output of the global damping or differential stiffness Character
matrix after modification for single point constraints.
BA Include output of the global damping or differential stiffness Character
matrix after reduction to the analysis set.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-51

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GLBMATRIX

Option Definition Type Default

ALL The specified matrices at all grid points will be output. Character 
n Set identifications number of a previously appearing SET Integer > 0
command. Only grid points whose identification numbers
appear on this SET will be included in the output.
NONE Matrix output will be suppressed. Character 

Remarks:

1. Selecting ALL for even small models may result in a very large Model Results File.
2. If no matrix type (KG, KN, KF, KA, etc.) is specified, all types will be output.
3. Output is not supported for all matrix types at all phases of analysis. A request for a phase that is not
supported will result in no output for that phase with no warning message.
4. The B matrix types can be used to output global differential stiffness in solutions where this matrix is
generated (i.e., buckling and prestress).

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-52

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GPDISCONT

GPDISCONT Grid Point Discontinuity

Description: Requests mesh discontinuity output based on grid point stress or strain.

Format:

  PRINT    ALL 
   
GPDISCONT ( PLOT ) =  n 
 PUNCH  NONE
   

Example:

GPDISCONT = 3

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point mesh discontinuities will be output to both the Character 
Model Results Output File and the results neutral file
system.
PLOT Grid point mesh discontinuities will be output only to the Character
results neutral file system.
PUNCH Grid point mesh discontinuities will be output additionally to Character
the Model Results Punch File.
ALL Grid point mesh discontinuities for all grid points will be Character
output.
n Set identification number of a previously appearing SET Integer > 0
command. Only mesh discontinuities for grid points whose
identification numbers appear on this SET will be output.
NONE Grid point mesh discontinuities will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. Only mesh discontinuities for grid points connected to elements used to define the surface or volume are
output. (See the SURFACE and VOLUME commands in Section 3, Case Control.)
2. If grid point stresses are requested, then stress discontinuities will be output. If grid point strains are
requested, then strain discontinuities will be output.
3. If the STRESSERROR model parameter is set to ON, normalized grid point stress error (mesh convergence
error) will be output regardless of settings on this command. STRESSERROR provides both a grid point
error and an overall mesh convergence error estimate. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on
STRESSERROR.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-53

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GPFLUX

GPFLUX Grid Point Thermal Gradient and Heat Flux Output Request

Description: Requests grid point thermal gradient and heat flux output in heat transfer analysis.

Format:

  PRINT    ALL 
   
GPFLUX ( PLOT ) =  n 
 PUNCH  NONE
   

Example:

GPFLUX = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point thermal gradients and heat fluxes will be output Character 
to both the Model Results Output File and the results
neutral file system.
PLOT Grid point thermal gradients and heat fluxes will be output Character
only to the results neutral file system.
PUNCH Grid point thermal gradients and heat fluxes will be output Character
additionally to the Model Results Punch File.
ALL Thermal gradients and heat fluxes for all grid points will be Character
output.
n Set identification number of a previously appearing SET Integer > 0
command. Only gradients and fluxes for grid points whose
identification numbers appear on this SET command will be
output.
NONE Grid point thermal gradient and heat flux will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. Shell elements must be referenced on a SURFACE and solid elements must be referenced in a VOLUME.
(See the SURFACE and VOLUME commands in Section 3, Case Control.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-54

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GPFORCE

GPFORCE Grid Point Force Output Request

Description: Requests a static equilibrium summary.

Format:

 PRINT     ALL 

GPFORCE (  ) =  n 
PLOT
   NONE 
 

Example:

GPFORCE = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point thermal gradient and heat flux will be output to Character 
both the Model Results Output File and the results neutral
file system.
PLOT Grid point force balance will be output only to the results Character
neutral file system.
ALL Grid point force balance for all grid points will be output. Character
n Set identification number of a previously appearing SET Integer > 0
command. Only grid points whose identification numbers
appear on this SET will be included in the grid point force
balance.
NONE Grid point force balance will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. If the GPFORCEMETHOD model parameter is set to NORAN (default is NASTRAN), only grid points
connected to elements specified by FORCE or ELFORCE are output. This feature allows users to break out
loads in critical areas of a large model. These loads can then be used in loading a detailed model of the
critical area. (See the FORCE and ELFORCE commands in Section 3, Case Control, and the
GPFORCEMETHOD model parameter in Section 5, Parameters.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-55

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GPSTRAIN

GPSTRAIN Grid Point Strain Output Request

Description: Requests grid point strain output.

Format:

  PRINT  THERMAL  PSDF    ALL 

 ,  SHEAR , REAL or IMAG      
GPSTRAIN ( PLOT  VONMISES   PHASE ,  MECH , ATOC ) =  n 
 PUNCH   TOTAL  RALL   NONE
    

Example:

GPSTRAIN = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point strains will be output to both the Model Results Character 
Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Grid point strains will be output only to the results neutral file Character
system.
PUNCH Grid point strains will be output additionally to the Model Character
Results Punch File.
SHEAR Maximum shear stress request for shell elements and Character
octahedral shear stress request for solid elements.
VONMISES Von Mises stress request for shell and solid elements. Character 
REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
THERMAL Thermal strain request for shell and solid elements. Character
MECH Mechanical strain request for shell and solid elements. Character
TOTAL Total strain (thermal plus mechanical) request for shell and Character 
solid elements.
ALL Grid point strains for all elements will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only strains for grid points whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Grid point strains will not be output. Character 

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-56

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GPSTRAIN

Remarks:

1. Only grid points connected to elements used to define the surface or volume are output. (See the SURFACE
and VOLUME commands in Section 3, Case Control.)
2. See the STRAIN command in Section 3, Case Control, for the equations used to calculate strain invariants.
3. If the MECHSTRAIN model parameter is set to ON (default is OFF), mechanical strain will be output
regardless of settings on this command. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on
MECHSTRAIN.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-57

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GPSTRESS

GPSTRESS Grid Point Stress Output Request

Description: Requests grid point stress output.

Format:

  PRINT  PSDF    ALL 

 ,  SHEAR , REAL or IMAG    
GPSTRESS ( PLOT  VONMISES   PHASE 
 , ATOC ) =  n 
 PUNCH   RALL   NONE
   

Example:

GPSTRESS(VONMISES) = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point stresses will be output to both the Model Results Character 
Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Grid point stresses will be output only to the results neutral Character
file system.
PUNCH Grid point stresses will be output additionally to the Model Character
Results Punch File.
SHEAR Maximum shear stress request for shell elements and Character
octahedral shear stress request for solid elements.
VONMISES Von Mises stress request for shell and solid elements. Character 
REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
ALL Grid point stresses for all elements will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only stresses for grid points whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Grid point stresses will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. Only grid points connected to elements used to define the surface or volume are output. (See the SURFACE
and VOLUME commands in Section 3, Case Control.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-58

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GPSTRESS

2. See the STRESS command in Section 3, Case Control, for the equations used to calculate stress invariants.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-59

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GRIDOFFSET

GRIDOFFSET Grid Point Offset

Description: Specifies the offset vector used to translate all model grid point data.

Format:

GRIDOFFSET, o1, o2, o3

Example:

GRIDOFFSET, 3.12, 4.4, 22.76

Option Definition Type Default

o1, o2, o3 Components of the model offset vector in the location Real 0.0
coordinate system of the grid point. See Remark 1.

Remarks:

1. Offsets are applied to all grid points translated in the Bulk Data and are relative to the coordinate system
specified for the grid coordinates in field three of the GRID entry.
2. This command can only be used to offset the Model Input File grid data.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-60

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GRIDSCALEFACTOR

GRIDSCALEFACTOR Grid Point Scale Factor

Description: Specifies the scale factors used to scale all model grid point data.

Format:

GRIDSCALEFACTOR, s1, s2, s3

Example:

GRIDSCALEFACTOR, 0.5, 1.0, 1.0

Option Definition Type Default

s1, s2, s3 Scale factors for each component coordinate. See Remark 1. Real ≠ 0.0 1.0

Remarks:

1. Scale factors are applied to all grid points translated in the Bulk Data and are relative to the coordinate system
specified for the grid point coordinates in field three of the GRID entry.
2. This command can only be used to offset the Model Input File grid data.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-61

Nastran Solver Reference Manual GROUNDCHECK

GROUNDCHECK Rigid Body Motion Grounding Check

Description: Perform grounding check analysis on the stiffness matrix to expose unintentional constraints by
moving the model rigidly.

Format:

 G,N,F, A  YES
GROUNDCHEC K( SET = ( ALL ), GRID = gid , THRESH = etol ,DATAREC = YES/NO,RTHRES = rtol) =  
  NO 
  

Examples:

GROUNDCHECK=YES

GROUNDCHECK(SET=(N), GRID=12, THRESH=1.-5, DATAREC=YES) = YES

Option Definition Type Default

SET Specifies at what point in the solution sequence to perform Character G

the rigid body motion grounding check. One of the
characters variables:
G Perform checks after stiffness matrix assembly
before multipoint constraints are applied.
N Perform checks after multipoint constraints are
applied before single point constraints are applied.
F Perform checks after single point constraints are
applied before static condensation.
A Perform checks after static condensation before
decomposition.
ALL Perform all checks.
gid Reference grid point for the calculation of the rigid body Integer > 0
motion.
etol Maximum strain energy which passes the check. Real ≥ 0.0 See Remark 1
DATAREC Option for outputting grounding forces. One of the Character NO
following character variables: YES or NO.
rtol Percent tolerance for grounding force output when Real ≥ 0.0 10.0
DATAREC=YES.

Remarks:

1. The default THRESH value is computed by dividing the largest term in the stiffness matrix by 1.0E+10.
2. If DATAREC=YES, GROUNDCHECK forces will be output in the grid displacement coordinate system.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-62

Nastran Solver Reference Manual HDOT

HDOT Heat Transfer Rate of Change of Enthalpy Output Request

Description: Requests rate of change of enthalpy vector output in transient heat transfer analysis.

Format:

  PRINT    ALL 
   
HDOT ( PLOT ) =  n 
 PUNCH  NONE
   

Example:

HDOT = 10

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point rate of change of enthalpy will be output to both Character 
the Model Results Output File and the results neutral file
system.
PLOT Grid point rate of change of enthalpy will be output only to Character
the results neutral file system.
PUNCH Grid point rate of change of enthalpy will be output Character
additionally to the Model Results Punch File.
ALL Rate of change of enthalpy for all grid points will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only rates of change of enthalpy for grid points whose
identification numbers appear on this SET command will be
output.
NONE Grid point rate of change of enthalpy will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. HDOT = NONE is used to override a previous HDOT = n or HDOT = ALL command.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-63

Nastran Solver Reference Manual IC

IC Transient Initial Condition Set Selection

Description: Selects the initial conditions for transient response analysis.

Format:

IC = n

Example:

IC = 15

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of a TIC Bulk Data entry. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. TIC entries will not be used (no initial conditions) unless selected in the Case Control Section.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-64

Nastran Solver Reference Manual IMPACTGENERATE

IMPACTGENERATE Automated Impact Analysis

Description: Automated Impact Analysis (AIA). Automatically sets up a nonlinear transient impact analysis
including contact definition, initial conditions, damping, time increment, and duration.

Format:

IMPACTGENERATE, gid, cid, v0, a, t1, t2, t3, tdelta, ttotal, nta, nto, desid

Example:

IMPACTGENERATE, 134, , 124.5, 386.4, 0.004, 1.05, 0.654

Option Definition Type Default

gid Grid point identification number on projectile. See Integer > 0 Required
Remark 1.
cid Projectile translation vector, ti, coordinate system Integer ≥ 0 or -1 0
identification number. See Remark 2.
v0 Initial projectile velocity magnitude in the direction of Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
the projectile translation vector. See Remark 3.
a Projectile and part acceleration magnitude in the Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
direction of the projectile translation vector. See
Remark 4.
t1, t2, t3 Projectile translation vector. Real ≥ 0.0 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
tdelta Time increment. See Remark 5. Real ≥ 0.0 Model
dependent
ttotal Total duration. See Remark 6. Real ≥ 0.0 Model
dependent
nta Number of analysis time steps. See Remark 6. Integer > 0 or See Remark 6
blank
nto Number of output time steps. See Remark 7. Integer > 0 or See Remark 7
blank
desid Damped element set identification number. Set Integer > 0 or Projectile
identification of previously appearing SET command. blank element set
Only elements whose identification numbers appear
on this SET command will be used. See Remarks 8
and 9.

Remarks:

1. gid is a point on the projectile through the projectile translation vector defined by ti. The grid point should be
selected at the approximate impact point and defines the base of the projectile axis.
2. A cid value equal to -1 specifies that the ti are in the basic coordinate system and the vector magnitude is
the exact translation distance required to place the projectile on the surface of the body. A cid value greater
than or equal to zero ignores the projectile vector magnitude and estimates the distance to impact by
translating the projectile to the part so that it contacts near the vector base.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-65

Nastran Solver Reference Manual IMPACTGENERATE

3. The initial projectile velocity magnitude, v0, is required if the acceleration magnitude, a, is not specified.
4. The acceleration magnitude, a, is required if the initial projectile velocity, v0, is not specified.
5. The transient time increment may be omitted and a value based on the estimate of the contact frequency at
impact will be used. The contact frequency is determined using
ƒ c = MAX (ƒ fp , ƒ fb )

where ƒfp is the natural frequency of the projectile fixed at the point of contact and ƒfb is the natural frequency
of the part fixed at the user defined boundary conditions. The time increment is then determined using
1
∆t =
2 ∗ ƒc
6. Duration is the total time duration of the analysis. If both duration (ttotal) and the number of analysis time
steps (nta) are omitted, a duration value will be calculated using
 
MAX Vd ,100 ∗ ∆ t 
 a 
where dt is the projectile translation distance to impact, Va is the average velocity before impact equal to

v02 + 2 ∗ a∗ dt , and ∆ t is tdelta if specified or the calculated time increment. When nta is specified, a
duration value will be calculated using
nta ∗ ∆t
7. If the MAXIMPACTSTEP model parameter is set to a value other than zero and nta is omitted, the transient
time increment and duration will be adjusted to limit the number of output steps to MAXIMPACTSTEP (see
Section 5, Parameters, for more information on MAXIMPACTSTEP). When nta and nto are both specified,
the number of output steps is set to nto if nto is less than nta or nta if it is greater.
8. The damped element set, desid, is generally not required but may be needed for more complicated models
where the object of interest is the projectile. It is used for the following
a) To define all elements and grid points contained in the projectile set when there is a discontinuity in a
complex projectile such as a surface weld element between two discontinuous parts. By default the
projectile set is automatically identified using the projectile grid point, gid. The body set is defined as
all elements not in the projectile set. If there is a discontinuity in a complex projectile it will be necessary
to explicitly define the projectile using the damped element set, desid.
b) To specify the object that the damping frequency of interest should be based on. This is typically the
object of interest. When the damped element set is specified the damping frequency is calculated
using a normal modes analysis where the body is fixed and the frequency of the mode with the largest
scaled displacement at the impact point in the direction of the projectile translation vector is used.
9. When the damped element set, desid, is not specified, the damping frequency of interest is based on element
structural damping. If element structural damping is specified on any element in the projectile set the damping
frequency will be based on a normal modes analysis of the projectile. Otherwise the body is used as the
basis where the projectile is fixed and a normal modes analysis is performed on the body.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-66

Nastran Solver Reference Manual INITSTRAIN

INITSTRAIN Initial Strain Set Selection

Description: Selects the initial strain state in nonlinear analysis.

Format:

INITSTRAIN = n

Example:

INITSTRAIN = 10

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of a STRAIN Bulk Data entry. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. STRAIN entries will not be used (initial strain state set to zero) unless selected in the Case Control Section.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-67

Nastran Solver Reference Manual INCLUDE

INCLUDE Insert External File

Description: Inserts an external file into the Model Input File.

Format:

INCLUDE [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

The following INCLUDE statement shows how to fetch the Bulk Data from another file called Bolt.NAS:

TITLE = STATIC ANALYSIS

SPC = 1
LOAD = 2
BEGIN BULK
INCLUDE ‘Bolt.NAS’
ENDDATA

Remarks:

1. The INCLUDE statement may appear anywhere in the Model Input File.
2. Maximum file specification length is 72 characters.
3. INCLUDE statements cannot be nested (i.e., no INCLUDE statement can appear inside the external file).
4. Quotation marks on the file specification are optional.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-68

Nastran Solver Reference Manual K2GG

K2GG Direct Input Stiffness Matrix Selection

Description: Selects a direct input stiffness matrix.

Format:

K2GG = name

Example:

K2GG = KDMIG

Option Definition Type

name [ ]
Name of the K 2
gg
matrix that is defined on the DMIG Bulk Data Character
entry.

Remarks:

1. Direct input matrices will not be used unless selected.

2. Terms are added to the global stiffness matrix before any constraints are applied.
3. The matrix must be symmetric in form (field 4 on DMIG Bulk Data entry must contain the integer 6).
4. A scale factor may be applied to this input using PARAM, CK2.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-69

Nastran Solver Reference Manual K2PP

K2PP Direct Input Stiffness Matrix Selection

Description: Selects a direct input stiffness matrix.

Format:

K2PP = name

Example:

K2PP = KDMIG

Option Definition Type

name [ ]
Name of the K 2
pp
matrix that is defined on the DMIG Bulk Data Character
entry.

Remarks:

1. Direct input matrices will not be used unless selected.

2. Terms are added to the global stiffness matrix after constraints are applied.
3. The matrix must be square or symmetric in form (field 4 on DMIG Bulk Data entry must contain the integer
1 or 6).
4. This command is only supported in complex eigenvalue solutions.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-70

Nastran Solver Reference Manual LABEL

LABEL Output Label

Description: Defines a character label that will appear on the third heading line of each page of output for each
subcase.

Format:

LABEL = Any character string

Example:

LABEL = 100.0 LB Parabolic Edge Load In Y-Direction

Remarks:

1. Maximum label length is 74 characters.

2. LABEL appearing at the subcase level will label output for that subcase only.
3. LABEL appearing outside a subcase level will label all output unless another LABEL command is
encountered at the subcase level.
4. If no LABEL command is supplied, the label line will be blank.
5. LABEL information is also placed on the third line of each results neutral file. Only the first 67 characters
appear.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-71

Nastran Solver Reference Manual LINE

LINE Data Lines Per Page

Description: Defines the number of data lines per output page.

Format:

LINE = n

Example:

LINE = 51

Option Definition Type Default

n Number of data lines per page. Integer > 0 66

Remarks:

1. This value should correspond to the number of printed lines per page of the system printer.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-72

Nastran Solver Reference Manual LOAD

LOAD External Static Load Set Selection

Description: Selects the external static load set to be applied to the model.

Format:

LOAD = n

Example:

LOAD = 15

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of at least one external load Bulk Data entry. The Integer > 0
set identification must appear on at least one FORCE, FORCE1,
GRAV, MOMENT, MOMENT1, LOAD, PLOAD1, PLOAD2,
PLOAD4, or SPCD entry.

Remarks:

1. The above static load entries will not be used unless selected in the Case Control Section.
2. The total load applied will be the sum of external (LOAD command), element deformation (DEFORM
command), constrained displacement (SPC command), and thermal (TEMPERATURE command) loads.
3. Static, thermal, and element deformation loads should have unique set identification numbers.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-73

Nastran Solver Reference Manual LOADINTERPOLATE

LOADINTERPOLATE Load Interpolation

Description: Interpolates grid point force, moment, pressure, and heat flux data from a known set of input grid
points and loads to a set of output grid points and loads based on geometric position in 2d or 3d
space.

Format:

LOADINTERPOLATE, olsid, ogsid, ilsid, igsid, ltype, nnri, ndlsf, cgsize, maxnus

Example:

LOADINTERPOLATE, 100, 10, 1, 1

Option Definition Type Default

olsid Output load set identification number. See Remark 1. Integer > 0 Required
ogsid Output grid set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 or All grid points
previously appearing SET command. Only grid points whose blank in model
identification numbers appear on this SET command will be
used.
ilsid Input load set identification number. See Remark 2. Integer > 0 Required
igsid Input grid set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 or All grid points
previously appearing SET command. Only grid points whose blank in load set
identification numbers appear on this SET command will be
used.
ltype Load type. One of the following character variables: FORCE, Character Required
SFORCE, MOMENT, PRESSURE, PNORMAL, or
HEATFLUX. See Remark 3.
nnri Number of interpolation nodes within radius of influence. Integer > 0 or See Remark 4
blank
ndlsf Number of data nodes in least squares fit. Integer > 0 or See Remark 5
blank
cgsize Number of rows, columns, and planes in the cell grid. A box Integer > 0 or See Remark 6
containing the nodes is partitioned into cells in order to blank
increase search efficiency.
maxnus Maximum number of unique solution occurrences. Integer > 0 or See Remark 7
blank

Remarks:

1. For ltype equal to FORCE or MOMENT output is FORCE and MOMENT Bulk Data entries at grid points
defined by ogsid. For ltype equal to PRESSURE output is PLOAD4 Bulk Data entries on element faces that
have grid points defined by ogsid.
2. Input is GRID, FORCE, MOMENT, PLOADG, and QBDYG Bulk Data entries which need not be associated
with the analysis model. See Section 4, Bulk Data, for more information on GRID, FORCE, MOMENT,
PLOADG, and QBDYG Bulk Data entries.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-74

Nastran Solver Reference Manual LOADINTERPOLATE

3. FORCE, SFORCE, or MOMENT interpolation is not recommended for non-planar structures. FORCE and
MOMENT interpolation may result in an output load total different than the input one. SFORCE provides a
scaled output load total that is equal to the input total. It is recommended that the input forces are in a
consistent direction. Multiple LOADINTERPOLATE commands may be required to affect this. PNORMAL
is similar to PRESSURE, except the pressure vector is forced to be normal to the element surface (pressure
magnitude interpolation only). This option is recommended when the input pressure is normal to applied
surface.
4. The valid range for nnri is 1  nnri  min(100, n -1) ), where n is the number of input data points. The
default is 100. A lower value may increase performance at the cost of accuracy. A value greater than or
equal to 32 is recommended.
5. The valid range for ndlsf is 9  ndlsf  min(100, n -1), where n is the number of input data points. The
default is 100. A lower value may increase performance at the cost of accuracy. A value greater than or
equal to 17 is recommended.
6. The recommended value for cgsize is:
1
 n 3
cgsize =  3 
 
where n is the number of input data points. The default is determined using the above formula.
7. A 3d interpolation algorithm is used initially, but will automatically revert to a 2d algorithm if the number of no
unique solution errors exceeds maxnus while processing the input data points. Models that are dominantly
flat but still have 3d features that default to the 2d interpolation algorithm may not be interpolated accurately.
A larger maxnus value can be used to force a 3d interpolation. It is advisable to always check the interpolated
loads.
8. Generated FORCE and MOMENT Bulk Data entries can be exported using the TRSLBULKDATA Model
Initialization directive. See Section 2, Initialization, for more information on TRSLBULKDATA.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-75

Nastran Solver Reference Manual LOADSET

LOADSET Static Load Set Selection for Use in Dynamics

Description: Selects a sequence of static load sets which can be referenced by dynamic load commands.

Format:

LOADSET = n

Example:

LOADSET = 100

Option Definition Type

n Set identification number of at least one LSEQ Bulk Data Entry. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. The number of static load vectors created is the number of unique DAREA fields defined on all LSEQ Bulk
Data entries.
2. This command is only applicable in transient and frequency response analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-76

Nastran Solver Reference Manual M2GG

M2GG Direct Input Mass Matrix Selection

Description: Selects a direct input mass matrix.

Format:

M2GG = name

Example:

M2GG = MDMIG

Option Definition Type

name [ ]
Name of the M 2
gg
matrix that is defined on the DMIG Bulk Data Character
entry.

Remarks:

1. Direct input matrices will not be used unless selected.

2. Terms are added to the global mass matrix before any constraints are applied.
3. The matrix must be symmetric in form (field 4 on DMIG Bulk Data entry must contain the integer 6).
4. M2GG input is not affected by PARAM, WTMASS. M2GG input must either be in consistent mass units or
scaled using PARAM, CM2.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-77

Nastran Solver Reference Manual M2PP

M2PP Direct Input Mass Matrix Selection

Description: Selects a direct input mass matrix.

Format:

M2PP = name

Example:

M2PP = MDMIG

Option Definition Type

name [ ]
Name of the M 2
pp
matrix that is defined on the DMIG Bulk Data Character
entry.

Remarks:

1. Direct input matrices will not be used unless selected.

2. Terms are added to the global mass matrix after constraints are applied.
3. The matrix must be square or symmetric in form (field 4 on DMIG Bulk Data entry must contain the integer
1 or 6).
4. M2PP input is not affected by PARAM, WTMASS. M2PP input must be in consistent mass units.
5. This command is only supported in complex eigenvalue solutions.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-78

Nastran Solver Reference Manual MASTER

MASTER Redefine the MASTER Subcase

Description: Allows the redefinition of a MASTER subcase.

Format:

SUBCASE n

Example:

SUBCASE 20
MASTER

Remarks:

1. All commands in a MASTER subcase apply to the following subcases until a new MASTER subcase is
defined.
2. In the following example subcase 101 and on reference SPC set 10 and MPC set 10 until subcase 201
where a new MASTER subcase is defined referencing SPC set 20 and MPC set 20:
DISP = ALL
STRESS(CORNER) = ALL
SUBCASE 101
MASTER
LABEL = FIXED BOUNDARY
SPC = 10
MPC = 10
LOAD = 101
SUBCASE 102
LOAD = 102
SUBCASE 103
LOAD = 103
SUBCASE 201
MASTER
LABEL = PINNED BOUNDARY
SPC = 20
MPC = 20
LOAD = 201
SUBCASE 202
LOAD = 202
SUBCASE 203
LOAD = 203
3. The MASTER command must appear immediately after a SUBCASE command.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-79

Nastran Solver Reference Manual METHOD

METHOD Real Eigenvalue Extraction Method Selection

Description: Selects the real eigenvalue extraction parameters.

Format:

METHOD = n

Example:

METHOD = 33

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of an EIGRL Bulk Data entry. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. This command should only be specified once in transient and frequency response solutions.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-80

Nastran Solver Reference Manual MFLUID

MFLUID Fluid Boundary Element Selection

Description: Selects the MFLUID Bulk Data entries to be used to specify the fluid-structure.

Format:

MFLUID = n

Example:

MFLUID = 105

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of one or more MFLUID Bulk Data entries. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. MFLUID entries will not be used unless selected in Case Control.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-81

Nastran Solver Reference Manual MODES

MODES Subcase Repeater

Description: Allows alternate eigenvalue results output selection.

Format:

MODES = n

Example:

MODES = 15

Option Definition Type

n Number of modes to be output for the specified subcase. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. This command is best described with an example. It is desired to output element forces for the first four
modes only, then element strain energy for the next two, and element stress for all remaining modes. The
following example demonstrates this:
SUBCASE 1 $ FOR MODES 1 THRU 4
MODES = 4
FORCE = ALL
SUBCASE 5 $ FOR MODES 5 AND 6
MODES = 2
ESE = ALL
SUBCASE 7 $ FOR MODES 7 AND REMAINING MODES
STRESS = ALL
2. If this command is excluded, all eigenvalue results are considered to be part of a single subcase.
3. This command can also be used to suppress output after a certain number of modes have been output. For
example, to suppress all eigenvalue output for modes beyond the first five, the following Case Control could
be used:
SUBCASE 1
MODES = 5
STRESS = ALL
SUBCASE 6
DISPLACEMENTS = NONE

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-82

Nastran Solver Reference Manual MODESET

MODESET Mode Set Generation

Description: Modal set generation.

Format:

MODESET, method, value

Examples:

MODESET, SET, 20
MODESET, TOP, 5
MODESET, PERCENT, 2.5
MODESET, CUTOFF, 80.0
MODESET, INCLUDE, SET 5
MODESET, EXCLUDE, SET 4

Option Definition Type Default

method The search method used, one of the following character Character Required
variables: SET, INCLUDE, EXCLUDE, TOP, PERCENT, or
CUTOFF.
value Value is based on method as follows: Integer > 0 or Required
real
SET Previously appearing SET command which
defines which modes are to be included in the
solution set. Equivalent to INCLUDE.
INCLUDE Previously appearing SET command which
defines which modes are to be included in the
solution set. Equivalent to SET.
EXCLUDE Previously appearing SET command which
defines which modes are to be excluded in the
solution set.
TOP The number of modes to be retained in the
solution set starting with the highest modal
effective mass.
PERCENT Modes with a percent modal effective mass
greater than this value are included in the
solution set.
CUTOFF Modes starting with the highest modal effective
mass and stopping when the sum of percent
modal effective mass is equal to this value.

Remarks:

1. This command may be repeated with different options to generate the modal set.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-83

Nastran Solver Reference Manual MPC

MPC Multipoint Constraint Set Selection

Description: Selects a multipoint constraint set.

Format:

MPC = n

Example:

MPC = 24

Option Definition Type

n The set identification of a multipoint constraint set and hence must Integer > 0
appear on a MPC or MPCADD Bulk Data entry.

Remarks:

1. MPC or MPCADD entries will not be used unless selected in Case Control.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-84

Nastran Solver Reference Manual MPCFORCES

MPCFORCES Multipoint Forces of Constraint Set Selection

Description: Requests multipoint constraint force vector output.

Format:

  PRINT    ALL 
   
MPCFORCES ( PLOT ) =  n 
 PUNCH   NONE
   

Example:

MPCFORCES = 8

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Multipoint constraint forces will be output to both the Model Character 
Results Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Multipoint constraint forces will be output only to the results Character
neutral file system.
PUNCH Multipoint constraint forces will be output additionally to the Character
Model Results Punch File.
ALL Multipoint constraint forces for all grid points will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only multipoint constraint forces for grid points whose
identification numbers appear on this SET command will be
output.
NONE Multipoint constraint forces will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. MPCFORCE output is in the global coordinate system. (See CD field on the GRID Bulk Data entry in Section
4, Bulk Data.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-85

Nastran Solver Reference Manual MPRES

MPRES Fluid Pressure Output Request

Description: Requests fluid pressure for selected grid points in fluid-structure interaction problems.

Format:

  PRINT  PSDF    ALL 

  REAL or IMAG    
MPRES ( PLOT ,  PHASE 
 , ATOC ) =  n 
 PUNCH  RALL   NONE
   

Example:

MPRES = 5

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Fluid pressure will be output to both the Model Results Character 
Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Fluid pressure will be output only to the results neutral file Character
system.
PUNCH Fluid pressure will be output additionally to the Model Results Character
Punch File.
REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
ALL Fluid pressure for all grid points will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only pressures for grid points whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Fluid pressures will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. Fluid pressure output is only supported in dynamic response solutions and limited to the virtual fluid mass
wet surface.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-86

Nastran Solver Reference Manual NASTRAN

NASTRAN Model Initialization Directive Specification

Description: Specifies Model Initialization directives in the Case Control Section.

Format:

NASTRAN directive1=option1, …, directiven = optionn

Example:

NASTRAN DECOMPMETHOD=PCGLSS, SPARSEITERTOL=1.-5

Remarks:

1. Maximum length is 80 characters.

2. More than one NASTRAN command may be specified.
3. Directives specified on this command will override ones specified in the Model Initialization File.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-87

Nastran Solver Reference Manual NLPARM

NLPARM Nonlinear Static Analysis Parameter Selection

Description: Selects the parameters used for nonlinear static analysis.

Format:

NLPARM = n

Example:

NLPARM = 5

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of an NLPARM Bulk Data entry. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. An NLPARM entry in the Bulk Data will not be used unless selected.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-88

Nastran Solver Reference Manual NLSTRESS

NLSTRESS Nonlinear Element Stress Output

Description: Request nonlinear element stress output in nonlinear solutions.

Format:

  PRINT    ALL 
   
NLSTRESS ( PLOT ) =  n 
 PUNCH  NONE
   

Example:

NLSTRESS = 10

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Nonlinear element stresses will be output to both the Model Character 
Results Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Nonlinear element stresses will be output only to the results Character
neutral file system.
PUNCH Nonlinear element stresses will be output additionally to the Character
Model Results Punch File.
ALL Element stresses for all nonlinear elements will be output. Character 
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only stresses for elements whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Nonlinear element stresses will not be output. Character

Remarks:

1. If the NLSTRESS command is not specified the default is NLSTRESS = ALL.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-89

Nastran Solver Reference Manual NONLINEAR

NONLINEAR Nonlinear Dynamic Load Set Selection

Description: Selects nonlinear dynamic load set for transient problems.

Format:

NONLINEAR = n

Example:

NONLINEAR = 10

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of NOLINi Bulk Data entry. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. NOLINi Bulk Data entries will not be used unless selected in the Case Control Section.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-90

Nastran Solver Reference Manual OFREQUENCY

OFREQUENCY Output Frequency Set

Description: Selects a set of frequencies for output requests.

Format:

OFREQUENCY ALL
= 
 n 

Example:

OFREQUENCY = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

ALL Output for all frequencies will be computed. Character 

n Set identification number of a previously appearing SET Integer > 0
command. Output for frequencies closest to those given
on this SET command will be output.

Remarks:

1. If the OFREQUENCY command is not supplied in the Case Control Section, then OFREQUENCY is defaulted
to ALL.
2. This command is particularly useful for requesting a subset of the output (e.g., stresses at only peak
frequencies, etc.).

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-91

Nastran Solver Reference Manual OLOAD

OLOAD Applied Load Output Request

Description: Requests applied load vector output.

Format:

  PRINT  PSDF    ALL 

  REAL or IMAG    
OLOAD ( PLOT ,  PHASE 
, ATOC ) =  n 
 PUNCH  RALL   NONE
   

Example:

OLOAD = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point applied loads will be output to both the Model Character 
Results Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Grid point applied loads will be output only to the results Character
neutral file system.
PUNCH Grid point applied loads will be output additionally to the Character
Model Results Punch File.
REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
ALL Grid point applied loads for all grid points will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only applied loads for grid points whose identification
numbers appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Grid point applied loads will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. Indirect loads generated via the SPCD Bulk Data entry are not included in OLOAD output.
2. OLOAD results are output in the global coordinate system. (See CD field on the GRID Bulk Data entry in
Section 4, Bulk Data.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-92

Nastran Solver Reference Manual OTIME

OTIME Output Time Set

Description: Selects a set of times for output requests.

Format:
ALL
OTIME =
 
 n 

Example:

OTIME = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

ALL Output for all times will be computed. Character 

n Set identification number of a previously appearing SET Integer > 0
command. Output for times closest to those given on this
SET command will be output.

Remarks:

1. If the OTIME command is not supplied in the Case Control Section, then OTIME is defaulted to ALL.
2. This command is particularly useful for requesting a subset of the output (e.g., stresses at only peak times,
etc.).

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-93

Nastran Solver Reference Manual P2G

P2G Direct Input Load Matrix Selection

Description: Selects a direct input load matrix.

Format:

P2G = name

Example:

P2G = PDMIG

Option Definition Type

name Name of the matrix that is defined on the DMIG Bulk Data entry. Character

Remarks:

1. Direct input matrices will not be used unless selected.

2. Terms are added to the global load vector before any constraints are applied.
3. The matrix must be columnar in form (field 4 on DMIG Bulk Data entry must contain the integer 9).
4. A scale factor may be applied to this input using PARAM, CP2.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-94

Nastran Solver Reference Manual PARAM

PARAM Parameter Specification

Description: Specifies values for parameters to be used at certain places in the control sequence.

Format:

PARAM, n, v

Example:

PARAM, K6ROT, 1.+3

Option Definition Type Default

n Parameters name (one to 16 alphanumeric characters, Character Required

the first of which is alphabetic).
v Parameter value based on parameter type. Character, real, Required
or integer

Remarks:

1. Parameters with names that are less than or equal to 8 characters can appear anywhere in the model input
file prior to ENDDATA. Parameters with names greater than 8 characters must be specified in the Case
Control Section.
2. For a list and detailed description of each parameter, see Section 5, Parameters.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-95

Nastran Solver Reference Manual RANDOM

RANDOM Random Analysis Set Selection

Description: Selects the RANDPS and RANDT1 Bulk Data entries to be used in random analysis.

Format:

RANDOM = n

Example:

RANDOM = 120

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of RANDPS and RANDT1 Bulk Data entries to Integer > 0
be used in random analysis.

Remarks:

1. RANDOM must reference one or more RANDPS Bulk Data entries to perform random analysis.
2. RANDOM must appear in the first subcase. RANDPS Bulk Data entries may not reference subcases in a
different loop. Loops are defined by a change in the FREQUENCY command.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-96

Nastran Solver Reference Manual RESULTLIMITS

RESULTLIMITS Result Limits Output Request

Description: Requests a subcase and global results search for result limits (max/min).

Format:

RESULTLIMITS, sid, ssid, msid, etype, osid, stype, column

Example:

RESULTLIMITS, 3, 4, 6, QUAD, 22, ELEM, 9

Option Definition Type Default

sid Results limits search set Identification number. Integer > 0 Required
ssid Subcase set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 or ALL
previously appearing SET command. Only subcases whose blank
identification numbers appear on this SET command will be
output. The character variable ALL may be used to specify
all subcases. See Remark 2.
msid Step set identification number. Set identification of previously Integer > 0 or ALL
appearing SET command. Only time, frequency, or load blank
steps whose identification numbers appear on this SET
command will be output. The character variable ALL may be
used to specify all steps as applicable.
etype Element type to be searched for within element identification Character or ALL
number range, one of the following character variables: blank
Element Results (stype = ELEM, see below)
ELAS, WELD, PIPE, CABLE, GAP, BEAM, BAR, ROD,
QUAD, TRI, SHEAR, TET, PENT, PYR, HEX, and ALL
Grid Point Results (stype = GRID, see below)
SHELL, SOLID, or ALL
osid Output set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 or ALL
previously appearing SET command. Only elements or grid blank
points whose identification numbers appear on this SET
command will be output. The character variable ALL may be
used to specify all elements or grid points as applicable. See
Remark 3.
stype Output set identification type, one of the following character Character ELEM
variables: GRID or ELEM.
column Results column number. See Remark 4. Integer > 0 Required

Remarks:

1. This command is used for determining results limits (i.e., max/min: stress, force, strain energy, etc.).

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-97

Nastran Solver Reference Manual RESULTLIMITS

2. The subcase set identification number, ssid, will forced to ALL unless the RSLTFILETYPE directive is set to
either PATRANBINARY or PATRANASCII.
3. The output set identification type must be consistent with the specified element type.
4. See Appendix A, Results Neutral File Formats for result column number definition.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-98

Nastran Solver Reference Manual RESVEC

RESVEC Residual Vector Selection

Description: Specifies options for the calculation of residual vectors.

Format:

 INRLOAD , APPLOAD,  RVDOF ) =  ON 

RESVEC( NOAPPL NORVDOF
NOINRL
     OFF

Examples:

RESVEC = ON
RESVEC(APPLOAD, RVDOF) = ON
RESVEC = OFF

Option Definition Type Default

INRLOAD Enables the calculation of residual vectors based on Character

inertia relief.
NOINRL Disables the calculation of residual vectors based on Character
inertia relief.
APPLOAD Enables the calculation of residual vectors based on Character 
applied loads.
NOAPPL Disables the calculation of residual vectors based on Character
applied loads.
RVDOF Enables the calculation of residual vectors based on Character 
RVDOFi entries.
NORVDOF Disables the calculation of residual vectors based on Character
RVDOFi entries.
ON Requests the calculation of residual vectors based on Character
inertia relief, applied loads, and RVDOFi entries.
OFF Disables the calculation of residual vectors. Character 

Remarks:

1. PARAM, RESVEC, ON is equivalent to the command RESVEC = ON. See Section 5, Parameters, for more
information on RESVEC.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-99

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SDAMPING

SDAMPING Structural Damping Selection

Description: Requests damping as a function of frequency in modal transient and frequency response solutions.

Format:

SDAMPING = n

Example:

SDAMPING = 25

Option Definition Type

n Set identification number of a TABDMP1 Bulk Data entry. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. SDAMPING must reference a TABDMP1 entry.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-100

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SELEMGENERATE

SELEMGENERATE Superelement Generation

Description: Superelement generation.

Format:

SELEMGENERATE, seid, stype, esid, btype

Examples:

SELEMGENERATE, 10, ELEM, 15

SELEMGENERATE, 10, GRID, 32, SELEM

Option Definition Type Default

seid Superelement id. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 1

stype Output set type, one of the following character variables: Character ELEM
GRID or ELEM.
esid Element or grid point set identification number. Set Integer > 0 Required.
identification of previously appearing SET command. Only
elements or grid points whose identification numbers appear
on this SET command will be used.
btype Boundary type: RSET or SELEM. See Remark 2. Character RSET
RSET Boundary grid points will be put in residual set.
SELEM Boundary grid points will be left in superelement.

Remarks:

1. A blank or zero value will automatically generate the next available superelement identification number.
2. The default RSET boundary type moves unassigned grid points on the superelement boundary into the
residual set. Grid points assigned a superelement id via the GRID Bulk Data entry field 9 or the SESET
Bulk Data entry will not be moved.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-101

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SET

SET Set Definition

Description: Defines the following lists:

1. Identification numbers (grid point, element, or mode) for processing and output requests.
2. Output frequencies for frequency response problems or output times for transient response problems using
OFREQ and OTIME commands, respectively.

Formats:

SET n = {i1[, i2, i3 THRU i4]}

SET n = {r1[, r2, r3, r4,]}
SET n = ALL

Examples:

SET 15 = 7
SET 55 = 1 THRU 200000
SET 22 = 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 15 THRU 66, 77, 79, 106 THRU 400,
544, 625, 1005 THRU 2067, 3005, 4020
SET 12 = 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0
SET 35 = 1.07-2, 8.05, 16.145, 2.456+2

Option Definition Type Default

n Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

i1, i2, etc. Identification numbers. Identification numbers that do not Integer > 0
exist are ignored.
i3 THRU i4 Identification number range (i3 < i4). Identification Integer > 0
numbers that do not exist are ignored.
ALL All identification numbers are included. Character
r1, r2, etc. Output frequencies or times. The nearest solution Real
frequency or time will be output.
ALL All frequencies or times are included. Character

Remarks:

1. Multiple SET commands with the same set identification number are allowed and will be treated as one set.
2. A comma at the end of the command signifies a continuation.
3. A THRU symbol may not be used for a continuation without the ending identification number.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-102

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SETGENERATE

SETGENERATE Set Generation

Description: Element and grid point set generation.

Format:

SETGENERATE, sid, stype, etype, method, value, id, threshold

Example:

SETGENERATE, 3, ELEM, QUAD, MID, 105

Option Definition Type Default

sid Generated set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

stype Target output set type, one of the following character Character Required
variables: GRID or ELEM.
etype Element type to be searched for within element identification Character or ALL
number range, one of the following character variables: blank
ELAS, WELD, PIPE, CABLE, GAP, BEAM, BAR, ROD,
QUAD, TRI, SHEAR, TET, PENT, PYR, HEX, SHELL,
SOLID, or ALL.
method The search method used, one of the following character Character ALL
variables: RCN, PID, MID, R, T, P, X, Y, Z, or ALL
value Depending on the character variable supplied for method, Integer > 0 or See Remark 1
this is either an integer property or material identification real
number (PID or MID), a real coordinate component (R, T, P,
X, Y, or Z), an integer element results column number
(RCN), or blank (method = ALL).
id Depending on the character variable supplied for method, Integer > 0 or 0; See
this is either a coordinate system identification number (R, blank Remark 2
T, P, X, Y, or Z) or a subcase identification number.
threshold The element result threshold value corresponding to the Real or blank 0.0; See
specified element results column number. Elements that Remark 2
have a result value greater than this value will be included
in the generated set.

Remarks:

1. Required when the method character variable is not set to ALL.

2. Required when the method character variable is RCN.
3. See Appendix A, Results Neutral File Formats, for result column number (RCN) definition.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-103

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SKIP

SKIP Case Control Processing Delimiter

Description: Activates or deactivates the execution of subsequent commands in the Case Control.

Format:

 ON 
SKIP 
OFF

Example:

SKIPOFF

Remarks:

1. SKIPON and SKIPOFF commands may appear as many times as needed in the Case Control.
2. SKIPON ignores subsequent commands until either a SKIPOFF or BEGIN BULK command is encountered.
This allows requests to be omitted without deleting them or commenting them out. In the following example
the second subcase will be skipped:
SUBCASE 101
SPC = 101
LOAD = 101
NLPARM = 101
SKIPON $ SKIP SUBCASE 102
SUBCASE 102
SPC = 102
LOAD = 102
NLPARM = 102
SKIPOFF $ RESUME PROCESSING CASE CONTROL
SUBCASE 103
SPC = 103
LOAD = 103
NLPARM = 103
SKIPON $ SKIP SET AND VOLUME COMMANDS
SET 5 = 1, 5, 67, 37
VOLUME 1, SET 5, SYSTEM BASIC
BEGIN BULK

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-104

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SOLUTION

SOLUTION Solution Sequence

Description: Select the type of solution.

Format:

SOLUTION = type

Example:

SOLUTION = LINEAR STATIC

Alternate Format and Example:

SOLUTION = 101

Option Definition Type

type Type of solution sequence. Available solution types depend on the Character
license purchased. This directive may also be specified in the
Model Initialization File (see Section 2, Initialization, for more
information on SOLUTION).

Remarks:

1. The following table gives the solution number corresponding to each solution type. Either one may be used.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-105

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SOLUTION

Solution Character Variable Solution Number

LINEAR STATIC or STEADY STATE HEAT TRANSFER 101
MODAL 103
LINEAR BUCKLING 105
NONLINEAR STATIC 106
DIRECT FREQUENCY RESPONSE 108
DIRECT TRANSIENT RESPONSE 109
MODAL COMPLEX EIGENVALUE 110
MODAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE 111
MODAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE 112
NONLINEAR TRANSIENT RESPONSE 129
NONLINEAR STEADY STATE HEAT TRANSFER 153
NONLINEAR TRANSIENT HEAT TRANSFER 159
NONLINEAR BUCKLING 180
PRESTRESS STATIC 181
LINEAR PRESTRESS MODAL 182
LINEAR PRESTRESS FREQUENCY RESPONSE 183
LINEAR PRESTRESS TRANSIENT RESPONSE 184
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS MODAL 185
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS FREQUENCY RESPONSE 186
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS TRANSIENT RESPONSE 187
LINEAR PRESTRESS COMPLEX EIGENVALUE 188
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS COMPLEX EIGENVALUE 189

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-106

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SPC

SPC Single-Point Constraint Set Selection

Description: Selects the single-point constraint set to be applied to the model.

Format:

SPC = n

Example:

SPC = 10

Option Definition Type

n The set identification of a single-point constraint set and hence Integer > 0
must appear on a SPC, SPC1, or SPCADD Bulk Data entry.

Remarks:

1. SPC, SPC1 or SPCADD Bulk Data entries will not be used unless selected in Case Control.
2. SPCD entries cannot be referenced with this command. The LOAD command must be used.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-107

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SPCFORCES

SPCFORCES Single-Point Forces of Constraint Set Selection

Description: Requests single-point constraint force vector output.

Format:

  PRINT  PSDF    ALL 

  REAL or IMAG    
SPCFORCES ( PLOT ,  PHASE 
, ATOC ) =  n 
 PUNCH  RALL   NONE
   

Example:

SPCFORCES = 5

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Single-point constraint forces will be output to both the Model Character 
Results Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Single-point constraint forces will be output only to the results Character
neutral file system.
PUNCH Single-point constraint forces will be output additionally to the Character
Model Results Punch File.
REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
ALL Single-point constraint forces for all grid points will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only single-point constraint forces for grid points whose
identification numbers appear on this SET command will be
output.
NONE Single point constraint forces will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. SPCFORCE output is in the global coordinate system. (See CD field on the GRID Bulk Data entry in Section
4, Bulk Data.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-108

Nastran Solver Reference Manual STATSUB

STATSUB Static Solution Selection for Differential Stiffness

Description: Selects the static solution to use in forming the differential stiffness matrix for linear buckling, normal
modes, and modal response analysis.

Format:
 BUCKLING
STATSUB    = n
PRELOAD 
  

Example:

STATSUB(PRELOAD) = 3
STATSUB(BUCKLING) = 4

Option Definition Type Default

BUCKLING Subcase identification number corresponds to a static Character See Remark 2

buckling or varying load.
PRELOAD Subcase identification number corresponds to a static Character See Remark 2
preload or constant load.
n Subcase identification number of an existing SUBCASE Integer > 0
specified for static analysis.

Remarks:

1. STATSUB may be used in linear static and modal response solutions (SOL 101, 103, 105, 110, 111, and
112).
2. BUCKLING is the default option for linear buckling and PRELOAD is the default for linear static and modal
response solutions.
3. The STATSUB command is not required for linear buckling analysis when a preload is not required. In this
case the default for STATSUB is the first static subcase identification.
4. In linear static and modal response solutions only one STATSUB command may be specified. In linear
buckling analysis with a preload, both STATSUB(BUCKLING) and STATSUB(PRELOAD) must be specified.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-109

Nastran Solver Reference Manual STRAIN

STRAIN Element Strain Output Request

Description: Requests element strain output.

Format:
  PRINT  CENTER   SHEAR  THERMAL  PSDF  VRMS    ALL 
      REAL or IMAG STRCUR         
STRAIN ( PLOT , CORNER , VONMISES ,  PHASE ,  FIBER   MECH , ATOC ,  BIAX ) =  n 
,
 PUNCH   GAUSS   TRESCA       TOTAL   RALL   VALL   NONE
     

Example:

STRAIN(VONMISES, CORNER) = 45

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Element strains will be output to both the Model Results Character 
Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Element strains will be output only to the results neutral file Character
system.
PUNCH Element strains will be output additionally to the Model Character
Results Punch File.
CENTER Output shell and solid element strains at the center only. Character 
CORNER Output shell and solid element strains at the center and Character
corner nodes.
GAUSS Output shell and solid element strains at the center and Character
gauss/integration points.
SHEAR Maximum shear strain request for shell elements and Character
octahedral shear strain request for solid elements.
VONMISES Von Mises strain request for shell and solid elements. Character 
TRESCA Tresca strain request for shell and solid elements. Character

REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
STRCUR Strain at reference plane and curvatures are output for shell Character
elements.
FIBER Strain at locations Z1 and Z2 are output for shell elements. Character 
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
VRMS RMS von Mises output request. Character

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-110

Nastran Solver Reference Manual STRAIN

Option Definition Type Default

BIAX Biaxiality ratio output request. Character

VALL RMS von Mises, RMS principal, RMS maximum shear, and Character
biaxiality ratio will be output.
THERMAL Thermal strain request for shell and solid elements. Character
MECH Mechanical strain request for shell and solid elements. Character
TOTAL Total strain (thermal plus mechanical) request for shell and Character 
solid elements.
ALL Element strains for all elements will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only strains for elements whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Element strains will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. ELSTRAIN is an alternate form and is identical to STRAIN.

2. Both STRESS and STRAIN cannot be requested in the same subcase.
3. Shell elements must be referenced on a SURFACE and solid elements must be referenced in a VOLUME.
(See the SURFACE and VOLUME commands in Section 3, Case Control.)
4. Solid element invariants are defined as follows:

Octahedral shear strain:

 21
ε =
1 
o   x
(
ε −ε
y
2
) (
+ ε −ε
y z
2
)
z
2 1
+ (ε − ε ) +
x  6 xy
(
γ 2 +γ2 +γ2
yz zx 
)
9
   

von Mises equivalent strain:

 21
ε =
v
2 
(
ε −ε
9  x y
2
) (
+ ε −ε
y z
2
)
z
2 1
x  3 xy
(
+ (ε − ε ) + γ 2 + γ 2 + γ 2
yz
)
zx 
   

Tresca strain:

εt = εmax − εmin

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-111

Nastran Solver Reference Manual STRAIN

5. Shell element invariants for plane stress analysis are defined as follows:

Maximum shear strain:

 21
γ

(
= ε −ε )2 + γ 2
max  x y xy 
 

von Mises equivalent strain:

1
ε =
4
(ε 2 + ε 2 − ε ε ) + 1 γ 2  2
v 9 x y x y 3 xy 

Tresca strain:

εt = εmax − εmin

6. Shell element Tresca stress is defined using the maximum and minimum of three stress measures:
a) Inplane major principal stress
b) Inplane minor principal stress
c) Through thickness stress defined as the negative of the applied pressure at the element surface.
7. VRMS, von Mises RMS strain, is calculated by evaluating the PSD response of the peak RMS strains
calculated at each frequency step in a frequency or random response analysis. It is used as a measure of
the total component stress.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-112

Nastran Solver Reference Manual STRESS

STRESS Element Stress Output Request

Description: Request element stress output.

Format:

  PRINT  CENTER   SHEAR  PSDF  VRMS    ALL 

     REAL or IMAG     
STRESS (PUNCH, CORNER , VONMISES ,  PHASE 
, ATOC ,  BIAX ) =  n 
  PLOT   GAUSS   TRESCA   RALL   VALL   NONE
    

Example:

STRESS(SHEAR) = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Element stresses will be output to both the Model Results Character 
Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Element stresses will be output only to the results neutral file Character
system.
PUNCH Element stresses will be output additionally to the Model Character
Results Punch File.
CENTER Output shell and solid element stresses at the center only. Character 
CORNER Output shell and solid element stresses at the center and Character
corner nodes.
GAUSS Output shell and solid element stresses at the center and Character
gauss/integration points.
SHEAR Maximum shear stress request for shell elements and Character
octahedral shear stress request for solid elements.
VONMISES Von Mises stress request for shell and solid elements. Character 
TRESCA Tresca stress request for shell and solid elements. Character

REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
VRMS RMS von Mises output request. Character

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-113

Nastran Solver Reference Manual STRESS

Option Definition Type Default

BIAX Biaxiality ratio output request. Character

VALL RMS von Mises, RMS principal, RMS maximum shear, and Character
biaxiality ratio will be output.
ALL Element stresses for all elements will be output. Character
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only stresses for elements whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Element stresses will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. ELSTRESS is an alternate form and is identical to STRESS.

2. Both STRESS and STRAIN cannot be requested in the same subcase.
3. Shell elements must be referenced on a SURFACE and solid elements must be referenced in a VOLUME.
(See the SURFACE and VOLUME commands in Section 3, Case Control.)
4. Solid element invariants are defined as follows:

Mean pressure:

p =−
o
1
(σ x + σ y + σ z )
3

Octahedral shear stress:

1
1 2
2 
τo =
3 
σ ) ( )
− σ y 2 + σ y − σ z 2 + (σ z − σ x ) 2 + 6τ 2y + 6τ 2z + 6τ x


von Mises equivalent stress:

 3 
τ = τ
v   o
 2

Tresca stress:

σt = σ max − σ min

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-114

Nastran Solver Reference Manual STRESS

5. Shell element invariants for plane stress analysis are defined as follows:

Maximum shear stress:

 σ −σ 2 2 1
x y  2
τ max =  + τ xy 
 2 
 

von Mises equivalent stress:

1
 
τv = σ 2 + σ 2 − σ σ + 3τ 2  2
x y x y xy
 

Tresca stress:

σ t = σ max − σ min

6. Shell element Tresca stress is defined using the maximum and minimum of three stress measures:
a) Inplane major principal stress
b) Inplane minor principal stress
c) Through thickness stress defined as the negative of the applied pressure at the element surface.
7. VRMS, von Mises RMS stress, is calculated by evaluating the PSD response of the peak RMS stresses
calculated at each frequency step in a frequency or random response analysis. It is used as a measure of
the total component stress.
8. BIAX, Biaxiality Ratio, is the ratio of the minimum and maximum principal stress and is used in conjunction
with the von Mises RMS stress to assess the nature of stress components in a frequency or random response
analysis. Values that tend towards -1 indicate a pure shear state, 0 indicates uniaxial state, and 1 indicates
equal biaxial loading.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-115

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SUBCASE

SUBCASE Subcase Delimiter

Description: Delimits and identifies a subcase.

Format:

SUBCASE n

Example:

SUBCASE 101

Option Definition Type

n Subcase identification number. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. RANDPS requests refer to n. (See Section 4, Bulk Data, for more information on the RANDPS Bulk Data
entry.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-116

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SUBCOM

SUBCOM Combination Subcase Delimiter

Description: Delimits and identifies a combination subcase.

Format:

SUBCOM n

Example:

SUBCOM 205

Option Definition Type

n Subcase identification number. Integer > 2

Remarks:

1. A SUBSEQ command must follow this command.

2. SUBCOM may only be used in linear problems.
3. Output requests above the subcase level will be used.
4. The following is an example of a simple combination:
SUBCASE 101
LOAD = 101
SUBCASE 102
LOAD = 102
SUBCOM 110
LABEL = COMBINE SUBCASES 101 AND 102
SUBSEQ = 1.0, 1.0
SUBCASE 201
LOAD = 201
SUBCASE 202
LOAD = 202
SUBCOM 210
LABEL = COMBINE SUBCASES 201 AND 202
SUBSEQ = 1.0, 1.0

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-117

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SUBSEQ

SUBSEQ Subcase Sequence Coefficients

Description: Specifies the coefficients for forming a linear combination of previous subcases.

Format:

SUBSEQ = R1 [, R2, R3, …, Rn ]

Example:

SUBSEQ = -1.0, 1.5, 0.0, 3.0

Option Definition Type Default

Ri Coefficients of the previously occurring subcases. See Real 0.0

Remark 4.

Remarks:

1. The SUBSEQ command can only appear after a SUBCOM command.

2. R1 to Rn refer to the immediately preceding subcases. In other words Rn is applied to the most recently
appearing subcase and R(n-1) is applied to the second most recently appearing subcase, and so on. The
comments ($) describe the following example:
DISP = ALL
SUBCASE 1
SUBCASE 2
SUBCOM 3
SUBSEQ = 1.0, -1.0 $ SUBCASE 1 – SUBCASE 2
SUBCASE 11
SUBCASE 12
SUBCOM 13
SUBSEQ = 0.0, 0.0, 1.0, -1.0 $ SUBCASE 11 – SUBCASE 12
Or
SUBSEQ = 1.0, -1.0 $ EQUIVALENT TO PRECEDING COMMAND

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-118

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SUBTITLE

SUBTITLE Output Subtitle

Description: Defines a character subtitle which will appear on the second heading line of each page of output.

Format:

SUBTITLE = Any character string

Example(s):

SUBTITLE = 2IN. X 10IN. CANTILEVER BEAM

Remarks:

1. Maximum SUBTITLE length is 71 characters.

2. SUBTITLE may appear anywhere in the Case Control Section. If no SUBTITLE command is present, the
subtitle line will be blank.
3. SUBTITLE information is also placed on the second line of each results neutral file.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-119

Nastran Solver Reference Manual SURFACE

SURFACE Surface Definition

Description: Shell element results coordinate system definition.

Format:

SURFACE id, SET esid, [SYSTEM system], [AXIS x-axis], [NORMAL normal]

Example:

SURFACE 12, SET 3, SYSTEM CORD 2, AXIS X, NORMAL Z

Option Definition Type Default

id Surface identification number. Integer > 0 Required

SET esid Element set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 Required
previously appearing SET command. Only shell or blank
elements whose identification numbers appear on this
SET command will be included as part of the defined
SURFACE. The character variable ALL may be used
to specify all elements.
SYSTEM system Coordinate system for results output, one of the Character or See Remark 3
following character variables: ELEMENT, BASIC, blank, or
MATERIAL, GRID, or CORD followed by a coordinate integer > 0
system identification number.
AXIS x-axis Surface x-axis definition, one of the following character Character See Remark 3
variables: R, T, P, X, Y, or Z. See Remark 4.
NORMAL normal Surface normal definition, one of the following Character See Remark 3
character variables: R, X, Y, or Z. See Remark 4.

Remarks:

1. The SURFACE command is used to align element normals and define the output coordinate system for shell
element and grid point results. A shell element must be defined on a SURFACE in order to have results
calculated for it.
2. When the system option is equal to ELEMENT (or MATERIAL with no material coordinate system defined),
element normals are not aligned and element results output is in the element coordinate system. Grid point
results will default to the global coordinate system.
3. The default SURFACE is defined as ALL shell elements in the coordinate system specified by the
ELEMRSLTCORD model parameter (default MATERIAL) and ALL shell element grid points in the global
coordinate system.
4. AXIS and NORMAL are ignored when SYSTEM is set to ELEMENT or MATERIAL.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-120

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TEMPERATURE

TEMPERATURE Temperature Set Selection

Description: Selects the temperature set to be used in either the calculation of temperature-dependent material
properties or the generation of thermal loads.

Format:

  INITIAL  
 MATERIAL 

TEMPERATUR E (  ) = n
  LOAD  
  
  BOTH  

Examples:

TEMPERATURE(LOAD) = 12
TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL) = 34
TEMPERATURE = 5

Option Definition Type Default

INITIAL The selected temperature set will be used to determine an Character See Remark 6
initial temperature distribution.
LOAD The selected temperature set will be used to determine Character See Remark 5
thermal loads.
MATERIAL The selected temperature set will be used to determine Character See Remark 5
temperature-dependent material properties indicated on
the MATTi Bulk Data entries.
BOTH Both MATERIAL and LOAD will use the same temperature Character 
set.
n Set identification number of TEMP, TEMPD, TEMPP1, or Integer > 0
TEMPRB Bulk Data entries.

Remarks:

1. For LINEAR STATIC solutions, temperature-dependent material properties are updated for each subcase.
2. Equivalent material properties generated from PCOMP Bulk Data entries are evaluated at the reference
temperature specified in the PCOMP entry TREF field.
3. The total load applied will be the sum of external (LOAD command), thermal (TEMPERATURE command),
element deformation (DEFORM command), and constrained displacement (SPC command) loads.
4. Static, thermal, and element deformation loads should have unique set identification numbers.
5. If TEMPERATURE(LOAD) is specified without TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL), the thermal load set will be
used for the calculation of temperature-dependent material properties.
6. The specification of TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) above the subcase level is recommended in all nonlinear
solutions. When TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) is not specified, the initial temperature distribution is obtained
from the TREF field on the MATi Bulk Data entry.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-121

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TEMPGENERATE

TEMPGENERATE Temperature Generation

Description: Grid point temperature generation.

Format:

TEMPGENERATE, sid, esid, gradient, temperature, component, cid

Example:

TEMPGENERATE, 23, 4, 25.34, 100.0, Z, 2

Option Definition Type Default

sid Generated temperature set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

esid Element set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 All
previously appearing SET command. Only elements
whose identification numbers appear on this SET
command will be used.
gradient Thermal gradient. See Remark 1. Real 0.0
temperature Reference temperature. See Remark 1. Real 0.0
component Gradient component direction, one of the following Character Required if
character variables: R, T, P, X, Y, or Z. gradient ≠ 0.0
cid Gradient component coordinate system. Integer > 0 0

Remarks:

1. Grid point temperatures (via the TEMP Bulk Data entry) are generated using the following relation:
T(χ ) = T′χ + T0
where,
T′ is the specified gradient
χ is the component coordinate in the specified coordinate system
T0 is the reference temperature

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-122

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TEMPINTERPOLATE

TEMPINTERPOLATE Temperature Interpolation

Description: Interpolates grid point temperature data from a known set of input grid points and temperatures to a
set of output grid points and temperatures based on geometric position in 2d or 3d space.

Format:

TEMPINTERPOLATE, otsid, ogsid, itsid, igsid, nnri, ndlsf, cgsize, maxnus

Example:

TEMPINTERPOLATE, 100, 10, 1, 1

Option Definition Type Default

otsid Output temperature set identification number. See Remark Integer > 0 Required
1.
ogsid Output grid set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 or All grid points
previously appearing SET command. Only grid points blank in model
whose identification numbers appear on this SET command
will be used.
itsid Input temperature set identification number. See Remark Integer > 0 Required
2.
igsid Input grid set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 or All grid points
previously appearing SET command. Only grid points blank in temperature
whose identification numbers appear on this SET command set
will be used.
nnri Number of interpolation nodes within radius of influence. Integer > 0 or See Remark 3
blank
ndlsf Number of data nodes in least squares fit. Integer > 0 or See Remark 4
blank
cgsize Number of rows, columns, and planes in the cell grid. A box Integer > 0 or See Remark 5
containing the nodes is partitioned into cells in order to blank
increase search efficiency.
maxnus Maximum number of unique solution occurrences. Integer > 0 or See Remark 6
blank

Remarks:

1. Output is TEMP Bulk Data entries at grid points defined by ogsid.

2. Input is GRID and TEMP Bulk Data entries which need not be associated with the analysis model. See
Section 4, Bulk Data, for more information on GRID and TEMP Bulk Data entries.
3. The valid range for nnri is 1  nnri  min(100, n -1) ), where n is the number of input data points. The default
is 100. A lower value may increase performance at the cost of accuracy. A value greater than or equal to
32 is recommended.
4. The valid range for ndlsf is 9  ndlsf  min(100, n -1), where n is the number of input data points. The
default is 100. A lower value may increase performance at the cost of accuracy. A value greater than or
equal to 17 is recommended.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-123

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

5. The recommended value for cgsize is:

1
 n 3
cgsize =  3 
 
where n is the number of input data points. The default is determined using the above formula.
6. A 3d interpolation algorithm is used initially, but will automatically revert to a 2d algorithm if the number of no
unique solution errors exceeds maxnus while processing the input data points. Models that are dominantly
flat but still have 3d features that default to the 2d interpolation algorithm may not be interpolated accurately.
A larger maxnus value can be used to force a 3d interpolation. It is advisable to always check the interpolated
loads.
7. Generated TEMP Bulk Data entries can be exported using the TRSLBULKDATA Model Initialization directive.
(See Section 2, Initialization, for more information on TRSLBULKDATA.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-124

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TEMPSCALEFACTOR

TEMPSCALEFACTOR Temperature Scale Factor

Description: Specifies scale factors for the generation of grid point temperatures from existing temperature set
definitions.

Format:

TEMPSCALEFACTOR, sid, scale, xsid

Example:

TEMPSCALEFACTOR, 2, 2.5, 1

Option Definition Type Default

sid Generated set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

scale Scale factor applied to temperatures specified on Real Required
temperature entries that reference the specified existing
temperature set.
xsid Set identification number of an existing temperature set. Integer > 0 Required

Remarks:

1. Grid point temperatures (via the TEMP Bulk Data entry) are generated using this command.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-125

Nastran Solver Reference Manual THERMAL

THERMAL Temperature Output Request

Description: Requests grid point temperature output.

Format:

  PRINT    ALL 
   
THERMAL ( PLOT ) =  n 
 PUNCH  NONE
   

Example:

THERMAL = 10

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point temperatures will be output to both the Model Character 
Results Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Grid point temperatures will be output only to the results Character
neutral file system.
PUNCH Grid point temperatures will be output additionally to the Character
Model Results Punch File.
ALL Temperatures for all grid points will be output. Character
n Set identification number of a previously appearing SET Integer > 0
command. Only temperatures of points whose
identification numbers appear on this SET command will be
output.
NONE Grid point temperatures will not be output. Character 

Remarks:

1. Temperature output is only available for in heat transfer solutions.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-126

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TITLE

TITLE Output Title

Description: Defines a character title that will appear on the first heading line of each page of output.

Format:

TITLE = Any character string

Example:

TITLE = F22 Wing Box

Remarks:

1. Maximum TITLE length is 71 characters.

2. TITLE may appear anywhere in the Case Control Section. If no TITLE command is present, the title line will
be blank.
3. TITLE information is also placed on the second line of each results neutral file.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-127

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TSTEP

TSTEP Transient Time Step Set Selection for Linear Analysis

Description: Select integration and output time steps for linear transient response problems.

Format:

TSTEP = n

Example:

TSTEP = 35

Option Definition Type

n Set identification number of a TSTEP Bulk Data entry. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. A TSTEP entry must be selected to perform transient response analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-128

Nastran Solver Reference Manual TSTEPNL

TSTEPNL Transient Time Step Set Selection for Nonlinear Analysis

Description: Select integration and output time steps for nonlinear transient response problems.

Format:

TSTEPNL = n

Example:

TSTEPNL = 45

Option Definition Type

n Set identification number of a TSTEPNL Bulk Data entry. Integer > 0

Remarks:

1. A TSTEPNL entry must be selected to perform nonlinear transient response analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-129

Nastran Solver Reference Manual VECTOR

VECTOR Displacement Output Requests

Description: Requests displacement vector output.

Format:

  PRINT   PSDF   ALL 

   REAL or IMAG    
VECTOR ( PLOT ,  PHASE 
, ATOC ) =  n 
 PUNCH  RALL   NONE
   

Example:

VECTOR = ALL

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point displacements will be output to both the Model Character 
Results Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Grid point displacements will be output only to the results Character
neutral file system.
PUNCH Grid point displacements will be output additionally to the Character
Model Results Punch File.
REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
ALL Displacements for all grid points will be output. Character 
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only displacements of grid points whose identification
numbers appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Grid point displacements will not be output. Character

Remarks:

1. VECTOR displacement results are output in the global coordinate system. (See CD field on the GRID Bulk
Data entry in Section 4, Bulk Data.)
2. The translation components are in the same units of measure as the model. The rotation components are
in radians.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-130

Nastran Solver Reference Manual VELOCITY

VELOCITY Velocity Output Request

Description: Requests velocity vector output.

Format:

  PRINT   PSDF   ALL 

   REAL or IMAG ABS    
VELOCITY ( PLOT ,  PHASE 
, 
, ATOC ) =  n 
 PUNCH REL  RALL   NONE
   

Example:

VELOCITY = 25

Option Definition Type Default

PRINT Grid point velocities will be output to both the Model Results Character 
Output File and the results neutral file system.
PLOT Grid point velocities will be output only to the results neutral Character
file system.
PUNCH Grid point velocities will be output additionally to the Model Character
Results Punch File.
REAL or IMAG Requests complex output in rectangular format (real and Character 
imaginary).
PHASE Requests complex output in polar format (magnitude and Character
phase). Phase output is in degrees.
ABS Requests output as absolute displacement (see Remark 2). Character 
REL Requests output as relative displacement (see Remark 2). Character
PSDF Power spectral density function, RMS, and number of Character
positive crossings output request.
ATOC Autocorrelation function output request. Character
RALL Both PSDF and ATOC will be output. Character
ALL Velocities for all grid points will be output. Character 
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Integer > 0
Only velocities of grid points whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command will be output.
NONE Grid point velocities will not be output. Character

Remarks:

1. Velocity results are output in the global coordinate system. (See CD field on the GRID Bulk Data entry in
Section 4, Bulk Data.)

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-131

Nastran Solver Reference Manual VELOCITY

2. Relative velocity output is only applicable to modal transient and linear direct transient response solutions.
The reference point for relative motion is defaulted to the direct enforced motion input point. When direct
enforced motion is not specified the point with the largest mass in the model is used. The reference point
may be specified explicitly using the DYNSOLRELGRID model parameter. See Section 5, Parameters, for
more information on DYNSOLRELGRID.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-132

Nastran Solver Reference Manual VIBFATIGUE

VIBFATIGUE Vibration Fatigue Analysis Data Set Selection

Description: Selects the VFATIGUE Bulk Data entry to be used in vibration fatigue analysis.

Format:

VIBFATIGUE = n

Example:

VIBFATIGUE = 15

Option Definition Type

n Set identification of a VIBFATIGUE Bulk Data entry to be used in Integer > 0

vibration fatigue analysis.

Remarks:

1. VIBFATIGUE must reference a VIBFATIGUE Bulk Data entry to perform vibration fatigue analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-133

Nastran Solver Reference Manual VOLUME

VOLUME Volume Definition

Description: Solid element results coordinate system definition.

Format:

VOLUME id, SET esid, [SYSTEM system]

Example:

VOLUME 12, SET 3, SYSTEM BASIC

Option Definition Type Default

id Volume identification number. Integer > 0 Required

SET esid Element set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 or ALL
previously appearing SET command. Only solid blank
elements whose identification numbers appear on this
SET command will be included as part of the defined
SURFACE. The character variable ALL may be used
to specify all elements.
SYSTEM system Coordinate system for results output, one of the Character or See Remark 3
following character variables: ELEMENT, BASIC, blank, or
MATERIAL, GRID, or CORD followed by a coordinate integer > 0
system identification number.

Remarks:

1. The VOLUME command is used to define the output coordinate system for solid element and grid point
results. A solid element must be defined on a VOLUME in order to have results calculated for it.
2. When the system option is equal to ELEMENT (or MATERIAL with no material coordinate system defined),
element results output is in the element coordinate system. Grid point results will default to the global
coordinate system.
3. The default VOLUME is defined as ALL solid elements in the coordinate system specified by the
ELEMRSLTCORD model parameter (default MATERIAL) and ALL solid element grid points in the global
coordinate system.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-134

Nastran Solver Reference Manual WELDGENERATE

WELDGENERATE Spot Weld Element Generation

Description: CWELD element generation. Converts a specified set of CBAR elements into CWELD elements.

Format:

WELDGENERATE, ftype, ctype, esid, diameter

Examples:

WELDGENERATE, ELEMID, SPOT, 1, 0.3

WELDGENERATE, ALIGN, GENERAL, 2, 0.1

Option Definition Type Default

ftype Connection format type, one of the following character Character Required
variables: ELEMID or ALIGN. See Remark 1.
ELEMID Connection to the shell element nearest to the
reference bar element end point.
ALIGN Connection to one or more shell element
vertex grid points.
ctype Weld connection type, one of the following character Character GENERAL
variables: SPOT or GENERAL. See Remark 2.
SPOT Weld type connection.
GENERAL General connection.
esid Element set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 See Remark 3
previously appearing SET command. Only bar elements
whose identification numbers appear on this SET
command will be used.
diameter Diameter of the connector. See Remark 4. Real > 0.0 or See Remark 4
blank

Remarks:

1. Both ELEMID and ALIGN function similarly to the corresponding options in the CWELD Bulk Data entry. For
ftype = ELEMID, connection will be to the shell element with its origin nearest the reference bar element end
point. For ftype = ALIGN, the reference bar element is already connected to a shell element vertex.
2. For ctype = SPOT and ftype = ELEMID, the effective length for the stiffness of the weld element is set to
e = (tA + tB ) / 2 regardless of the reference bar element distance GA to GB. tA and tB are the shell
thicknesses of SHIDA and SHIDB which are located automatically based on proximity. For all other cases,
the effective length of the weld element is equal to the true length, the distance of the reference bar GA to
GB, provided the ratio of length to diameter is in the range 0.2 ≤ L/D ≤ 5.0. If L is below this range, the
effective length is set to e = 0.2D and if L is above this range, the effective length is set to e = 5.0D .

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-135

Nastran Solver Reference Manual WELDGENERATE

3. If esid is blank, all CBAR elements will be converted to CWELD elements.

4. The reference bar element material property will be used for the corresponding CWELD element generated.
If diameter is not specified, the reference bar area will be used to generate an equivalent diameter.
5. See the CWELD and PWELD Bulk Data entries for more information.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-136

Nastran Solver Reference Manual XSETGENERATE

XSETGENERATE Degree of Freedom Set Generation

Description: ASET and ESET degree of freedom set generation.

Format:

XSETGENERATE, stype, method, gsid, ptol, component

Examples:

XSETGENERATE, ASET, SURFACE, , , 123

XSETGENERATE, ESET, INTER, , 0.1, 123456

Option Definition Type Default

stype Target output set type, one of the following character Character Required
variables: ASET or ESET.
method The search method used, one of the following character Character Required
variables: SURFACE or SET for ASET or NEAR or
INTER for ESET. See Remark 1.
gsid Grid set identification number. Set identification of Integer > 0 See Remark 2
previously appearing SET command. Only grid points
whose identification numbers appear on this SET
command will be used.
ptol Position tolerance used for ESET generation. Grid Real or blank See Remark 3
points defined in the XSET within a radius equal to ptol
are moved into the ESET.
component Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 123456
unique digits may be placed in the field with no or blank
embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. The method field defines how the set will be generated. SURFACE and SET are only applicable to ASET
generation. When method is set to SURFACE, only grid points on the exterior of the model will be included
in the ASET. When method is set to SET, only grid points listed in the output set defined by setid are included.
NEAR and INTER are applicable to ESET generation. Both methods look for grid points in the model near
points defined in the XSET within a radius defined by ptol. The INTER method interpolates data in each
component direction specified at the near point using the XSET data.
2. Required if method is equal to SET.
3. If ptol is blank or zero and method is set to INTER, all grid points not in the XSET will be moved into the
ESET. If an ESET is already defined, the ESET will not be changed.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-137

Nastran Solver Reference Manual XYDATA

XYDATA Generate X-Y Plots at a Specified Grid Point or Element

Description: Requests the generation of results x-y plots at a specified grid point or element.

Format:

XYDATA, gid/eid, component/column, group, stype

Example:

XYDATA, 10, 3, 1, GRID

XYDATA, 15, 22, 3, ELEM

Option Definition Type Default

gid Grid point identification number for stype equals GRID. Integer > 0 Required
eid Element identification number for stype equals ELEM. Integer > 0 Required
component Component number of global coordinate for stype equals 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 123456
GRID. (Up to six unique digits may be placed in the field
with no embedded blanks.)
column Results column number for stype equals ELEM. See Integer > 0 Required
Remark 4.
group Group identification number. Integer > 0 0
stype Output set identification type, one of the following Character GRID
character variables: GRID or ELEM.

Remarks:

1. A separate plot is generated for each vector result requested in the Case Control.
2. XYDATA commands with the same group identification number will be plotted on the same x-y axes.
3. The XYPLOTCSVOUT directive can be used to generate an MS Excel Comma Separated Variable file
containing the plot data in tabular form. See Section 2, Initialization, for more information on
XYPLOTCSVOUT.
4. See Appendix A, Results Neutral File Formats, for result column number definition.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-138

 XYDATAGENERATE Generate X-Y Plots at Specified Grid Points or Elements

Description: Requests the generation of results x-y plots at specified grid points or elements.

Format:

XYDATAGENERATE, gsid/esid, component/column, group, stype

Examples:

XYDATAGENERATE, 5, 1, 2, GRID
XYDATAGENERATE, 15, 22, 3, ELEM

Option Definition Type Default

gsid Grid set identification number for stype equals GRID. Set Integer > 0 Required
identification of previously appearing SET command. Only
grid points whose identification numbers appear on this
SET command will be used.
esid Element set identification number for stype equals ELEM. Integer > 0 Required
Set identification of previously appearing SET command.
Only elements whose identification numbers appear on
this SET command will be used.
component Component number of global coordinate for stype equals 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 123456
GRID. (Up to six unique digits may be placed in the field
with no embedded blanks.)
column Results column number for stype equals ELEM. See Integer > 0 Required
Remark 4.
group Group identification number. Integer > 0 0
stype Output set identification type, one of the following Character GRID
character variables: GRID or ELEM.

Remarks:

1. A separate plot is generated for each vector result requested in the Case Control.
2. XYDATA commands with the same group identification number will be plotted on the same x-y axes.
3. The XYPLOTCSVOUT directive can be used to generate an MS Excel Comma Separated Variable file
containing the plot data in tabular form. See Section 2, Initialization, for more information on
XYPLOTCSVOUT.
4. See Appendix A, Results Neutral File Formats, for result column number definition.

Autodesk Nastran Case Control 3-1

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

Section 4

BULK DATA

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 3-2

Reference Manual The Bulk Data Section

The Bulk Data Section

The Bulk Data Section contains entries that define the model. This consists of model geometry, element connectivity,
element and material properties, constraints, and loads. Certain entries, such as loads and constraints, are not active
unless selected by an appropriate Case Control command.

Bulk Data Entry Descriptions

Each Bulk Data entry is described using the following format:

Description
A single sentence Description is given which states the function of the Bulk Data entry.

Format
The entry syntax is defined under Format. The first field gives the entry name. The following fields are referenced
under Field and Definition. Light shaded fields are optional. Dark shaded fields must be left blank. If field 10 is
dark shaded, then no continuation entries are permitted.

Example
A typical example is given under Example.

Field, Definition, Type, and Default

Each of the fields 2 through 9 that are named under Format is briefly described under Definition. The field’s type
(e.g., Integer, Real, or Character) and allowable range are specified under Type. If the field has a default, then it will
be given under Default. If user input is required, then “Required” will be specified.

Remarks
Additional information about the entry is given under Remarks.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-3

Reference Manual $

$ Comment

Description: Used to add comments to the Model Input File.

Format:

$ followed by any characters out to column 80.

Example:

$ NITROGEN TANK PROPERTIES

Remarks:

1. Comments are ignored by the program and may appear anywhere within the Model Input File.
2. Comments will not appear in either the sorted or unsorted echo of the Bulk Data or in the Bulk Data File.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-5

Reference Manual ASET

ASET Analysis Set Definition

Description: Defines degrees of freedom in the analysis set (a-set).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ASET G1 C1 G2 C2 G3 C3 G4 C4

Example:

ASET 15 3 17 456 7 4

Field Definition Type Default

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0 Required

Ci Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. When ASET, ASET1, QSET, and/or QSET1 entries are present, all degrees of freedom not otherwise
constrained (i.e., SPCi or MPC entries) will be placed in the omitted set (o-set).
2. ASET generation can be automated using the XSETGENERATE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-6

Reference Manual ASET1

ASET1 Analysis Set Definition, Alternate Form

Description: Defines degrees of freedom in the analysis set (a-set).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ASET1 C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 G9 G10 - etc.-

Example:

ASET1 123 6 3 7 10 18 14 11
19 23

Alternate Format and Example:

ASET1 C G1 THRU G2

ASET1 456 15 THRU 512

Field Definition Type Default

C Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required

unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)
Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
G1 < G2

Remarks:

1. When ASET, ASET1, QSET, and/or QSET1 entries are present, all degrees of freedom not otherwise
constrained (i.e., SPCi or MPC entries) will be placed in the omitted set (o-set).
2. If the alternate form is used, points in the sequence G1 through G2 are not required to exist. Points that do
not exist will be skipped.
3. ASET generation can be automated using the XSETGENERATE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-7

Reference Manual BAROR

BAROR CBAR Entry Default Values

Description: Defines default values for field 3 and fields 6 through 8 of the CBAR entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BAROR PID X1 X2 X3

Example:

BAROR 56 0.5 2.7 -3.2

Alternate Format and Example:

BAROR PID G0

BAROR 46 14

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number of a PBAR entry. Integer > 0 Required

X1, X2, X3 Components of vector v , from GA, in the displacement Real or blank
coordinate system at GA (see Figure 1).
G0 Grid point identification number to optionally supply X1, Integer or blank
X2, and X3. Direction of orientation vector is GA to G0.

Remarks:

1. The contents of fields on this entry will be assumed for any CBAR entry whose corresponding fields are
blank.
2. Only one BAROR entry is allowed.
3. If field 6 is an integer, then G0 is used. If field 6 is blank or real, then X1, X2, X3 is used.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-8

Reference Manual BCONP

BCONP Slide Line Contact Parameters

Description: Defines the parameters for a slide line contact region.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BCONP ID SECON PRIMAR SFACT FRICID PTYPE CID

DARY Y
V0 TMAX MAR TRMIN SMAX CTC

Example:

BCONP 15 10 20 10.0 2

Field Definition Type Default

ID Contact region identification number. Integer > 0 Required

SECONDARY Secondary region identification number. Integer > 0 Required
PRIMARY Primary region identification number. Integer > 0 Required
SFACT Stiffness scaling factor used to scale the penalty values Real > 0.0 1.0
determined automatically. See Remark 4.
FRICID Contact friction identification number. See Remark 5. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
PTYPE Penetration type. See Remarks 6 and 7. 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 8 1
1 = Unsymmetric general contact (slave penetration
only)
2 = Symmetric general contact
3 = Unsymmetric welded contact
4 = Symmetric welded contact
5 = Unsymmetric bi-directional sliding contact
6 = Symmetric bi-directional sliding contact
7 = Unsymmetric rough contact
8 = Symmetric rough contact
CID Coordinate system identification number to define plane Integer ≥ 0 or 0
of contact. See Remark 9. blank
V0 Penetration edge offset. See Remark 10. Real 0.0
TMAX Maximum allowable penetration used in the adjustment of Real ≥ 0.0 See
penalty values normal to the slide line. A positive value Remark 11
activates the penalty value adjustment. See Remark 11.
MAR Maximum allowable adjustment ratio for adaptive penalty Real > 1.0 100.0
values K and FSTIF. See Remark 12.
TRMIN Fraction of TMAX defining the lower bound for the 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 0.001
allowable penetration. See Remark 13.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-9

Reference Manual BCONP

Field Definition Type Default

SMAX Maximum allowable slip used in the adjustment of penalty Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
values parallel to the contact plane (FSTIF). A positive
value activates the penalty value adjustment. See Remark
14.
CTC Contact thermal conductance. See Remark 15. Real ≥ 0.0 ∞

Remarks:

1. Contact region identification number must be unique with respect to all other BCONP identification numbers.
2. The SLAVE field defines the slave line by referencing a BLSEG Bulk Data entry. The width of each slave
segment is defined via the BWIDTH Bulk Data entry. The width must be defined to get the proper contact
stress if symmetrical penetration is specified.
3. The MASTER field defines the master line by referencing a BLSEG Bulk Data entry. The width of each
master segment is defined via the BWIDTH Bulk Data entry. The width must be defined to get the proper
contact stress.
4. SFACT may be used to scale the penalty values that are determined automatically based on adjacent
diagonal stiffness matrix coefficients. Additionally, penalty values calculated may be further scaled by the
SLINEKSFACT model parameter (see Section 5, Parameters, for more information on SLINEKSFACT). The
penalty value is then equal to k ∗SFACT ∗ SLINEKSFACT , where k is a value selected for each slave node
based on the diagonal stiffness matrix coefficient and SFACT is specified in the SFACT field above. Note
that the SLINEKSFACT value applies to all contact regions in the model. Penalty values are normally
recalculated every time there is a change in stiffness. However, if SLINEKSFACT is negative, penalty values
are not recalculated. This setting is recommended if problems with convergence are encountered.
5. The referenced FRICIC is the identification number of the BFRIC Bulk Data entry. The BFRIC defines friction
properties for the contact region.
6. For unsymmetric contact, only the penetration of the slave node into the master segments is checked. This
may lead to the master nodes penetrating the slave segments. This error is reduced as the mesh density is
increased. For symmetric penetration, both the slave and master nodes are checked for penetration. This
is accomplished by generating a slave node, master segment element using the MASTER line for the slave
nodes and the SLAVE line for the master segments.
7. Welded contact behavior is accomplished by selecting the unsymmetric or symmetric welded contact setting
(3 or 4). With either setting the element will behave the same in tension as in compression and will not slide.
Note that for linear solutions general contact will default to welded behavior. Bi-directional sliding contact
behavior is accomplished by selecting the unsymmetric or symmetric bi-directional contact setting (5 or 6).
With either setting the element will act similar to a welded contact element in tension and compression, but
will slide in-plane. Bi-directional sliding contact is available in all solutions. Rough contact behavior is
accomplished by selecting the unsymmetric or symmetric rough contact setting (7 or 8). With either setting
the element will act similar to a general contact element in tension and compression, but will not permit sliding
in-plane.
8. This element will default to welded contact in linear solutions including linear static analysis with linear contact
enabled. A nonlinear solution must be selected for general contact behavior.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-10

Reference Manual BCONP

9. Figure 1 shows a typical slide line contact definition. The slide line coordinate system z-axis defines the slide
line contact plane. An alternate coordinate axis other than the z-axis may be specified using PARAM,
SLINEPLANEZDIR (see Section 5, Parameters, for more information on SLINEPLANEZDIR). Relative
motions outside the slide line plane are ignored and should be small compared to a typical master segment.
The normal direction for a slide line segment is formed from the cross product of the slide line plane vector
and the vector from master node 1 to master node 2. The definition of the coordinate system should be such
that the normal direction points toward the slave region. For symmetric penetration the normals of the master
and slave segments must face each other. This is generally accomplished by ordering the nodes on the
master and slave lines either clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the direction of the slide line plane.
10. A positive value of V0 offsets the contact line in the element y-direction and results in a contact condition
occurring when a slave node penetrates the offset line.
11. There are two methods for adaptive stiffness updates normal to the slide line: proximity stiffness based and
displacement based.
a) When TMAX ≠ 0.0, the displacement based stiffness update method is selected. The value specified
defines the allowable penetration of the slave node into the master line. The recommended TMAX
value is between 1% and 10% of the element thickness for plates or the equivalent thickness for other
elements that are connected to the contact element.
b) When TMAX = 0.0 (default), the update method selected is dependent on the SLINESLIDETYPE and
SLINEMAXDISPTOL model parameter settings. When SLINESLIDETYPE is set to DYNAMIC, the
proximity stiffness based update method is selected. When SLINESLIDETYPE is set to STATIC, the
displacement based stiffness update method is selected where SLINEMAXDISPTOL defines the
default TMAX value using
TMAX = SLINEMAXDI SPTOL ∗ 
where  is the total length of the master slide line. See Section 5, Parameters, for more information
on SLINESLIDETYPE and SLINEMAXDISPTOL.
12. The maximum adjustment ratio MAR defines the upper and lower bounds of the adjusted value by
Kinitial
≤ K ≤ Kinitial ∗ MAR
MAR
13. TRMIN is used for the penalty value adjustment and defines the lower bound for the allowable penetration
computed by TRMIN ∗ TMAX. The penalty values are decreased if the penetration is below the lower bound.
14. There are two methods for adaptive stiffness updates parallel to the contact plane: proximity stiffness based
and displacement based. If SMAX ≠ 0.0, the displacement based update method is selected. When SMAX
= 0.0 (default), the proximity stiffness based update method is selected. If FSTIF is specified it will be used
as the penalty stiffness for stick when the proximity stiffness method is used. If SMAX ≠ 0.0, the FSTIF value
will be adjusted internally to achieve the SMAX displacement specified.
15. The thermal contact conductance CTC is defined as
Ctc = q ∆T

where ∆T is the change in temperature between the slave node and average of the master nodes and q is
the heat flux through the slide line. Thermal contact conductance is only applicable in heat transfer solutions.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-11

Reference Manual BCONP

k-th Slave Segment

k-1
k Slave Line
k+1

l-1
l Master Line
l+1

l-th Master Segment

z
Slide Line Plane Vector Direction

Figure 1. Slide Line Contact Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-12

Reference Manual BEAMOR

BEAMOR CBEAM Entry Default Values

Description: Defines default values for field 3 and fields 6 through 8 of the CBEAM entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BEAMOR PID X1 X2 X3

Example:

BEAMOR 56 0.5 2.7 -3.2

Alternate Format and Example:

BEAMOR PID G0

BEAMOR 46 14

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number of a PBEAM entry. Integer > 0 Required

X1, X2, X3 Components of vector v , from GA, in the displacement Real or blank
coordinate system at GA (see Figure 1).
G0 Grid point identification number to optionally supply X1, Integer or blank
X2, and X3. Direction of orientation vector is GA to G0.

Remarks:

1. The contents of fields on this entry will be assumed for any CBEAM entry whose corresponding fields are
blank.
2. Only one BEAMOR entry is allowed.
3. If field 6 is an integer, then G0 is used. If field 6 is blank or real, then X1, X2, X3 is used.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-13

Reference Manual BFRIC

BFRIC Contact Friction

Description: Defines frictional properties between two bodies in slide line contact.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BFRIC FID FSTIF MU

Example:

BFRIC 15 0.1

Field Definition Type Default

FID Friction identification number. Integer > 0 Required

FSTIF Frictional stiffness for stick. See Remark 3. Real ≥ 0.0 Model
dependent
MU Coefficient of static friction. Real ≥ 0.0 0.0

Remarks:

1. Friction identification number must be unique with respect to all other BFRIC identification numbers.
2. This entry is used in the FRICID field of the BCONP Bulk Data entry.
3. The value of frictional stiffness should be chosen carefully. A method of choosing a value is to divide the
expected frictional strength (MU ∗ expected normal force) by a reasonable value of the relative displacement
which may be permitted before slip occurs. A large stiffness value may cause poor convergence, while too
small a value may cause reduced accuracy.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-14

Reference Manual BLSEG

BLSEG Boundary Line Segments

Description: Defines a curve which is comprised of a number of line segments via grid points that may come in
contact with another curve.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BLSEG ID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 G9 G10 - etc.-

Example:

BLSEG 2 3 5 7 9 11 13 15
17 21 27

Alternate Format and Example:

BLSEG ID G1 THRU G2 BY INC

BLSEG 10 23 THRU 55 BY 2

Field Definition Type Default

ID Boundary line identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Grid points form line Integer > 0 Required
segments of a curve and must be ordered so that the
normal to the segment points toward the other curve.
See Remark 2.
INC Grid point identification number increment. Integer or blank

Remarks:

1. Boundary line identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other BLSEG and BSSEG entries.
2. A line segment is defined between every two consecutive grid points. The number of segments defined
equals the number of grid points specified minus one.
3. The width of each segment is defined via the BWIDTH Bulk Data entry. The BWIDTH entry requires the
same ID as the BLSEG entry. For each segment defined on the BLSEG entry a corresponding width is
defined on the BWIDTH entry.
4. The normal to the segment is determined by the cross product of the slide line plane vector (i.e., the z-
direction of the coordinate system defined in the CID field of the BCONP Bulk Data entry) and the vector
formed from node 1 to node 2 of the segment.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-15

Reference Manual BOLT

BOLT Bolt Definition

Description: Selects CBEAM or CBAR elements for bolt preload analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BOLT BID EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5 EID6

EID7 EID8 - etc.-

Example:

BOLT 10 15 18 22 25 32 45
47 51

Alternate Format and Example:

BOLT BID EID1 THRU EID2 BY INC

BOLT 10 11 THRU 15

Field Definition Type Default

BID Bolt identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EIDi Element identification number of CBEAM or CBAR Integer > 0 Required
element(s) to be included in bolt preload analysis.

Remarks:

1. Bolt preloads are supported in the following solutions:

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-16

Reference Manual BOLT

Solution Character Variable Solution Number

LINEAR STATIC 101
LINEAR BUCKLING 105
NONLINEAR STATIC 106
NONLINEAR TRANSIENT RESPONSE 129
NONLINEAR BUCKLING 180
PRESTRESS STATIC 181
LINEAR PRESTRESS MODAL 182
LINEAR PRESTRESS FREQUENCY RESPONSE 183
LINEAR PRESTRESS TRANSIENT RESPONSE 184
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS MODAL 185
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS FREQUENCY RESPONSE 186
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS TRANSIENT RESPONSE 187
LINEAR PRESTRESS COMPLEX EIGENVALUE 188
NONLINEAR PRESTRESS COMPLEX EIGENVALUE 189

2. In buckling solutions (105 and 180) both the bolt preload and externally applied loads will be scaled to
determine the critical load.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-17

Reference Manual BOLTFOR

BOLTFOR Preload Force on Bolt Elements

Description: Defines a preload force applied to bolt elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BOLTFOR SID LOAD B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

B7 B8 - etc.-

Example:

BOLTFOR 10 1500.0 15 18 22 25 32 45
47 51 57

Alternate Format and Example:

BOLTFOR SID LOAD B1 THRU B2 BY INC

BOLTFOR 10 1500.0 11 THRU 15

Field Definition Type Default

SID BOLTLD set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

LOAD Preload force. Real Required
Bi Bolt identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
EID1 < EID2
INC Bolt identification number increment. Integer or blank

Remarks:

1. Bolt preload analysis sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (BOLTLD = SID).
2. If the alternate form is used, all bolts B1 through B2 that do not exist will be skipped.
3. The same bolt id must not be specified more than once.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-18

Reference Manual BOUTPUT

BOUTPUT Output Slide Line Contact

Description: Specifies slave nodes for slide line contact output.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BOUTPUT ID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 G9 G10 - etc.-

Example:

BOUTPUT 2 3 5 7 9 11 13 15
17 21 27

Alternate Format and Example:

BOUTPUT ID G1 THRU G2 BY INC

BOUTPUT 10 23 THRU 55 BY 2

Field Definition Type Default

ID Corresponding BLSEG entry identification number. See Integer > 0 Required

Remark 1.
Gi Grid point identification number of the slave node for Integer > 0 Required
which output is requested. See Remark 2.
INC Grid point identification number increment. Integer or blank

Remarks:

1. The BOUTPUT entry requires the same ID as the BLSEG entry.

2. For each segment defined on the BLSEG entry a corresponding output request is defined on the BOUTPUT
entry. The ALL character variable may be used to request output for all segments.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-19

Reference Manual BSCONP

BSCONP Surface Contact Parameters

Description: Defines the parameters for a surface contact region.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BSCONP ID SECON PRIMAR SFACT FSTIF MU PTYPE MAXAD

DARY Y
W0 TMAX MAR TRMIN MAXRAD MAXNAD SMAX CTC
FT SDMAXT SDMAXS UDINITT UDINITS UDMAXT UDMAXS PRSFIT

Example:

BSCONP 11 2 5 0.2 2
1.0+5

Field Definition Type Default

ID Contact region identification number. Integer > 0 Required

SECONDA Secondary region identification number. Integer > 0 Required
RY
PRIMARY Primary region identification number. Integer > 0 Required
SFACT Stiffness scaling factor used to scale the penalty values Real > 0.0 1.0
determined automatically. See Remark 4.
FSTIF Frictional stiffness for stick. See Remarks 5 and 12. Real ≥ 0.0 Model
dependent
MU Coefficient of static friction. Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
PTYPE Penetration type. See Remarks 6 and 7. 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 11 1
1 = Unsymmetric general contact (slave penetration only)
2 = Symmetric general contact
3 = Unsymmetric welded contact
4 = Symmetric welded contact
5 = Unsymmetric bi-directional sliding contact
6 = Symmetric bi-directional sliding contact
7 = Unsymmetric rough contact
8 = Symmetric rough contact
9 = Unsymmetric offset welded contact
10 = Symmetric offset welded contact
11 = RBE3 element
MAXAD Maximum activation distance. See Remark 8. Real ≥ 0.0 or See
AUTO Remark 8
W0 Penetration surface offset. See Remark 9. Real 0.0

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-20

Reference Manual BSCONP

Field Definition Type Default

TMAX Maximum allowable penetration used in the adjustment of Real ≥ 0.0 See Remark 10
penalty values normal to the contact plane. A positive value
activates the penalty value adjustment. See Remark 10.
MAR Maximum allowable adjustment ratio for adaptive penalty Real > 1.0 100.0
values K and FSTIF. See Remark 11.
TRMIN Fraction of TMAX defining the lower bound for the 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 0.001
allowable penetration. See Remark 12.
MAXRAD Maximum radial activation distance. See Remark 13. Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
MAXNAD Maximum normal activation distance. See Remark 13. Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
SMAX Maximum allowable slip used in the adjustment of penalty Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
values parallel to the contact plane (FSTIF). A positive
value activates the penalty value adjustment. See Remark
14.
CTC Thermal contact conductance. See Remark 15. Real ≥ 0.0 ∞
FT Failure theory. The following weld bond failure theories are Character or WFM
allowed. blank
WFM for the Weld Failure Model
CZM for the Cohesive Zone Model
SDMAXT Tensile stress of the weld bonding material when damage Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
initiates. See Remark 16. blank
SDMAXS Shear stress of the weld bonding material when damage Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
initiates. See Remark 16. blank
UDINITT Separation normal to the master weld surface when bond Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
damage initiates. See Remark 16. blank
UDINITS Slip tangential to the master weld surface when bond Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
damage initiates. See Remark 16. blank
UDMAXT Separation normal to the master weld surface when bond Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
damage results in complete failure. See Remark 16. blank
UDMAXS Slip tangential to the master weld surface when bond Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
damage results in complete failure. See Remark 16. blank
PRSFIT Press fit option, one of the following character variables:
YES or NO. See Remark 17.

Remarks:

1. Contact region identification number must be unique with respect to all other BCONP and BSCONP
identification numbers.
2. The SECONDARY field defines the secondary surface by referencing a BSSEG Bulk Data entry.
3. The PRIMARY field defines the primary surface by referencing a BSSEG Bulk Data entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-21

Reference Manual BSCONP

4. SFACT may be used to scale the penalty values that are determined automatically based on adjacent
diagonal stiffness matrix coefficients. Additionally, penalty values calculated may be further scaled by the
SLINEKSFACT model parameter (see Section 5, Parameters, for more information on SLINEKSFACT). The
penalty value is then equal to k ∗SFACT ∗ SLINEKSFACT , where k is a value selected for each secondary
node based on the diagonal stiffness matrix coefficient and SFACT is specified in the SFACT field above.
Note that the SLINEKSFACT value applies to all contact regions in the model. The use of a scale factor
(SFACT or SLINEKSFACT) less than one is recommended when convergence problems arise and a value
greater than one when excessive penetration occurs. Penalty values are normally recalculated every time
there is a change in stiffness. However, if SLINEKSFACT is negative, penalty values are not recalculated.
This setting is generally not recommended.
5. The value of frictional stiffness should be chosen carefully. A method of choosing a value is to divide the
expected frictional strength (MU ∗ expected normal force) by reasonable value of the relative displacement
before slip occurs. A large stiffness value may cause poor convergence, while too small a value may result
in reduced accuracy. An alternative method is to specify the value of relative displacement using SMAX.
6. For unsymmetric contact, only the penetration of the secondary node into the primary segments is checked.
This may lead to the primary nodes penetrating the secondary segments. This error is reduced as the mesh
density is increased. For symmetric penetration, both the secondary and primary nodes are check for
penetration. This is accomplished by generating a secondary node, primary segment element using the
PRIMARY surface for the secondary nodes and the SECONDARY surface for the primary segments.
7. Welded contact behavior is accomplished by selecting the unsymmetric or symmetric welded contact setting
(3, 4, 9, 10, or 11). With either setting the element will behave the same in tension as in compression and
will not slide. Note that for linear solutions with the LINEARCONTACT model parameter set to OFF, general
contact will default to welded behavior (see Section 5, Parameters, for more information on
LINEARCONTACT). Bi-directional sliding contact behavior is accomplished by selecting the unsymmetric or
symmetric bi-directional contact setting (5 or 6). With either setting the element will act similar to a welded
contact element in tension and compression, but will slide in-plane. Bi-directional sliding contact is available
in all solutions. Rough contact behavior is accomplished by selecting the unsymmetric or symmetric rough
contact setting (7 or 8). With either setting the element will act similar to a general contact element in tension
and compression, but will not permit sliding in-plane. The offset weld setting (9 or 10) is intended for welded
connections with significant separation between contact surfaces. Welded contact with a separation less
than the value defined by the SLINEOFFSETTOL model parameter is automatically converted to an offset
weld (see Section 5, Parameters, for more information on SLINEOFFSETTOL).
8. MAXAD may be used to prevent unnecessary generation of contact segments when little or no sliding is
expected. Elements are only generated if the distance from any contact surface master node to the potential
slave node is less than (1.0E − 5) ∗ 13 + MAXAD , where 13 is the distance from node 1 to node 3 of the
contact surface. The default MAXAD value is set by the model parameter SLINEMAXACTDIST and permits
general sliding in any direction. The AUTO setting is recommended for optimal performance when little or
no sliding is expected.
9. The contact plane is defaulted to the xy-plane of the master nodes. A positive value of W0 offsets the contact
plane in the element z-direction and results in a contact condition occurring when a slave node penetrates
the offset plane.
10. There are two methods for adaptive stiffness updates normal to the contact plane: proximity stiffness based
and displacement based.
a) When TMAX ≠ 0.0, the displacement based stiffness update method is selected. The value specified
defines the allowable penetration of the slave node into the master surface. The recommended TMAX
value is between 1% and 10% of the element thickness for plates or the equivalent thickness for other
elements that are connected to the contact element.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-22

Reference Manual BSCONP

b) When TMAX = 0.0 (default), the update method selected is dependent on the SLINESLIDETYPE and
SLINEMAXDISPTOL model parameter settings. When SLINESLIDETYPE is set to DYNAMIC, the
proximity stiffness based update method is selected. When SLINESLIDETYPE is set to STATIC, the
displacement based stiffness update method is selected where SLINEMAXDISPTOL defines the
default TMAX value using
TMAX = SLINEMAXDI SPTOL ∗ Area
where Area is the total area of the contact element master surface. See Section 5, Parameters, for
more information on SLINESLIDETYPE and SLINEMAXDISPTOL.
11. TRMIN is used for the penalty value adjustment and defines the lower bound for the allowable penetration
computed by TRMIN ∗ TMAX. The penalty values are decreased if the penetration is below the lower bound.
12. The maximum adjustment ratio MAR defines the upper and lower bounds of the adjusted value by
Kinitial
≤ K ≤ Kinitial ∗ MAR
MAR
13. MAXRAD and MAXNAD are an alternative to MAXAD. If either one is set to a non-zero value MAXAD will
be ignored and MAXRAD and/or MAXNAD will be used instead. When MAXRAD is specified elements are
only generated if the element in-plane distance from any contact surface master node to the potential slave
node is less than (1.0E − 5) ⋅ 13 + MAXRAD , where 13 is the distance from node 1 to node 3 of the contact
surface. When MAXNAD is specified elements are only generated if the element normal distance from any
contact surface primary node to the potential secondary node is less than MAXNAD.
14. There are two methods for adaptive stiffness updates parallel to the contact plane: proximity stiffness based
and displacement based. If SMAX ≠ 0.0, the displacement based update method is selected. When SMAX
= 0.0 (default), the proximity stiffness based update method is selected. If FSTIF is specified it will be used
as the penalty stiffness for stick when the proximity stiffness method is used. If SMAX ≠ 0.0, the FSTIF value
will be adjusted internally to achieve the SMAX displacement specified.
15. The thermal contact conductance TCC is defined as
Ctc = q ∆T

where ∆T is the change in temperature between the secondary node and average of the primary nodes and
q is the heat flux through the contact surface. Thermal contact conductance is only applicable in heat transfer
solutions.
16. There are two failure theories available for weld bond failure: WFM (Weld Failure Model) and CZM (Cohesive
Zone Model). The WFM failure theory has two damage models used for modeling weld failure: stress-based
and deformation-based. The usage of SDMAXi, UDINITi, and UDMAXi and default values are given below.
One or both components of SDMAXi, UDINITi, or UDMAXi may be specified. SDMAXi values are ignored if
UDINITi values are specified. Stress-based and deformation-based weld failure is only supported when
PTYPE equals 3 or 4. Deformation-based weld failure is also supported for PTYPE is set to 9 or 10 (offset
welded contact) or when PTYPE is set to 3 or 4 and reverts to 9 or 10 due to a separation greater than
PARAM, SLINEOFFSETTOL. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on SLINEOFFSETTOL.)
Stress-based weld failure is not supported for offset welded contact.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-23

Reference Manual BSCONP

SDMAXi UDINITi UDMAXi WFM Damage Model and Default Values

 Stress-based damage model where UDINITi is calculated using
SDMAXi and the equivalent weld stress and displacement from the
first load increment. UDMAXi is the incremental deformation to
failure after damage initiation and is set to 0.1% of the calculated
UDINITi value.
  Stress-based damage model where UDINITi is calculated using
SDMAXi and the equivalent weld stress and displacement from the
first load increment. UDMAXi is the incremental deformation to
failure after damage initiation.
  Deformation-based damage model.
 Deformation-based damage model where UDMAXi is defaulted to 2
∗UDINITi.
 Deformation-based damage model where UDINITi is defaulted to 0.5
∗UDMAXi.
No damage model is used.

The CZM failure theory requires either SDMAXT and UDMAXT or SDMAXS and UDMAXS to be specified.
UDINITi are ignored. CZM is only supported when PTYPE equals 3 or 4 and is not supported for offset
welded contact.
17. Setting the PRSFIT field to ON enables press fit contact which does the following:
• PARAM, SLINESLIDETYPE will be forced to STATIC. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more
information on SLINESLIDETYPE).
• The grid points associated with the contact surfaces will not be adjusted regardless of the PARAM,
NCONTACTGEOMITER setting. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on
NCONTACTGEOMITER).
• The SFACT value will be lowered to 0.01 and the MAR value will be updated to bring the initial
penetration, set either through actual penetrating geometry or using W0, to zero at the end of the
first subcase.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-24

Reference Manual BSET

BSET Fixed Analysis Set Definition

Description: Defines analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be fixed (b-set) during generalized dynamic
reduction or component mode synthesis calculations.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BSET G1 C1 G2 C2 G3 C3 G4 C4

Example:

BSET 15 3 17 456 7 4

Field Definition Type Default

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0 Required

Ci Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. If there are no CSETi or BSETi entries present, all a-set points are considered fixed during component mode
analysis. If there are only BSETi entries present, any a-set degrees of freedom not listed are placed in the
free boundary set (c-set). If there are both BSETi and CSETi entries present, the c-set degrees of freedom
are defined by the CSETi entries, and any remaining a-set points are placed in the b-set.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-25

Reference Manual BSET1

BSET1 Fixed Analysis Set Definition, Alternate Form

Description: Defines analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be fixed (b-set) during generalized dynamic
reduction or component mode synthesis calculations.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BSET1 C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 G9 G10 - etc.-

Example:

BSET1 123 6 3 7 10 18 14 11
19 23

Alternate Format and Example:

BSET1 C G1 THRU G2

BSET1 456 15 THRU 512

Field Definition Type Default

C Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required

unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)
Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
G1 < G2

Remarks:

1. If there are no CSETi or BSETi entries present, all a-set points are considered fixed during component mode
analysis. If there are only BSETi entries present, any a-set degrees of freedom not listed are placed in the
free boundary set (c-set). If there are both BSETi and CSETi entries present, the c-set degrees of freedom
are defined by the CSETi entries, and any remaining a-set points are placed in the b-set.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-26

Reference Manual BSSEG

BSSEG Boundary Surface Segments

Description: Defines a surface which is comprised of a quadrilateral or triangular segments via grid points that
may come in contact with another surface.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BSSEG ID G1A G2A G3A G4A G1B G2B G3B

G4B G1C G2C G3C G4C - etc.-

Example:

BSSEG 2 3 5 7 9 11 13 15
21 27 33 38

Alternate Format and Example:

BSSEG ID G1 THRU G2 BY INC

BSSEG 10 23 THRU 55 BY 2

Field Definition Type Default

ID Boundary surface identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Grid points form Integer > 0 Required
quadrilateral or triangular segments of a surface and
must be ordered so that the normal to the segment points
toward the other surface using the right hand rule. See
Remark 2.

Remarks:

1. Boundary surface identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other BLSEG and BSSEG entries.
2. A triangular segment is defined by specifying a zero or blank for the fourth node.
3. The normal to the segment is determined by the ordering of the segment nodes using the right hand rule.
Each segment normal of a contact surface must point toward the opposite surface.
4. The alternate format should only be used when referenced as a slave surface on a BSCONP entry with
unsymmetric penetration specified.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-27

Reference Manual BWIDTH

BWIDTH Boundary Line Segment Width

Description: Specifies widths for line segments defined on BLSEG Bulk Data entries.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BWIDTH ID W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 W6 W7
W8 W9 W10 - etc.-

Example:

BWIDTH 2 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.5 2.8 2.4 2.2

1.9 1.5

Alternate Format and Example:

BWIDTH ID W1 THRU W2 BY INC

BWIDTH 10 2.1 THRU 3.2 BY 0.1

Field Definition Type Default

ID Corresponding BLSEG entry identification number. See Integer > 0 Required

Remark 1.
Wi Width values for the corresponding line segments Real > 0.0 Required
defined in the BLSEG entry. See Remark 2.
INC Width value increment. Real or blank 1.0

Remarks:

1. The BWIDTH entry requires the same ID as the BLSEG entry.

2. For each segment defined on the BLSEG entry a corresponding width is defined on the BWIDTH entry. If
only one width is specified, the remaining segments will be set to that value.
3. If the BWIDTH entry is omitted, a default width of 1.0 will be used.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-28

Reference Manual CBAR

CBAR Simple Beam Element Connection

Description: Defines a simple beam element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CBAR EID PID GA GB X1 X2 X3

PA PB W1A W2A W3A W1B W2B W3B
F0

Example:

CBAR 10 100 101 102 0.0 0.0 1.0

456 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0
1.+4

Alternate Format and Example:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CBAR EID PID GA GB G0/X1 X2 X3

PA PB W1A W2A W3A W1B W2B W3B
F0

CBAR 2 39 7 6 105
45
1.+4

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PBAR entry. Integer > 0 Required
GA, GB Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0; Required
GA ≠ GB
X1, X2, X3 Components of vector v , from GA, in the displacement Real or blank
coordinate system at GA (see Figure 1).
G0 Grid point identification number to optionally supply X1, Integer or blank
X2, and X3. Direction of orientation vector is GA to G0.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-29

Reference Manual CBAR

Field Definition Type Default

PA, PB Pin flags for bar ends A and B, respectively (up to 5 of Integer > 0 or None
the unique digits 1-6 anywhere in the field with no blank
embedded blanks). Used to remove connections
between the grid point and selected degrees of freedom
of the bar. The degrees of freedom are defined in the
element's coordinate system (see Figure 1). The bar
must have stiffness associated with the PA and PB
degrees of freedom to be released by the pin flags. For
example, if PA = 4 is specified, the PBAR entry must
have a value for J, the torsional stiffness.
WiA, WiB Components of offset vectors w iA and w iB, Real or blank 0.0
respectively, in displacement coordinate systems at
points GA and GB, respectively (see Figure 1).
F0 Preload. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. If field 6 is an integer, then G0 is used. If field 6 is blank or real, then X1, X2, X3 is used.
3. G0 cannot be located at GA or GB.
4. If there are no pin flags or offsets, the continuation may be omitted.
5. Offset vectors are treated like rigid elements and are therefore subject to the same limitations.
a) Offset vectors do not affect thermal loads.
b) The specification of offset vectors is not recommended in solutions that compute differential stiffness
because the offset vector remains parallel to its original orientation (differential stiffness is computed
in buckling, prestress, and nonlinear analysis with PARAM, LGDISP, ON).


yelement v xelement
End B


Plane 1 Wb

Grid Point GB
Plane 2

zelement
 End A
Wa

Grid Point GA

Figure 1. CBAR Element Geometry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-30

Reference Manual CBAR

y
V1b

T M1a M1b

Fx Fx x
T
a Plane 1 b

V1a

Figure 2. CBAR Element Internal Forces and Moments (xy-Plane).

z
V2b

M2a M2b

a Plane 2 b
V2a

Figure 3. CBAR Element Internal Forces and Moments (xz-Plane).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-31

Reference Manual CBARAO

CBARAO Auxiliary Output Points Along Bar Element Axis

Description: A series of points along a bar element x-axis may be defined with this entry for stress and force
recovery output.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CBARAO EID SCALE X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6

Example:

CBARAO 1270 FR 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7

Alternate Format and Example:

CBARAO EID SCALE NPTS X1 DELTAX

CBARAO 1270 FR 4 0.2 0.2

Field Definition Type Default

EID CBAR element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

SCALE Defines scale of Xi values. Must be one of following Character Required
character variables: LE or FR.
Xi Series of locations along element x-axis for stress and Real > 0.0 0.0
force data recovery.
DELTAX Incremental distance along element x-axis. Real 0.0
NPTS Number of stress recovery points, not including the Integer > 0 0
endpoints.

Remarks:

1. This entry defines intermediate locations on the axis of selected CBAR elements for additional data recovery.
The values of Xi are actual distance along the length if SCALE = LE. If SCALE = FR, the values of Xi are
ratios of actual distance to the bar length.
2. When the alternate format is used, a series of locations Xi = X[i-1] + DELTAX, i = 1, 2, 3…, NPTS are
generated.
3. If a CBARAO entry is specified for a bar element and stress and/or force output is requested, then the
stresses and/or forces will be calculated at each location Xi and output as a separate line. The force and
stress values at the endpoints of the beam will always be output.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-32

Reference Manual CBARAO

4. Intermediate loads on the element defined by the PLOAD1 entry will be accounted for in the calculation of
element stresses and forces. If no PLOAD1 entry is defined for the element, the shear forces are constant,
the moments are linear, and the definition of additional points is not necessary.
5. For each bar element, either the basic format or the alternate format, but not both, may be used. A maximum
of six internal points can be specified with the basic form and nine with the alternate form. The endpoints
should not be listed because data will be generated for them, as explained in Remark 3. If more than six
unequally spaced internal points are desired, it is advisable to subdivide the bar into two or more elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-33

Reference Manual CBEAM

CBEAM Beam Element Connection

Description: Defines a beam element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CBEAM EID PID GA GB G0/X1 X2 X3

PA PB W1A W2A W3A W1B W2B W3B
F0

Example:

CBEAM 10 45 5 21 0.5 7.0 -1.3

123 1.0 1.0
1.+4

Alternate Format and Example:

CBEAM EID PID GA GB G0

PA PB W1A W2A W3A W1B W2B W3B
F0

CBEAM 12 29 7 6 105
45
1.+4

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PBEAM entry. Integer > 0 Required

GA, GB Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0; Required
GA ≠ GB
X1, X2, X3 Components of vector v , from GA, in the displacement Real or blank
coordinate system at GA.
G0 Grid point identification number to optionally supply X1, Integer or blank
X2, and X3. Direction of orientation vector is GA to G0.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-34

Reference Manual CBEAM

Field Definition Type Default

PA, PB Pin flags for bar ends A and B, respectively (up to 5 of Integer > 0 or None
the unique digits 1-6 anywhere in the field with no blank
embedded blanks). Used to remove connections
between the grid point and selected degrees of freedom
of the bar. The degrees of freedom are defined in the
element's coordinate system (see Figure 1). The bar
must have stiffness associated with the PA and PB
degrees of freedom to be released by the pin flags. For
example, if PA = 4 is specified, the PBAR entry must
have a value for J, the torsional stiffness.
WiA, WiB Components of offset vectors w iA and w iB, Real or blank 0.0
respectively, in displacement coordinate systems at
points GA and GB, respectively (see Figure 1).
F0 Preload. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. The following figure defines beam element geometry:

yelement
zmb
znb

v Nonstructural Mass
Center of Gravity ynb y
zma End B mb

Shear Center 
Neutral Axis
zna Wb

yna xelement Grid Point GB

Plane 1
yma

Plane 2

End A

Wa

Grid Point GA zelement

Figure 1. CBEAM Element Geometry System.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-35

Reference Manual CBEAM

zelement
yelement

Plane 1
M1

Plane 2

V2 Neutral Axis

V1 M2 Fx
xelement

Shear Center

Tx

Figure 2. CBEAM Internal Element Forces and Moments.

3. If field 6 is an integer, then G0 is used. If field 6 is blank or real, then X1, X2, X3 is used.
4. G0 cannot be located at GA or GB.
5. The continuation may be omitted if there are no pin flags or offsets.
6. Offset vectors are treated like rigid elements and are therefore subject to the same limitations.
a) Thermal loads are not affected by offset vectors.
b) The specification of offset vectors is not recommended in solutions that compute differential stiffness
because the offset vector remains parallel to its original orientation (differential stiffness is computed
in buckling, prestress, and nonlinear analysis with PARAM, LGDISP, ON).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-36

Reference Manual CBUSH

CBUSH Generalized Spring and Damper Connection

Description: Defines a generalized spring and damper structural element that may be nonlinear or frequency
dependent.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CBUSH EID PID GA GB G0/X1 X2 X3 CID

S OCID S1 S2 S3

Example:

CBUSH 45 5 11 67 78

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PBUSH entry. Integer > 0 Required
GA, GB Grid point identification number of connection points. Integer > 0 See Remark 6
X1, X2, X3 Components of vector v , from GA, in the displacement Real or blank
coordinate system at GA (see Figure 1).
G0 Grid point identification number to optionally supply X1, Integer or blank
X2, and X3. Direction of orientation vector is GA to G0.
CID Element coordinate system identification. A 0 means the Integer ≥ 0 or
basic coordinate system. If CID is blank, then the blank
element coordinate system is determined from G0 or Xi.
See Figure 1 and Remark 3.
S Location of spring damper. See Figure 2. 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 0.5
OCID Coordinate system identification of spring-damper offset. Integer ≥ -1 -1
See Remark 8.
S1, S2, S3 Components of spring-damper offset in the OCID Real
coordinate system if OCID ≥ 0. See Figure 2 and
Remark 8.

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. The bush element geometry is shown in Figure 1.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-37

Reference Manual CBUSH

yelement
 xelement
v

Grid Point GB

(1− S)∗

S∗
zelement
Grid Point GA

Figure 1. CBUSH Element Coordinate System.

zelement
yelement

(S1, S2, S3) xelement

Grid Point GB

Grid Point GA

Figure 2. Definition of Offset S1, S2, S3.

3. CID ≥ 0 overrides G0 and (X1, X2, X3). Then the element x-axis is along T1, the element y-axis is along T2,
and the element z-axis is along T3 of the CID coordinate system. If the CID refers to a cylindrical coordinate
system or a spherical coordinate system then grid GA is used to locate the system. If for cylindrical or
spherical coordinate, GA falls on the z-axis used to define them, it is recommended that another CID be
selected to define the element x-axis.
4. For noncoincident grids (GA ≠ GB), when G0 or (X1, X2, X3) is given and no CID is specified, then the line
GA – GB is the element x-axis and the orientation vector v lies in the x-y plane (similar to the CBEAM
element).
5. For noncoincident grids (GA ≠ GB), if neither G nor (X1, X2, X3) is specified and no CID is specified, then
the line GA – GB is the element x-axis. This option is valid only when K1 (or B1) or K4 (or B4) or both on
the PBUSH entry are specified (but K2, K3, K5, K6, or B2, B3, B5, B6 are not specified). If K2, K3, K5, or
K6 (or B2, B3, B5, or B6) are specified, a fatal message will be issued.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-38

Reference Manual CBUSH

6. A blank in field 5 may be used to indicate a grounded terminal GB. A grounded terminal is a point whose
displacement is constrained to zero.
7. If GA and GB are coincident, or if GB is blank, then CID must be specified.
8. If OCID = -1 or blank (default) then S is used and S1, S2, S3 are ignored. If OCID ≥ 0, then S is ignored and
S1, S2, S3 are used.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-39

Reference Manual CBUSH1D

CBUSH1D Rod Type Spring and Damper Connection

Description: Defines the connectivity of a one-dimensional spring and viscous damper element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CBUSH1D EID PID GA GB CID

Example:

CBUSH1D 30 105 109 114

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PBUSH1D entry. Integer > 0 Required
GA, GB Grid point identification number of connection points. Integer > 0 See Remark 4
CID Element coordinate system identification. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. For noncoincident grids GA ≠ GB and if CID is blank, the line GA to GB is the element axis. In nonlinear
analysis with large displacement effects turned on, the element axis follows the deformation of grids GA and
GB (see Figure 1).
3. If CID ≥ 0 is specified, the x-axis of the CID coordinate system is the element axis. In nonlinear analysis with
large displacement effects turned on, the element axis remains fixed.
4. A blank in field 5 may be used to indicate a grounded terminal GB. A grounded terminal is a point whose
displacement is constrained to zero.
5. If GA and GB are coincident or if GB is blank, then CID ≥ 0 must be specified and the element axis is the x-
axis of CID.

Grid Point GB

Grid Point GA

Figure 1. Spring and Damper Element.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-40

Reference Manual CCABLE

CCABLE Cable Element Connection

Description: Defines a tension-only element with optional bending stiffness.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CCABLE EID PID G1 G2

Example:

CCABLE 62 12 105 110

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PCABLE property entry. Integer > 0 Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, Required
G1 ≠ G2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. This element will default to a circular bar in linear solutions. A nonlinear solution must be selected for tension-
only behavior.

xelement
P

P a

Figure 1. CCABLE Element Internal Forces.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-41

Reference Manual CDAMP

CDAMP1 Scalar Damper Connection

Description: Defines a scalar damper element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CDAMP1 EID PID G1 C1 G2 C2

Example:

CDAMP1 19 6 20 2 30 2

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PDAMP property entry. Integer > 0 Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 2
C1, C2 Component numbers. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. A blank may be used to indicate a grounded terminal G1 or G2 with a corresponding blank or zero C1 or C2.
A grounded terminal is a point whose displacement is constrained to zero.
3. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2), must be distinct.
4. When this entry is used in heat transfer analysis, it generates a lumped heat capacity.
5. If Gi refers to a grid point then Ci refers to component numbers in the displacement coordinate system
specified by CD on the GRID entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-42

Reference Manual CDAMP

CDAMP2 Scalar Damper Property and Connection

Description: Defines a scalar damper element without reference to a material or property entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CDAMP2 EID B G1 C1 G2 C2

Example:

CDAMP2 16 2.98 32 1

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

B Value of scalar damper. Real Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 2
C1, C2 Component numbers. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. A blank may be used to indicate a grounded terminal G1 or G2 with a corresponding blank or zero C1 or C2.
A grounded terminal is a point whose displacement is constrained to zero.
3. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2), must be distinct.
4. When this entry is used in heat transfer analysis, it generates a lumped heat capacity.
5. If Gi refers to a grid point then Ci refers to component numbers in the displacement coordinate system
specified by CD on the GRID entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-43

Reference Manual CDAMP

CDAMP3 Scalar Damper Connection to Scalar Points Only

Description: Defines a scalar damper element that is connected only to scalar points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CDAMP3 EID PID S1 S2

Example:

CDAMP3 19 6 20 30

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PDAMP property entry. Integer > 0 Required
S1, S2 Scalar point identification numbers of connection points. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. S1 or S2 may be blank indicating a constrained coordinate.
3. When this entry is used in heat transfer analysis, it generates a lumped heat capacity.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-44

Reference Manual CDAMP

CDAMP4 Scalar Damper Property and Connection to Scalar Points

Description: Defines a scalar damper element that is connected only to scalar points and without reference to a
material or property entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CDAMP4 EID B S1 S2

Example:

CDAMP4 16 2.98 32 55

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

B Value of scalar damper. Real Required
S1, S2 Scalar point identification numbers of connection points. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. S1 or S2 may be blank indicating a constrained coordinate.
3. When this entry is used in heat transfer analysis, it generates a lumped heat capacity.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-45

Reference Manual CELAS

CELAS1 Scalar Spring Connection

Description: Defines a scalar spring element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CELAS1 EID PID G1 C1 G2 C2

Example:

CELAS1 12 101 22 4

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PELAS entry. Integer > 0 Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0 See Remark 2
C1, C2 Component numbers. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. A blank may be used to indicate a grounded terminal G1 or G2 with a corresponding blank or zero C1 or C2.
A grounded terminal is a point whose displacement is constrained to zero.
3. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2), must be distinct.
4. If Gi refers to a grid point then Ci refers to component numbers in the displacement coordinate system
specified by CD on the GRID entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-46

Reference Manual CELAS

CELAS2 Scalar Spring Property and Connection

Description: Defines a scalar spring element without reference to a property entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CELAS2 EID K G1 C1 G2 C2 GE S

Example:

CELAS2 124 1.+4 44 5 45 5

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

K Stiffness value. Real Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0 See Remark 2
C1, C2 Component numbers. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 See Remark 2
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remark 5. Real or blank 0.0
S Stress coefficient. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. A blank may be used to indicate a grounded terminal G1 or G2 with a corresponding blank or zero C1 or C2.
A grounded terminal is a point whose displacement is constrained to zero.
3. This single entry completely defines the element since no material or geometric properties are required.
4. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2) must be distinct.
5. If Gi refers to a grid point then Ci refers to component numbers in the displacement coordinate system
specified by CD on the GRID entry.
6. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)
7. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-47

Reference Manual CELAS

CELAS3 Scalar Spring Connection to Scalar Points Only

Description: Defines a scalar spring element that is connected only to scalar points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CELAS3 EID PID S1 S1

Example:

CELAS3 12 101 25 35

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PELAS entry. Integer > 0 Required
S1, S2 Scalar point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. A blank may be used to indicate a grounded terminal G1 or G2 with a corresponding blank or zero C1 or C2.
A grounded terminal is a point whose displacement is constrained to zero.
3. If Gi refers to a grid point then Ci refers to component numbers in the displacement coordinate system
specified by CD on the GRID entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-48

Reference Manual CELAS

CELAS4 Scalar Spring Property and Connection to Scalar Points Only

Description: Defines a scalar spring element that is connected only to scalar points and without reference to a
property entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CELAS4 EID K S1 S1 GE S

Example:

CELAS4 124 1.+4 44 5

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

K Stiffness value. Real Required
S1, S2 Scalar point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0 See Remark 2
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remark 4. Real or blank 0.0
S Stress coefficient. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. A blank may be used to indicate a grounded terminal G1 or G2 with a corresponding blank or zero C1 or C2.
A grounded terminal is a point whose displacement is constrained to zero.
3. This single entry completely defines the element since no material or geometric properties are required.
4. If Gi refers to a grid point then Ci refers to component numbers in the displacement coordinate system
specified by CD on the GRID entry.
5. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)
6. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-49

Reference Manual CGAP

CGAP Gap Element Connection

Description: Defines a gap or friction element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CGAP EID PID GA GB G0/X1 X2 X3 CID

Example:

CGAP 20 1 100 101 4.7 1.2 0.

Alternate Format and Example:

CGAP EID PID GA GB GO CID

CGAP 17 2 110 112 13

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PGAP entry. Integer > 0 Required
GA, GB Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0; Required
GA ≠ GB
X1, X2, X3 Components of vector v , from GA, in the displacement Real or blank
coordinate system at GA (see Figure 1).
G0 Grid point identification number to optionally supply X1, Integer or blank
X2, X3. Direction of orientation vector is GA to G0.
CID Element coordinate system identification number. CID Integer ≥ 0 or
must be specified if GA and GB are coincident. See blank
Remark 7.

Remarks:

1. The CGAP element is intended for use in nonlinear static analysis. It will produce a linear stiffness matrix for
all other solutions. The stiffness used depends on the gap state.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-50

Reference Manual CGAP

2. The gap element coordinate system is defined by one of two following methods:
a) If the coordinate system (CID field) is specified, the element coordinate system is established using
that coordinate system, in which the element x-axis is in the T1 direction and the y-axis in the T2
direction. The orientation vector v will be ignored in this case.
b) If the CID field is blank and the grid points GA and GB are not coincident, then the line AB is the
element x-axis and the orientation vector v lies in the x-y plane.
3. The element coordinate system does not rotate as a result of deflections.
4. Initial gap openings are defined on the PGAP entry and not by the separation distance between GA and GB.
5. Forces, which are requested with the STRESS Case Control command, are output in the element coordinate
system. Fx is positive for compression.
6. This element will default to a linear spring in linear solutions including linear static analysis with linear contact
enabled. A nonlinear solution must be selected for general contact behavior.
7. If CID is being used to define the element coordinate system and the CID refers to either a cylindrical or
spherical coordinate system then grid GA will be used to locate the system. If grid GA lies on the z-axis of
the cylindrical or spherical coordinate system it is recommended that a different coordinate system be used
to define the element orientation.
yelement

v Grid Point GB
KA - KB

xelement

KB

Grid Point GA

zelement

Figure 1. CGAP Element Coordinate System.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-51

Reference Manual CHBDYG

CHBDYG Geometric Surface Element Definition (Grid Form)

Description: Defines a boundary condition surface element for heat transfer analysis without reference to a
property form.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CHBDYG EID TYPE IVIEW RADMID

G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8

Example:

CHBDYG 5 AREA3
22 35 33 12

Field Definition Type Default

EID Surface element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

TYPE Surface type, see Remark 2. Character Required
IVIEW A VIEW identification number. Integer > 0
RADMID RADM identification number. Integer > 0
Gi Grid point identification numbers of grids bounding the Integer > 0 Required
surface.

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. TYPE specifies the kind of element surface. Supported types are REV, AREA3, AREA4, AREA6, and
AREA8.
• TYPE = REV
The REV type has two primary grid points that must lie in the x-z plane of the basic coordinate system.
A midside grid point G3 is optional and supports convection or heat flux from the edge of the six-noded
CTRIAX6 element. The defined area is a conical section with z as the axis of symmetry. A property
entry is required for convection, radiation, or thermal vector flux (see Figure 1).
• TYPE = AREA3, AREA4, AREA6, or AREA8.
These types have three and four primary grid points, respectively, that define a triangular or quadrilateral
surface and must be ordered to go around the boundary. A property entry is required for convection,
radiation, or thermal vector flux (see Figures 2 and 3).
3. These types have three and four primary grid points, respectively, which define a triangular or quadrilateral
surface and must be ordered to go around the boundary.
4. For defining the front face, the right-hand rule is used on the sequence G1 to G2 to … Gn of the grid points.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-52

Reference Manual CHBDYG

5. All conduction elements to which any boundary condition is to be applied must be individually identified with
one of the surface element entries: CHBDYG or CHBDYP.


G2 n

G3
G1

Figure 1. Normal Vector for CHBDYG Element TYPE = REV.

G3 G4 G3

G1 G2 G1 G2
AREA3 AREA4

G3 G4 G7 G3

G6 G5 G8 G6

G1 G4 G2 G1 G5 G2
AREA6 AREA8
(Grid points G4 through G6 optional) (Grid points G5 through G8 optional)

Figure 2. Surface TYPE Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-53

Reference Manual CHBDYG

G3 or G4

G2
T1x

T12

G1


n

Figure 3. Normal Vector for CHBDYG Element TYPE = AREAi.

The unit normal is given by:

 
(
 T12 × T1x
n=  
)
T12 × T1x
(G3 is used for triangles and G4 is used for quadrilaterals).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-54

Reference Manual CHBDYP

CHBDYP Geometric Surface Element Definition (Property Form)

Description: Defines a boundary condition surface element with reference to a PHBDY entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CHBDYP EID PID TYPE IVIEW G1 G2 G0

RADMID CID X1 X2 X3

Example:

CHBDYP 4 10 POINT 15
0.0 0.0 1.0

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PHBDY entry. Integer > 0 Required
TYPE Surface type, see Remark 3. Character Required
IVIEW A VIEW identification number. Integer > 0
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points of Integer > 0
the surface.
G0 Grid point identification number to optionally supply X1, Integer > 0 or
X2, and X3. Direction of orientation vector is G1 to G0. blank
RADMID RADM identification number. Integer > 0
CID Coordinate system for defining orientation vector. Integer > 0 0
Xi Components of the orientation vector in the coordinate Real or blank
system defined in field 5. The origin of the orientation
vector is a grid point G1.

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. For types POINT and LINE geometric orientation is required. The required information is sought in the
following order:
• If G0 > 0 is found on the CHBDYP entry, it is used.
• Otherwise, if a non-blank CE is found on the CHBDYP continuation entry, this CE and the corresponding
vectors E1, E2, and E3 are used.
• If none of the above apply, a warning message is issued.
3. All conduction elements to which any boundary condition is to be applied must be individually identified with
the application of one of either surface element entries: CHBDYG or CHBDYP.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-55

Reference Manual CHBDYP

4. TYPE specifies the kind of element surface. Supported types are POINTS and LINE.
a) TYPE = POINT
The POINT type has one primary grid point, requires a property entry, and the normal vector Vi must
be specified.


n
G1

Figure 1. Normal Vector for CHBDYP Element with Type Equal to POINT.

The unit normal is given by:

 V
n= 
V
b) TYPE = LINE
The LINE type has two primary grid points, requires a property entry, and the vector is required.


V

G2

 
n T

G1
Figure 2. Normal Vector for CHBDYP Element with Type Equal to LINE.
  
The unit normal lies in the plane V and T , is perpendicular to T , and is given by:
 T × (V × T)
n=   
T × (V × T)
5. The geometric orientation can be defined by either GO or the vector E1, E2, E3.
• If GO > zero:
For a POINT-type surface, the normal to the front face is the vector from G1 to GO. For the LINE-type
surface, the plane passes through G1, G2, GO and the right-hand rule is used on this sequence to get
the normal to the front face.
• If GO is zero:
For a POINT-type surface, the normal to the front face is the orientation vector. For the LINE-type
surface, the plane passes through G1, G2, and the orientation vector; the front face is based on the right-
hand rule for the vectors G2 – G1 and the orientation vector.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-56

Reference Manual CHEXA

CHEXA Six-Sided Solid Element Connection

Description: Defines the connections of a six-sided isoparametric solid element with eight to twenty grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CHEXA EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6

G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 G13 G14
G15 G116 G17 G18 G19 G20

Example:

CHEXA 71 4 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 30 31 53 54
55 56 57 58 59 60

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PSOLID entry. Integer > 0 Required
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer ≥ 0 or blank, Required
all unique

G7 G6
G18
G19 G17

G8 G15
G5
G20 G14

G16 G13
G3
G11 G10
G2
G9
G4 G1
G12

Figure 1. CHEXA Element Connection.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-57

Reference Manual CHEXA

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. Grid points G1 through G4 must be given in consecutive order about one quadrilateral face. Grid points G5
through G8 must be in order in the same direction around the opposite face with G5 opposite G1, G6 opposite
G2, etc.
3. Any or all of the edge points, G9 through G20, may be deleted. If the ID of any edge connection points is
left blank or set to zero (as for G11 and G12 in the example), the element equations are modified to give the
correct results for the reduced number of connections. Corner grid points cannot be deleted.
4. Components of stress are output in the volume coordinate system. (See the VOLUME command in Section
3, Case Control.)
5. The material coordinate system is defined on the PSOLID entry.
6. The second continuation is optional.
7. The element coordinate system for the CHEXA element is defined in terms of the three vectors R, S, and T,
which join the centroids of opposite faces.
• R vector joins the centroids of faces G4-G1-G5-G8 and G3-G2-G6-G7.
• S vector joins the centroids of faces G1-G2-G6-G5 and G4-G3-G7-G8.
• T vector joins the centroids of faces G1-G2-G3-G4 and G5-G6-G7-G8.
The origin of the coordinate system is located at the intersection of these vectors. The X, Y, and Z axes of
the element coordinate system are chosen as close as possible to the R, S, and T vectors and point in the
same general direction.
8. It is recommended that the edge points be located within the middle third of the edge.
9. By default, all of the twelve edges of the element are considered straight unless an edge node is specified
using G9 through G20.

G7 G6

G8

G5

S G3
G2

G4

G1
Figure 2. CHEXA Element R, S, and T Vectors.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-58

Reference Manual CMASS

CMASS1 Scalar Mass Connection

Description: Defines a scalar mass element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CMASS1 EID PID G1 C1 G2 C2

Example:

CMASS1 55 2 2 3 5 3

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PMASS entry. Integer > 0 Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0 See Remark 2
C1, C2 Component numbers. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. A blank may be used to indicate a grounded terminal G1 or G2 with a corresponding blank or zero C1 or C2.
A grounded terminal is a point whose displacement is constrained to zero.
3. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2) must not be coincident.
4. A scalar point specified on this entry need not be defined on an SPOINT entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-59

Reference Manual CMASS

CMASS2 Scalar Mass Property and Connection

Description: Defines a scalar mass element without reference to a property entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CMASS2 EID M G1 C1 G2 C2

Example:

CMASS2 128 145.0 5 2 9 2

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

M Mass value. Real Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0 See Remark 2
C1, C2 Component numbers. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. A blank may be used to indicate a grounded terminal G1 or G2 with a corresponding blank or zero C1 or C2.
A grounded terminal is a point whose displacement is constrained to zero.
3. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2) must be distinct.
4. A scalar point specified on this entry need not be defined on an SPOINT entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-60

Reference Manual CMASS

CMASS3 Scalar Mass Connection to Scalar Points Only

Description: Defines a scalar mass element that is connected only to scalar points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CMASS3 EID PID S1 S1

Example:

CMASS3 55 2 2 5

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PMASS entry. Integer > 0 Required
S1, S2 Scalar point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. S1 or S2 may be blank indicating a constrained coordinate.
3. A scalar point specified on this entry need not be defined on an SPOINT entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-61

Reference Manual CMASS

CMASS4 Scalar Mass Property and Connection to Scalar Points Only

Description: Defines a scalar mass element that is connected only to scalar points and without reference to a
property entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CMASS4 EID M S1 S2

Example:

CMASS4 128 145.0 5 9

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

M Mass value. Real Required
S1, S2 Scalar identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. S1 or S2 may be blank indicating a constrained coordinate.
3. A scalar point specified on this entry need not be defined on an SPOINT entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-62

Reference Manual CONCRETE

CONCRETE Concrete Material Property Definition

Description: Defines material properties for use in fully nonlinear analysis of quasi-brittle materials (concrete).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CONCRETE MID SINITT SINITC SMAXT SMAXC GT GC SBYC
KDT KDC ALPHAP LT LC

Example:

CONCRETE 101 3.3+6 3.+7 3.5+7 2.5+2 2.5+4

0.5 0.4 0.2

Field Definition Type Default

MID Identification number of a MAT1 entry. Integer > 0 Required

SINITT Initial tensile strength. Real > 0.0 See Remark 1
SINITC Initial compressive strength. Real > 0.0 and See Remark 1
SMAXC > SINITC
SMAXT Maximum tensile strength. Real > 0.0 See Remark 1
SMAXC Maximum compressive strength. Real > 0.0 and See Remark 1
SMAXC > SINITC
GT Tensile crushing fracture energy. Real > 0.0 See Remark 1
GC Compressive crushing fracture energy. Real > 0.0 See Remark 1
SBYC Initial biaxial yield compressive stress. Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
blank
KDT Uniaxial tensile elastic stiffness degradation factor. Real > 0.0 or 0.5
blank
KDC Uniaxial compressive elastic stiffness degradation Real > 0.0 or 0.4
factor. blank

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-63

Reference Manual CONCRETE

Field Definition Type Default

ALPHAP Coefficient of plastic potential. Real > 0.0 or 0.2

blank
LT Tensile characteristic length parameter. Real > 0.0 or See Remark 2
blank
LC Compressive characteristic length parameter. Real > 0.0 or See Remark 2
blank

Remarks:

1. The following are values for fields 3 through 8 for standard concrete in metric units:

Variable Value
SINITT 3.3E+6 Pa
SINITC 3.0E+7 Pa
SMAXT 3.3E+6 Pa
SMAXC 3.5E+7 Pa
GT 2.5E+2 N/m
GC 2.5E+4 N/m

2. The default tensile and compressive characteristic length parameter values are based on the maximum
element reference length in the model.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-64

Reference Manual CONM1

CONM1 Concentrated Mass Element Connection, General Form

Description: Defines a 6-by-6 symmetric mass matrix at a geometric grid point.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CONM1 EID G CID M11 M21 M22 M31 M32

M33 M41 M42 M43 M44 M51 M52 M53
M54 M55 M61 M62 M63 M64 M65 M66

Example:

CONM1 5 25 6 6.5 8.4 7.9

7.8 45.7
56.3 43.7

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

G Grid point identification number Integer > 0 Required
CID Coordinate system identification number for the mass Integer ≥ 0 0
matrix.
Mij Mass matrix values. Real Required

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. See the CONM2 entry description for a less general means of defining concentrated mass at grid points.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-65

Reference Manual CONM2

CONM2 Concentrated Mass Element Connection

Description: Defines a concentrated mass at a grid point.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CONM2 EID G CID M X1 X2 X3

I11 I21 I22 I31 I32 I33

Example:

CONM2 1 2 12 20.0 22 4
23.5 32.6 12.8

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

G Grid point identification number Integer > 0 Required
CID Coordinate system identification number. For CID of -1, Integer ≥ -1 0
see X1, X2, X3 below.
M Mass value. Real Required
X1, X2, X3 Offset distances from the grid point to the center of gravity Real or blank 0.0
of the mass in the coordinate system defined in field 4,
unless CID = -1, in which case X1, X2, X3 are the
coordinates of the center of gravity of the mass in the basic
coordinate system.
Iij Mass moments of inertia measured at the center of gravity I11, I22, and I33; 0.0
in the coordinate system defined by field 4. If CID = -1, Real > 0.0;
mass moments of inertia measured at the center of gravity I21, I31, and I32,
in the basic coordinate system. Real

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. For a more general means of defining concentrated mass at grid points, see the CONM1 entry description.
3. The continuation entry may be omitted.
4. If CID = -1, offsets are calculated internally as the difference between the grid point location and X1, X2, X3.
If the grid point locations are defined in a non-basic coordinate system, the values of Iij must be in a
coordinate system that parallels the basic coordinate system.
5. If CID ≥ 0, then X1, X2, X3 are defined by a local Cartesian system similar to the method in which
displacement coordinate systems are defined.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-66

Reference Manual CONM2

6. The form of the inertia matrix about its center of gravity is taken as:

M 
 
 M 
 M 
 
 I11 
 -I21 I22 
-I -I I
 31 32 33 
where,
M = ∫ ρρdV
I = (x2 )
+ x2 dV
11 ∫ 2 3

I22 = ∫ ρ(x2 1 )
+ x23 dV

I33 = ∫ ρ(x2 1 + x2 )dV

2

I21 = ∫ ρx x dV
1 2

I31 = ∫ ρx x dV
1 3

I32 = ∫ ρx x dV
2 3

and x1, x2, x3 are components of distance from the center of gravity in the coordinate system defined in field
4. Only the magnitude of Iij should be supplied, the negative signs for the off-diagonal terms are supplied
automatically. A warning message is issued of the inertia matrix is non-positive definite. A non-positive
definite inertia matrix may cause fatal errors in the eigenvalue extraction module.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-67

Reference Manual CONROD

CONROD Rod Element Property and Connection

Description: Defines a tension-compression-torsion element without reference to a property entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CONROD EID G1 G2 MID A J C NSM

Example:

CONROD 61 12 17 45 0.05

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, Required
G1 ≠ G2
MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required
A Area of rod cross-section. Real Required
J Torsional constant. Real or blank 0.0
C Coefficient to determine torsional stress. Real or blank 0.0
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit length. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. For structural problems, PROD entries may only reference MAT1 material entries.
3. The formula used to compute torsional stress is
Tc
τ =
J
where T is the torsional moment.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-68

Reference Manual CONROD

xelement
P

T
b

P a

Figure 1. CONROD Element Internal Forces and Moments.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-69

Reference Manual CONV

CONV Heat Boundary Element Free Convection Entry

Description: Specifies a free convection boundary condition for heat transfer analysis through connections to a
surface element (CHBDYi entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CONV EID PID FLMND CNTRLND TA1 TA2 TA3 TA4

TA5 TA6 TA7 TA8 CTID1 CTID2 CTID3 ATID1
ATID2 ATID3

Example:

CONV 1 50 5 62

Field Definition Type Default

EID CHBDYG or CHBDYP surface identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Convection property identification number of a PCONV Integer > 0 Required
entry.
FLMND Point for film convection fluid property temperature. Integer ≥ 0 or blank 0
CNTRLND Control point for free convection boundary condition. Integer ≥ 0 or blank 0
TAi Ambient points used for convection. Integer > 0 for TA1 TA1
Integer ≥ 0 for TA2
through TA8
CTID1, TABLEDi set identification numbers that define control point Integer > 0 or blank
CTID2, position dependent scale factors in the x, y, and z directions
CTID3 of the basic coordinate system. See Remark 1.
ATID1, TABLEDi set identification numbers that define ambient Integer > 0 or blank
ATID2, point position dependent scale factors in the x, y, and z
ATID3 directions of the basic coordinate system. See Remark 1.

Remarks:

1. The basic exchange relationship can be expressed in one of the following forms:
a) q = H∗uCNTRLND ∗ c (x, y, z) ∗[T - TAMB ∗ a (x, y, z)], CNTRLND ≠ 0
b) q = H∗ [T - TAMB ∗ a (x, y, z)], CNTRLND = 0
where c (x, y, z) is defined as the product of scale factors returned by tables defined in fields 6, 7, and 8 on
the first continuation entry and a (x, y, z) is defined as the product of scale factors returned by tables defined
in field 9 on the first continuation entry and fields 2 and 3 on the second continuation entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-70

Reference Manual CONV

2. CONV is used with a CHBDYi (CHBDYG or CHBDYP) entry having the same EID.
3. The temperature of the film convection point must be specified to determine the convection film coefficient.
If FLMND = 0, the default temperature is the average of the ambient points (average) and element grid point
temperatures (average).
4. If only one ambient point is specified then all the ambient points are assumed to have the same temperature.
If mid-side ambient points are missing, the temperature of these points is assumed to be the average of the
connecting corner points.
5. See the PCONV Bulk Data entry for an explanation of the mathematical relationships involved in free
convection and the reference temperature for convection film coefficient.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-71

Reference Manual CORD1C

CORD1C Cylindrical Coordinate System Definition, Form 1

Description: Defines a cylindrical coordinate system by reference to the coordinates of three points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CORD1C CIDA G1A G2A G3A CIDB G1B G2B G3B

Example:

CORD1C 4 2 44 67

Field Definition Type Default

CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GiA, GiB Grid point identification numbers. Integer > 0, Required
G1A ≠ G2A ≠ G3A,
G1B ≠ G2B ≠ G3B

uz
G2
uθ

G3 ur

G1
y

θ
R
x
Figure 1. CORD1C Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-72

Reference Manual CORD1C

Remarks:

1. Coordinate system identification numbers on all CORD1C, CORD1R, CORD1S, CORD2C, CORD2R, and
CORD2S entries must all be unique. One or two coordinate systems may be defined on a single entry.
2. GiA and GiB must be defined in coordinate whose definition does not involve the coordinate system being
defined. The first point is the origin, the second lies on the z-axis, and the third lies in the plane of the azimuth
origin. The three grid points GiA (or GiB) must be noncollinear and not coincident.
3. Coordinate systems defined using CORD1C, CORD1R, and CORD1S entries cannot be used as reference
coordinate systems on CORD2C, CORD2R, and CORD2S entries.
4. The location of a grid point (P in the sketch) in this coordinate system is given by (R, θ, Z) where θ is measured
in degrees.
5. The displacement coordinate directions at P are dependent on the location of P as shown above by (ur, uθ,
uz).
6. Points on the z-axis may not have their displacement directions defined in this coordinate system since
ambiguity results. In this case the basic rectangular system will be used.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-73

Reference Manual CORD1R

CORD1R Rectangular Coordinate System Definition, Form 1

Description: Defines a rectangular coordinate system by reference to the coordinates of three points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CORD1R CID G1A G2A G3A CID G1B G2B G3B

Example:

CORD1R 3 16 32 19

Field Definition Type Default

CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GiA, GiB Grid point identification numbers. Integer > 0, 0
G1A ≠ G2A ≠ G3A,
G1B ≠ G2B ≠ G3B

z
uz

G2

P
uy
Z
G3
ux
G1
y

X
Y

x
Figure 1. CORD1R Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-74

Reference Manual CORD1R

Remarks:

1. Coordinate system identification numbers on all CORD1C, CORD1R, CORD1S, CORD2C, CORD2R, and
CORD2S entries must all be unique.
2. One or two coordinate systems may be defined on a single entry.
3. GiA and GiB must be defined in coordinate whose definition does not involve the coordinate system being
defined. The first point is the origin, the second lies on the z-axis, and the third lies in the plane of the azimuth
origin. The three grid points GiA (or GiB) must be noncollinear and not coincident.
4. Coordinate systems defined using CORD1C, CORD1R, and CORD1S entries cannot be used as reference
coordinate systems on CORD2C, CORD2R, and CORD2S entries.
5. The location of a grid point (P in the sketch) in this coordinate system is given by (X, Y, Z).
6. The displacement coordinate directions at P are dependent on the location of P as shown above by (ux, uy,
uz).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-75

Reference Manual CORD1S

CORD1S Spherical Coordinate System Definition, Form 1

Description: Defines a spherical coordinate system by reference to the coordinates of three points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CORD1S CID G1A G2A G3A CID G1B G2B G3B

Example:

CORD1S 4 5 43 55

Field Definition Type Default

CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GiA, GiB Grid point identification numbers. Integer > 0, Required
G1A ≠ G2A ≠ G3A,
G1B ≠ G2B ≠ G3B

G2

uφ
ur
θ
P
G3
R
y
G1

uθ

x
Figure 1. CORD1S Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-76

Reference Manual CORD1S

Remarks:

1. Coordinate system identification numbers on all CORD1C, CORD1R, CORD1S, CORD2C, CORD2R, and
CORD2S entries must all be unique.
2. One or two coordinate systems may be defined on a single entry.
3. GiA and GiB must be defined in coordinate whose definition does not involve the coordinate system being
defined. The first point is the origin, the second lies on the z-axis, and the third lies in the plane of the azimuth
origin. The three grid points GiA (or GiB) must be noncollinear and not coincident.
4. Coordinate systems defined using CORD1C, CORD1R, and CORD1S entries cannot be used as reference
coordinate systems on CORD2C, CORD2R, and CORD2S entries.
5. The location of a grid point (P in the sketch) in this coordinate system is given by (R, θ, φ) where θ and φ are
measured in degrees.
6. The displacement coordinate directions at P are dependent on the location of P as shown above by (ur, uθ,
uφ).
7. Points on the z-axis may not have their displacement directions defined in this coordinate system since
ambiguity results. In this case the basic rectangular system will be used.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-77

Reference Manual CORD2C

CORD2C Cylindrical Coordinate System Definition, Form 2

Description: Defines a cylindrical coordinate system by reference to the coordinates of three points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CORD2C CID RID A1 A2 A3 B1 B2 B3

C1 C2 C3

Example:

CORD2C 5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0

1.0 1.0 0.0

Field Definition Type Default

CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer > 0 Required

RID Identification number of a coordinate system that is Integer ≥ 0 0
defined independently from this coordinate system.
Ai, Bi, Ci Coordinates of three points in coordinate system defined Real Required
in field 3.

uz
B
uθ

C ur

A
y

θ
R
x
Figure 1. CORD2C Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-78

Reference Manual CORD2C

Remarks:

1. Continuation entry must be present.

2. The three points (A1, A2, A3), (B1, B2, B3), (C1, C2, C3) must be unique and noncollinear. The model
translator checks for noncollinearity.
3. Coordinate system identification numbers on all CORD1C, CORD1R, CORD1S, CORD2C, CORD2R, and
CORD2S entries must all be unique.
4. The reference coordinate system must be independently defined.
5. A RID of zero (or blank) references the basic coordinate system.
6. The location of a grid point (P in the sketch) in this coordinate system is given by (R, θ, Z) where θ is measured
in degrees.
7. The displacement coordinate directions at P are dependent on the location of P as shown above by (ur, uθ,
uz).
8. Points on the z-axis may not have their displacement directions defined in this coordinate system since
ambiguity results. In this case the basic rectangular system will be used.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-79

Reference Manual CORD2R

CORD2R Rectangular Coordinate System Definition, Form 2

Description: Defines a rectangular coordinate system by reference to the coordinates of three points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CORD2R CID RID A1 A2 A3 B1 B2 B3

C1 C2 C3

Example:

CORD2R 5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0

1.0 1.0 0.0

Field Definition Type Default

CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer > 0 Required

RID Identification number of a coordinate system that is Integer ≥ 0 0
defined independently from this coordinate system.
Ai, Bi, Ci Coordinates of three points in coordinate system defined Real Required
in field 3.

z
uz

P
uy
Z
C ux
A
y

X
Y

x
Figure 1. CORD2R Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-80

Reference Manual CORD2R

Remarks:

1. Continuation entry must be present.

2. The three points (A1, A2, A3), (B1, B2, B3), (C1, C2, C3) must be unique and noncollinear. The model
translator checks for noncollinearity.
3. Coordinate system identification numbers on all CORD1C, CORD1R, CORD1S, CORD2C, CORD2R, and
CORD2S entries must all be unique.
4. The reference coordinate system must be independently defined.
5. A RID of zero (or blank) references the basic coordinate system.
6. The location of a grid point (P in the sketch) in this coordinate system is given by (X, Y, Z).
7. The displacement coordinate directions at P are dependent on the location of P as shown above by (ux, uy,
uz).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-81

Reference Manual CORD2S

CORD2S Spherical Coordinate System Definition, Form 2

Description: Defines a spherical coordinate system by reference to the coordinates of three points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CORD2S CID RID A1 A2 A3 B1 B2 B3

C1 C2 C3

Example:

CORD2S 5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0

1.0 1.0 0.0

Field Definition Type Default

CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer > 0 Required

RID Identification number of a coordinate system that is Integer ≥ 0 0
defined independently from this coordinate system.
Ai, Bi, Ci Coordinates of three points in coordinate system defined Real Required
in field 3.

uφ
ur
θ
R
C
y
A

uθ

x
Figure 1. CORD2S Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-82

Reference Manual CORD2S

Remarks:

1. Continuation entry must be present.

2. The three points (A1, A2, A3), (B1, B2, B3), (C1, C2, C3) must be unique and noncollinear. The model
translator checks for noncollinearity.
3. Coordinate system identification numbers on all CORD1C, CORD1R, CORD1S, CORD2C, CORD2R, and
CORD2S entries must all be unique.
4. The reference coordinate system must be independently defined.
5. A RID of zero (or blank) references the basic coordinate system.
6. The location of a grid point (P in the sketch) in this coordinate system is given by (R, θ, φ) where θ and φ are
measured in degrees.
7. The displacement coordinate directions at P are dependent on the location of P as shown above by (ur, uθ,
uφ).
8. Points on the z-axis may not have their displacement directions defined in this coordinate system since
ambiguity results. In this case the basic rectangular system will be used.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-83

Reference Manual CPENTA

CPENTA Five-Sided Solid Element Connection

Description: Defines the connections of a five-sided isoparametric solid element with six to fifteen grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CPENTA EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6

G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 G13 G14
G15

Example:

CPENTA 112 2 3 15 14 4 103 115

5 16 8 120 34 125
130

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PSOLID entry. Integer > 0 Required
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer ≥ 0 or Required
blank

G6

G15 G14

G4 G5
G13

G12

G10 G11

G3 G8
G9

G1 G2
G7
Figure 1. CPENTA Element Connection.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-84

Reference Manual CPENTA

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. The topology of the diagram must be preserved; i.e., G1, G2, G3 define a triangular face G1, G10, and G4
are on the same edge, etc.
3. Any or all of the edge points, G7 through G15, may be deleted. If the ID of any edge connection points is
left blank or set to zero (as for G11 and G13 in the example), the element equations are modified to give
the correct results for the reduced number of connections. Corner grid points cannot be deleted.
4. Components of stress are output in the volume coordinate system. (See the VOLUME command in Section
3, Case Control.)
5. The material coordinate system is defined on the PSOLID entry.
6. It is recommended that the edge grid points be located within the middle third of the edge.
7. The element coordinate system is defined as follows:
8. The origin is located at the midpoint of a straight line joining points G1-G4. The x-axis passes through the
midpoint of a straight line joining G2-G5. The z-axis is normal to a plane passing through the midpoints of
straight lines joining G1-G4, G2-G5, and G3-G6.

z
y

G6

G15 G14
G4

G13
G5
G12

G10
G3
x
G9 G11

G8
G1 G7

G2
Figure 2. CPENTA Element Coordinate System.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-85

Reference Manual CPIPE

CPIPE Pipe Element Connection

Description: Defines a pipe element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CPIPE EID PID G1 G2

Example:

CPIPE 50 20 301 302

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PPIPE property entry. Integer > 0 Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, Required
G1 ≠ G2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-86

Reference Manual CPYRA

CPYRA Five-Sided Solid Element Connection

Description: Defines the connections of a five-sided isoparametric solid element with five to thirteen grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CPYRA EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6

G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 G13

Example:

CPYRA 111 3 12 15 14 5 101 115

25 13 22 28 45

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PSOLID entry. Integer > 0 Required
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer ≥ 0 or blank, Required
all unique

G5

G13
G12
G10
G4

G11 G8 G3
G9

G1

G7

G6
G2
Figure 1. CPYRA Element Connection.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-87

Reference Manual CPYRA

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. The topology of the diagram must be preserved; i.e., G1, G2, G3, G4 define a quadrilateral face G1, G10,
and G5 are on the same edge, etc.
3. Any or all of the edge points, G6 through G13, may be deleted. If the ID of any edge connection points is
left blank or set to zero (as for G6 and G13 in the example), the element equations are modified to give the
correct results for the reduced number of connections. Corner grid points cannot be deleted.
4. Components of stress are output in the volume coordinate system. (See the VOLUME command in Section
3, Case Control.)
5. It is recommended that the edge grid points be located within the middle third of the edge.
6. The element coordinate system is defined as follows:
The origin is located at G1 and the x-axis lies on the G1-G2 edge. The y-axis lies in the G1-G2-G4 plane
and is perpendicular to the x-axis. The positive y-axis lies on the same side of the G1-G2 edge as node G4.
The z-axis is orthogonal to the x and y axes.

G5

z
G4
y
G3

G1

G2

x
Figure 2. CPYRA Element Coordinate System.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-88

Reference Manual CQUAD4

CQUAD4 Quadrilateral Plate Element Connection

Description: Defines a quadrilateral, isoparametric membrane-bending or plane strain plate element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CQUAD4 EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 THETA/MCID ZOFFS

T1 T2 T3 T4

Example:

CQUAD4 61 11 101 111 201 202 0.0 1.0

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PSHELL or PCOMP property Integer > 0 Required
entry.
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, all Required
unique
THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. Real or blank See Remark 6
MCID Material coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 6
ZOFFS Offset from the surface of grid points to the element Real or blank 0.0
reference plane (see Remark 5).
Ti Membrane thickness of element at G1, G2, G3, and G4. Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remark 7
blank
Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. Grid points G1 through G4 must be ordered consecutively around the perimeter of the element.
3. All the interior angles must be less than 180ο.
4. Stresses are output in the surface coordinate system. (See the SURFACE command in Section 3, Case
Control.)
5. Elements may be offset from the grid point surface by means of ZOFFS. Other data, such as stress fiber
locations are given relative to the reference plane. Positive offset implies that the element reference plane
lies above the grid points. Use of a non-zero value for ZOFFS will produce membrane-bending coupling.
Users must specify values for MID1, MID2, and MID3 in the PSHELL entry for the element if a non-zero value
of ZOFFS is used. ZOFFS values must only be used when membrane and bending action is specified for
the element. Absence of either of the actions does not allow development of membrane-bending coupling.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-89

Reference Manual CQUAD4

6. If THETA/MCID is blank, field 5 of the PSHELL continuation entry will be used. If this field is also blank, then
THETA = 0.0 is assumed when a non-isotropic material is referenced.
7. If Ti in fields 4 through 7 of the continuation entry are blank, field 4 of the PSHELL entry will be used. This
is the preferred way of specifying element thickness if the thickness does not vary over the element.

MCID
Coordinate
System

y
G3

ymaterial G2

xmaterial

G4

G1
Figure 1. MCID Coordinate System Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-90

Reference Manual CQUAD4

yelement

G3

G4

α xelement

zelement
β+γ
α=
2 xmaterial

β
θ
γ

G1 G2
Figure 2. CQUAD4 Element Geometry and Coordinate System.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-91

Reference Manual CQUAD4

yelement
Vy
Fy

Fxy

Vx Fxy
zelement

Fx Fx

Fxy
Vx
xelement
Fxy

Fy
Vy

yelement

Mxy

My
Mx

zelement

Mxy Mxy

Mx
xelement
My

Mxy

Figure 3. Forces and Moments in CQUAD4 Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-92

Reference Manual CQUAD4

σy

τxy

τxy

σx σx

τxy

τxy

σy
Figure 4. Stresses in CQUAD4 Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-93

Reference Manual CQUAD8

CQUAD8 Quadrilateral Plate Element Connection

Description: Defines a curved quadrilateral isoparametric shell or plane strain element with four to eight grid
points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CQUAD8 EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6

G7 G8 T1 T2 T3 T4 THETA/MCID ZOFFS

Example:

CQUAD8 65 15 31 35 37 39 45 48
58 65 30.0

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PSHELL or PCOMP property Integer > 0 Required
entry.
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, all Required
unique
Ti Membrane thickness of element at G1, G2, G3, and G4. Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remark 9
blank
THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. Real or blank See Remark 8
MCID Material coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 8
ZOFFS Offset from the surface of grid points to the element Real or blank 0.0
reference plane (see Remark 7).
Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. Grid points G1 through G8 must be ordered as shown.
3. Any or all of the edge points, G5 through G8, may be deleted. If the ID of any edge connection points is left
blank or set to zero, the element equations are modified to give the correct results for the reduced number
of connections. Corner grid points cannot be deleted.
4. It is recommended that the midside grid points be located within the middle third of the edge. If the edge
point is located at the quarter point the element may become singular.
5. All the interior angles must be less than 180ο.
6. Stresses are output in the surface coordinate system. (See the SURFACE command in Section 3, Case
Control.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-94

Reference Manual CQUAD8

7. Elements may be offset from the grid point surface by means of ZOFFS. Other data, such as stress fiber
locations are given relative to the reference plane. Positive offset implies that the element reference plane
lies above the grid points. Use of a non-zero value for ZOFFS will produce membrane-bending coupling.
Users must specify values for MID1, MID2, and MID3 in the PSHELL entry for the element if a non-zero value
of ZOFFS is used. ZOFFS values must only be used when membrane and bending action is specified for
the element. Absence of either of the actions does not allow development of membrane-bending coupling.
8. If THETA/MCID is blank, field 5 of the PSHELL continuation entry will be used. If this field is also blank, then
THETA = 0.0 is assumed when a non-isotropic material is referenced.
9. If Ti in fields 4 through 7 of the continuation entry are blank, field 4 of the PSHELL entry will be used. This
is the preferred way of specifying element thickness if the thickness does not vary over the element.

MCID
Coordinate
System

y
G3

ymaterial G2

xmaterial

G4

G1
Figure 1. MCID Coordinate System Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-95

Reference Manual CQUAD8

yelement

G3

G7
G4

α xelement

zelement
β+γ G6
G8 α=
2 xmaterial

β
θ
γ

G1 G2
G5
Figure 2. CQUAD8 Element Geometry and Coordinate System.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-96

Reference Manual CQUAD8

yelement
Vy
Fy

Fxy

Vx Fxy
zelement

Fx Fx

Fxy
Vx
xelement
Fxy

Fy
Vy

yelement

Mxy

My
Mx

zelement

Mxy Mxy

Mx
xelement
My

Mxy

Figure 3. Forces and Moments in CQUAD8 Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-97

Reference Manual CQUAD8

σy

τxy

τxy

σx σx

τxy

τxy

σy
Figure 4. Stresses in CQUAD8 Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-98

Reference Manual CQUADR

CQUADR Quadrilateral Plate Element Connection

Description: Defines a quadrilateral, isoparametric membrane-bending or plane strain plate element with vertex
rotations.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CQUADR EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 THETA/MCID

T1 T2 T3 T4

Example:

CQUADR 61 11 101 111 201 202

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PSHELL or PCOMP property Integer > 0 Required
entry.
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0 all Required
unique
THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. Real
MCID Material coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 7
Ti Membrane thickness of element at G1, G2, G3, and G4. Real See Remark 8

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. Grid points G1 through G4 must be ordered consecutively around the perimeter of the element.
3. All the interior angles must be less than 180o.
4. Components of stress are output in the surface coordinate system. (See the SURFACE command in Section
3, Case Control.)
5. The rotational degrees of freedom at the connection points and normal to the element are active in the
element formulation and must not be constrained unless at a boundary. If they are constrained, then
inaccurate results will be generated.
6. This element is less sensitive to initial distortion and Poisson's ratio than the CQUAD4 element and is more
compatible with the CBAR and CTRIAR elements that also have 6 degrees of freedom per node.
7. If THETA/MCID is blank, field 5 of the PSHELL continuation entry will be used. If this field is also blank, then
THETA = 0.0 is assumed when a non-isotropic material is referenced.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-99

Reference Manual CQUADR

8. If Ti in fields 4 through 7 of the continuation entry is blank, field 4 of the PSHELL entry will be used. This is
the preferred way of specifying element thickness if the thickness does not vary over the element.

MCID
Coordinate
System

y
G3

ymaterial G2

xmaterial

G4

G1
Figure 1. MCID Coordinate System Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-100

Reference Manual CQUADR

yelement

G3

G4

α xelement

zelement
β+γ
α=
2 xmaterial

β
θ
γ

G1 G2
Figure 2. CQUADR Element Geometry and Coordinate System.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-101

Reference Manual CQUADR

yelement
Vy
Fy

Fxy

Vx Fxy
zelement

Fx Fx

Fxy
Vx
xelement
Fxy

Fy
Vy

yelement

Mxy

My
Mx

zelement

Mxy Mxy

Mx
xelement
My

Mxy

Figure 3. Forces and Moments in CQUADR Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-102

Reference Manual CQUADR

σy

τxy

τxy

σx σx

τxy

τxy

σy
Figure 4. Stresses in CQUADR Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-103

Reference Manual CREEP

CREEP Creep Characteristics

Description: Defines creep characteristics based on experimental data or known empirical creep law.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CREEP MID T0 EXP FORM TIDKP TIDCP TIDCS THRESH

TYPE a b c d e f g

Example:

CREEP 10 1000. CRLAW

122 7.984-5 2.612 6.151-4 0.2271 7.63-9 0.1760 3.0

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required

T0 Reference temperature at which creep characteristics Real or blank 0.0
are defined. See Remark 2.
EXP Temperature-dependent term, e −∆H / (R∗T0) , in the creep Real or blank 1.0E-9
rate expression. See Remark 2.
FORM Form of the input data defining creep characteristics, one Character Required
of the following character variables: CRLAW for empirical
creep law or TABLE for tabular input data of creep model
parameters.
TIDKP, Identification number of a TABLES1 entry, which defines Integer > 0 Required
TIDCP, the creep model parameters Kp(σ ), Cp(σ ), and Cs(σ ),
TIDCS respectively. See Remarks 3 through 5.
THRESH Threshold limit for creep process. Threshold stress Real or blank 1.0E-5
under which creep does not occur is computed as
THRESH multiplied by Young’s modulus.
TYPE Identification number of the empirical creep law type, one Integer > 0
of the following integers: 111, 112, 121, 122, 211, 212,
221, 222, or 300. Not required if FORM = TABLE. See
Remarks 1 and 3.
a–g Coefficients of the empirical creep law specified in TYPE. Real or blank
Not required if FORM = TABLE. See Remark 1.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-104

Reference Manual CREEP

Remarks:

1. This entry will be activated if a MAT1, MAT2, MAT9, or MAT12 entry with the same MID is used and the
NLPARM entry is prepared for creep analysis.
2. The creep formulation is principally suited for isotropic materials and when used with anisotropic materials
may produce incorrect results. However, slightly anisotropic materials may produce acceptable results.
3. Two classes of empirical creep law are available.
Creep Law Class 1:
The first creep law class is expressed as:

[ ]
ε c (σ ,t ) = A(σ ) 1 − e −R(σ )t + K(σ )t
Parameters A(σ ) , R(σ ) , and K(σ ) are specified in the following form, as recommended by Oak Ridge
National Laboratory:

Parameters Function 1 Digit Function 2 Digit

A(σ ) aσ b i=1 aebσ i=2

R(σ ) cedσ j=1 cσ d j=2

K(σ ) e ∗ [sinh(fσ )]g k=1 ee fσ k=2

TYPE = ijk where i, j, and k are digits equal to 1 or 2, according to the desired function in the table above.
For example, TYPE=122 defines A(σ ) = aσ b , R(σ ) = cσ d , and K(σ ) = ee fσ .

Creep Law Class 2:

The second creep law class is expressed as:
ε c (σ ,t ) = aσ btd
where the values of b and d must be defined as follows:
1.0 < b < 8.0
and
0.2 < d < 1.0
The coefficient g should be blank if TYPE = 112, 122, 222, or 212 and c, e, f, and g should be blank if TYPE
= 300. The coefficients a through g are dependent on the structural units; caution must be exercised to make
these units consistent with the rest of the input data.
4. Creep law coefficients a through g are usually determined by least squares fit of experimental data, obtained
under a constant temperature. This reference temperature at which creep behavior is characterized must
be specified in the T0 field if the temperature of the structure is different from this reference temperature.
The conversion of the temperature input (°F or °C) to °K (degrees Kelvin) must be specified in the PARAM,
TABS entry as follows:
• PARAM, TABS, 273.16 (If Celsius is used.)
• PARAM, TABS, 459.69 (If Fahrenheit is used.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-105

Reference Manual CREEP

When the correction for the temperature effect is required, the temperature distribution must be defined in
the Bulk Data entries (TEMP, TEMPP1 and/or TEMPRB), which are selected by the Case Control command
TEMP(LOAD) = SID, TEMP(MATERIAL) = SID, or TEMP(BOTH) = SID within the subcase.
From the thermodynamic consideration, the creep rate is expressed as:

(
εc = εA e−∆H / (R∗T0) )
where ∆H = energy of activation
R = gas constant (1.98 cal/mole °K)
T = absolute temperature (°K)
εc = strain/second per activation
If the creep characteristics are defined at temperature T0, the creep rate at temperature T is corrected by a
factor
c  T 0 −1
ε = EXP  T 

c
εo
where εc = corrected creep rate

εoc = creep rate at T0

 T 0 −1
 
EXP T  = correction factor
5. Creep model parameters Kp, Cp, and Cs represent parameters of the uniaxial rheological model as shown in
the following figure.
Tabular values (Xi, Yi) in the TABLES1 entry correspond to (σi, Kpi), (σi, Cpi), and (σi, Csi) for the input of Kp,
Cp, and Cs respectively. For linear viscoelastic materials, parameters Kp, Cp, and Cs are constant and two
values of σi must be specified for the same value of Kpi, Cpi, and Csi.

Elastic Primary Secondary

Creep Creep

Kp(σ )

Ke Cs(σ ) σ (t )

Cp(σ )

Figure 1. CREEP Parameter Idealization.

Creep model parameters, as shown in the figures below, must have positive values. If the table look-up
results in a negative value, the value will be reset to zero and a warning message will be issued.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-106

Reference Manual CREEP

5000

4000

Kp (Kips/in2) 3000

2000

1000

0
5 10 15 20 25 30

σ (ksi)

Figure 2. Kp Versus σ Example for CREEP.

2.5E+8

2.0E+8

Cp (Kips-hours/in2) 1.5E+8

1.0E+8

0.5E+8

0
5 10 15 20 25 30

σ (ksi)

Figure 3. Cp Versus σ Example for CREEP.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-107

Reference Manual CREEP

5.0E+10

4.0E+10

Cs (Kips-hours/in2) 3.0E+10

2.0E+10

1.0E+10

0
5 10 15 20 25 30

σ (ksi)

Figure 4. Cs Versus σ Example for CREEP

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-108

Reference Manual CROD

CROD Rod Element Connection

Description: Defines a tension-compression-torsion element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CROD EID PID G1 G2

Example:

CROD 61 11 101 111

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PROD property entry. Integer > 0 Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, Required
G1 ≠ G2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.

xelement
P

T
b

P a

Figure 1. CROD Element Internal Forces and Moments.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-109

Reference Manual CSET

CSET Free Boundary Analysis Set Definition

Description: Defines analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be free (c-set) during generalized dynamic
reduction or component modes calculations.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CSET G1 C1 G2 C2 G3 C3 G4 C4

Example:

CSET 15 3 17 456 7 4

Field Definition Type Default

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0 Required

Ci Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. If there are no CSETi or BSETi entries present, all a-set points are considered fixed during component mode
analysis. If there are only BSETi entries present, any a-set degrees of freedom not listed are placed in the
free boundary set (c-set). If there are both BSETi and CSETi entries present, the c-set degrees of freedom
are defined by the CSETi entries, and any remaining a-set points are placed in the b-set.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-110

Reference Manual CSET1

CSET1 Free Boundary Analysis Set Definition, Alternate Form

Description: Defines analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be free (c-set) during generalized dynamic
reduction or component modes calculations.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CSET1 C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 G9 G10 - etc.-

Example:

CSET1 123 6 3 7 10 18 14 11
19 23

Alternate Format and Example:

CSET1 C G1 THRU G2

CSET1 456 15 THRU 512

Field Definition Type Default

C Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required

unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)
Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
G1 < G2

Remarks:

1. If there are no CSETi or BSETi entries present, all a-set points are considered fixed during component mode
analysis. If there are only BSETi entries present, any a-set degrees of freedom not listed are placed in the
free boundary set (c-set). If there are both BSETi and CSETi entries present, the c-set degrees of freedom
are defined by the CSETi entries, and any remaining a-set points are placed in the b-set.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-111

Reference Manual CSHEAR

CSHEAR Shear Panel Element Connection

Description: Defines a shear panel element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CSHEAR EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4

Example:

CSHEAR 61 11 101 111 201 202

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PSHEAR property entry. Integer > 0 Required
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, all Required
unique

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. Grid points G1 through G4 must be ordered consecutively around the perimeter of the element.
3. All the interior angles must be less than 180o.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-112

Reference Manual CSHEAR

yelement

G3

G4

α xelement

zelement
β+γ
α=
2 xmaterial

β
θ
γ

G1 G2
Figure 1. CSHEAR Element Connection and Coordinate System.

K4
F41

F43
G4 K3
F32

q3
G3

q2 F34
K2

K1 q4

F21
G2
q1
F12 G1
F23

F14
Figure 2. CSHEAR Element Corner Forces and Shear Flows.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-113

Reference Manual CTETRA

CTETRA Four-Sided Solid Element Connection

Description: Defines the connections of a four-sided isoparametric solid element with four to ten grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CTETRA EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6

G7 G8 G9 G10

Example:

CTETRA 112 2 3 15 14 4 103 115

5 27

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PSOLID entry. Integer > 0 Required
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer ≥ 0 or blank, Required
all unique

G4

G10
G8

G9

G3

G7
G1

G6

G5
G2
Figure 1. CTETRA Element Connection.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-114

Reference Manual CTETRA

Remarks:

7. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
8. The topology of the diagram must be preserved; i.e., G1, G2, G3 define a triangular face G1, G8, and G4
are on the same edge, etc.
9. Any or all of the edge points, G5 through G10, may be deleted. If the ID of any edge connection points is
left blank or set to zero (as for G8 and G9 in the example), the element equations are modified to give the
correct results for the reduced number of connections. Corner grid points cannot be deleted.
10. Components of stress are output in the volume coordinate system. (See the VOLUME command in Section
3, Case Control.)
11. It is recommended that the edge grid points be located within the middle third of the edge.
12. The element coordinate system is defined as follows:
The origin is located at G1 and the x-axis lies on the G1-G2 edge. The y-axis lies in the G1-G2-G3 plane
and is perpendicular to the x-axis. The positive y-axis lies on the same side of the G1-G2 edge as node G3.
The z-axis is orthogonal to the x and y axes.

G4

G3
y

G1

G2

x
Figure 2. CTETRA Element Coordinate System.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-115

Reference Manual CTRIA3

CTRAX6 Axisymmetric Triangular Element Connection

Description: Defines an isoparametric axisymmetric triangular cross-section solid element with midside grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CTRAX EID MID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6

THETA

Example:

CTRAX 21 100 20 21 22 31 32 33
15.0

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, all unique Required
THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. Real 0.0

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. The grid points must lie in the x-z plane of the basic coordinate system, with x = r ≥ 0. The grid points must
be listed consecutively beginning at a vertex and proceeding around the perimeter in either direction. If the
ID of any edge connection points is left blank or set to zero, the element equations are modified to give the
correct results for the reduced number of connections. Corner grid points cannot be deleted.
3. For structural problems, the MID must reference a MAT1 or MAT3 material entry.
4. The continuation is optional.

5. Material properties (if defined on a MAT3 entry) and stresses are given in the
coordinate system shown in Figure 2.

6. A concentrated load (e.g., FORCE entry) at Gi is divided by the times the radius to Gi and then applied
as a force per unit circumferential length. For example, in order to apply a load of 100 N/m on the
circumference at G1 (which is located at a radius of 0.5 m), the magnitude of the load specified on the
static load entry must result in:

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-116

Reference Manual CTRIA3

Figure 1. CTRAX6 Element Idealization

Figure 2. CTRAX6 Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems

(Continued)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data Entry 4-117

Reference Manual CTRIA3

CTRIA3 Triangular Element Connection

Description: Defines a triangular, isoparametric membrane-bending or plane strain plate element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CTRIA3 EID PID G1 G2 G3 THETA/MCID ZOFFS

T1 T2 T3

Example:

CTRIA3 61 11 101 111 202

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PSHELL or PCOMP property Integer > 0 Required
entry.
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, all Required
unique
THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. Real See Remark 4
MCID Material coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 4
ZOFFS Offset from the surface of grid points to the element Real 0.0
reference plane (see Remark 3).
Ti Membrane thickness of element at G1, G2, and G3. Real ≥ 0.0 See Remark 5

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. Stresses are output in the surface coordinate system. (See the SURFACE command in Section 3, Case
Control.)
3. Elements may be offset from the grid point surface by means of ZOFFS. Other data such as stress fiber
locations are given relative to the reference plane. Positive offset implies that the element reference plane
lies above the grid points in the sketch. Use of a non-zero value for ZOFFS will produce membrane-bending
coupling. Users must specify values for MID1, MID2, and MID3 in the PSHELL entry for the element if a
non-zero value of ZOFFS is used. ZOFFS values must only be used when membrane and bending action
is specified for the element. Absence of either of the actions does not allow development of membrane-
bending coupling.
4. If THETA/MCID is blank, field 5 of the PSHELL continuation entry will be used. If this field is also blank, then
THETA = 0.0 is assumed when a non-isotropic material is referenced.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-118

Reference Manual CTRIA3

5. If Ti in fields 4 through 6 of the continuation entry are blank, field 4 of the PSHELL entry will be used. This
is the preferred way of specifying element thickness if the thickness does not vary over the element.

MCID x
Coordinate
System

y
G3

ymaterial

xmaterial G2

G1

Figure 1. MCID Coordinate System Definition.

yelement

G3

xmaterial

θ
zelement
G1 G2 xelement

Figure 2. CTRIA3 Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-119

Reference Manual CTRIA3

yelement
Vy
Fy

Fxy

Vx Fxy
zelement

Fx Fx

Fxy
Vx
xelement
Fxy

Fy
Vy

yelement

Mxy

My
Mx

zelement

Mxy Mxy

Mx
xelement
My

Mxy

Figure 3. Forces and Moments in CTRIA3 Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-120

Reference Manual CTRIA3

σy

τxy

τxy

σx σx

τxy

τxy

σy
Figure 4. Stresses in CTRIA3 Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-121

Reference Manual CTRIA6

CTRIA6 Triangular Element Connection

Description: Defines a curved triangular isoparametric shell or plane strain element with three to six grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CTRIA6 EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6

THETA/MCID ZOFFS T1 T2 T3

Example:

CTRIA6 65 15 45 48 50 67 89 95

45.0

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PSHELL or PCOMP property Integer > 0 Required
entry.
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, all Required
unique
THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. Real See Remark 7
MCID Material coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 7
ZOFFS Offset from the surface of grid points to the element Real 0.0
reference plane (see Remark 6).
Ti Membrane thickness of element at G1, G2, and G3. Real ≥ 0.0 See Remark 8

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. Grid points G1 through G6 must be ordered as shown.
3. Any or all of the edge points, G4 through G6, may be deleted. If the ID of any edge connection points is left
blank or set to zero, the element equations are modified to give the correct results for the reduced number
of connections. Corner grid points cannot be deleted.
4. It is recommended that the midside grid points be located within the middle third of the edge. If the edge
point is located at the quarter point the element may become singular.
5. Stresses are output in the surface coordinate system. (See the SURFACE command in Section 3, Case
Control.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-122

Reference Manual CTRIA6

6. Elements may be offset from the grid point surface by means of ZOFFS. Other data such as stress fiber
locations are given relative to the reference plane. Positive offset implies that the element reference plane
lies above the grid points in the sketch. Use of a non-zero value for ZOFFS will produce membrane-bending
coupling. Users must specify values for MID1, MID2, and MID3 in the PSHELL entry for the element if a
non-zero value of ZOFFS is used. ZOFFS values must only be used when membrane and bending action
is specified for the element. Absence of either of the actions does not allow development of membrane-
bending coupling.
7. If THETA/MCID is blank, field 5 of the PSHELL continuation entry will be used. If this field is also blank, then
THETA = 0.0 is assumed when a non-isotropic material is referenced.
8. If Ti in fields 4 through 6 of the continuation entry are blank, field 4 of the PSHELL entry will be used. This
is the preferred way of specifying element thickness if the thickness does not vary over the element.

MCID x
Coordinate
System

y
G3

ymaterial

xmaterial G2

G1

Figure 1. MCID Coordinate System Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-123

Reference Manual CTRIA6

yelement

G3

G5

G6 xmaterial

θ
zelement
G4 G2 xelement
G1

Figure 2. CTRIA6 Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-124

Reference Manual CTRIA6

yelement
Vy
Fy

Fxy

Vx Fxy
zelement

Fx Fx

Fxy
Vx
xelement
Fxy

Fy
Vy

yelement

Mxy

My
Mx

zelement

Mxy Mxy

Mx
xelement
My

Mxy

Figure 3. Forces and Moments in CTRIA6 Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-125

Reference Manual CTRIA6

σy

τxy

τxy

σx σx

τxy

τxy

σy
Figure 4. Stresses in CTRIA6 Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-126

Reference Manual CTRIAR

CTRIAR Triangular Element Connection

Description: Defines a triangular, isoparametric membrane-bending or plane strain plate element with vertex
rotations.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CTRIAR EID PID G1 G2 G3 THETA/MCID

T1 T2 T3

Example:

CTRIAR 61 11 101 111 202

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PSHELL or PCOMP property Integer > 0 Required
entry.
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, all Required
unique
THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. Real See Remark 5
MCID Material coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 5
Ti Membrane thickness of element at G1, G2, and G3. Real ≥ 0.0 See Remark 6

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. Stresses are output in the surface coordinate system. (See the SURFACE command in Section 3, Case
Control.)
3. The rotational degrees of freedom at the connection points and normal to the element are active in the
element formulation and must not be constrained unless at a boundary. If they are constrained then
inaccurate results will be obtained.
4. This element is less sensitive to initial distortion and Poisson's ratio than the CTRIA3 element and is more
compatible with the CBAR and CQUADR elements which also have 6 degrees of freedom per node.
5. If THETA/MCID is blank, field 5 of the PSHELL continuation entry will be used. If this field is also blank, then
THETA = 0.0 is assumed when a non-isotropic material is referenced.
6. If Ti in fields 4 through 7 of the continuation entry are blank, field 4 of the PSHELL entry will be used. This
is the preferred way of specifying element thickness if the thickness does not vary over the element.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-127

Reference Manual CTRIAR

MCID x
Coordinate
System

y
G3

ymaterial

xmaterial G2

G1

Figure 1. MCID Coordinate System Definition.

yelement

G3

xmaterial

θ
zelement
G1 G2 xelement

Figure 2. CTRIAR Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-128

Reference Manual CTRIAR

yelement
Vy
Fy

Fxy

Vx Fxy
zelement

Fx Fx

Fxy
Vx
xelement
Fxy

Fy
Vy

yelement

Mxy

My
Mx

zelement

Mxy Mxy

Mx
xelement
My

Mxy

Figure 3. Forces and Moments in CTRIAR Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-129

Reference Manual CTRIAR

σy

τxy

τxy

σx σx

τxy

τxy

σy
Figure 4. Stresses in CTRIAR Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-130

Reference Manual CTRIAX6

CTRIAX6 Axisymmetric Triangular Element Connection

Description: Defines an isoparametric axisymmetric triangular cross-section solid element with midside grid
points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CTRIAX6 EID MID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6

THETA

Example:

CTRIAX6 21 100 20 21 22 31 32 33
15.0

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, all Required
unique
THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. Real 0.0
Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. The grid points must lie in the x-z plane of the basic coordinate system, with x = r ≥ 0. The grid points must
be listed consecutively beginning at a vertex and proceeding around the perimeter in either direction. If the
ID of any edge connection points is left blank or set to zero, the element equations are modified to give the
correct results for the reduced number of connections. Corner grid points cannot be deleted.
3. For structural problems, the MID must reference a MAT1 or MAT3 material entry
4. The continuation is optional.
5. Material properties (if defined on a MAT3 entry) and stresses are given in the (rmaterial - zmaterial) coordinate
system shown in Figure 2.
6. A concentrated load (e.g., FORCE entry) at Gi is divided by the 2π times the radius to Gi and then applied
as a force per unit circumferential length. For example, in order to apply a load of 100 N/m on the
circumference at G1 (which is located at a radius of 0.5 m), the magnitude of the load specified on the static
load entry must result in:

(100 N / m) 2π (0.5 m) = 314.159 N

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-131

Reference Manual CTRIAX6

Figure 1. CTRIAX6 Element Idealization.

z = zbasic
zmaterial
Axial

G5

G4
G6 xmaterial
G3
THETA
G1
G2
Radial
r = xbasic

Figure 2. CTRIAX6 Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-132

Reference Manual CTUBE

CTUBE Tube Element Connection

Description: Defines a tension-compression-torsion tube element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CTUBE EID PID G1 G2

Example:

CTUBE 51 21 201 202

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PTUBE property entry. Integer > 0 Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, Required
G1 ≠ G2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-133

Reference Manual CVISC

CVISC Viscous Damper Connection

Description: Defines a viscous damper element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CVISC EID PID G1 G2

Example:

CVISC 13 327 15 23

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Identification number of a PVISC property entry. Integer > 0 Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. Integer > 0, Required
G1 ≠ G2

Remarks:

1. Element identification numbers should be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
2. Only one viscous damper element may be defined on a single entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-134

Reference Manual CWELD

CWELD Weld or Fastener Element Connection

Description: Defines a weld or fastener connecting two surface patches or points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CWELD EID PID GS FTYPE GA GB

GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7 GA8
GB1 GB2 GB3 GB4 GB5 GB6 GB7 GB8

Example:

CWELD 8 24 156 GRIDID

12 18 21 25
6 4 9 16

Alternate Formats and Examples:

CWELD EID PID GS ELEMID

SHIDA SHIDB

CWELD EID PID ALIGN GA GB

CWELD 5 15 56 ELEMID
25 26

CWELD 12 28 ALIGN 108 199

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

PID Property identification number of a PWELD entry. Integer > 0 Required
GS Identification number of a grid point which defines the Integer > 0
location of the connector. Required for GRIDID and
ELEMID. See Remark 2

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-135

Reference Manual CWELD

Field Definition Type Default

FTYPE Connection format type, one of the following character Character Required
variables: GRIDID, ELEMID, or ALIGN.
GRIDID Connection defined using grid identification
numbers GAi and GBi. See Remark 4.
ELEMID Connection defined using shell element
identification numbers SHIDA and SHIDB.
See Remark 5.
ALIGN Connection defined between two shell vertex
grid points GA and GB. See Remark 6.
GA, GB For FTYPE = GRIDID or ELEMID the grid identification Integer > 0 See Remark 7
numbers of piercing points on surface A and surface B,
respectively. For FTYPE = ALIGN the vertex grid
identification numbers of the first and second shell
elements respectively.
GAi For FTYPE = GRIDID the grid identification numbers of Integer > 0 See Remark 8
the first surface patch. GA1 to GA3 are required. See
Remark 6.
GBi For FTYPE = GRIDID the grid identification numbers of Integer > 0 See Remark 8
the second surface patch. See Remark 6.
SHIDA For FTYPE = ELEMID the element identification number Integer > 0 See Remark 5
of the first shell element.
SHIDB For FTYPE = ELEMID the element identification number Integer > 0 See Remark 5
of the second shell element.

Remarks:

1. CWELD defines a flexible connection between two surface patches, between a point and a surface patch, or
between two shell vertex grid points.
GS

GA
GB
SHIDA

GA

GA GA

GA
GB
GB
SHIDB

GB
Figure 1. Patch-to-Patch Connection Defined with FTYPE Equal to GRIDID or ELEMID.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-136

Reference Manual CWELD

GA4 GS

GA3
GA
GA1

GA2
Figure 2. Patch-to-Point Connection Defined with FTYPE Equal to GRIDID or ELEMID.


n
Upper shell mid-surface

GA

Lower shell mid-surface

GB

Figure 3. Point-to-Point Connection Defined with FTYPE Equal to ALIGN.

2. Element identification numbers should be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
3. The location of the connector element is defined by a projection of grid point GS normal to surface patches
A and B. A normal projection must exist in order to define a valid element. GS need not lie on either surface
patch, and is ignored if FTYPE = ALIGN.
4. FTYPE = GRIDID defines either a point to patch or a patch to patch connection. For the point to patch
connection, the user must define GS and GAi. Then it is assumed that GS is a shell vertex grid and GAi are
grids describing a surface patch. For the patch to patch connection, the user must define GS, GAi and GBi.
Then GAi describes the first surface patch and GBi the second surface patch.
5. FTYPE = ELEMID defines a point to patch connection, GS to SHIDA or a patch to patch connection, SHIDA
to SHIDB. SHIDA and SHIDB must be valid shell element identification numbers.
6. FTYPE = ALIGN defines a point to point connection. GA and GB are required, and they must be vertex
nodes of shell elements. GA and GB are not required for the other formats.
7. The input of the piercing points GA and GB is optional for FTYPE = GRIDID and ELEMID. If GA and GB are
not specified, they are generated from the normal projection of GS on surface patch A and B. If GA and GB
are specified, their locations may be corrected so that they lie on surface patch A and B, respectively. The
length of the connector is the distance from GA to GB.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-137

Reference Manual CWELD

8. GAi are required for FTYPE = GRIDID. At least 3 and at most 8 grid point identification numbers may be
specified for GAi and GBi, respectively. Triangular and quadrilateral element definition sequences apply for
the order of GAi and GBi.

G3 G4 G7 G3

G6 G5 G8 G6

G1 G4 G2 G1 G5 G2

Figure 4. Triangular and Quadrilateral Surface Patches Defined with Format GRIDID.

9. Forces and moments are output in the element coordinate system. The element x-axis is in the direction of
GA to GB. The element y-axis is perpendicular to the element x-axis and is lined up with the closest axis of
the basic coordinate system. The element z-axis is the cross product of the element x-axis and y-axis. The
output of the forces and moments including the sign convention is the same as in the CBAR element.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-138

Reference Manual DAREA

DAREA Dynamic Load Scale Factor

Description: The entry is used in conjunction with the TLOAD1 and TLOAD2 entries and defines the point where
the dynamic load is to be applied with the scale (area) factor A.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DAREA SID P1 C1 A1 P2 C2 A2

Example:

DAREA 10 3 2 4.4 12 3 16.9

Field Definition Type Default

SID Identification number of DAREA set. Integer > 0 Required

Pi Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Ai Scale (area) factor. Real Required
Ci Component number of global coordinate (up to six 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks).

Remarks:

1. One or two scale factors may be defined on a single entry.

2. Refer to TLOAD1 or TLOAD2 entries for the formulas that define the scale factor Ai.
3. Component numbers refer to the displacement coordinate system.
4. DAREA entries may be used with LSEQ Bulk Data entries. The LSEQ and static load entries will be used to
internally generate DAREA entries.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-139

Reference Manual DCONADD

DCONADD Design Constraint Set Combination

Description: Defines a design optimization constraint set as a union of constraints defined via DCONSTR entries.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DCONADD DCID DC1 DC2 DC3 DC4 DC5 DC6 DC7

DC8 -etc.-

Example:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DCONADD 10 4 6 8

Field Definition Type Default

DCID Design constraint set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

DCi DCONSTR entry identification number. Integer > 0; SID Required
≠ Si

Remarks:

1. The DCi values must be unique.

2. Design constraint sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (DESSUB = DCID or DESGLB = DCID)
to be used.
3. No DCi may be the identification number of a design constraint set defined by another DCONADD entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-140

Reference Manual DCONSTR

4.

DCONSTR Design Constraint

Description: Defines a design constraint used in design optimization analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DCONSTR DCID RID LALLOW UALLOW UADJUST

Example:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DCONSTR 20 8 1.5

Field Definition Type Default

DCID Design constraint identification number. Integer > 0 Required

RID DRESP1 entry identification number. Integer > 0 Required
LALLOW Lower bound of the response quantity. Real > 0.0 See Remark 3.
UALLOW Upper bound of the response quantity. Real > 0.0 See Remark 3.
UADJUST Adjustable bound option, one of the following character Character NO
variables: YES or NO. See Remark 5.

Remarks:

5. The DCONSTR entry may be selected in the Case Control Section by the DESSUB or DESGLB command.
6. DCID may reference a DCONADD Bulk Data entry.
7. Either LALLOW or UALLOW or both must be specified.
8. The units of LALLOW and UALLOW must be consistent with the referenced response defined on the
DRESP1 entry.
9. UADJUST is currently only available when the referenced DRESP1 specifies a FRMASS response. When
set to ON, the upper bound will increase as required to bring other design or manufacturing constraints within
their respective bounds when it is determined that without an adjustment the solution will not converge.
Additionally, the upper bound will decrease when a sufficient margin exists between the upper bound and
PARAM, TOPTMINADJVF, provided all other constraints are passing. See Section 5, Parameters, for more
information on TOPTMINADJVF.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-141

Reference Manual DDAMDAT

DDAMDAT Dynamic Design Analysis Method Data

Description: Defines data needed to perform DDAM analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DDAMDAT SID VF1 VF2 VF3 AF1 AF2 AF3 VA
VB VC AA AB AC AD STYPE LTYPE
DIRSEQ FADIR VDIR GCF MINACC CUTOFF MTYPE METHOD
MINMEM

Example:

DDAMDAT 10 0.25 0.5 1.0 0.25 0.50 1.0 10.0

20.0 50.0 10.0 45.5 6.5 15.0 SURFACE HULL
3 1 100.0
0.5

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

VFi Velocity scale factors. See Remark 1. Real Required
AFi Acceleration scale factors. See Remark 1. Real Required
VA, VB, VC Velocity weighting factors. See Remark 1. Real Required
AA, AB, Acceleration weighting factors. See Remark 1. Real Required, See
AC, AD Remark 2
STYPE Ship type, one of the following character variables: Character Required
SURFACE for surface ship or SUBMERG for
submerged.
LTYPE Mounting location, one of the following character Character Required
variables: DECK, HULL, or SHELL.
DIRSEQ Shock direction sequence. (Up to three unique digits 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 3 123
may be placed in the field with no embedded blanks.)
See Remark 3.
FADIR Forward-aft component number. See Remark 3. 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 1
VDIR Vertical component number. See Remark 3. 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 3
GCF Mass to weight conversion factor. Real 386.4
MINACC Minimum acceleration. See Remark 4. Real See Remark 4
CUTOFF Modal mass cutoff percentage. See Remark 5. Real 80.0

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-142

Reference Manual DCONSTR

Field Definition Type Default

MTYPE Material type, one of the following character variables: Character ELASTIC
ELASTIC or PLASTIC. See Remark 6.
METHOD Response spectra generation method, one of the Character DDS-072
following character variables: DDS-072 or NRL-1396.
See Remark 7.
MINMEM Minimum percent modal effective mass which defines Real 1.0
modes that will be included after CUTOFF is achieved.

Remarks:

1. The user supplied velocity, acceleration, and weighting factors are used to compute the velocity and
acceleration spectra which serves as the input for response/shock spectrum analysis. The formulas for a
SURFACE ship with HULL or SHELL mounted equipment (METHOD = DDS-072) or with DECK, HULL, or
SHELL mounted equipment (METHOD = DDS-1396) are given by:

VA(VB + M) AA(AB + M)(AC + M)

V 0 = VFi A 0 = AFi
(VC + M) (AD + M)2

For all other ship types and mounting locations the formulas are:

VA(VB + M) AA(AB + M)
V 0 = VFi A 0 = AFi
(VC + M) (AC + M)

Where M is the modal weight in kips calculated internally for that mode. The VFi and AFi coefficients defined
in fields 3 through 8 correspond to the shock coefficients in each model direction. For example, VF1 and
AF1 correspond to the shock coefficients in the model x-direction, VF2 and AF2 the y-direction, and VF3 and
AF3 the z-direction.
2. The AD weighting factor is required when STYPE is SURFACE and
• METHOD is DDS-072 and LTYPE is either HULL or SHELL.
• METHOD is NRL-1396 and LTYPE is DECK, HULL or SHELL.
3. The DIRSEQ field defines which directions will be analyzed and the order they will be analyzed in. The
FADIR and VDIR fields define which direction components in DIRSEQ correspond to the forward-aft and
vertical directions, respectively. The athwartship direction is determined using the remaining direction. Each
direction (1-3) corresponds to a velocity and acceleration factor defined in fields 3 through 8 on this entry.
Direction 1 corresponds to the model x-direction, direction 2 the y-direction, and direction 3 the z-direction.
4. If accelerations generated in Remark 1 are less than MINACC, the MINACC value will be used. The default
value for MINACC is 1.0 when METHOD is DDS-072 and 6.0 when METHOD is NRL-1396.
5. The modal mass cutoff percentage is percentage of total mass at which modal processing ceases. DDAM
analysis requires that only a percentage (typically 80%) of the total modal mass needs to be included in the
NRL summation.
6. The material type specified in the MTYPE field only affects the output labels and is not used in the analysis.
The character variable PLASTIC does not indicate or initiate nonlinear analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-143

Reference Manual DCONSTR

7. METHOD=DDS-072 specifies the equation format described in Design Data Sheet DDS-072 (Classified),
1972. This is the formal specification for the Dynamic Design Analysis Method (DDAM).
8. The default units for DDAMDAT data are IN-LBF-SEC. Other units may be used by setting the UNITS model
parameter. Note that the GCF field is always in units of in/sec2. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more
information on UNITS.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-144

Reference Manual DDVAL

DDVAL Discrete Design Variable Values

Description: Defines real, discrete design variable values for design optimization.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DDVAL ID DVAL1 DVAL2 DVAL3 DVAL4 DVAL5 DVAL6 DVAL7

DVAL8 DVAL9 DVAL10 - etc.-

Example:

DDVAL 5 0.03 0.05 0.07 0.09 0.1

Alternate Format and Example:

DDVAL ID DVAL1 THRU DVAL2 BY INC

DDVAL 6 0.1 THRU 0.9 BY 0.05

Field Definition Type Default

ID Discrete value set identification number. Integer > 0 Required
DVALi Discrete values. Real Required
INC Discrete value increment. Real Required when using
alternate format

Remarks:

1. DDVAL entries must be referenced by a DESVAR entry in the DDVAL field.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-145

Reference Manual DEFORM

DEFORM Element Deformation

Description: Defines enforced axial deformation for CROD and CBAR elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DEFORM SID EID D EID D EID D

Example:

DEFORM 2 311 1.1 111 2.1

Field Definition Type Default

SID Deformation set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required
D Deformation (“+” = elongation). Real Required

Remarks:

1. The referenced element must be a CROD or CBAR.

2. Deformation sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (DEFORM = SID).
3. From one to three enforced element deformations may be defined on a single entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-146

Reference Manual DELAY

DELAY Dynamic Load Time Delay

Description: This entry is used in conjunction with the TLOAD1 and TLOAD2 entries and defines the time delay
term τ in the equations of the dynamic loading function.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DELAY SID P1 C1 T1 P2 C2 T2

Example:

DELAY 2 31 6 3.45

Field Definition Type Default

SID Identification number of the DELAY set. Integer > 0 Required

Pi Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Ci Component number of global coordinate (up to six 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks).
Ti Time delay τ for designated point Pi and component Ci. Real

Remarks:

1. One or two dynamic load time delays may be defined on a single entry.
2. SID must also be referenced on a TLOAD1 or TLOAD2 entry. Refer to these entry descriptions for the
formulas that define how the time delay τ is used.
3. A DAREA and/or LSEQ entry should be used to define a load at Pi and Ci.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-147

Reference Manual DLOAD

DESVAR Design Variable

Description: Defines a design variable for design optimization.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DESVAR ID LABEL XINIT XLB XUB REGION DDVAL DVTYPE

Example:

DESVAR 1 DR03 0.005 0.001 0.01 25 12 SHLTHK

Field Definition Type Default

ID Design variable dentification number. Integer > 0 Required

LABEL Label associated with design region used for output Character
headings.
PTYPE Property type. Used with PID to identify the elements Character Required
to be designed, one of the following character
variables: PSOLID, PSHELL, or PCOMP.
XINIT Initial value for design variable. XLB ≤ XINIT ≤ See Remark 1
XUB
XLB Lower bound for design variable. Real > 0.0 Required
XUB Upper bound for design variable. Real > 0.0 Required
REGION Design region identification number. Integer > 0 Required
DVTYPE Design variable type, one of the following character Character See Remark 2
variables: SHLTHK
DDVAL DDVAL entry identification number that provides a set of Integer > 0 or See Remark 3
allowable discrete values. blank

Remarks:

1. If XINIT is blank and OPTION is set to SHLTHK the thickness of the PSHELL referenced in REGION will be
used.
2. Currently only variable shell thickness is supported.
3. If the design variable is to be discrete (Integer > 0 in DDVAL field), and if either of the XLB and/orXUB bounds
are not specified or wider than those given by the discrete list of values on the corresponding DDVAL entry,
XLB and/or XUB will be replaced by the minimum and maximum discrete values . The default of blank results
in continuous design variables.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-148

Reference Manual DLOAD

DLOAD Dynamic Load Combination (Superposition)

Description: Defines a dynamic loading condition for transient response problems as a linear combination of load
sets defined via TLOAD1 or TLOAD2 entries.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DLOAD SID S S1 L1 S2 L2 S3 L3
S4 L4 - etc. -

Example:

DLOAD 20 1.5 2.2 6 -3.6 7 6.0 10

-4.5 12

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

S Scale factor. Real Required
Si Scale factors. Real Required
Li Load set identification numbers defined via entry types Integer > 0; Required
enumerated above. SID ≠ Li

Remarks:

1. The load vector defined is given by:

{P} = S∑Si {PLi}
i

2. Each Li must be unique from any other Li on the same entry.

3. Dynamic load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section with DLOAD = SID.
4. A DLOAD entry may not reference a set identification number defied by another DLOAD entry.
5. TLOAD1 and TLOAD2 loads may be combined only through the use of the DLOAD entry.
6. SID must be unique for all TLOAD1 and TLOAD2 entries.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-149

Reference Manual DMIG

DMIG Direct Matrix Input at Points

Description: Define direct input matrices related to grid, extra, and/or scalar points. The matrix is defined by a
single header entry and one or more column entries. Only one header entry is required. A column
entry is required for each column with nonzero elements.

Header Entry Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DMIG NAME 0 IFO TIN NCOL

Column Entry Format:

DMIG NAME GJ CJ G1 C1 A1
G2 C2 A2 - etc.-

Example:

DMIG STIF 0 6 1 3
DMIG STIF 25 1 2 3 3.54+5
71 5 2.36+6 81 3 5.87+6

Field Definition Type Default

NAME Name of the matrix. Character Required

IFO Form of matrix input, selected by one of the following Integer Required
values
1 = Square matrix
2 = Rectangular matrix
6 = Symmetric matrix
9 = Rectangular matrix
TIN Type of matrix being input, selected by one of the Integer Required
following values
1 = Single precision data
2 = Double precision data
NCOL Number of columns in a rectangular matrix. Integer > 0 Required for
IFO = 9
GJ Grid, scalar or extra point identification number for Integer > 0 Required
column index.
CJ Component number for grid point GJ. 0 < Integer ≤ 6 1
or blank

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-150

Reference Manual DMIG

Field Definition Type Default

Gi Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number for row Integer > 0 Required
index.
Ci Component number for Gi for a grid point. 0 < Integer ≤ 6 1
or blank
Ai Matrix element. Real Required

Remarks:

1. Matrixes defined on this entry may be used in any analysis by selection in the Case Control Section with
K2GG = NAME, B2GG = NAME, and M2GG = NAME for [K ], [B ], or, [M ] respectively. Input matrixes are
added to the structural matrixes before constraints are applied. Load matrixes may be selected by P2G =
NAME.
2. The header entry containing IFO and TIN is required. Each non-null column is started with a GJ, CJ pair.
The entries for each row of that column follow. Only nonzero terms need be entered. The terms may be
input in arbitrary order.
3. Field 3 of the header entry must contain an integer 0.
4. For symmetric matrixes (IFO = 6), a given off-diagonal element may be input either below or above the
diagonal. Upper and lower triangle terms may be mixed.
5. The recommended format for rectangular matrices requires the use of NCOL and IFO = 9. The number of
columns in the matrix is NCOL.
6. The matrix names must be unique among all DMIG entries.
7. TIN should be set consistent with the number of decimal digits required to read the input data adequately.
For the single precision specification (TIN=1) one eight character field is used and the input past eight
characters is truncated. For the double precision specification (TIN=2) two eight character fields are
combined allowing a total of 16 characters for input.
8. DMIG Bulk Data entries can be exported using the TRSLDMIDATA Model Initialization directive. (See
Section 2, Initialization, for more information on TRSLDMIDATA.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-151

Reference Manual DRESP1

DPHASE Dynamic Load Phase Lead

Description: Defines the phase lead term θ in the equation of the dynamic loading function.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DPHASE SID P1 C1 TH1 P2 C2 TH2

Example:

DPHASE 5 15 4 2.41

Field Definition Type Default

SID Identification number of the DPHASE entry. Integer > 0 Required

Pi Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Ci Component number of global coordinate (up to six 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks).
THi Phase lead θ in degrees. Real

Remarks:

1. One or two dynamic load phase leads may be defined on a single entry.
2. SID must also be referenced on a RLOAD1 or RLOAD2 entry. Refer to these entry descriptions for the
formulas that define how the phase lead θ is used.
3. A DAREA and/or LSEQ entry should be used to define a load at Pi and Ci

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-152

Reference Manual DRESP1

DRESP1 Design Response

Description: Defines a structural response used in design optimization analysis either as a constraint or an objective.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DRESP ID LABEL RTYPE REGION ATTA ATTB ATTC

1

Example:

DRESP 10 DISP 3 102

1

Field Definition Type Default

ID Design response identification number. Integer > 0 Required

LABEL User-defined label. Character

RTYPE Response type. See table below and Remark 5. Character Required
REGION Topology design region identification number. See Integer > 0 or All TOPVAR
Remark 2. blank regions
ATTA, ATTB, Response attributes. See table below and Remarks Integer > 0 or real
ATTC 4, 6, and 7. or blank

Response Type Description Response Attributes

RTYPE ATTA (Integer > 0) ATTB (Integer > 0) ATTC (Integer > 0)

COM Center of mass. Component Blank Grid Identification

number (1 – 6) Number
COMP Compliance. Blank Blank Blank
COMPINDX Compliance Blank Blank Blank
index.
DISP Displacement Component Blank Grid Identification
number (1 – 6) Number
EIGN Eigenvalue. Mode number Blank Blank
FREQ Natural Mode number Blank Blank
frequency.
FRMASS Mass or volume Blank Blank Blank
fraction.
GLBDISP Global Component Blank Set Identification
displacement. number (1 – 6) Number
GLBSTRS Global stress. Blank Blank Blank

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-153

Reference Manual DRESP1

GLBTAVE Global average Blank Blank Set Identification

temperature. Number
GLBTEMP Global Blank Blank Set Identification
temperature. Number
GLBTVAR Global Blank Blank Set Identification
temperature Number
variation.
HFLOW Heat flow. Blank Blank Grid Identification
Number
LAMA Buckling load Mode number Blank Blank
factor.
SPCF Single point Component Blank Grid Identification
constraint force. number (1 – 6) Number
TEMP Temperature. Blank Blank Grid Identification
Number

Remarks:

1. DRESP1 identification numbers must be unique.

2. REGION is used to specify which design region a constraint is applicable to. It is applicable when RTYPE is
set to FREQ, FRMASS, EIGN, GLBSTRS, LAMA and SPCF. If REGION is zero or blank, then all TOPVAR
regions will be used.
3. For FRMASS, the initial constraint value used is the value specified on the TOPVAR entry.
4. For DISP and SPCF the default for ATTC is the grid point with the largest absolute value in the component
direction specified. If ATTA is also blank, the component defaults to the direction with the largest absolute
value.
5. Compliance index is defined as the ratio of the initial compliance of the unmodified model over the compliance
of the modified one. For example, a compliance index of 2.0 would be that of a structure that is 1/2 the
stiffness of the original design. The lower limit of compliance index is 1.0.
6. For COM, DISP, GLBDISP, GLBTAVE, GLBTEMP, GLBTVAR, SPCF, and TEMP, ATTC is the grid point set
identification number. Only grid points whose identification numbers appear on this SET command will be
used. When the ATTC field is blank, all grid points in the model will be used.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-154

Reference Manual DTI, SPSEL

DTI, SPSEL Response Spectra Generation Correlation Table

Description: Correlates output requests with frequency and damping values.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DTI SPSEL SID DAMPL FREQL G1 G2 G3 G4

G5 G6 G7 - etc.-

Example:

DTI SPSEL 1 5 10 16 17
DTI SPSEL 2 12 14 1 6 10 13
15 19

Field Definition Type Default

SID Spectrum identification number. Integer > 0 Required

DAMPL Identification number of a FREQ, FREQ1, or FREQ2 Bulk Integer > 0 Required
Data entry that specifies the list of damping values.
FREQL Identification number of a FREQ, FREQ1, FREQ2, Integer > 0 Required
FREQ3, or FREQ4 Bulk Data entry that specifies the list
of frequencies.
Gi Grid point identification number where the response Integer > 0 Required
spectra will be calculated.

Remarks:

1. This table is used in transient response solutions for the generation of response spectra.
2. Damping values are in units of fraction of critical damping.
3. Output of response spectra requires the use of the XYPLOT…SPECTRA(SID)/Gi…Case Control command,
where the Gi is restricted to the grid points listed on the (SID) entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-155

Reference Manual EIGC

EIGC Complex Eigenvalue Extraction Data

Description: Defines data needed to perform complex eigenvalue analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

EIGC SID METHOD NORM G C CTOL ND NIVEC

MAXITER XC ALPHA OMEGA

Examples:

EIGC 10 5
LM

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

METHOD Method of complex eigenvalue extraction, one of the Character ARNO
following character variables: ARNO, HESS, or CLAN.
See Remark 2.
NORM Method for normalizing eigenvectors, one of the Character MAX
following character variables: MAX or POINT:
MAX Normalize to unit value of the largest
magnitude to a unit value for the real part and
a zero value for the imaginary part.
POINT Normalize the component defined in fields 5
and 6 to a unit value for the real part and a
zero for the imaginary part.
G Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required for
NORM = POINT

C Component number of global coordinate. 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required for

NORM = POINT

CTOL Eigenvalue convergence tolerance. Real or blank 1.0E-6

ND Number of roots desired. Integer > 0 Required
NIVEC Number of additional iteration vectors. Integer > 0 9
MAXITER Maximum number of iterations. Integer > 0 100
XC Extraction criteria, one of the following character Character AUTO
variables: LM, SM, LR, SR, LI, SI or AUTO. See Remark
3.
ALPHA Real component of Hessenberg shift scale. Real or blank
OMEGA Imaginary component of Hessenberg shift scale. Real or blank

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-156

Reference Manual EIGC

Remarks:

1. Complex eigenvalue extraction data sets must be selected with the Case Control command CMETHOD =
SID.
2. METHOD = ARNO specifies that the complex Arnoldi eigensolver will be used. This is the preferred method
and will handle all problems sizes. METHOD = HESS specifies that the complex general eigensolver based
on the QZ method will be used. This method is only recommended when METHOD = ARNO fails and may
be considerably slower for larger problem sizes. METHOD = CLAN is functionally equivalent to METHOD =
ARNO.
3. The extraction criteria determines the internal sorting method and controls how the ND roots requested are
extracted. The following table gives the various options.

XC Setting Extraction Method Used

LM Largest magnitude
SM Smallest magnitude
LR Largest real component
SR Smallest real component
LI Largest imaginary component
SI Smallest imaginary component
AUTO Automatic based on damping

The AUTO setting selects the best option based on the type of damping specified.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-157

Reference Manual EIGR

EIGR Real Eigenvalue Extraction Data

Description: Defines data needed to perform real eigenvalue analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

EIGR SID V1 V2 ND SCHECK NIVEC

NORM G C MAXITER CTOL ADDITER ADDIVCV

Examples:

EIGR 10 5.0 150.0

MAX 45 3

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

V1, V2 For vibration analysis: frequency range of interest. For Real or blank, See Remark 5
buckling analysis: eigenvalue range of interest. V1 < V2
ND Number of roots desired. Integer > 0 See Remark 5
SCHECK Sturm sequence check, one of the following character Character YES
variables: YES or NO. See Remark 7.
NIVEC Number of iteration vectors. See Remark 8. Integer > 0 12
NORM Method for normalizing eigenvectors, one of the Character
following character variables: MASS, MAX, POINT:
MASS Normalize to unit value of the generalized For vibration
mass. Not available for buckling analysis. analysis
MAX Normalize to unit value of the largest For buckling
eigenvector displacement. analysis
POINT Normalize the component defined in fields 3
and 4 to a unit value.
G Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required for
NORM = POINT

C Component number of global coordinate. 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required for

NORM = POINT

MAXITER Maximum number of iterations. See Remark 9. Integer ≥ 0 0

CTOL Eigenvalue convergence tolerance. Real or blank 1.0E-5

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-158

Reference Manual EIGR

Field Definition Type Default

ADDITER Number of additional iterations after convergence. See Integer ≥ 0 1

Remark 10.
ADDIVCV Number of additional iteration vectors past the number Integer ≥ 0 5
of roots desired or the included range of interest that
must also converge. See Remark 10.

Remarks:

1. Real eigenvalue extraction data sets must be selected with the Case Control command METHOD = SID.
2. The units of V1 and V2 are cycles per unit time in vibration analysis, and are eigenvalues in buckling analysis.
In buckling, each eigenvalue is the factor by which the prebuckling state of stress is multiplied to produce
buckling in the shape defined by the corresponding eigenvector.
3. NORM = MASS is ignored in buckling analysis and NORM = MAX will be applied.
4. Eigenvalues are sorted on order of magnitude for output. An eigenvector is found for each eigenvalue.
5. In vibration analysis, if V1 < 0.0, the negative eigenvalue range will be searched. (Eigenvalues are
proportional to Vi squared; therefore, the negative sign would be lost.) This is a means for diagnosing
improbable models. In buckling analysis, negative V1 and/or V2 require no special logic.
6. The roots are found simultaneously and sorted in increasing order for each subspace or Lanczos iteration.
The number and type of roots to be found can be determined from the following table.

V1 V2 ND Number and Type of Roots Found

V1 V2 ND Lowest ND roots or all in range, whichever is smaller
V1 V2 blank All in range
V1 blank ND Lowest ND roots in range [V1, +∞]
V1 blank blank Lowest root in range [V1, +∞]
blank blank ND Lowest ND roots in range [-∞, +∞]
blank blank blank Lowest root
blank V2 ND Lowest ND roots below V2
blank V2 blank All below V2

7. SCHECK controls whether a Sturm sequence check is performed. The Sturm sequence check determines
if any roots were missed during eigenvalue extraction. Setting SCHECK equal to 0 or NO skips the Sturm
sequence check and avoids an additional stiffness matrix factorization thus reducing analysis time. Setting
SCHECK equal to 1 or YES performs the check and will output a warning message if any modes were missed.
8. NIVEC specifies the number of additional iteration vectors and is defaulted to 12. Increasing this value may
result in a lower number of subspace iterations required but will require more memory and more solves per
subspace iteration.
9. MAXITER is used to limit the number of subspace iterations to be performed. The default zero setting forces
the eigensolver to iterate until convergence is reached.
10. ADDITER and ADDIVCV are used to prevent missing roots. ADDITER defines the number of additional
iterations that will be forced even after all roots desired have converged. ADDIVCV defines how many roots
past the desired number or range of interest must converge. A value greater than 1 is recommended when
roots are closely spaced. Larger values may result in additional subspace iterations.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-159

Reference Manual EIGRL

EIGRL Real Eigenvalue Extraction Data

Description: Defines data needed to perform real eigenvalue (vibration or buckling) analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

EIGRL SID V1 V2 ND SCHECK NIVEC SHFSCL NORM

MAXITER CTOL ADDITER ADDIVCV CTRLOPT ORTOPT

Example:

EIGRL 1 10 0.0
1.-4

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

V1, V2 For vibration analysis: frequency range of interest. For Real or blank, See Remark 5
buckling analysis: eigenvalue range of interest. V1 < V2
ND Number of roots desired. Integer > 0 See Remark 5
SCHECK Sturm sequence check, one of the following character Character AUTO
variables: YES, NO, or AUTO. See Remark 7.
NIVEC Number of iteration vectors. See Remark 8. Integer > 0 See Remark 8
SHFSCL Estimate of the first flexible mode natural frequency. Real or blank See Remark 9
See Remark 9.
NORM Method for normalizing eigenvectors, one of the Character
following character variables: MASS or MAX:
MASS Normalize to unit value of the generalized For vibration
mass. Not available for buckling analysis. analysis
MAX Normalize to unit value of the largest For buckling
eigenvector displacement. analysis
MAXITER Maximum number of iterations. See Remark 10. Integer ≥ 0 0
CTOL Eigenvalue convergence tolerance. Real or blank See Remark 11
ADDITER Number of additional iterations after convergence. Integer ≥ 0 1
See Remark 12.
ADDIVCV Number of additional iteration vectors past the number Integer ≥ 0 5
of roots desired or the included range of interest that
must also converge. See Remark 12.
CTRLOPT Controls solver specific operations during eigenvalue 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 4 See Remark 13
extraction. See Remark 13.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-160

Reference Manual EIGRL

Field Definition Type Default

ORTOPT Option for full or partial mass re-orthogonalization after Character AUTO
each Lanczos iteration, one of the following character
variables: FULL, PARTIAL, or AUTO. See Remark 14.

Remarks:

1. Real eigenvalue extraction data sets must be selected with the Case Control command METHOD = SID.
2. The units of V1 and V2 are cycles per unit time in vibration analysis, and are eigenvalues in buckling analysis.
In buckling, each eigenvalue is the factor by which the prebuckling state of stress is multiplied to produce
buckling in the shape defined by the corresponding eigenvector.
3. NORM = MASS is ignored in buckling analysis and NORM = MAX will be applied.
4. Eigenvalues are sorted on order of magnitude for output. An eigenvector is found for each eigenvalue.
5. In vibration analysis, if V1 < 0.0, the negative eigenvalue range will be searched. (Eigenvalues are
proportional to Vi squared; therefore, the negative sign would be lost.) This is a means for diagnosing
improbable models. In buckling analysis, negative V1 and/or V2 require no special logic.
6. The roots are found simultaneously and sorted in increasing order for each subspace or Lanczos iteration.
The number and type of roots to be found can be determined from the following table.

V1 V2 ND Number and Type of Roots Found

V1 V2 ND Lowest ND roots or all in range, whichever is smaller
V1 V2 blank All in range
V1 blank ND Lowest ND roots in range [V1, +∞]
V1 blank blank Lowest root in range [V1, +∞]
blank blank ND Lowest ND roots in range [-∞, +∞]
blank blank blank Lowest root
blank V2 ND Lowest ND roots below V2
blank V2 blank All below V2

7. SCHECK controls whether a Sturm sequence check is performed. The Sturm sequence check determines
if any roots were missed during eigenvalue extraction. Setting SCHECK equal to 0 or NO skips the Sturm
sequence check and avoids an additional stiffness matrix factorization thus reducing analysis time. Setting
SCHECK equal to 1 or YES performs the check and will output a warning message if any modes were missed.
The default setting of AUTO will always perform the check when the subspace eigensolver is selected and
only for models smaller than EXTRACTAUTOSIZE when the Lanczos eigensolver is selected. (See Section
2, Initialization, for more information on EXTRACTAUTOSIZE.)
8. When the subspace eigensolver is selected, NIVEC specifies the number of additional iteration vectors and
is defaulted to 12. Increasing this value may result in a lower number of subspace iterations required but will
require more memory and more solves per subspace iteration. When the Lanczos eigensolver is selected,
this option controls the Lanczos block size and the default is determined automatically. A value of 9 or 12
may increase performance for models where a large number of modes will be extracted. The maximum
value for the Lanczos eigensolver is 120.
9. Specifying SHFSCL = 0.0 may improve accuracy and performance. If this field is blank, a non-zero value for
SHFSCL is estimated automatically to handle unconstrained or poorly constrained structures in vibration
analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-161

Reference Manual EIGRL

10. MAXITER is used to limit the number of subspace or Lanczos iterations to be performed. The default zero
setting forces the eigensolver to iterate until convergence is reached.
11. The CTOL default is dependent on the OPTIMIZESETTINGS directive setting. The following table gives the
various values. The default for OPTIMIZESETTINGS is NONE.

OPTIMIZESETTINGS CTOL
Value Value
SPEED 1.0E-5
ACCURACY 1.0E-7
BOTH 1.0E-6
NONE 1.0E-6

12. ADDITER and ADDIVCV are used to prevent missing roots. ADDITER defines the number of additional
iterations that will be forced even after all roots desired have converged. ADDIVCV defines how many roots
past the desired number or range of interest must converge. A value greater than 1 is recommended when
roots are closely spaced. Larger values may result in additional subspace iterations.
13. CTRLOPT controls where the Lanczos eigensolver intermediate results are stored (in memory or on disk)
and what solver mode is used (iterative or direct). Higher settings require more memory but may increase
performance significantly. The default setting is the eigensolver selects the best method based on available
memory. If the SPARSEITERMETHOD model parameter is set to DIRECT, the default will be a CTRLOPT
setting of 4. If set to ITERATIVE and the model consists of mostly parabolic tetrahedron elements, the default
will be a setting of 1. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on SPARSEITERMETHOD.) The
following table gives the various options.

CTRLOPT Intermediate File Solver Mode

Setting Storage Location
1 Disk Iterative
2 Memory Iterative
3 Disk Direct
4 Memory Direct

14. ORTOPT controls whether a full or partial mass re-orthogonalization is performed after each Lanczos
iteration. Partial re-orthogonalization increases performance for models where a large number of modes
(greater than 100) are requested. Partial re-orthogonalization, however, may result in a small degradation in
accuracy. The AUTO setting will use partial re-orthogonalization when residual vectors are requested via
the RESVEC model parameter or for models larger than EXTRACTAUTOSIZE when either an eigenvalue
range is specified or the number of modes requested is greater than 100. (See Section 2, Initialization, for
more information on EXTRACTAUTOSIZE and Section 5, Parameters, for more information on RESVEC.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-162

 Reference Manual ESET1

ELIST Element List

Description: Defines a list of structural surface elements for virtual fluid mass.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ELIST LID E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7
E8 E9 E10 - etc.-

Example:

ELIST 10 -33 9 THRU 22 28 34 41

49 53

Field Definition Type Default

LID List identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EIDi Element identification number(s). See Remarks 1 and 2. Integer > 0; Required
E1 < E2

Remarks:

1. If the ELIST entry is referenced by field 6 of an MFLUID entry, the wetted side of the element is determined
by the presence or absence of a minus sign preceding the element ID on the ELIST entry. A minus sign
indicates that the fluid is on the side opposite to the element positive normal as determined by applying the
right-hand rule to the sequence of its corner points.
2. If the THRU symbol is used, elements in the sequence E1 through E2 are not required to exist but E1 and
E2 must have the same sign. Elements that do not exist or are not compatible will be skipped. The THRU
symbol may not appear in fields 3 or 9 on the parent entry and fields 2 or 9 on the continuations.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-163

Reference Manual ENDATA

ENDATA Strain-Life Method Material Fatigue Data

Description: Specifies material property data needed for fatigue analysis. This entry is used if a MAT1, MAT2,
MAT8, MAT9, or MAT12 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ENDATA MID SF EF B C

Example:

ENDATA 200 1.7+9 0.83 0.095 0.65

Field Definition Type Default

MID Identification number of a MAT1, MAT2, MAT8, MAT9, Integer > 0 Required
or MAT12 entry.
SF Coefficient of fatigue strength. See Remark 3. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2.
EF Coefficient of fatigue ductility. See Remark 3. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2.
B Exponent of fatigue strength. See Remark 3. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2.
C Exponent of fatigue ductility. See Remark 3. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2.

Remarks:

1. ENDATA entries must all have unique set identification numbers.

2. VFATIGUE and FATIGUE entries provide defaults to ENDATA. Values not specified on ENDATA entries will
be replaced with ones from the VFATIGUE or FATIGUE entry STRAIN continuation.
3. The ε -N curve shown in Figure 1 is characterized by the equation
ε SF
= (2Nf )-B+ EF(2Nf )-C
2 E
where,
ε is the range of strain ( ε max – εmin )
2Nf is the number of cycles to failure
E is the modulus of elasticity

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-164

Reference Manual ENDATA

Log ε /2 (Strain)

EF

-C

SF/E
-B
Transition life

Elastic
Plastic

x
Log 2N (Cycles)

Figure 1. Strain-Life Curve Format.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-165

Reference Manual ENDDATA

ENDDATA Bulk Data Delimiter

Description: Designates the end of the Bulk Data Section.

Format:

ENDDATA

Remarks:

1. ENDDATA is required.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-166

Reference Manual EPOINT

EPOINT Extra Point Definition

Description: Defines extra points for use in dynamics problems.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

EPOINT ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4 ID5 ID6 ID7 ID8

Example:

EPOINT 5 22 2 7 45 6

Alternate Format and Example:

EPOINT ID1 THRU ID2

EPOINT 8 THRU 245

Field Definition Type Default

IDi Extra point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required

ID2 > ID1

Remarks:

1. All extra point identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other grid, scalar, and extra points.
2. At least one ID must be present on each EPOINT entry.
3. If the alternate form is used, all points ID1 through ID2 that do not exist will be skipped.
4. Extra points must not be specified more than once.
5. Continuations are not allowed.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-167

Reference Manual ESET

ESET Eigendata Set Definition

Description: Defines degrees of freedom in the reduced eigendata set (e-set) used for Modal Assurance Criterion
(MAC) analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ESET G1 C1 G2 C2 G3 C3 G4 C4

Example:

ESET 15 3 17 456 7 4

Field Definition Type Default

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0 Required

Ci Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks).

Remarks:

1. ESET generation can be automated using the XSETGENERATE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-168

Reference Manual ESET1

ESET1 Eigendata Set Definition, Alternate Form

Description: Defines degrees of freedom in the reduced eigendata set (e-set) used for Modal Assurance Criterion
(MAC) analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ESET1 C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 G9 G10 - etc.-

Example:

ESET1 123 6 3 7 10 18 14 11
19 23

Alternate Format and Example:

ESET1 C G1 THRU G2

ESET1 456 15 THRU 512

Field Definition Type Default

C Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required

unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks).
Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
G1 < G2

Remarks:

1. If the alternate form is used, points in the sequence G1 through G2 are not required to exist. Points that do
not exist will be skipped.
2. ESET generation can be automated using the XSETGENERATE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-169

Reference Manual FATIGUE

FATIGUE Multiaxial Fatigue Data

Description: Defines data needed for multiaxial fatigue analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

FATIGUE SID APRCH METHOD THRESH SIGNINV DT TCF

STRESS B SU N0 KF BE SE
STRAIN SF EF B C

Example:

FATIGUE 200 STRAIN 1

STRESS 0.16 4.5+3 0.9
STRAIN 1.7+9 0.83 0.095 0.65

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

APRCH Fatigue life approach, one of the following character Character See Remark 2.
variables: STRESS, STRAIN, or blank.
METHOD Life calculation method, selected by one of the Integer 2
following values
1 = von Mises stress/strain
2 = Maximum principal stress/strain
3 = Maximum shear stress/strain
THRESH Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
SIGNINV Signed stress/strain invariant option: YES, NO, or Character NO
AUTO. See Remark 7.
DT Event duration used to determine life. See Remark 6. Real > 0.0 See Remark 6.
TCF Factor to convert DT and life output to units other than Real > 0.0 1.0
seconds. See Remark 6.
B S-N curve slope. See Remark 3. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2.
SU Intercept stress level. Typically taken as the material Real > 0.0 See Remark 2.
ultimate stress. See Remark 3.
N0 Intercept cycles. See Remark 3. Integer > 0 1000
KF Factor applied to compensate for life reduction effects Real > 0.0 1.0
such as finish, corrosion, and notch effects. See
Remark 3.
BE Slope after endurance limit. See Remark 3. Real > 0.0 0.1*B
SE Endurance limit. See Remark 3. Real ≥ 0.0 0.2*SU

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-170

Reference Manual FATIGUE

Field Definition Type Default

SF Coefficient of fatigue strength. See Remark 4. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2
EF Coefficient of fatigue ductility. See Remark 4. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2
B Exponent of fatigue strength. See Remark 4. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2
C Exponent of fatigue ductility. See Remark 4. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. FATIGUE entries must all have unique set identification numbers.

2. The APRCH field is required when neither the SNDATA nor ENDATA Bulk Data entries are included. The
data provided on the continuation entries serve as default values for properties normally defined on these
entries. Values not specified on SNDATA entries will be replaced with ones from the STRESS continuation
and values not specified on the ENDATA will be replaced with ones from the STRAIN continuation.
3. The S-N curve shown in Figure 1 is characterized by the following equations
If Si ≥ Se If Si < Se
1 1
 SU B  SE BE
Nf = N0 KF ∗ S  Nf = Ne  KF ∗ S 
 i   i 

where,
Nf is the number of cycles to failure
Si is the amplitude of input stress (Smax – Smin)/2
Ne is the number of failure cycles at the endurance limit
and the slope B is shown in Figure 1 is calculated by
log(SU) − log(SE)
B=
log( Ne ) − log(N0)
4. The ε -N curve shown in Figure 2 is characterized by the equation
ε SF
= (2Nf )-B+ EF(2Nf )-C
2 E
where,
ε is the range of strain ( ε max – εmin )
2Nf is the number of cycles to failure
E is the modulus of elasticity
5. Amplitude filter. When the amplitude change between two sequential data is less than the threshold percent
of the maximum range, the data is discarded in life calculation

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-171

Reference Manual FATIGUE

6. The default value for DT is determined using the difference between the largest and smallest TABLEDi times
(time range). If the specified DT is smaller that this time range, it is set equal to it. DT is useful when the
event duration is different from the time range due to idling time. TCF is a time conversion factor that is
typically used to convert a default DT time from seconds to another set of units such as hours. Life output
will be in the same units as DT where life is defined using
DT ∗ TCF
Life =
Damage
where,
Damage is the ratio of applied cycles over cycles to failure.
7. The SIGNINV option specifies if the stress/strain used in the life calculation method should be signed. The
invariant stress/strain options are by definition positive values and the sign of the load is determined using
the TABLEDi load cycle data. When SIGNINV is set to YES the sign of the invariant is determined based on
the principal stress/strain. When SIGNINV is set to NO or blank the invariant stress/strain is always positive.

Log S (Stress)

Su

-B

Se
-Be

x
N0 Ne Log N (Cycles)

Figure 1. Stress-Life Curve Format.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-172

Reference Manual FATIGUE

Log ε /2 (Strain)

EF

-C

SF/E
-B
Transition life

Elastic
Plastic

x
Log 2N (Cycles)

Figure 2. Strain-Life Curve Format.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-173

Reference Manual FORCE

FORCE Static Load

Description: Defines a static load at a grid point by specifying a vector.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

FORCE SID G CID F N1 N2 N3

Example:

FORCE 3 441 4 10.0 1.0 -1.0 0.0

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 or 0
blank
G Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
F Load vector scale factor. Real Required
N1, N2, N3 Load vector components of vector measured in the Real Required;
coordinate system defined by CID. must have at
least one
nonzero
component

Remarks:

1. The static load applied to grid point G is given by:

 
f = FN

where N is the vector defined in fields 6, 7 and 8.
2. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).
3. A CID of zero references the basic coordinate system.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-174

Reference Manual FORCE1

FORCE1 Static Load, Alternate Form 1

Description: Defines a static load at a grid point by specification of a value and two grid points that determine the
direction.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

FORCE1 SID G F G1 G2

Example:

FORCE1 3 141 -4.5 10 11

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

G Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
F Load magnitude. Real Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers. Integer > 0; Required
G1 ≠ G2

Remarks:

1. The static load applied to grid point G is given by:

 
f = Fn

where n is a unit vector parallel to a vector for G1 to G2.
2. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-175

Reference Manual FREQ

FREQ Frequency List

Description: Defines a set of frequencies to be used in the solution of frequency response problems.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

FREQ SID F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7
F8 F9 F10 - etc.-

Example:

FREQ 5 1.5 2.05 15.8 21.6 24.3 27.8 30.1

23.1 28.4 15.3

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Fi Frequency value in units of cycles per unit time. Real ≥ 0.0 Required

Remarks:

1. FREQi entries must be selected with the Case Control command FREQUENCY = SID.
2. All FREQi entries with the same frequency set identification numbers will be used.
3. The DFREQ model parameter specifies the threshold for the elimination of duplicate frequencies. Duplicate
frequencies will be ignored if,
fi − fi −1 < DFREQ∗ fMAX − fMIN
where DFREQ is defaulted to 10-5 and fMAX and fMIN are the maximum and minimum solution frequencies
of the combined FREQi entries. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on DFREQ.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-176

Reference Manual FREQ

FREQ1 Frequency List, Alternate Form 1

Description: Defines a set of frequencies to be used in the solution of frequency response problems by
specification of a starting frequency, frequency increment, and the number of increments desired.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

FREQ1 SID F1 DF NDF

Example:

FREQ1 8 2.2 0.4 15

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

F1 First frequency in set. Real ≥ 0.0 Required
DF Frequency increment. Real ≥ 0.0 Required
NDF Number of frequency increments. Integer > 0 Required

Remarks:

1. FREQi entries must be selected with the Case Control command FREQUENCY = SID.
2. The units for F1 and DF are cycles per unit time.
3. The frequencies defined by this entry are given by:
fi = F1+ DF ∗(i − 1)
4. The DFREQ model parameter specifies the threshold for the elimination of duplicate frequencies. Duplicate
frequencies will be ignored if,
fi − fi −1 < DFREQ∗ fMAX − fMIN
where DFREQ is defaulted to 1.0x10-5 and fMAX and fMIN are the maximum and minimum solution
frequencies of the combined FREQi entries. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on DFREQ.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-177

Reference Manual FREQ

FREQ2 Frequency List, Alternate Form 2

Description: Defines a set of frequencies to be used in the solution of frequency response problems by
specification of a starting frequency, final frequency, and the number of logarithmic increments
desired.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

FREQ2 SID F1 F2 NF

Example:

FREQ2 6 1.0 1.+5 4

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

F1 First frequency. Real > 0.0 Required
F2 Last frequency. Real > 0.0, Required
F2 > F1
NF Number of logarithmic intervals Integer > 0 1

Remarks:

1. FREQi entries must be selected with the Case Control command FREQUENCY = SID.
2. The units for F1 and F2 are cycles per unit time.
3. The frequencies defined by this entry are given by:
f = F1∗ e(i −1)d
i
where,
1
d = NF   F2 
F1
 
and,
i = 1, 2, …, (NF + 1)
In the example above, the list of frequencies will be 1.0, 10.0, 100.0, 1000.0, and 10000.0 cycles per unit
time.
4. The DFREQ model parameter specifies the threshold for the elimination of duplicate frequencies. Duplicate
frequencies will be ignored if,
fi − fi −1 < DFREQ∗ fMAX − fMIN
where DFREQ is defaulted to 10-5 and fMAX and fMIN are the maximum and minimum solution frequencies
of the combined FREQi entries. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on DFREQ.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-178

Reference Manual FREQ3

FREQ3 Frequency List, Alternate Form 3

Description: Defines a set of excitation frequencies for modal frequency response solutions by specifying the
number of solution frequencies between two modal frequencies.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

FREQ3 SID F1 F2 TYPE NEF CLUSTER

Example:

FREQ3 5 10.0 100.0 LINEAR 10 2.0

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

F1 Lower bound of modal frequency range in cycles per unit Real > 0.0 Required
time.
F2 Upper bound of modal frequency range in cycles per unit Real > 0.0, F1
time. F2 ≥ F1
TYPE Specifies the interpolation type between frequencies, one Character LINEAR
of the following character variables: LINEAR or LOG:
LINEAR Linear interpolation between frequencies.
LOG Logarithmic interpolation between frequencies.
NEF Number of solution frequencies within each subrange Integer > 0.0 10
including the endpoints. The first subrange is between F1
and the first modal frequency within the bounds. The
second subrange is between first and second modal
frequencies between the bounds. The last subrange is
between the last modal frequency within the bounds and
F2.
CLUSTER Specifies clustering of the solution frequency near the Real > 0.0 1.0
endpoints of the range. See Remark 6.

Remarks:

1. FREQi entries must be selected with the Case Control command FREQUENCY = SID.
2. In the example above, there will be 10 frequencies in the interval between each set of modes within the
bounds 10 and 1000, plus 10 frequencies between 10 and the lowest mode in the range, plus 10 frequencies
between the highest mode in the range and 1000.
3. Since the forcing frequencies are near structural resonance, it is important that some amount of damping be
specified.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-179

Reference Manual FREQ3

4. The DFREQ model parameter specifies the threshold for the elimination of duplicate frequencies. Duplicate
frequencies will be ignored if,
fi − fi −1 < DFREQ∗ fMAX − fMIN
where DFREQ is defaulted to 10-5 and fMAX and fMIN are the maximum and minimum solution frequencies
of the combined FREQi entries. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on DFREQ.)
5. CLUSTER is used to obtain better resolution near the modal frequencies where the response varies the
most. CLUSTER > 1.0 provides closer spacing of solution frequency spacing towards the ends of the
frequency range, while values of less than 1.0 provide closer spacing towards the center of the frequency
range. For example, if TYPE is LINEAR then,
1 1
fi = (f1 + f2 ) + (f1 + f2 )ξ1/CLUSTER ∗SIGN(ξ)
2 2
and,
ξ = -1 + 2(i – 1)/(NEF – 1)
where ξ is a parametric coordinate between –1 and 1 and i varies from 1 to NEF (i=1,2, …, NEF) and,
f1 = is the lower limit of the frequency subrange
f2 = is the upper limit of the frequency subrange
fi = is the i-th solution frequency

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-180

Reference Manual FREQ4

FREQ4 Frequency List, Alternate Form 4

Description: Defines a set of frequencies used in the solution of modal frequency-response problems specifying
the amount of “spread” around each natural frequency and the number of equally space excitation
frequencies within the spread.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

FREQ4 SID F1 F2 FSPD NFM

Example:

FREQ4 5 10.0 100.0 0.20 11

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

F1 Lower bound of frequency range in cycles per unit time. Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
F2 Upper bound of frequency range in cycles per unit time. Real  0.0, F1
F2 ≥ F1
FSPD Frequency spread, +/- the factional amount specified for 0.0 < Real < 1.0 0.10
each mode which occurs in the frequency range F1 to
F2.
NFM Number of evenly spaced frequencies per spread mode. Integer > 0 3

Remarks:

1. FREQi entries must be selected with the Case Control command FREQUENCY = SID.
2. There will be NFM excitation frequencies between (1 – FSPD)∗fi for each natural frequency in the range F1
to F2.
3. In the example above, the will be 11 equally spaced frequencies across a frequency band of 0.8∗fi to 1.2∗fi
for each natural frequency that occurs between 10 and 1000.
4. The frequency spread can be used also to define the half-power bandwidth. The half-power bandwidth is
given by 2∗ζ∗fi where ζ is the damping ratio. Therefore, if FSPD is specified equal to the damping ratio for
the mode, NFM specifies the number of solution frequencies within the half-power bandwidth. See Figure 1
for the definition of half-power bandwidth.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-181

Reference Manual FREQ4

Peak Response
Peak
= Half-Power Point
2

= Solution Frequency

Half-Power
Bandwidth

Figure 1. Half-Power Point and Bandwidth.

5. Since the forcing frequencies are near the structural resonance, it is important that some amount of damping
be specified.
6. The DFREQ model parameter specifies the threshold for the elimination of duplicate frequencies. Duplicate
frequencies will be ignored if,
fi − fi −1 < DFREQ∗ fMAX − fMIN
where DFREQ is defaulted to 10-5 and fMAX and fMIN are the maximum and minimum solution frequencies
of the combined FREQi entries. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on DFREQ.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-182

Reference Manual GENEL

GENEL General Element

Description: Defines a general element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GENEL EID UI1 CI1 UI2 CI2 UI3 CI3
UI4 CI4 UI5 CI5 -etc.-

UIm – The last item in the UI list will appear in one of fields 2, 4, 6, or 8.

UD UD1 CD1 UD2 CD2 -etc.-

UDn – The last item in the UD list will appear in one of fields 2, 4, 6, or 8.

K or Z KZ11 KZ21 KZ31 -etc.- KZ22 KZ32

-etc.- KZ33 KZ43 -etc.-

KZmm – The last item in the K or Z matrix will appear in one of the fields 2 through 9.

S S11 S12 -etc.- S21 -etc.-

Smn – The last item in the S matrix will appear in one of fields 2 through 9.

Example:

GENEL 459 11 1 11 2 11 3
24 4 24 5 24 6
UD 6 1 6 2 6 3
6 4 6 5 6 6
Z 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0
8.0 9.0 10.0
S 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5
8.5

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-183

Reference Manual GENEL

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Uli, Cli Identification numbers of coordinates in the UI or UD list, Integer ≥ 0
in sequence corresponding to the [K ], [Z], and [S]
UDj, CDj
matrixes. UIi and UDi are grid point numbers, CIi and CDj
are the component numbers.
KZij Values of the [K ] or [Z] matrix ordered by columns from Real Required
the diagonal, according to the UI list.
Sij Values of the [S] matrix ordered by rows according to the Real See Remark 1
UD list.
UD, K, Z, Character variables that indicate the start of data Character
and S belonging to the UD list or the [K ], [Z], or [S] matrixes.

Remarks:

1. The stiffness approach:

 fi   K − KS  ui 
f = − ST K ST KS u
d   d 

The flexibility approach:

ui   ZT S   fi  ui   Z T S   fi  ui   Z T S   fi 

f  = − S O u   f 
= −S
O u   f 
= −S
O u 
d   dd   dd   d

Where

{ui } = [ui1, ui 2,...,uim ]T and {ud } = [ud1, ud 2,...,udn ]T

KZ11    
KZ 21 
 KZ 22   
[KZ ] = [K ] or [Z] = 
 KZ31 KZ32    and [KZ ]T = [KZ ]

     
KZm1   KZmm 

 S11  S1n 
S21   

[S] = S31   
 
    
Sm1  Smn 

The required input is the {ui } list and the lower triangular portion of [K ] or [Z]. Additional input may

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-184

Reference Manual GENEL

include the { ud } list and [S]. If [S] is input, { ud } must also be input. If { ud } is input but [S] is omitted, [S]
is internally calculated. In this case, {ud } must contain six and only six degrees of freedom.
The forms shown above for both the stiffness and flexibility approaches assume that the element is a free
body with rigid body motions that are defined by {ui } = [S]{ud }.
2. When the stiffness matrix K is input, the number of significant digits should be the same for all terms.
3. The DMIG entry offers an alternative method for inputting large matrixes.
4. The general element entry in the example above defines the following:

{ui }= [11- 1, 11- 2, 11- 3, 24 - 4, 24 - 5, 24 - 6]T

{ud } = [6 - 1, 6 - 2, 6 - 3, 6 - 4, 6 - 5, 6 - 6]T

where i-j means the j-th component of grid point i. Points 42 and 33 are scalar points.

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0  1.5 2.5

 
5.0 6.0 7.0
 4.5
[Z] = 2. [S] =  3.
3.0 6.0 8.0 9.0  5.5 6.5
   
4.0 7.0 9.0 10.0  7.5 8.5 

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-185

Reference Manual GRAV

GRAV Gravity Vector

Description: Used to define gravity vectors for use in determining gravity loading for the structural model.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

GRAV SID CID G N1 N2 N3

TID1 TID2 TID3

Example:

GRAV 3 1 4.5 0.0 0.5 -1.0

101 102 103

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ -1 or 0
blank
G Gravity vector scale factor. Real Required
N1, N2, N3 Gravity vector components measured in coordinate Real Required; must
system defined by CID. have at least
one nonzero
component
TID1, TID2, TABLEDi set identification numbers that define position Integer > 0 or
TID3 dependent scale factors in the x, y, and z directions of blank
the basic coordinate system. See Remark 1.

Remarks:

1. The static load applied to grid point G is given by:

 
g = G n f (x, y, z)

where n is the unit vector defined in fields 5, 6, and 7 and f (x, y, z) is defined as the product of scale factors
returned by tables defined in fields 2, 3, and 4 on the continuation entry.
2. A CID of zero references the basic coordinate system.
3. If CID = -1, the gravity vector components are in the local displacement coordinate system of the grid points.
4. Gravity loads may be combined with "simple loads" (e.g., FORCE, MOMENT). The SID on a GRAV entry
may be the same as that on a simple load entry.
5. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-186

Reference Manual GRDSET

GRDSET GRID Entry Defaults

Description: Defines default options for fields 3, 7, 8, and 9 of all GRID entries.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

GRDSET CP CD PS SEID

Example:

GRDSET 1 2 3456

Field Definition Type Default

CP Identification number of coordinate system in which the Integer ≥ 0 or 0

location of the grid point is defined. blank
CD Identification number of coordinate system in which the Integer ≥ 0 or 0
displacements, degrees of freedom, constraints, and blank
solution vectors are all defined at the grid point.
PS Permanent single-point constraints associated with grid Integer ≥ 0 or
point (any of the digits 1-6 with no imbedded blanks). blank
SEID Superelement identification number. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank

Remarks:

1. The contents for fields 3, 7, 8, or 9 of this entry are assumed for the corresponding fields of any GRID entry
whose field 3, 7, 8, or 9 are blank. If any of these fields on the GRID entry are blank, the default option
defined by this entry occurs for that field.
2. Only one GRDSET entry may appear in the Bulk Data Section.
3. The primary purpose of this entry is to minimize the burden of preparing data for problems with a large amount
of repetition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-187

Reference Manual GRID

GRID Grid Point

Description: Defines the location of a geometric grid point, the directions of its displacement, and its permanent
single-point constraints.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

GRID ID CP X1 X2 X3 CD PS SEID

Example:

GRID 3 1 4.5 1.0 7.5 2

Field Definition Type Default

ID Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required

CP Identification number of coordinate system in which the Integer ≥ 0 or 0
location of the grid point is defined. blank
X1, X2, X3 Location of the grid point in coordinate system CP. Real Required
CD Identification number of coordinate system in which the Integer ≥ 0 or 0
displacements, degrees of freedom, constraints, and blank
solution vectors are all defined at the grid point.
PS Permanent single-point constraints associated with grid Integer ≥ 0 or
point (any of the digits 1-6 with no imbedded blanks). blank
SEID Superelement identification number. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank

Remarks:

1. All grid point identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other grid, scalar, and extra points.
2. The meaning of X1, X2 and X3 depend on the type of coordinate system, CP, as follows (see CORDi entry
descriptions):

Type X1 X2 X3
Rectangular X Y Z
Cylindrical R θ (degrees) Z
Spherical R θ (degrees) φ (degrees)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-188

Reference Manual GRID

3. The collection of all CD coordinate systems defined on all GRID entries is called the global coordinate
system. All degrees of freedom, constraints, and solution vectors are expressed in the global coordinate
system.
4. The SEID field can be overridden by use of the SESET entry.
5. A zero (or blank if the GRDSET entry is not specified) in the CP or CD fields refers to the basic coordinate
system.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-189

Reference Manual INCLUDE

INCLUDE Insert External File

Description: Inserts an external file into the Model Input File.

Format:

INCLUDE [d:] [path] filename[.ext]

Example:

The following INCLUDE statement shows how to fetch the Bulk Data from another file called Bolt.NAS:

TITLE = STATIC ANALYSIS

SPC = 1
LOAD = 2
BEGIN BULK
INCLUDE ‘BOLT.NAS’
ENDDATA

Remarks:

1. The INCLUDE statement may appear anywhere in the Model Input File.
2. Maximum file specification length is 72 characters.
3. INCLUDE statements cannot be nested (i.e., no INCLUDE statement can appear inside the external file).
4. Quotation marks on the file specification are optional.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-190

Reference Manual LOAD

LOAD Static Load Combination (Superposition)

Description: Defines a static load as a linear combination of load sets defined via FORCE, MOMENT, FORCE1,
MOMENT1, PLOAD1, PLOAD2, PLOAD4, GRAV, and SPCD entries.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

LOAD SID S S1 L1 S2 L2 S3 L3
S4 L4 - etc.-

Example:

LOAD 131 0.2 1.0 3 7.5 2

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

S Scale factor. Real Required
Si Scale factors. Real Required
Li Load set identification numbers defined via entry types Integer > 0; Required
enumerated above. SID ≠ Li

Remarks:

1. The load vector defined is given by:

{P} = S∑Si {PLi}
i

2. The Li must be unique.

3. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section with LOAD = SID.
4. A LOAD entry may not reference a set identification number defined by another LOAD entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-191

Reference Manual LSEQ

LSEQ Static Load Set Definition

Description: Defines a sequence of static load sets used in transient response analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

LSEQ SID DAREA LID TID

Example:

LSEQ 109 100 1000 1010

Field Definition Type Default

SID Identification number of the LSEQ set. Integer > 0 Required

DAREA The DAREA set identification number assigned to this Integer > 0 Required
static load vector.
LID Load set identification number of a set of static load Integer > 0 or See Remark 5
entries (any entry that may be referenced by the LOAD blank
Case Control command).
TID Temperature set identification of a set of thermal load Integer > 0 or See Remark 5
entries (any entry that may be referenced by the blank
TEMP(LOAD) Case Control command).

Remarks:

1. LSEQ will not be used unless selected in the Case Control Section with the LOADSET command.
2. A static load vector will be created for each DAREA identification number referenced by a LSEQ entry.
3. The DAREA identification assigned to the static load vectors may be referenced by TLOAD1 and TLOAD2
entries.
4. Element data recovery for thermal loads is not currently implemented in transient response analysis.
5. LID and TID cannot both be blank.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-192

Reference Manual MAT1

MAT1 Isotropic Material Property Definition

Description: Defines the material properties for linear, temperature-independent, isotropic materials.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MAT1 MID E G NU RHO A TREF GE

ST SC SS FSM CS EC GC ALPHA0
SB ERSF GRSF FT NB
TERSF TGRSF

Example:

MAT1 13 1.+7 0.33 0.101

20.+4 15.+4 12.+4

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required

E Young’s modulus. Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remarks
blank 4, 5, and 6
G Shear modulus. Real ≥ 0.0 or
blank
NU Poisson’s ratio. -1.0 < Real ≤ 0.5
or blank
RHO Mass density. Real or blank 0.0
A Thermal expansion coefficient. Real or blank 0.0
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal Real or blank 0.0
loads.
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks Real or blank 0.0
10, 11, and 13.
ST, SC, SS Allowable stresses in tension, compression, and shear, Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
respectively. Required if composite element failure blank
index is desired.
FSM Factor of safety calculation method, selected by one of Integer 1
the following values (see Remark 14).
0 = no calculation
1 = von Mises Stress
2 = Principal Stress

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-193

Reference Manual MAT1

Field Definition Type Default

CS Honeycomb sandwich core cell size. Required if Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0

material defines the core of a honeycomb sandwich blank
and dimpling stability index is desired (LAM = HCS on
the PCOMP entry).
EC Honeycomb sandwich core Young’s modulus used for Real ≥ 0.0 or E
stability index analysis. blank
GC Honeycomb sandwich core shear modulus used for Real ≥ 0.0 or G
stability index analysis. blank
ALPHA0 Fracture angle for uniaxial transverse compression in 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 90.0 53.0
degrees. Used in the NASA LaRC02 failure theory only
(see LARC02 in PCOMP entry). See Remark 15.
SB Allowable inter-laminar shear stress of the composite Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remark 16
laminate bonding material (allowable interlaminar blank
shear stress). See Remark 16.
ERSF Young’s modulus reduction scale factor for nonlinear 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 0.0
composite Progressive Ply Failure Analysis (PPFA).
See Remark 18.
GRSF Shear modulus reduction scale factor for nonlinear 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 0.0
composite Progressive Ply Failure Analysis (PPFA).
See Remark 18.
FT Composite failure theory. The following theories are Character or
allowed. blank
HILL for the Hill theory
HOFF for the Hoffman theory
TSAI for the Tsai-Wu theory
STRESS for the maximum stress theory
STRAIN for the maximum strain theory
NB Allowable inter-laminar normal stress of the composite Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remark 17
laminate bonding material (allowable interlaminar blank
normal stress). See Remark 17.
TERSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or
which defines the extensional stress-strain relationship blank
for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure
Analysis (PPFA).
TGRSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or
which defines the shear stress-strain relationship for blank
nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure Analysis
(PPFA).

Remarks:

1. The material identification number must be unique for all MATi entries.
2. Either E or G must be specified (i.e. nonblank).
3. If any one of E, G, or NU is blank, it will be computed to satisfy the identity E = 2(1 + NU)G; otherwise, values
supplied by the user will be used.
4. If E and NU or G and NU are both blank, they will both be given the value 0.0.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-194

Reference Manual MAT1

5. Implausible data on one or more MAT1 entries will result in a warning message. Implausible data is defined
as any of E < 0.0, or G < 0.0, or NU > 0.5, or NU < 0.0, or 1 – E / [2(1+NU)G] > 0.01.
6. It is strongly recommended that only two of the three values E, G, and NU be input. The three values may
be input independently on the MAT2 entry.
7. MAT1 materials may be made temperature-dependent by use of the MATT1 entry. In STATIC solutions,
linear elastic material properties will be updated as prescribed under the TEMPERATURE Case Control
command.
8. The mass density, RHO, will be used to automatically compute mass for all structural elements.
9. Weight density may be used in field 6 if the value 1/g is entered on the PARAM, WTMASS entry, where g is
the acceleration of gravity.
10. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
11. TREF and GE are ignored if the MAT1 entry is referenced by a PCOMP entry.
12. TREF is used only as the reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads in linear solutions. If
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) is specified, TREF will be ignored.
13. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)
14. Factor of safety calculations are based on two methods: von Mises stress or principal stress. When FT is
set to 1, the factor of safety is calculated using
ST
FS =
σvm
and when FT is set to 2, the factor of safety is calculated using
 ST SC 
FS = min ,

 σ max σ min 
where ST and SC come from fields 2 and 3 of the continuation entry, σ vm is the von Mises stress, and
σ max and σ min are the maximum and minimum principal stresses.
15. The default value for ALPHA0 has been found experimentally and is typical for fiber reinforced polymer
laminates.
16. The allowable inter-laminar shear stress value SB corresponds to the top surface of the ply. The default
value for SB is defined in the SB field of the PCOMP, PCOMPG, and PCOMPS entries and will be used when
this field is blank.
17. The allowable inter-laminar normal stress value NB corresponds to the top surface of the ply. The default
value for NB is defined in the NB field of the PCOMPS entry and will be used when this field is blank.
18. Recommended values for ERSF and GRSF are shown in the below table.

Variable Recommended
Value
ERSF 0.04
GRSF 0.20

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-195

Reference Manual MAT2

MAT2 Shell Element Anisotropic Material Property Definition

Description: Defines the material properties for linear, temperature-independent, anisotropic materials for
isoparametric shell elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MAT2 MID G11 G12 G13 G22 G23 G33 RHO

A1 A2 A3 TREF GE ST SC SS
CS EC GC ALPHA0

Example:

MAT2 15 1.+4 3.+4 4.1+4 0.32

1.7-6 1.5-6 1.8-6 3.5+5 4.4+4
0.08

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Gij The material property matrix. Real Required
RHO Mass density. Real or blank 0.0
Ai Thermal expansion coefficient vector. Real or blank 0.0
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal Real or blank 0.0
loads.
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks Real or blank 0.0
8, 9, and 11.
ST, SC, SS Allowable stresses in tension, compression, and shear, Real or blank 0.0
respectively. Required if composite element failure
index is desired.
CS Honeycomb sandwich core cell size. Required if Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
material defines the core of a honeycomb sandwich and blank
dimpling stability index is desired (LAM = HCS on the
PCOMP entry).
EC Honeycomb sandwich core Young’s modulus used for Real ≥ 0.0 or E
stability index analysis. blank
GC Honeycomb sandwich core shear modulus used for Real ≥ 0.0 or G
stability index analysis. blank
ALPHA0 Fracture angle for uniaxial transverse compression in 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 90.0 53.0
degrees. Used in the NASA LaRC02 failure theory only
(see LARC02 in PCOMP entry). See Remark 12.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-196

Reference Manual MAT2

Remarks:

1. The material identification number must be unique for all MATi entries.
2. The convention for the Gij in fields 3 through 8 are represented by the matrix relationship:

σ1 
G11 G12 G13   ε1   A1 
 ( )
σ = G12 G22 G23   ε  
 2    2  - A2 T - TREF 
τ  G13 G23 G33 γ12  A3 
12
        

3. If this entry is referenced by the MID3 field (transverse shear) on the PSHELL, then G13, G23, and G33 must
be blank.
4. Unlike the MAT1 entry, data from the MAT2 entry is used directly, without adjustment of equivalent E, G, or
NU values.
5. MAT2 materials may be made temperature-dependent by use of the MATT2 entry. In STATIC solutions,
linear elastic material properties will be updated as prescribed under the TEMPERATURE Case Control
command.
6. The mass density, RHO, will be used to automatically compute mass for all structural elements.
7. Weight density may be used in field 9 if the value 1/g is entered on the PARAM, WTMASS entry, where g is
the acceleration of gravity.
8. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
9. TREF and GE are ignored if the MAT2 entry is referenced by a PCOMP entry.
10. TREF is used only as the reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads in linear solutions. If
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) is specified, TREF will be ignored.
11. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)
12. The default value for ALPHA0 has been found experimentally and is typical for fiber reinforced polymer
laminates.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-197

Reference Manual MAT3

MAT3 Axisymmetric Solid Element Orthotropic Material Property Definition

Description: Defines the material properties for linear orthotropic materials for solid axisymmetric elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MAT3 MID EX ETH EZ NUXTH NUTHZ NUZX RHO

GZX AX ATH AZ TREF GE

Example:

MAT3 23 1.+7 1.1+7 1.2+7 0.3 0.25 0.27 1.-5

2.5+6 1.-4 1.-4 1.1-4 68.5 0.23

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EX, ETH, EZ Young’s moduli in the x, θ, and z directions, respectively. Real > 0.0 Required
NUXTH, Poisson’s ratios (coupled strain ratios in the xθ, zθ, and Real Required
NUTHZ, zx direction, respectively).
NUZX
RHO Mass density. Real or blank 0.0
GZX Shear modulus. Real > 0.0 Required
AX, ATH, AZ Thermal expansion coefficients. Real or blank 0.0
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal Real or blank 0.0
loads. See Remark 8.
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks 7 Real or blank 0.0
and 9.

Remarks:

1. The material identification number must be unique for all MATi entries.
2. All seven of the numbers EX, ETH, EZ, NUXTH, NUTHZ, NUZX, and GZX must be specified.
3. Material stability requires that
Ei > υi2Ej
1−υxθυθx −υθzυzθ −υzx υxz − 2υθxυzθ υxz > 0
If either condition is not met a warning message will be issued.
4. MAT3 materials may only be referenced by the CTRIAX6 entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-198

Reference Manual MAT3

5. The x-axis lies along the material axis (see Figure 2 in the CTRIAX6 entry). The θ-axis lies in the azimuthal
direction. The z-axis is normal to both.
6. The stress-strain relationship is:

 1 
εx   NUTHX NUZX 0 σ x   AX 
 − − 
   EX ETH EZ    
    
 εθ   NUXTH σ 
−
1
−
NUZTH 0  θ ATH
  EX ETH EZ + (T − TREF)
 =     
ε   NUXZ 
z
NUTHZ 1 σz  AZ 
  − − 0    
   EX ETH EZ    
  1 τ zx
γ zx  
0

   0 0    
0
 GZX 

where,

NUXTH NUTHX
=
EX ETH
NUZX NUXZ
=
EZ EX
NUTHZ NUZTH
=
ETH EZ

7. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
8. TREF is used only as the reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads in linear solutions. If
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) is specified, TREF will be ignored.
9. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more
information on W4.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-199

Reference Manual MAT4

MAT4 Isotropic Thermal Material Properties Definition

Description: Defines the thermal material properties for temperature-independent, isotropic materials.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MAT4 MID K CP RHO H MU HGEN REFENTH

TCH TDELTA QLAT

Example:

MAT4 1 150. 0.850 1800.

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required

K Thermal conductivity. Real > 0 Required
CP Heat capacity per unit mass at constant pressure Real ≥ 0 or blank 0.0
(specific heat).
RHO Density. Real ≥ 0 or blank 1.0
H Free convection heat transfer coefficient. Real ≥ 0 or blank 0.0
MU Dynamic viscosity. Real > 0 or blank 0.0
HGEN Heat generation capability used with QVOL entries. Real ≥ 0 or blank 1.0
REFENTH Reference enthalpy. Real or blank 0.0
TCH Lower temperature limit at which phase change region Real or blank 0.0
is to occur.
TDELTA Total temperature change range within which a phase Real ≥ 0 or blank 0.0
change is to occur.
QLAT Latent heat of fusion per unit mass associated with the Real > 0 or blank 0.0
phase change.

Remarks:

1. The MID must be unique with respect to all other MAT4 and MAT5 entries.
2. REFENTH is the enthalpy corresponding to zero temperature if the heat capacity CP is a constant. If CP is
obtained through a TABLEM lookup, REFENTH is the enthalpy at the first temperature in the table.
3. Properties specified on the MAT4 entry may be defined as temperature-dependent by use of the MATT4
entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-200

Reference Manual MAT5

MAT5 Anisotropic Thermal Material Property Definition

Description: Defines the material properties for temperature-independent, anisotropic materials.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MAT5 MID KXX KXY KXZ KYY KYZ KZZ CP

RHO HGEN

Example:

MAT5 55 0.068 0.091 0.15 0.3

1.4

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Kij Thermal conductivity matrix. Real Required
CP Heat capacity per unit mass. Real ≥ 0.0 or
blank
RHO Density. Real > 0.0 or 1.0
blank
HGEN Heat generation capability used with QVOL entries. Real ≥ 0 or blank 1.0

Remarks:

1. The thermal conductivity matrix has the following form:

KXX KXY KXZ 


K = KXY KYY KYZ

K XZ KYZ K ZZ 

2. The material identification number may be the same as a MAT1 or MAT2, but must be unique with respect
to other MAT4 or MAT5 entries.
3. MAT5 materials may be made temperature-dependent by use of the MATT5 entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-201

Reference Manual MAT8

MAT8 Shell Element Orthotropic Material Property Definition

Description: Defines the material property for an orthotropic material for isoparametric shell elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MAT8 MID E1 E2 NU12 G12 G1Z G2Z RHO

A1 A2 TREF Xt Xc Yt Yc S
GE F12 STRN CS EC GC ALPHA0 SB
EF1 NUF12 MSMF PNPT PNPC FT NB
E3 NU23 NU31 E1RSF E2RSF G12RSF G1ZRSF G2ZRSF
TE1RSF TE2RSF TG12RSF TG1ZRSF TG2ZRSF

Example:

MAT8 101 90.+6 1.+7 0.3 3.+5 7.+6 1.9+6 0.066

29.-6 1.1-6 175.0 1.+3 1.1+4 4.+2 2.+2 5.+3
1.0

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Referenced on a Integer > 0 Required

PSHELL or PCOMP entry only.
E1 Modulus of elasticity in longitudinal direction, also Real ≠ 0.0 Required
defined as the fiber direction or 1-direction.
E2 Modulus of elasticity in lateral direction, also defined as Real ≠ 0.0 Required
the matrix direction or 2-direction.
NU12 Poisson’s ratio (ε 2/ε 1 for uniaxial loading in 1-direction). Real Required
Note that υ 21 = ε 2/ε 1 for uniaxial loading in 2-direction is
related to υ 12, E1, and E2 by the relation υ 12 E2 = υ 21
E1.
G12 In-plane shear modulus. Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
blank
G1Z Transverse shear modulus for shear in 1-Z plane. Real > 0.0 or See Remark 2.
blank
G2Z Transverse shear modulus for shear in 2-Z plane. Real > 0.0 or See Remark 2.
blank
RHO Mass density. Real or blank 0.0
Ai Thermal expansion coefficient in i-direction. Real or blank 0.0

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-202

Reference Manual MAT8

Field Definition Type Default

TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal Real or blank 0.0
loads.
Xt, Xc Allowable stresses or strains in tension and Real ≥ 0.0 or Default value
compression, respectively, in the longitudinal direction. blank for Xc is Xt
Required if composite element failure index is desired.
Yt, Yc Allowable stresses or strains in tension and Real ≥ 0.0 or Default value
compression, respectively, in the lateral direction. blank for Yc is Yt
Required if composite element failure index is desired.
S Allowable stress or strain for in-plane shear Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
blank
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks Real or blank 0.0
7, 8, and 10.
F12 Interaction term in the tensor polynomial theory of Tsai- Real 0.0
Wu. Required if composite element failure index by
Tsai-Wu theory is desired and if value of F12 is different
from 0.0. See Remark 11.
STRN For the maximum strain theory only (see STRN in Real = 1.0 for Blank for
PCOMP entry). Indicates whether Xt, Xc, Yt, Yc, and strain allowable stress
S are stress or strain allowables. allowable
CS Honeycomb sandwich core cell size. Required if Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
material defines the core of a honeycomb sandwich blank
and dimpling stability index is desired (LAM = HCS on
the PCOMP entry).
EC Honeycomb sandwich core Young’s modulus used for Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remark 12
stability index analysis. blank
GC Honeycomb sandwich core shear modulus used for Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remark 12
stability index analysis. blank
ALPHA0 Fracture angle for uniaxial transverse compression in 0.0 < Real < 90.0 53.0
degrees. Used in the NASA LaRC02 failure theory only
(see LARC02 in PCOMP entry). See Remark 13.
SB Allowable inter-laminar shear stress of the composite Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remark 14
laminate bonding material (allowable interlaminar shear blank
stress). See Remark 14.
EF1 Modulus of elasticity of fiber. Used in the Puck PCP Real > 0.0 or E1/0.6
failure theory only (see PUCK in PCOMP entry). See blank
Remark 15.
NUF12 Poisson’s ratio of fiber. Used in the Puck PCP failure Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.3
theory only (see PUCK in PCOMP entry). blank
MSMF Mean stress magnification factor. Used in the Puck Real ≥ 0.0 or 1.1
PCP failure theory only (see PUCK in PCOMP entry). blank
See Remark 15.
PNPT Failure envelop slope parameter for transverse tension. Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.35
Used in the Puck PCP failure theory only (see PUCK in blank
PCOMP entry). See Remark 16.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-203

Reference Manual MAT8

Field Definition Type Default

PNPC Failure envelop slope parameter for transverse Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.3
compression. Used in the Puck PCP failure theory only blank
(see PUCK in PCOMP entry). See Remark 17.
FT Composite failure theory. The following theories are Character or
allowed. blank
HILL for the Hill theory
HOFF for the Hoffman theory
TSAI for the Tsai-Wu theory
STRESS for the maximum stress theory
STRAIN for the maximum strain theory
MCT for the Multicontinuum Theory
NB Allowable inter-laminar normal stress of the composite Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remark 15
laminate bonding material (allowable interlaminar normal blank
stress). See Remark 15.
E3 Modulus of elasticity in thickness direction, also defined Real > 0.0 E2
as the matrix direction or 3-direction. See Remark 17.
NU23 Poisson’s ratio (ε 3/ε 2 for uniaxial loading in 2-direction). Real 0.5*E2/G2Z - 1
Note that υ 32 = ε 3/ε 2 for uniaxial loading in 3-direction
is related to υ 23, E2, and E3 by the relation υ 23 E3 = υ 32
E2. See Remarks 17 and 18.
NU31 Poisson’s ratio (ε 1/ε 3 for uniaxial loading in 3-direction). Real NU12*E3/E1
Note that υ 13 = ε 1/ε 3 for uniaxial loading in 1-direction is
related to υ 31, E1, and E3 by the relation υ 31 E1 = υ 13
E3. See Remarks 17 and 18.
E1RSF Longitudinal modulus of elasticity reduction scale factor 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 1.0
for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure Analysis
(PPFA). See Remark 19.
E2RSF Lateral modulus of elasticity reduction scale factor for 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 1.0
nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure Analysis
(PPFA). See Remark 19.
G12RSF In-plane shear modulus reduction scale factor for 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 1.0
nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure Analysis
(PPFA). See Remark 19.
G1ZRSF Transverse shear modulus reduction scale factor in 1-Z 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 G12RSF
plane for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure
Analysis (PPFA). See Remark 19.
G2ZRSF Transverse shear modulus reduction scale factor in 2-Z 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 G12RSF
plane for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure
Analysis (PPFA). See Remark 19.
TE1RSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or
which defines the stress-strain relationship in the blank
longitudinal direction for nonlinear composite
Progressive Ply Failure Analysis (PPFA).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-204

Reference Manual MAT8

Field Definition Type Default

TE2RSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or

which defines the stress-strain relationship in the lateral blank
direction for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure
Analysis (PPFA).
TG12RSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or
which defines the stress-strain relationship in the in-plane blank
shear direction for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply
Failure Analysis (PPFA).
TG1ZRSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or TG12RSF
which defines the stress-strain relationship in the 1-Z blank
plane for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure
Analysis (PPFA).
TG2ZRSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or TG12RSF
which defines the stress-strain relationship in the 2-Z blank
plane for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure
Analysis (PPFA).

Remarks:

1. The material identification number must be unique for all MATi entries.
2. If test data is not available to accurately determine G1Z and G2Z an approximate value is the in-plane shear
modulus G12 which is used by default when PARAM, SHELLTVSMATTYPE is set to FLEXIBLE. When
PARAM, SHELLTVSMATTYPE is set to RIGID, G1Z and G2Z will be penalty values which approximate a
rigid transverse shear stiffness. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on SHELLTVSMATTYPE.)
3. Xt, Yt, and S are required for composite element failure calculations when requested in the FT field of the
PCOMP entry. Xc and Yc are also used but not required.
4. MAT8 materials may be made temperature-dependent by use of the MATT8 entry. In STATIC solutions,
linear elastic material properties will be updated as prescribed under the TEMPERATURE Case Control
command.
5. The mass density, RHO, will be used to automatically compute mass for all structural elements.
6. Weight density may be used in field 9 if the value 1/g is entered on the PARAM, WTMASS entry, where g is
the acceleration of gravity.
7. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
8. TREF and GE are ignored if the MAT8 entry is referenced by a PCOMP entry.
9. TREF is used only as the reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads in linear solutions. If
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) is specified, TREF will be ignored.
10. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)
11. The interaction term F12 is experimentally determined from test specimens under biaxial loading. This
inconvenience along with the constraint that F12 satisfy a stability criterion of the form
 1  1  2
 x x  y y  − F12 > 0
 t c  t c 
creates complications in the use of this theory. For this reason it is recommended that F12 be set to zero.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-205

Reference Manual MAT8

12. The default value for EC is the minimum value of E1 and E2. The default value for GC is the average of G1Z
and G2Z unless these values are zero in which case G12 is then used.
13. The default value for ALPHA0 has been found experimentally and is typical for fiber reinforced polymer
laminates. See the Autodesk Nastran User’s Manual, Reference 5 for additional information.
14. The allowable inter-laminar shear stress value SB corresponds to the top surface of the ply. The default
value for SB is defined in the SB field of the PCOMP, PCOMPG, and PCOMPS entries and will be used when
this field is blank.
15. The allowable inter-laminar normal stress value NB corresponds to the top surface of the ply. The default
value for NB is defined in the NB field of the PCOMPS entry and will be used when this field is blank.
16. The default values for MSMF, PNPT, and PNPC are for carbon fibers. See the Autodesk Nastran User’s
Manual, Reference 13 and the table below for additional materials.

Variable Carbon Fiber Glass Fiber

MSMF 1.10 1.30
PNPT 0.35 0.30
PNPC 0.30 0.25

17. When the MAT8 entry is used without reference to a PCOMP layer composite property, the presence of E3,
NU23, and NU31 specify that a plane strain formulation should be used. The default is plane stress. When
the MAT8 entry is referenced on a PCOMP which requires E3, NU23, and NU31, they will be used if specified
with the default values determined assuming transverse isotropy.
18. Material stability requires that
Ei > υi2Ej
1−υ12υ21 −υ23υ32 −υ31υ13 − 2υ21υ32υ13 > 0
If either condition is not met a warning message will be issued.
19. Recommended values for E1RSF, E2RSF, G12RSF, G1ZRSF, and G2ZRSF are shown in the below table.

Variable Recommended
Value
E1RSF 0.04
E2RSF 0.04
G12RSF 0.20
G1ZRSF 0.20
G2ZRSF 0.20

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-206

Reference Manual MAT9

MAT9 Solid Element Anisotropic Material Property Definition

Description: Defines the material properties for linear temperature-independent, anisotropic materials for solid
isoparametric elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MAT9 MID G11 G12 G13 G14 G15 G16 G22

G23 G24 G25 G26 G33 G34 G35 G36
G44 G45 G46 G55 G56 G66 RHO A1
A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 TREF GE
ST SC SS

Example:

MAT9 17 9.2+3 7.7+3

4.2+3
7.9+3 6.1+3 9.1+3 1.2 4.1-6
6.8-6 155. 0.005
10.5 9.2 5.4

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Gij Elements of the 6 x 6 symmetric material property Real Required
matrix in the material coordinate system.
RHO Mass density. Real or blank 0.0
Ai Thermal expansion coefficient vector. Real or blank 0.0
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal Real or blank 0.0
loads.
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks 7 Real or blank 0.0
and 9.
ST, SC, SS Allowable stresses in tension, compression, and shear, Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
respectively. Required if composite element failure blank
index is desired.

Remarks:

1. The material identification number must be unique for all MATi entries.
2. The third continuation entry is optional.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-207

Reference Manual MAT9

3. The subscripts 1 through 6 refer to x, y, z xy, yz, zx of the material coordinate system (see the MCID field on
the PSOLID entry description). The stress-strain relationship is:

σ x  G11 G12 G13 G14 G15 G16  ε x   A1 


σ   G22 G23 G24 G25 G26  ε  A2 
 y  y
     
σ z   G33 G34 G35 G36   ε z  A3
 =    -  (T - TREF )
τ xy   G44 G45 G46 γ xy  A4 
τ yz  Symmetric G55 G56  γ yz A5 
      
τ zx   
G66  γ zx  A6 


4. MAT9 materials may be made temperature-dependent by use of the MATT9 entry. In STATIC solutions,
linear elastic material properties will be updated as prescribed under the TEMPERATURE Case Control
command.
5. The mass density, RHO, will be used to automatically compute mass for all structural elements.
6. Weight density may be used in field 8 if the value 1/g is entered on the PARAM, WTMASS entry, where g is
the acceleration of gravity.
7. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
8. TREF is used only as the reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads in linear solutions. If
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) is specified, TREF will be ignored.
9. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-208

Reference Manual MAT12

MAT12 Solid Element Orthotropic Material Property Definition

Description: Defines the material property for an orthotropic material for isoparametric solid elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MAT12 MID E1 E2 E3 NU12 NU23 NU31 RHO

G12 G23 G31 A1 A2 A3 TREF GE
FT NB Xt Yt Zt
S12 S23 S31 SB Xc Yc Zc
F12 F23 F31 E1RSF E2RSF E3RSF G12RSF G23RSF
G31RSF TE1RSF TE2RSF TE3RSF TG12RSF TG23RSF
TG31RSF

Example:

MAT12 105 2.+7 2.+7 1.+4 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.066

4.5+5 2.5+5 2.5+5 1.1-6 1.1-6 0.0 70.0
1.1+5 1.1+5 2.+3
5.+4 2.+4 2.+4 8.+4 8.+4 1.+3

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Referenced on a PSHELL Integer > 0 Required

or PCOMP entry only.
E1 Modulus of elasticity in longitudinal direction, also defined Real > 0.0 Required
as the fiber direction or 1-direction.
E2 Modulus of elasticity in lateral direction, also defined as Real > 0.0 Required
the matrix direction or 2-direction.
E3 Modulus of elasticity in thickness direction, also defined Real > 0.0 Required
as the matrix direction or 3-direction.
NU12 Poisson’s ratio (-ε 2/ε 1 for uniaxial loading in 1-direction). Real Required
Note that υ 21 = -ε 1/ε 2 for uniaxial loading in 2-direction
is related to υ 12, E1, and E2 by the relation υ 12 E2 = υ 21
E1. See Remark 3.
NU23 Poisson’s ratio (-ε 3/ε 2 for uniaxial loading in 2-direction). Real Required
Note that υ 32 = -ε 2/ε 3 for uniaxial loading in 3-direction
is related to υ 23, E2, and E3 by the relation υ 23 E3 = υ 32
E2. See Remark 3.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-209

Reference Manual MAT12

Field Definition Type Default

NU31 Poisson’s ratio (-ε 1/ε 3 for uniaxial loading in 3- Real Required
direction). Note that υ 13 = -ε 3/ε 1 for uniaxial loading in 1-
direction is related to υ 31, E1, and E3 by the relation
υ 31 E1 = υ 13 E3. See Remark 3.
RHO Mass density. Real or blank 0.0
G12 Shear modulus in plane 1-2. Real > 0.0 Required
G23 Shear modulus in plane 2-3. Real > 0.0 Required
G31 Shear modulus in plane 3-1. Real > 0.0 Required
Ai Thermal expansion coefficient in i-direction. Real or blank 0.0
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal Real or blank 0.0
loads.
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks Real or blank 0.0
9, 10, and 12.
FT Composite failure theory. The following theories are Character or
allowed. blank
HILL for the Hill theory
HOFF for the Hoffman theory
TSAI for the Tsai-Wu theory
STRESS for the maximum stress theory
STRAIN for the maximum strain theory
MCT for the Multicontinuum Theory
NB Allowable inter-laminar normal stress of the composite Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remark 14
laminate bonding material (allowable interlaminar blank
normal stress). See Remark 14.
Xt, Xc Allowable stresses or strains in tension and Real ≥ 0.0 or Default value
compression, respectively, in the longitudinal direction. blank for Xc is Xt
Required if composite element failure index is desired.
Yt, Yc Allowable stresses or strains in tension and Real ≥ 0.0 or Default value
compression, respectively, in the lateral direction. blank for Yc is Yt
Required if composite element failure index is desired.
Zt, Zc Allowable stresses or strains in tension and Real ≥ 0.0 or Default value
compression, respectively, in the thickness direction. blank for Zc is Zt
Required if composite element failure index is desired.
S12 Allowable shear stress or strain for plane 1-2. Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
blank
S23 Allowable shear stress or strain for plane 2-3. Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
blank
S31 Allowable shear stress or strain for plane 3-1. Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
blank
F12 Interaction term in the tensor polynomial theory of Tsai- Real 0.0
Wu. Required if composite element failure index by
Tsai-Wu theory is desired and if value of F12 is different
from 0.0. See Remark 13.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-210

Reference Manual MAT12

Field Definition Type Default

F23 Interaction term in the tensor polynomial theory of Tsai- Real 0.0
Wu. Required if composite element failure index by Tsai-
Wu theory is desired and if value of F23 is different from
0.0.
F31 Interaction term in the tensor polynomial theory of Tsai- Real 0.0
Wu. Required if composite element failure index by Tsai-
Wu theory is desired and if value of F31 is different from
0.0.
SB Allowable inter-laminar shear stress of the composite Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remark 15
laminate bonding material (allowable interlaminar shear blank
stress). See Remark 15.
E1RSF Longitudinal (1-direction) modulus of elasticity reduction 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 1.0
scale factor for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply
Failure Analysis (PPFA). See Remark 16.
E2RSF Lateral (2-direction) modulus of elasticity reduction scale 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 1.0
factor for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure
Analysis (PPFA). See Remark 16.
E3RSF Through thickness (3-direction) modulus of elasticity 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 1.0
reduction scale factor for nonlinear composite
Progressive Ply Failure Analysis (PPFA). See Remark
16.
G12RSF Plane 1-2 shear modulus reduction scale factor for 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 1.0
nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure Analysis
(PPFA). See Remark 16.
G23RSF Plane 2-3 shear modulus reduction scale factor for 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 G12RSF
nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure Analysis
(PPFA). See Remark 16.
G31RSF Plane 3-1 shear modulus reduction scale factor for 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 G12RSF
nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure Analysis
(PPFA). See Remark 16.
TE1RSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or
which defines the stress-strain relationship in the blank
longitudinal direction for nonlinear composite
Progressive Ply Failure Analysis (PPFA).
TE2RSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or
which defines the stress-strain relationship in the lateral blank
direction for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure
Analysis (PPFA).
TE3RSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or
which defines the stress-strain relationship in the blank
thickness direction for nonlinear composite Progressive
Ply Failure Analysis (PPFA).
TG12RSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or
which defines the stress-strain relationship in the 1-2 blank
plane for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure
Analysis (PPFA).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-211

Reference Manual MAT12

TG23RSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or TG12RSF

which defines the stress-strain relationship in the 2-3 blank
plane for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure
Analysis (PPFA).
TG31RSF Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry Integer ≥ 0 or TG12RSF
which defines the stress-strain relationship in the 3-1 blank
plane for nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure
Analysis (PPFA).

Remarks:

1. The material identification number must be unique for all MATi entries.
2. An approximate value for G23 and G31 is the in-plane shear modulus G12. If test data is not available to
accurately determine G23 and G31, the value to G12 may be supplied for G23 and G31.
3. Material stability requires that
Ei > υi2Ej
1−υ12υ21 −υ23υ32 −υ31υ13 − 2υ21υ32υ13 > 0
If either condition is not met a warning message will be issued.
4. It may be difficult to find all nine orthotropic constants. In some practical problems, the material properties
may be reduced to normal anisotropy in which the material is isotropic in a plane (i.e., plane 1-2) and has
different properties in the direction normal to this plane. In the plane of isotropy, the properties are reduced
to
E1 = E2 = Ep
υ31 = υ32 = υnp
υ13 = υ23 = υpn
G13 = G23 = Gn
Ep
with υnp En = υpn Ep and Gp =
2(1 +υp )

There are five independent material constants for normal anisotropy (i.e., Ep , En , υp , υnp , and Gn ). In
case the material has a planar anisotropy, in which the material is orthotropic only in a plane, the elastic
constants are reduced to seven (i.e., E1, E2 , E3 , υ12 , G12 , G23 , and G31).
5. Xt, Yt, Zt, S12, S23, and S31 are required for composite element failure calculations when requested in the
FT field of the PCOMP entry. Xc, Yc, and Zc are also used but not required.
6. MAT12 materials may be made temperature-dependent by use of the MATT12 entry. In STATIC solutions,
linear elastic material properties will be updated as prescribed under the TEMPERATURE Case Control
command.
7. The mass density, RHO, will be used to automatically compute mass for all structural elements.
8. Weight density may be used in field 9 if the value 1/g is entered on the PARAM, WTMASS entry, where g is
the acceleration of gravity.
9. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
10. TREF and GE are ignored if the MAT12 entry is referenced by a PCOMP entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-212

Reference Manual MAT12

11. TREF is used only as the reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads in linear solutions. If
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) is specified, TREF will be ignored.
12. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)
13. The interaction terms F12, F23, and F31 are experimentally determined from test specimens under multiaxial
loading. This inconvenience along with the constraint that F12, F23, and F31 satisfy stability criteria of the
form
 1  1  2
 x x  y y  − F12 > 0
 t c  t c 
 1  1  2
 y y  z z  − F23 > 0
 t c  t c 
 1  1  2
 x x  z z  − F31 > 0
 t c  t c 
creates complications in the use of this theory. For this reason it is recommended that F12, F23, and F31
be set to zero.
14. The allowable inter-laminar normal stress value NB corresponds to the top surface of the ply. The default
value for NB is defined in the NB field of the PCOMPS entry and will be used when this field is blank.
15. The allowable inter-laminar shear stress value SB corresponds to the top surface of the ply. The default
value for SB is defined in the SB field of the PCOMP, PCOMPG, and PCOMPS entries and will be used when
this field is blank.
16. Recommended values for E1RSF, E2RSF, E3RSF, G12RSF, G1ZRSF, and G2ZRSF are shown in the below
table.

Variable Recommended
Value
E1RSF 0.04
E2RSF 0.04
E3RSF 0.04
G12RSF 0.20
G23RSF 0.20
G31RSF 0.20

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-213

Reference Manual MATHP

MATHP Hyperelastic Material Properties, Polynomial Form

Description: Defines material properties for use in fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large rotation) hyperelastic
analysis of rubber-like materials (elastomers) for isoparametric solid elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATHP MID A10 A01 D1 RHO AV TREF GE
NA ND
A20 A11 A02 D2
A30 A21 A12 A03 D3
A40 A31 A22 A13 A04 D4
A50 A41 A32 A23 A14 A05 D5
TAB1 TAB2 TAB3 TAB4 TABD

Example:

MATHP 100 153.8 38.5 2.+5 70.0

Field Contents Type Default

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Aij Material constants related to distortional deformation. Real 0.0
Di Material constants related to volumetric deformation. Real ≥ 0 103∗(A10 + A01)
for D1. 0.0 for
D2 through D5
RHO Mass density in original configuration. Real 0.0
AV Volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion. Real 0.0
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal Real 0.0
loads.
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks 7 Real 0.0
and 9.
NA Order of the distortional strain energy polynomial 0 < Integer ≤ 5 1
function.
ND Order of the volumetric strain energy polynomial function. 0 < Integer ≤ 5 1

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-214

Reference Manual MATHP

Field Contents Type Default

TAB1 Table identification number of TABLES1 entry that contains Integer > 0 or
simple tension/compression data to be used in the blank
estimation of the material constants Aij. xi values in the
TABLES1 entry must be stretch ratios  0 and yi values
must be values of the engineering stress F A0 . Stresses
are negative for compression and positive for tension. If this
convention is not followed the solution may fail to converge.
TAB2 Table identification number of TABLES1 entry that contains Integer > 0 or
equibiaxial tension data to be used in the estimation of the blank
material constants Aij. xi values in the TABLES1 entry must
be stretch ratios  0 . yi values must be values of the
engineering stress F A0 .  is the current length, F is the
current force,  0 is the initial length and A0 is the cross-
sectional area. In the case of pressure of a spherical
membrane, the engineering stress is given by Pr0λ2 2t 0
where P is the current value of the pressure and r 0 , t 0 is
the initial radius and thickness.
TAB3 Table identification number of TABLES1 entry that Integer > 0 or
contains simple shear data to be used in the estimation of blank
the material constants Aij. xi values in the TABLES1 entry
must be values of the shear tangent γ and yi values must
be values of the engineering stress F A0 .

TAB4 Table identification number of TABLES1 entry that Integer > 0 or

contains pure shear data to be used in the estimation of the blank
material constants Aij. xi and yi values in the TABLES1
entry must be stretch ratios λ1 =  0 and values of the
nominal stress F A 0 .  is the current length, F is the
current force,  0 and A0 are the initial length and cross-
sectional area, respectively in the 1-direction.
TABD Table identification number of TABLES1 entry that Integer > 0 or
contains pure volumetric compression data to be used in blank
the estimation of the material constants Di. xi values in the
TABLES1 entry must be values of the volume ratio J = λ3
where λ =  0 is the stretch ratio in all three directions; yi
values must be values of the pressure, assumed positive
in compression.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-215

Reference Manual MATHP

Remarks:

1. The generalized Mooney-Rivlin strain

NA energy may be expressed
j ND
as follows:
( )
U J, I , I = (
i
)( )
− 3 I − 3 + Di (J − 1− AV (T − T ))2i
1 2 ∑ Aij I1 2 ∑ 0
i + j =1 i =1

where I1 and I2 are the first and second distortional strain invariants, respectively; J = det F is the
determinate of the deformation gradient; and 2D1 = K and 2(A10 + A01) = G at small strains, in which K is
the bulk modulus. The model reduces to a Mooney-Rivlin material if NA = 1 and to a Neo-Hookean material
if NA = 1 and A01 = 0.0 (See Remark 2). For Neo-Hookean or Mooney-Rivlin materials no continuation entry
is required. T is the current temperature and T0 is the initial temperature.
2. Hyperelastic materials show a fully incompressible or nearly incompressible behavior. Full incompressibility
is not presently available, while nearly incompressible behavior can be simulated using a large value of D1.
3. Aij and Di are obtained from least squares fitting of experimental data. One or more of four experiments
(TAB1 to TAB4) may be used to obtain Aij. Di may be obtained from pure volumetric compression data
(TABD). If all TAB1 through TAB4 are blank, Aij must be specified by the user. Parameter estimation,
specified through any of the TABLES1 entries, supersedes the manual input of the parameters.
4. If ND = 1 and a nonzero value of D1 is provided or is obtained from experimental data in TABD, then the
parameter estimation of the material constants Aij takes compressibility into account in the cases of simple
tension/compression, equibiaxial tension, and general biaxial deformation. Otherwise, full incompressibility
is assumed in estimation the material constants.
5. The mass density, RHO, will be used to automatically compute mass for all structural elements.
6. Weight density may be used in field 9 if the value 1/g is entered on the PARAM, WTMASS entry, where g is
the acceleration of gravity.
7. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
8. TREF is used only as the reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads in linear solutions. If
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) is specified, TREF will be ignored.
9. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-216

Reference Manual MATHP1

MATHP1 Hyperelastic Material Properties, Ogden Form

Description: Defines material properties for use in fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large rotation) hyperelastic
analysis of rubber-like materials (elastomers) for isoparametric solid elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATHP1 MID MU1 ALPHA1 D1 RHO AV TREF GE
NA ND
MU2 ALPHA2 D2 MU3 ALPHA3 D3
D4

Example:

MATHP1 100 0.3245 2.0 1.45+4 70.0

2 1
-0.2345 -2.0

Field Contents Type Default

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MUi Shear moduli related to distortional deformation. Real 0.0
ALPHAi Exponents related to distortional deformation. Real 0.0
Di Material constants related to volumetric deformation. Real ≥ 0 See Remark 2
RHO Mass density in original configuration. Real 0.0
AV Volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion. Real 0.0
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal Real 0.0
loads.
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks 6 Real 0.0
and 8.
NA Order of the distortional strain energy polynomial 0 < Integer ≤ 3 1
function.
ND Order of the volumetric strain energy polynomial function. 0 < Integer ≤ 4 1

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-217

Reference Manual MATHP1

Remarks:

1. The generalized Ogden strain energy

NA µ  may be expressed as follows: ND
U (λ , λ , λ , J ) = i
(λ )αi + (λ )α i + (λ )α i − 3 + ( − 1− AV (T −T ))2i
∑  1 2 ∑ Di J
1 2 3 3  0
i =1 αi   i =1
where λ1, λ 2 and λ3 are principal stretches; J = det F is the determinate of the deformation gradient; and
2D1 = K at small strains, where K is the bulk modulus. T is the current temperature and T0 is the initial
temperature. 
2. The default for D1 is 1  NA ∗103 . The default for D2 through D4 is zero.
 ∑ µ iα i 
4  i =1 
3. Hyperelastic materials show a fully incompressible or nearly incompressible behavior. Full incompressibility
is not presently available, while nearly incompressible behavior can be simulated using a large value of D1.
4. The mass density, RHO, will be used to automatically compute mass for all structural elements.
5. Weight density may be used in field 9 if the value 1/g is entered on the PARAM, WTMASS entry, where g is
the acceleration of gravity.
6. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
7. TREF is used only as the reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads in linear solutions. If
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) is specified, TREF will be ignored.
8. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-218

Reference Manual MATL8

MATL8 Shell Element Orthotropic Material Property Generation

Description: Specifies the material properties for the generation of a shell element orthotropic material using MCT
or Halpin-Tsai theory.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATL8 MID MIDM MIDF MIDC FVF TYPE METHOD MCTMAT

LC L D T W FBVF WBVF
MIDX MIDL MIDW MIDP

Example:

MATL8 101 200 300 400 0.7 1

1.-2 1.-2 1.-3

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Referenced on a Integer > 0 Required

PSHELL or PCOMP entry only.
MIDM Material identification number for the matrix material. Integer > 0 Required if
See Remark 3. METHOD = 1
MIDF Material identification number for the reinforcement Integer > 0 Required if
(fiber) material. See Remark 3. METHOD = 1
MIDC Material identification number for the composite Integer > 0 Required if
material. See Remark 3. METHOD = 2
FVF Volume fraction of fiber. 0.3 ≤ Real ≤ 0.9 Required
TYPE Reinforcement type, selected by one of the following Integer 1
values
1 = Aligned continuous fibers
2 = Spherical particles
3 = Oriented short fibers
4 = Oriented plates
5 = Oriented whiskers
6 = Plain weave fabrics (MCT only)
See Remarks 3, 4, and 5.
METHOD Calculation method, selected by one of the following Integer 1
values
1 = Halpin-Tsai
2 = MCT
See Remarks 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-219

Reference Manual MATL8

Field Definition Type Default

MCTMAT MCT material input, selected by one of the following Integer 1

values
1 = Perform MCT optimization on input materials
2 = Use input materials without modification
3 = Use default Carbon/Epoxy fiber/matrix
4 = Use default Glass/Epoxy fiber/matrix
5 = Use default Kevlar/Epoxy fiber/matrix
See Remarks 6, 7, and 9.
LC Short fiber critical length. Real > 0.0 Required if
TYPE = 3
L Fiber length. Real > 0.0 Required if
TYPE = 3, 4, or, 5
D Fiber diameter. Real > 0.0 Required if
TYPE = 3 or 5
T Fiber plate thickness. Real > 0.0 Required if
TYPE = 4
W Fiber plate width. Real > 0.0 Required if
TYPE = 4
FBVF Fill bundle volume fraction. See Remark 8. 0.2 ≤ Real ≤ 0.37 Required if
TYPE = 6
WBVF Warp bundle volume fraction. See Remark 8. 0.2 ≤ Real ≤ 0.37 FBVF
MIDX Material identification number for the MCT fill-matrix Integer > 0 Required if
material. See Remark 3. TYPE = 6 and
MCTMAT = 2
MIDL Material identification number for the MCT fill material. Integer > 0 Required if
See Remark 3. TYPE = 6 and
MCTMAT = 2
MIDW Material identification number for the MCT warp Integer > 0 Required if
material. See Remark 3. TYPE = 6 and
MCTMAT = 2
MIDP Material identification number for the MCT matrix- Integer > 0 Required if
pocket material. See Remark 3. TYPE = 6 and
MCTMAT = 2

Remarks:

1. The material identification number must be unique for all MATi entries.
2. The Halpin-Tsai method is based on a set of empirical relationships that enable the property of a composite
material to be expressed in terms of the properties of the matrix and reinforcing phases together with their
proportions and geometry. These equations were curve fitted to exact elasticity solutions and confirmed by
experimental measurements. The parameter ζ depends on the particular elastic property being considered.
Halpin-Tsai theory shows that the property of a composite Pc can be expressed in terms of the corresponding
property of the matrix Pm and the reinforcing phase (or fiber) Pƒ using

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-220

Reference Manual MATL8

 1+ ζη ƒ 
Pc = Pm  
 1− η ƒ 
 Pƒ 
P  −1
η =  Pƒm 
P +ζ
 m
The MCT (Multicontinuum Theory) method is a multiscale approach to composites analysis. Failure in the
composite lamina is calculated by evaluating the stress state in either the fiber or matrix, rather than the
homogenized composite lamina, allowing one to capture interactions between the two. The method is
applicable to unidirectional and woven composites. High fidelity micromechanics models enable the
generation/optimization of composite properties from properties of the matrix and fiber. MCT ply failure
analysis is enabled by specifying MCT in the FT field of the PCOMP entry.
3. MIDM and MIDF may reference either a MAT1 or MAT8 entry for the Halpin-Tsai method and only a MAT8
entry for the MCT method. For MAT1 entries the E, G, and NU fields must be non-zero. The RHO, A, ST,
SC, and SS fields are optional. For MAT8 entries the E1, E2, NU12, and G12 fields must be non-zero. The
RHO, A1, A2, Xt, Xc, Yt, Yc, and S fields are optional. MIDC is required for the MCT method and optional
for Halpin-Tsai. MIDC, MIDX, MIDL, MIDW, and MIDP must reference a MAT8 entry only. MIDC specifies
properties for the generated MAT8 material that are not calculated. The tables below lists what orthotropic
material properties are generated based on the fiber type selected for the Halpin-Tsai and MCT methods.

Halpin-Tsai Generated Orthotropic Material Property Output

TYPE E1 E2 NU12 G12 RHO A1 A2 Xt Xc Yt Yc S
1            
2       
3       
4       
5       

MCT Generated Orthotropic Material Property Output

TYPE E1 E2 NU12 G12 RHO A1 A2 Xt Xc Yt Yc S
1       
6       

The material allowables (Xt, Xc, Yt, etc.) must be specified on the MAT8 referenced by MIDC if failure
index/strength ratios are desired and
• METHOD = 1 and TYPE ≠ 1
• METHOD = 2
4. The TYPE field defines the fiber type. TYPE = 1 – 5 are applicable to Halpin-Tsai (METHOD = 1). TYPE =
1 or 6 is applicable to MCT (METHOD = 2). Fiber types are detailed in the following table.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-221

Reference Manual MATL8

TYPE Description Example

1 Aligned continuous fiber composite lamina. Unidirectional graphite fibers in an epoxy
Individual continuous fibers oriented in a defined resin.
direction.
2 Spherical particle composite lamina. Particulate Unreinforced concrete with a cement
composite consisting of an aggregate material aggregate and sand filler.
with roughly round filler particles.
3 Oriented short fiber composite lamina. A glass fiber reinforced polymer.
Discontinuous short fibers oriented in a defined
direction.
4 Oriented plate composite lamina. Particulate A phenolic thermoset polymer matrix with
composite consisting of an aggregate material a glass filler.
with a flat filler sheet.
5 Oriented whisker composite lamina. SiC whisker-reinforced ceramic matrix
Discontinuous whisker-shaped fibers oriented in composite.
a defined direction.
6 Plain weave composite lamina. Woven fabric Graphite cloth in an epoxy resin.
where fill and warp threads interlace alternately
resulting in equal properties in each direction.

5. The continuation entry is required based on TYPE and METHOD. For MCT (METHOD = 2) no continuation
is required. For Halpin-Tsai (METHOD = 1), fiber parameters are required based on TYPE as shown below.

TYPE FVF LC L D T W
1 
2 
3    
4    
5   
6 

6. The MCTMAT field is only applicable for MCT (METHOD = 2) and affects how material properties specified
on MIDM, MIDF, and MIDC are processed. When MCTMAT is set to 1 (default) MIDM and MIDF properties
are optimized using a very high fidelity micromechanics model resulting in generated MIDC values. When
MCTMAT is set to 2, the MIDM, MIDF, and MIDC values are assumed already optimized and no adjustment
in values is made. MCTMAT set to 3, 4, or 5 provide optimized default values for common materials.
7. MCT default material properties (MCTMAT = 3, 4, or 5) require that PARAM, UNITS be specified for the
correct selection of default material units corresponding to the model input material property units (see
Section 5, Parameters, for more information on UNITS).
8. Material stability requires that if FBVF ≠ WBVF, then FBVF + WBVF ≤ 0.68. If this condition is not met a fatal
error will be issued.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-222

Reference Manual MATL8

9. MCT default fiber and matrix material properties (MCTMAT = 3, 4, or 5) are listed in the following table in
metric units.

Variable Carbon Fiber Glass Fiber Kevlar Fiber Epoxy Epoxy Epoxy
(Carbon) (Glass) (Kevlar)
E1 2.3E+11 Pa 8.0E+10 Pa 1.2E+11 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa 3.3E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa
3.3E+7 psi 1.2E+7 psi 1.7E+7 psi 5.1E+5 psi 4.9E+5 psi 5.1E+5 psi
E2 1.5E+10 Pa 8.0E+10 Pa 6.9E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa 3.3E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa
2.2E+6 psi 1.2E+7 psi 1.0E+6 psi 5.1E+5 psi 4.9E+5 psi 5.1E+5 psi
E3 1.5E+10 Pa 8.0E+10 Pa 6.9E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa 3.3E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa
2.2E+6 psi 1.2E+7 psi 1.0E+6 psi 5.1E+5 psi 4.9E+5 psi 5.1E+5 psi
G12 1.5E+10 Pa 3.3E+10 Pa 2.8E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa 1.2E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa
2.2E+6 psi 4.8E+6 psi 4.1E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi 1.8E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi
G13 1.5E+10 Pa 3.3E+10 Pa 2.8E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa 1.2E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa
2.2E+6 psi 4.8E+6 psi 4.1E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi 1.8E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi
G23 6.3E+9 Pa 3.3E+10 Pa 2.8E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa 1.2E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa
9.1E+5 psi 4.8E+6 psi 4.1E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi 1.8E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi
NU12 0.20 0.20 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.35
NU23 0.20 0.20 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.35
NU31 0.01 0.20 0.01 0.35 0.35 0.35
A1 -5.5E-7 /°C 4.9E-6 /°C -5.0E-6 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C 5.8E-5 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C
-3.1E-7 /°F 2.7E-6 /°F -2.8E-6 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F 3.2E-5 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F
A2 1.0E-5 /°C 4.9E-6 /°C 4.1E-5 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C 5.8E-5 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C
5.6E-6 /°F 2.7E-6 /°F 2.3E-5 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F 3.2E-5 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F
A3 1.0E-5 /°C 4.9E-6 /°C 4.1E-5 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C 5.8E-5 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C
5.6E-6 /°F 2.7E-6 /°F 2.3E-5 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F 3.2E-5 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-223

Reference Manual MATL8

10. The model parameters TSAI2MCT, TSAI2MCTFVF, and TSAI2MCTBVF can be used to automatically
generate MATL8 entries for MCT failure analysis. The TSAI2MCT ON setting will attempt to determine the
composite material fiber material when the composite material property values are within 10% of the values
listed in the below table.

Composite Properties with Aligned Composite Properties with Plain Weave

Continuous Fibers Fabric
Variable Carbon Fiber Glass Fiber Kevlar Fiber Carbon Fiber Glass Fiber Kevlar Fiber
FVF/BVF 0.6 0.52 0.6 0.373 0.373 0.373
E1 1.4E+11 Pa 4.3E+10 Pa 7.5E+10 Pa 5.2E+10 Pa 2.7E+10 Pa 2.8E+10 Pa
2.0E+7 psi 6.2E+6 psi 1.1E+7 psi 7.5E+6 psi 3.9E+6 psi 4.1E+6 psi
E2 8.0E+9 Pa 9.7E+9 Pa 5.5E+9 Pa 5.2E+10 Pa 2.7E+10 Pa 2.8E+10 Pa
1.2E+6 psi 1.4E+6 psi 8.0E+5 psi 7.5E+6 psi 3.9E+6 psi 4.8E+6 psi
G12 3.9E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa 2.0E+9 Pa 4.0E+9 Pa 4.6E+9 Pa 2.0E+9 Pa
5.7E+5 psi 5.1E+5 psi 2.9E+5 psi 5.8E+5 psi 6.7E+5 psi 2.9E+5 psi
NU12 0.26 0.26 0.36 0.072 0.12 0.1
A1 6.4E-8 /°C 7.2E-6 /°C -3.9E-6 /°C 3.2E-6 /°C 1.2E-5 /°C 3.3E-6 /°C
3.6E-8 /°F 4.0E-6 /°F -2.2E-6 /°F 1.8E-6 /°F 6.7E-6 /°F 6.1E-6 /°F
A2 3.3E-5 /°C 3.5E-5 /°C 5.4E-5 /°C 3.2E-6 /°C 1.2E-5 /°C 3.3E-6 /°C
1.8E-5 /°F 1.9E-5 /°F 3.0E-5 /°F 1.8E-6 /°F 6.7E-6 /°F 1.8E-6 /°F

If TSAI2MCTFVF or TSAI2MCTBVF are specified, TSAI2MCT must be set to either CARBON, GLASS, or
KEVLAR as required. TSAI2MCT requires PARAM, UNITS to be specified. See Section 5, Parameters, for
more information on TSAI2MCT, TSAI2MCTFVF, and TSAI2MCTBVF.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-224

Reference Manual MATL12

MATL12 Solid Element Orthotropic Material Property Generation

Description: Specifies the material properties for the generation of a solid element orthotropic material using MCT
or Halpin-Tsai theory.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATL12 MID MIDM MIDF MIDC FVF TYPE METHOD MCTMAT

LC L D T W FBVF WBVF
MIDX MIDL MIDW MIDP

Example:

MATL12 101 200 300 400 0.7 1

1.-2 1.-2 1.-3

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Referenced on a Integer > 0 Required

PSOLID or PCOMP entry only.
MIDM Material identification number for the matrix material. Integer > 0 Required if
See Remark 3. METHOD = 1
MIDF Material identification number for the reinforcement Integer > 0 Required if
(fiber) material. See Remark 3. METHOD = 1
MIDC Material identification number for the composite Integer > 0 Required if
material. See Remark 3. METHOD = 2
FVF Volume fraction of fiber. 0.3 ≤ Real ≤ 0.9 Required
TYPE Reinforcement type, selected by one of the following Integer 1
values
1 = Aligned continuous fibers
2 = Spherical particles
3 = Oriented short fibers
4 = Oriented plates
5 = Oriented whiskers
6 = Plain weave fabrics (MCT only)
See Remarks 3, 4, and 5.
METHOD Calculation method, selected by one of the following Integer 1
values
1 = Halpin-Tsai
2 = MCT
See Remarks 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-225

Reference Manual MATL12

Field Definition Type Default

MCTMAT MCT material input, selected by one of the following Integer 1

values
1 = Perform MCT optimization on input materials
2 = Use input materials without modification
3 = Use default Carbon/Epoxy fiber/matrix
4 = Use default Glass/Epoxy fiber/matrix
5 = Use default Kevlar/Epoxy fiber/matrix
See Remarks 6, 7, and 9.
LC Short fiber critical length. Real > 0.0 Required if
TYPE = 3
L Fiber length. Real > 0.0 Required if
TYPE = 3, 4, or, 5
D Fiber diameter. Real > 0.0 Required if
TYPE = 3 or 5
T Fiber plate thickness. Real > 0.0 Required if
TYPE = 4
W Fiber plate width. Real > 0.0 Required if
TYPE = 4
FBVF Fill bundle volume fraction. See Remark 8. 0.2 ≤ Real ≤ 0.37 Required if
TYPE = 6
WBVF Warp bundle volume fraction. See Remark 8. 0.2 ≤ Real ≤ 0.37 FBVF
MIDX Material identification number for the MCT fill-matrix Integer > 0 Required if
material. See Remark 3. TYPE = 6 and
MCTMAT = 2
MIDL Material identification number for the MCT fill material. Integer > 0 Required if
See Remark 3. TYPE = 6 and
MCTMAT = 2
MIDW Material identification number for the MCT warp Integer > 0 Required if
material. See Remark 3. TYPE = 6 and
MCTMAT = 2
MIDP Material identification number for the MCT matrix- Integer > 0 Required if
pocket material. See Remark 3. TYPE = 6 and
MCTMAT = 2

Remarks:

1. The material identification number must be unique for all MATi entries.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-226

Reference Manual MATL12

2. The Halpin-Tsai method is based on a set of empirical relationships that enable the property of a composite
material to be expressed in terms of the properties of the matrix and reinforcing phases together with their
proportions and geometry. These equations were curve fitted to exact elasticity solutions and confirmed by
experimental measurements. The parameter ζ depends on the particular elastic property being considered.
Halpin-Tsai theory shows that the property of a composite Pc can be expressed in terms of the corresponding
property of the matrix Pm and the reinforcing phase (or fiber) Pƒ using
 1+ ζη ƒ 
Pc = Pm  
 1− η ƒ 
 Pƒ 
P  −1
η =  Pƒm 
P +ζ
 m
The MCT (Multicontinuum Theory) method is a multiscale approach to composites analysis. Failure in the
composite lamina is calculated by evaluating the stress state in either the fiber or matrix, rather than the
homogenized composite lamina, allowing one to capture interactions between the two. The method is
applicable to unidirectional and woven composites. High fidelity micromechanics models enable the
generation/optimization of composite properties from properties of the matrix and fiber. MCT ply failure
analysis is enabled by specifying MCT in the FT field of the PCOMP entry.
3. MIDM and MIDF may reference a MAT1, MAT8, or MAT12 entry for the Halpin-Tsai method and only a MAT8
or MAT12 entry for the MCT method. For MAT1 entries the E, G, and NU fields must be non-zero. The
RHO, A, ST, SC, and SS fields are optional. For MAT8 entries the E1, E2, NU12, and G12 fields must be
non-zero. The RHO, A1, A2, Xt, Xc, Yt, Yc, and S fields are optional. For MAT12 entries the E1, E2, E3,
NU12, NU23, NU31, G12, G23, and G31 fields must be non-zero. The RHO, A1, A2, A3, Xt, Xc, Yt, Yc, Zt,
Zc, S12, S23, and S31 fields are optional. MIDC is required for the MCT method and optional for Halpin-
Tsai. MIDC, MIDX, MIDL, MIDW, and MIDP must reference a MAT8 or MAT12 entry only. MIDC specifies
properties for the generated MAT12 material that are not calculated. The tables below lists what orthotropic
material properties are generated based on the fiber type selected for the Halpin-Tsai and MCT methods.

Halpin-Tsai Generated Orthotropic Material Property Output

TYPE E1 E2 NU12 G12 RHO A1 A2 Xt Xc Yt Yc S
1            
2       
3       
4       
5       

MCT Generated Orthotropic Material Property Output

TYPE E1 E2 E3 NU12 NU23 NU31 G12 G23 G31 RHO
1          
6          

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-227

Reference Manual MATL12

MCT Generated Orthotropic Material Property Output

TYPE A1 A2 A3 Xt Xc Yt Yc Zt Zc S12 S23 S31
1   
6   

The material allowables (Xt, Xc, Yt, etc.) must be specified on the MAT8 referenced by MIDC if failure
index/strength ratios are desired and
• METHOD = 1 and TYPE ≠ 1
• METHOD = 2
4. The TYPE field defines the fiber type. TYPE = 1 – 5 are applicable to Halpin-Tsai (METHOD = 1). TYPE =
1 or 6 is applicable to MCT (METHOD = 2). Fiber types are detailed in the following table.

TYPE Description Example

1 Aligned continuous fiber composite lamina. Unidirectional graphite fibers in an epoxy
Individual continuous fibers oriented in a resin.
defined direction.
2 Spherical particle composite lamina. Particulate Unreinforced concrete with a cement
composite consisting of an aggregate material aggregate and sand filler.
with roughly round filler particles.
3 Oriented short fiber composite lamina. A glass fiber reinforced polymer.
Discontinuous short fibers oriented in a defined
direction.
4 Oriented plate composite lamina. Particulate A phenolic thermoset polymer matrix
composite consisting of an aggregate material with a glass filler.
with a flat filler sheet.
5 Oriented whisker composite lamina. SiC whisker-reinforced ceramic matrix
Discontinuous whisker-shaped fibers oriented in composite.
a defined direction.
6 Plain weave composite lamina. Woven fabric Graphite cloth in an epoxy resin.
where fill and warp threads interlace alternately
resulting in equal properties in each direction.

5. The continuation entry is required based on TYPE and METHOD. For MCT (METHOD = 2) no continuation
is required. For Halpin-Tsai (METHOD = 1), fiber parameters are required based on TYPE as shown below.

TYPE FVF LC L D T W
1 
2 
3    
4    
5   
6 

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-228

Reference Manual MATL12

6. The MCTMAT field is only applicable for MCT (METHOD = 2) and affects how material properties specified
on MIDM, MIDF, and MIDC are processed. When MCTMAT is set to 1 (default) MIDM and MIDF properties
are optimized using a very high fidelity micromechanics model resulting in generated MIDC values. When
MCTMAT is set to 2, the MIDM, MIDF, and MIDC values are assumed already optimized and no adjustment
in values is made. MCTMAT set to 3, 4, or 5 provide optimized default values for common materials.
7. MCT default material properties (MCTMAT = 3, 4, or 5) require that PARAM, UNITS be specified for the
correct selection of default material units corresponding to the model input material property units (see
Section 5, Parameters, for more information on UNITS).
8. Material stability requires that if FBVF ≠ WBVF, then FBVF + WBVF ≤ 0.68. If this condition is not met a fatal
error will be issued.
9. MCT (METHOD = 2) with aligned continuous fibers (TYPE = 1) requires that the orthotropic material
referenced by MIDC be transversely isotropic where
E3 = E2
υ23 = E2 2G23 − 1
υ31 = υ12E3 E1
G13 = G12
Zt = Yt
Zc = Yc

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-229

Reference Manual MATL12

10. MCT default fiber and matrix material properties (MCTMAT = 3, 4, or 5) are listed in the following table in
metric units.

Variable Carbon Fiber Glass Fiber Kevlar Fiber Epoxy Epoxy Epoxy
(Carbon) (Glass) (Kevlar)
E1 2.3E+11 Pa 8.0E+10 Pa 1.2E+11 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa 3.3E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa
3.3E+7 psi 1.2E+7 psi 1.7E+7 psi 5.1E+5 psi 4.9E+5 psi 5.1E+5 psi
E2 1.5E+10 Pa 8.0E+10 Pa 6.9E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa 3.3E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa
2.2E+6 psi 1.2E+7 psi 1.0E+6 psi 5.1E+5 psi 4.9E+5 psi 5.1E+5 psi
E3 1.5E+10 Pa 8.0E+10 Pa 6.9E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa 3.3E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa
2.2E+6 psi 1.2E+7 psi 1.0E+6 psi 5.1E+5 psi 4.9E+5 psi 5.1E+5 psi
G12 1.5E+10 Pa 3.3E+10 Pa 2.8E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa 1.2E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa
2.2E+6 psi 4.8E+6 psi 4.1E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi 1.8E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi
G13 1.5E+10 Pa 3.3E+10 Pa 2.8E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa 1.2E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa
2.2E+6 psi 4.8E+6 psi 4.1E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi 1.8E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi
G23 6.3E+9 Pa 3.3E+10 Pa 2.8E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa 1.2E+9 Pa 1.3E+9 Pa
9.1E+5 psi 4.8E+6 psi 4.1E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi 1.8E+5 psi 1.9E+5 psi
NU12 0.20 0.20 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.35
NU23 0.20 0.20 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.35
NU31 0.01 0.20 0.01 0.35 0.35 0.35
A1 -5.5E-7 /°C 4.9E-6 /°C -5.0E-6 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C 5.8E-5 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C
-3.1E-7 /°F 2.7E-6 /°F -2.8E-6 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F 3.2E-5 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F
A2 1.0E-5 /°C 4.9E-6 /°C 4.1E-5 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C 5.8E-5 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C
5.6E-6 /°F 2.7E-6 /°F 2.3E-5 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F 3.2E-5 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F
A3 1.0E-5 /°C 4.9E-6 /°C 4.1E-5 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C 5.8E-5 /°C 5.3E-5 /°C
5.6E-6 /°F 2.7E-6 /°F 2.3E-5 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F 3.2E-5 /°F 2.9E-5 /°F

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-230

Reference Manual MATL12

11. The model parameters TSAI2MCT, TSAI2MCTFVF, and TSAI2MCTBVF can be used to automatically
generate MATL12 entries for MCT failure analysis. The TSAI2MCT ON setting will attempt to determine the
composite material fiber material when the composite material property values are within 10% of the values
listed in the below table.

Composite Properties with Aligned Composite Properties with Plain Weave

Continuous Fibers Fabric
Variable Carbon Fiber Glass Fiber Kevlar Fiber Carbon Fiber Glass Fiber Kevlar Fiber
FVF/BVF 0.6 0.52 0.6 0.373 0.373 0.373
E1 1.4E+11 Pa 4.3E+10 Pa 7.5E+10 Pa 5.2E+10 Pa 2.7E+10 Pa 2.8E+10 Pa
2.0E+7 psi 6.2E+6 psi 1.1E+7 psi 7.5E+6 psi 3.9E+6 psi 4.1E+6 psi
E2 8.0E+9 Pa 9.7E+9 Pa 5.5E+9 Pa 5.2E+10 Pa 2.7E+10 Pa 2.8E+10 Pa
1.2E+6 psi 1.4E+6 psi 8.0E+5 psi 7.5E+6 psi 3.9E+6 psi 4.1E+6 psi
E3 8.0E+9 Pa 9.7E+9 Pa 5.5E+9 Pa 8.2E+9 Pa 1.0E+10 Pa 5.8E+9 Pa
1.2E+6 psi 1.4E+6 psi 8.0E+5 psi 1.2E+6 psi 1.5E+6 psi 4.1E+6 psi
G12 3.9E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa 2.0E+9 Pa 4.0E+9 Pa 4.6E+9 Pa 2.0E+9 Pa
5.7E+5 psi 5.1E+5 psi 2.9E+5 psi 5.8E+5 psi 6.7E+5 psi 2.9E+5 psi
G23 3.9E+9 Pa 3.5E+9 Pa 2.0E+9 Pa 2.7E+9 Pa 3.1E+9 Pa 1.9E+9 Pa
5.7E+5 psi 5.1E+5 psi 2.9E+5 psi 3.9E+5 psi 4.5E+5 psi 2.8E+5 psi
G31 2.9E+9 Pa 3.4E+9 Pa 2.0E+9 Pa 2.7E+9 Pa 3.1E+9 Pa 1.9E+9 Pa
4.2E+5 psi 4.9E+5 psi 2.9E+5 psi 3.9E+5 psi 4.5E+5 psi 2.8E+5 psi
NU12 0.26 0.26 0.36 0.072 0.12 0.1
NU23 0.26 0.26 0.36 0.4 0.36 0.45
NU31 0.38 0.42 0.37 0.4 0.36 0.45
A1 6.4E-8 /°C 7.2E-6 /°C -3.9E-6 /°C 3.2E-6 /°C 1.2E-5 /°C 3.3E-6 /°C
3.6E-8 /°F 4.0E-6 /°F -2.2E-6 /°F 1.8E-6 /°F 6.7E-6 /°F 1.8E-6 /°F
A2 3.3E-5 /°C 3.5E-5 /°C 5.4E-5 /°C 3.2E-6 /°C 1.2E-5 /°C 3.3E-6 /°C
1.8E-5 /°F 1.9E-5 /°F 3.0E-5 /°F 1.8E-6 /°F 6.7E-6 /°F 1.8E-6 /°F
A3 3.3E-5 /°C 3.5E-5 /°C 5.4E-5 /°C 5.2E-5 /°C 4.4E-5 /°C 7.3E-5 /°C
1.8E-5 /°F 1.9E-5 /°F 3.0E-5 /°F 2.9E-6 /°F 2.4E-6 /°F 4.1E-6 /°F

If TSAI2MCTFVF or TSAI2MCTBVF are specified, TSAI2MCT must be set to either CARBON, GLASS, or
KEVLAR as required. TSAI2MCT requires PARAM, UNITS to be specified. See Section 5, Parameters, for
more information on TSAI2MCT, TSAI2MCTFVF, and TSAI2MCTBVF.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-231

Reference Manual MATPFA

MATPFA Helius PFA Material Property Definition

Description: Defines the material properties for composite materials used with Helius PFA.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATPFA MID MIDH PDIR FT MPSTIF/ FPSTIF/ DEVO PRENL

MDE FDE
TREF MOIST F/ALPHA SBIAX PFTYPE HYDRO

Example:

MATPFA 35 9001 1 MCT 0.1 0.1 ENERGY ON

300 WET

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MIDH Helius PFA material identification number. Integer Required
PDIR Principal material coordinate system. Unidirectional → 1 1
2
Woven → 1, 2, 3
FT Failure Theory. Uni → MCT
MCT,STRESS,
STRAIN, HILL,
TSAI, CHRIS,
HASH, PUCK,
LaRC02, USER
Woven → MCT,
STRESS,
STRAIN, USER
MPSTIF Matrix Post Failure Stiffness 0.0 < value ≤ 1.0 Required
MDE Matrix Degradation Energy value > 0.0
FPSTIF Fiber Post Failure Stiffness 0.0 < value ≤ 1.0 Required
FDE Fiber Degradation Energy value > 0.0
DEVO Damage Evolution Method INSTANT, INSTANT
ENERGY
PRENL Pre-Failure Nonlinearity OFF, ON OFF

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-232

Reference Manual MATPFA

TREF Temperature Flag -1 (activate

temperature
dependence)
value ≥ 0.0
(temperature
corresponding to
environment in
mdata file)
MOIST Moisture Flag AMBIENT, DRY, AMBIENT
WET
F Cross-product Term in Tsai-Wu FC Real Number
ALPHA Contribution of Longitudinal Shear Stress for Hashin FC Real Number
SBIAX Equibiaxial Stress at Failure for Tsai-Wu FC Real Number
PFTYPE Progressive Failure Analysis Type Uni → 0 (off), 1 0
(on)
Woven → 0 (off),
1 or 2 (on)
HYDRO Hydrostatic Strengthening OFF, ON OFF

Refer to Appendix A of the Helius PFA User's Guide for Autodesk Nastran for more details on each MATPFA field.
Note: When PFTYPE = 1 or 2, a Helius PFA license is required.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-233

Reference Manual MATS1

MATS1 Material Stress Dependence

Description: Specifies stress-dependent material properties for use in nonlinear analysis. This entry is used if a
MAT1, MAT2, MAT8, MAT9, or MAT12 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATS1 MID TID TYPE H YF HR LIMIT1 LIMIT2

Example:

MATS1 25 100 PLASTIC 1 1 2.+4

Field Definition Type Default

MID Identification number of a MAT1, MAT2, MAT8, MAT9, Integer > 0 Required
or MAT12 entry.
TID Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry. Integer ≥ 0 or
If H is given, then this field must be blank. See Remark blank
3
TYPE Type of material nonlinearity, one of the following Character Required
character variables: NLELAST for nonlinear elastic or
PLASTIC for elastic-plastic. See Remarks.
H Work hardening slope (slope of stress vs. plastic strain) Real
in units of stress. For more than a single slope in the
plastic range, the stress-strain data must be supplied on
a TABLES1 entry referenced by TID, and this field must
be blank. See Remark 2.
YF Yield function criterion, selected by one of the following Integer von Mises
values
1 = von Mises
2 = Tresca
3 = Mohr-Coulomb
4 = Drucker-Prager
HR Hardening rule, selected by one of the following values Integer Isotropic
1 = Isotropic
2 = Kinematic
3 = Combined isotropic and kinematic hardening
LIMIT1 Initial yield point. Y1 for von Mises and Tresca yield Real 0.0
criteria and 2 ∗ Cohesion, 2c (in units of stress).
LIMIT2 Internal friction angle (measured in degrees) for the Real 0.0
Mohr-Coulomb and Drucker-Prager yield criteria.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-234

Reference Manual MATS1

Remarks:

1. If TYPE = NLELAST, then MID may refer to a MAT1 entry only. The TID in field three must be specified.
The stress-strain data given in the TABLES1 entry will be used to determine the stress for a given value of
strain. If specified, the values H, YF, and LIMIT will be ignored in this case.
Thermoelastic analysis with temperature-dependent material properties is available for linear and nonlinear
elastic isotropic materials (TYPE = NLELAST) and linear elastic orthotropic and anisotropic materials. Four
options of constitutive relations exist. The relations appear in the table below along with the required Bulk
Data entries.

Constitutive Relation Require Bulk Data Entries

{σ }= [Ge (T )]{ε } MATi and MATTi where i =1, 2, 8, or 9

{σ }= E (σ,ε )[Ge (T )]{ε } MAT1, MATT1, MATS1, and TABLES1

E

{σ }= E (T ,σ,ε )[Ge ]{ε }

MAT1, MATS1, TABLEST, and TABLES1
E

{σ }= E (T ,σ,ε ) [Ge (T )]{ε } MAT1, MATT1, MATS1, TABLEST, and TABLES1

E

In Table 1, {σ } and {ε } are the stress and strain vectors, [Ge ] the elasticity matrix, E the effective
elasticity modulus, and E the reference elasticity modulus.
2. If TYPE = PLASTIC, either the table identification TID or the work hardening slope H may be specified, but
not both. If the TID is omitted, the work hardening slope H must be specified unless the material is perfectly
plastic. The plasticity modulus (H) is related to the tangential modulus (ET) by
E
H = ET
1- T
E
dY
where E is the elastic modulus and ET = is the slope of the uniaxial stress-strain curve in the plastic
dε
region. See Figure 1.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-235

Reference Manual MATS1

Y (or s )

Y1 ET

0 ε
Figure 1. Stress-Strain Curve Definition When H is Specified in Field 5.

3. If TID is given, TABLES1 entries (Xi, Yi) of stress-strain data (εk, Yk) must conform to the following rules (see
Figure 2):
a) If TYPE = PLASTIC, the curve must be defined in the first quadrant. The first point must be at origin
(X1 = 0, Y1 = 0) and the second point (X2, Y2) must be at the initial yield point (Y1 or 2c) specified on
the MATS1 entry. The slope of the line joining the origin to the yield stress must be equal to the valued
of E. Also, TID may not reference a TABLEST entry.
b) If TYPE = NLELAST, the full stress-stress curve (-∞ < x < ∞) may be defined in the first and the third
quadrant to accommodate different uniaxial compression data. If the curve is defined only in the first
quadrant, then the curve must start at the origin (X1 = 0.0, Y1 = 0.0) and the compression properties
will be assumed identical to tension properties.
4. Material nonlinear behavior requires a nonlinear solution.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-236

Reference Manual MATS1

Y (or s )

H=3
Y3
Y2 k=3
H=2
k=2
H=1

Y1 If TYPE = PLASTIC:
k=1
ε kp = Effective Plastic Strain
Yk +1 - Yk
E Hk =
ε kp+1 - ε kp

0 ε1 ε 2p ε2 ε 3p ε3 ε
Figure 2. Stress-Strain Curve Definition When TID is Specified in Field 3.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-237

Reference Manual MATS2

MATS2 Material Stress Dependence, Alternate Form

Description: Specifies stress-dependent material properties for use in nonlinear analysis. This entry is used if a
MAT1 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATS2 MID TYPE B TY SY ALPHA

Example:

MATS2 35 OHSAKI 1.4 2.+4 1.0

Field Definition Type Default

MID Identification number of a MAT1 entry. Integer > 0 Required

TYPE Type of material nonlinearity, one of the following Character Required
character variables: OHSAKI for hysteresis soil
plasticity or RAMBERG for deformation plasticity. See
Remarks.
B Exponent. Real > 0.0 Required
TY Initial tensile yield strength. Real > 0.0 See Remark 3
SY Initial shear yield strength. Real > 0.0 See Remark 3
ALPHA Initial yield offset. Real 0.0
Remarks:

10. If TYPE = OHSAKI, B is a soil type factor (1.6 for sand and 1.4 for clay) and TY is the initial tensile yield
strength. If specified, ALPHA is ignored in this case. The constitutive relationship is given by
B
εeff σeqv 1 + A σeqv 
=
M 3G M  TY ⋅ M

0
 
where,
G0 is the initial shear modulus
M is 1 for initial loading and 2 for unloading and reloading
εeff is the effective strain
σeqv is the equivalent stress
and
G0
A= −1
100SY

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-238

Reference Manual MATS2

11. If TYPE = RAMBERG, B is a hardening exponent (normally, B > 5), TY is the initial tensile yield strength,
and ALPHA is the initial yield offset. The constitutive relationship is given by
ε σeqv  3ALPHA G B-1
eff 1+ 0 σeqv 
=
M 3G M  E TY ⋅ M

0
 
where,
E is the reference elasticity modulus
G0 is the initial shear modulus
M is 1 for initial loading and 2 for unloading and reloading
εeff is the effective strain
σeqv is the equivalent stress
3. The relation between initial tensile yield strength and initial shear yield strength is given from the von Mises
yield criterion: TY = 3SY . Either TY or SY must be given. When both are given, SY will be ignored.
4. When the loading direction changes, the effective stress and strain are calculated with respect to the last
stress and strain locations of the previous load step (turning stress, σT and strain, εT ). See Figure 1.
5. Material nonlinear behavior requires a nonlinear solution.

(σT ,εT )
Initial loading

SY

Unloading

0 ε
Figure 1. Stress-Strain Curve Definition for MATS2 Material.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-239

Reference Manual MATST1

MATST1 Material Stress and Temperature Dependence

Description: Specifies temperature-dependent table references for MATS1 material properties. This entry is
used if a MATS1 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATST1 MID T(H) T(Y1)

Example:

MATST1 55 100 110

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number that matches the MATS1 Integer > 0 Required
identification number.
T(H) TABLEMi identification number for work hardening slope. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(Y1) TABLEMi identification number for initial yield point. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank

Remarks:

1. Temperature-dependent material properties are only calculated when a temperature distribution for materials
is defined by using TEMPERATURE, TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL), or TEMPERATURE(BOTH) Case
Control commands.
2. Fields 5 and 8 of this entry correspond, one-by-one, to fields 5 and 8 of the MATS1 entry referenced in field
2. The value in a particular field of the MATS1 entry is replaced or modified by the table referenced in the
corresponding field of this entry. In the example shown, H is modified by TABLEMi 100.
3. Any quantity modified by this entry must have a value on the MATS1 entry.
4. Table references must be present for each item that is temperature-dependent.
5. Material nonlinear behavior requires a nonlinear solution.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-240

Reference Manual MATT1

MATT1 Isotropic Material Temperature Dependence

Description: Specifies temperature-dependent table references for MAT1 material properties. This entry is used
if a MAT1 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATT1 MID T(E) T(G) T(NU) T(RHO) T(A) T(GE)

T(ST) T(SC) T(SS)

Example:

MATT1 66 56 88
78 56

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number that matches the MAT1 Integer > 0 Required
identification number.
T(E) TABLEMi identification number for Young's modulus. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(G) TABLEMi identification number for shear modulus. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(NU) TABLEMi identification number for Poisson's ratio. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(RHO) TABLEMi identification number for mass density. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(A) TABLEMi identification number for thermal expansion Integer ≥ 0 or
coefficient. blank
T(GE) TABLEMi identification number for damping coefficient. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(ST) TABLEMi identification number for tensile stress limit. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(SC) TABLEMi identification number for compressive stress Integer ≥ 0 or
limit. blank
T(SS) TABLEMi identification number for shear stress limit. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank

Remarks:

1. Temperature-dependent material properties are only calculated when a temperature distribution for materials
is defined by using TEMPERATURE, TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL), or TEMPERATURE(BOTH) Case
Control commands.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-241

Reference Manual MATT1

2. Fields 3, 4, etc., of this entry correspond, one-by-one, to fields 3, 4, etc., of the MAT1 entry referenced in
field 2. The value in a particular field of the MAT1 entry is replaced or modified by the table referenced in
the corresponding field of this entry. In the example shown, E is modified by TABLEMi 56. A blank or zero
entry means no temperature dependence of that field on the MAT1 entry.
3. Any quantity modified by this entry must have a value on the MAT1 entry. Initial values of E, G, or NU may
be supplied according to Remark 3 on the MAT1 entry. If a table is specified for E and not for G, the E table
reference will be used in the determination of G.
4. Table references must be present for each item that is temperature-dependent.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-242

Reference Manual MATT2

MATT2 Anisotropic Material Temperature Dependence

Description: Specifies temperature-dependent table references for MAT2 material properties. This entry is used
if a MAT2 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATT2 MID T(G11) T(G12) T(G13) T(G22) T(G23) T(G33) T(RHO)

T(A1) T(A2) T(A3) T(GE) T(ST) T(SC) T(SS)

Example:

MATT2 45 56 65
21 89

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material property identification number that matches the Integer > 0 Required
MAT2 identification number.
T(Gij) TABLEMi identification numbers for the terms in the Integer ≥ 0 or
material property matrix. blank
T(RHO) TABLEMi identification number for mass density. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(Ai) TABLEMi identification number for the thermal Integer ≥ 0 or
expansion coefficient vector. blank
T(GE) TABLEMi identification number for damping coefficient. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(ST) TABLEMi identification number for tensile stress limit. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(SC) TABLEMi identification number for compressive stress Integer ≥ 0 or
limit. blank
T(SS) TABLEMi identification number for shear stress limit. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank

Remarks:

1. Temperature-dependent material properties are only calculated when a temperature distribution for materials
is defined by using TEMPERATURE, TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL), or TEMPERATURE(BOTH) Case
Control commands.
2. Fields 3, 4, etc., of this entry correspond, one-by-one, to fields 3, 4, etc., of the MAT2 entry referenced in
field 2. The value in a particular field of the MAT2 entry is replaced or modified by the table referenced in
the corresponding field of this entry. A blank or zero entry means no temperature dependence of that field
on the MAT2 entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-243

Reference Manual MATT2

3. Any quantity modified by this entry must have a value on the MAT2 entry.
4. Table references must be present for each item that is temperature-dependent.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-244

Reference Manual MATT

MATT4 Thermal Material Temperature Dependence

Description: Specifies table references for temperature-dependent MAT4 material properties. This entry is used
if a MAT4 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATT4 MID T(K) T(CP) T(H) T(µ) T(HGEN)

Example:

MATT4 2 10 11

Field Definition Type Default

MID Identification number of a MAT4 entry, which is Integer > 0 Required

temperature-dependent.
T(K) Identification number of a TABLEMj entry that gives the Integer ≥ 0 or
temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity. blank
T(CP) Identification number of a TABLEMj entry that gives the Integer ≥ 0 or
temperature dependence of the thermal heat capacity. blank
T(H) Identification number of a TABLEMj entry that gives the Integer ≥ 0 or
temperature dependence of the free convection heat blank
transfer coefficient.
T(µ) Identification number of a TABLEMj entry that gives the Integer ≥ 0 or
temperature dependence of the dynamic viscosity. blank
T(HGEN) Identification number of a TABLEMj entry that gives the Integer ≥ 0 or
temperature dependence of internal heat generation blank
property for QVOL.

Remarks:

1. The basic quantities on the MAT4 entry are always multiplied by the corresponding tabular function
referenced by the MATT4 entry.
2. If the fields are blank or zero then there is no temperature dependence of the referenced quantity on the
MAT4 entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-245

Reference Manual MATT

MATT5 Thermal Anisotropic Material Temperature Dependence

Description: Specifies temperature-dependent table references for MAT5 material properties. This entry is used
if a MAT5 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATT5 MID T(KXX) (TKXY) T(KXZ) T(KYY) T(KYZ) T(KZZ) T(CP)

T(HGEN)

Example:

MATT5 2 10 11

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material property identification number that matches the Integer > 0 Required
MAT5 identification number.
T(Kij) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry that specify Integer ≥ 0 or
temperature dependence of the matrix term. blank
T(CP) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry that specifies Integer ≥ 0 or
the temperature dependence of the thermal heat blank
capacity.
T(HGEN) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry that gives the Integer ≥ 0 or
temperature dependence of internal heat generation blank
property for the QVOL entry.

Remarks:

1. The basic quantities on the MAT5 entry are always multiplied by the tabular function referenced by the
MATT5 entry.
2. If the fields are blank or zero then there is no temperature independence of the referenced quantity on the
basic MAT5 entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-246

Reference Manual MATT8

MATT8 Thermal Shell Element Orthotropic Material Dependence

Description: Specifies temperature-dependent table references for MAT8 material properties. This entry is used
if a MAT8 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATT8 MID T(E1) T(E2) T(NU12) T(G12) T(G1Z) T(G2Z) T(RHO)

T(A1) T(A2) T(Xt) T(Xc) T(Yt) T(Yc) T(S)
T(GE) T(F12)

Example:

MATT8 101 122 145 124 22

202 202
220

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material property identification number that matches the Integer > 0 Required
MAT8 identification number.
T(E1) TABLEMi identification number for modulus of elasticity Integer ≥ 0 or
in longitudinal direction, also defined as the fiber blank
direction or 1-direction.
T(E2) TABLEMi identification number for modulus of elasticity Integer ≥ 0 or
in lateral direction, also defined as the matrix direction blank
or 2-direction.
T(NU12) TABLEMi identification number for Poisson’s ratio (ε2/ε1 Integer ≥ 0 or
for uniaxial loading in 1-direction). blank

T(G12) TABLEMi identification number for in-plane shear Integer ≥ 0 or

modulus. blank
T(G1Z) TABLEMi identification number for transverse shear Integer ≥ 0 or
modulus for shear in 1-Z plane. blank
T(G2Z) TABLEMi identification number for transverse shear Integer ≥ 0 or
modulus for shear in 2-Z plane. blank
T(RHO) TABLEMi identification number for mass density. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(Ai) TABLEMi identification number for thermal expansion Integer ≥ 0 or
coefficient in i-direction. blank
T(Xt), T(Xc) TABLEMi identification number for allowable stresses or Integer ≥ 0 or
strains in tension and compression, respectively, in the blank
longitudinal direction.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-247

Reference Manual MATT8

Field Definition Type Default

T(Yt), T(Yc) TABLEMi identification number for allowable stresses or Integer ≥ 0 or

strains in tension and compression, respectively, in the blank
lateral direction.
T(S) TABLEMi identification number for allowable stress or Integer ≥ 0 or
strain for in-plane shear. blank
T(GE) TABLEMi identification number for damping coefficient. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(F12) TABLEMi identification number for interaction term in Integer ≥ 0 or
the tensor polynomial theory of Tsai-Wu. blank

Remarks:

1. Temperature-dependent material properties are only calculated when a temperature distribution for materials
is defined by using TEMPERATURE, TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL), or TEMPERATURE(BOTH) Case
Control commands.
2. Fields 3, 4, etc., of this entry correspond, one-by-one, to fields 3, 4, etc., of the MAT8 entry referenced in
field 2. The value in a particular field of the MAT8 entry is replaced or modified by the table referenced in
the corresponding field of this entry. A blank or zero entry means no temperature dependence of that field
on the MAT8 entry.
3. Any quantity modified by this entry must have a value on the MAT8 entry.
4. Table references must be present for each item that is temperature-dependent.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-248

Reference Manual MATT9

MATT9 Solid Element Anisotropic Material Temperature Dependence

Description: Specifies temperature-dependent table references for MAT9 material properties. This entry is used
if a MAT9 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATT9 MID T(G11) T(G12) T(G13) T(G14) T(G15) T(G16) T(G22)

T(G23) T(G24) T(G25) T(G26) T(G33) T(G34) T(G35) T(G36)
T(G44) T(G45) T(G46) T(G55) T(G56) T(G66) T(RHO) T(A1)
T(A2) T(A3) T(A4) T(A5) T(A6) T(GE)

Example:

MATT9 56 66 68 34
78
41 124 88 90 23
101 54 44

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material property identification number that matches the Integer > 0 Required
MAT9 identification number.
T(Gij) TABLEMi identification number for elements of the 6 x 6 Integer ≥ 0 or
symmetric material property matrix. blank

T(RHO) TABLEMi identification number for mass density. Integer ≥ 0 or

blank
T(Ai) TABLEMi identification number for thermal expansion Integer ≥ 0 or
coefficient. blank
T(GE) TABLEMi identification number for damping coefficient. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank

Remarks:

1. Temperature-dependent material properties are only calculated when a temperature distribution for materials
is defined by using TEMPERATURE, TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL), or TEMPERATURE(BOTH) Case
Control commands.
2. Fields 3, 4, etc., of this entry correspond, one-by-one, to fields 3, 4, etc., of the MAT9 entry referenced in
field 2. The value in a particular field of the MAT9 entry is replaced or modified by the table referenced in
the corresponding field of this entry. A blank or zero entry means no temperature dependence of that field
on the MAT9 entry.
3. Any quantity modified by this entry must have a value on the MAT9 entry.
4. Table references must be present for each item that is temperature-dependent.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-249

Reference Manual MATT12

MATT12 Solid Element Orthotropic Material Temperature Dependence

Description: Specifies temperature-dependent table references for MAT12 material properties. This entry is
used if a MAT12 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATT12 MID T(E1) T(E2) T(E3) T(NU12) T(NU23) T(NU31) T(RHO)

T(G12) T(G23) T(G31) T(A1) T(A2) T(A3) T(GE)
T(Xt) T(Yt) T(Zt)
T(S12) T(S23) T(S31) T(Xc) T(Yc) T(Zt)
T(F12) T(F23) T(F31)

Example:

MATT12 77 101 102 103

201 202 203
45 48 50
41 42 43 46 49 51
77 78 79

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material property identification number that matches the Integer > 0 Required
MAT12 identification number.
T(E1) TABLEMi identification number for modulus of elasticity Integer ≥ 0 or
in longitudinal direction, also defined as the fiber blank
direction or 1-direction.
T(E2) TABLEMi identification number for modulus of elasticity Integer ≥ 0 or
in lateral direction, also defined as the matrix direction blank
or 2-direction.
T(E3) TABLEMi identification number for modulus of elasticity Integer ≥ 0 or
in thickness direction, also defined as the matrix blank
direction or 3-direction.
T(NU12) TABLEMi identification number for Poisson’s ratio (ε2/ε1 Integer ≥ 0 or
for uniaxial loading in 1-direction). blank

T(NU23) TABLEMi identification number for Poisson’s ratio (ε3/ε2 Integer ≥ 0 or

for uniaxial loading in 2-direction). blank

T(NU31) TABLEMi identification number for Poisson’s ratio (ε1/ε3 Integer ≥ 0 or

for uniaxial loading in 3-direction). blank

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-250

Reference Manual MATT12

Field Definition Type Default

T(RHO) TABLEMi identification number for mass density. Integer ≥ 0 or

blank
T(G12) TABLEMi identification number for shear modulus in Integer ≥ 0 or
plane 1-2. blank
T(G23) TABLEMi identification number for shear modulus in Integer ≥ 0 or
plane 2-3. blank
T(G31) TABLEMi identification number for shear modulus in Integer ≥ 0 or
plane 3-1. blank
T(Ai) TABLEMi identification number for thermal expansion Integer ≥ 0 or
coefficient in i-direction. blank
T(GE) TABLEMi identification number for damping coefficient. Integer ≥ 0 or
blank
T(Xt), T(Xc) TABLEMi identification number for allowable stresses or Integer ≥ 0 or
strains in tension and compression, respectively, in the blank
longitudinal direction.
T(Yt), T(Yc) TABLEMi identification number for allowable stresses or Integer ≥ 0 or
strains in tension and compression, respectively, in the blank
lateral direction.
T(Zt), T(Zc) TABLEMi identification number for allowable stresses or Integer ≥ 0 or
strains in tension and compression, respectively, in the blank
thickness direction.
T(S12) TABLEMi identification number for allowable shear Integer ≥ 0 or
stress or strain for plane 1-2. blank
T(S23) TABLEMi identification number for allowable shear Integer ≥ 0 or
stress or strain for plane 2-3. blank
T(S31) TABLEMi identification number for allowable shear Integer ≥ 0 or
stress or strain for plane 3-1. blank
T(F12) TABLEMi identification number for F12 interaction term Integer ≥ 0 or
in the tensor polynomial theory of Tsai-Wu. blank
T(F23) TABLEMi identification number for F23 interaction term Integer ≥ 0 or
in the tensor polynomial theory of Tsai-Wu. blank
T(F31) TABLEMi identification number F31 for interaction term Integer ≥ 0 or
in the tensor polynomial theory of Tsai-Wu. blank

Remarks:

1. Temperature-dependent material properties are only calculated when a temperature distribution for materials
is defined by using TEMPERATURE, TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL), or TEMPERATURE(BOTH) Case
Control commands.
2. Fields 3, 4, etc., of this entry correspond, one-by-one, to fields 3, 4, etc., of the MAT12 entry referenced in
field 2. The value in a particular field of the MAT12 entry is replaced or modified by the table referenced in
the corresponding field of this entry. A blank or zero entry means no temperature dependence of that field
on the MAT12 entry.
3. Any quantity modified by this entry must have a value on the MAT12 entry.
4. Table references must be present for each item that is temperature-dependent.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-251

Reference Manual MATVE

MATVE Viscoelastic Material Property Definition

Description: Specifies viscoelastic material properties for use in nonlinear analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATVE MID GFUNC KFUNC RHO A

SHIFT C1 C2 T0

Example:

MATVE 5 101 102 0.1

Field Definition Type Default

MID Unique material identification number or identification Integer > 0 Required

number of a MAT1 entry.
GFUNC Identification number of a TABVE entry. The TABVE Integer > 0 or
table contains a series of shear modulii and decay blank
coefficients to represent the shear modulus relaxation
function of the material.
KFUNC Identification number of a TABVE entry. The TABVE Integer > 0 or
table contains a series of bulk modulii and decay blank
coefficients to represent the bulk modulus relaxation
function of the material.
RHO Mass density. Real or blank 0.0
A Thermal expansion coefficient. Real or blank 0.0
SHIFT Time-temperature superposition shift law, selected by Integer WLF
one of the following values
1 = WLF (William Landel-Ferry)
2 = Arrhenius
C1, C2 Material constants used by the WLF or Arrhenius shift Real 0.0
function.
T0 Reference temperature used by the WLF or Arrhenius Real ≠ 0.0 if Required if
shift function. SHIFT = 2 SHIFT = 2

Remarks:

1. This entry will be activated the NLPARM entry is prepared for viscoelastic analysis.
2. If a MAT1 entry with the same MID is used, the E, G, and NU fields will be used to define defaults when
GFUNC and/or KFUNC are blank.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-252

Reference Manual MATVE

3. Viscoelasticity uses the Generalized Maxwell Model. The deviatoric stress is given by
N
s = γ s0 + γ h( i )
n+1 ∞ n+1 ∑ i n+1
i =1
where the stress at each relaxation component is calculated by
 Δtn   Δtn 
(i )   (i )  2τ  0 0
τ
hn +1 = EXP i hn + EXP i (sn +1 − sn )
and s0 and s0 are deviatoric stresses without relaxation.
n n+1
The viscoelastic relaxation occurs in the shear and/or bulk modulus. The modulus E in the following figure
should be interpreted either shear modulus G or bulk modulus K.

E

E1 η1

E2 η2
σ
E3 η3

EN ηN

Figure 1. Viscoelastic Material Idealization.

where
E∞ = stiffness at an infinite time
E0 = E∞ + ∑ Ei stiffness at the initial time
ηi
τi = {i = 1, 2, 3,...N}
Ei
Ei
γi = {i = 1, 2, 3,...N}
E0
E∞
γ∞ = 0 ≤ γi < 1
E0
The γ i and τ i terms are defined using the TABVE Bulk Data entry where 0 ≤ N ≤ 120 .

4. Viscoelastic material properties strongly depend on temperature. Instead of estimating material properties
at different temperatures, an assumption called thermorheological simplicity is used in which the relaxation
curve at high temperature is identical to that at low temperature when the time is properly scaled. The
relaxation times in the Prony series are scaled by the following equation:
τ (T )
τ i (T ) = i 0
A (T ,T0s
where two different scaling functions are supported.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-253

Reference Manual MATVE

William-Landel-Ferry:
c1(T − T0 )
LOG10 (A(T ,T0 )) = −
c2 + T − T0
Arrhenius:
 1 1 
c1 −  if T ≥ T0
T T
LOG10 (A(T ,T0 ))A(T ,T0 ) = 
  0
c  1 − 1  if T < T0
2
  T T0 


Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-254

Reference Manual MATXM

MATXM Autodesk AME Material

Description: Specifies constants required to invoke Autodesk Advanced Material Exchange (AME).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MATXM MID MIDH

Example:

MATXM 35 5

Field Definition Type Default

MID Material identification number. Integer

MIDH Identification number of the Autodesk Advanced Integer
Material Exchange material.

Remarks:

1. When used with CHEXA elements, you must turn off internal nodes and reduced integration:
• PARAM, HEXINODE, OFF
• PARAM, HEXREDORD, OFF
2. When used with CTETRA elements, you must turn off reduced integration:
• PARAM, TETREDORD, OFF
3. PSOLID must refer to the global material coordinate system. MCID = 0.
4. Make sure the material ID (MATID) of the PSOLID entry refers to the MATXM material.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-255

Reference Manual MFLUID

MFLUID Fluid Volume Properties

Description: Defines the properties of an incompressible fluid volume for the purpose of generating a virtual
mass matrix.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MFLUID SID CID ZFS RHO ELIST1 ELIST2

RMAX

Example:

MFLUID 53 12 5.8 1004.0 3

100.0

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

CID Identification number of rectangular coordinate Integer ≥ 0 or blank
system used to specify the orientation of the free
surface (normal to the coordinate z-axis).
ZFS Intercept of the free surface on the z-axis of the Real ∞
coordinate system referenced by CID. See Remark
4.
RHO Fluid density. Real Required
ELIST1 Identification number of an ELIST entry that lists the Integer ≥ 0 or blank Required if
identification numbers of two-dimensional elements ELIST2 is
that can be wetted on one side by the fluid. Only blank
those elements connected to at least one grid point
below ZFS included. See Remarks 3, 4, and 5.
ELIST2 Identification number of an ELIST entry that lists the Integer ≥ 0 or blank Required if
identification numbers of two-dimensional elements ELIST1 is
that can be wetted on both sides by the fluid. Only blank
those elements connected to at least one grid point
below ZFS included. See Remarks 3, 4, and 5.
RMAX Maximum element interaction distance. Interactions Real > 0.0 1.0E+10
between elements with distance that is greater than
RMAX will be ignored.

Remarks:

5. The MFLUID entry must be selected with the Case Control command MFLUID = SID.
6. Several MFLUID entries corresponding to different fluid volumes can be used simultaneously.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-256

Reference Manual MFLUID

7. The wetted side of an element in ELIST1 is determined by the presence or minus sign preceding the element
ID on the ELIST entry. A minus sign indicates that the fluid is on the side opposite to the element’s positive
normal, as determined by applying the right-hand rule to the sequence of its corner points. The same element
can appear on two ELIST entries, indicating that it forms a barrier between the unconnected fluids.
8. The fluid volume may be finite (interior) or infinite (exterior) and may be bounded by an optional free surface
defined by ZFS. The default free surface is located at an infinitely large positive ZFS value.
9. The ELIST entry may only reference CQUAD4/CQUADR and CTRIA3/CTRIAR elements.
10. The handling of special cases where adjacent element surfaces normals are more than 30 degrees from
each other such as a corner is controlled using PARAM, VFMNORMTOL (see Section 5, Parameters, for
more information on VFMNORMTOL).
11. PARAM, VFMADDMETHOD controls where in the solution sequence the virtual fluid mass is included in the
global mass matrix (see Section 5, Parameters, for more information on VFMADDMETHOD).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-257

Reference Manual MOMENT

MILLDIR Milling Direction List

Description: Defines a list of milling directions for 5-axis milling manufacturing constraints in design optimization
analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MILLDIR LID D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7
E8 E9 E10 - etc.-

Example:

MILLDIR 12 F1 F3 F4 F6 E12 E34 E41

E15 E26

Field Definition Type Default

LID List identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Di Direction symbols. See Remarks 1 and 2. Character Required

Remarks:

1. At least one direction symbol is required. Specifying all 26 is equivalent to the default setting for 5-axis milling
when a milling direction list is not specified on the TOPVAR Bulk Data entry.
2. The table below lists all 26 possible milling directions. C symbols are for corner directions, F symbols are for
face directions, and E symbols are for edge directions. The cube shown in Figure 1 represents the voxelized
model with a bounding box who’s corners numbered from 1 – 8. The milling directions are in the
manufacturing coordinate system defined on the TOPVAR Bulk Data entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-258

Reference Manual MILLDIR

Direction Symbol X-Component Y-Component Z-Component

C1 1.0 1.0 1.0
C2 -1.0 1.0 1.0
C3 -1.0 -1.0 1.0
C4 1.0 -1.0 1.0
C5 1.0 1.0 -1.0
C6 -1.0 1.0 -1.0
C7 -1.0 -1.0 -1.0
C8 1.0 -1.0 -1.0
F1 1.0 0.0 0.0
F2 0.0 -1.0 0.0
F3 0.0 0.0 -1.0
F4 -1.0 0.0 0.0
F5 0.0 1.0 0.0
F6 0.0 0.0 1.0
E12 0.0 1.0 1.0
E23 -1.0 0.0 1.0
E34 0.0 -1.0 1.0
E41 1.0 0.0 1.0
E56 0.0 1.0 -1.0
E67 -1.0 0.0 -1.0
E78 0.0 -1.0 -1.0
E85 1.0 0.0 -1.0
E15 1.0 1.0 0.0
E26 -1.0 1.0 0.0
E37 -1.0 -1.0 0.0
E48 1.0 -1.0 0.0

(Continued)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data Entry 4-259

Reference Manual MILLDIR

Figure 1. Milling Direction Symbol Definition.

(Continued)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data Entry 4-260

Reference Manual MOMENT

MOMENT Static Moment

Description: Defines a static moment at a grid point by specifying a vector.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MOMENT SID G CID M N1 N2 N3

Example:

MOMENT 3 441 4 10.0 1.0 -1.0 0.0

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

G Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 or 0
blank
M Moment vector scale factor. Real Required
N1, N2, N3 Moment vector components measured in coordinate Real Required;
system defined by CID. must have at
least one
nonzero
component

Remarks:

1. The static load applied to grid point G is given by

 
m = MN

where N is the vector defined in fields 6, 7 and 8.
2. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).
3. A CID of zero references the basic coordinate system.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-261

Reference Manual MOMENT1

MOMENT1 Static Moment, Alternate Form 1

Description: Defines a static moment at a grid point by specification of a value and two grid points that determine
the direction.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MOMENT1 SID G M G1 G2

Example:

MOMENT1 3 141 -4.5 10 11

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

G Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
M Moment magnitude. Real Required
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers. Integer > 0; Required
G1 = G2

Remarks:

1. The static load applied to grid point G is given by

 
m = Mn

where n is a unit vector parallel to a vector for G1 to G2.
2. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-262

Reference Manual MPC

MPC Multi Point Constraint

Description: Defines a multipoint constraint equation of the form

∑A u
j
j j =0

where uj represents global degree of freedom Cj at grid point Gj.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MPC SID G1 C1 A1 G2 C2 A2
G3 C3 A3 - etc. -

Example:

MPC 6 77 2 5.5 2 4 4.5

5 5 -2.91

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Gj Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Cj Component number of global coordinate (any one of six 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field).
Aj Coefficient. Real or blank 0.0; except
A1 must be
nonzero

Remarks:

1. Multipoint constraint sets must be selected with the Case Control command MPC = SID.
2. The first degree of freedom (G1, C1) in the sequence is defined to be the dependent degree of freedom. By
default, a dependent degree of freedom assigned by one MPC entry cannot be assigned dependent by
another MPC entry or rigid element and cannot be additionally constrained (e.g., single-point constraint). If
this behavior is desired use PARAM, AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC which when set to ON will allow the constraint of
dependent degrees of freedom (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC.)
3. Forces of multipoint constraint may be recovered with the MPCFORCE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-263

Reference Manual MPCADD

MPCADD Multipoint Constraint Set Combination

Description: Defines a multipoint constraint set as a union of multipoint constraint sets defined via MPC entries.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MPCADD SID S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7
S8 S9 - etc.-

Example:

MPCADD 101 5 8 12 7 23

Field Definition Type Default

SID Identification number of multipoint constraint set. Integer > 0 Required

Sj Identification numbers multipoint constraint sets defined Integer > 0 Required
via MPC entries.

Remarks:

1. Multipoint constraint sets must be selected with the Case Control command MPC = SID.
2. The Sj must be unique and may not be the identification number of a multipoint constraint set defined by
another MPCADD entry.
3. MPCADD entries take precedence over MPC entries. If both have the same SID, only the MPCADD entry
will be used.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-264

Reference Manual NITINOL

NITINOL Nitinol Material Property Definition

Description: Defines material properties for use in shape memory alloys (Nitinol).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NITINOL MID ALPHA ELMAX CAS CSA TSAS TFAS TSSA

TFSA BTAS BTSA SSAS SFAS SSSA SFSA

Example:

NITINOL 101 0.0 0.1 1.0 1.0 70.0 10.0 90.0

130.0 10.0 10.0 120.0 140.0 70.0 30.0

Field Definition Type Default

MID Identification number of a MAT1 entry. Integer > 0 Required

ALPHA Pressure coefficient. Real ≥ 0 0.1
ELMAX Maximum residual strain. Real ≥ 0 0.1
CAS Conversion constant from austenite to martensite. Real ≥ 0 1.0
CSA Conversion constant from martensite to austenite. Real ≥ 0 1.0
TSAS Starting temperature of transformation from austenite to Real 0.0
martensite. See Remark 1
TFAS Ending temperature of transformation from austenite to Real 0.0
martensite. See Remark 1
TSSA Starting temperature of transformation from martensite Real 0.0
to austenite. See Remark 1
TFSA Ending temperature of transformation from martensite Real 0.0
to austenite. See Remark 1
BTAS Constant for exponential flow rule (austenite to Real ≥ 0 0.0
martensite). See Remark 2
BTSA Constant for exponential flow rule (martensite to Real ≥ 0 0.0
austenite). See Remark 2
SSAS Starting stress for transformation from austenite to Real 0.0
martensite at reference temperature. See Remark 3
SFAS Ending stress for transformation from austenite to Real 0.0
martensite at reference temperature. See Remark 3

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-265

Reference Manual NITINOL

Field Definition Type Default

SSSA Starting stress for transformation from martensite to Real 0.0

austenite at reference temperature. See Remark 3
SFSA Ending stress for transformation from martensite to Real 0.0
austenite at reference temperature. See Remark 3

Remarks:

1. The following relations must be satisfied between the four temperatures:

TFAS < TSAS < TSSA < TFSA
2. When BTAS and BTSA are zero the material model is linear. When BTAS and BTSA are non-zero the
material model is exponential with BTAS and BTSA as coefficients.
3. The transformation stresses and temperature can be combined such that the transformation stress can be
calculated by
• Starting stress for transformation from austenite to martensite = SSAS - CAS*TSAS
• Ending stress for transformation from austenite to martensite = SFAS - CAS*TFAS
• Starting stress for transformation from martensite to austenite = SSSA - CSA*TSSA
• Ending stress for transformation from martensite to austenite = SFSA - CSA*TFSA

Stress

Martensite Stable CAS

Austenite  Martensite
SFAS
CSA
TFAS SSAS TSSA
TSAS TFSA Temperature

Martensite  Austenite
SSSA

SFSA Austenite Stable

Figure 1. Stress-Temperature Transformation Variables.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-266

Reference Manual NLPARM

NLPARM Parameters for Nonlinear Static Analysis Control

Description: Defines a set of parameters for nonlinear static analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NLPARM ID NINC DT KMETHOD KSTEP MAXITER CONV INTOUT

EPSU EPSP EPSW MAXDIV MAXUBIS MAXLS FSTRESS LSTOL
MAXBIS TDG TDC TDV MAXR RTOLB
INITINC MININC MAXINC TTOTAL

Example:

NLPARM 25 10 PW YES

Field Definition Type Default

ID Identification number. Integer > 0 Required

NINC Number of increments. See Remark 2. Integer > 0 See Remark 2
DT Incremental time interval for creep analysis. See Real ≥ 0 0.0
Remark 3.
KMETHOD Method for controlling stiffness updates, one of the Character AUTO
following character variables: AUTO, ITER, or SEMI.
See Remark 4.
KSTEP Number of iterations before stiffness update for the Integer > 0 5
ITER method. See Remark 5.
MAXITER Limit on number of iterations for each load increment. Integer > 0 or AUTO
See Remark 6. AUTO
CONV Convergence criteria, one of the following character Character PW
variables: U, P, or W, or any combination. See Remark
7.
INTOUT Intermediate output request, one of the following Character or NO
character variables: YES, NO, or ALL or the load Integer > 0
increment interval for output. See Remark 8.
EPSU Error tolerance for displacement (U) criterion. Real > 0.0 See Remark 17
EPSP Error tolerance for load (P) criterion. Real > 0.0 See Remark 17
EPSW Error tolerance for work (W) criterion. Real > 0.0 See Remark 17
MAXDIV Limit on probable divergence conditions per iteration Integer > 0 3
before the solution is assumed to diverge. See Remark
9.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-267

Reference Manual NLPARM

Field Definition Type Default

MAXUBIS Maximum number of iterations for an upward load Integer > 0 See Remark 16
increment adjustment. Applicable when the load
increment is bisected or the adaptive load
increment/convergence method is used. See Remark
16.
MAXLS Maximum number of line searches for each iteration. Integer ≥ 0 5
See Remark 10.
FSTRESS Fraction of effective stress ( σ ) used to limit the 0.0 < Real < 1.0 0.2
subincrement size in nonlinear material routines. See
Remark 11.
LSTOL Line search tolerance. See Remark 10. 0.01 < Real ≤ 0.9 0.2
MAXBIS Maximum number of bisections allowed for each load Integer > 0 5
increment. See Remark 12.
TDG Terminate on displacement grid point identification Integer > 0
number. See Remark 13.
TDC Terminate on displacement component number. See 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 or MAXT
Remark 13. MAXT or MAXR
MAXT Resultant of translation displacement
components.
MAXR Resultant of rotational displacement
components.
TDV Terminate on displacement value. See Remark 13. Real
MAXR Maximum ratio for the adjusted arc-length increment 1.0 ≤ Real ≤ 40.0 20.0
relative to the initial value. See Remark 14.
RTOLB Maximum value of incremental rotation (in degrees) Real > 0.0 20.0
allowed per iteration to activate bisection. See Remark
15.
INITINC Initial load increment. See Remarks 2 and 16. 0.0 < Real < 1.0 1 NINC
MININC Minimum load increment. See Remarks 2 and 16. 0.0 < Real < 1.0 INITINC
MAXINC Maximum load increment. See Remarks 2 and 16. 0.0 < Real < 1.0 INITINC
TTOTAL Total time for creep analysis. See Remark 3. Real ≥ 0 0.0

Remarks:

1. The NLPARM entry must be selected with the Case Control command NLPARM = ID. Each solution subcase
requires an NLPARM command.
2. In cases of static analysis (DT = 0.0) NINC is the number of equal subdivisions of the load change defined
for the subcase. Applied loads, gravity loads, temperature sets, enforced displacements, etc. define the new
loading conditions. The differences from the previous case are divided by NINC to define the incremental
values. In cases of creep analysis (DT > 0.0), NINC is the number of time step increments. When NINC is
blank, the adaptive load increment/convergence method is used with INITINC, MININC, and MAXINC set to
the following values:

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-268

Reference Manual NLPARM

Variable Value
INITINC 1.0E-2
MININC 1.0E-3
MAXINC 0.3

3. The units for DT and TTOTAL must be consistent with the units used on the CREEP entry that defines the
creep characteristics. TTOTAL specifies the total creep time for the subcase. When the fixed load
increment/convergence method is used and TTOTAL is blank, DT is multiplied by NINC to determine total
creep time for the subcase. When the adaptive load increment/convergence method is used and TTOTAL
is blank, DT is multiplied by INITINC to determine total creep time for the subcase.
4. The stiffness update strategy is selected in the KMETHOD field.
a) If the AUTO option is specified, the program automatically selects the most efficient strategy based on
convergence rates. At each step the number of iterations required to converge is estimated. Stiffness
is updated, if (i) the estimated number of iterations to converge exceeds MAXITER or (ii) the solution
diverges. See Remarks 7 and 9 for diverging solutions.
b) If the SEMI option is selected, the program for each load increment (i) performs a single iteration based
upon the new load, (ii) updates the stiffness matrix, and (iii) resumes the normal AUTO options.
c) If the ITER option is selected, the program updates the stiffness matrix at every KSTEP iterations and
on convergence if KSTEP ≤ MAXITER. However, if KSTEP > MAXITER, the stiffness matrix is never
updated. Note that the Newton-Raphson iteration strategy is obtained by selecting the ITER option
and KSTEP = 1, while the Modified Newton-Raphson iteration strategy is obtained by selecting the
ITER option and KSTEP = MAXITER.
5. For AUTO and SEMI options, the stiffness matrix is updated on convergence if KSTEP is less than the
number of iterations that were required for convergence with the current stiffness.
6. The number of iterations for a load increment is limited to MAXITER. If the solution does not converge in
MAXITER iterations, one of two actions is taken depending on the BISECT model parameter. If the BISECT
model parameter is set to ON, the load increment is bisected and the analysis is repeated. If the load
increment cannot be bisected (i.e. MAXBIS is attained), execution terminates with a fatal error. If the BISECT
model parameter is set to OFF, the analysis is continued to the next load increment. (See Section 5,
Parameters, for more information on BISECT.) The default AUTO setting uses an initial MAXITER value of
40 and automatically increases this value if the solution appears near convergence.
7. The symbols (U for displacement error, P for load equilibrium error, and W for work error) and the tolerances
(EPSU, EPSP, and EPSW) define the convergence criteria. All the requested criteria (combination of U, P,
and/or W) are satisfied upon convergence.
8. INTOUT controls the output requests for displacements, element forces and stresses, etc. YES, ALL, or the
load increment interval for output must be specified in order to output intermediate (incremental) results.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-269

Reference Manual NLPARM

INTOUT Output Processed

YES For every computed load increment excluding
bisected and quadsected load increments
NO For the last load of the subcase
ALL For every computed load increment including
bisected and quadsected load increments
n For computed load increments n, 2*n, 3*n,…,
and the last converged increment

• For the Newton-Raphson iteration method (i.e., when no NLPCI Bulk Data entry is specified), the option
ALL is equivalent to option YES since the computed load increment is always equal to the user-specified
load increment.
• For arc-length methods (i.e., when the NLPCI Bulk Data entry is specified) the computed load increment
in general is not going to be equal to the user-specified load increment and is not known in advance.
The option ALL allows the user to obtain solutions at the desired intermediate load increments.
9. The ratio of energy errors before and after the iteration is defined as divergence rate (E ), i.e.,
i

i
{Δu } {R }
i T i

E =
{Δu } {R }
i T i −1

Depending on the divergence rate, the number of diverging iterations (NDIV) is incremented as follows:
If Ei ≥ 1 or Ei < - 1012 , then NDIV = NDIV + 2
If - 1012 < Ei < - 1, then NDIV = NDIV + 1
The solution is assumed to diverge when NDIV ≥ MAXDIV. If the solution diverges and the load increment
cannot be further bisected (i.e., MAXBIS is attained), execution terminates with a fatal error.
10. The line search is performed as required if MAXLS > 0. The line search procedure scales the displacement
increment to minimize the energy error. The procedure is skipped if the absolute value of the relative energy
error is less than the value specified by LSTOL.
11. The number of subincrements in the material routines is determined so that the subincrement size is
approximately FSTRESS ∗ σ (equivalent stress).
12. The number of bisections for a load increment is limited to MAXBIS. If the solution diverges, the stiffness is
updated on the first divergence and the load is bisected on the second divergence.
13. When TDG, TDC, and TDV are specified the solution will proceed until either the entire load is applied or the
specified displacement value (TDV) at grid point TDG in direction TDC is reached or exceeded.
Displacements are in the displacement coordinate system of the TDG grid point.
14. MAXR is used in the adaptive load increment/arc-length method to define the overall upper and lower bounds
on the load increment/arc-length in the subcase using the relation:
1 ≤ ∆ n ≤ MAXR
MAXR ∆ o
where ∆ n is the arc-length at step n and ∆  o is the original arc-length. The arc-length method for load
increments is selected by an NLPCI Bulk Data entry. This entry must have the same ID as the NLPARM
Bulk Data entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-270

Reference Manual NLPARM

15. (
The load increment is bisected if the incremental rotation for any degree of freedom ∆θ x , ∆θ y , ∆θ z )
exceeds the value specified by RTOLB. This bisection strategy is based on the incremental rotation and
controlled by MAXBIS.
16. INITINC, MININC, and MAXINC are used in the adaptive load increment/convergence method to define the
overall upper and lower bounds on the load increment in the subcase. INITINC specifies the initial load
increment and replaces the value determined using NINC. When MININC < INITINC < MAXINC, the load
increment is adjusted up or down based on convergence and solution stability. MAXUBIS defines the
maximum number of iterations for the load increment to be adjusted upward or downward. If the number of
iterations in an increment is below this value the load increment is doubled and if greater than twice this value
the load increment is halved. INITINC, MININC, and MAXINC are not applicable when arc-length methods
are specified via the NLPCI Bulk Data entry. When adaptive loading is not used MAXUBIS defines the
maximum number of iterations for the load increment to be adjusted upward during bisection.
17. Default tolerance sets are determined based on solution type, nonlinear behavior requested, and desired
accuracy. Accuracy is under user control and can be specified using PARAM, NLTOL (see Section 5,
Parameters, for more information on NLTOL). The NLTOL values are only used if one or more of the EPSU,
EPSP and EPSW fields on the NLPARM entry are blank. The following tables show the tolerance values
used depending on the NLTOL parameter setting specified.

Nonlinear Static Analysis without Contact and Material Nonlinearity

NLTOL Level of Accuracy EPSU EPSP EPSW
0 Very High 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
1 High 1.0E-2 1.0E-2 1.0E-4
2 Engineering 1.0E-2 1.0E-2 1.0E-3
3 Preliminary Design 1.0E-1 1.0E-1 1.0E-2
Default Engineering 1.0E-2 1.0E-2 1.0E-3

Nonlinear Static Analysis with Material Nonlinearity

NLTOL Level of Accuracy EPSU EPSP EPSW
0 Very High 1.0E-4 1.0E-4 1.0E-8
1 High 5.0E-4 5.0E-4 1.0E-8
2 Engineering 5.0E-4 5.0E-4 1.0E-7
3 Preliminary Design 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
Default Engineering 5.0E-4 5.0E-4 1.0E-7

Nonlinear Static Analysis with Contact

NLTOL Level of Accuracy EPSU EPSP EPSW
0 Very High 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
1 High 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-5
2 Engineering 5.0E-3 5.0E-3 1.0E-4
3 Preliminary Design 5.0E-3 5.0E-3 1.0E-4
Default Engineering 5.0E-3 5.0E-3 1.0E-4

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-271

Reference Manual NLPARM

Nonlinear Steady State Heat Transfer

NLTOL Level of Accuracy EPSU EPSP EPSW
0 Very High 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
1 High 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
2 Engineering 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
3 Preliminary Design 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
Default Engineering 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-272

Reference Manual NLPCI

NLPCI Parameters for Arc-Length Methods in Nonlinear Static Analysis

Description: Defines a set of parameters for the arc-length incremental solution strategies in nonlinear static
analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NLPCI ID TYPE MINALR MAXALR SCALE ALRITER DESITER MAXINC

ALROPT

Example:

NLPCI 20 CRIS 1.0 1.0 9 20

Option Definition Type Default

ID Identification number that matches an associated NLPARM Integer > 0

entry.
TYPE Constraint type. One of the following characters variables: Character CRIS
CRIS, RIKS, or MRIKS. See Remark 2.
MINALR Minimum allowable arc-length adjustment ratio between 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 0.25
increments for the adaptive arc-length method. See
Remarks 3 and 4.
MAXALR Maximum allowable arc-length adjustment ratio between Real ≥ 1.0 4.0
increments for the adaptive arc-length method. See
Remarks 3 and 4.
SCALE Scale factor (w) for controlling the loading contribution in the Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
arc-length constraint.
ALRITER Allowable arc-length adjustment ratio between iterations. Real ≥ 0 0.0
See Remark 5.
DESITER Desired number of iterations for convergence to be used for Integer > 0 12
the adaptive arc-length adjustment. See Remarks 3 and 4.
MAXINC Maximum number of controlled increment steps allowed Integer > 0 40
within a subcase. See Remark 6.
ALROPT Arc-length adjustment ratio method. One of the following Character BOTH
characters variables: KRATIO, ITER, or BOTH. See Remark
7.

Remarks:

1. The NLPCI entry is selected by the Case Control command NLPARM = ID. There must also be an NLPARM
entry with the same ID. The NLPCI entry is not supported in creep analysis or heat transfer solutions.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-273

Reference Manual NLPCI

2. The available constraint types are as follows:

TYPE = CRIS:
{ }{
ui − u0 ui − u0 + w 2 µ i − µ 0 } ( )2
= ∆l 2
n n n n n
TYPE = RIKS:
{u i
− u i −1 } {u
T 1
}
− u 0 + w 2∆µ i = 0
n n n n
TYPE = MRIKS:

{ui
n − uni −1 } {u
T i −1 0
n − un }+ w ∆µ ( µ
2 i i −1
)
− µ0 = 0
where w = the user-specified scaling factor (SCALE)
µ = the load factor
∆l = the arc-length

The constraint equation has a disparity in the dimension by mixing the displacements with the load factor.
The scaling factor ( w ) is introduced as user input so that the user can make constraint equation unit-
dependent by a proper scaling of the load factor µ . As the value of w is increased, the constraint equation
is gradually dominated by the load term. In the limiting case of infinite w , the arc-length method is
degenerated to the conventional Newton’s method.
3. The MINALR and MAXALR fields are used to limit the adjustment of the arc-length from one load increment
to the next by
∆lnew
MINALR ≤ ≤ MAXALR
∆lold
The arc-length adjustment is based on the convergence rate (i.e., number of iterations required for
convergence) and/or the change in stiffness. For constant arc-length during analysis, use MINALR =
MAXALR = 1.
4. The arc-length ∆l for the variable arc-length strategy is adjusted based on the number of iterations that were
required for convergence in the previous load increment Imax and the number of iterations desired for
convergence in the current load increment (DESITER) as follows:
DESITER ∆lold
∆lnew =
Imax
5. The ALRITER field is used to limit the adjustment of the arc-length from one iteration to the next using
∆lold
≤ ∆lnew ≤ ∆lold ∗ ALRITER
ALRITER
The default ALRITER value of zero disables limiting the arc-length adjustment during iterations.
6. The MAXINC field is used to limit the number of controlled increment steps in case the solution never reaches
the specified load. The default is the number of increments, NINC, specified on the corresponding NLPARM
entry or 40 which ever is greater. This field is useful in limiting the number of increments computed for a
collapse analysis.
7. When ALROPT is set to ITER, arc-length adjustment is based on the convergence rate (i.e., number of
iterations required for convergence). When ALROPT is set to KRATIO, adjustment is based on the change
in stiffness. The default BOTH setting will consider both parameters.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-274

Reference Manual NOLIN1

NOLIN1 Nonlinear Transient Load as a Tabular Function

Description: Defines nonlinear transient forcing functions of the form

Function of displacement: Pi (t ) = ST (u j (t ))

Function of velocity: Pi (t ) = ST (u j (t ))

where u j (t) and u j (t) are the displacement and velocity at point GJ in the direction CJ.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NOLIN1 SID GI CI S GJ CJ TID

Example:

NOLIN1 5 10 4 6.3 3 11 5

Field Definition Type Default

SID Nonlinear load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GI Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number at which Integer > 0 Required
nonlinear load is to be applied.
CI Component number for GI. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
S Scale factor. Real Required
GJ Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
CJ Component number for GJ. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
TID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry. Integer > 0 Required

Remarks:

1. Nonlinear loads must be selected with the Case Control Section (NONLINEAR = SID).
2. Nonlinear loads may not be referenced on a DLOAD entry.
3. Nonlinear loads may be a function of displacement (X = u ) or velocity (X = u ). Nonlinear loads as a function
of velocity (equation 2 above) are denoted by component numbers ten times greater than the actual
component number. For example, a component number of 11 is component 1 for velocity.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-275

Reference Manual NOLIN2

NOLIN2 Nonlinear Transient Load as the Product of Two Variables

Description: Defines nonlinear transient forcing functions of the form

Pi (t ) = SX j (t )Xk (t )

where X j (t) and Xk (t ) are the displacement and velocity at point GJ and GK in the direction of CJ and CK.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NOLIN2 SID GI CI S GJ CJ GK GK

Example:

NOLIN2 14 2 1 2.8 2 1 2

Field Definition Type Default

SID Nonlinear load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GI Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number at which Integer > 0 Required
nonlinear load is to be applied.
CI Component number for GI. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
S Scale factor. Real Required
GJ, GK Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
CJ, CK Component number for GJ, GK. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required

Remarks:

1. Nonlinear loads must be selected with the Case Control Section (NONLINEAR = SID).
2. Nonlinear loads may not be referenced on a DLOAD entry.
3. GI – CI, GJ – CJ, and CK – CK may be the same point.
4. Nonlinear loads may be a function of displacement (X = u ) or velocity (X = u ). Nonlinear loads as a function
of velocity (equation 2 above) are denoted by component numbers ten times greater than the actual
component number. For example, a component number of 11 is component 1 for velocity.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-276

Reference Manual NOLIN3

NOLIN3 Nonlinear Transient Load as a Positive Variable Raised to a Power

Description: Defines nonlinear transient forcing functions of the form

 [ ]
P (t ) = S X j (t )
A
,X j (t ) > 0
i 

 0 ,X j (t ) ≤ 0

where X j (t) may be the displacement or a velocity at point GJ in the direction of CJ.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NOLIN3 SID GI CI S GJ CJ A

Example:

NOLIN3 5 102 -6.1 2 15 -3.5

Field Definition Type Default

SID Nonlinear load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GI Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number at which Integer > 0 Required
nonlinear load is to be applied.
CI Component number for GI. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
S Scale factor. Real Required
GJ Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
CJ Component number for GJ. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
A Exponent of the forcing function. Real Required

Remarks:

1. Nonlinear loads must be selected with the Case Control Section (NONLINEAR = SID).
2. Nonlinear loads may not be referenced on a DLOAD entry.
3. Nonlinear loads may be a function of displacement (X = u ) or velocity (X = u ). Nonlinear loads as a function
of velocity (equation 2 above) are denoted by component numbers ten times greater than the actual
component number. For example, a component number of 11 is component 1 for velocity.
4. Use a NOLIN4 entry for the negative range of X j (t) .

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-277

Reference Manual NOLIN4

NOLIN4 Nonlinear Transient Load as a Negative Variable Raised to a Power

Description: Defines nonlinear transient forcing functions of the form

 [ ]
P (t ) = − S − X j (t )
A
,X j (t ) > 0
i 

 0 ,X j (t ) ≤ 0

where X j (t) may be the displacement or a velocity at point GJ in the direction of CJ.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NOLIN4 SID GI CI S GJ CJ A

Example:

NOLIN4 5 102 -6.1 2 15 -3.5

Field Definition Type Default

SID Nonlinear load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GI Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number at which Integer > 0 Required
nonlinear load is to be applied.
CI Component number for GI. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
S Scale factor. Real Required
GJ Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
CJ Component number for GJ. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
A Exponent of the forcing function. Real Required

Remarks:

1. Nonlinear loads must be selected with the Case Control Section (NONLINEAR = SID).
2. Nonlinear loads may not be referenced on a DLOAD entry.
3. Nonlinear loads may be a function of displacement (X = u ) or velocity (X = u ). Nonlinear loads as a function
of velocity (equation 2 above) are denoted by component numbers ten times greater than the actual
component number. For example, a component number of 11 is component 1 for velocity.
4. Use a NOLIN3 entry for the positive range of X j (t) .

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-278

Reference Manual OMIT

OMIT Omitted Analysis Set Degrees of Freedom

Description: Defines degrees of freedom to be excluded (o-set) from the analysis set (a-set).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

OMIT G1 C1 G2 C2 G3 C3 G4 C4

Example:

OMIT 15 4 17 123 7 6

Field Definition Type Default

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0 Required

Ci Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. In some cases it may be more convenient to use OMIT1, ASET, or ASET1 entries.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-279

Reference Manual OMIT1

OMIT1 Omitted Analysis Set Degrees of Freedom, Alternate Form

Description: Defines degrees of freedom to be excluded (o-set) from the analysis set (a-set).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

OMIT1 C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 G9 G10 - etc.-

Example:

OMIT1 456 2 3 7 10 18 14 11
19 23

Alternate Format and Example:

OMIT1 C G1 THRU G2

OMIT1 123 15 THRU 512

Field Definition Type Default

C Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required

unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)
Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
G1 < G2

Remarks:

1. If the alternate form is used, points in the sequence G1 through G2 are not required to exist. Points that do
not exist will be skipped.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-280

Reference Manual PARAM

PARAM Parameter

Description: Specifies values for parameters used in solution sequences.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PARAM N V

Example:

PARAM EPZERO 1.-5

Field Definition Type

N Parameter name. Character

V Parameter value. Integer, real, or character

Remarks:

1. Only parameters for which assigned values are allowed may be given values via the PARAM entry.
2. See Section 5, Parameters, for a list of parameter definitions.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-281

Reference Manual PBAR

PBAR Bar Element Property

Description: Defines the properties of bar elements (CBAR entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PBAR PID MID A I1 I2 J NSM

C1 C2 D1 D2 E1 E2 F1 F2
K1 K2 I12 C F0

Example:

PBAR 44 100 0.1 2.-3 0.12 1.-4

0.1 0.2 -0.1 -0.2

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. See Remark 2. Integer > 0 Required
A Area of bar cross-section. Real Required
I1, I2, I12 Area moments of inertia. (I1 ≥ 0.0, I2 ≥ 0.0, I1*I2 > I122) Real or blank 0.0

J Torsional constant. Real or blank 0.0

NSM Nonstructural mass per unit length. Real or blank 0.0
Ci, Di, Ei, Fi Stress recovery coefficients. Real or blank 0.0
K1, K2 Area factors for shear. Real or blank See Remark 4
C Coefficient to determine torsional stress. Real or blank See Remark 6
F0 Preload. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. PBAR entries must all have unique property identification numbers.

2. For structural problems, PBAR entries may only reference MAT1 material entries.
3. See CBAR entry for a depiction of bar element geometry.
4. The transverse shear stiffness in planes 1 and 2 are K1∗ A ∗ G and K2 ∗ A ∗ G , respectively. The default
values for K1 and K2 are infinite; in other words, the transverse shear flexibilities are set equal to zero. K1
and K2 are ignored if I12 > 0.0.
5. The stress recovery coefficients C1, C2, etc. are the y and z coordinates in the BAR element coordinate
system of a point at which stresses are computed. Stresses are computed at both ends of the BAR.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-282

Reference Manual PBAR

6. A single von Mises stress value is determined is based on the maximum combined axial and bending stress,
the transverse shear stress, and the torsional stress using
τ = σ 2 + 3τ 2 + τ 2 + τ 2  21
v  x  xy xz 
 

where the transverse shear stress is determined using

Vy Vz
τ xy = τ xz =
Ky A Kz A
and Vy and Vz are the element transverse shear forces and Ky A = K1∗ A and Kz A = K2 ∗ A . The torsional
stress is determined using
TC
τ =
J
where T is the torsional moment. The torsional stress coefficient, C, should be selected as the maximum
wall thickness for open sections and the radius for circular sections.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-283

Reference Manual PBARL

PBARL Simple Beam Cross-Section Property

Description: Defines the properties of a simple beam element (CBAR entry) by cross-sectional dimensions.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PBARL PID MID TYPE F0

DIM1 DIM2 DIM3 DIM4 DIM5 DIM6 DIM7 DIM8
DIM9 -etc.- NSM

Example:

PBARL 40 5 BOX
0.9 0.7 0.1 0.05

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. See Remark 2. Integer > 0 Required
TYPE Cross-section type. Must be one of following character Character Required
variables: BAR, BOX, BOX1, CHAN, CHAN1, CHAN2,
CROSS, H, HAT, HEXA, I, I1, ROD, T, T1, T2, TUBE, or
Z. See Remark 4.
F0 Preload. Real or blank 0.0
DIMi Cross-sectional dimensions. Real > 0.0 Required
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit length. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. PID must be unique with respect to all other PBAR and PBARL property identification numbers.
2. For structural problems, PBARL entries must reference a MAT1 material entry.
3. A function of this entry is to derive equivalent an equivalent internal PBAR entry. This equivalent entry is
given in the database definition section of the Model Results Output File and in the translated Bulk Data
Output File.
4. The cross-sectional properties, shear flexibility factors, and stress recovery points (C, D, E, and F) are
computed using the TYPE and DIMi as shown in Figure 1. The origin of element coordinate system is
centered at the shear center of the cross-section oriented as shown.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-284

Reference Manual PBARL

yelement yelement

C 2 DIM1 C 2 DIM1

F D
zelement F D
zelement

E DIM2
E

TYPE = ROD TYPE = TUBE

yelement yelement

DIM4
DIM3

F C F C

DIM6

DIM4 DIM1 DIM3 DIM2

zelement zelement
DIM5

E D E D
DIM2 DIM1
TYPE = I TYPE = CHAN

yelement yelement

DIM1 0.5 DIM1 0.5 DIM1

C
C
F D

DIM3
zelement DIM3
DIM2 F D
DIM4
zelement
DIM4

E
E DIM2

TYPE = T TYPE = CROSS

Figure 1a. Definition of Cross-Section Geometry and Stress Recovery Points.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-285

Reference Manual PBARL

yelement yelement

DIM1 DIM1 DIM3

F C F C

DIM2 DIM2
zelement zelement

E D
E D
DIM4

TYPE = BAR TYPE = BOX

yelement yelement

0.5 DIM2 0.5 DIM2 DIM2 DIM1

F C F C

DIM4
DIM3 DIM2 DIM3
zelement zelement
DIM4

E D
DIM1 E D
DIM1
TYPE = H TYPE = CHAN1

yelement yelement

F 0.5 DIM1 0.5 DIM1

DIM3
DIM1 F C
E C zelement
DIM4 DIM4
DIM2 DIM3
D zelement
DIM2

E D
TYPE = T1 TYPE = I1

Figure 1b. Definition of Cross-Section Geometry and Stress Recovery Points.

(Continued)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-286

Reference Manual PBARL

yelement yelement

DIM2 DIM3 DIM1

C
F C

F E DIM2 zelement
DIM3 zelement DIM4

D DIM1 E D
DIM6 DIM5
TYPE = HEXA TYPE = BOX1

yelement yelement

DIM1 DIM1 DIM1 DIM2

F C F C

DIM4
DIM3 DIM3
zelement

E D E D
DIM4 DIM2

zelement
TYPE = CHAN2 TYPE = Z

yelement yelement

DIM4 DIM4 DIM3 DIM4 zelement

F C F C

DIM2 DIM2 DIM1

DIM3
zelement
E D

E D
DIM1
TYPE = T2 TYPE = HAT

Figure 1c. Definition of Cross-Section Geometry and Stress Recovery Points.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-287

Reference Manual PBARL

yelement

DIM3

F C

DIM4
DIM2
zelement
DIM5

E D
DIM1
TYPE = HAT1

Figure 1d. Definition of Cross-Section Geometry and Stress Recovery Points.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-288

Reference Manual PBEAM

PBEAM Beam Element Property

Description: Defines the properties of beam elements with optional taper (CBEAM entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PBEAM PID MID A(A) I1(A) I2(A) I12(A) J(A) NSM(A)

C1(A) C2(A) D1(A) D2(A) E1(A) E2(A) F1(A) F2(A)

The next two continuations are repeated for each intermediate station as described in Remark 5, and SO and X/XB
must be specified.

SO X/XB A I1 I2 I12 J NSM

C1 C2 D1 D2 E1 E2 F1 F2

The last three continuations are:

K1 K2 S1 S2 NSI(A) NSI(B)
M1(A) M1(B) M2(A) M2(B) N1(A) N2(A) N1(B) N2(B)
C F0

Example: Tapered beam with A = 4.5 at end A and A = 6.7 at end B.

PBEAM 40 5 4.5 2.9 5.45

1.5 -3.0
YES 1.0 6.7 25.4 37.8
3.5 -6.0
2.2 1.9
0.75 0.75

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. See Remark 2. Integer > 0 Required
A(A) Area of the beam cross-section at end A. Real > 0.0 Required
I1(A) Area moments of inertia for bending in plane 1 about the Real > 0.0 Required
neutral axis. See Remark 8.
I2(A) Area moments of inertia at end A for bending in plane 2 Real > 0.0 Required
about the neutral axis. See Remark 8.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-289

Reference Manual PBEAM

Field Definition Type Default

I12(A) Area product of inertia at end A (I1*I2 > I122). See Real 0.0
Remark 8.
J(A) Torsional constant at end A. See Remark 9. Real or blank 0.0
NSM(A) Nonstructural mass per unit length at end A. Real 0.0
Ci(A), Di(A), The y and z locations (i = 1 corresponds to y and i = 2 Real 0.0
Ei(A), Fi(A) corresponds to z) in element coordinates relative to the
shear center at end A for stress data recovery.
SO Stress output request option. Character Required
YES Stresses recovered at points Ci, Di, Ei, and Fi
on the next continuation.
YESA Stresses recovered at points with the same y
and z location as end A.
NO No stresses or forces are recovered.
X/XB Distance from end A in the element coordinate system Real > 0.0 See Remark 4
divided by the length of the element. See Remark 9.
A, I1, I2, I12, Area moments of inertia, torsional stiffness parameter, Real See Remark 5
J, NSM and nonstructural mass for the cross-section located at
x.
Ci, Di, Ei, Fi The y and z locations (i = 1 corresponds to y and i = 2 Real See Remark 6
corresponds to z) in element coordinates relative to the
shear center for the cross-section located at X/XB. The
values are fiber locations for stress data recovery.
K1, K2 Area factors for shear for plane 1 and 2. Real See Remark 7
S1, S2 Shear relief coefficient due to taper for plane 1 and 2. Real 0.0
NSI(A), Nonstructural mass moment of inertia per unit length Real 0.0, same as
NSI(B) about nonstructural mass center of gravity at end A and end A
end B. See Remark 9.
M1(A), M2(A), (y,z) coordinates of center of gravity of nonstructural Real 0.0 (no offset
M1(B), M2(B) mass for end A and end B. See Remark 9. from shear
center), same
values as end A
N1(A), N2(A), (y,z) coordinates of neutral axis for end A and end B. Real 0.0 (no offset
N1(B), N2(B) See Remark 9. from shear
center), same
values as end A
C Coefficient to determine torsional stress. Real or blank See Remark 8
F0 Preload. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. PBEAM entries must all have unique property identification numbers.

2. PBEAM entries may only reference MAT1 material entries.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-290

Reference Manual PBEAM

3. If no stress data at end A is to be recovered and a continuation with the SO field is specified, then the first
continuation entry, which contains the fields C1(A) through F2(A), may be omitted.
4. If SO is YESA or NO, the third continuation entry, which contains the fields C1 through F2, must be omitted.
If SO is YES, the continuation for Ci, Di, Ei, and Fi must be the next entry.
a) The second and third continuation entries, which contain fields SO through F2, may be repeated nine
more times for intermediate X/XB values for linear beam elements. The order of these continuation
pairs is independent of the X/XB value. One value of X/XB must be 1.0, corresponding to end B.
b) The fourth and fifth continuation entries, which contain fields K1 through N2(B), are optional and may
be omitted if the default values are appropriate.
5. If any fields 4 through 9 are blank on the continuation with the value of X/XB = 1.0, then the values for A, I1,
I2, I12, J, and NSM are set to the values given for end A. For the continuations that have intermediate values
of X/XB between 0.0 and 1.0 and use the default option (any of the fields 4 through 9 are blank), a linear
interpolation between the values at ends A and B is performed to obtain the missing section properties.
6. If any fields 2 through 9 are blank on the continuation with the value of X/XB = 1.0, then the values Ci, Di, Ei,
and Fi are set to the values given for end A. For the continuations that have intermediate values of X/XB
between 0.0 and 1.0 and use the default option (any of the fields 2 through 9 are blank), a linear interpolation
between the values at ends A and B is performed to obtain the missing stress recovery locations.
7. The transverse shear stiffness in planes 1 and 2 are K1∗ A ∗ G and K2 ∗ A ∗ G , respectively. The default
values for K1 and K2 are infinite; in other words, the transverse shear flexibilities are set equal to zero.
8. A single von Mises stress value is determined is based on the maximum combined axial and bending stress,
the transverse shear stress, and the torsional stress using
τ = σ 2 + 3τ 2 + τ 2 + τ 2  21
v  x  xy xz 
 

where the transverse shear stress is determined using

Vy Vz
τ xy = τ xz =
Ky A Kz A
and Vy and Vz are the element transverse shear forces and Ky A = K1∗ A and Kz A = K2 ∗ A . The torsional
stress is determined using
TC
τ =
J
where T is the torsional moment. The torsional stress coefficient, C, should be selected as the maximum
wall thickness for open sections and the radius for circular sections.
9. Figure 1 shows the PBEAM element coordinate system.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-291

Reference Manual PBEAM

yelement
zmb
znb

v Nonstructural Mass
Center of Gravity ynb y
zma End B mb

Shear Center 
Neutral Axis
zna Wb

yna xelement Grid Point GB

Plane 1
yma

Plane 2

End A

Wa

Grid Point GA zelement

where: I1 = I(zz)elem N1(A) = yna N1(B) = ynb

I2 = I(yy)elem N2(A) = zna N2(B) = znb

I12 = I(zy)elem M1(A) = yma M1(B) = ymb

J = I(xx)elem M2(A) = zma M2(B) = zmb

Figure 1. PBEAM Element Coordinate System.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-292

Reference Manual PBEAML

PBEAML Beam Cross-Section Property

Description: Defines the properties of a beam element by cross-sectional dimensions.

Format: (Note: n = number of dimensions and m = number of intermediate stations)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PBEAML PID MID TYPE F0

DIM1(A) DIM2(A) -etc.- DIMn(A) NSM(A) SO(1) X(1)/XB DIM1(1)
DIM2(1) -etc.- DIMn(1) NSM(1) SO(2) X(2)/XB DIM1(2) DIM2(2)
-etc.- DIMn(2) -etc.- NSM(m) SO(m) X(m)/XB DIM1(m) -etc.-
DIMn(m) NSM(m) SO(B) 1.0 DIM1(B) DIM2(B) -etc.- DIMn(B)

Example:

PBEAML 99 21 T
12.0 14.8 2.5 2.6 0.5 NO 0.4 6.0
7.0 1.2 2.6 YES 0.6 6.0 7.8
5.6 2.3 YES

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. See Remark 2. Integer > 0 Required
TYPE Cross-section type. Must be one of following character Character Required
variables: BAR, BOX, BOX1, CHAN, CHAN1, CHAN2,
CROSS, H, HAT, HEXA, I, I1, L, ROD, T, T1, T2, TUBE,
or Z. See Remark 5.
F0 Preload. Real or blank 0.0
DIMi(A), Cross-sectional dimensions at end A and B. Real > 0.0 Required
DIMi(B)
NSM(A), Nonstructural mass per unit length. Real or blank 0.0
NSM(B)
SO(j), Stress output request option for intermediate station j and Character YES
SO(B) end B.
YES Stresses recovered at all points on the next
continuation entry and shown in Figure 1 as C,
D, E, and F.
NO No stresses or forces are recovered.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-293

Reference Manual PBEAML

Field Definition Type Default

X(j)/XB Distance from end A to intermediate station j in the Real or blank 1.0
element coordinate system divided by the length of the
element.
NSM(j) Nonstructural mass per unit length at intermediate station Real or blank 0.0
j.
DIMi(j) Cross-section dimensions at intermediate station j. Real > 0.0 Required

Remarks:

1. PID must be unique with respect to all other PBEAM and PBEAML property identification numbers.
2. For structural problems, PBEAML entries must reference a MAT1 material entry.
3. See the PBEAM entry description for a discussion of beam-element geometry.
4. If any of the fields NSM(B), DIMi(B) are blank on the continuation entry for End B, the values are set to the
values given for end A.
5. The cross-sectional properties, shear flexibility factors, and stress recovery points (C, D, E, and F) are
computed using the TYPE and DIMi as shown in Figure 1. The origin of element coordinate system is
centered at the shear center of the cross-section oriented as shown.
6. A function of this entry is to derive equivalent an equivalent internal PBEAM entry. This equivalent entry is
given in the database definition section of the Model Results Output File and in the translated Bulk Data
Output File.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-294

Reference Manual PBEAML

yelement yelement

C 2 DIM1 C 2 DIM1

F D
zelement F D
zelement

E DIM2
E

TYPE = ROD TYPE = TUBE

yelement yelement

DIM4
DIM3

F C F C

DIM6

DIM4 DIM1 DIM3 DIM2

zelement zelement
DIM5

E D E D
DIM2 DIM1
TYPE = I TYPE = CHAN

yelement yelement

DIM1 0.5 DIM1 0.5 DIM1

C
C
F D

DIM3
zelement DIM3
DIM2 F D
DIM4
zelement
DIM4

E
E DIM2

TYPE = T TYPE = CROSS

Figure 1a. Definition of Cross-Section Geometry and Stress Recovery Points.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-295

Reference Manual PBEAML

yelement yelement

DIM1 DIM1 DIM3

F C F C

DIM2 DIM2
zelement zelement

E D
E D
DIM4

TYPE = BAR TYPE = BOX

yelement yelement

0.5 DIM2 0.5 DIM2 DIM2 DIM1

F C F C

DIM4
DIM3 DIM2 DIM3
zelement zelement
DIM4

E D
DIM1 E D
DIM1
TYPE = H TYPE = CHAN1

yelement yelement

F 0.5 DIM1 0.5 DIM1

DIM3
DIM1 F C
E C zelement
DIM4 DIM4
DIM2 DIM3
D zelement
DIM2

E D
TYPE = T1 TYPE = I1

Figure 1b. Definition of Cross-Section Geometry and Stress Recovery Points.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-296

Reference Manual PBEAML

yelement yelement

DIM2 DIM3 DIM1

C
F C

F E DIM2 zelement
DIM3 zelement DIM4

D DIM1 E D
DIM6 DIM5
TYPE = HEXA TYPE = BOX1

yelement yelement

DIM1 DIM1 DIM1 DIM2

F C F C

DIM4
DIM3 DIM3
zelement

E D E D
DIM4 DIM2

zelement
TYPE = CHAN2 TYPE = Z

yelement yelement

DIM4 DIM4 DIM3 DIM4 zelement

F C F C

DIM2 DIM2 DIM1

DIM3
zelement
E D

E D
DIM1
TYPE = T2 TYPE = HAT

Figure 1c. Definition of Cross-Section Geometry and Stress Recovery Points.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-297

Reference Manual PBEAML

yelement yelement

DIM3 DIM4

F C F C

DIM4
DIM2 DIM2
zelement DIM3
DIM5

E D
E D zelement
DIM1 DIM1
TYPE = HAT1 TYPE = L

Figure 1d. Definition of Cross-Section Geometry and Stress Recovery Points.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-298

Reference Manual PBUSH

PBUSH Generalized Spring and Damper Property

Description: Defines the nominal property values for a generalized spring and damper structural element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PBUSH PID K K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6
B B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6
GE GE1
RCV SA ST EA ET

Example:

PBUSH 40 K 2.55 2.55 5.05 1.5 1.5 3.1

GE 0.05
RCV 4.3 2.7

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

K Symbol indicating that the next 1 to 6 fields are stiffness Character Required
values.
Ki Nominal stiffness values in directions 1 through 6. See Real 0.0
Remark 2 and 3.
B Symbol indicating that the next 1 to 6 fields are force per Character
unit velocity damping.
Bi Nominal damping coefficient in units of force per unit Real 0.0
velocity. See Remark 3.
GE Symbol indicating that the next field is the structural Character
damping constant.
GE1 Nominal structural element damping coefficient. Real 0.0
RCV Symbol indicating that the next 1 to 4 fields are stress Character
coefficients.
SA Stress recovery coefficient in the translational Real 1.0
component direction 1 through 3.
ST Stress recovery coefficient in the rotational component Real 1.0
direction 4 through 6.
EA Strain recovery coefficient in the translational Real 1.0
component direction 1 through 3.
ET Strain recovery coefficient in the rotational component Real 1.0
direction 4 through 6.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-299

Reference Manual PBUSH

Remarks:

1. Ki, Bi, or GE1 may be made frequency dependent for modal frequency response analysis and K may be
made force dependent for nonlinear analysis by use of the PBUSHT entry.
2. For modal frequency response the normal modes are computed using the nominal Ki values. The frequency
dependent values are used at every excitation frequency.
3. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE1 is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)
4. The element stresses are computed by multiplying the stress coefficients with the recovered element forces.
5. The element strains are computed by multiplying the strain coefficients with the recovered element
displacements.
6. The K, B, GE or RCV options may be specified in any order.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-300

Reference Manual PBUSH1D

PBUSH1D Rod Type Spring and Damper Property

Description: Defines linear and nonlinear properties of a one-dimensional spring and damper element
(CBUSH1D entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PBUSH1D PID K C M SA SE
SPRING TID
DAMPER TID

Example:

PBUSH1D 15 1.+3 40.0 80.0

SPRING 100
DAMPER 110

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

K Stiffness. See Remark 1. Real
C Viscous damping. See Remarks 1 and 2. Real
M Total element mass. Real
SA Stress recovery coefficient. Real 1.0
SE Strain recovery coefficient. Real 1.0
SPRING Character string specifying that the TID in field 4 defines Character
a nonlinear elastic spring element in terms of a force
versus displacement relationship.
F(u) = FT (u)

Tension is u > 0 and compression is u < 0.

DAMPER Character string specifying that the TID in field 4 defines Character
a nonlinear viscous element in terms of a force versus
velocity relationship.
F(v ) = FT (v )

Tension is v > 0 and compression is v < 0.

TID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry for tension and Integer > 0 Required for
compression. SPRING or
DAMPER

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-301

Reference Manual PBUSH1D

Remarks:

1. Either the stiffness K or the damping C must be specified.

2. The damping C and mass M are ignored in static solution sequences.
3. The parameters defined on the continuation entries are used in nonlinear solution sequences only.
4. The linear parameters K and C are used in all solution sequences unless parameters on continuation entries
are defined and a nonlinear solution sequence is used. Then, the parameters K and C are used for initial
values in the first iteration of the first load step and the parameters from continuation entries overwrite the
linear parameters thereafter. When SPRING is specified, K is overwritten. When DAMPER is specified, C
is overwritten. K and/or C should be non-zero if SPRING and/or DAMPER is specified otherwise the
respective table will be ignored.
5. Values on the TABLEDi entry are for tension and compression. If table values F(u) are provided only for
positive values u > 0, then it is assumed that F(-u) = −F(u).
6. The element stresses are computed by multiplying the stress coefficient with the recovered element force.
7. The element strains are computed by multiplying the strain coefficient with the recovered element
displacement.
8. The SPRING and DAMPER may be specified in any order.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-302

Reference Manual PBUSHT

PBUSHT Frequency Dependent Spring and Damper Property

Description: Defines the frequency or force dependent properties for a generalized spring and damper structural
element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PBUSHT PID K TKID1 TKID2 TKID3 TKID4 TKID5 TKID6

B TBID1 TBID2 TBID3 TBID4 TBID5 TBID6
GE TGEID1
KN TKNID1 TKNID2 TKNID3 TKNID4 TKNID5 TKNID6

Example:

PBUSHT 45 K 70
B 25

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number that matches the Integer > 0 Required
identification number on a PBUSH entry.
K Symbol indicating that the next 1 to 6 fields are stiffness Character
frequency table identification numbers.
TKIDi Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines Integer ≥ 0 0
the stiffness versus frequency relationship.
B Symbol indicating that the next 1 to 6 fields are force per Character
unit velocity frequency table identification numbers.
TBIDi Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines Integer ≥ 0 0
the force per unit velocity damping versus frequency
relationship.
GE Symbol indicating that the next field is the structural Character
element damping frequency table identification number.
TGEIDi Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines Integer ≥ 0 0
the structural element damping versus frequency
relationship.
KN Symbol indicating that the next 1 to 6 entries are Character
nonlinear force deflection table identification numbers.
TKNIDi Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines Integer ≥ 0 0
the force versus deflection relationship.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-303

Reference Manual PBUSHT

Remarks:

1. The K, B, and GE entries are associated with same entries on the PBUSH entry.
2. PBUSHT may only be referenced by CBUSH elements.
3. The nominal values are used for all analysis types except frequency response and nonlinear analyses. For
frequency dependent modal frequency response the system modes are computed using the nominal Ki
values. The frequency dependent values are used at every excitation frequency.
4. The K, B, GE or KN options may be specified in any order.
5. The PBUSHT entry is ignored in all solutions except frequency response and nonlinear analyses.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-304

Reference Manual PCABLE

PCABLE Cable Element Property

Description: Defines the properties of the cable element (CCABLE entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PCABLE PID MID U0 T0 A I ST PTYPE

Example:

PCABLE 20 5 1.4 0.45

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required
U0 Initial cable slack. See Remark 1. Real or blank 0.0
T0 Initial cable tension. See Remark 2. Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
blank
A Area of cable cross-section. Real > 0.0 Required
I Area moment of inertia. Real ≥ 0.0 or See Remark 3
blank
ST Allowable tensile stress. See Remark 4. Real ≥ 0.0 or 0.0
blank
PTYPE Preload option. If PTYPE = INIT, T0 is the initial tensile Character or blank INIT
preload in the cable. If PTYPE = CONT, T0 is the
actual cable tensile load and remains constant. See
Remark 5.

Remarks:

1. The initial cable slack, U0, is the distance the cable must stretch before it will carry load.
2. The initial cable tension, T0, is the tensile preload in units of force that exists in the cable at the start of the
nonlinear analysis. U0 and T0 should not be specified at the same time.
3. The default area moment of inertia is calculated using, A, and the formula for area moment of inertia for a
circular cross-section,
A2
I=
4π
4. The allowable tensile stress, ST, is the stress above which the cable will no longer carry load.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-305

Reference Manual PCABLE

5. The INIT setting will treat the T0 value as the initial tensile preload. This value will be continuously added to
the element internal axial load generated from the displacement of the end nodes. The CONT setting will
force the cable internal load to always be T0 regardless of the element nodal displacements. Use of the
CONT setting may result in slower than normal nonlinear iteration convergence.
6. This element will default to a circular bar in linear solutions. A nonlinear solution must be selected for tension-
only behavior.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-306

Reference Manual PCOMP

PCOMP Layered Composite Element Property

Description: Defines the properties of an n-ply composite material laminate.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PCOMP PID Z0 NSM SB FT TREF GE LAM

MID1 T1 THETA1 SOUT1 MID2 T2 THETA2 SOUT2
MID3 T3 THETA3 SOUT3 - etc.-

Example:

PCOMP 190 -0.256 5.67 2500.0 HILL 70.0

200 0.065 0.0 YES 210 0.04 45.0
220 0.03 60.0

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Z0 Distance from the reference plane to the bottom surface. Real -1/2 element
thickness
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit area. Real 0.0
SB Allowable inter-laminar shear stress of the bonding Real > 0.0
material (allowable interlaminar shear stress). Required
if bond shear failure index/strength ratio is desired.
FT Ply failure theory. The following theories are allowed. (If Character or
blank then no failure calculation is preformed) blank
HILL for the Hill theory
HOFF for the Hoffman theory
TSAI for the Tsai-Wu theory
STRESS for the maximum stress theory
STRAIN for the maximum strain theory
LARC02 for the NASA LaRC theory
PUCK for the Puck PCP theory
MCT for the Multicontinuum Theory
TREF Reference temperature. See Remark 3. Real 0.0
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks 12 Real 0.0
and 13.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-307

Reference Manual PCOMP

Field Definition Type Default

LAM Laminate option, one of the following character variables: Character or If blank, all
SYM, HCS, FCS, ACS, SME, or SMC. If LAM = SYM, blank plies must be
only plies on one side of the element centerline are specified
specified. The plies are numbered starting with 1 for the
bottom layer. If an odd number of plies is desired with
LAM = SYM then the center ply thickness (Ti) should be
half the actual thickness. If LAM = HCS, LAM = FCS, or
LAM = ACS a composite sandwich is defined for the
purpose of facesheet stability index output. HCS
specifies a honeycomb core material, FCS specifies a
form core material, and ACS selects either HCS or FCS
based on the core material specified. If LAM = SME, the
ply effects are smeared and the stacking sequence is
ignored. If LAM = SMC, a composite sandwich is defined
using equivalent orthotropic properties. See Remarks 7
through 9.
MIDi Material identification number of the various plies. The Integer > 0 MID1 required,
plies are identified by serially numbering them from 1 at see Remark 1
the bottom layer. The MIDs must refer to MAT1, MAT2,
MAT4, MAT5, MAT8, or MAT12 Bulk Data entries. See
Remark 11.
Ti Ply thickness. See Remark 1. Real or blank T1 required
THETAi Orientation angle of the longitudinal direction of each ply Real or blank 0.0
with the material axis of the element. (If the material
angle on the element connection entry is 0.0, the material
axis and side 1-2 of the element coincide). The plies are
numbered serially starting with 1 at the bottom layer. The
bottom layer is defined as the surface with the largest –Z
value in the element coordinate system.
SOUTi Stress or strain output request, one of the following Character NO
character variables: YES or NO.

Remarks:

1. The default for MID2, …, MIDn is the last defined MIDi. In the example above MID1 is the default for MID2,
MID3, and MID4. The same logic applies to Ti.
2. At least one of the four values (MIDi, Ti, THETAi, SOUTi) must present for a ply to exist. The minimum
number of plies is one.
3. When PARAM, TEMPDEPCOMP is set to OFF (default is ON) the TREF given on the PCOMP entry will be
used for all plies of the element and will override values supplied on material entries for individual plies. If
the PCOMP entry references temperature-dependent material properties, then TREF given on the PCOMP
will be used as the temperature to determine material properties and TEMPERATURE Case Control
commands will be ignored for deriving the equivalent PSHELL and MAT1 entries used to describe the
composite element. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on TEMPDEPCOMP.)
4. If PARAM, NOCOMPS is set to 1, or OFF, then composite element ply results will be output while the
equivalent homogeneous element results will be suppressed. If PARAM, NOCOMPS is set to -1, 0 or ON,
then composite element ply results will be suppressed while the equivalent homogeneous element results
will be output.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-308

Reference Manual PCOMP

5. When PARAM, COMPILSMETHOD is set to COMPONENT (default), the failure index for the bonding
material is calculated as Failure Index = max(τ1z,τ1z ). (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on
COMPILSMETHOD.) The Failure Index for the ply is calculated as shown in the table below.

Theory Failure Index Remarks

Hill σ12 σσ σ 2
τ 2 Orthotropic materials with
− 1 2 + 2 + 12 = F.I. equal strengths in tension
2 2 2
x x y s2 and compression.
Hoffman  1 1  1 1  σ2 σ2 τ2 σ σ Orthotropic materials under
 - σ1 +  - σ2 + 1 + 2 + 12 - 1 2 = F.I. a general state of plane
 xt xc   yt yc  xt xc ytyc s2 xt xc stress with unequal tensile
and compressive strengths.
Tsai-Wu  1 1   1 1  σ12 σ 22 τ122 Orthotropic materials under
 - σ1 +  -  σ2 + + + + 2F12σ1σ2 = F.I. a general state of plane
 xt xc   yt yc  xt xc ytyc s2 stress with unequal tensile
and compressive strengths.
LaRC02 See the Autodesk Nastran User’s Manual, Reference 5. Orthotropic materials
comprised of unidirectional
plies under a general state
of plane stress.
Puck See the Autodesk Nastran User’s Manual, References 12 and Orthotropic materials
13. comprised of unidirectional
plies under a general state
of plane stress.
MCT See the Autodesk Nastran User’s Manual, References 20, 21, Orthotropic materials
and 22. comprised of unidirectional
plies or plain weave fabric
under a general state of
plane stress.
Max  σ   σ   τ12  None
Stress Max  1 ,  2 ,  
 Xt   Yt  S 
 
Max   ε   γ12  None
Max  ε1 ,

Strain  2 ,  
 Xt   Yt   S 

For LaRC02 and Puck failure theories the plies must reference an orthotropic, unidirectional material.
Materials with stiffness or allowable ratios (axial/lateral) less than the value defined by the LARC02TSAITOL
model parameter will automatically revert to the Tsai-Wu failure theory. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more
information on LARC02TSAITOL.)
6. The STRENGTHRATIO model parameter is used to request the output of the Tsai Strength Ratio (R) instead
of Failure Index. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on STRENGTHRATIO.)
7. The LAM field (FCS, HCS, or ACS options) can be used to define a composite sandwich laminate which
consists of lower facesheet plies, followed by a single core ply (foam or honeycomb), and then upper
facesheet plies. The number of plies defined must be greater than or equal to 3. When the total number of
plies is greater than 3, the ply with the minimum equivalent material extensional stiffness is selected as the
core ply automatically. Output includes facesheet stability indexes for three failure modes: wrinkling,
dimpling, and crimping. Stability indexes are calculated using

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-309

Reference Manual PCOMP

3
σ  σ 
 1  +  2  = S.I.
 σa  σ a 
Where σ1 and σ 2 are the maximum and minimum facesheet principal stresses and σ a is the facesheet
allowable. If σ1 is positive, the stability index is calculated using
σ2 
  = S.I.
 σa 
If σ 2 is positive, the stability index will be zero.
8. The SME and SMC options are used to define properties where the ply stacking sequence and membrane-
bending coupling effects are ignored. The SME option smears the laminate material stiffness properties.
The SMC option allows simplified modeling of a sandwich panel with equal face sheets and a central core.
Output is for the equivalent homogeneous element and does not include individual ply results.
9. FCS, HCS, ACS, and SMC are all used to define sandwich laminate properties. FCS, HCS, and ACS define
a composite laminate sandwich where the plies are specified in sequence from the bottom face sheet outer
ply through to the top face sheet outer ply. Laminate properties and results are calculated the same as with
the SYM or default laminate options with the addition of face sheet stability index output. SMC defines a
simplified sandwich panel with equal face sheets and a central core. The facesheet plies are specified first
followed by the core ply last. Stability index output is not available with the SMC option.
10. A function of this entry is to derive equivalent internal PSHELL and MATi entries to describe the composite
element. These equivalent entries are given in the database definition section of the Model Results Output
File and in the translated Bulk Data Output File.
11. This entry may be used to define either a layered shell or solid element. For shell elements the MIDi fields
may only reference MAT1, MAT2, or MAT8 entries. For solid elements the MIDi fields may only reference
MAT1, MAT9, or MAT12 entries.
12. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
13. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)
14. To compute a ply and/or bond failure index/strength ratio, the STRESS or STRAIN Case Control command
must be present, SOUTi must be set to YES, and the following must be defined:
a) For a ply stress or strain failure index/strength ratio:
• FT on the PCOMP or the referenced MIDi entry
• The stress or strain allowables on the referenced MIDi entry
b) For a bond failure index/strength ratio:
• The stress allowable SB on the PCOMP or referenced MIDi entry
15. Ply stress and strain results are always computed in the ply coordinate system.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-310

Reference Manual PCOMPG

PCOMPG Layered Composite Element Property

Description: Defines the global plies and properties of an n-ply composite material laminate.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PCOMPG PID Z0 NSM SB FT TREF GE LAM

GPLYIDi MIDi Ti THETAi SOUTi

Example:

PCOMPG 190 -0.256 5.67 2500.0 HILL 70.0

2001 200 0.065 0.0 YES
1001 210 0.045 45.0 YES
2003 220 0.03 60.0

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Z0 Distance from the reference plane to the bottom surface. Real -1/2 element
thickness
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit area. Real 0.0
SB Allowable inter-laminar shear stress of the bonding Real > 0.0
material (allowable interlaminar shear stress). Required
if bond shear failure index/strength ratio is desired.
FT Ply failure theory. The following theories are allowed. (If Character or
blank and not specified on the referenced MIDi entry then blank
no failure calculation is preformed)
HILL for the Hill theory
HOFF for the Hoffman theory
TSAI for the Tsai-Wu theory
STRESS for the maximum stress theory
STRAIN for the maximum strain theory
LARC02 for the NASA LaRC theory
PUCK for the Puck PCP theory
MCT for the Multicontinuum Theory
TREF Reference temperature. See Remark 4. Real 0.0
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks 13 Real 0.0
and 14.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-311

Reference Manual PCOMPG

Field Definition Type Default

LAM Laminate option, one of the following character variables: Character or If blank, all
SYM, HCS, FCS, ACS, SME, or SMC. If LAM = SYM, blank plies must be
only plies on one side of the element centerline are specified
specified. The plies are numbered starting with 1 for the
bottom layer. If an odd number of plies is desired with
LAM = SYM then the center ply thickness (Ti) should be
half the actual thickness. If LAM = HCS, LAM = FCS, or
LAM = ACS a composite sandwich is defined for the
purpose of facesheet stability index output. HCS
specifies a honeycomb core material, FCS specifies a
form core material, and ACS selects either HCS or FCS
based on the core material specified. If LAM = SME, the
ply effects are smeared and the stacking sequence is
ignored. If LAM = SMC, a composite sandwich is defined
using equivalent orthotropic properties. See Remarks 8
through 10.
GPLYIDi User defined global ply identification number. Integer > 0 Ply number
MIDi Material identification number of the various plies. The Integer > 0 MID1 required,
plies are identified by serially numbering them from 1 at see Remark 2
the bottom layer. The MIDs must refer to MAT1, MAT2,
MAT4, MAT5, MAT8, or MAT12 Bulk Data entries. See
Remark 12.
Ti Ply thickness. See Remark 2. Real or blank T1 required
THETAi Orientation angle of the longitudinal direction of each ply Real or blank 0.0
with the material axis of the element. (If the material
angle on the element connection entry is 0.0, the material
axis and side 1-2 of the element coincide). The plies are
numbered serially starting with 1 at the bottom layer. The
bottom layer is defined as the surface with the largest –Z
value in the element coordinate system.
SOUTi Stress or strain output request, one of the following Character NO
character variables: YES or NO.

Remarks:

1. The global ply identification number should be unique with respect to all other global plies.
2. The default for MID2, …, MIDn is the last defined MIDi. In the example above MID1 is the default for MID2,
MID3, and MID4. The same logic applies to Ti.
3. The global ply identification number (GPLYIDi) and at least one of the four values (MIDi, Ti, THETAi, SOUTi)
must present for a ply to exist. The minimum number of plies is one.
4. When PARAM, TEMPDEPCOMP is set to OFF (default is ON) the TREF given on the PCOMP entry will be
used for all plies of the element and will override values supplied on material entries for individual plies. If
the PCOMP entry references temperature-dependent material properties, then TREF given on the PCOMP
will be used as the temperature to determine material properties and TEMPERATURE Case Control
commands will be ignored for deriving the equivalent PSHELL and MAT1 entries used to describe the
composite element. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on TEMPDEPCOMP.)
5. If PARAM, NOCOMPS is set to 1, or OFF, then composite element ply results will be output while the
equivalent homogeneous element results will be suppressed. If PARAM, NOCOMPS is set to -1, 0 or ON,
then composite element ply results will be suppressed while the equivalent homogeneous element results
will be output.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-312

Reference Manual PCOMPG

6. When PARAM, COMPILSMETHOD is set to COMPONENT (default), the failure index for the bonding
material is calculated as Failure Index = max(τ1z,τ1z ). (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on
COMPILSMETHOD.) The Failure Index for the ply is calculated as shown in the table below.

Theory Failure Index Remarks

Hill σ12 σσ σ τ2 2 Orthotropic materials with
− 1 2 + 2 + 12 = F.I. equal strengths in tension
2 2 2
x x y s2 and compression.
Hoffman  1 1  1 1  σ2 σ2 τ2 σ σ Orthotropic materials under
 - σ1 +  - σ2 + 1 + 2 + 12 - 1 2 = F.I. a general state of plane
 xt xc   yt yc  xt xc ytyc s2 xt xc stress with unequal tensile
and compressive strengths.
Tsai-Wu  1 1   1 1  σ12 σ 22 τ122 Orthotropic materials under
 - σ1 +  -  σ2 + + + + 2F12σ1σ2 = F.I. a general state of plane
 xt xc   yt yc  xt xc ytyc s2 stress with unequal tensile
and compressive strengths.
LaRC02 See the Autodesk Nastran User’s Manual, Reference 5. Orthotropic materials
comprised of unidirectional
plies under a general state
of plane stress.
Puck See the Autodesk Nastran User’s Manual, References 12 and Orthotropic materials
13. comprised of unidirectional
plies under a general state
of plane stress.
MCT See the Autodesk Nastran User’s Manual, References 20, 21, Orthotropic materials
and 22. comprised of unidirectional
plies or plain weave fabric
under a general state of
plane stress.
Max  σ   σ   τ12  None
Stress Max  1 ,  2 ,  
 Xt   Yt  S 
 
Max   ε   γ12  None
Max  ε1 ,

Strain  2 ,  
 X t  Y
 t  S 

For LaRC02 and Puck failure theories the plies must reference an orthotropic, unidirectional material.
Materials with stiffness or allowable ratios (axial/lateral) less than the value defined by the LARC02TSAITOL
model parameter will automatically revert to the Tsai-Wu failure theory. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more
information on LARC02TSAITOL.)
7. The STRENGTHRATIO model parameter is used to request the output of the Tsai Strength Ratio (R) instead
of Failure Index. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on STRENGTHRATIO.)
8. The LAM field (FCS, HCS, or ACS options) can be used to define a composite sandwich laminate which
consists of lower facesheet plies, followed by a single core ply (foam or honeycomb), and then upper
facesheet plies. The number of plies defined must be greater than or equal to 3. When the total number of
plies is greater than 3, the ply with the minimum equivalent material extensional stiffness is selected as the
core ply automatically. Output includes facesheet stability indexes for three failure modes: wrinkling,
dimpling, and crimping. Stability indexes are calculated using

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-313

Reference Manual PCOMPG

3
σ  σ 
 1  +  2  = S.I.
 σa  σ a 
Where σ1 and σ 2 are the maximum and minimum facesheet principal stresses and σ a is the facesheet
allowable. If σ1 is positive, the stability index is calculated using
σ2 
  = S.I.
 σa 
If σ 2 is positive, the stability index will be zero.
9. The SME and SMC options are used to define properties where the ply stacking sequence and membrane-
bending coupling effects are ignored. The SME option smears the laminate material stiffness properties.
The SMC option allows simplified modeling of a sandwich panel with equal face sheets and a central core.
Output is for the equivalent homogeneous element and does not include individual ply results.
10. FCS, HCS, ACS, and SMC are all used to define sandwich laminate properties. FCS, HCS, and ACS define
a composite laminate sandwich where the plies are specified in sequence from the bottom face sheet outer
ply through to the top face sheet outer ply. Laminate properties and results are calculated the same as with
the SYM or default laminate options with the addition of face sheet stability index output. SMC defines a
simplified sandwich panel with equal face sheets and a central core. The facesheet plies are specified first
followed by the core ply last. Stability index output is not available with the SMC option.
11. A function of this entry is to derive equivalent internal PSHELL and MATi entries to describe the composite
element. These equivalent entries are given in the database definition section of the Model Results Output
File and in the translated Bulk Data Output File.
12. This entry may be used to define either a layered shell or solid element. For shell elements the MIDi fields
may only reference MAT1, MAT2, or MAT8 entries. For solid elements the MIDi fields may only reference
MAT1, MAT9, or MAT12 entries.
13. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
14. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)
15. To compute a ply and/or bond failure index/strength ratio, the STRESS or STRAIN Case Control command
must be present, SOUTi must be set to YES, and the following must be defined:
a) For a ply stress or strain failure index/strength ratio:
• FT on the PCOMPG or the referenced MIDi entry
• The stress or strain allowables on the referenced MIDi entry
b) For a bond failure index/strength ratio:
• The stress allowable SB on the PCOMPG or referenced MIDi entry
16. Ply stress and strain results are always computed in the ply coordinate system.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-314

Reference Manual PCOMPS

PCOMPS Layered Composite Solid Element Property

Description: Defines the global plies and properties of an n-ply composite material laminate for CHEXA and
CPENTA solid elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PCOMPS PID MCID XZDIR SB NB TREF GE

GPLYIDi MIDi Ti THETAi PLYFTi ILFTi SOUTi

Example:

PCOMPS 40 1000.0
2 1 0.03 0.0 TSAI YES
3 2 0.04 90.0 HILL YES

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0

MCID Identification number of the material coordinate system. Integer ≥ -1 or See Remark 5
See Remarks 5 and 6. blank
XZDIR Ply orientation reference material axis and element Integer 13
orientation, one of the following character variables: 12, 13,
21, 23, 31, or 32. See Remark 6.
SB Allowable inter-laminar shear stress of the bonding Real > 0.0
material (allowable interlaminar shear stress). Required
if bond shear failure index/strength ratio is desired.
NB Allowable inter-laminar normal stress of the bonding Real > 0.0
material.
TREF Reference temperature. See Remark 4. Real 0.0
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks 12 Real 0.0
and 13.
GPLYIDi User defined global ply identification number. Integer > 0 Ply number
MIDi Material identification number of the various plies. The Integer > 0
plies are identified by serially numbering them from 1 at
the bottom layer. The MIDs must refer to MAT1, MAT8,
MAT9, or MAT12 Bulk Data entries. See Remark 11.
Ti Ply thickness. See Remarks 2 and 7. Real or blank T1 required
THETAi Orientation angle of the longitudinal direction of each ply Real or blank 0.0
with the material axis of the element. The plies are
numbered serially starting with 1 at the bottom layer. The
bottom layer is defined as the surface with the largest –Z
value in the element coordinate system. See Remark 6.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-315

Reference Manual PCOMPS

Field Definition Type Default

PLYFTi Ply failure theory. The following theories are allowed. (If Character or
blank and not specified on the referenced MIDi entry then blank
no failure calculation is preformed)
HILL for the Hill theory
HOFF for the Hoffman theory
TSAI for the Tsai-Wu theory
STRESS for the maximum stress theory
STRAIN for the maximum strain theory
MCT for the Multicontinuum Theory
ILFTi Inter-laminar failure theory. The following theories are Character or Both
allowed. (If blank then both calculations are performed) blank
SB for maximum transverse shear stress theory
NB for maximum normal stress theory
SOUTi Stress or strain output request, one of the following Character NO
character variables: YES or NO.

Remarks:

1. The global ply identification number should be unique with respect to all other global plies.
2. The default for MID2, …, MIDn is the last defined MIDi. In the example above MID1 is the default for MID2,
MID3, and MID4. The same logic applies to Ti.
3. The global ply identification number (GPLYIDi) and at least one of the four values (MIDi, Ti, THETAi, SOUTi)
must present for a ply to exist. The minimum number of plies is one.
4. When PARAM, TEMPDEPCOMP is set to OFF (default is ON) the TREF given on the PCOMP entry will be
used for all plies of the element and will override values supplied on material entries for individual plies. If
the PCOMP entry references temperature-dependent material properties, then TREF given on the PCOMP
will be used as the temperature to determine material properties and TEMPERATURE Case Control
commands will be ignored for deriving the equivalent PSHELL and MAT1 entries used to describe the
composite element. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on TEMPDEPCOMP.)
5. See the CHEXA, CPENTA, CPYRA, or CTETRA entry for the definition of the element coordinate system.
The material coordinate system (MCID) may be the basic system (0), any defined system (Integer > 0), or
the element coordinate system (-1 or blank). The default for MCID is the element coordinate system.
6. The ply orientation is relative to the element material x-direction similar to that of a composite shell element.
By default the element material x-direction is defined by projecting the MCID x-axis onto a surface defined
by the element z-axis. The MCID y-axis or z-axis may be specified using the first component number of the
XZDIR field. The element z-axis can be reoriented using the second component number of the XZDIR field.
The element z-axis also defines the element thickness direction. Only CHEXA and CPENTA elements may
be referenced if the property defines a layered solid element.
7. The laminate thickness is adjusted at the corners to coincide with the distance between grid points. The
thickness of each ply in the laminate is adjusted proportionally.
8. When PARAM, COMPILSMETHOD is set to COMPONENT (default), the failure index for the bonding
material is calculated as Failure Index = max(τ1z,τ1z ). (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on
COMPILSMETHOD.) The Failure Index for the ply is calculated as shown in the table on the following page.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-316

Reference Manual PCOMPS

Theory Failure Index Remarks

Hill σ12 σσ σ τ2 2 Orthotropic materials with
− 1 2 + 2 + 12 = F.I. equal strengths in tension
2 2 2
x x y s2 and compression.
Hoffman  1 1  1 1  σ2 σ2 τ2 σ σ Orthotropic materials under
 - σ1 +  - σ2 + 1 + 2 + 12 - 1 2 = F.I. a general state of plane
 xt xc   yt yc  xt xc ytyc s2 xt xc stress with unequal tensile
and compressive strengths.
Tsai-Wu 1 1  1 1  σ2 σ2 τ2 Orthotropic materials under
 - σ1 +  - σ2 + 1 + 2 + 12 + 2F12σ1σ2 = F.I. a general state of plane
 xt xc   yt yc  xt xc ytyc s2 stress with unequal tensile
and compressive strengths.
MCT See the Autodesk Nastran User’s Manual, References 20, 21, Orthotropic materials
and 22. comprised of unidirectional
plies or plain weave fabric
under a general state of
plane stress.
Max  σ   σ   τ12  None
Stress Max  1 ,  2 ,  
 Xt   Yt  S 
 
Max   ε   γ12  None
Max  ε1 ,

Strain  2 ,  
 X t   Yt   S 

9. The STRENGTHRATIO model parameter is used to request the output of the Tsai Strength Ratio (R) instead
of Failure Index. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on STRENGTHRATIO.)
10. A function of this entry is to derive equivalent internal PSHELL and MATi entries to describe the composite
element. These equivalent entries are given in the database definition section of the Model Results Output
File and in the translated Bulk Data Output File.
11. This entry may only be used to define a layered solid element. The MIDi fields may only reference MAT1,
MAT8, MAT9, or MAT12 entries.
12. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
13. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)
14. To compute a ply and/or bond failure index/strength ratio, the STRESS or STRAIN Case Control command
must be present, SOUTi must be set to YES, and the following must be defined:
a) For a ply stress or strain failure index/strength ratio:
• PLYFTi on the PCOMPS or referenced MIDi entry
• The stress or strain allowables on the referenced MIDi entry
b) For a bond failure index/strength ratio:
• The stress allowables SB and/or NB on the PCOMPS or referenced MIDi entry
15. Ply stress and strain results are always computed in the ply coordinate system.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-317

Reference Manual PCONV

PCONV Convection Property Definition

Description: Specifies the free convection boundary condition properties of a surface element used for heat
transfer analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PCONV PID MID FORM CTID1 CTID2 CTID3 ATID1

ATID2 ATID3

Example:

PCONV 5 10

Field Definition Type Default

PID Convection property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material property identification number. Integer > 0 Required
FORM Film temperature option if film grid point is not specified. 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 1
See Remark 3.
CTID1, TABLEDi set identification numbers that define control point Integer > 0 or
CTID2, position dependent scale factors in the x, y, and z directions blank
CTID3 of the basic coordinate system. See Remark 1.
ATID1, TABLEDi set identification numbers that define ambient Integer > 0 or
ATID2, point position dependent scale factors in the x, y, and z blank
ATID3 directions of the basic coordinate system. See Remark 1.

Remarks:

1. Every surface to which free convection is to be applied must reference a PCONV entry. PCONV is referenced
on the CONV Bulk Data Entry.
2. MID is used to supply the convection heat transfer coefficient (H).
3. The FORM field specifies how temperatures are averaged to determine film temperature. The options are
described as follows:

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-318

Reference Manual PCONV

FORM Description
1 Film temperature is the average of average surface and
average ambient temperatures
2 Film temperature is the average of surface temperatures
3 Film temperature is the average of ambient temperatures

4. The basic exchange relationship can be expressed in one of the following forms:
a) q = H∗uCNTRLND c (x, y, z) [T - TAMB a (x, y, z)], CNTRLND ≠ 0
b) q = H∗ [T - TAMB a (x, y, z)], CNTRLND = 0
where c (x, y, z) is defined as the product of scale factors returned by tables defined in fields 6, 7, and 8, and
a (x, y, z) is defined as the product of scale factors returned by tables defined in field 9 and fields 2 and 3 on the
continuation entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-319

Reference Manual PDAMP

PDAMP Scalar Damper Property

Description: Specifies the damping value of a damper element (CDAMP1 or CDAMP3 entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PDAMP PID1 B1 PID2 B2 PID3 B3 PID4 B4

Example:

PDAMP 14 3.2 16 4.0

Field Definition Type Default

PIDi Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Bi Force per unit velocity Real Required

Remarks:

1. PDAMP entries must all have unique property identification numbers.

2. Up to four damping properties may be defined on a single entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-320

Reference Manual PDAMPT

PDAMPT Frequency-Dependent Damper Property

Description: Defines the frequency-dependent properties for a PDAMP Bulk Data entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PDAMPT PID1 TBID1

Example:

PDAMPT 14 40

Field Definition Type Default

PIDi Identification number of a PDAMP entry. Integer > 0 Required

TBID1 Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines Integer > 0 Required
the damping force per-unit velocity versus frequency
relationship.

Remarks:

1. PDAMPT may only be referenced by CDAMP1 or CDAMP3 elements.

2. The PDAMPT entry is ignored in all solution sequences except for frequency response analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-321

Reference Manual PELAS

PELAS Elastic Element Property

Description: Specifies the stiffness and stress coefficient of a spring element (CELAS1 or CELAS3 entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PELAS PID1 K1 GE1 S1 PID2 K2 GE2 S2

Example:

PELAS 24 1.+3 0.9

Field Definition Type Default

PIDi Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Ki Elastic property value Real Required
GEi Structural element damping coefficient. See Remark 4. Real or blank 0.0
Si Stress coefficient Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. PELAS entries must all have unique property identification numbers.

2. K and GE may be made frequency dependent for modal frequency response analysis and K may be made
force dependent for nonlinear analysis by use of the PELAST entry.
3. The use of negative spring values may result in fatal errors.
4. One or two elastic spring properties may be defined on a single entry.
5. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/C0, by 2.0.
6. If PARAM, W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient response analysis. (See Section 5, Parameters,
for more information on W4.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-322

Reference Manual PELAST

PELAST Frequency Dependent Elastic Property

Description: Defines the frequency or force dependent properties for a PELAS Bulk Data entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PELAST PID TKID TGEID TKNID

Example:

PELAST 24 40

Field Definition Type Default

PID Identification number of a PELAS entry. Integer > 0 Required

TKID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines Integer > 0 See Remark 3
the force per unit displacement versus frequency
relationship.
TGEID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines Integer > 0 See Remark 3
the nondimensional structural damping coefficient
versus frequency relationship.
TKNID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines Integer > 0 See Remark 3
the nonlinear force per unit displacement versus
frequency relationship.

Remarks:

1. PELAST may only be referenced by CELAS1 or CELAS3 elements.

2. For frequency dependent modal frequency response the modes are calculated using nominal Ki values as
specified on the PELAS entry.
3. The following table summarizes the usage of the PELAST entry in various solution sequences.

Field Frequency Nonlinear Linear

Response (Non-Frequency
Response)
TKID Used Ignored Ignored
TGEID Used Ignored Ignored
TKNID Ignored Used Ignored

4. The PELAST is ignored in all solutions except frequency response and nonlinear analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-323

Reference Manual PGAP

PGAP Gap Element Property

Description: Defines the properties of gap elements (CGAP entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PGAP PID U0 F0 KA KB KT MUY MUZ

TMAX MAR TRMIN

Example:

PGAP 10 0.015 1.+6 0.2 0.2

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

U0 Initial gap opening. See Figure 2 and Remark 1. Real or AUTO 0.0
F0 Preload. See Figure 2. Real 0.0
KA Axial stiffness for the closed gap (i.e. UA – UB > U0. See Real > 0.0 Required
Figure 2.
KB Axial stiffness for the open gap (i.e. UA – UB < U0. See Real ≥ 0.0 or 10-10 * KA
Figure 2 and Remark 3. blank
KT Transverse stiffness when the gap is closed. See Figure Real ≥ 0.0 MUY * KA
3. It is recommended that KT ≥ (0.1 * KA).
MUY Coefficient of friction in the y transverse direction (µy ) . Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
See Remark 4.

MUZ Coefficient of friction in the z transverse direction (µz ) . Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
See Remark 4.

TMAX Maximum allowable penetration used in the adjustment Real 0.0

of penalty values. A positive value activates the penalty
value adjustment. See Remark 5.
MAR Maximum allowable adjustment ratio for adaptive Real > 1.0 100.0
penalty values KA and KT. See Remark 6.
TRMIN Fraction of TMAX defining the lower bound for the 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 0.001
allowable penetration. See Remark 7.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-324

Reference Manual PGAP

Remarks:

1. The default initial gap opening is zero. If AUTO or -1.0 is specified, the initial gap opening will be set to the
initial element length. This is particularly useful when defining multiple gap elements over an uneven surface.
2. Figures 1 through 3 show the gap element and the force-displacement curves used in the stiffness and force
computations for the element.
3. For most contact problems, KA (penalty value) should be chosen to be three orders of magnitude higher than
the stiffness of the neighboring grid points. A much larger KA value may slow convergence or cause
divergence, while a much smaller KA value may results in inaccurate results. The value is adjusted as
necessary if TMAX > 0.0.
4. When the gap is open, there is no transverse stiffness. When the gap is closed and there is friction, the gap
has the elastic stiffness (KT) in the transverse direction until the friction force is exceeded and slippage starts
to occur.
5. There are two types of gap elements: adaptive gap and nonadaptive gap. If TMAX ≥ 0.0, the adaptive gap
element is selected by the program. When TMAX = 0.0, penalty values will not be adjusted, but other
adaptive features will be active (i.e., the gap-induced stiffness update, gap-induced bisection, and
subincremental process). The recommended allowable penetration TMAX is about 10% of the element
thickness for plates or the equivalent thickness for other elements that are connected to the gap.
6. The maximum adjustment ratio MAR is used only for the adaptive gap element. Upper and lower bounds of
the adjusted penalty are defined by
Kinitial
≤ K ≤ Kinitial ∗MAR
MAR
where Kinitial is either KA or KT.
7. TRMIN is used only for the penalty value adjustment in the adaptive gap element. The lower bound for the
allowable penetration is computed by TRMIN ∗ TMAX. The penalty values are decreased if the penetration
is below the lower bound.
8. This element will default to a linear spring in linear solutions with an axial stiffness equal to KA and a
transverse stiffness equal to KT. A nonlinear solution must be selected for general contact behavior.

yelement VB
xelement

Grid Point GB UB

VA
WB
UA
Grid Point GA
WA

Figure 1. GAP Element Coordinate System.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-325

Reference Manual PGAP

Fx (compression)

Slope = KA

Slope KA is used when UA – UB ≥ U0

Slope = KB

F0

(tension) (compression)
U0 UA – UB

Figure 2. GAP Element Force-Deflection Curve for Nonlinear Analysis.

Nonlinear Shear

MUY * Fx
MUZ * Fx
Unloading

VA – VB
Slope = KT
W A – WB

Figure 3. GAP Element Shear Forces for Nonlinear Analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-326

Reference Manual PHBDY

PHBDY CHBDYP Geometric Element Definition

Description: Referenced by CHBDYP entries to give additional geometric information for boundary condition
surface elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PHBDY PID AF

Example:

PHBDY 5 0.01

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

AF Area factor of the surface used only for CHBDYP elements Real > 0.0 or Required
with surface types: POINT and LINE. blank

Remarks:

1. All PHBDY property entries must have unique identification numbers.

2. The PHBDY entry is used with CHBDYP entries.
3. AF is the area for POINT-type surfaces and the effective width for LINE-type surfaces.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-327

Reference Manual PLOAD

PLOAD Static Pressure Load

Description: Defines a uniform static pressure load on a triangular or quadrilateral surface comprised of surface
elements and/or the faces of solid elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PLOAD SID P G1 G2 G3 G4

Example:

PLOAD 5 -3.5 15 12 19

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

P Pressure value. Real Required
Gi Grid point identification numbers. Integer > 0; Required
G4 may be blank

Remarks:

1. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).
2. The grid points define either a triangular or a quadrilateral surface to which a pressure is applied. If G4 is
blank, the surface is triangular.
3. In the case of a triangular surface, the assumed direction of the pressure is computed according to the right-
hand rule using the sequence of grid points G1, G2, G3 illustrated in Figure 1. The total load on the surface
is divided into three equal parts and applied to the grid points as concentrated loads. A minus sign in field 3
reverses the direction of the load.
4. In the case of a quadrilateral surface, the grid points G1, G2, G3, and G4 should form a consecutive sequence
around the perimeter. The right-hand rule is applied to find the assumed direction of the pressure. Four
concentrated loads are applied to the grid points in approximately the same manner as for a triangular
surface. The following specific procedures are adopted to accommodate irregular and/or warped surfaces:
• The surface is divided into two sets of overlapping triangular surfaces. Each triangular surface is
bounded by two of the sides and one of the diagonals of the quadrilateral.
• One-half of the pressure is applied to each triangle, which is then treated in the manner described in
Remark 2.
5. The follower force effects due to loads from this entry are not included in the stiffness in all linear solution
sequences that calculate a differential stiffness.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-328

Reference Manual PLOAD

P G3

G1 G2

Figure 1. Pressure Convention for Triangular Surface.

G3

G2

G4

G1
Figure 2. Pressure Convention for Quadrilateral Surface.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-329

Reference Manual PLOAD1

PLOAD1 Applied Loads on Bar and Beam Elements

Description: Defines concentrated, uniformly distributed, or linearly distributed applied loads to CBAR and
CBEAM elements at user chosen points along the axis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PLOAD1 SID EID TYPE SCALE X1 P1 X2 P2

Example:

PLOAD1 4 102 MYE FRPR 0.1 2.5+3 0.8 1.5+2

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required
TYPE Load type, one of the following character variables: FX, Character Required
FY, FZ, FXE, FYE, FZE, MX, MY, MZ, MXE, MYE, and
MZE.
SCALE Determines scale factor for X1, X2. Must be one of Character Required
following character variables: LE, FR, LEPR, or FRPR.
X1, X2 Distances along element axis from end A. X2 ≥ X1 ≥ 0.0;
X2 may be real or
blank
P1, P2 Load factors at positions X1, X2. Real or blank

Remarks:

1. If X2 ≠ X1, a linearly varying distributed load will be applied to the element between positions X1 and X2,
having an intensity per unit length of bar equal to P1 at X1 and equal to P2 at X2 except as noted in remarks
7 and 10 below.
2. If X2 is blank or equal to X1, a concentrated load of value P1 will be applied at position X1.
3. If P1 = P2 and X2 ≠ X1, a uniform distributed load of intensity per unit length equal to P1 will be applied
between positions X1 and X2 except as noted in Remarks 7 and 10 below.
4. Load TYPE symbols are used as follows to define loads:
• FX, FY, or FZ: Force in the x, y, or z direction of the basic coordinate system.
• MX, MY, or MZ: Moment in the x, y, or z direction of the basic coordinate system.
• FXE, FYE, or FZE: Force in the x, y, or z direction of the element coordinate system.
• MXE, MYE, or MZE: Moment in the x, y, or z direction of the element coordinate system.
5. If SCALE = LE (length), the Xi values are actual distances along the bar x-axis, and (if X1 ≠ X2) Pi are load
intensities per unit length of the bar.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-330

Reference Manual PLOAD1

6. If SCALE = FR (fractional), the Xi values are ratios of the distance along the axis to the total length, and (if
X2 ≠ X1) Pi are load intensities per unit length of the element.
7. If SCALE = LEPR (length projected), the Xi values are actual distance along the bar x-axis and (if X2 ≠ X1)
the distributed load is input in terms of the projected length of the bar.

Bar Length

x2
x1

a P1 = P2

xi
α

b
xb

Projected Length
yb

Figure 1. PLOAD1 Convention on Bar and Beam Elements.

8. If SCALE = LE, the total load applied to the bar is P1(X2 – X1) in the yb direction.
9. If SCALE = LEPR, the total load applied to the bar is P1(X2 – X1)COS(α) in the yb direction.
10. If SCALE = FRPR (fractional projected), the Xi values are ratios of the actual distance to the length of the
bar and (X1 ≠ X2) the distributed load is input in terms of the projected length of the bar.
11. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-331

Reference Manual PLOAD2

PLOAD2 Pressure Load on Shell Elements

Description: Defines a uniform static pressure load applied to shell elements. Only CQUAD4, CQUADR,
CSHEAR, CTRIA3, or CTRIAR elements may have a pressure load applied to them via this entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PLOAD2 SID P EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5 EID6

Example:

PLOAD2 30 -1.3 106 222 21

Alternate Format and Example:

PLOAD2 SID P EID1 THRU EID2

PLOAD2 40 12.0 16 THRU 122

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

P Pressure value. Real or blank
EIDi Element identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
EID1 < EID2

Remarks:

1. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).
2. At least one EID must be present on each PLOAD2 entry.
3. If the alternate form is used, all elements EID1 through EID2 that are not compatible or do not exist will be
skipped.
4. Elements must not be specified more than once.
5. The direction of the pressure is computed according to the right-hand rule using the grid point sequence
specified on the element entry.
6. All elements directly referenced must exist.
7. Continuations are not allowed.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-332

Reference Manual PLOAD4

PLOAD4 Pressure Loads on Face of Shell and Solid Elements

Description: Defines a load on a face of a shell or solid element. Only CQUAD4, CQUADR, CTRIA3, CTRIAR,
CHEXA, CPENTA, CPYRA, and CTETRA elements may have a pressure load applied to them via
this entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PLOAD4 SID EID P1 P2 P3 P4 G1 G3 or G4

CID N1 N2 N3

Example:

PLOAD4 2 1405 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.0

Alternate Format and Example:

PLOAD4 SID EID1 P1 P2 P3 P4 THRU EID2

CID N1 N2 N3

PLOAD4 2 1106 10.0 8.0 5.0 THRU 1143

6 0.0 1.0 0.0

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required
P1, P2, P3, Load per unit surface area (pressure) at the corners of Real or blank P1 is the
P4 the face of the element. default for P2,
P3, and P4
G1 Identification number of a grid point connected to a Integer > 0 or Required for
corner of the face. blank solid elements
G3 Identification number of a grid point connected to a Integer > 0 or Required for
corner diagonally opposite to G1 on the same face of a blank CHEXA and
CHEXA, CPENTA, or CPYRA element. Required for CPENTA
the quadrilateral faces of CHEXA, CPENTA, and elements
CPYRA elements. Must be omitted for a triangular face
on a CPENTA or CPYRA element.
G4 Identification number of the CTETRA grid point located Integer > 0 or Required for
at the corner; this grid point may not reside on the face blank CTETRA
being loaded. elements

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-333

Reference Manual PLOAD4

Field Definition Type Default

CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 or See Remark 2

blank
N1, N2, N3 Components of vector measured in coordinate system Real Required if CID
defined by CID. Used to define the direction (but not the is not blank and
magnitude) of the load intensity. must have at
least one non-
zero component

Remarks:

1. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).
2. The continuation entry is optional. If fields 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the continuation entry are blank, the load is
assumed to be a pressure acting normal to the face. If these fields are not blank, the load acts in the direction
defined in these fields. Note that if CID is a curvilinear coordinate system, the direction of loading may vary
over the surface of the element. The load intensity is the load per unit of surface area, not the load per unit
of area normal to the direction of loading.
3. For the faces of solid elements, the direction of positive pressure (defaulted continuation) is inward. For
triangular (and quadrilateral faces) the load intensity P1 acts at grid point G1 and load intensities P2, P3 (and
P4) act at the other corners in a sequence determined by applying the right-hand rule to the outward normal.
4. For shell elements, the direction of positive pressure (default continuation) is in the direction of positive
normal, determined by applying the right-hand rule to the sequence of connected grid points. The load
intensities P1, P2, P3 (and P4) act respectively at corner points G1, G2, G3 (and G4) for triangular (and
quadrilateral) elements.
5. If P2, P3, and P4 are blank fields, the load intensity is uniform and equal to P1. P4 has no meaning for a
triangular face and may be left blank in this case.
6. Equivalent grid point loads are computed by numerical integration using isoparametric shape functions. Note
that a uniform load intensity will not necessarily result in equal equivalent grid point loads.
7. G1 and G3 are ignored for CTRIA3, CTRIAR, CQUAD4, and CQUADR elements.
8. The alternate format is available only for CTRIA3, CTRIAR, CQUAD4, and CQUADR elements. The
continuation entry may be used in the alternate format.
9. For triangular faces of CPENTA elements, G1 is an identification number of a corner grid point that is on the
face being loaded and the G3 or G4 field is left blank. For CPYRA elements, G1 must be a grid point on the
quadrilateral face. For faces of CTETRA elements, G1 is the identification number of a corner grid point that
is on the face being loaded and G4 is an identification number of the corner grid point that is not on the face
being loaded. Since a CTETRA element has only four corner points, G4 will be unique and different for each
of the four faces of a CTETRA element.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-334

Reference Manual PLOADG

PLOADG Pressure Load at a Grid Point

Description: Defines a pressure load at a grid point by specifying a vector.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PLOADG SID G CID P N1 N2 N3

Example:

PLOADG 3 110 10.0 0.0 1.0 0.0

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

G Grid point identification number Integer > 0 Required
CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 or 0
blank
P Load per unit surface area (pressure). Real Required
N1, N2, N3 Components of vector measured in coordinate system Real Required; must
defined by CID. Used to define the direction (but not the have at least
magnitude) of the load intensity. one nonzero
component

Remarks:

1. This entry can only be used for input to the LOADINTERPOLATE Case Control command.
2. The TRSLPRESDATA directive may be used to convert PLOAD2 and PLOAD4 pressures to PLOADG. (See
Section 2, Initialization, for more information on TRSLPRESDATA.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-335

Reference Manual PLOADX1

PLOADX1 Pressure Load on Axisymmetric Elements

Description: Defines surface tractions to be used with solid axisymmetric elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PLOADX1 SID EID PA PB GA GB THETA

Example:

PLOADX1 4 102 MYE FRPR 0.1 2.5+3 0.8 1.5+2

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required
PA, PB Surface tractions at grid points GA and GB. Real PA is the
default for PB
GA, GB Corner grid points. GA and GB are any two adjacent Integer > 0 Required
corner grid points of the element.
THETA Angle between surface traction and inward normal to the Real 0.0
line segment.

Remarks:

1. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).
2. PLOADX1 is intended only for the CTRIAX6 element.
3. The surface traction is assumed to vary linearly along the element side between GA and GB.
4. The surface traction is input as force per unit area.
5. THETA is measured counter-clockwise from the inward normal of the straight line between GA and GB, to
the vector of the applied load, as shown in Figure 1. Positive pressure is in the direction of inward normal to
the line segment.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-336

Reference Manual PLOADX1

PA

z = zbasic
GA
PB
Axial

THETA
GB

THETA

Radial
r = xbasic
Figure 1. PLOADX1 Convention on Axisymmetric Elements.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-337

Reference Manual PLSOLID

PLSOLID Nonlinear Large Strain Solid Element Property

Description: Defines a nonlinear large strain solid element property (CHEXA, CPENTA, CPYRA, and CTETRA
elements only).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PLSOLID PID MID MCID

Example:

PLSOLID 2 100 6

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Identification number of a MAT1, MAT9, MAT12, Integer > 0 Required
MATHP, or MATHP1 entry.
MCID Identification number of the material coordinate system. Integer ≥ -1 or See Remark 3
See Remarks 3 and 4. blank

Remarks:

1. PLSOLID entries must have unique identification numbers.

2. Isotropic (MAT1), anisotropic (MAT9), or orthotropic (MAT12) material properties may be referenced.
3. See the CHEXA, CPENTA, CPYRA, or CTETRA entry for the definition of the element coordinate system.
The material coordinate system (MCID) may be the basic system (0), any defined system (Integer > 0), or
the element coordinate system (-1 or blank). The default for MCID is the element coordinate system.
4. If MID references a MAT9 entry, then MCID defines the material property coordinate system for Gij on the
MAT9 entry. If MID references a MAT12 entry, then MCID defines the material property coordinate system
for the Ei, Gi, and NUij on the MAT12 entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-338

Reference Manual PMASS

PMASS Scalar Mass Property

Description: Specifies the mass value of a scalar mass element (CMASS1 entries).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PMASS PID1 M1 PID2 M2 PID3 M3 PID4 M4

Example:

PMASS 5 7.26 4 17.8

Field Definition Type Default

PIDi Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Mi Mass value. Real Required

Remarks:

1. PMASS entries must all have unique property identification numbers.

2. The use of negative mass values may result in fatal errors.
3. Up to four mass values may be defined by this entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-339

Reference Manual PMOUNT

PMOUNT Nonlinear Shock and Vibration Element Property

Description: Specifies the nonlinear properties of a shock and vibration element (CBUSH1D entries).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PMOUNT PID TFKID TFBID TFCID F0

Example:

PMOUNT 10 100 110 120 -1050.6

Alternate Format and Example:

PMOUNT PID TFKID TFBID TFCID1 TFCID2 TFCID3 TFCID4 F0

PMOUNT 10 100 110 120 130 140 150

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number that matches the Integer > 0 Required
identification number on a PBUSH1D entry.
TFKID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines a Integer > 0 Required
nonlinear elastic spring element in terms of a force versus
displacement relationship.
F(u) = FT (u)

Tension is u > 0 and compression is u < 0.

TFBID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines a Integer > 0 Required
nonlinear viscous element in terms of a force versus
velocity relationship.
F(v ) = FT (v )

Tension is v > 0 and compression is v < 0.

TFCID Identification number of a TABFV entry that defines Integer ≥ 0 0
stiffness-damping coupling in terms force versus
displacement tables at constant velocity. See Remark 1.
F(u,v ) = FT (u,v )

TFCIDi Identification numbers of TABLED4 entries that define Integer ≥ 0 0

stiffness-damping coupling in the form of a power series.
See Remark 1.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-340

Reference Manual PMOUNT

Field Definition Type Default

F0 Preload. Real 0.0

Remarks:

1. There are two displacement/velocity-dependent forms that may be used to define the nonlinear stiffness and
damping characteristics of this element. In each the displacement u and velocity v are the relative
displacement and relative velocity with respect to grid point GA. In the first form the force versus
velocity/displacement relationship is given by
F(u,v ) = [Fk (u)]u + [Fb (v )]v + [Fc (u,v )]u
where the force due to stiffness Fk (u) is given by TFKID, the force due to damping Fb (v ) is given by TFBID,
and the force due to stiffness-damping coupling Fc (u,v ) is given by TFCID which defines force versus
displacement data for a constant velocity.

Term Field Table Type

Fk (u) TFKID TABLEDi
Fb (v ) TFBID TABLEDi
Fc (u,v ) TFCID TABFV

In the second form the force versus velocity/displacement relationship is given by a power series of the form
2 3 4 5
 v  v  v  v  v
F(u,v ) = B1 u +  + B2 u +  + B3 u +  + B4 u +  + B5 u + 
A A A A A
         
which may be further reduced to
F(u,v ) = [Fk (u)]u + [Fb (v )]v + [Fc (u,v )]u
where
( )
Fk (u) = B1 + B2 u + B3u 2 + B4u 3 + B5u 5

F (v ) = (C + C v + C v + C v + C v )
b 1 2 3
2
4
3
5
5

F (u,v ) = (D v + E v + F v ) + (D v + E v + F v )u + (D v + E v )u + (D v )u
c 1 1
2
1
3
2 2
2
2
3
3 3
2 2
4
3

and
B B B B B
C1 = 1 , C2 = 1 , C3 = 1 , C4 = 1 , C5 = 1
2 3 4
A A A A A5
B B B B
D1 = 2 2 , D2 = 3 3 , D3 = 4 4 , D4 = 5 5
A A A A
B3 B4 B5
E1 = 3 , E2 = 6 , E3 = 10
2
A A2 A2
B4 B5
F1 = 4 , F2 = 6
3
A A3

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-341

Reference Manual PMOUNT

Term Field Table Type

Fk (u) TFKID TABLED4
Fb (v ) TFBID TABLED4
Fc (u,v ) TFCIDi TABLED4

2. Values on the TABLEDi entry are for tension and compression. If table values F(u) are provided only for
positive values u > 0, then it is assumed that F(-u) = −F(u).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-342

Reference Manual PPIPE

PPIPE Pipe Element Property

Description: Defines the properties of pipe elements (CPIPE entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 9 10

PPIPE PID MID OD T P EC NSM

Example:

PPIPE 50 30 1.2 0.1 100.5

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required
OD Pipe outer diameter. Real > 0.0 Required
T Pipe wall thickness. 0.0 < Real ≤ OD/2.0 Required
P Internal pressure. Real or blank 0.0
EC End condition, one of the following character variables: Character CLOSED
CLOSED or OPEN:
CLOSED Both ends are closed.
OPEN Both ends are open.
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit length. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. PPIPE entries must all have unique property identification numbers.

2. For structural problems, PPIPE entries may only reference MAT1 material entries.
3. Hoop stress due to internal pressure and longitudinal, shear, and torsional stress due end forces and
moments are combined to generate invariant stresses as follows

Maximum shear stress:

 σ − σ  2  21
L H 2
τ max =   + (σT ) 
 2  

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-343

Reference Manual PPIPE

Maximum principal stress:

σ max =  σ L + σ H  + τ
 max
 2 

Octahedral shear stress:

2  σ + σ  2  21
L H 2
τo =   + 3(σH ) 
 9  2  

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-344

Reference Manual PROD

PROD Rod Element Property

Description: Defines the properties of rod elements (CROD entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PROD PID MID A J C NSM

Example:

PROD 44 100 0.1 2.-3 0.12

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required
A Area of rod cross-section. Real Required
J Torsional constant. Real or blank 0.0
C Coefficient to determine torsional stress. Real or blank 0.0
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit length. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. PROD entries must all have unique property identification numbers.

2. For structural problems, PROD entries may only reference MAT1 material entries.
3. The formula used to compute torsional stress is
TC
τ =
J
where T is the torsional moment.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-345

Reference Manual PSHEAR

PSHEAR Shear Panel Property

Description: Defines the properties of shear elements (CSHEAR entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PSHEAR PID MID T NSM F1 F2 F3 F4

Example:

PSHEAR 44 100 0.1 0.72 3.24 0.5

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required
T Thickness of shear panel. Real Required
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit area. Real 0.0
F1 Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edge Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
1-2. See Remark 3.
F2 Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edge Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
2-3. See Remark 3.
F3 Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edge Real ≥ 0.0 F1
3-4. See Remark 3.
F4 Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edge Real ≥ 0.0 F2
4-1. See Remark 3.

Remarks:

1. All PSHEAR entries must have unique identification numbers.

2. PSHEAR entries may reference only MAT1 material entries when PARAM, SHEARELEMTYPE is set to
NASTRAN.
3. The effective extensional area is defined by means of equivalent rods on the perimeter of the element. If F1
≤ 1.01, the area of the rod on edge 1-2 is set equal to (F1∗T∗PA)/(L12+ L34) where PA is the panel surface
area and L12, L34 are the lengths of sides 1-2 and 3-4. Thus, if F1 = F3 = 1.0, the panel is fully effective for
extension in the 1-2 direction. If F1 > 1.01, the area of the rod on edge 1-2 is set equal to 0.5∗F1∗T2. In the
case of an orthotropic material (MAT8) E1 will be used for F1 and F3 and E2 for F2 and F4.
4. Poisson’s ratio coupling for extensional effects is ignored.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-346

Reference Manual PSHELL

PSHELL Shell Element Property

Description: Defines the membrane, bending, and transverse shear properties of shell elements (CTRIA3,
CTRIAR, CQUAD4, and CQUADR entries).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PSHELL PID MID1 T MID2 12I/T3 MID3 TS/T NSM

Z1 Z2 MID4 THETA/MCID SDIR SC SFACTCX SFACTCY
RTYPE F1 F2 F3 F4

Example:

PSHELL 44 100 0.1 0.72

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID1 Material identification number for the membrane. Integer > 0 or
blank
T Default membrane thickness for Ti on the connection Real or blank
entry.
MID2 Material identification number for bending. Integer ≥ -1 or See Remark 18
blank
12I/T3 Bending stiffness parameter. Real or blank 1.0
MID3 Material identification number for transverse shear. Integer > 0 or See Remark 18
blank, must be
blank unless
MID2 > 0
TS/T Transverse shear thickness divided by the membrane Real or blank 0.833333
thickness.
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit area. Real or blank 0.0
Z1, Z2 Fiber distances for stress computation. The right-hand Real or blank See Remark 10
rule and the order in which the grid points are listed on
the connection entry determine the positive direction.
MID4 Material identification number for membrane-bending Integer > 0 or
coupling. See Remark 6. blank, must be
blank unless
MID1 > 0,
MID2 > 0, and
MID3 > 0, may
not equal MID1,
MID2, or MID3

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-347

Reference Manual PSHELL

Field Definition Type Default

THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. Real or blank See Remark 12
MCID Material coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 See Remark 12
SDIR Element stress component direction for tension-only 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 4 0
element. See Remark 13.
SC Compression allowable. Stress components, as Real 0.0
defined by SDIR, less than this value will degenerate the
element membrane stiffness to a shear panel.
SFACTCX Compression stiffness scale factor in the element x- Real 1.0E-10
direction. See Remark 14.
SFACTCY Compression stiffness scale factor in the element y- Real SFACTCX
direction. See Remark 14.
RTYPE Reversion element type. See Remarks 15 and 16. 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 2 1
1 = Revert to a tension-only shell element
2 = Revert to a full shear panel element
F1 Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edge Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
1-2. See Remark 17.
F2 Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edge Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
2-3. See Remark 17.
F3 Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edge Real ≥ 0.0 F1
3-4. See Remark 17.
F4 Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edge Real ≥ 0.0 F2
4-1. See Remark 17.

Remarks:

1. All PSHELL property entries must have unique identification numbers.

2. The translational structural mass is computed from the membrane material density and rotational mass from
the bending material density.
3. PSHELL entries may reference MAT1, MAT2, or MAT8 material property entries. If element reversion to a
full shear panel element is specified in a nonlinear solution and a MAT2 or MAT8 material is referenced,
PARAM, SHEARELEMTYPE must be set to NORAN or AUTO or a fatal error will be issued.
4. If the transverse shear material, MID3, references a MAT2 data entry, then G13, G23, and G33 must be zero
or blank.
5. The results of leaving an MID field blank are:
MID1 No membrane or coupling stiffness.
MID2 No bending or coupling stiffness
MID3 No transverse shear stiffness or coupling stiffness
MID4 No membrane-bending coupling unless ZOFFS is specified on the connection entry. See
Remark 6.
Note: MID1, MID2, and MID3 must be specified if the ZOFFS field is also specified on the connection entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-348

Reference Manual PSHELL

6. The MID4 field should be left blank if the material properties are symmetric with respect to the mid-surface
of the shell. If the element centerline is offset from the plane of the grid points but the material properties are
symmetric, the preferred method for modeling the offset is by use of the ZOFFS field on the connection entry.
Although the MID4 field may be used for this purpose, it may produce ill-conditioned stiffness matrices
(negative terms on factor diagonal) if done incorrectly.
7. If MID3 references an isotropic material via a MAT1 entry:
τ zx  G 0 γ
 zx 
τ  = 0 G γ yz
yz
    
8. If MID3 references an anisotropic material via a MAT2 entry:
τzx  G11 G12 γ zx 
τ  = G12 G22 γ yz
yz
    

9. If MID3 references an orthotropic material via a MAT8 entry:

τzx  G1z 0  γ zx 
 = G2z  γ yz
τyz 0
    

10. The default for Z1 is -T/2, and for Z2 is +T/2. T is the local plate thickness, defined either by T on this entry,
or by membrane thickness’ at connected grid points, if they are input on connection entries.
11. For plane strain analysis, set MID2 = -1 and set MID1 to reference a MAT1 entry.
12. THETA/MCID is used only if field 8 of the CQUAD4 or CQUADR, or field 7 of the CTRIA3 or CTRIAR entry
is blank. If field 5 of the PSHELL continuation is also blank, then THETA = 0.0 is assumed when a non-
isotropic material is referenced.
13. The SDIR field specifies which element stress component direction should be used when determining if the
element has failed and should revert to a shear panel.

SDIR Description
0 Standard tension/compression shell element
1 Use the element membrane normal-x stress
2 Use the element membrane normal-y stress
3 Use either the element membrane normal-x or normal-y stress
4 Standard shear panel element

14. The SFACTCi scale factors are applicable when RTYPE = 1 and are used to reduce the membrane stiffness
of the reverted tension-only element. The default value will revert the element membrane contribution to
tension-only while a value of 1.0 will result in no change in behavior (standard shell element). Intermediate
values provide for some compressive load carrying capability in the element. Values greater than 1.0 are
normalized relative to the element width (CQUAD4/CQUADR elements only). For example in the element
x-direction the scale factor used is SFACTCx ∗ T w y .

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-349

Reference Manual PSHELL

15. The RTYPE setting determines the element type after reversion. The default value of 1 will revert the
membrane portion of the element to tension-only behavior with limited compressive load carrying capability
determined by the SFACTCi settings. If PARAM, FIXNLTOQUAD is set to OFF and the element load state
changes back to tension, the element will revert back to a normal shell element. When RTYPE is set to 2,
the element reverts to a full shear panel with the extensional stiffness defined by the effectiveness factors,
Fi and no bending or transverse shear capability. With this setting once the element has reverted it will
remain a shear panel regardless of the PARAM, FIXNLTOQUAD setting.
16. Element reversion to tension-only behavior requires a nonlinear solution. Tension-only behavior may be
disabled by setting PARAM, NLTOQUAD to OFF (default is ON).
17. The Fi effectiveness factors are applicable when RTYPE = 2 and the element has reverted to a full shear
panel element (CSHEAR). The effective extensional area is defined by means of equivalent rods on the
perimeter of the element. If F1 ≤ 1.01, the area of the rod on edge 1-2 is set equal to (F1∗T∗PA)/(L12+ L34)
where PA is the panel surface area and L12, L34 are the lengths of sides 1-2 and 3-4. Thus, if F1 = F3 =
1.0, the panel is fully effective for extension in the 1-2 direction. If F1 > 1.01, the area of the rod on edge 1-
2 is set equal to 0.5∗F1∗T2. The rod material used is the same as the parent element. In the case of an
orthotropic material (MAT8) E1 will be used for F1 and F3 and E2 for F2 and F4.
18. The default for the MID2 and MID3 fields is MID1 when MID1 is a nonlinear material.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-350

Reference Manual PSOLID

PSOLID Solid Element Property

Description: Defines the properties of solid elements (CHEXA, CPENTA, CPYRA, and CTETRA entries).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PSOLID PID MID MCID PCPID

Example:

PSOLID 2 100 6

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Identification number of a MAT1, MAT9, MAT12, or Integer > 0 Required
MATHP, or MATHP1 entry.
MCID Identification number of the material coordinate system. Integer ≥ -1 or See Remark 3
See Remarks 3 and 4. blank
PCPID Identification number of a PCOMP entry. See Remark 5. Integer > 0 Required

Remarks:

1. PSOLID entries must have unique identification numbers.

2. Isotropic (MAT1), anisotropic (MAT9), or orthotropic (MAT12) material properties may be referenced.
3. See the CHEXA, CPENTA, CPYRA, or CTETRA entry for the definition of the element coordinate system.
The material coordinate system (MCID) may be the basic system (0), any defined system (Integer > 0), or
the element coordinate system (-1 or blank). The default for MCID is the element coordinate system.
4. If MID references a MAT9 entry, then MCID defines the material property coordinate system for Gij on the
MAT9 entry. If MID references a MAT12 entry, then MCID defines the material property coordinate system
for the Ei, Gi, and NUij on the MAT12 entry.
5. A non-zero PCPID value in field 5 specifies a layered solid element where the ply definitions are given on
the referenced PCOMP Bulk Data entry. The ply orientation is relative to the element material x-direction
similar to that of a composite shell element. The element material x-direction is defined by projecting the
MCID x-axis onto a surface defined by the element z-axis. The element z-axis also defines the element
thickness direction. Only CHEXA and CPENTA elements may be referenced if the property defines a layered
solid element.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-351

Reference Manual PSOLID

MCID
Coordinate
System

y
G3

G2

xmaterial

G4

G1
Figure 1. Layered Solid Element MCID Coordinate System Definition.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-352

Reference Manual PTUBE

PTUBE Tube Element Property

Description: Defines the properties of a cylindrical tube element (CTUBE entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PTUBE PID MID OD T NSM

Example:

PTUBE 50 30 1.2 0.1

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required
OD Tube outer diameter. Real > 0.0 Required
T Tube wall thickness. 0.0 < Real ≤ OD/2.0 Required
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit length. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. PTUBE entries must all have unique property identification numbers.

2. For structural problems, PTUBE entries may only reference MAT1 material entries.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-353

Reference Manual PVISC

PVISC Viscous Damping Element Property

Description: Defines the properties of a viscous damping element (CVISC entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PVISC PID1 CE1 CR1 PID2 CE2 CR2

Example:

PVISC 4 5.3 2.57

Field Definition Type Default

PIDi Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

CE1, CE2 Viscous damping values for extension in units of force Real or blank 0.0
per unit velocity.
CR1, CR2 Viscous damping values for rotation in units of moment Real or blank 0.0
per unit velocity.

Remarks:

1. PVISC entries must all have unique property identification numbers.

2. Viscous properties are material (temperature) independent.
3. One or two viscous element properties may be defined on a single entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-354

Reference Manual PWELD

PWELD WELD Element Property

Description: Defines the properties of a connector element (CWELD entry).

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PWELD PID MID D CTYPE

Example:

PWELD 200 5 1.5

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MID Material identification number. See Remark 2. Integer > 0 Required
CTYPE Weld connection type, one of the following character Character GENERAL
variables: SPOT or GENERAL. See Remark 3.
SPOT Weld type connection.
GENERAL General connection.
D Diameter of the connector. See Remark 2. Real > 0.0 Required

Remarks:

1. PWELD entries must all have unique property identification numbers.

2. Material MID, diameter D and the length are used to calculate the stiffness of the connector in all 6 component
directions. MID can only refer to the MAT1 Bulk Data entry. The length is the distance of GA to GB as shown
in Figure 1.
3. For CTYPE = SPOT and FTYPE = ELEMID on the CWELD entry, the effective length for the stiffness of the
weld element is set to e = (tA + tB ) / 2 regardless of the distance GA to GB. tA and tB are the shell
thicknesses of SHIDA and SHIDB on the CWELD entry. For all other cases, the effective length of the weld
element is equal to the true length, the distance of GA to GB, provided the ratio of length to diameter is in
the range 0.2 ≤ L/D ≤ 5.0. If L is below this range, the effective length is set to e = 0.2D and if L is above
this range, the effective length is set to e = 5.0D .

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-355

Reference Manual PWELD

GA4

GA3
GA
GA1

GB3
L GA2

GB

GB1

GB2
Figure 1. Length and Diameter of the Weld Connector.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-356

Reference Manual QBDY1

QBDY1 Boundary Heat Flux Load for CHBDYj Elements

Description: Defines a uniform heat flux into CHBDYj elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

QBDY1 SID Q0 EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5 EID6

Example:

QBDY1 103 2.-4 25

Alternate Format and Example:

QBDY1 SID Q0 EID1 THRU EID2

QBDY1 10 5.4 16 THRU 122

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Q0 Heat flux into element. Real Required
EIDi CHBDYj element identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
EID2 > EID1

Remarks:

1. QBDY1 entries must be selected with the Case Control command LOAD = SID in order to be used in steady
state heat transfer analysis.
2. The total power into an element is given by the equation:
Pin = (Effective area) * Q0
3. Q0 is positive for heat input.
4. At least one EID must be present on each QBDY1 entry.
5. If the alternate form is used, all elements EID1 through EID2 that are not compatible or do not exist will be
skipped.
6. Elements must not be specified more than once.
7. All elements directly referenced must exist.
8. Continuations are not allowed.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-357

Reference Manual QBDY2

QBDY2 Boundary Heat Flux Load for CHBDYj Elements, Form 2

Description: Defines grid point heat flux into CHBDYj elements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

QBDY2 SID EID Q01 Q02 Q03 Q04 Q05 Q06

Q07 Q08

Example:

QBDY2 15 120 1.-5

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EID Element identification number of a CHBDYj element. Integer > 0 Required
Q0i Heat flux at the i-th grid point on the referenced CHBDYj Real Required
element.

Remarks:

1. QBDY2 entries must be selected with the Case Control command LOAD = SID in order to be used in steady
state heat transfer analysis.
2. The total power into each point i on an element is given by the equation:
Pin = Areai * Q0
3. Q0i is positive for heat flux input to the element.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-358

Reference Manual QBDYDG

QBDYG Heat Flux Load at a Grid Point

Description: Defines a heat flux load at a grid point.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

QBDYG SID G Q0

Example:

QBDYG 5 120 10.0

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

G Grid point identification number Integer > 0 Required
Q0 Heat flux into grid point. Real Required

Remarks:

1. This entry can only be used for input to the LOADINTERPOLATE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-359

Reference Manual QHBDY

QHBDY Boundary Heat Flux Load

Description: Defines a uniform heat flux into a set of grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

QHBDY SID TYPE Q0 AF G1 G2 G3 G4

G5 G6 G7 G8

Example:

QHBDY 5 AREA4 14.5 10 11 12 13

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

TYPE Surface type, one of the following character variables: Character Required
POINT, LINE, AREA3, AREA4, AREA6, or AREA8. See
Remark 2.
Q0 Magnitude of thermal flux into face. Real Required
AF Area factor depends on type. Real > 0.0 or 0.0
blank
Gi Grid point identification of connected grid points. Integer > 0 or Required
blank

Remarks:

1. QHBDY entries must be selected with the Case Control command LOAD = SID in order to be used in steady
state heat transfer analysis.
2. The heat flux applied to the area is transformed to loads on the points. These points need not correspond to
an HBDY surface element.
3. The total power into each point i is given by the equation:
Pin = Areai * Q0
4. The number of connect points for the types are 1 (POINT), 2 (LINE), 3 (AREA3), 4 (AREA4), 4-6(AREA6), 5-
8 (AREA8).
5. The area factor AF is used to determine the effective area for the POINT and LINE types. It equals the area
and effective width, respectively. It is not used for the other types, which have their area defined implicitly.
6. The type of face (TYPE) defines a surface in the same manner as the CHBDYi data entry. For descriptions
of the geometry involved, see the CHBDYG discussion.
7. The continuation entry is optional.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-360

Reference Manual QSET

QSET Generalized Degree of Freedom

Description: Defines generalized degrees of freedom (q-set) to be used for dynamic reduction or component
mode synthesis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

QSET G1 C1 G2 C2 G3 C3 G4 C4

Example:

QSET 15 1 17 456 7 4

Field Definition Type Default

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0 Required

Ci Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. Degrees of freedom specified on QSET and QSET1 entries are automatically placed in the a-set.
2. When ASET, ASET1, QSET, and/or QSET1 entries are present, all degrees of freedom not otherwise
constrained (e.g., SPCi or MPC entries) will be placed in the omitted set (o-set).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-361

Reference Manual QSET1

QSET1 Generalized Degree of Freedom, Alternate Form

Description: Defines generalized degrees of freedom (q-set) to be used for dynamic reduction or component
mode synthesis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

QSET1 C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 G9 G10 - etc.-

Example:

QSET1 123456 6 3 7 10 18 14 11
19 23

Alternate Format and Example:

QSET1 C G1 THRU G2

QSET1 1 15 THRU 512

Field Definition Type Default

C Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required

unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks).
Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
G1 < G2

Remarks:

1. If the alternate form is used, points in the sequence G1 through G2 are not required to exist. Points that do
not exist will be skipped.
2. Degrees of freedom specified on QSET and QSET1 entries are automatically placed in the a-set.
3. When ASET, ASET1, QSET, and/or QSET1 entries are present, all degrees of freedom not otherwise
constrained (e.g., SPCi or MPC entries) will be placed in the omitted set (o-set).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-362

Reference Manual QVOL

QVOL Volume Heat Addition

Description: Defines a rate of volumetric heat addition in a conduction element.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

QVOL SID QVOL EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5

EID6 - etc.-

Example:

QVOL 4 7.3 23 45 14 8

Alternate Format and Example:

QVOL SID QVOL EID1 THRU EID2

QVOL 40 12.0 101 THRU 221

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification. Integer > 0 Required

QVOL Power input per unit volume produced by a heat Real Required
conduction element.
EIDi Element identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
EID2 > EID1

Remarks:

1. QVOL entries must be selected with the Case Control command LOAD = SID in order to be used in steady
state heat transfer analysis.
2. EIDi references material properties (MAT4 and MAT5) that include HGEN, the element material property for
heat generation, which may be temperature-dependent. If HGEN is temperature-dependent, it is based on
the average element temperature.
3. The total power into an element is given by the equation:
Pin = Volume * HGEN * QVOL
4. At least one EID must be present on each QVOL entry.
5. If the alternate form is used, all elements EID1 through EID2 that are not compatible or do not exist will be
skipped.
6. Elements must not be specified more than once.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-363

Reference Manual QVOL

7. All elements directly referenced must exist.

8. The continuation entry is optional.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-364

Reference Manual RADBC

RADBC Space Radiation Specification

Description: Specifies a CHBDYi element face for application of radiation boundary conditions.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RADBC AMBND FAMB CNTRLND EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5

Example:

RADBC 4 1.0 5

Alternate Format and Example:

RADBC AMBND FAMB CNTRLND EID1 THRU EID2 BY INC

RADBC 4 1.0 100 THRU 220 BY 10

Field Definition Type Default

AMBND Ambient point for radiation exchange. Integer > 0 Required

FAMB Radiation view factor between the face and the ambient Real ≥ 0.0 Required
point.
CNTRLND Control point for free convection boundary condition. Integer ≥ 0 or 0
blank
EIDi CHBDYi element identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
EID2 > EID1
INC Element number increment. Integer or blank 1

Remarks:

1. The basic exchange relationship can be expressed in one of the following forms:
a) ( )
q = σ ∗ FAMB ∗ uCNTRLND ∗ e T 4 − αTAMB 4 , CNTRLND ≠ 0

b) ( )
q = σ ∗FAMB ∗ e T 4 − αTAMB 4 , CNTRLND = 0
2. AMBND is treated as a black body with its own ambient temperature for radiation exchange between the
surface element and space.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-365

Reference Manual RADBC

3. Two PARAM entries are required when for radiation heat transfer:
• TABS defines the absolute temperature scale factor used to convert temperature to absolute. (See
Section 5, Parameters, for more information on TABS.)
• SIGMA ( σ ) is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on
SIGMA.)
4. RADBC allows for surface radiation to space. The emissivity and absorptivity are supplied from a RADM
entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-366

Reference Manual RADCAV

RADCAV Radiation Cavity Identification

Description: Identifies the characteristics of each radiant enclosure.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RADCAV ICAVITY ELEAMB SHADOW SCALE

Example:

RADCAV 1 1

Field Definition Type Default

ICAVITY Unique cavity identification number associated with Integer > 0

enclosure radiation.
ELEAMB CHBDYi surface element identification number for Integer > 0,
radiation if the view factors add up to less than 1.0. See Unique among all
Remark 1. CHBDYi elements
SHADOW Flag to control third body shading calculation during Character YES
view factor calculation for each identified cavity, one of
the following character variables: YES or NO. See
Remark 2.
SCALE View factor that the enclosure sum will be set to if a view 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 0.0
factor is greater than 1.0. See Remark 3.

Remarks:

1. For the surface of an incomplete enclosure (view factors add up to less than 1.0), a complete enclosure may
be achieved (SUM = 1.0) by specifying an ambient element, ELEAMB. When multiple cavities are defined,
each cavity must have a unique ambient element if ambient elements are desired. No elements can be
shared between cavities.
2. Third-body shadowing is ignored in the cavity if SHADOW = NO. In particular, if it is known a priori that there
is no third-body shadowing, SHADOW = NO overrides KSHD and KBSHD fields in the VIEW Bulk Data entry
as well as reduces the calculation time.
3. The view factors for a complete enclosure may add up to slightly more than 1.0 due to calculation
inaccuracies. SCALE can be used to adjust all the view factors proportionately to acquire a summation equal
to the value specified for SCALE. If SCALE is left blank or set to 0.0, no scaling is performed.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-367

Reference Manual RADM

RADM Radiation Boundary Material Property

Description: Defines the radiation property of a boundary element for heat transfer analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RADM RADMID ABSORP EMISIV

Example:

RADM 12 0.8 0.8

Field Definition Type Default

RADMID Material identification number. Integer > 0 Required

ABSORP Surface absorptivity. 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 Required
EMISIV Surface emissivity. 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 Required

Remarks:

1. The RADM entry is directly referenced only by a CHBDYG or CHBDYP surface element entry.
2. Two PARAM entries are required when for radiation heat transfer:
• TABS defines the absolute temperature scale factor used to convert temperature to absolute. (See
Section 5, Parameters, for more information on TABS.)
• SIGMA ( σ ) is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on
SIGMA.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-368

Reference Manual RADMT

RADMT Radiation Boundary Material Property Temperature Dependence

Description: Specifies table references for temperature-dependent radiation boundary properties.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RADMT RADMID T(α) T(ε)

Example:

RADMT 11 10 20

Field Definition Type Default

RADMID Material identification number Integer > 0 Required

T(α) TABLEMj identifier for surface absorptivity. Integer ≥ 0 or Required
blank
T(ε) TABLEMj identifier for surface emissivity. Integer ≥ 0 or Required
blank

Remarks:

1. The basic quantities on the RADM entry of the RADMID are always multiplied by the corresponding tabular
function.
2. Tables T(α) and T(ε) have an upper bound that is less than or equal to one and a lower bound that is greater
than or equal to zero.
3. The TABLEMj enforces the element temperature as the independent variable. Blank or zero fields means
there is no temperature dependence of the referenced property on the RADM entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-369

Reference Manual RADSET

RADSET Identifies a Set of Radiation Cavities

Description: Specifies which radiation cavities are to be included for radiation enclosure analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RADSET ICAVITY1 ICAVITY2 ICAVITY3 ICAVITY4 ICAVITY5 ICAVITY6 ICAVITY7 ICAVITY8

ICAVITY9 - etc.-

Example:

RADSET 10 1 2 3

Field Definition Type Default

ICAVITYi Unique identification number for a radiation cavity to be Integer > 0

considered for enclosure radiation analysis.

Remarks:

1. For multiple radiation cavities, RADSET specifies which cavities are to be included in the analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-370

Reference Manual RANDPS

RANDPS Power Spectral Density Specification

Description: Defines load set power spectral density factors for use in random analysis having the frequency
dependent form.

S jk (F ) = (X + iY)G(F )

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RANDPS SID J K X Y TID

Example:

RANDPS 10 6 14 2.5 2.0 1

Field Definition Type Default

SID Random analysis set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

J Subcase identification number of the excited load set. Integer > 0 Required
K Subcase identification number of the applied load set. Integer > 0 or Required
blank, K ≥ J
X, Y Components of complex number. Real 0.0
TID Identification number of a TABRND1 card which defines Integer ≥ 0 or See Remark 4
G(F) blank

Remarks:

1. Set identification numbers must be selected with the Case Control command (RANDOM=SID).
2. For auto spectral density, J = K, X must be greater than zero and Y must be equal to zero.
3. For uncoupled power spectral density functions (i.e., no J < K entries) any number of J = K entries are allowed
with unique values of J. For coupled power spectral density functions (i.e., some J < K entries) a maximum
of four entries may be specified.
4. For TID=0 or blank, G(F)=1.0.
5. RANDPS Bulk Data entries may not reference subcases in a different loop. Loops are defined by a change
in the FREQUENCY command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-371

Reference Manual RANDT1

RANDT1 Autocorrelation Function Time Lag

Description: Defines time lag constants for use in random analysis autocorrelation function calculation.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RANDT1 SID N T0 TMAX

Example:

RANDT1 5 10 3.2 9.6

Field Definition Type Default

SID Random analysis set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

N Number of time lag intervals. Integer > 0 Required
T0 Starting time lag. Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
TMAX Maximum time lag. Real > T0 Required

Remarks:

1. Time lags sets must be selected with the Case Control command (RANDOM=SID).
2. At least one RANDPS entry must be present with the same set identification number.
3. The time lags defined on this entry are given by:
TMAX − T0
Ti = T0 + (i − 1), i = 1, N + 1
N

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-372

Reference Manual RBAR

RBAR Rigid Bar

Description: Defines a rigid bar with six degrees of freedom at each end.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RBAR EID GA GB CNA CNB CMA CMB

Example:

RBAR 12 3 7 123456

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GA, GB Grid point identification number of connection points. Integer > 0 Required
CNA, CNB Component numbers of independent degrees of freedom 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 See Remark 1
in the global coordinate system for the element at grid or blank
points GA and GB. (Up to six unique digits may be
placed in the field with no embedded blanks.)
CMA, CMB Component numbers of dependent degrees of freedom 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 See Remark 2
in the global coordinate system assigned by the element or blank and 3
at grid points GA and GB. (Up to six unique digits may
be placed in the field with no embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. The total number of components in CNA and CNB must equal six; for example, CNA = 1235, CNB = 34.
Furthermore, they must jointly be capable of representing any general rigid body motion of the element.
2. If both CMA and CMB are zero or blank, all of the degrees of freedom not in CNA and CNB will be made
dependent.
3. The dependent degrees of freedom specified on this entry may not additionally constrained by other rigid
elements or single-point constraints.
4. Degrees of freedom declared to be independent by one rigid body element can be made dependent by
another rigid body element or by a multipoint constraint.
5. Rigid elements, unlike MPCs, are not selected through the Case Control Section.
6. Forces of multipoint constraint may be recovered with the MPCFORCE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-373

Reference Manual RBE

RBE1 Rigid Body Element, Form 1

Description: Defines a rigid body connected to an arbitrary number of grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RBE1 EID GN1 CN1

GM1 CM1 GM2 CM2 GM3 CM3
GM4 CM4 - etc.-

Example:

RBE1 67 58 123456
61 123 77 23 105 3

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GNi Identification number of grid point to which independent Integer > 0 Required
degrees of freedom for the element are assigned.
CNi Independent degrees of freedom in the global coordinate 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
system for the rigid element at grid points GNi. See
Remark 1. (Up to six unique digits may be placed in the
field with no embedded blanks.)
GMj Grid point identification numbers at which dependent Integer > 0
degrees of freedom are assigned.
CMj Dependent degrees of freedom in the global coordinate 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6
system at grid points GMj. (Up to six unique digits may
be placed in the field with no embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. A dependent degree of freedom assigned by one element cannot be assigned dependent by another rigid
element or MPC entry and cannot be additionally constrained (e.g., single-point constraint).
2. By default, a dependent degree of freedom assigned by one element cannot be assigned dependent by
another rigid element or MPC entry and cannot be additionally constrained (e.g., single-point constraint). If
this behavior is desired use PARAM, AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC which when set to ON will allow the constraint of
dependent degrees of freedom (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC.)
3. A degree of freedom cannot be both independent and dependent for the same element. However, both
independent and dependent components can exist at the same grid point.
4. Rigid elements, unlike MPCs, are not selected through the Case Control Section.
5. Forces of multipoint constraint may be recovered with the MPCFORCE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-374

Reference Manual RBE

RBE2 Rigid Body Element, Form 2

Description: Defines a rigid body whose independent degrees of freedom are specified at a single grid point and
whose dependent degrees of freedom are specified at an arbitrary number of grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RBE2 EID GN CM GM1 GM2 GM3 GM4 GM5

GM6 GM7 GM8 GM9 - etc.- A

Example:

RBE2 12 2 123 15 18 22 25 27
34

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GN Identification number of grid point to which all six Integer > 0 Required
independent degrees of freedom for the element are
assigned.
CM Component numbers of dependent degrees of freedom 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
in the global coordinate system of grid point GN at grid
points GMi. (Up to six unique digits may be placed in the
field with no embedded blanks.)
GMi Grid point identification numbers at which dependent Integer > 0
degrees of freedom are assigned.
A Thermal expansion coefficient. Real or blank 0.0

Remarks:

1. The components indicated by CM are made dependent at all grid points GMi.
2. By default, a dependent degree of freedom assigned by one element cannot be assigned dependent by
another rigid element or MPC entry and cannot be additionally constrained (e.g., single-point constraint). If
this behavior is desired use PARAM, AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC which when set to ON will allow the constraint of
dependent degrees of freedom (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC.)
3. Degrees of freedom declared to be independent by one rigid body element can be made dependent by
another rigid body element or by a multipoint constraint.
4. Rigid elements, unlike MPCs, are not selected through the Case Control Section.
5. Forces of multipoint constraint may be recovered with the MPCFORCE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-375

Reference Manual RBE3

RBE3 Interpolation Constraint Element

Description: Defines the motion at a reference grid point as the weighted average of the motions at a set of other
grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RBE3 EID REFGRID REFC WT1 C1 G1,1 G1,2

- etc. - WT2 C2 G2,1 G2,2 - etc.- WT3 C3
G3,1 G3,2 - etc.- WT4 C4 G4,1 G4,2 - etc.-
UM GM1 CM1 GM2 CM2 GM3 CM3
GM4 CM4 GM5 CM5 GM6 CM6

Example:

RBE3 20 101 1234 1.0 123 1 3

5 4.5 1 2 4 6 6.1 2
7 8 9 8.3 1 12 17
UM 1 2

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

REFGRID Reference grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
REFC Component numbers at the reference grid point. (Up to 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
six unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)
WTi Weighting factor for components of motion at grid points Real Required
Gi,j.
Ci Component numbers with weighting factor WTi at grid 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
points Gi,j. (Up to three unique digits may be placed in
the field with no embedded blanks.)
Gi,j Grid points whose components Ci have weighting factor Integer > 0 Required
WTi in the averaging equations.
GMi Grid points whose components CMi are to be made Integer > 0 Required
dependent. See Remark 7.
CMi Component numbers of GM. (Up to six unique digits 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
may be placed in the field with no embedded blanks.)
See Remark 7.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-376

Reference Manual RBE3

Remarks:

1. Components Ci at grid points Gi,j must be able to react rigid body motion resulting from REFC. For most
applications components 123 can be specified for Ci, except when Gi,j is collinear. In the latter case, only
the inplane components should be specified.
2. Blank spaces may be left at the end of a Gi,j sequence.
3. By default, a dependent degree of freedom assigned by one element cannot be assigned dependent by
another rigid element or MPC entry and cannot be additionally constrained (e.g., single-point constraint). If
this behavior is desired use PARAM, AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC which when set to ON will allow the constraint of
dependent degrees of freedom (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC.)
4. Degrees of freedom declared to be independent by one rigid body element can be made dependent by
another rigid body element or by a multipoint constraint.
5. Rigid elements, unlike MPCs, are not selected through the Case Control Section.
6. Forces of multipoint constraint may be recovered with the MPCFORCE Case Control command.
7. The purpose of the GMi and CMi fields are to replace dependent reference degrees of freedom with
independent ones which can be either assigned dependent by another rigid element or MPC entry or be
additionally constrained (e.g., single-point constraint). Specification of these degrees of freedom can result
in the generation of invalid MPC equations and subsequent fatal errors. The preferred method is the use of
PARAM, AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC which when set to ON will allow the constraint of dependent degrees of
freedom (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-377

Reference Manual RFORCE

RFORCE Rotational Force

Description: Defines static loading resulting from angular velocity and/or acceleration.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RFORCE SID G CID A R1 R2 R3

RACC

Example:

RFORCE 5 66 -4.2 0.0 0.0 1.0

2.5

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

G Grid point identification number. Integer ≥ 0 or 0
blank
CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ 0 or 0
blank
A Scale factor of the angular velocity in revolutions per Real Required
unit time.

R1, R2, R3 Rectangular component of rotation vector R . The Real Required;
vector defined will pass through point G. must have at
least one
nonzero
component
RACC Scale factor of the angular acceleration in revolutions Real 0.0
per unit time squared.

Remarks:

1. The force vector at grid point Gi in Figure 1, is given

 by:
{} [ ][ (
 
( )) + α (
 
)]
F i = m i ω x ω x ri - ra x ri - ra
where,  
angular velocity is given by ω = 2π A ∗ R (radians/unit time)

 
angular acceleration is given by α = 2π RACC ∗ R (radians/unit time squared)

[m]i is the translational mass matrix at grid point Gi

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-378

Reference Manual RFORCE

zbasic
zCID

R3
G yCID
R1
R2

ra

Gi
ri 
F

xCID

ybasic
xbasic
Figure 1. RFORCE Vector at Grid Point Gi.

2. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).
3. G = 0 indicates that the rotation vector acts through the origin of the basic coordinate system.
4. A CID of zero references the basic coordinate system.
5. The continuation entry is optional.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-379

Reference Manual RLOAD1

RLOAD1 Frequency Response Dynamic Load, Form 1

Description: Defines a frequency-dependent dynamic load of the form

P(f ) = A[C(f ) + iD(f )]ei[θ − 2π fτ ]

for use in frequency response problems.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RLOAD1 SID EXCITEID DELAY DPHASE TC TD TYPE

Example:

RLOAD1 5 12 2

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EXCITEID DAREA or SPCD entry set identification number that Integer > 0 Required
defines A.
DELAY DELAY set identification number that defines τ. Integer > 0 or
blank
DPHASE DPHASE set identification number that defines θ. Integer > 0 or
blank
TC TABLEDi set identification number that defines C(f ). Integer > 0 or
blank
TD TABLEDi set identification number that defines D(f ). Integer > 0 or
blank
TYPE Defines the nature of the dynamic excitation. See 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 or 0
Remark 2. character

Remarks:

1. Dynamic load sets must be selected with the Case Control command DLOAD=SID.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-380

Reference Manual RLOAD1

2. The nature of the dynamic excitation is defined in the following table:

TYPE Type of Dynamic Excitation

0, L, or LOAD Applied load (force or moment) (default)
1, D, or DISP Enforced displacement using SPCD
2, V, or VELO Enforced velocity using SPCD
3, A, or ACCE Enforced acceleration using SPCD

3. The TYPE field determines the manner in which the EXCITEID field is used as described below
a) Excitation specified by TYPE is an applied load
• If there is no LOADSET request in the Case Control then EXCITEID may directly reference
DAREA, static, and thermal load set entries.
• If there is a LOADSET request in the Case Control then the model will reference static and thermal
load set entries specified by the LID or TID field in the selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the
EXCITEID.
b) Excitation specified by TYPE is an enforced motion
• If there is no LOADSET request in the Case Control then EXCITEID will reference SPCD entries.
• If there is a LOADSET request in Case Control then the model will reference SPCD entries
specified by the LID field in the selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the EXCITEID.
4. If any of DELAY, DPHASE, TC, or TD fields are blank, the corresponding τ, θ, C(f ), and D(f ) will be zero.
Either TC or TD may be blank, but not both.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-381

Reference Manual RLOAD2

RLOAD2 Frequency Response Dynamic Load, Form 2

Description: Defines a frequency-dependent dynamic load of the form

P(f ) = AB(f )ei[φ(f ) + θ − 2π fτ ]

for use in frequency response problems.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RLOAD2 SID EXCITEID DELAY DPHASE TB TP TYPE

Example:

RLOAD2 12 4 3

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EXCITEID DAREA or SPCD entry set identification number that Integer > 0 Required
defines A.
DELAY DELAY set identification number that defines τ. Integer > 0 or
blank
DPHASE DPHASE set identification number that defines θ. Integer > 0 or
blank
TB TABLEDi set identification number that defines B(f ). Integer > 0 or
blank
TP TABLEDi set identification number that defines φ (f ). Integer > 0 or
blank
TYPE Defines the nature of the dynamic excitation. See Remark 2. 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 or 0
character

Remarks:

1. Dynamic load sets must be selected with the Case Control command DLOAD=SID.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-382

Reference Manual RLOAD2

2. The nature of the dynamic excitation is defined in the following table:

TYPE Type of Dynamic Excitation

0, L, or LOAD Applied load (force or moment) (default)
1, D, or DISP Enforced displacement using SPCD
2, V, or VELO Enforced velocity using SPCD
3, A, or ACCE Enforced acceleration using SPCD

3. The TYPE field determines the manner in which the EXCITEID field is used as described below
a) Excitation specified by TYPE is an applied load
• If there is no LOADSET request in the Case Control then EXCITEID may directly reference
DAREA, static, and thermal load set entries.
• If there is a LOADSET request in the Case Control then the model will reference static and thermal
load set entries specified by the LID or TID field in the selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the
EXCITEID.
b) Excitation specified by TYPE is an enforced motion
• If there is no LOADSET request in the Case Control then EXCITEID will reference SPCD entries.
• If there is a LOADSET request in Case Control then the model will reference SPCD entries
specified by the LID field in the selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the EXCITEID.
4. If any of DELAY, DPHASE, or TP fields are blank, the corresponding τ, θ, φ (f ) will be zero.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-383

Reference Manual RROD

RROD Rigid Pin-Ended Element Connection

Description: Defines a pin-ended element that is rigid in translation.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RROD EID GA GB CMA CMB

Example:

RROD 15 1 2 2

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GA, GB Grid point identification number of connection points. Integer > 0 Required
CMA, CMB Component number of one and only one dependent 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 Either CMA or
translational degree of freedom in the global coordinate CMB has a
system assigned by the user to either GA or GB. single value,
the other must
be blank

Remarks:

1. A dependent degree of freedom assigned by one element cannot be assigned dependent by another rigid
element or MPC entry and cannot be additionally constrained (e.g., single-point constraint).
2. Degrees of freedom declared to be independent by one rigid body element can be made dependent by
another rigid body element or by a multipoint constraint.
3. Rigid elements, unlike MPCs are not selected through the Case Control Section.
4. Forces of multipoint constraint may be recovered with the MPCFORCE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-384

Reference Manual RSPLINE

RSPLINE Interpolation Constraint Element

Description: Defines multipoint constraints for the interpolation of displacements at grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RSPLINE EID D/L G1 G2 C2 G3 C3 G4

C4 G5 C5 G6 -etc.-

Example:

RSPLINE 65 30 31 123456 32 33
123 70 123 71

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

D/L Ratio of the diameter of the elastic tube to the sum of the Real > 0.0 0.1
lengths of all segments.
Gi Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Ci Components to be constrained. See Remark 2. 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required

Remarks:

1. Displacements are interpolated from the equations of an elastic beam passing through the grid points.
2. A blank field for Ci indicates that all six degrees of freedom at Gi are independent. Since G1 must be
independent, no field is provided for C1. Since the last grid point must also be independent, the last field
must be a Gi, not a Ci. For the example shown G1, G3 and G6 are independent. G2 has six constrained
degrees of freedom while G4 and G5 each have three.
3. The constraint coefficient matrix is affected by the order of the Gi Ci pairs on the RSPLINE entry. The order
of the pairs should be specified in the same order that they appear along the line that joins the two regions.
If this order is not followed then the RSPLINE will have folds in it that may yield some unexpected interpolation
results.
4. The independent degrees of freedom that are the rotation components most nearly parallel to the line joining
the regions should not normally be constrained.
5. A dependent degree of freedom assigned by one element cannot be assigned dependent by another rigid
element or MPC entry and cannot be additionally constrained (e.g., single-point constraint).
6. Degrees of freedom declared to be independent by one rigid body element can be made dependent by
another rigid body element or by a multipoint constraint.
8. Rigid elements, unlike MPCs, are not selected through the Case Control Section.
9. Forces of multipoint constraint may be recovered with the MPCFORCE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-385

Reference Manual RTRPLT

RTRPLT Rigid Triangular Plate

Description: Defines a rigid triangular plate.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RTRPLT EID GA GB GC CNA CNB CNC

CMA CMB CMC

Example:

RTRPLT 5 1 2 3 123456

Field Definition Type Default

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

GA, GB Grid point identification number of connection points. Integer > 0 Required
CNA, CNB, Independent degrees of freedom in the global coordinate 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 See Remark 1
CNC system for the element at grid points GA, GB, and GC. or blank
(Up to six unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)
CMA, CMB, Component numbers of dependent degrees of freedom 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6
CMC in the global coordinate system assigned by the element or blank
at grid points GA and GB. (Up to six unique digits may
be placed in the field with no embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. The total number of components in CNA, CNB, and CNC must equal six; for example, CNA = 1235, CNB =
3, and CNC = 3. Furthermore, they must jointly be capable of representing any general rigid body motion of
the element.
2. If CMA, CMB, and CMC are all zero blank or if the continuation entry is omitted, all of the degrees of freedom
not in CNA, CNB, or CNC will be made dependent.
3. A dependent degree of freedom assigned by one element cannot be assigned dependent by another rigid
element or MPC entry and cannot be additionally constrained (e.g., single-point constraint).
4. Rigid elements, unlike MPCs, are not selected through the Case Control Section.
5. Forces of multipoint constraint may be recovered with the MPCFORCE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-386

 Reference Manual RVDOF

RVDOF Degrees of Freedom Specification for Residual Vectors

Description: Defines degrees of freedom where unit loads are to be applied to obtain static solutions for use in
residual vector computations.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RVDOF G1 C1 G2 C2 G3 C3 G4 C4

Example:

RVDOF 25 3 13 456 19 4

Field Definition Type Default

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0 Required

Ci Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. In some cases it may be more convenient to use RVDOF1.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-387

 Reference Manual RVDOF1

RVDOF1 Degrees of Freedom Specification for Residual Vectors, Alternate Form

Description: Defines degrees of freedom where unit loads are to be applied to obtain static solutions for use in
residual vector computations.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RVDOF1 C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 G9 G10 - etc.-

Example:

RVDOF1 123 6 3 2 15 19 14 21
29 43

Alternate Format and Example:

RVDOF1 C G1 THRU G2

RVDOF1 456 15 THRU 512

Field Definition Type Default

C Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required

unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)
Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
G1 < G2

Remarks:

1. If the alternate form is used, points in the sequence G1 through G2 are not required to exist. Points that do
not exist will be skipped.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-388

Reference Manual SEELT

SEELT Superelement Interior Element Definition

Description: Defines interior elements for a superelement.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SEELT SEID EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5 EID6 EID7

Example:

SEELT 6 15 17 39 122

Alternate Format and Example:

SEELT SEID EID1 THRU EID2

SEELT 6 15 THRU 26

Field Definition Type Default

SEID Superelement identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EIDi Element identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
EID1 < EID2

Remarks:

1. SEELT defines elements to be included in a superelement. SEELT may be used as the primary means of
defining superelements or it may be used in combination with SESET or field 9 of the GRID Bulk Data entry
which define grid points interior to a superelement.
2. EIDi may appear on an SEELT entry only once.
3. If the alternate form is used, elements in the sequence EID1 through EID2 are not required to exist. Elements
that do not exist will be skipped.
4. All degrees of freedom for grid points attached to EIDi that are interior to the superelement boundary are
placed in the omit set (o-set) of the superelement.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-389

Reference Manual SELABEL

SELABEL Superelement Output Label

Description: Defines a label or name to be displayed in the superelement output headings.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SELABEL SEID LABEL

Example:

SELABEL 10 ENGINE SECTION WITH SOLID ROCKET MOTORS

Field Definition Type Default

SEID Superelement identification number. Integer > 0 Required

LABEL Label associated with superelement SEID for output Character
headings.

Remarks:

1. Only one SELABEL per superelement may be specified.

2. The label will appear in all superelement output headings.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-390

Reference Manual SESET

SESET Superelement Interior Point Definition

Description: Defines interior grid points for a superelement.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SESET SEID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7

Example:

SESET 2 5 7 29 122

Alternate Format and Example:

SESET SEID G1 THRU G2

SESET 2 55 THRU 126

Field Definition Type Default

SEID Superelement identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
G1 < G2

Remarks:

1. Interior grid points may also be defined via field 9 of the GRID Bulk Data entry. SESET defines grid points
to be included as interior to a superelement. SESET may be used as the primary means of defining
superelements or it may be used in combination with SEELT entries which define elements interior to a
superelement.
2. Gi may appear on an SESET entry only once.
3. If the alternate form is used, points in the sequence G1 through G2 are not required to exist. Points that do
not exist will be skipped.
4. All degrees of freedom for Gi are placed in the omit set (o-set) of the superelement.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-391

Reference Manual SLOAD

SLOAD Static Scalar Load

Description: Defines concentrated static loads on scalar or grid points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SLOAD SID S1 F1 S2 F2 S3 F3

Example:

SLOAD 33 5 6.5 15 -2.5 17 -4.7

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification. Integer > 0 Required

Si Scalar or grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Fi Load magnitude. Real 0.0

Remarks:

1. SLOAD is only supported in heat transfer analysis and must be selected with the Case Control command
LOAD = SID.
2. Up to three loads may be defined on a single entry.
3. If Si refers to a grid point, the load is applied to component T1 of the displacement coordinate system (see
the CD field on the GRID entry).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-392

Reference Manual SNDATA

SNDATA Stress-Life Method Material Fatigue Data

Description: Specifies material property data needed for fatigue analysis. This entry is used if a MAT1, MAT2,
MAT8, MAT9, or MAT12 entry is specified with the same MID.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SNDATA MID B SU N0 KF BE SE

Example:

SNDATA 200 0.16 4.5+3 0.9

Field Definition Type Default

MID Identification number of a MAT1, MAT2, MAT8, MAT9, Integer > 0 Required
or MAT12 entry.
B S-N curve slope. See Remark 3. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2.
SU Intercept stress level. Typically taken as the material Real > 0.0 See Remark 2.
ultimate stress. See Remark 3.
N0 Intercept cycles. See Remark 3. Integer > 0 1000
KF Factor applied to compensate for life reduction effects Real > 0.0 1.0
such as finish, corrosion, and notch effects. See
Remark 3.
BE Slope after endurance limit. See Remark 4. Real > 0.0 0.1*B
SE Endurance limit. See Remark 3. Real ≥ 0.0 0.2*SU

Remarks:

1. SNDATA entries must all have unique set identification numbers.

2. VFATIGUE and FATIGUE entries provide defaults to SNDATA. Values not specified on SNDATA entries will
be replaced with ones from the VFATIGUE or FATIGUE entry STRESS continuation.
3. The S-N curve shown in Figure 1 is characterized by the following equations
If Si ≥ Se If Si < Se
1 1
 SU B  SE BE
Nf = N0  Nf = Ne  KF ∗ S
 KF ∗ Si   i 

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-393

Reference Manual SNDATA

where,
Nf is the number of cycles to failure
Si is the amplitude of input stress (Smax – Smin)/2
Ne is the number of failure cycles at the endurance limit

4. A small slope is required to prevent infinite life. See Figure 1.

Log S (Stress)

Su

-B

Se
-Be

Ne
x
N0 Log N (Cycles)

Figure 1. Stress-Life Curve Format.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-394

Reference Manual SPC

SPC Single Point Constraint

Description: Defines sets of single-point constraints and enforced displacements.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SPC SID G1 C1 D1 G2 C2 D2

Example:

SPC 2 32 436 2.5

Field Definition Type Default

SID Identification number of single point constraint set. Integer ≥ 0 Required

Gi Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Ci Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)
Di Enforced displacement for all coordinates designated by Real or blank 0.0
G and C.

Remarks:

1. Single-point constraint sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (SPC = SID).
2. From one to twelve degrees of freedom may be defined on a single entry.
3. Continuations are not allowed.
4. The SPCD entry is the preferred method for applying enforced displacements, rather than the “D” field
described above when multiple subcases with different enforced displacement conditions are applied.
5. Single-point constraint sets with SID set to zero will be applied to all subcases.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-395

Reference Manual SPC1

SPC1 Single Point Constraint, Alternate Form

Description: Defines sets of single-point constraints.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SPC1 SID C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 G9 - etc.-

Example:

SPC1 2 123 436 432 455 460 470

Alternate Format and Example:

SPC1 SID C G1 THRU G2

SPC1 2 246 2 THRU 122

Field Definition Type Default

SID Identification number of single-point constraint set. Integer ≥ 0 Required

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
G1 < G2
C Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. Note that enforced displacements are not available via this entry.
2. Single-point constraint sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (SPC = SID) to be used.
3. If the alternate form is used, points in the sequence G1 through G2 are not required to exist. Points that do
not exist will be skipped.
4. Single-point constraint sets with SID set to zero will be applied to all subcases.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-396

Reference Manual SPCADD

SPCADD Single Point Constraint Set Combination

Description: Defines a single-point constraint set as a union of single-point constraint sets defined via SPC or
SPC1 entries.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SPCADD SID S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7
S8 S9 - etc.-

Example:

SPCADD 2 4 5 6 8

Field Definition Type Default

SID Identification number of single point constraint set. Integer > 0 Required
Si Identification numbers of single-point constraint sets Integer > 0; Required
defined via SPC or by SPC1 entries. SID ≠ Si

Remarks:

1. The Si values must be unique.

2. Single-point constraint sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (SPC = SID) to be used.
3. No Si may be the identification number of a single-point constraint set defined by another SPCADD entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-397

Reference Manual SPCD

SPCD Enforced Displacement Value

Description: Defines an enforced displacement value for static analysis, which is requested as a LOAD.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SPCD SID G1 C1 D1 G2 C2 D2

Example:

SPCD 2 523 246 1.6

Field Definition Type Default

SID Identification number of single load set. Integer ≥ 0 Required

Gi Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Ci Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)
D Enforced displacement for all coordinates designated by Real or blank 0.0
G and C.

Remarks:

1. A global coordinate (G and C) referenced on this entry must also be referenced on a SPC or SPC1 Bulk Data
entry and selected by the SPC Case Control command.
2. Values of D will override the values specified on an SPC Bulk Data entry, if the SID is selected on the LOAD
Case Control command.
3. SPCD loads may be combined with other loads using the LOAD Bulk Data entry.
4. This is the preferred method for applying enforced displacements, rather than the “D” field of the SPC entry
when multiple subcases with different enforced displacement conditions are applied.
5. SPCD loads with SID set to zero will be applied to all subcases.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-398

Reference Manual SPOINT

SPOINT Scalar Point Definition

Description: Defines scalar points.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SPOINT ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4 ID5 ID6 ID7 ID8

Example:

SPOINT 5 22 2 7 45 6

Alternate Format and Example:

SPOINT ID1 THRU ID2

SPOINT 8 THRU 345

Field Definition Type Default

IDi Scalar point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required

ID2 > ID1

Remarks:

1. All scalar point identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other grid, scalar, and extra points.
2. At least one ID must be present on each SPOINT entry.
3. If the alternate form is used, all points ID1 through ID2 that do not exist will be skipped.
4. Scalar points must not be specified more than once.
5. Continuations are not allowed.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-399

Reference Manual STRAIN

STRAIN Element Initial Strain

Description: Defines the shell and solid element initial strain state for use in nonlinear analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

STRAIN SID EID S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6

S7 S8 - etc.-

Example:

STRAIN 15 23 1.075-5 -2.364-5 4.006-8 2.235-4 -2.096-7 1.084-9

S7 S8 - etc.-

Alternate Format and Example:

STRAIN SID EID1 S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6

THRU ED2

STRAIN 15 23 1.075-5 -2.364-5 4.006-8 2.235-4 -2.096-7 1.084-9

THRU 55

Field Definition Type Default

SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Si Strain component values. See Remark 5. Real 0.0

Remarks:

1. Initial strain sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (INITSTRAIN = SID).
2. If the alternate form is used, all elements EID1 through EID2 that are not compatible or do not exist will be
skipped.
3. Elements must not be specified more than once.
4. All elements directly referenced must exist.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-400

Reference Manual STRAIN

5. Strain vectors are specified either at the element centroid or the corner nodes. When corner data is input
the strain vector repeats the number of corner nodes minus one times. For shell elements the input format
is:

 ε x  S1  ε x  S4
  γ yz  S7
ε Membrane 2 ε Bending = S5 Transverse Shear =
 y  = S 
  y       
γ  S3 γ  S6 γ zx  S8
xy xy
       

For solid elements the format is:

 ε x  S1
εy  
  S2 
 εz  S3
 =  
γ xy  S 
γ  S5
 yz   
γ
 zx  S6

6. STRAIN Bulk Data entries can be exported using the TRSLSTRNDATA Model Initialization directive. (See
Section 2, Initialization, for more information on TRSLSTRNDATA.)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-401

Reference Manual SUPORT

SUPORT Spectrum Input Location

Description: Specifies input spectrum degrees of freedom for response spectrum analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SUPORT GID C

Example:

SUPORT 6 3

Field Definition Type Default

GID Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required

C Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. Note that SUPORT is spelled with one P.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-402

Reference Manual TABDMP1

TABDMP1 Modal Damping Table

Description: Defines model damping as a tabular function of frequency.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABDMP1 TID TYPE

f1 g1 f2 g2 f3 g3 - etc.-

Example:

TABDMP1 2
1.4 0.03068 2.6 0.04372 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

TYPE Type of damping units, one of the following character Character G
variables: G, CRIT, or Q.
fi Frequency value in cycles per unit time. Real ≥ 0.0 Required
gi Damping value. Real Required

Remarks:

1. Modal damping tables must be selected with the Case Control command SDAMPING = TID.
2. The frequency values, fi must be in either ascending or descending order, but not both.
3. Discontinuities may be specified between any two points. If g is evaluated at a discontinuity, then the average
value of g is used. In Figure 1, the value of g at f = f3 is g = (g3 + g4)/2.
4. At least one continuation entry must be specified.
5. Any fi-gi pair may be ignored by placing SKIP in either of the two fields.
6. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
7. TABDMP1 uses the algorithm
g = gT (f )
where f is input to the table and g is returned. The table look-up is performed using linear interpolation within
the table and linear extrapolation outside the table using the two starting or endpoints, see Figure 1. No
warning messages are given if table data is input incorrectly.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-403

Reference Manual TABDMP1

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Linear
Extrapolation
of Segment
f1-f2

f1 f2 f3, f5 f6 f7 f8, f
f4 f9
f
Extrapolated

Figure 1. Example of Table Extrapolation and Discontinuity.

8. This form of damping is only used in modal formulations of complex eigenvalue, transient response, or
frequency response analysis. The type of damping used depends on the solution sequence (structural
damping is displacement-dependent and viscous damping is velocity-dependent).
9. PARAM, KDAMP may be used in solution sequences that perform modal frequency and modal complex
eigenvalue analysis to select the type of damping. (See Section 5, Parameters, for more information on
KDAMP.)
10. If TYPE is G or blank, the damping values gi, etc., are in units of equivalent viscous dampers, as follows:
g
b = iK
i ω i
i

If TYPE is CRIT, the damping values gi, etc., are in the units of fraction of critical damping C/C0. If TYPE is
Q, the damping values gi are in the units of the amplification or quality factor, Q. These constants are related
by the following equations:

C C0 = g 2
1/(2C/C0 )
Q= 
1/g 

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-404

Reference Manual TABFV

TABFV Stiffness Velocity-Dependence Table

Description: Specifies the force versus displacement tables for a nonlinear shock and vibration element
(CBUSH1D) which references a PMOUNT property.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABFV TID
V1 TID1 V2 TID2 V3 TID3 - etc.-

Example:

TABFV 105
130.0 20 195.0 40 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Vi Velocity values. Real Required
TIDi Table identification numbers of TABLED1 entries. Integer > 0 Required

Remarks:

1. TIDi must be unique with respect to all TABLED1 and TABFV table identification numbers.
2. Velocity values must be listed in ascending order.
3. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
4. This table is referenced only by PMOUNT entries that define a nonlinear shock and vibration element
(CBUSH1D).

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-405

Reference Manual TABLED1

TABLED1 Dynamic Load Tabular Function, Form 1

Description: Defines a tabular function for use in generating time-dependent dynamic loads.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABLED1 TID XAXIS YAXIS

x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 - etc.-

Example:

TABLED1 32
-2.0 8.0 1.9 6.5 3.1 7. 6 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

XAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the x- Character LINEAR
axis, one of the following character variables: LINEAR or
LOG.
YAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the y- Character LINEAR
axis, one of the following character variables: LINEAR or
LOG.
xi, yi Tabular values. Real Required

Remarks:

1. xi must be in either ascending or descending order, but not both.

2. Discontinuities may be specified between any two points. If y is evaluated at a discontinuity, then the average
value of y is used. In Figure 1, the value of y at x = x3 is y = (y3 + y4)/2. If the y-axis is a LOG axis the jump
at the discontinuity is evaluated as y = y3y4 .
3. At least one continuation entry must be specified.
4. Placing SKIP in either of the two fields may ignore any xi-yi pair.
5. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
6. TABLED1 uses the algorithm
y = yT (x)
where x is input to the table and y is returned. The table look-up is performed using linear interpolation within
the table and linear extrapolation outside the table using the two starting or endpoints, see Figure 1. No
warning messages are given if table data is input incorrectly. The algorithms used for interpolation or
extrapolation are:

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-406

Reference Manual TABLED1

XAXIS YAXIS y(x)

LINEAR LINEAR xi+1 − x x − xi
yi + yi+1
xi+1 − xi xi+1 − xi

LOG LINEAR ln(xi+1 / x) ln(x / xi )

yi + y i+1
ln(xi+1 / xi ) ln(xi+1 / xi )

LINEAR LOG  x − x x − xi 
exp  i+1 ln y + ln y 
i i+1
x −x x −x
 i+1 i i+1 i 
LOG LOG  ln(x / x) ln(x − x ) 
exp ln(x i+1/ x ) ln y i + ln(x − ix ) ln y i+1
i+1 i i+1 i
 

where xi < x < xi+1

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Linear
Extrapolation
of Segment
x1-x2

x1 x2 x3, x5 x6 x7 x8, x
x4 x9
x
Extrapolated

Figure 1. Example of Table Extrapolation and Discontinuity.

7. Tabular values on an axis if XAXIS or YAXIS equals LOG must be positive.

8. For frequency dependent loads xi is measured in cycles per unit time.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-407

Reference Manual TABLED2

TABLED2 Dynamic Load Tabular Function, Form 2

Description: Defines a parametric tabular function for use in generating time-dependent dynamic loads.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABLED2 TID X1
x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 - etc.-

Example:

TABLED2 16 -12.5
2.0 -3.5 3.0 -5.2 4.0 5.9 8.0 6.4
SKIP SKIP 10.0 6.7 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

X1 Table parameter. Real 0.0
xi, yi Tabular values. Real Required

Remarks:

1. xi must be in either ascending or descending order, but not both.

2. Discontinuities may be specified between any two points. If y is evaluated at a discontinuity, then the average
value of y is used. In Figure 1, the value of y at x = x3 is y = (y3 + y4)/2.
3. At least one continuation entry must be specified.
4. Any xi-yi pair may be ignored by placing SKIP in either of the two fields.
5. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
6. TABLED2 uses the algorithm
y = yT (x − X1)
where x is input to the table and y is returned. The table look-up is performed using linear interpolation within
the table and linear extrapolation outside the table using the two starting or endpoints, see Figure 1. No
warning messages are given if table data is input incorrectly.
7. For frequency dependent loads, X1 and xi are measured in cycles per unit time.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-408

Reference Manual TABLED2

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Linear
Extrapolation
of Segment
x1-x2

x1 x2 x3, x5 x6 x7 x8, x
x4 x9
x
Extrapolated

Figure 1. Example of Table Extrapolation and Discontinuity.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-409

Reference Manual TABLED3

TABLED3 Dynamic Load Tabular Function, Form 3

Description: Defines a parametric tabular function for use in generating time-dependent dynamic loads.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABLED3 TID X1 X2
x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 - etc.-

Example:

TABLED3 75 123.9 29.0

2.8 3.1 3.3 4.65 5.1 6.2 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

X1 Table parameter. Real 0.0
X2 Table parameter. Real ≠ 0.0 Required
xi, yi Tabular values. Real Required

Remarks:

1. xi must be in either ascending or descending order, but not both.

2. Discontinuities may be specified between any two points except the two starting points or two endpoints. For
example, in Figure 1 discontinuities are allowed only between points x2 through x7. Also if y is evaluated at
a discontinuity, then the average value of y is used. In Figure 1 the value of y at x = x3 is y = (y3 + y4)/2.
3. At least one continuation entry must be specified.
4. Any xi-yi pair may be ignored by placing SKIP in either of the two fields.
5. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
6. TABLED3 uses the algorithm
y = y  x - X1
T  X2 
 
where x is input to the table, y is returned, and is supplied from the MAT1 entry. The table look-up is
performed using linear interpolation within the table and linear extrapolation outside the table using the two
starting or endpoints. See Figure 1. No warning messages are issued if table data is input incorrectly.
7. The function is zero outside the range of the table.
8. For frequency dependent loads, X1, X2, and xi are measured in cycles per unit time.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-410

Reference Manual TABLED3

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Linear
Extrapolation
of Segment
x1-x2

x1 x2 x3, x5 x6 x7 x8, x
x4 x9
x
Extrapolated

Figure 1. Example of Table Extrapolation and Discontinuity.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-411

Reference Manual TABLED4

TABLED4 Dynamic Load Tabular Function, Form 4

Description: Defines coefficients of a power series used in generating time-dependent dynamic loads.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABLED4 TID X1 X2 X3 X4
A0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 - etc.-

Example:

TABLED4 35 0.0 1.0 0.0 200.

5.42 -0.0647 7.89-3 0.0 -2.9-7 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

X1 Table parameter. Real 0.0
X2 Table parameter. Real ≠ 0.0 Required
X3 Table parameter. Real, X3 < X4 Required
X4 Table parameter. Real Required
Ai Coefficients. Real Required

Remarks:

1. At least one continuation entry must be specified.

2. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in the field following the last entry. Any
continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
3. TABLED4 uses the algorithm
N i
 x − X1
y= ∑Ai 
X2

 
i =0
where x is input to the table, y is returned. Whenever x < X3, X3 is used for x and whenever x > X4, X4 is
used for x. There are N + 1 entries in the table. No warning messages are issued if table data is input
incorrectly.
4. For frequency dependent loads, xi are measured in cycles per unit time.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-412

Reference Manual TABLEM1

TABLEM1 Material Property Table, Form 1

Description: Defines a tabular function for use in generating temperature-dependent material properties.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABLEM1 TID XAXIS YAXIS

x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 - etc.-

Example:

TABLEM1 55
-500.0 10.15+6 0.0 8.54+6 1000.0 5.32+6 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

XAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the x- Character LINEAR
axis, one of the following character variables: LINEAR or
LOG.
YAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the y- Character LINEAR
axis, one of the following character variables: LINEAR or
LOG.
xi, yi Tabular values. Real Required

Remarks:

1. xi must be in either ascending or descending order, but not both.

2. Discontinuities may be specified between any two points. If y is evaluated at a discontinuity, then the average
value of y is used. In Figure 1, the value of y at x = x3 is y = (y3 + y4)/2. If the y-axis is a LOG axis the jump
at the discontinuity is evaluated as y = y3y4 .
3. At least one continuation entry must be specified.
4. Placing SKIP in either of the two fields may ignore any xi-yi pair.
5. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
6. TABLEM1 uses the algorithm
y = yT (x)
where x is input to the table and y is returned. The table look-up is performed using linear interpolation within
the table and linear extrapolation outside the table using the two starting or endpoints, see Figure 1. No
warning messages are given if table data is input incorrectly. The algorithms used for interpolation or
extrapolation are:

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-413

Reference Manual TABLEM1

X-AXIS Y-AXIS y(x)

LINEAR LINEAR xi+1 − x x − xi
yi + yi+1
xi+1 − xi xi+1 − xi

LOG LINEAR ln(xi+1 / x) ln(x / xi )

yi + y i+1
ln(xi+1 / xi ) ln(xi+1 / xi )

LINEAR LOG  x − x x − xi 
exp  i+1 ln y + ln y 
i i+1
x −x x −x
 i+1 i i+1 i 
LOG LOG  ln(x / x) ln(x − x ) 
exp ln(x i+1/ x ) ln y i + ln(x − ix ) ln y i+1
i+1 i i+1 i
 

where xi < x < xi+1

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Linear
Extrapolation
of Segment
x1-x2

x1 x2 x3, x5 x6 x7 x8, x
x4 x9
x
Extrapolated

Figure 1. Example of Table Extrapolation and Discontinuity.

7. Tabular values on an axis if XAXIS or YAXIS equals LOG must be positive.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-414

Reference Manual TABLEM2

TABLEM2 Material Property Table, Form 2

Description: Defines a parametric tabular function for use in generating temperature-dependent material
properties.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABLEM2 TID X1
x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 - etc.-

Example:

TABLEM2 15 -10.5
-250.0 0.75 0.0 1.05 SKIP SKIP 1000.0 1.245
1500.0 1.432 2000.0 2.976 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

X1 Table parameter. Real 0.0
xi, yi Tabular values. Real Required

Remarks:

1. xi must be in either ascending or descending order, but not both.

2. Discontinuities may be specified between any two points. If y is evaluated at a discontinuity, then the average
value of y is used. In Figure 1, the value of y at x = x3 is y = (y3 + y4)/2.
3. At least one continuation entry must be specified.
4. Any xi-yi pair may be ignored by placing SKIP in either of the two fields.
5. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
6. TABLEM2 uses the algorithm
y = zyT (x − X1)
where x is input to the table, y is returned, and z is supplied from the MATi entry using the specific property
value for the term being evaluated. The table look-up is performed using linear interpolation within the table
and linear extrapolation outside the table using the two starting or endpoints, see Figure 1. No warning
messages are given if table data is input incorrectly.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-415

Reference Manual TABLEM2

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Linear
Extrapolation
of Segment
x1-x2

x1 x2 x3, x5 x6 x7 x8, x
x4 x9
x
Extrapolated

Figure 1. Example of Table Extrapolation and Discontinuity.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-416

Reference Manual TABLEM3

TABLEM3 Material Property Table, Form 3

Description: Defines a parametric tabular function for use in generating temperature-dependent material
properties.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABLEM3 TID X1 X2
x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 - etc.-

Example:

TABLEM3 66 156.9 50.0

2.8 2.9 3.3 5.5 5.8 11.2 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

X1 Table parameter. Real 0.0
X2 Table parameter. Real ≠ 0.0 Required
xi, yi Tabular values. Real Required

Remarks:

1. xi must be in either ascending or descending order, but not both.

2. Discontinuities may be specified between any two points except the two starting points or two endpoints. For
example, in Figure 1 discontinuities are allowed only between points x2 through x7. Also if y is evaluated at
a discontinuity, then the average value of y is used. In Figure 1 the value of y at x = x3 is y = (y3 + y4)/2.
3. At least one continuation entry must be specified.
4. Any xi-yi pair may be ignored by placing SKIP in either of the two fields.
5. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
6. TABLEM3 uses the algorithm
y = z y  x - X1
T  X2 
 
where x is input to the table, y is returned, and z is supplied from the MATi entry using the specific property
value for the term being evaluated. The table look-up is performed using linear interpolation within the table
and linear extrapolation outside the table using the two starting or endpoints. See Figure 1. No warning
messages are issued if table data is input incorrectly.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-417

Reference Manual TABLEM3

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Linear
Extrapolation
of Segment
x1-x2

x1 x2 x3, x5 x6 x7 x8, x
x4 x9
x
Extrapolated

Figure 1. Example of Table Extrapolation and Discontinuity.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-418

Reference Manual TABLEM4

TABLEM4 Material Property Table, Form 4

Description: Defines coefficients of a power series used in generating temperature-dependent material

properties.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABLEM4 TID X1 X2 X3 X4
A0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 - etc.-

Example:

TABLEM4 45 0.0 1.0 0.0 50.

2.45 -0.0543 7.87-5 0.0 -8.4-8 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

X1 Table parameter. Real 0.0
X2 Table parameter. Real ≠ 0.0 Required
X3 Table parameter. Real, X3 > X4 Required
X4 Table parameter. Real Required
Ai Coefficients. Real Required

Remarks:

1. At least one continuation entry must be specified.

2. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in the field following the last entry. Any
continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
3. TABLEM4 uses the algorithm
N i
 x − X1
y =z ∑Ai 
X2

 
i =0
where x is input to the table, y is returned, and z is supplied from the MATi entry using the specific property
value for the term being evaluated. Whenever x < X3, then X3 is used for x and whenever x > X4, X4 is used
for x. There are N + 1 entries in the table. No warning messages are issued if table data is input incorrectly.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-419

Reference Manual TABLES1

TABLES1 Material Property Table, Form 1

Description: Defines a tabular function for stress-dependent material properties such as the stress-strain curve.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABLES1 TID XAXIS YAXIS

x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 - etc.-

Example:

TABLES1 45
0.0 0.0 0.02 1.+4 0.04 1.4+4 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

XAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the x- Character LINEAR
axis, one of the following character variables: LINEAR or
LOG.
YAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the y- Character LINEAR
axis, one of the following character variables: LINEAR or
LOG.
xi, yi Tabular values. Real 0.0

Remarks:

1. xi must be in either ascending or descending order, but not both.

2. Discontinuities may be specified between any two points. If y is evaluated at a discontinuity, then the average
value of y is used. In Figure 1, the value of y at x = x3 is y = (y3 + y4)/2.
3. At least one continuation entry must be specified.
4. Placing SKIP in either of the two fields may ignore any xi-yi pair.
5. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
6. TABLES1 uses the algorithm
y = yT (x)
where x is input to the table and y is returned. The table look-up is performed using linear interpolation within
the table and linear extrapolation outside the table using the two starting or endpoints, see Figure 1. No
warning messages are given if table data is input incorrectly. The algorithms used for interpolation or
extrapolation are:

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-420

Reference Manual TABLES1

X-AXIS Y-AXIS y(x)

LINEAR LINEAR xi+1 − x x − xi
yi + yi+1
xi+1 − xi xi+1 − xi

LOG LINEAR ln(xi+1 / x) ln(x / xi )

yi + y i+1
ln(xi+1 / xi ) ln(xi+1 / xi )

LINEAR LOG  x − x x − xi 
exp  i+1 ln y + ln y 
i i+1
x −x x −x
 i+1 i i+1 i 
LOG LOG  ln(x / x) ln(x − x ) 
exp ln(x i+1/ x ) ln y i + ln(x − ix ) ln y i+1
i+1 i i+1 i
 

where xi < x < xi+1

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Linear
Extrapolation
of Segment
x1-x2

x1 x2 x3, x5 x6 x7 x8, x
x4 x9
x
Extrapolated

Figure 1. Example of Table Extrapolation and Discontinuity.

7. Tabular values on an axis if XAXIS or YAXIS equals LOG must be positive.

(Continued)

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-421

Reference Manual TABLEST

TABLEST Material Property Temperature-Dependence Table

Description: Specifies the material property tables for nonlinear elastic temperature-dependent materials.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABLEST TID
T1 TID1 T2 TID2 T3 TID3 - etc.-

Example:

TABLEST 105
130.0 20 195.0 40 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Ti Temperature values. Real Required
TIDi Table identification numbers of TABLES1 entries. Integer > 0 Required

Remarks:

1. TIDi must be unique with respect to all TABLES1 and TABLEST table identification numbers.
2. Temperature values must be listed in ascending order.
3. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
4. This table is referenced only by MATS1 entries that define nonlinear elastic (TYPE = NLELAST) materials.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-422

Reference Manual TABRND1

TABRND1 Power Spectral Density Table

Description: Defines power spectral density as a tabular function of frequency for use in random analysis.
Referenced by the RANDPS entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABRND1 TID XAXIS YAXIS

f1 g1 f2 g2 f3 g3 - etc.-

Example:

TABRND1 5
3.1 0.01095 56.5 0.0543 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

XAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the x- Character LINEAR
axis, one of the following character variables: LINEAR or
LOG.
YAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the y- Character LINEAR
axis, one of the following character variables: LINEAR or
LOG.
fi Frequency value in cycles per unit time. Real ≥ 0.0 Required
gi Power spectral density. Real Required

Remarks:

1. fi must be in either ascending or descending order, but not both.

2. Discontinuities may be specified between any two points. If g is evaluated at a discontinuity, then the average
value of g is used. In Figure 1, the value of g at f = f3 is g = (g3 + g4)/2. If the y-axis is a LOG axis the jump
at the discontinuity is evaluated as y = y3y4 .
3. At least two entries must be present.
4. At least one continuation entry must be specified.
5. Placing SKIP in either of the two fields may ignore any fi-gi pair.
6. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-423

Reference Manual TABRND1

7. TABRND1 uses the algorithm

g = gT (f )
where f is input to the table and g is returned. The table look-up is performed using linear interpolation within
the table and linear extrapolation outside the table using the two starting or end points, see Figure 1. No
warning messages are given if table data is input incorrectly. The algorithms used for interpolation or
extrapolation are:

XAXIS YAXIS f(x)

LINEAR LINEAR fi+1 − f f − fi
gi + gi+1
fi+1 − fi fi+1 − fi

LOG LINEAR ln(fi+1 / f ) ln(f / fi )

gi + g i+1
ln(fi+1 / fi ) ln(fi+1 / fi )

LINEAR LOG  f − f f − fi 
exp  i+1 ln g + ln g 
i i+1
f −f f −f
 i+1 i i+1 i 
LOG LOG  ln(f / f ) ln(f − f ) 
exp ln(f i+1/ f ) ln g i + ln(f −i f ) ln g i+1
 i+1 i i+1 i


where fi < f < fi+1

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-424

Reference Manual TABRND1

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Discontinuity
is Allowed

Linear
Extrapolation
of Segment
f1-f2

f1 f2 f3, f5 f6 f7 f8, f
f4 f9
f
Extrapolated

Figure 1. Example of Table Extrapolation and Discontinuity.

8. For auto spectral density, the value of g returned must be greater than or equal to zero.
9. Tabular values on an axis if XAXIS or YAXIS equals LOG must be positive.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-425

Reference Manual TABVE

TABVE Viscoelastic Material Coefficient

Description: Defines a series of modulii and decay coefficients used for viscoelastic material definition.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABVE TID MOD0

mod1 decay1 mod2 decay2 mod3 decay3 - etc.-

Example:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TABVE 101 0.0

38456.1 3.5-2 48122.2 0.22 ENDT

Field Definition Type Default

TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required

MOD0 The 0-th term of the modulus representation. Real 0.0
modi The optional i-th term of the modulus in the Prony series. Real
decayi The optional i-th term of the decay coefficient in the Real
Prony series.

Remarks:

1. At least one continuation entry must be specified.

2. Any xi-yi pair may be ignored by placing SKIP in either of the two fields.
3. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of ENDT in either of the two fields following the last entry.
Any continuations that follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT will be ignored.
4. The maximum number of terms allowed is 120. Exceeding this value will result in a fatal error.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-426

Reference Manual TEMP

TEMP Grid Point Temperature Field

Description: Defines temperature at grid points for determination of thermal and stress recovery.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TEMP SID G1 T1 G2 T2 G3 T3

Example:

TEMP 3 94 316.2 49 219.8

Field Definition Type Default

SID Temperature set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Gi Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Ti Temperature value. Real Required

Remarks:

1. Set ID must be unique with respect to all other LOAD type entries.
2. From one to three grid point temperatures may be defined on a single entry.
3. If thermal effects are requested, all elements must have a temperature field defined either directly on a
TEMPP1 or TEMPRB entry or indirectly as the average of the connected grid point temperatures defined on
the TEMP or TEMPD entries. Directly defined element temperatures always take precedence over the
average of grid point temperatures.
4. Grid point temperatures are obtained by averaging element temperatures at the grid point. If no element
temperature is specified then the temperature defined by the above entry is used.
5. Equivalent grid point loads are computed by numerical integration using isoparametric shape functions. Note
that a uniform temperature will not necessarily result in equivalent grid point loads.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-427

Reference Manual TEMPBC

TEMPBC Grid Point Temperature

Description: Defines transient and steady state temperature boundary conditions for heat transfer analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TEMPBC SID TYPE TEMP1 G1 TEMP2 G2 TEMP3 G3

Example:

TEMPBC 5 STAT 50.0 1 100.0 2 150.0 3

Alternate Format and Example:

TEMPBC SID TYPE TEMP1 G1 THRU G2 BY INC

TEMPBC 10 STAT 100.0 5 THRU 60 BY 5

Field Definition Type Default

SID Temperature set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

TYPE Type of temperature boundary, one of the following Character Required
character variables: STAT for a constant temperature
boundary condition or TRAN for a time-varying
temperature boundary condition.
TEMPi Temperature value. Real Required
Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
G2 > G1
INC Grid point number increment. Integer or 1
blank

Remarks:

1. For a constant boundary condition (TYPE = STAT), the temperature boundary load set, (SID) is selected in
the Case Control Section (SPC = SID). TYPE = STAT may be used in both steady state and transient
analysis.
2. For a time-varying boundary condition (TYPE = TRAN), SID is referenced by a TLOADi Bulk Data entry
through the DAREA specification. TYPE = TRAN is permitted only in transient analysis. A function of time
F(t – τ) defined on the TLOADi entry multiplies the general load where τ provides any required time delay.
The load set identifier on the TLOADi entry must be selected in the Case Control (DLOAD = SID) for use in
transient analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-428

Reference Manual TEMPD

TEMPD Grid Point Temperature Field Default

Description: Defines a temperature value for all grid points of the structural model that has not been given a
temperature on a TEMP entry.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TEMPD SID1 T1 SID2 T2 SID3 T3 SID4 T4

Example:

TEMPD 1 216.3

Field Definition Type Default

SIDi Temperature set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Ti Temperature value. Real Required

Remarks:

1. SIDi must be unique with respect to all other LOAD type entries.
2. From one to four grid point temperatures may be defined on a single entry.
3. If thermal effects are requested, all elements must have a temperature field defined either directly on a
TEMPP1, or TEMPRB entry, or indirectly as the average of the connected grid point temperatures defined
on the TEMP or TEMPD entries. Directly defined element temperatures always take precedence over the
average of grid point temperatures.
4. Grid point temperatures are obtained by averaging element temperatures at the grid point. If no element
temperature is specified then the temperature defined by the above entry is used.
5. Equivalent grid point loads are computed by numerical integration using isoparametric shape functions. Note
that a uniform temperature will not necessarily result in equivalent grid point loads.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-429

Reference Manual TEMPP1

TEMPP1 Shell Element Temperature Field, Form 1

Description: Defines a temperature field for shell elements (by an average temperature and a thermal gradient
through the thickness) for determination of thermal loading and stress recovery.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TEMPP1 SID EID1 T T′ T1 T2

EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5 EID6 EID7 - etc.-

Example:

TEMPP1 2 24 62.0 10.0 57.0 67.0

26 21 19 30

Alternate Format and Example of Continuation Entry:

TEMPP1 EID2 THRU EIDi EIDj THRU EIDk

TEMPP1 1 THRU 10 30 THRU 61

Field Definition Type Default

SID Temperature set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EIDi, EIDj, Element identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
EIDk EID2 < EIDi,
EIDj < EIDk
T Average temperature through the thickness. Assumed Real Required
constant over area.
T′ Effective linear thermal gradient through thickness. Real Required
Assumed constant over area.
T1, T2 Temperatures used to determine average temperature Real Required if T
through the thickness and linear thermal gradient, if not and T′ are
specified in fields 4 and 5. not specified

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-430

Reference Manual TEMPP1

Remarks:

1. SET ID must be unique with respect to all other LOAD type entries if TEMPERATURE is specified in the
Case Control Section.
2. Only CQUAD4, CQUADR, CTRIA3, or CTRIAR elements may have a temperature field applied to them via
this entry.
3. If continuation entries are present, EID1 and elements specified on the continuation entry are used.
4. Elements must not be specified more than once.
5. If thermal effects are requested, all elements must have a temperature field defined either directly on a
TEMPP1, or TEMPRB, entry or indirectly as the average of the connected grid point temperatures defined
on the TEMP, or TEMPD, entries. Directly defined element temperatures always take precedence over the
average of grid point temperatures.
6. For temperature field other than a constant gradient, the “effective gradient” for a homogeneous plate is:

∫
1
T' = T (z) ⋅ z ⋅ dz
I
z

where I is the bending inertia and z is the distance from the neutral surface in the positive normal direction.
7. The average temperature for a homogeneous plate is:

∫
T=
Volume T ⋅ dVolume
Volume

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-431

Reference Manual TEMPRB

TEMPRB Rod and Bar Element Temperature Field

Description: Defines a temperature field for CROD and CBAR elements for determination of thermal loading and
stress recovery.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TEMPRB SID EID1 TA TB T’1A T’1B T’2A T’2B

TCA TDA TEA TFA TCB TDB TEB TFB
EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5 EID6 EID7 - etc.-

Example:

TEMPRB 2 24 62.0 10.0 57.0 67.0

26 21 19 30

Alternate Format and Example of Continuation Entry:

EID2 THRU EIDi EIDj THRU EIDk

2 THRU 4 10 THRU 14

Field Definition Type Default

SID Temperature set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EIDi, EIDj, Element identification number(s). Integer > 0;
EIDk EID2 < EIDi,
EIDj < EIDk
TA, TB Average temperature over the area at end A and end B. Real
T’ij Effective linear gradient in direction i on end j (CBAR Real
only).
Tij Temperature at point i as defined on the PBAR entry at Real
end j.

Remarks:

1. SID must be unique with respect to all other LOAD type entries.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-432

Reference Manual TEMPRB

2. If field 6 and/or 7 is blank, the effective linear thermal gradient is calculated using the stress recovery
temperatures (fields 2 through 9 on the continuation entry) and stress recovery coefficients (fields 2 through
9 on the PBAR continuation entry. For example the equation at end A is:
∆T
T'1A =
Depth
where,
(TCA + TFA ) - (TDA + TEA )
∆T =
2
(C1 + F1) - (D1 + E1)
Depth =
2
Note: It is assumed that all four stress recovery coefficients are specified and that they are ordered as follows:
C(+,+), D(-,+), E(-,-), F(+,-) in the y-z coordinate system.
3. The linear temperature gradients, not the Tij values, are used for stress recovery.
4. If the second (and succeeding) continuation is present, EID1 and elements specified on the second (and
succeeding) continuations are used.
5. Elements must not be specified more than once.
6. If thermal effects are requested, all elements must have a temperature field defined either directly on a
TEMPP1 or TEMPRB entry or indirectly as the average of the connected grid point temperatures defined on
the TEMP or TEMPD entries. Directly defined element temperatures always take precedence over the
average of grid point temperatures.
7. The effective thermal gradients in the element coordinate system for the bar element are defined by the
following integrals over the cross-section. For end A (end B is similar):

∫
1
T'1A = I TA ( y,z )ydA'
A

∫
1
T' 2A = I TA ( y ,z )zdA'
A

where, TA(y, z) is the temperature at point y, z (in the element coordinate system) at end A of the bar. See
the CBAR entry description for the element coordinate system: I1 and I2 are the moments of inertia about
the z and y-axes, respectively. The temperatures are assumed to vary linearly along the length (x-axis).
Note that if the temperature varies linearly over the cross-section, then T’1A, T’1B, T’2A, and T’2B are the
actual gradients.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-433

Reference Manual TIC

TIC Transient Initial Condition

Description: Defines values for initial conditions of variables used in transient response analysis. Displacement,
velocity, and acceleration may be specified at independent degrees of freedom.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TIC SID G C U0 V0 A0

Example:

TIC 10 25 2 12.5 -5.0

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Pi Grid point identification number. Integer > 0 Required
Ci Component number of global coordinate (up to six 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks).
U0 Initial displacement. Real 0.0
V0 Initial velocity. Real 0.0
A0 Initial acceleration. Real 0.0

Remarks:

1. Transient initial condition sets must be selected with the Case Control command IC = SID.
2. If no TIC set id selected in the Case Control Section, all initial conditions are assumed zero.
3. Initial conditions for coordinates not specified on TIC cards will be assumed zero.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-434

Reference Manual TLOAD1

TLOAD1 Transient Response Dynamic Load, Form 1

Description: Defines a time-dependent dynamic load or enforced motion of the form

P(t ) = A∗F(t - τ )

for use in transient response analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TLOAD1 SID EXCITEID DELAY TYPE TID

Example:

TLOAD1 10 100 205

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EXCITEID DAREA or SPCD entry set identification number that Integer > 0 Required
defines A.
DELAY DELAY set identification number that defines τ. Integer > 0 or
blank
TYPE Defines the nature of the dynamic excitation. See 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 or 0
Remark 2. character
TID TABLEDi set identification number that defines F(t). Integer > 0 Required

Remarks:

1. Dynamic load sets must be selected with the Case Control command DLOAD = SID.
2. The nature of the dynamic excitation is defined in the following table:

TYPE Type of Dynamic Excitation

0, L, or LOAD Applied load (force or moment) (default)
1, D, or DISP Enforced displacement using large mass or SPCD
2, V, or VELO Enforced velocity using large mass or SPCD
3, A, or ACCE Enforced acceleration using large mass or SPCD

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-435

Reference Manual TLOAD1

3. The TYPE field determines the manner in which the EXCITEID field is used as described below
a) Excitation specified by TYPE is an applied load
• If there is no LOADSET request in the Case Control then EXCITEID may directly reference
DAREA, static, and thermal load set entries.
• If there is a LOADSET request in the Case Control then the model will reference static and thermal
load set entries specified by the LID or TID field in the selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the
EXCITEID.
b) Excitation specified by TYPE is an enforced motion
• If there is no LOADSET request in the Case Control then EXCITEID will reference SPCD entries.
If these entries indicate null enforced motion, Autodesk Nastran will then assume that the excitation
is enforced motion using large mass and will reference DAREA and static and thermal load set
entries just as in the case of applied load excitation.
• If there is a LOADSET request in Case Control then the model will reference SPCD entries
specified by the LID field in the selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the EXCITEID. If these
entries indicate null enforced motion, Autodesk Nastran will then assume that the excitation is
enforced motion using large mass and will reference static and thermal load set entries
corresponding to the DAREA entry in the selected LSEQ entries, just as in the case of applied
load excitation.
4. EXCITEID may reference sets containing QHBDY, QBDYi, and QVOL entries in heat transfer analysis.
5. If DELAY is blank or zero, τ will be set to zero.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-436

Reference Manual TLOAD2

TLOAD2 Transient Response Dynamic Load, Form 2

Description: Defines a time-dependent dynamic load or enforced motion of the form

 0,
P(t) = ~ ~ ~ t < (T1 + τ ) or t > (T2 + τ )
 B Ct
A t e cos(2π F t + P), (T1 + τ ) ≤ t ≤ (T2 + τ ) 

for use in transient response analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TLOAD2 SID EXCITEID DELAY TYPE T1 T2 F P

C B

Example:

TLOAD2 25 55 1.0 4.9 10.5

3.0

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

EXCITEID DAREA or SPCD entry set identification number that Integer > 0 Required
defines A.
DELAY DELAY set identification number that defines τ. Integer > 0 or
blank
TYPE Defines the nature of the dynamic excitation. See 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 or 0
Remark 2. character
T1 Time constant. Real ≥ 0.0 Required
T2 Time constant. Real; T2 > T1 Required
F Frequency in cycles per unit time. Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
P Phase angles in degrees. Real 0.0
C Exponential coefficient. Real 0.0
B Growth coefficient. Real 0.0

Remarks:

1. Dynamic load sets must be selected with the Case Control command DLOAD = SID.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-437

Reference Manual TLOAD2

2. The nature of the dynamic excitation is defined in the following table:

TYPE Type of Dynamic Excitation

0, L, or LOAD Applied load (force or moment) (default)
1, D, or DISP Enforced displacement using large mass or SPCD
2, V, or VELO Enforced velocity using large mass or SPCD
3, A, or ACCE Enforced acceleration using large mass or SPCD

3. The TYPE field determines the manner in which the EXCITEID field is used as described below
a) Excitation specified by TYPE is an applied load
• If there is no LOADSET request in the Case Control then EXCITEID may directly reference
DAREA, static, and thermal load set entries.
• If there is a LOADSET request in the Case Control then the model will reference static and thermal
load set entries specified by the LID or TID field in the selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the
EXCITEID.
b) Excitation specified by TYPE is an enforced motion
• If there is no LOADSET request in the Case Control then EXCITEID will reference SPCD entries.
If these entries indicate null enforced motion, Autodesk Nastran will then assume that the excitation
is enforced motion using large mass and will reference DAREA and static and thermal load set
entries just as in the case of applied load excitation.
• If there is a LOADSET request in Case Control then the model will reference SPCD entries
specified by the LID field in the selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the EXCITEID. If these
entries indicate null enforced motion, Autodesk Nastran will then assume that the excitation is
enforced motion using large mass and will reference static and thermal load set entries
corresponding to the DAREA entry in the selected LSEQ entries, just as in the case of applied load
excitation.
4. EXCITEID may reference sets containing QHBDY, QBDYi, and QVOL entries in heat transfer analysis.
5. If DELAY is blank or zero, τ will be set to zero.
6. The continuation entry is optional.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-438

Reference Manual TOPVAR

TOPVAR Topological Design Variable

Description: Defines a topology design region for topology optimization.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TOPVAR ID LABEL PTYPE XINIT XLB DELXV POWER PID

SYM MCID MSi MSi MSi CS NCS GSTID
EXT MCID EDi TOOLD
ALM MCID ADi ALPHA
MILL MCID MDi MTYPE TOOLL TOOLD NLEVEL
CAST MCID DDi DIE
TDMIN TV

Example:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TOPVAR 1 DR02 PSOLID 0.4 100

SYM 10 XY ZX

Field Definition Type Default

ID Topology design region identification number. Integer > 0 Required

LABEL Label associated with design region used for output Character
headings.
PTYPE Property type. Used with PID to identify the elements to Character Required
be designed, one of the following character variables:
PSOLID, PSHELL, or PCOMP.
XINIT Initial value for design variable. Typically XINIT is defined XLB ≤ XINIT 0.5
to match the mass target constraint, so the initial design
does not have violated constraints.
XLB Lower bound for design variable to prevent the singularity Real > 0.0 1.0E-03
of the stiffness matrix.
DELXV Fractional change allowed for the design variable during Real > 0.0 0.2
design iteration. See Remark 3.
POWER A penalty factor used in the relation between topology Real > 1.0 3.0
design variables and element Young’s modulus. The
range between 2.0 ≤ POWER ≤ 5.0 is recommended.
See Remark 3.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-439

Reference Manual TOPVAR

Field Definition Type Default

PID Property identification number. Must be unique with Integer > 0 Required
respect to the PID values specified in other TOPVAR
entries as design regions cannot share the same
element. See Remark 1.
SYM Symbol indicating that this line defines symmetry Character
constraints.
MCID Coordinate system identification number to define Integer > 0 or
symmetric planes. See Remark 4. blank
MSi Mirror symmetry planes, one of the following character Character
variables: XY, YZ, or ZX. See Remark 4.
CS Cyclic symmetry axis, one of the following character Character
variables: X, Y, or Z. See Remark 10.
NCS Number of cyclic symmetry segments in 360 degrees. Integer > 0 or
See Remark 10. blank
GSTID Reference topology design region identification number Integer > 0 or No global
for global symmetry option. See Remark 11. blank or AUTO symmetry
EXT Symbol indicating that this line defines extrusion Character
constraints (i.e., enforced constant cross-section).
EDi Extrusion direction, one of the following character Character Required
variables: X, Y, Z, -X, -Y, -Z, +X, +Y, +Z, where -X, -Y, -
Z indicates the opposite direction of X, Y, Z and +X, +Y,
+Z the same direction. See Remarks 4 and 5.
TDMIN Symbol indicating that minimum member size is Character
specified.
TV Minimum member size. See Remark 6. Character Required
ALM Symbol indicating that this line defines additive layer
manufacturing constraints. See Remark 7.
ADi Print direction, one of the following character variables: Character Required
X, Y, Z, -X, -Y, -Z, +X, +Y, +Z, where -X, -Y, -Z indicates
the opposite direction of X, Y, Z and +X, +Y, +Z the same
direction. See Remarks 4 and 5.
ALPHA Maximum overhang angle (measured in degrees). Real 45.0
MILL Symbol indicating that this line defines milling
manufacturing constraints. See Remark 7.
MDi Milling direction for 5-axis, 3-axis and 2.5-axis milling. Character/ Required
For 5-axis the identification number of a MILLDIR milling Integer > 0
direction data entry. For 3-axis one of the following
character variables: X, Y, Z, -X, -Y, -Z, +X, +Y, +Z, XY,
YZ, ZX, -XY, -YZ, -ZX, +XY, +YZ, +ZX, XYZ, -XYZ, +XYZ
where -X, -Y, -Z indicates the opposite direction of X, Y,
Z and +X, +Y, +Z the same direction. For 2.5-axis one of
the following character variables: X, Y, Z, -X, -Y, -Z, +X,
+Y, +Z. The absence of a sign specifies both positive
and negative directions. See Remarks 4 and 5.
MTYPE Milling type. The following milling types are allowed: 3AXIS
3AXIS for 3-axis milling
5AXIS for 5-axis milling
2.5AXIS for 2.5-axis milling

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-440

Reference Manual TOPVAR

2AXIS for 2-axis milling

Field Definition Type Default

TOOLL Milling tool length. Real

TOOLD Milling tool bit diameter. Real
NLEVEL Number of 2.5 axis milling levels. 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 20 Required for
or blank MILL=2.5AXIS
CAST Symbol indicating that this line defines casting
constraints (i.e., die draw direction constraints). See
Remarks 7, 8, and 9.
DDi Draw direction, one of the following character variables: Character
X, Y, Z, -X, -Y, -Z, +X, +Y, +Z, where -X, -Y, -Z indicates
the opposite direction of X, Y, Z and +X, +Y, +Z the same
direction. See Remarks 4 and 5.
DIE Die option selected by one of the following values Blank or Integer 1
1 or 2
1 = Single die
2 = Two dies
When a single die is specified the die slides in the given
draw direction (i.e., material grows from the bottom in the
draw direction). When two dies are specified the dies
split apart along the draw direction (i.e., material grows
from the splitting plane in opposite direction along the
axis specified by the draw direction DDi).

Remarks:

1. The topologically designable element properties include PSHELL, PCOMP, and PSOLID. Multiple TOPVAR
entries are allowed in a single file. Those elements whose PID is not specified in TOPVAR entries are
considered to be non-designable elements; that is, they are considered to be fully filled by the material and are
not changed during topology optimization.
2. When X is the topology design variable of an element, the Young’s modulus of the element is calculated by

E = X POWERE0
where,
E0 is Young’s modulus of the material

3. A blank in field 8 uses an initial value for POWER of 1.0 and then increments POWER each design iteration to
a maximum value of 4.0.
4. One, two, or three different mirror symmetry planes can be present (such as MS1 = XY, MS2 = YZ, and MS3
= ZX). When the mesh is regular and parallel to the coordinate system MCID, all elements on the positive
coordinate side are considered to have independent design variables, and elements on the negative side are
considered dependent design. When the mesh is not regular or not parallel to the coordinate system MCID,
an element in the negative coordinate side is considered dependent if the element is moved to the mirror plane
and if there is an independent element on the positive side within the distance specified by the model parameter
TOPTELEMSYMTOL (see Section 5, Parameters, for more information on TOPTELEMSYMTOL).
5. Some symmetry constraint types can be combined with extrusion, casting, milling, and additive manufacturing
constraints. The referenced coordinate system CID must be the same for the combined constraints. For
example with extrusion some possible combinations are: (EDi = X, MSi = XY, and/or ZX), (ED = Y, MSi = YZ,
and/or XY), (ED = Z, MSi = ZX, and/or YZ).
6. TDMIN is a dimensional quantity with a guideline that it be set to at least three times a representative element
dimension. Without a TDMIN continuation line, the minimum member size is set to 3 levels of adjacent
elements. Minimum member size constraints can be used with all other manufacturing constraint types.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-441

Reference Manual TOPVAR

7. Casting, milling, and additive manufacturing constraints cannot be combined with extrusion constraints for the
same TOPVAR entry.
8. For two dies option (DIE = 2), the splitting plane is the surface closest to origin of MCID. For a single die DIE
= 1, the parting plane is the bottom surface of the designed part in the draw direction.
9. It is recommended to use a smooth top surface in the draw direction for one die casting constraints, and smooth
top and bottom surfaces in the draw direction for two die casting constraints.
10. The first symmetry segment starts at the X-axis when CS = Z (at the Z-axis when CS = Y, and at the Y-axis
when CS = X). One cyclic symmetry manufacturing constraint can be combined with one planar symmetry
constraint when the axis of cyclic symmetry is normal to the planar symmetry plane (e.g., MSi = YZ with CS =
X).
11. Global symmetry allows multiple TOPVAR regions to use a common set of symmetry and extrude constraints.
When a GSTID identification number is specified, that region’s manufacturing constraint data is used (SYM
and EXT options only). The ALM, MILL, and CAST manufacturing constraints are not compatible with this
option.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-442

Reference Manual TSTEP

TSTEP Transient Time Step

Description: Defines time step intervals at which a solution will be generated and output in transient response
analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TSTEP SID N1 DT1 NO1 ADJUST MSTEP RB MAXR

N2 DT2 NO2
- etc.-

Example:

TSTEP 25 100 0.005 5

50 0.001 3

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

Ni Number of time steps of values DTi. Integer ≥ 1 Required
DTi Time increment. Real > 0 Required
NOi Skip factor for output. Every NOi-th step will be output. Integer > 0 1
ADJUST Time step skip factor for automatic time step Integer ≥ 0 5
adjustment. See Remark 3.
MSTEP Number of steps to obtain the dominant period 10 ≤ Integer ≤ 200 Variable
response. See Remark 4. between 20
and 40.
RB Bounds for maintaining the same time step for the 0.1 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 0.75
stepping function. See Remark 4.
MAXR Maximum ratio for the adjusted incremental time relative 1.0 ≤ Real ≤ 32.0 16.0
to DT allowed for time step adjustment. See Remark 5.

Remarks:

1. TSTEP entries must be selected with the Case Control command TSTEP = SID.
2. Note that the entry permits changes in the size of the time step during the course of the solution. Thus, in
the example shown, there are 100 time steps of value 0.005, which is then followed by 50 time steps of value
0.001. Results will be output for t = 0.0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, etc. This feature is not supported in direct
transient solutions. To change the time step size in a direct transient solution use multiple subcases each
referencing a different TSTEP Bulk Data entry.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-443

Reference Manual TSTEP

3. ADJUST controls the automatic time stepping when PARAM, ADAPTTIMESTEP is set to ON and the solution
type is direct transient (see Section 5, Parameters, for more information on ADAPTTIMESTEP). Since the
automatic time step adjustment is based on the mode of response and not on the loading pattern, it may be
necessary to limit the adjustable step size when the period of the forcing function is much shorter than the
period of dominant response frequency of the structure. The ADJUST option should be suppressed for the
duration of short pulse loading. If unsure, start with a value for DT that is much smaller than the pulse duration
in order to properly represent the loading pattern.
a) If ADJUST = 0, then the automatic adjustment is deactivated. This is recommended when the loading
consists of short duration pulses.
b) If ADJUST > 0, the time increment is continually adjusted for the first few steps until a good value is
obtained. After this initial adjustment, the time increment is adjusted every ADJUST time step only.
c) If ADJUST is one order greater than NDT, then automatic adjustment is deactivated after the initial
adjustment.
4. MSTEP and RB are used to adjust the time increment during analysis when PARAM, ADAPTTIMESTEP is
set to ON and the solution type is direct transient. The recommended value of MSTEP is 20.
The time increment adjustment is based on the number of time steps desired to capture the dominant
frequency response accurately. The time increment is adjusted as follows:
∆tn +1 = f ( r )∆tn
where,
1  2π  1 
r =   
MSTEP  ωn  ∆tn 
and,
f = 0.25 for r < 0.5*RB
f = 0.5 for 0.5*RB ≤ r < RB
f = 1.0 for RB ≤ r < 2.0
f = 2.0 for 2.0 ≤ r < 3.0/RB
f = 4.0 for r ≥ 3.0/RB

5. MAXR is used to define the upper and lower bounds for adjusted time step size such that
DT , DT  ≤ ∆t
MIN MAXBIS
2 MAXR ≤ MAXR ∗DT
 

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-444

Reference Manual TSTEPNL

TSTEPNL Parameters for Nonlinear Transient Analysis

Description: Defines a set of parameters for nonlinear transient analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TSTEPNL ID NDT DT NO METHOD KSTEP MAXITER CONV

EPSU EPSP EPSW MAXDIV MAXUBIS MAXLS FSTRESS LSTOL
MAXBIS ADJUST MSTEP RB MAXR UTOL RTOLB
TDG TDC TDV

Example:

TSTEPNL 120 200 0.001 5 ADAPT 15 PW

Field Definition Type Default

ID Identification number Integer > 0 Required

NDT Number of time steps of value DT. See Remark 2. Integer > 0 Required
DT Time increment. See Remark 2. Real > 0.0 Required
NO Time step interval for output. Every NOi-th step will be Integer > 0 1
output. See Remark 3.
METHOD Method for controlling stiffness updates, one of the Character ADAPT
following character variables: AUTO, TSTEP, or
ADAPT. See Remark 4.
KSTEP Number of time steps before stiffness update for the Integer > 0 5
TSTEP method. See Remark 4.
MAXITER Limit on number of iterations for each time step. See Integer > 0 or AUTO
Remark 5. AUTO
CONV Convergence criteria, one of the following character Character PW
variables: U, P, or W, or any combination. See Remark
6.
EPSU Error tolerance for displacement (U) criterion. Real > 0.0 See Remark 17
EPSP Error tolerance for load (P) criterion. Real > 0.0 See Remark 17
EPSW Error tolerance for work (W) criterion. Real > 0.0 See Remark 17
MAXDIV Limit on probable divergence conditions per iteration Integer > 0 3
before the solution is assumed to diverge. See Remark
7.
MAXUBIS Maximum number of iterations for an upward load Integer > 0 7
increment adjustment. Applicable when the load
increment is bisected.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-445

Reference Manual TSTEPNL

Field Definition Type Default

MAXLS Maximum number of line searches for each iteration. Integer ≥ 0 4

See Remark 8.
FSTRESS Fraction of effective stress ( σ ) used to limit the 0.0 < Real < 1.0 0.2
subincrement size in nonlinear material routines. See
Remark 9.
LSTOL Line search tolerance. See Remark 8. 0.01 < Real ≤ 0.9 0.5
MAXBIS Maximum number of bisections allowed for each time Integer > 0 5
step. See Remark 10.
ADJUST Time step skip factor for automatic time step Integer ≥ 0 5
adjustment. See Remark 11.
MSTEP Number of steps to obtain the dominant period 10 ≤ Integer ≤ 200 Variable
response. See Remark 12. between 20
and 40.
RB Bounds for maintaining the same time step for the 0.1 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 0.75
stepping function. See Remark 12.
MAXR Maximum ratio for the adjusted incremental time relative 1.0 ≤ Real ≤ 32.0 16.0
to DT allowed for time step adjustment. See Remark
13.
UTOL Tolerance on displacement or temperature increment 0.001 < Real ≤ 1.0 0.1
below which a special provision is made for numerical
stability. See Remark 14.
RTOLB Maximum value of incremental rotation (in degrees) Real > 2.0 20.0
allowed per iteration to activate bisection. See Remark
15.
TDG Terminate on displacement grid point identification Integer > 0
number. See Remark 16.
TDC Terminate on displacement component number. See 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 or MAXT
Remark 16. MAXT or MAXR
MAXT Resultant of translation displacement
components.
MAXR Resultant of rotational displacement
components.
TDV Terminate on displacement value. See Remark 16. Real

Remarks:

1. The TSTEPNL Bulk Data entry must be selected by the Case Control command TSTEPNL = ID. Each
solution subcase requires a TSTEPNL command and either applied loads via TLOADi data or initial values
from a previous subcase. Multiple subcases are assumed to occur sequentially in time with the initial values
of time and displacement conditions of each subcase. Initial conditions specified using the IC Case Control
command apply only to the first subcase.
2. NDT is used to define the total duration for analysis, which is NDT*DT. Since the adaptive time integration
method uses a variable time increment, the actual number of time steps will usually not be equal to NDT.
Also, DT is used only as an initial value for the time increment.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-446

Reference Manual TSTEPNL

3. Results output is generated at time steps 1, NO, 2*NO, 3*NO,…, and the last converged step. The Case
Control command OTIME may also be used to control the output times.
4. The stiffness update strategy is selected in the METHOD field.
a) If the AUTO option is specified, the stiffness matrix is automatically updated based on convergence.
b) If the TSTEP option is selected, the stiffness matrix is updated at every KSTEP increment of time.
c) If the ADAPT option is selected, the time step is automatically adjusted based on the severity of the
nonlinearity and a stiffness matrix update is performed.
In all methods the stiffness matrix is always updated for new subcase.
5. The number of iterations for a time increment is limited to MAXITER. If the solution does not converge in
MAXITER iterations, one of two actions is taken depending on the BISECT model parameter. If the BISECT
model parameter is set to ON, the time increment is bisected and the analysis is repeated. If the time
increment cannot be bisected (i.e. MAXBIS is attained), execution terminates with a fatal error. If the BISECT
model parameter is set to OFF, the analysis is continued to the next load increment. (See Section 5,
Parameters, for more information on BISECT.) The default AUTO setting uses an initial MAXITER value of
40 and automatically increases this value if the solution appears near convergence.
6. The symbols (U for displacement error, P for load equilibrium error, and W for work error) and the tolerances
(EPSU, EPSP, and EPSW) define the convergence criteria. All the requested criteria (combination of U, P,
and/or W) are satisfied upon convergence.
7. MAXDIV provides control over diverging solutions. Depending on the rate of divergence, the number of
diverging solutions (NDIV) is incremented by 1 or 2. The solution is assumed to diverge when NDIV ≥
MAXDIV. If the solution diverges and the load increment cannot be further bisected (i.e., MAXBIS is
attained), execution terminates with a fatal error.
8. The line search is performed as required if MAXLS > 0. The line search procedure scales the displacement
increment to minimize the energy error. The procedure is skipped if the absolute value of the relative energy
error is less than the value specified by LSTOL.
9. The number of subincrements in the material routines is determined so that the subincrement size is
approximately FSTRESS * σ (equivalent stress).
10. The number of bisections for a load increment is limited to MAXBIS. If the solution diverges, the stiffness is
updated on the first divergence and the load is bisected on the second divergence.
11. ADJUST controls the automatic time stepping for METHOD = ADAPT. Since the automatic time step
adjustment is based on the mode of response and not on the loading pattern, it may be necessary to limit
the adjustable step size when the period of the forcing function is much shorter than the period of dominant
response frequency of the structure. The ADJUST option should be suppressed for the duration of short
pulse loading. If unsure, start with a value for DT that is much smaller than the pulse duration in order to
properly represent the loading pattern.
a) If ADJUST = 0, then the automatic adjustment is deactivated. This is recommended when the loading
consists of short duration pulses.
b) If ADJUST > 0, the time increment is continually adjusted for the first few steps until a good value is
obtained. After this initial adjustment, the time increment is adjusted every ADJUST time step only.
c) If ADJUST is one order greater than NDT, then automatic adjustment is deactivated after the initial
adjustment.
12. MSTEP and RB are used to adjust the time increment during analysis for METHOD = ADAPT. The
recommended value of MSTEP for nearly linear problems is 20. A larger value (e.g., 40) is required for highly
nonlinear problems. By default, the program automatically computes the value of MSTEP based on changes
in the global stiffness matrix.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-447

Reference Manual TSTEPNL

The time increment adjustment is based on the number of time steps desired to capture the dominant
frequency response accurately. The time increment is adjusted as follows:
∆tn+1 = f ( r )∆tn
where,
1  2π  1 
r =   
MSTEP  ωn  ∆tn 
and,
f = 0.25 for r < 0.5*RB
f = 0.5 for 0.5*RB ≤ r < RB
f = 1.0 for RB ≤ r < 2.0
f = 2.0 for 2.0 ≤ r < 3.0/RB
f = 4.0 for r ≥ 3.0/RB

13. MAXR is used to define the upper and lower bounds for adjusted time step size such that
DT , DT  ≤ ∆t
MIN MAXBIS
2 MAXR ≤ MAXR ∗DT
 
14. UTOL is a tolerance used to filter undesirable time step adjustments such that
U n
< UTOL
U
max
Under this condition no time step adjustment is performed.
15. The load increment is bisected if the incremental rotation for any degree of freedom (∆θ x , ∆θ y , ∆θ z ) exceeds
the value specified by RTOLB. This bisection strategy is based on the incremental rotation and controlled
by MAXBIS.
16. When TDG, TDC, and TDV are specified the solution will proceed until either all load is applied or the
specified displacement value (TDV) at grid point TDG in direction TDC is reached or exceeded.
Displacements are in the displacement coordinate system of the TDG grid point.
17. Default tolerance sets are determined based on solution type, nonlinear behavior requested, and desired
accuracy. Accuracy is under user control and can be specified using PARAM, NLTOL (see Section 5,
Parameters, for more information on NLTOL). The NLTOL values are only used if one or more of the EPSU,
EPSP and EPSW fields on the TSTEPNL entry are blank. The following tables show the tolerance values
used depending on the NLTOL model parameter setting specified.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-448

Reference Manual TSTEPNL

Nonlinear Transient Dynamic Analysis without Contact and Material Nonlinearity

NLTOL Level of Accuracy EPSU EPSP EPSW
0 Very High 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
1 High 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-5
2 Engineering 5.0E-3 5.0E-3 1.0E-5
3 Preliminary Design 1.0E-2 1.0E-2 1.0E-4
Default Engineering 5.0E-3 5.0E-3 1.0E-5

Nonlinear Transient Dynamic Analysis with Material Nonlinearity

NLTOL Level of Accuracy EPSU EPSP EPSW
0 Very High 1.0E-4 1.0E-4 1.0E-8
1 High 5.0E-4 5.0E-4 1.0E-8
2 Engineering 5.0E-4 5.0E-4 1.0E-7
3 Preliminary Design 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
Default Engineering 5.0E-4 5.0E-4 1.0E-7

Nonlinear Transient Dynamic Analysis with Contact

NLTOL Level of Accuracy EPSU EPSP EPSW
0 Very High 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
1 High 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-5
2 Engineering 5.0E-3 5.0E-3 1.0E-5
3 Preliminary Design 1.0E-2 1.0E-2 1.0E-4
Default Engineering 5.0E-3 5.0E-3 1.0E-5

Nonlinear Transient Heat Transfer

NLTOL Level of Accuracy EPSU EPSP EPSW
0 Very High 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
1 High 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
2 Engineering 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
3 Preliminary Design 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6
Default Engineering 1.0E-3 1.0E-3 1.0E-6

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-449

Reference Manual VFATIGUE

VFATIGUE Vibration Fatigue Data

Description: Defines data needed for vibration fatigue analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
VFATIGUE SID APRCH METHOD DT TCF
STRESS B SU N0 KF BE SE
STRAIN SF EF B C

Example:

VFATIGUE 200 STRAIN 1 1.5+3

STRESS 0.16 4.5+3 0.9
STRAIN 1.7+9 0.83 0.095 0.65

Field Definition Type Default

SID Set identification number. Integer > 0 Required

APRCH Fatigue life approach, one of the following character Character See Remark 2.
variables: STRESS or STRAIN.
METHOD Life calculation method, selected by one of the Integer 2
following values
1 = von Mises stress/strain
2 = Maximum principal stress/strain
3 = Maximum shear stress/strain
DT Event duration used to determine life. See Remark 5. Real > 0.0 Required
TCF Factor to convert DT and life output to units other than Real > 0.0 1.0
seconds. See Remark 5.
B S-N curve slope. See Remark 3. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2.
SU Intercept stress level. Typically taken as the material Real > 0.0 See Remark 2.
ultimate stress. See Remark 3.
N0 Intercept cycles. See Remark 3. Integer > 0 1000
KF Factor applied to compensate for life reduction effects Real > 0.0 1.0
such as finish, corrosion, and notch effects. See
Remark 3.
BE Slope after endurance limit. See Remark 3. Real > 0.0 0.1*B
SE Endurance limit. See Remark 3. Real ≥ 0.0 0.2*SU
SF Coefficient of fatigue strength. See Remark 4. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-450

Reference Manual VFATIGUE

Field Definition Type Default

EF Coefficient of fatigue ductility. See Remark 4. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2
B Exponent of fatigue strength. See Remark 4. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2
C Exponent of fatigue ductility. See Remark 4. Real > 0.0 See Remark 2

Remarks:

1. VFATIGUE entries must all have unique set identification numbers.

2. The APRCH field is required when neither the SNDATA nor ENDATA Bulk Data entries are included. The
data provided on the continuation entries serve as default values for properties normally defined on these
entries. Values not specified on SNDATA entries will be replaced with ones from the STRESS continuation
and values not specified on the ENDATA will be replaced with ones from the STRAIN continuation.
3. The S-N curve shown in Figure 1 is characterized by the following equations
If Si ≥ Se If Si < Se
1 1
 SU B  SE BE
Nf = N0  Nf = N e  KF ∗ S 
 KF ∗ Si   i 

where,
Nf is the number of cycles to failure
Si is the amplitude of input stress (Smax – Smin)/2
Ne is the number of failure cycles at the endurance limit
and the slope B is shown in Figure 1 is calculated by
log(SU) − log(SE)
B=
log( Ne ) − log(N0)
4. The ε -N curve shown in Figure 2 is characterized by the equation
ε SF
= (2Nf )-B+ EF(2Nf )-C
2 E
where,
ε is the range of strain ( ε max – εmin )
2Nf is the number of cycles to failure
E is the modulus of elasticity
5. The default value for DT is determined using the difference between the largest and smallest TABLEDi times
(time range). If the specified DT is smaller that this time range, it is set equal to it. DT is useful when the
event duration is different from the time range due to idling time. TCF is a time conversion factor that is
typically used to convert a default DT time from seconds to another set of units such as hours. Life output
will be in the same units as DT where life is defined using
DT ∗ TCF
Life =
Damage
where,
Damage is the ratio of applied cycles over cycles to failure.

Autodesk Nastran Bulk Data 4-451

 Reference Manual VFATIGUE

Su

-B

Se
-Be

x
N0 Ne Log N (Cycles)

Figure 1. Stress-Life Curve Format.

Log ε /2 (Strain)

EF

-C

SF/E
-B
Transition life

Elastic
Plastic

x
Log 2N (Cycles)

Figure 2. Strain-Life Curve Format.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-452

 Reference Manual VFATIGUE

VIEW View Factor Definition

Description: Defines radiation cavity and shadowing for radiation view factor calculations.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

VIEW IVIEW ICAVITY SHADE

Example:

VIEW 1 1 BOTH

Field Definition Type Default

IVIEW Identification number. Integer > 0

ICAVITY Cavity identification number for grouping the radiant Integer > 0
exchange faces of CHBDYi elements.
SHADE Shadowing flag for the face of CHBDYi element. One Character BOTH
of the following characters variables: NONE, KSHD,
KBSHD, BOTH:
NONE The face can neither shade nor be shaded by
other faces
KSHD The the face can shade other faces
KBSHD The face can be shaded by other faces
BOTH The face can both shade and be shaded by
other faces

Remarks:

1. VIEW must be referenced by CHBDYG or CHBDYP elements to be used.

2. ICAVITY references the cavity to which the face of the CHBDYi element belongs; a zero or blank value
indicates this face does not participate in a cavity.
3. SHADE references shadowing for CHBDYi elements participating in a radiation cavity, the VIEW calculation
can involve shadowing.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-453

Reference Manual VIEW3D

VIEW3D View Factor Definition – Gaussian Integration Method

Description: Defines parameters to control view factor calculation for a specified cavity.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

VIEW3D ICAVITY MAXRU MAXRO MINRO ITOL ZTOL VFDOUT

Example:

VIEW3D 1 1 2 4 1.0E-6

Field Definition Type Default

ICAVITY Radiant cavity identification number on RADCAV entry. Integer > 0

MAXRU Maximum number of recursions used in computing Integer > 0 8
unobstructed view factors. See Remark 1.
MAXRO Maximum number of recursions used in computing Integer > 0 8
obstructed view factors. See Remark 1.
MINRO Minimum number of recursions used in computing Integer ≥ 0 0
obstructed view factors. See Remark 2.
ITOL Integration convergence tolerance for both adaptive Real > 0.0 1.0E-5
integration and view obstruction calculations. See
Remark 3.
ZTOL View factor calculation zero tolerance. Value below Real ≥ 0.0 1.0E-10
which computed view factors are considered to be zero.
VFDOUT View factor diagnostic output, one of the following Character YES
character variables: YES or NO. When set to YES the
following view factor calculation information is output to
the Model Results Output File:
• Area
• View factor
• Area-View factor product
• Error estimate
• Third-body showing
• Enclosure summation

Remarks:

1. Limiting the maximum number of unobstructed recursions (MAXRU) or obstructed recursions (MAXRO) can
reduce analysis time but may prevent reaching the specified convergence (ITOL). The default value provides
a compromise between accuracy and analysis time.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-454

Reference Manual VIEW3D

2. The default minimum number of obstructed recursions (MINRO) may miss an obstruction. Increasing the
default value of 0 to 1 or 2 can prevent this but at the cost of increased analysis time. Typically increasing
MINRO is not necessary except when very accurate view factors are desired.
3. The value specified for ITOL is not an exact measure of the accuracy of the computed view factors, but
smaller values will typically lead to more precise values. Values less than 1.0E-6 may not lead to improved
accuracy.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-455

Reference Manual XSET

XSET External Data Set Definition

Description: Defines degrees of freedom used with the XSETGENERATE Case Control command to generate
the reduced eigendata set (e-set) used in Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

XSET G1 C1 G2 C2 G3 C3 G4 C4

Example:

XSET 15 3 17 456 7 4

Field Definition Type Default

Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0 Required

Ci Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required
unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)

Remarks:

1. The XSET is used in the automated generation of the ESET using the XSETGENERATE Case Control
command.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-456

Reference Manual

XSET1 External Data Set Definition, Alternate Form

Description: Defines degrees of freedom used with the XSETGENERATE Case Control command to generate
the reduced eigendata set (e-set) used in Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) analysis.

Format:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

XSET1 C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 G9 G10 - etc.-

Example:

XSET1 123 6 3 7 10 18 14 11
19 23

Alternate Format and Example:

XSET1 C G1 THRU G2

XSET1 456 15 THRU 512

Field Definition Type Default

C Component number of global coordinate. (Up to six 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 Required

unique digits may be placed in the field with no
embedded blanks.)
Gi Grid point identification number(s). Integer > 0; Required
G1 < G2

Remarks:

1. The XSET is used in the automated generation of the ESET using the XSETGENERATE Case Control
command.
2. If the alternate form is used, points in the sequence G1 through G2 are not required to exist. Points that do
not exist will be skipped.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-1

Reference Manual

Section 5

PARAMETERS

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-2

Reference Manual

Parameter Descriptions

Parameters are used for input of scalar values and for requesting special features. Parameters can be specified in
the Case Control and the Bulk Data Sections of the Model Input File, in the Model Initialization File, or on the Nastran
command line. Note the following examples:

Model Input File

Case Control Section

PARAM, STIFFRATIOTOL, 1.0E-8

PARAM, AUTOSPC, ON

Bulk Data Section

PARAM, STIFFRATIOTOL, 1.0E-8

PARAM, AUTOSPC, ON

Model Initialization File

STIFFRATIOTOL = 1.0E-8
AUTOSPC = ON

Nastran Command Line

NASTRAN filename.NAS STIFFRATIOTOL=1.0E-8 AUTOSPC=ON

Parameters in the Case Control Section of the Model Input File use 16 character fields. Parameters in the Bulk Data
Section use 8 character fields. Parameters specified in the Model Initialization File and on the Nastran command line
use directive format (i.e., directive = option).

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-3

 Reference Manual

Model Translator Parameters:

Parameter Description Type Default

ALIGNEDGENODE When set to ON, will correct bad parabolic solid element geometry due ON/OFF OFF
to excessive curvature. PARAM, EDGENODETOL is used to specify
the tolerance for repositioning nodes and is given in degrees of the
curved edge relative to a straight one. When EDGENODETOL set to
AUTO, any solid element with a non-positive Jacobian will have all
curved edges aligned.
AUTOFIXELEMGEOM Option for automatically correcting elements that are singular due to ON/OFF ON
an incorrect ordering of the element grid points.
AUTOFIXRIGIDELEM When set to ON, will automatically correct improperly defined RBE3 ON/OFF ON
elements by adding rotational degrees of freedom to averaging grid
points as needed to prevent rigid body motion.
AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC When set to ON, will automatically correct the following rigid element, ON/OFF OFF
interpolation element, and MPC equation issues by adding a near rigid
spring at the dependent degrees of freedom:
• A rigid element, interpolation element, or MPC equation
dependent degree of freedom is constrained.
• One or more rigid elements, interpolation elements, or MPC
equations reference the same dependent degree of freedom.
• A series of rigid elements, interpolation elements, and/or MPC
equations are connected in a continuous link.
• An RBE2 element is defined with the independent grid point
located at the origin of a cylindrical coordinate system and
rigidity is desired only in the R or T component direction.
When AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC is set to OFF, behavior will be that of a
rigid element defined in the Cartesian rectangular system which
defined the specified cylindrical system. When AUTOFIXRIGIDSPC
is set to ON and a translational or rotational component is missing, the
local grid coordinate system at each independent grid point defines
that dependent/independent segment.
The spring element stiffness is defined by the KRIGIDELEM model
parameter. See KRIGIDELEM below.
CYSYMGEN Option for automatically generating cyclic symmetric boundary Integer > 0 0
conditions on an axisymmetric model. When set to a valid cylindrical
coordinate system id, boundary conditions are automatically
generated which force cyclic symmetric behavior. Grid points are
automatically identified at each r-z boundary plane based on the
specified near tolerance, CYSYMTOL. See CYSYMTOL below.
CYSYMTOL Near tolerance used to identify boundary grid points for the application Real 1.0E-10
of cyclic symmetric boundary conditions. The actual tolerance is
derived using CYSYMTOL and a model reference dimension. Each r-
z boundary is identified as all grid points within this tolerance at the
minimum and maximum θ values of the model.
EDGENODETOL See ALIGNEDGENODE above. Real AUTO
AUTO
FLOATINZERO Character input floating point zero tolerance. Input real data less than Real 1.0E-15
FLOATINZERO will be set to zero. Material property data will not be
zeroed.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-4

 Reference Manual

Model Translator Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

KRIGIDELEM Stiffness value assigned to bush elements generated from converted Real AUTO
RBE2 rigid elements. The AUTO setting will determine the optimum AUTO
value based on model dimensions and the largest Young’s modulus
specified. See RIGIDELEM2ELAS and RIGIDELEMTYPE below.
MAXADJEDGE This option is used to adjust storage space when using slide line and/or Integer > 0 AUTO
surface contact elements or when either the QUADEGRID, TRIEGRID, AUTO
HEXEGRID, PENTEGRID, PYREGRID, TETEGRID, SHELLEGRID or
SOLIDEGRID Model Initialization directives are set to ON resulting in
a T2222 fatal error. A starting value between 10 and 100 is
recommended but may need to be increased further if another T2222
error occurs. The AUTO setting will set MAXADJEDGE to 50 if
SLINEMAXACTDIST is set to AUTO and zero if set otherwise.
RIGIDELEM2ELAS Rigid element to spring element conversion option. When ON/OFF AUTO
RIGIDELEM2ELAS is set to ON, rigid elements (RBE2) will be AUTO
converted to the element type specified by the RIGIDELEMTYPE
model parameter. The AUTO setting enables rigid element thermal
expansion effects when a non-modal solution type is selected and a
coefficient of thermal expansion is specified on a RBE2 Bulk Data
entry. See KRIGIDELEM above and RIGIDELEMTYPE below.
RIGIDELEMCORD Rigid and interpolation element individual coordinate system option. ON/OFF AUTO
When set to ON or AUTO will allow rigid or interpolation elements or AUTO
MPC equations which are linked to be in separate coordinate systems
through internally generated collocated spring elements whose
stiffness is specified by KRIGIDELEM. The OFF setting will select the
dominant coordinate system of all connected elements as the common
element coordinate system.
RIGIDELEMTYPE Rigid element conversion element type: BAR/ELAS/ RBE
BAR – Selects a bar element form to replace RBE2 elements for large RBE
displacement nonlinear analysis and thermal expansion effects when
a coefficient of thermal expansion is specified on the RBE2 Bulk Data
entry. The bar element stiffness is controlled by the KRIGIDELEM
model parameter. If a dependent grid point is collocated with an
independent grid point, the RBE form will be selected automatically.
ELAS – Selects a bush element form to replace RBE2 elements with
one dependent grid point specified.
RBE – Selects the default rigid element which will result in the
generation of equivalent multipoint constraint equations.
See also KRIGIDELEM and RIGIDELEM2ELAS above.
WARNING Option for disabling output of warning messages. ON/OFF ON

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-5

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters:

Parameter Description Type Default

CB1, CB2 Used to specify scale factors for the total damping matrix. The total Real 1.0
damping matrix is given by
[BGLB ] = CB1∗[B1] + CB2 ∗ [B2 ]
where [B2 ] is selected via the Case Control command B2GG and [B1]
comes from viscous and structural damping terms. These parameters
are effective only if B2GG is selected in the Case Control Section.
CHECKRUN Model check run option. When set to ON the analysis will run up to ON/OFF OFF
and including the geometry processor module and then terminate
providing a check run for translator and geometry processor
diagnostics.
CHECKOUT See CHECKRUN above. ON/OFF OFF
CK1, CK2 Used to specify scale factors for the total stiffness matrix. The total Real 1.0
stiffness matrix is given by
[KGLB ] = CK1∗[K1] + CK2 ∗ [K2 ]
where [K 2 ] is selected via the Case Control command K2GG and [K1]
is generated from structural element entries in the Bulk Data. These
parameters are effective only if K2GG is selected in the Case Control.
CM1, CM2 Used to specify scale factors for the total mass matrix. The total mass Real 1.0
matrix is given by
[MGLB ] = CM1 ∗[M1] + CM2 ∗ [M2 ]
where [M2 ] is selected via the Case Control command M2GG and
[M1] is generated from mass element entries in the Bulk Data. These
parameters are effective only if M2GG is selected in the Case Control.
CONVMATRIX Convection matrix formulation option. When set to ON, requests the ON/OFF OFF
generation of convection boundary condition matrix off diagonal terms.
COUPMASS COUPMASS > 0 or ON requests the generation of coupled rather than Integer AUTO
diagonal mass matrices for elements with coupled mass capability. ON/OFF
This option applies to both structural and nonstructural mass for the AUTO
following elements: CBEAM, CBAR, CROD, CQUAD4, CQUADR,
CTRIA3, CTRIAR, CHEXA, CPENTA, CPYRA, and CTETRA. A
negative value or OFF causes the generation of diagonal mass
matrices for all of the above elements. The diagonal mass matrix is
formed by scaling the diagonal terms of the coupled mass matrix for
the correct element mass and setting the off-diagonal terms to zero.
Note that the diagonal mass matrix formulation includes rotary inertia
terms. The AUTO setting (default) will use the coupled mass
formulation when rigid elements or multipoint constraints are specified
in the model.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-6

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

CP1, CP2 Used to specify scale factors for the total load vector. The load Real 1.0
vectors are generated from the equation
{PGLB}= CP1∗{P1}+ CP2 ∗{P2 }
where {P2 } is selected via the Case Control command P2G and {P1}
comes from Bulk Data static load entries.
DMIPDIAG When set to ON, will add DMIGP diagonal terms at the DMIGG ON/OFF ON
assembly point.
ELEMGEOMCHECKS Element geometry check option. When set to ON, shell and solid ON/OFF ON
element Jacobian determinant, aspect ratio, skew angle, taper ratio,
and warping angle will be calculated. When set to OFF, element
geometry checks will be skipped and no warning messages will be
output for highly distorted elements.
ELEMGEOMFATAL Option to handle certain geometry warnings as fatal errors. When set ON/OFF OFF
to ON will terminate execution if an element geometry related warning
occurs (warnings: T2217-T2221 and G3007-G3017).
ELEMGEOMOUT Option to output individual element geometry statistics. When ON/OFF OFF
ELEMGEOMOUT is set to ON, the following statistics are output to ASPECTRATIO/
the Model Results Output File for each element: SKEWANGLE/
• Aspect ratio JACOBIAN1/
• Taper ratio JACOBIAN2

• Skew angle
• Warping angle
• Normalized Jacobian
The data is sorted based on normalized Jacobian determinant, skew
angle, and aspect ratio in ascending order for each element type. If
ELEMGEOMOUT is set to ASPECTRATIO, then the sort will be in
descending order and only based on element aspect ratio. If
ELEMGEOMOUT is set to SKEWANGLE, then the sort will be in
descending order and only based on element skew angle. If
ELEMGEOMOUT is set to JACOBIAN1, then the sort will be in
ascending order and only based on the total Jacobian determinant
normalized using element volume. If ELEMGEOMOUT is set to
JACOBIAN2, then the sort will be in ascending order and only based
on the minimum Jacobian determinant at each corner node
normalized using adjacent element edge lengths.
GPWEIGHT See GRDPNT below.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-7

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

GRDPNT GRDPNT > -1 will cause the grid point weight generator to be Integer -1
executed. The default value (GRDPNT = -1) suppresses the
computation and output of this data. GRDPNT specifies the
identification number of the grid point to be used as a reference point.
If GRDPNT = 0 or is not a defined grid point, the reference point is
taken as the origin of the basic coordinate system. The following
weight and balance information is output to the Model Results Output
File following the execution of the grid point weight generator:
• Total mass
• Location of center of gravity
• Mass moment of inertia
• Reference point
• Rigid body mass matrix [MO] relative to the reference point in
the basic coordinate system
• Transformation matrix [S] from the basic coordinate system to
principal mass axes
• Principal masses (mass) and associated centers of gravity (X-
C.G., Y-C.G., Z-C.G.)
• Inertia matrix I(S) about the center of gravity relative to the
principal mass axes
• Principal inertias I(Q) about the center of gravity
• Transformation matrix [Q] between S-axes and Q-axes. The
columns of [Q] are the unit direction vectors for the
corresponding principal inertias
GRIDCOLTOL Grid collocation tolerance. A warning message will be given if the Real 0.0
distance between any two grid points on an element is less than or
equal to the specified value.
HEXARTOL Hex element aspect ratio tolerance. A warning message will be given Real 100.0
if a hex element has an aspect ratio greater than or equal to the
specified value.
HEXENODE Hex element edge node option. Setting HEXENODE and HEXINODE ON/OFF OFF
to ON will sometimes give better results when hex elements are used
as thin plates with highly distorted initial geometry.
HEXFACEMAXIATOL Hex element face maximum interior angle tolerance. A warning Real 165.0
message will be given if a hex element has a face interior angle greater
than or equal to the specified value.
HEXFACEMINIATOL Hex element face minimum interior angle tolerance. A warning Real 25.0
message will be given if a hex element has a face interior angle less
than or equal to the specified value.
HEXFACESKEWTOL Hex element face skew angle tolerance. A warning message will be Real 65.0
given if a hex element has a face skew angle greater than or equal to
the specified value.
HEXFACETAPERTOL Hex element face taper ratio tolerance. A warning message will be Real 0.75
given if a hex element has a face taper ratio greater than or equal to
the specified value.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-8

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

HEXFACEWARPTOL Hex element face warping angle tolerance. A warning message will Real 45.0
be given if a hex element has a face warping angle greater than or
equal to the specified value.
HEXINODE Hex element internal node option. When set to ON, hex elements will ON/OFF AUTO
produce more accurate results with a small performance degradation. AUTO
The AUTO setting (default) will use the ON setting for stiffness matrix
and stress calculations for models less than DECOMPAUTOSIZE or
nonlinear solutions. For models greater than DECOMPAUTOSIZE
and AUTO, only the stiffness matrix assembly phase will use the ON
setting. The AUTO setting is recommended and provides optimal
performance with accuracy.
HEXMAXEPADTOL Hex element maximum edge-point angular deviation tolerance. A Real 30.0
warning message will be given if a hex element has an edge-point
angular deviation greater than or equal to the specified value.
HEXMINEPLRTOL Hex element minimum edge-point length ratio tolerance. A warning Real 0.5
message will be given if a hex element has an edge-point length ratio
less than or equal to the specified value.
HEXREDORD Hex element reduced order integration option. When set to ON, hex ON/OFF ON
elements will produce more accurate results by minimizing shear and
Poisson’s ratio locking. When set to OFF, the element may be too stiff
and under predict results.
J4ROT Specifies the stiffness to be added to the torsional degree of freedom Real AUTO
of bar and beam elements when a torsional constant is not supplied. AUTO
The AUTO setting determines a value sufficient to suppress
singularities due to incomplete element stiffness.
K6ROT Specifies the stiffness to be added to the normal rotation for CQUAD4 Real AUTO
and CTRIA3 elements. This is an alternate method to suppress the AUTO
grid point singularities. The default AUTO setting will use a value of
100.0 except for modal solutions where a value of 1.0E+4 is used. The
K6ROT setting may affect convergence in nonlinear and eigenvalue
solutions if values other that AUTO are specified. This parameter is
ignored for CQUADR and CTRIAR elements.
MAXELEMGEOMMSG Limits the number of warning/fatal error messages output for element Integer ≥ 0 AUTO
geometry checks. The default AUTO setting will use either a value of AUTO
10,000 or the number of lines in the Model Input File, whichever is
larger.
M6ROT Specifies the inertia to be added to the normal rotation for CQUAD4 Real 0.0
and CTRIA3 elements. The default AUTO setting will use a value of AUTO
1.0E-10 if K6ROT is also set to AUTO. This parameter is ignored for
CQUADR and CTRIAR elements. See K6ROT above.
NBEAMINTNODE The number of beam internal nodes used when tapered material 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 8 2
properties are specified. A higher value will produce more accurate
results for tapered sections, but may result in slower performance and
increased disk space requirements.
NSLDPLYINTPOINT The number of layered solid element ply integration points in the 3- 1, 3, or 5 3
direction (thickness direction) of the ply. A higher value will produce
more accurate results, but may result in slightly slower performance.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-9

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

PARTGEOMOUT Individual part geometry statistics output option. When set to ON, ON/OFF OFF
additional part statistical information will be output including:
• Material
• Property type
• Bounding box dimensions
• Mass
• Volume
• Number of grid points
• Number of elements
PARTMASSOUT Individual part mass properties output option. When set to ON, ON/OFF OFF
additional part mass properties information will be output including:
• Material
• Property type
• Mass
• Location of center of gravity
• Mass moment of inertia
PENTARTOL Pent element aspect ratio tolerance. A warning message will be given Real 100.0
if a pent element has an aspect ratio greater than or equal to the
specified value.
PENTFACEMAXIATOL Pent element face maximum interior angle tolerance. A warning Real 165.0
message will be given if a pent element has a face interior angle
greater than or equal to the specified value.
PENTFACEMINIATOL Pent element face minimum interior angle tolerance. A warning Real 25.0
message will be given if a pent element has a face interior angle less
than or equal to the specified value.
PENTFACESKEWTOL Pent element face skew angle tolerance. A warning message will be Real 65.0
given if a pent element has a face skew angle greater than or equal to
the specified value.
PENTFACETAPERTOL Pent element face taper ratio tolerance. A warning message will be Real 0.75
given if a pent element has a face taper ratio greater than or equal to
the specified value.
PENTFACEWARPTOL Pent element face warping angle tolerance. A warning message will Real 45.0
be given if a pent element has a quadrilateral face warping angle
greater than or equal to the specified value.
PENTMAXEPADTOL Pent element maximum edge-point angular deviation tolerance. A Real 30.0
warning message will be given if a pent element has an edge-point
angular deviation greater than or equal to the specified value.
PENTMINEPLRTOL Pent element minimum edge-point length ratio tolerance. A warning Real 0.5
message will be given if a pent element has an edge-point length ratio
less than or equal to the specified value.
PENTREDORD Pent element reduced order integration option. When set to ON, pent ON/OFF ON
elements will produce more accurate results by minimizing shear and
Poisson’s ratio locking. When set to OFF, the element may be too stiff
and under predict results.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-10

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

PYRARTOL Pyr element aspect ratio tolerance. A warning message will be given Real 100.0
if a pyr element has an aspect ratio greater than or equal to the
specified value.
PYRFACEMAXIATOL Pyr element face maximum interior angle tolerance. A warning Real 170.0
message will be given if a pyr element has a face interior angle greater
than or equal to the specified value.
PYRFACEMINIATOL Pyr element face minimum interior angle tolerance. A warning Real 5.0
message will be given if a pyr element has a face interior angle less
than or equal to the specified value.
PYRFACESKEWTOL Pyr element face skew angle tolerance. A warning message will be Real 80.0
given if a pyr element has a face skew angle greater than or equal to
the specified value.
PYRFACETAPERTOL Pyr element face taper ratio tolerance. A warning message will be Real 0.75
given if a pyr element has a face taper ratio greater than or equal to
the specified value.
PYRFACEWARPTOL Pyr element face warping angle tolerance. A warning message will be Real 45.0
given if a pyr element has a quadrilateral face warping angle greater
than or equal to the specified value.
PYRMAXEPADTOL Pyr element maximum edge-point angular deviation tolerance. A Real 30.0
warning message will be given if a pyr element has an edge-point
angular deviation greater than or equal to the specified value.
PYRMINEPLRTOL Pyr element minimum edge-point length ratio tolerance. A warning Real 0.5
message will be given if a pyr element has an edge-point length ratio
less than or equal to the specified value.
PYRREDORD Pyr element reduced order integration option. When set to ON, pyr ON/OFF ON
elements will produce more accurate results by minimizing shear and
Poisson’s ratio locking. When set to OFF, the element will be too stiff
and under predict results.
QUADARTOL Quad element aspect ratio tolerance. A warning message will be given Real 100.0
if a quad element has an aspect ratio greater than or equal to the
specified value.
QUADBNDREDORD Quad element bending reduced order integration option. When set to ON/OFF ON
ON, quad elements will produce more accurate results by minimizing
transverse shear locking. When set to OFF, the element may be too
stiff in bending and under predict results.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-11

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

QUADELEMTYPE Quad element bending formulation option. SRI/DKQ/ SRI
SRI – Selective Reduced-Order Integration. DKT
DKQ – Discrete Kirchhoff-Mindlin Quadrilateral.
DKT – Discrete Kirchhoff-Mindlin Triangle (either two overlapping or
four dissecting DKT elements depending on the setting for
QUADINODE).
The DKT and DKQ elements may be slightly more accurate than the
SRI in very coarse meshes; however, the SRI element performs
better in nonlinear and buckling solutions. All three element types
handle finite transverse shear stiffness. The SRI and DKQ element
types are supported in all solutions. The DKT element type is
supported in linear solutions only. If QUADINODE is set to ON and
the DKT element type is selected, the bending element will be
comprised of four DKT subelements and a center node. If
QUADINODE is set to OFF and the DKT element type is selected,
the bending element will be comprised of two overlapping DKT sub
elements.
QUADINODE Quad element internal node option. When set to ON, quad elements ON/OFF AUTO
will produce more accurate results with a small performance AUTO
degradation. The AUTO setting (default) will use the ON setting for
stiffness matrix and stress calculations for models less than
DECOMPAUTOSIZE, models with composite shell elements, or
nonlinear solutions. For models greater than DECOMPAUTOSIZE
and AUTO, only the stiffness matrix assembly phase will use the ON
setting. The AUTO setting provides optimal performance with
accuracy.
QUADMAXEPADTOL Quad element maximum edge-point angular deviation tolerance. A Real 30.0
warning message will be given if a quad element has an edge-point
angular deviation greater than or equal to the specified value.
QUADMAXIATOL Quad element maximum interior angle tolerance. A warning message Real 165.0
will be given if a quad element has an interior angle greater than or
equal to the specified value.
QUADMEMREDORD Quad element membrane reduced order integration option. When set ON/OFF ON
to ON, quad elements will produce more accurate results by
minimizing shear and Poisson’s ratio locking. When set to OFF, the
element may be too stiff in extension and under predict results.
QUADMINEPLRTOL Quad element minimum edge-point length ratio tolerance. A warning Real 0.5
message will be given if a quad element has an edge-point length ratio
less than or equal to the specified value.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-12

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

QUADMINIATOL Quad element minimum interior angle tolerance. A warning message Real 25.0
will be given if a quad element has an interior angle less than or equal
to the specified value.
QUADREDORD Quad element membrane and bending reduced order integration ON/OFF ON
option. When set to ON, quad elements will produce more accurate
results by minimizing shear and Poisson’s ratio locking. When set to
OFF, the element may be too stiff in extension and under predict
results.
QUADRNODE Quad element drill degree of freedom option. When set to ON, ON/OFF OFF
CQUAD4 entries will be converted to CQUADR entries.
QUADSKEWTOL Quad element skew angle tolerance. A warning message will be given Real 65.0
if a quad element has a skew angle greater than or equal to the
specified value.
QUADTAPERTOL Quad element taper ratio tolerance. A warning message will be given Real 0.75
if a quad element has a taper ratio greater than or equal to the specified
value.
QUADWARPLIMIT Quad element warping correction option. The value specified is the Real 45.0
maximum element warping angle allowed using the standard quad
element formulation. Quad elements with warping angles greater than
this value will use the alternate formulation which has no limit for
warping but is less accurate for coarse mesh densities.
QUADWARPTOL Quad element warping angle tolerance. A warning message will be Real 45.0
given if a quad element has a warping angle greater than or equal to
the specified value.
RADMATRIX Radiation matrix formulation option. When set to ON, requests the ON/OFF ON
generation of radiation boundary condition matrix off diagonal terms.
RBCHECKLEVEL Stiffness matrix equilibrium checks option. Equilibrium checks verify 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 5 0
whether an unrestrained model can undergo simple rigid body motion
without generating internal forces. There are six options:
0– Do not perform any checks.
1 – Perform checks after stiffness matrix assembly before
multipoint constraints are applied.
2 – Perform checks after multipoint constraints are applied before
single point constraints are applied.
3– Perform checks after single point constraints are applied
before static condensation.
4 – Perform checks after static condensation before
decomposition.
5– Perform checks 1 – 4 above.
RBCHECKMODES Specifies the number of modes to solve for in an automated modal Integer ≥ 0 0
rigid body check. When set to a value greater than zero will perform
an eigenvalue extraction analysis requesting that number of specified
modes on the unconstrained model. Displacements and strain energy
are output. Multipoint constraints requested in the first subcase of the
model will be included.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-13

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

RESEQGRID Grid point resequence option. When set to ON, the model grid point ON/OFF ON
identification numbers will be resequenced internally to minimized
model size and optimize performance. This action is completely
transparent to the user so model results will still reference the original
grid point identification numbers. If the resequenced model is bigger
than the original model, the original is retained.
RESEQSTARTGRID Grid point resequence start grid point identification number. The Integer > 0 Lowest
default is the model grid point with the lowest connectivity. This will Connectivity
usually result in the smallest resequenced model size. Selecting a Grid Point
different grid point in some cases may produce a smaller model size.
ROTINERTIA Diagonal element mass matrix rotary inertia option. When set to ON, ON/OFF AUTO
rotary inertia terms (if significant) are added to the element mass AUTO
matrix. The AUTO setting will use the OFF setting when the
EXTRACTMETHOD directive is set to LANCZOS or set to AUTO and
the LANCZOS eigensolver is selected.
SHEARELEMTYPE Shear element formulation option. NASTRAN/ AUTO
NASTRAN – Standard NASTRAN Garvey shear panel element. NORAN
NORAN – V8.1 and below shear panel element. AUTO
AUTO – Selects NASTRAN if the material is isotropic and NORAN if it
is orthotropic or anisotropic.
SHELLRNODE Shell element drill degree of freedom option. When set to ON, ON/OFF OFF
CQUAD4 and CTRIA3 entries will be converted to CQUADR and
CTRIAR entries, respectively.
SHELLTVSMATTYPE Orthotropic shell element transverse shear stiffness type. Specifies RIGID/ FLEXIBLE
the default type of transverse shear on MAT8 Bulk Data entries when FLEXIBLE
the G1Z and G2Z fields are blank or zero. When set to RIGID, a rigid
approach is used where the G1Z and G2Z are penalty values which
provide a nearly rigid transverse shear stiffness. When set to
FLEXIBLE, the G12 value is used. If a non-zero value is supplied for
either G1Z or G2Z it will be used.
TEMPDEPCOMP Option to enable temperature-dependent composite materials. When ON/OFF ON
set to ON, ply material temperature dependence will be enabled for
stiffness matrix and load vector assembly and element results
calculations based on individual element ply temperature. Properties
will be updated as temperatures change in nonlinear solutions. The
OFF setting will use the reference temperature defined on the PCOMP
entry.
TETARTOL Tet element aspect ratio tolerance. A warning message will be given Real 100.0
if a tet element has an aspect ratio greater than or equal to the
specified value.
TETFACEMAXIATOL Tet element face maximum interior angle tolerance. A warning Real 170.0
message will be given if a tet element has a face interior angle greater
than or equal to the specified value.
TETFACEMINIATOL Tet element face minimum interior angle tolerance. A warning Real 5.0
message will be given if a tet element has a face interior angle less
than or equal to the specified value.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-14

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

TETFACESKEWTOL Tet element face skew angle tolerance. A warning message will be Real 80.0
given if a tet element has a face skew angle greater than or equal to
the specified value.
TETINODE Tet element internal node option. When set to ON, parabolic tet ON/OFF OFF
elements will produce slightly more accurate results with a small AUTO
performance degradation. The AUTO setting (default) will use the ON
setting for stiffness matrix and stress calculations for models less than
DECOMPAUTOSIZE or nonlinear solutions. For models greater than
DECOMPAUTOSIZE and AUTO, only the stiffness matrix assembly
phase will use the ON setting.
TETMAXEPADTOL Tet element maximum edge-point angular deviation tolerance. A Real 30.0
warning message will be given if a tet element has an edge-point
angular deviation greater than or equal to the specified value.
TETMINEPLRTOL Tet element minimum edge-point length ratio tolerance. A warning Real 0.5
message will be given if a tet element has an edge-point length ratio
less than or equal to the specified value.
TETREDORD Tet element reduced order integration option. When set to ON, tet ON/OFF ON
elements will produce more accurate results by minimizing shear and
Poisson’s ratio locking. When set to OFF, the element will be too stiff
and under predict results.
TRIARTOL Tri element aspect ratio tolerance. A warning message will be given if Real 100.0
a tri element has an aspect ratio greater than or equal to the specified
value.
TRIBNDREDORD Tri element bending reduced order integration option. When set to ON, ON/OFF ON
tri elements will produce more accurate results by minimizing
transverse shear locking. When set to OFF, the element may be too
stiff in bending and under predict results.
TRIELEMTYPE Tri element bending formulation option. DKT/SRI DKT
DKT – Discrete Kirchhoff-Mindlin Triangle.
SRI – Selective Reduced-Order Integration.
The DKT element is typically more accurate than the SRI in coarse
meshes and like the SRI element, works well for both thick and thin
plates. Both element types handle finite transverse shear stiffness and
are supported in all solutions.
TRIMAXEPADTOL Tri element maximum edge-point angular deviation tolerance. A Real 30.0
warning message will be given if a tri element has an edge-point
angular deviation greater than or equal to the specified value.
TRIMAXIATOL Tri element maximum interior angle tolerance. A warning message will Real 170.0
be given if a tri element has an interior angle greater than or equal to
the specified value.
TRIMEMREDORD Tri element membrane reduced order integration option. When set to ON/OFF ON
ON, tri elements will produce more accurate results by minimizing
shear and Poisson’s ratio locking. When set to OFF, the element may
be too stiff in extension and under predict results.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-15

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

TRIMINEPLRTOL Tri element minimum edge-point length ratio tolerance. A warning Real 0.5
message will be given if a tri element has an edge-point length ratio
less than or equal to the specified value.
TRIMINIATOL Tri element minimum interior angle tolerance. A warning message will Real 10.0
be given if a tri element has an interior angle less than or equal to the
specified value.
TRIREDORD Tri element membrane and bending reduced order integration option. ON/OFF ON
When set to ON, tri elements will produce more accurate results by
minimizing shear and Poisson’s ratio locking. When set to OFF, the
element may be too stiff in extension and under predict results.
TRIRNODE Tri element drill degree of freedom option. When set to ON, CTRIA3 ON/OFF ON
entries will be converted to CTRIAR entries.
TRISKEWTOL Tri element skew angle tolerance. A warning message will be given if Real 65.0
a tri element has a skew angle greater than or equal to the specified
value.
UNRESEQGRID Unresequence model database option. When set to ON, the model ON/OFF ON
database grid point identification numbers will be reset to original input
values. This option is used primarily to generate a resequenced bulk
data file by translating a resequenced database. See RESEQGRID.
WTMASS Global mass matrix scaling factor. The terms of the global mass matrix Real 1.0
are multiplied by the value of WTMASS when they are generated. This
parameter is used when material density is input in weight instead of
mass units. It does not affect loads generated by GRAV or RFORCE
Bulk Data entries or mass properties calculated by the Grid Point
Weight Generator. The value of WTMASS is calculated using the
relation:
 1
ρm = ρ
  w
g 

where ρm is mass or mass density

g is acceleration of gravity
ρw is weight or weight density

VFMADDMETHOD Specifies when in the solution sequence virtual fluid mass is added to ASSEMBLY/ ASSEMBLY
the global mass matrix. There are two options: after mass matrix REDUCTION
ASSEMBLY and after mass matrix REDUCTION.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-16

 Reference Manual

Geometry Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

VFMINTERACTTOL Tolerance for removing negligible off-diagonal fluid interaction terms Real 1.0E-10
from the assembled fluid mass matrix. A larger VFMINTERACTTOL
value will result in a more sparse virtual fluid mass matrix (using less
memory) but with a corresponding reduction in accuracy. Enclosed
fluid volumes will have a dense virtual fluid mass matrix due to fluid
interaction between adjacent and distant wet surfaces. Distant
surfaces relative to a single point will have a negligible contribution but
can still result in a dense virtual fluid mass matrix requiring large
amounts of memory. A larger VFMINTERACTTOL value may be
useful for reducing memory requirements and increasing performance
for these of models.
VFMNORMTOL Angular tolerance for excluding adjacent grid point surfaces in the fluid Real 30.0
mass matrix. An average element surface normal is calculated for all
wet surface elements connected at a grid point. If the angular
difference between the average element surface normal and an
adjacent individual element normal is greater than VFMNORNTOL, its
fluid mass is excluded.
VMOPT See VFMADDMETHOD above.
VOXELMESH When ON, if MCID of first encountered hex element uses the basic ON/OFF OFF
coordinate system (MCID=0) and does not have temperature
dependent material properties, then the element stiffness will be
applied for every other hex element in the model.
ZERONPDELEMMASS Zero non-positive definite element mass matrix option. When set to ON/OFF OFF
ON, an eigensolution is performed for each point mass element
(CONMi) mass matrix. If a negative principal mass or inertia is
detected, the mass matrix for that element is set to zero.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-17

 Reference Manual

Solution Processor Parameters:

Parameter Description Type Default

ADAPTLNCONTACT Linear contact adaptive stiffness update method. When set to ON, ON/OFF AUTO
each contact segment will adjust stiffness on each iteration to maintain AUTO
a fixed penetration of 1 percent of the contact segment reference
length dimension. When set to OFF, stiffness is not adjusted
individually. The AUTO setting will use ON for contact segments with
initial gap openings that are 10 percent of the contact segment
reference length dimension.
AUTOSPC Automatic single point constraint option. AUTOSPC specifies the ON/OFF ON
action to take when singularities exist in the stiffness matrix ([Kff]).
Setting AUTOSPC to ON means that singularities will be constrained
automatically. Setting AUTOSPC to OFF means that singularities will
not be constrained. If AUTOSPC is ON, identified singularities with a
ratio smaller than STIFFRATIOTOL (default = 1.0E-8) will be
automatically constrained with single-point constraints. See
STIFFRATIOTOL and PRGPST.
BAREQVLOAD Bar and beam element equivalent load vector formulation option. ON/OFF ON
When set to ON, the bar and beam element load vector will be
calculated using a work equivalent approach. When set to OFF, the
bar and beam element load vector will include forces only.
DELTASTRAINEGOUT Delta strain energy output option. When set to ON, the residual strain ON/OFF OFF
energy vector is output. The residual strain energy vector is calculated
using:
δ E = (Ku − P) u
where u is the global displacement vector
P is the global load vector
K is the global stiffness matrix
The solution error measure, epsilon, is calculated using:
NDOF

∑δ E
i =1
ε= T
u P

EPSILONFLOAT Floating point precision constant for stiffness matrix factorization. Real 1.0E-15
EPZERO See STIFFRATIOTOL. Real 1.0E-8
FACTDIAG See SOLUTIONERROR. Real 1.0E-10
FACTRATIOTOL Stiffness matrix factor diagonal tolerance. The ratios of terms on the Real 1.0E+5
diagonal of the stiffness matrix to the corresponding terms on the
diagonal of the triangular factor are computed. If, for any row, this ratio
is greater than FACTRATIOTOL, the matrix will be considered to be
nearly singular (having mechanisms). If any diagonal terms of the
factor are negative, the stiffness matrix is considered implausible (non-
positive definite). The ratios greater than FACTRATIOTOL and less
than zero and their associated external grid point identities will be
output. If the matrix is non-positive definite or a singularity is detected,
the program will then take appropriate action as directed by the model
parameter SOLUTIONERROR.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-18

 Reference Manual

Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

GRIDTEMPASGN Option to assign element temperatures to adjacent grid points. ON/OFF OFF
GRIDTEMPASGN set to ON will assign element temperatures defined
on TEMPP1 and TEMPRB entries to the associated element grid
points. Surface and line elements that reference TEMPP1 and
TEMPRB entries, respectively, will use temperatures defined on the
entry. Adjacent elements with no element temperature definition will
use grid point temperatures from element temperatures when PARAM,
GRIDTEMPASGN is set to ON and from TEMP and TEMPD entries
when it is set to OFF.
GRIDTEMPAVE Element grid point temperature averaging option. When set to ON, ON/OFF OFF
element grid point temperatures are averaged to determine the
extensional contribution to the element thermal equivalent load vector.
INERTIALRELIEF Controls the calculation of inertial relief or enforced acceleration in Integer 0
STATIC solutions. INERTIALRELIEF set to ON or –1 requests that ON/OFF OFF
inertial relief be performed using the fixed point method. A SUPORT
entry is required to be defined for a single grid point. The model must AUTO
be fully constrained against rigid body motion about that point. Loads
due to unit body accelerations at the point referenced by PARAM,
GPWEIGHT or PARAM, GRDPNT are calculated and then appended
to the global load vector. If a SUPORT is not specified, one will be
generated automatically for all six degrees of freedom at the grid point
specified by PARAM, GPWEIGHT or PARAM, GRDPNT. The AUTO
setting requests that inertial relief be performed using Automated
Inertial Relief Analysis (AIRA). AIRA does not require any model
constraints or SUPORT entry or PARAM, GRDPNT settings. The
model center of mass is automatically located and selected as the
frame of reference. The model is stabilized using internally generated
bush elements with a stiffness that is based on model characteristics.
INREL See INERTIALRELIEF above. Integer 0
ON/OFF OFF
LINEARCONTACT Option to control surface contact in linear static solutions. When set to ON/OFF ON
ON, an iterative contact procedure is performed by checking the status
of contact surfaces and adjusting the contact stiffness. Iteration
convergence is defined by LNCONTACTITERTOL with a maximum
number of iterations permitted defined by MAXLNCONTACTITER.
Convergence is typically achieved in two to three iterations. When set
to OFF or in other linear solutions, surface contact will default to
welded behavior.
LNCONTACTITERTOL Linear contact analysis iteration convergence tolerance. See Real 1.0E-2
LINEARCONTACT.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-19

 Reference Manual

Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

MAXLNCONTACTITER Linear contact analysis maximum number of convergence iterations Integer ≥ 0 30
permitted. The linear contact procedure will iterate until the
convergence factor set by LNCONTACTITERTOL is reached or
MAXLNCONTACTITER iterations have been performed. A zero
setting will result in iteration until convergence is reached. See
LINEARCONTACT.
MAXRATIO See FACTRATIOTOL. Real 1.0E5
MAXSPARSEITER Iterative solver maximum number of iterations permitted. The iterative Integer > 0 AUTO
solver will iterate until MINSPARSEITER iterations have been AUTO
performed regardless of convergence and then continue until the
convergence factor set by SPARSEITERTOL is reached or
MAXSPARSEITER iterations have been performed. The AUTO
setting will set MAXSPARSEITER to the number of degrees of
freedom of the model. See the Model Initialization directive,
DECOMPMETHOD in Section 2, Initialization, for more information.
MINSPARSEITER Iterative solver minimum number of iterations required. The iterative Integer > 0 50
solver will iterate, regardless of convergence, until the minimum
MINSPARSEITER iterations have been performed.
PRGPST Controls the printout of singularities. When set to ON, all degrees of ON/OFF ON
freedom automatically constrained (PARAM, AUTOSPC, ON) will be
written out to the Grid Point Singularity Table in the Model Results
Output File. When set to OFF, only non-zero degrees of freedom are
listed. See AUTOSPC.
RESEQGRIDMETHOD Matrix profile minimization method. Solution time is proportional to VRM1-VRM10/ AUTO
matrix profile. The VSS and PSS solvers minimize profile by AUTO
reordering matrix rows and columns. For the VSS solver 10 matrix
profile minimization methods are available: VRM1-VRM10. Each
method can be selected individually (other methods not used) or the
three best methods (VRM1, VRM7, and VRM10) considered with the
best reordering method used automatically (AUTO). For the PSS
solver two matrix profile minimization methods are available: VRM1
and VRM7. Each method can be selected individually or the best
reordering method used automatically (AUTO).
QUADEQVLOAD Quad element equivalent load vector formulation option. When set to ON/OFF OFF
ON, the quad element load vector will be calculated using a work
equivalent approach. When set to OFF, the quad element load vector
will include forces only.
SHELLEQVLOAD Shell element equivalent load vector formulation option. When set to ON/OFF OFF
ON, the quad and tri element load vectors will be calculated using a
work equivalent approach. When set to OFF, the element load vector
will include forces only.
SIGMA Stefan-Boltzmann constant. The radiant heat flux is proportional to Real 0.0
SIGMA * (T + TABS)4, where SIGMA is the Stefan-Boltzmann
constant, T is the temperature at a grid point and TABS is the scale
factor for absolute temperature specified by PARAM, TABS. These
parameters must be given in units consistent with the rest of the data
in the model. The value for SIGMA is 5.67E-8 W/m2-oK4 or 3.97E-14
BTU/sec.-in.2-oR4. The default value causes radiant heat effects to be
discarded.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-20

 Reference Manual

Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

SPARSEITERMETHOD Iterative solver preconditioner method: ITERATIVE/ AUTO
ITERATIVE – Selects the iterative solver. This method uses less DIRECT/
memory and may be faster for solid models. If a modal solution is PRIMAL/
being performed and field 6 on the EIGRL entry is blank, the iterative AUTO
solver will be used during Lanczos extraction.
DIRECT – Selects the direct sparse solver. This method may be faster
if the model contains large numbers of RBEi elements or MPC
equations and/or has elements that are irregularly shaped. If a modal
solution is being performed and field 6 on the EIGRL entry is blank, the
direct solver will be used during Lanczos extraction.
PRIMAL – Selects the primal solver. This solver is similar to the
ITERATIVE solver but may require less iterations for models that
contain elements with high initial distortion.
AUTO – Selects the fastest method based on available memory and
element type.
This parameter is only applicable to the PCGLSS iterative solver.
SPARSEITERMODE Iterative solver implicit matrix-vector multiply option for reducing 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 AUTO
memory requirements for models with parabolic tet elements. There AUTO
are three options:
0 – Implicit matrix-vector multiply is disabled. The full tet element
stiffness matrix is used by the solver and additional memory is
required.
1 – Implicit matrix-vector multiply is enabled. A reduced tet
element stiffness matrix is generated and used by the solver reducing
memory usage and increasing performance.
2 – Same as option 1 but requires less memory with a possible
degradation in performance.
3 – Same as option 2 but uses the least amount of memory by
skipping the assembly of the global mass and stiffness matrixes. The
following limitations exists with this setting:
• The AUTOSPC function will use only diagonal stiffness and
is therefore less robust (see AUTOSPC in this section).
• Forces of multipoint constraint are not available.
• The reported epsilon (solution error measure) is the value
given by the PCGLSS solver and not the value determined
independently (see DELTASTRAINEGOUT in this section).
This parameter is only applicable to the PCGLSS iterative solver.
SPARSEITERTOL Iterative solver convergence factor. The iterative solver will iterate until 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 AUTO
the convergence factor set by SPARSEITERTOL is reached or AUTO
MAXSPARSEITER iterations have been performed and at least
MINSPARSEITER iterations have been performed. The AUTO setting
uses a convergence factor of 1.0E-09 when Automated Inertial Relief
(AIR) is selected or spring elements with high stiffness values are
specified and a convergence factor of 1.0E-06 otherwise.
See the Model Initialization directive, DECOMPMETHOD in Section 2,
Initialization, for more information.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-21

 Reference Manual

Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

SPARSEMETHOD Specifies the VSS sparse direct solver matrix reordering method: HEAT/ AUTO
HEAT – Used for one degree of freedom per node models such as in SHELL/
heat transfer solutions. SOLID/
SOLVER/
SHELL – Used for six degree of freedom per node models such as in AUTO
structural models with shell and line element types.
SOLID – Used for three degree of freedom per node models such as
in structural models with only solid elements.
SOLVER – Directs the solver to determine the best reordering method
based on the input stiffness matrix.
AUTO – The program picks the best method based on the element
types and solution selected in the model.
Additional reordering options can be selected using the
RESEQGRIDMETHOD directive.
SPARSEOUTOFCORE Parallel sparse direct solver out-of-core option. When set to ON, the ON/OFF AUTO
PSS solver will operate in out-of-core mode which will handle larger AUTO
models but is slower due to I/O usage and single CPU operation.
When set to OFF, the PSS solver will operate completely in memory,
in parallel CPU mode. The AUTO setting initially attempts to run
completely in memory and only reverts to out-of-core mode if an
insufficient memory error occurs. See the Model Initialization directive,
DECOMPMETHOD in Section 2, Initialization, for more information.
SOLUTIONERROR When set to ON, it directs the program to substitute the value of ON/OFF OFF
FACTDIAG (default = 1.0E-10) for the factored diagonal term when a
singularity or non-positive definite is detected. If FACTDIAG is set to
zero, non-positive definites are ignored, while a singularity will result in
program termination. SOLUTIONERROR and FACTDIAG are ignored
in eigenvalue solutions and when the sparse iterative solvers
(PCGLSS or VIS) are used. While this option is useful for modeling
checkout, it may lead to solutions of poor quality or fatal messages
later in the run. It is recommended that SOLUTIONERROR be set to
OFF for production runs.
SPCGEN Grid point singularity translation option for Bulk Data Output File ON/OFF OFF
generation. When set to ON, identified singularities listed in the Grid
Point Singularity Table (PARAM, AUTOSPC, ON) will be translated out
as SPC1 Bulk Data entries. See the Model Initialization directive,
TRSLSPCDATA in Section 2, Initialization, and AUTOSPC for more
information.
STIFFRATIOTOL Specifies the minimum global stiffness matrix diagonal ratio for Real 1.0E-8
automatic singularity detection. Values below STIFFRATIOTOL are
considered singular. See AUTOSPC.
STIFFZEROTOL Specifies the minimum value for an off-diagonal term to be considered Real 1.0E-15
nonzero in the global stiffness or mass matrix. If the ratio of the off-
diagonal term to the corresponding diagonal term is less than
STIFFZEROTOL, the off-diagonal term will be considered zero and
removed from the matrix.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-22

 Reference Manual

Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

TABS Scale factor for absolute temperature. TABS is used to convert units Real 0.0
of temperature input (°F or °C) to the absolute temperature (°R or °K)
when radiant heat effects are included. Specify PARAM, TABS,
273.16 when Celsius is used and PARAM, TABS, 459.69 when
Fahrenheit is used. See SIGMA.
TRIEQVLOAD Tri-element equivalent load vector formulation option. When set to ON, ON/OFF OFF
the tri-element load vector will be calculated using a work equivalent
approach. When set to OFF, the tri element load vector will include
forces only.
WTMASSMETHOD Specifies how the WTMASS model parameter is used to determine NASTRAN/ NASTRAN
gravity loads. The NORAN option (default) uses WTMASS to convert NORAN
GRAV loads into units of gravity. The NASTRAN option does not use
WTMASS and thus requires models in mass density units to specify
gravity loads in weight units versus G's which is consistent with other
versions of Nastran.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-23

 Reference Manual

Eigenvalue Processor Parameters:

Parameter Description Type Default

AUTOBPD Automatic global mass matrix singularity and non-positive definite ON/OFF OFF
correction option. When set to ON, the global mass matrix is checked
for zero or negative diagonal terms. A zero or negative diagonal term
will result in the corresponding row and column being zeroed and the
diagonal term replaced with BPDEFDIAG. If BPDEFDIAG is not
specified (recommended), it will be calculated automatically.
BPDEFDIAG Mass diagonal coefficient to be used for correcting singular and non- Real Model
positive definite matrixes. When AUTOBPD is set to ON, the global Dependent
mass matrix is checked for zero or negative diagonal terms. A zero or
negative diagonal term will result in the corresponding row and column
being zeroed and the diagonal term replaced with BPDEFDIAG. If
BPDEFDIAG is not specified (recommended), it will be calculated
automatically.
CLOSE See SCRSPEC. Real 1.0
DDAMPHASE DDAM multiphase analysis option. Divides a DDAM analysis 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 0
sequence into four phases:
0 – Complete single phase analysis.
1 – Phase 1 DDAM operations consisting of an eigenvalue extraction
analysis and a modal database store (filename.MDB is
generated).
2 – Phase 2 DDAM operations consisting of a modal database fetch,
the response/shock spectrum generation using the DDAMDAT
Bulk Data entry input, and a DDAM database store (filename.DDB
is generated).
3 – Phase 3 DDAM operations consisting of a DDAM database fetch
and grid point and element results processing.
DMILABEL Specifies the base label for exported matrix data (NAME field on the Character Subcase or
DMIG Bulk Data entry). The user specified label is concatenated with super
the matrix type where the exported boundary stiffness matrix label element
becomes Kcccccc, the mass Mcccccc, the damping Bcccccc, and the number
load Pcccccc and where cccccc is the user specified label (maximum
6 characters).
EIGENFLEXFREQ Specifies the threshold frequency in cycles per unit time for defining Real 0.1
the first flexible mode in a normal modes or modal response analysis.
Eigenvalues with a frequency greater than this value will be considered
as flexible modes.
EIGENSHIFTSFACT Specifies the shift scale multiplier used to increase the shift scale for Real 1.0E+4
an eigensolver restart. See MAXEIGENRESTART below.
EIGENSOLACCEL Subspace eigensolver acceleration option. When set to OFF, no ON/OFF ON
acceleration algorithms will be used and solution times may increase.
This option is typically used when the eigensolver selects a shift scale
that results in an unstable or inaccurate solution.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-24

 Reference Manual

Eigenvalue Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

EXTOUT Model and matrix data output: MODEL/ OFF
MODEL – Requests model data translation to the Bulk Data Output DMIGOUT/
File. DMIGBDF/
DMIGOP2/
DMIGOUT – Requests global matrix output to the Model Results OFF
Output File.
DMIGBDF – Requests global matrix export in DMIG format to the Bulk
Data Output File.
DMIGOP2 – Requests global matrix export to a NASTRAN Output 2
formatted results file.
OFF – No output is requested.
If matrix reduction is requested only the reduced matrix will be
exported. For the global matrix output options mass, stiffness, and
damping matrixes will be exported. To select specific matrixes to
export use the EXTSEOUT Case Control command (see EXTSEOUT
in Section 3, Case Control, for more information).
LANCZOSVECT Initial starting vector formulation to be used by the Subspace ON/OFF OFF
eigensolver. When set to ON, eigensolver starting iteration vectors will
be formulated using the Lanczos method. This method may increase
solution time, but can be useful when the standard formulation does
not converge to an acceptable solution or is very slow to converge.
MAXEIGENRESTART Defines the permitted number of eigensolver restarts when an invalid Integer > 0 5
shift scale is either externally defined or internally estimated. See also
EIGENSHIFTSFACT.
MODALDATABASE Controls the storage and retrieval of modal data such as eigenvalues DELETE/ DELETE
and eigenvectors used in dynamic response analysis. The default FETCH/
value DELETE will purge all modal data when the program terminates STORE/
normally. When set to STORE, the modal database is stored in a UPDATE
single file with the same base name as the Model Results Output File
and a .MDB file extension. When set to FETCH, the database
specified by the MODALDATFILE directive is retrieved and the
eigenvalue extraction phase is skipped. When set to UPDATE, the
modal database will be retrieved and stored.
MODEFSPCSTORE Controls the storage and calculation of single point constraint forces in ON/OFF ON
the modal database. When set to ON, single point constraint forces
will be stored in the modal database file for modal restarts. When set
to OFF and a modal database restart is performed, single point
constraint forces will be calculated, if requested, using the first subcase
SPCFORCES and SPC set requests.
MODEPFACTOR Controls the calculation and output of modal participation factors and ON/OFF ON
modal effective mass.
NCBMODE Defines the number of component modes for superelement analysis. Integer > 0 1
A Craig-Bampton reduction will be performed using NCBMODE
modes.
OPTION Defines the summation method used to combine modal results in ABS/SRSS/ ABS
response spectrum analysis. See SCRSPEC for more information. NRL/CQC

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-25

 Reference Manual

Eigenvalue Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

RESVEC Residual vector generation option. The default AUTO value will set ON/OFF AUTO
RESVEC to ON for modal transient and frequency response solutions AUTO
when direct enforced motion via the SPCD entry is specified. When
set to ON, will enable generation of residual vectors based on applied,
inertial relief, and RVDOFi loads. If no RVDOFi Bulk Data entries are
defined, residual vectors will be based on applied and inertial loads
only. The use of residual vectors improves the accuracy of modal
dynamic response solutions by partially correcting mode truncation
effects.
RESVPGF Residual vector zero tolerance. RESVPGF is used to eliminate Real 1.0E-6
duplicate input load vectors and null residual vectors.
RIGIDBODYMODE Subspace eigensolver option to specify how rigid body motion is FORCED/ AUTO
detected and handled. The default AUTO value will automatically OFF
detect any rigid body motion and extract rigid body mode shapes. AUTO
When set to FORCED, directions specified on the SUPORT entry
corresponding to the first six modes will be replaced with exact zero
eigenvalues and rigid eigenvectors. All unconstrained directions
should be specified on the SUPORT entry when this option is used.
When set to OFF, the structure is assumed properly constrained and
free of any rigid body motion.
SCRSPEC Setting SCRSPEC to ON or 0 requests that structural response be Integer -1
calculated for response spectra input in a normal modes analysis. The ON/OFF OFF
responses are summed with the ABS, SRSS, NRL, or CQC
convention, depending on the value of PARAM, OPTION. If the SRSS,
NRL, or CQC options are used, close natural frequencies will be
summed by the ABS convention, where close natural frequencies are
defined as meeting the inequality.
fi +1 < CLOSE ∗ fi

SORTMODEMASS Modal data sorting option. When set to ON, modes will be summed in ON/OFF ON
order of increasing modal mass (DDAM solutions only).
ZONADATAOUT Zona aeroelastic solver output option. When set to ON, addition data ON/OFF OFF
is calculated and output to the Model Results Output File which is
required for subsequent analysis using Zona’s ZAERO software.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-26

 Reference Manual

Transient Response Processor Parameters:

Parameter Description Type Default

ADAPTTIMESTEP Option for adaptive time stepping in linear direct transient response. ON/OFF OFF
When ADAPTTIMESTEP is set to ON, the default time step skip factor
specified on the TSTEP Bulk Data entry is set to 5 enabling adaptive
time stepping. When set to OFF, the default time step skip factor is
set to 0 disabling adaptive time stepping. The additional parameters
for adaptive time stepping are specified in fields 6 through 9 on the
TSTEP entry. ADAPTTIMESTEP is overridden if a non-blank value is
specified in field 6.
ALPHA Rayleigh damping stiffness matrix scale factor. See W3, W4. Real 0.0
BETA Rayleigh damping mass matrix scale factor. See W3, W4. Real 0.0
DYNLMDIRECTDIF Controls the type of differentiation used in the large mass enforced ON/OFF OFF
motion method when this option is requested on a TLOAD2 Bulk Data
entry. When set to ON, enforced displacements and velocities
requested on TLOAD2 entries will be computed using direct
differentiation. When set to OFF, numerical differentiation will be used.
DYNRESPEIGVOUT Controls the output of normal modes results in modal response ON/OFF OFF
solutions.
DYNSOLACCEL Modal response solution acceleration option. When set to OFF, ON/OFF ON
reduces memory requirements for modal transient and frequency
response analyses by storing eigenvectors on disk. Disk storage is
automatic if eigenvector memory cannot be allocated.
DYNSOLDIRECTINT Controls the type of integration used in solving the dynamic differential ON/OFF ON
equations of motion used in transient response analysis. When set to
ON, the equations are integrated directly. When set to OFF,
integration will be performed numerically using the Newmark-Beta
method.
DYNSOLRELGRID Specifies the reference point for enforced motion in linear transient and Integer > 0 AUTO
frequency response solutions when relative motion output is requested AUTO
via the REL option on the DISPLACEMENT, VELOCITY, and
ACCELERATION Case Control commands. The AUTO setting selects
the direct enforced motion input point for direct enforced motion
(SPCD) and the point with the largest mass for large mass enforced
motion.
G Specifies the uniform structural damping coefficient in the formulation Real 0.0
of global damping matrix in direct transient solutions. To obtain the
value for the model parameter G, multiply the critical damping ratio,
C/C0, by 2.0. Note that PARAM, W3 must be greater than zero or
PARAM, G will be ignored.
HFREQ The parameters LFREQ and HFREQ specify the frequency range in Real 1.0E+30
cycles per unit time (LFREQ is the lower limit and HFREQ is the upper
limit) of the modes to be used in normal modes and dynamic response
analysis. Note that the default for HREQ will usually include all modes
computed. See also LMODES below.
LFREQ See HFREQ. Real 0.0
LMODES Specifies the number of lowest modes to use in normal modes and Integer > 0 0
dynamic response analysis. If LMODES is set equal to zero, the
retained modes are determined by the model parameters LFREQ and
HFREQ.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-27

 Reference Manual

Transient Response Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

MAXIMPACTSTEP Specifies the maximum number of output steps in Automated Impact Integer > 0 0
Analysis. If MAXIMPACTSTEP is set equal to zero, no limit is placed
on the number of output steps.
MODEVAROUT Controls the output of modal variables in modal response solutions. ON/OFF OFF
NDAMP Numerical damping option for direct transient solutions. Numerical Real AUTO
damping may be specified to achieve numerical stability. A value of AUTO
zero requests no numerical damping. The default AUTO setting
selects the optimum value based on the solution specified. For
nonlinear transient heat transfer solutions a value of 0.3 is used. For
nonlinear transient response solutions a value of 0.01 is used. Larger
values may improve solution stability and convergence especially
when contact is present.
RSPECTRA Setting RSPECTRA to ON or 0 requests that response spectra be Integer -1
generated in a transient response analysis. ON/OFF OFF
USAWETSURFACE Underwater Shock Analysis (USA) interface option. A value greater Integer 0
than zero enables a special direct transient response solution
sequence which generates input files to the USA program. Once the
USA program run has completed Autodesk Nastran is restarted and
will use USA output files to complete the analysis.
USAWETSURFACE should be set to an existing load set id in the
model consisting of pressure loads on the wet surface.
W3, W4 Frequency of interest for structural damping. The damping matrix for Real 0.0
transient analysis is assembled from the equation:
[BGLB] = CB1∗[B1]+ CB2 ∗[B2 ]+ ALPHA ∗[KGLB]+ BETA ∗ [MGLB]
[B1] = [BDAMP ] + G [KGLB ] + 1 ∑GELEM K ELEM
W3 W4
In the second equation above, the first term contains terms from
viscous damping elements (CDAMP). The second term is structural
damping based on the global stiffness matrix multiplied by the overall
structural damping coefficient, specified by PARAM, G. The third term
is the structural damping matrix created when GE is specified on the
MATi entries. The default values of 0.0 for W3 and W4 cause the
second and third terms to be ignored regardless of the presence of
PARAM, G. The units of W3 and W4 are radians per unit time. See
also CB1, CB2.
XDAMP Controls the use of structural damping in modal response solutions. ON/OFF ON
When set to OFF, only modal damping will be used regardless if
structural damping is specified.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-28

 Reference Manual

Frequency Response Processor Parameters:

Parameter Description Type Default

ACBINTERACTTOL Specifies the tolerance for removing negligible off-diagonal interaction Real 1.0E-10
terms from the acoustic coefficient matrix.
ACBPRESSET Specifies the remote acoustic output set by reference to an output set Integer > 0 0
command. The grid points in the specified output set define points not
on the acoustic boundary where acoustic pressure is to be calculated
and output. See the Case Control command, SET in Section 3, Case
Control, for more information.
ACBREFPRES Specifies the acoustic reference pressure used to convert sound Real 0.0
pressure into decibels for boundary acoustic analysis.
ACBVC Defines the speed of sound in the fluid medium for boundary acoustic Real 0.0
analysis.
ADDPSDAFREQ Option for automatically adding analysis frequencies to random ON/OFF OFF
response solutions. When set to ON will add frequencies from
TABRND1 Bulk Data entries referenced in the Case Control of a
random response solution.
DFREQ Specifies the threshold for the elimination of duplicate frequencies. Real 1.0E-5
Duplicate frequencies will be ignored if,
fi − fi −1 < DFREQ ∗ fMAX − fMIN
where fMAX and fMIN are the maximum and minimum solution
frequencies of the combined FREQi Bulk Data entries.

FREQRESPRSLTINCR Defines the precision used in calculating real results values from Integer > 0 10
complex ones in frequency response solutions using a sinusoidal
sweep. Larger values will provide more accurate invariant and
composite results measures at the cost of performance. The default
value of 10 provides a compromise between these and will result in a
sweep every 18 degrees from zero to 180 degrees.
FREQRESPRSLTOUT Controls neutral file output during random response solutions. When ON/OFF ON
set to OFF, disables frequency response output to the results neutral
file. The OFF setting may reduce file size dramatically for large models
with a large number of solution frequencies.
KDAMP Option for specifying viscous modal damping as structural damping. Integer 1
When KDAMP is set to -1 or OFF viscous modal damping is entered ON/OFF ON
into the complex stiffness matrix as structural damping.
RANDRESPINVLEVEL Controls invariant stress output in frequency and random response 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 2 1
solutions. When set to 1 will output von Mises stress or strain. When
set to 2 will also include principal and max shear stress or strain and
biaxiality ratio.
RANDRESPRSLTOUT Controls neutral file output during random response solutions. When ON/OFF ON
set to OFF, disables power spectral density output to the results
neutral file. The OFF setting may reduce file size dramatically for large
models with a large number of solution frequencies.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-29

 Reference Manual

Frequency Response Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

VFM2ACB Option to perform boundary acoustic analysis when a virtual fluid mass ON/OFF OFF
boundary is specified. The acoustic boundary is defined using
MFLUID and ELIST Bulk Data entries in the same manner as virtual
fluid mass. PARAM, ACBVC is used to specify the speed of sound in
the fluid medium. PARAM, ACBPRESSET defines pressure output
points in the fluid via SET Case Control commands. PARAM,
ACBREFPRES is used to convert sound pressure to decibels.
PARAM, ACBINTERACTTOL is used to specify the tolerance for
removing negligible off-diagonal acoustic coefficient interaction terms
from the assembled acoustic coefficient matrix to reduce memory
requirements and improve performance.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-30

 Reference Manual

Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters:

Parameter Description Type Default

ADDNLTOQUADLOAD When set to ON will add extensional loads in tension-only quad and ON/OFF OFF
shear panel elements to adjacent line elements.
ADPCON See SLINEKSFACT below. Real 1.0
BARDKMETHOD Specifies how differential stiffness is applied to rod, bar, and beam TENSION/ BOTH
elements. There are four options: COMPRESSION/
COUPLED/
TENSION – Differential stiffness is only added when the element is in
BOTH
tension.
COMPRESSION – Differential stiffness is only added when the
element is in compression.
COUPLED – Differential stiffness is added regardless of loading and
includes coupled torsional terms.
BOTH – Differential stiffness is added regardless of loading and does
not include coupled torsional terms.
BISECT Controls how a nonlinear solution will proceed when the load bisection ON/OFF ON
limit is reached. When set to ON, the solution will terminate with a
fatal error. When set to OFF, the solution will bisect until the load
bisection limit is reached but will continue to the next full or
subincrement of load if the reason for the bisection was due to a lack
of convergence.
COMPE1RSF Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure E1 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 DISABLE
reduction scale factor when not explicitly defined on a MATi Bulk Data DISABLE
entry.
COMPE1RSFTID Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure E1 Integer > 0 DISABLE
stress-strain table identification number when not explicitly defined on
a MATi Bulk Data entry.
COMPE2RSF Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure E2 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 DISABLE
reduction scale factor when not explicitly defined on a MATi Bulk Data DISABLE
entry.
COMPE2RSFTID Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure E2 Integer > 0 DISABLE
stress-strain table identification number when not explicitly defined on
a MATi Bulk Data entry.
COMPE3RSF Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure E3 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 DISABLE
reduction scale factor when not explicitly defined on a MATi Bulk Data DISABLE
entry.
COMPE3RSFTID Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure E3 Integer > 0 DISABLE
stress-strain table identification number when not explicitly defined on
a MATi Bulk Data entry.
COMPG12RSF Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure G12 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 DISABLE
reduction scale factor when not explicitly defined on a MATi Bulk Data DISABLE
entry.
COMPG12RSFTID Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure G12 Integer > 0 DISABLE
stress-strain table identification number when not explicitly defined on
a MATi Bulk Data entry.
COMPG1ZRSF Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure G1Z 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 DISABLE
reduction scale factor when not explicitly defined on a MATi Bulk Data DISABLE
entry.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-31

 Reference Manual

Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

COMPG1ZRSFTID Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure G1Z Integer > 0 DISABLE
stress-strain table identification number when not explicitly defined on
a MATi Bulk Data entry.
COMPG23RSF Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure G23 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 DISABLE
reduction scale factor when not explicitly defined on a MATi Bulk Data DISABLE
entry.
COMPG23RSFTID Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure G23 Integer > 0 DISABLE
stress-strain table identification number when not explicitly defined on
a MATi Bulk Data entry.
COMPG2ZRSF Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure G2Z 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 DISABLE
reduction scale factor when not explicitly defined on a MATi Bulk Data DISABLE
entry.
COMPG2ZRSFTID Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure G2Z Integer > 0 DISABLE
stress-strain table identification number when not explicitly defined on
a MATi Bulk Data entry.
COMPG31RSF Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure G31 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 DISABLE
reduction scale factor when not explicitly defined on a MATi Bulk Data DISABLE
entry.
COMPG31RSFTID Specifies the default nonlinear composite progressive ply failure G31 Integer > 0 DISABLE
stress-strain table identification number when not explicitly defined on
a MATi Bulk Data entry.
CONTACTGEN Automated Surface Contact Generation (ASCG). A value between 0 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 5 0
and 5 defines the type of contact generated. The program DISABLE/
automatically finds solid and shell element faces in or near contact GENERAL/
and generates the appropriate contact element type between them. WELDED/
There are six options: SLIDE/
0 – Automated surface contact generation is disabled. ROUGH/
1 – Symmetric general contact is enabled. OFFSET
2 – Symmetric welded contact is enabled.
3 – Symmetric bi-directional sliding contact is enabled.
4 – Symmetric rough contact is enabled.
5 – Symmetric offset welded contact is enabled.
The character variables: DISABLE, GENERAL, WELDED, SLIDE,
ROUGH, and OFFSET may be used in place of the numerical options
0 through 5. See also CONTACTTOL.
CONTACTSTAB Surface contact solution stabilization option. When set to ON, will Real AUTO
generate stabilization spring stiffness via the model parameters AUTO
NLKDIAGSET, NLKDIAGAFACT, and NLKDIAGMINAFACT on the
contact boundary. The default AUTO setting will automatically detect
and stabilize all surface contact in the model with a significant initial
gap (i.e., model reference dimension multiplied by 1.0E-04). The
stabilization stiffness used can be controlled by specifying a scale
factor which is a multiplier to the stabilization stiffness calculated
automatically.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-32

 Reference Manual

Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

CONTACTTOL Specifies the contact tolerance used in Automated Surface Contact Real AUTO
Generation (ASCG). The value set defines the maximum normal AUTO
activation distance. A recommended value is a distance approximately
10% larger than the largest gap you want to be recognized as contact.
The default AUTO setting is based on the model reference dimension
multiplied by 1.0E-04. Note that specified values are actual distances
and are not normalized. For some models (i.e., very large, very small,
or with large gaps) the default CONTACTTOL value may not be well
suited, therefore it is recommended the analyst define this explicitly.
EMODES Specifies the number of modes to be extracted during the initialization Integer > 0 30
phase of Automated Impact Analysis. A normal modes analysis is
performed to determine the damping frequency of interest and the time
step size.
FIXNLTOQUAD Option to control the reversion of tension-only shell elements. Setting ON/OFF ON
FIXNLTOQUAD to ON prevents elements that have reverted to
tension-only from changing back to standard shell elements if the
element load state changes from compression to tension. The ON
setting is recommended for better convergence and solution stability.
HPNLMATREDORD Hyperelastic element volumetric reduced order integration option. ON/OFF AUTO
When set to ON, volumetric hyperelastic terms will use a one point AUTO
integration allowing larger volumetric material constants and better
simulation of incompressible materials. The default AUTO setting will
use hyperelastic material reduced order integration for hex and pent
elements and full integration for tet elements.
HPNLMATSFACT Specifies the scale factor applied to the material nonlinear portion of 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 AUTO
the hyperelastic element material stiffness matrix [E]. The default AUTO
AUTO setting will use a value which minimizes solution divergence.
INITSTRAINSFACT Specifies the scale factor applied to initial strain values defined on Real 1.0
STRAIN Bulk Data entries.
LANGLE Specifies the method for processing large rotations in nonlinear Integer 1
analysis. Two methods are available, the gimbal angle method 1 or 2
(default) and the rotation vector method. If LANGLE is set to 1, the
gimbal angle method is selected. If LANGLE is set to 2, the rotation
vector method is selected. Both methods give comparable results.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-33

 Reference Manual

Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

LGDISP Controls the use of large displacement and follower force effects and -1 ≤ Integer ≤ 5 0
differential stiffness in nonlinear analysis. If LGDISP is set to 1, or ON, ON/OFF OFF
large displacement and follower force effects and differential stiffness
will be included. If LGDISP is set to 0, -1, or OFF, large displacement
and follower force effects and differential stiffness will not be included.
There are six options:

LGDISP Setting
Nonlinear Effect 0 1 2 3 4 5
Large Displacement    
Differential Stiffness   
Follower Force   

In Automated Impact Analysis (AIA), if LGDISP is set to 0, a value of 1

will be forced.
MAXBISECTRESTART Nonlinear solver restart option after maximum bisection error. When ON/OFF OFF
set to ON, permits restarting a nonlinear static solution which has
terminated due to an E5076 fatal error (maximum number of bisections
permitted reached.
MAXINCREFSTRAINP Specifies the maximum effective plastic strain permitted at an element Real AUTO
integration point for a single nonlinear iteration. The default AUTO AUTO
setting will use a starting value of 1.0E-4 if contact exists in the model
and 1.0E-2 if it does not. The tolerance is then increased by the
square of the increment number. The tighter tolerance when contact
is present prevents erroneous plastic strain from accumulating while
contact is being initially established.
NCONTACTGEOMITER Specifies the number of iterations for repositioning surface contact Integer ≥ 0 1
element slave nodes with initial penetration and/or protrusion. See
SLINEPENTOL and SLINEPROTOL in this section.
NITERCUPDATE Nonlinear solver contact stiffness update option. Controls the Integer ≥ 0 AUTO
nonlinear contact stiffness update strategy. The value set is the AUTO
number of iterations before the contact stiffness is updated. The
AUTO setting varies the value automatically during nonlinear iteration.
A zero setting will result in a stiffness update if any contact element or
segment has a status change during the nonlinear iteration sequence.
NITERPFUPDATE Nonlinear composite ply failure and stiffness update option. Controls Integer ≥ 0 1
the composite ply failure and stiffness update strategy used in
Progressive Ply Failure Analysis (PPFA).

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-34

 Reference Manual

Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

NITERKSUPDATE Nonlinear differential stiffness update option. Controls the nonlinear Integer ≥ 0 3
differential stiffness update strategy when a non-positive definite error
is detected in a nonlinear static solution. The value set is the number
of iterations following a non-positive definite error before the differential
stiffness is again added to the tangent stiffness. NITERKSUPDATE is
only applicable when LGDISP is set to ON, 1, or 2.
NITERMUPDATE Nonlinear solver material stiffness update option. Controls the Integer ≥ 0 3
nonlinear material stiffness update strategy. The value set is the
number of iterations before the material stiffness is updated.
NITERSUPDATE Nonlinear solver surface contact stiffness update option. The value Integer ≥ 0 8
set is the number of iterations to freeze slide line and surface contact
status when two successive solution divergences occur. See
SLINESTABOPTION in this section.
NLAYERS Specifies the number of nonlinear material layers in quad and tri Integer > 1 10
elements. A larger value of NLAYERS will give greater accuracy at
the cost of computing time and storage requirements.
NLCOMPPLYFAIL Nonlinear composite Progressive Ply Failure Analysis (PPFA) option. ON/OFF OFF
When set to ON, composite plies that fail the user specified failure
theory (FT field on the PCOMP Bulk Data entry) will be reduced in
material stiffness based on reduction scale factors specified on MAT1
and MAT8 Bulk Data entries. PPFA is supported in nonlinear static
and transient solution sequences only.
NLINDATABASE Controls the storage and retrieval of nonlinear data such as loads, Integer > 0 DELETE
displacements, stress, and strain used in nonlinear static analysis. DELETE/
The default value DELETE will purge all nonlinear data when the FETCH/
program terminates normally. When set to STORE, the nonlinear STORE/
database is stored in a single file with the same base name as the UPDATE
Model Results Output File, plus an increment and a load scale factor
designator, and a .TDB file extension. When set to FETCH, the
nonlinear database specified by the NLINDATFILE directive is
retrieved and the nonlinear solution (static or transient) starts at the
database configuration and load scale factor. An integer value may be
specified to designate a SET command which identifies which load
increments (load scale factors) are to be stored. When set to
UPDATE, the nonlinear database will be retrieved and stored.
NLINDATALOADSF Specifies the initial load scale factor to be used when performing a Real AUTO
nonlinear database restart (PARAM, NLINDATABASE, FETCH). The AUTO
default AUTO setting will use the load scale factor stored in the
nonlinear database file specified using the NLINDATFILE directive.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-35

 Reference Manual

Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

NLINSOLACCEL Nonlinear solver iteration acceleration option. Controls nonlinear 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 4 4
iteration acceleration, damping, and line search algorithms. There are ON/OFF
five options:
0 – No acceleration, damping, or line search controls (OFF).
1 – Damping only.
2 – Line search only.
3 – Acceleration, damping, and line search controls.
4 – Acceleration and damping only (ON).
See the NLPARM Bulk Data entry in Section 4, Bulk Data, for
additional line search parameters.
NLINSOLTOL See NLTOL below.
NLKDIAGAFACT Specifies the stiffness to be added to diagonal terms of the global Real 0.0
stiffness matrix. Specifying a small positive value is useful in
stabilizing a solution and preventing a non-positive definite or
singularity error. In nonlinear static solutions the added stiffness is
decreased at the completion of each increment so to reach the value
defined by NLKDIAGMINAFACT at the completion of the last
increment. See also NLKDIAGCOMP and NLKDIAGMINAFACT.
NLKDIAGCOMP Specifies component numbers that NLKDIAGAFACT will augment. 1 ≤ Integers ≤ 6 123456
NLKDIAGMINAFACT Specifies the minimum NLKDIAGAFACT value used in nonlinear static Real 0.0
solutions where the NLKDIAGAFACT value is decreased at the
completion of each increment so to reach NLKDIAGMINAFACT at the
completion of the last increment.
NLKDIAGSET Specifies which grid points NLKDIAGAFACT will be applied to by Integer ≥ 0 0
reference to an output set command. The default zero setting will
apply NLKDIAGAFACT to all grid points. See the Case Control
command, SET in Section 3, Case Control, for more information.
NLLSSTRAINTYPE Specifies the type of large strain strain output as either log strain (LOG) LOG/GREEN LOG
or Green strain (GREEN).
NLLSSTRESSTYPE Specifies the type of large strain stress output as either as either CAUCHY/ CAUCHY
Cauchy stress (CAUCHY) or 2nd Piola-Kirchhoff stress (2NDPK). 2NDPK
NLMATSFACT Specifies the scale factor applied to the material nonlinear portion of 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 AUTO
the element material stiffness matrix [E]. The default AUTO setting will AUTO
use a value which minimizes solution divergence.
NLMATTABLGEN When set to a value greater than zero, will convert all bi-linear 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 0.0
materials defined on MATS1 entries to stress-strain tables with an
elastic-plastic transition controlled by the value set for
NLMATTABLGEN.
NLNPDKRESET When set to ON, will use the last converged tangent stiffness when a ON/OFF OFF
non-positive definite is detected. If large displacement effects with
differential stiffness are enabled, the differential stiffness is removed
first.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-36

 Reference Manual

Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

NLSUBCREINIT When set to ON will reinitialize the nonlinear database for each ON/OFF OFF
subcase thereby restarting the simulation from zero. The default
setting of OFF carries results and loading over from the previous
subcase. This parameter is only applicable for nonlinear static
solution sequences.
NLTOQUAD When set to OFF will disable tension-only quad element support ON/OFF ON
regardless of PSHELL Bulk Data entry settings and solution type.
NLTOL Nonlinear solver default convergence tolerance option. Sets defaults 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 2
for the EPSU, EPSP and EPSW fields of the NLPARM and TSTEPNL
Bulk Data entries. There are four options for the level of accuracy:
0 – Very High
1 – High
2 – Engineering
3 – Preliminary Design
See the NLPARM and TSTEPNL Bulk Data entries in Section 4, Bulk
Data, for additional information.
NLTRUESTRESS When set to ON, will output true stress and strain in large ON/OFF OFF
displacement nonlinear solutions. True stress and strain accounts for
changes in element shape due to deformation.
NSUBINCRBISECT Specifies the maximum number of sub-incremental plastic increments Integer > 0 AUTO
before bisection is activated. The default AUTO setting will use a AUTO
value of 100 if contact exists in the model and 200 if it does not. The
tighter tolerance when contact is present prevents erroneous plastic
strain from accumulating while contact is being initially established.
QUADSECT Specifies how a load or time increment will be divided when a ON/OFF OFF
bisection condition exists in a nonlinear solution. When set to ON and
a bisection condition is reached, the current load or time increment is
quadsected.
SLINEEDGENORMTOL Specifies the automated surface contact generation element edge 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 90.0 60.0
normal tolerance in degrees. An edge to face contact element will not
be generated if the edge normal and face normal differ by a value
greater than this tolerance.
SLINEFACENORMTOL Specifies the automated surface contact generation element face 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 90.0 30.0
normal tolerance in degrees. A face to face contact element will not
be generated if the face normals differ by a value greater than this
tolerance.
SLINEKAVG When set to ON, will use an average of the adjacent component ON/OFF OFF
stiffnesses used in determining surface contact penalty values. The
default OFF setting uses only the normal stiffness component which
may be too small or large for some element thicknesses and/or
materials.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-37

 Reference Manual

Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

SLINEKSFACT Specifies the initial penalty values used in slide line and surface Real AUTO
contact analysis. Initial penalty values are calculated using: AUTO
k ∗SFACT ∗ SLINEKSFACT
where k is a value selected for each slave node based on the
diagonal stiffness matrix coefficients.
SFACT is specified in the SFACT field of the BCONP and
BSCONP Bulk Data entries.
The SLINEKSFACT value applies to all contact regions in the model.
The default AUTO setting will automatically adjust model penalty
values when convergence problems occur.
SLINEKSFACT2TC When set to ON will treat the SFACT field specified on the BSCONP ON/OFF OFF
and BCONP Bulk Data entries and CONTACTGEN Case Control
commands as thermal contact conductance in heat transfer solutions
and force a value of unity in structural solutions.
SLINEMAXACTCORD Specifies the surface contact activation coordinate system Integer > 0 0
corresponding to SLINEMAXACTDIR. See also SLINEMAXACTDIR
and SLINEMAXACTWIDTH.
SLINEMAXACTDIR Specifies the direction of surface contact movement when significant XYZ/X/Y/Z XYZ
sliding is specified reducing unnecessary contact surface generation
and memory requirements. See also SLINEMAXACTWIDTH and
SLINEMAXACTCORD.
SLINEMAXACTDIST Specifies the maximum slide line and surface contact element Real > 0.0 1.0E+30
activation distance. The primary purpose of this parameter is to AUTO AUTO
prevent unnecessary generation of contact segments when little or no
movement is expected. For general and rough contact penetration
types, the default value is AUTO in linear solutions and 1.0E+30 in
nonlinear solutions. For all other penetration types the default is
AUTO. The AUTO setting will restrict contact generation to adjacent
elements while the 1.0E+30 setting will generate contact to allow
unlimited movement. The AUTO setting is recommended for optimal
performance when little or no movement is expected such as with
bolted connections. Note that a zero value should only be used if all
master and slave nodes are collocated.
SLINEMAXACTRATIO Specifies the maximum surface contact element activation ratio. When Real ≥ 0.0 0.0
set to a value greater than zero, specifies the ratio of activation
distance to contact surface maximum edge length. This parameter
may be useful in reducing solution time for nonlinear surface contact
models with SLINEMAXACTDIST set to a value greater than zero by
deactivating contact segments far from area of active contact.
SLINEMAXACTWIDTH Defines the total width of the surface contact activation vector. See Real > 0.0 AUTO
also SLINEMAXACTDIR and SLINEMAXACTCORD. AUTO
SLINEMAXDISPTOL Specifies the normalized maximum allowable contact surface Real > 0.0 1.0E-4
penetration defined as
SLINEMAXDISPTOL = TMAX Acontact
where TMAX is the maximum allowable contact surface penetration.
Acontact is the contact surface area.
The recommended range for SLINEMAXDISPTOL 1.0E-02 to 1.0E-05.
Larger values may provide better nonlinear convergence with a
possible increase in contact surface penetration.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-38

 Reference Manual

Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

SLINEMAXPENDIST Specifies the maximum slide line and surface contact element Real > 0.0 AUTO
penetration distance. The primary purpose of this parameter is to AUTO
prevent contact segments from unintentionally becoming active when
the geometry is complex and large changes in configuration take
place. The default AUTO setting uses the maximum contact surface
or slide line reference length.
SLINEOFFSETTOL Specifies the tolerance for automatically converting surface weld Real AUTO
elements to offset weld elements. Welded contact with an initial AUTO
separation less than SLINEOFFSETTOL will be converted to offset
welded contact. The default AUTO setting is based on the model
reference dimension multiplied by 1.0E-03. Note that specified values
are actual distances and are not normalized. For some models (i.e.,
very large, very small, or with large gaps) the default
SLINEOFFSETTOL value may not be well suited, therefore it is
recommended the analyst define this explicitly. Note that for
Automated Surface Contact Generation (ASCG) when a
CONTACTGENERATE Case Control command is specified with the
MAXAD field, SLINEOFFSETTOL will be set to MAXAD.
SLINEOPENKSFACT Specifies the open gap penalty value used in slide line and surface Real 1.0E-10
contact analysis.
SLINEPENTOL Specifies tolerances for adjusting initial penetration errors on contact Real 0.2
surfaces. The actual tolerance used varies for each contact segment
and is equal to the product of the contact segment reference dimension
(average segment edge length) and SLINEPENTOL. Any initial
penetration past the normalized SLINEPENTOL value will result in a
check normal warning message. Any penetration between than this
value and zero will result in repositioning of the contact segment slave
node to the contact surface.
SLINEPLANEZDIR Alternate slide line plane normal definition. Specifies which coordinate X/Y/Z/R/T Z
component direction should be used to define the normal for all slide
line planes.
SLINEPOSTOL Used to control contact surface segment overlap. The actual tolerance Real 1.0E-2
used varies for each contact segment and is equal to the product of
the contact segment reference dimension (average segment edge
length) and SLINEPOSTOL. A slave node is considered off the
contact surface when past the segment boundary plus this value.
SLINEPROTOL Specifies tolerances for adjusting initial protrusion errors on contact Real AUTO
surfaces. The actual tolerance used varies for each contact segment AUTO
and is equal to the product of the contact segment reference dimension
(average segment edge length) and SLINEPROTOL. Any protrusion
between this value and zero will result in a reset of the contact zero
datum to the actual protrusion. The AUTO setting determines an
optimum tolerance to improve accuracy based on contact surface
curvature and initial gap distance.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-39

 Reference Manual

Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

SLINESLIDETYPE Contact penalty stiffness update method. When SLINESLIDETYPE is DYNAMIC/ DYNAMIC
set to DYNAMIC, the proximity stiffness based update method is STATIC/
selected. When SLINESLIDETYPE is set to STATIC, the AUTO/
displacement based stiffness update method is selected. For either DISABLE
setting the normalized SLINEMAXDISPTOL parameter defines the
default TMAX value (maximum allowable penetration). See
SLINEMAXDISPTOL in this section. When SLINESLIDETYPE is set
to AUTO and SLINEMAXACTDIST is also set to AUTO or zero and the
MAXAD field on all BSCONP Bulk Data entries are set to AUTO, blank,
or zero, SLINESLIDETYPE will be set to STATIC otherwise DYNAMIC
is selected.
SLINESTABKSFACT Used to stabilize surface contact in nonlinear static solutions. When Real 0.0
set to a value greater than zero, will add a normal and in-plane
stabilization stiffness between contact surfaces. The default zero
value disables this feature. A value of 1.0 will add a stiffness
approximately equal to the closed gap stiffness value. The
stabilization stiffness is decreased with each full increment in each
subcase using
i K
K
s
= s
2i −1
where Ks is the initial stabilization stiffness base on the specified
SLINESTABKSFACT value.
K i is the stabilization stiffness for the current increment i.
s

SLINESTABOPTION Surface contact solution stabilization option. Specifies the type of 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 4 0
solution stabilization to be used when a model contains slide line or
surface contact elements and the nonlinear solution diverges. Options
are only active for stabilization iterations defined by
NITRERSUPDATE. There are four options:
0 – Stabilization disabled.
1 – Contact status is frozen.
2 – Contact open gap stiffness (SLINEOPENKSFACT) is increased
by 1.0E+7.
3 – Contact unload tolerance (SLINEUNLOADTOL) is increased by
1.0E+7.
4 – Options 1 – 3 are used simultaneously.
See SLINEUNLOADTOL, SLINEOPENKSFACT, NITERSUPDATE,
and in this section.
SLINESTRESSLOC Specifies the location where surface contact nodal stresses are SLAVE/ MASTER
calculated: SLAVE surface, MASTER surface, or BOTH surfaces. MASTER/
BOTH

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-40

 Reference Manual

Nonlinear Solution Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

SLINEUNLOADTOL Tolerance for determining a contact surface unload condition. The Real 1.0E-10
actual tolerance used varies for each contact segment and is equal to
the product of the contact segment reference dimension (average
segment edge length) and SLINEUNLOADTOL. An unload condition
occurs when the contact surface normal displacement is greater than
the unload tolerance. This parameter is not applicable in nonlinear
transient solutions.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-41

 Reference Manual

Results Processor Parameters:

Parameter Description Type Default

ADDPRESTRESS Option for adding prestress subcase results to subsequent subcases. ON/OFF ON
This parameter will only function in PRESTRESS STATIC or
PRESTRESS MODAL solutions.
ALTFAILINDEXFORM Alternate failure index formulation for the LaRC02 failure theory. When ON/OFF OFF
set to ON will output the square of the ply fiber failure indexes providing
a more consistent basis with the matrix failure indexes.
AUTOCORDROTATE Option for automatically rotating a projected coordinate system axis ON/OFF ON
that is normal to an element plane, when an in-plane component is
required.
BOLTPRELOADTOL Tolerance for warning when a bolt has lost preload. Real 0.0
COMPILSMETHOD Option for defining how composite bond material failure indexes and COMPONENT/ COMPONENT
strength ratios are calculated. When set to COMPONENT, the RESULTANT
maximum of a separate material x-direction and y-direction failure
index is used. When set to RESULTANT, a resultant transverse shear
stress is calculated from the component values and used. The
RESULTANT method is always used when the MCT composite failure
theory is requested.
COMPK1 Foam core composite sandwich stability allowable coefficient. The Real AUTO
face sheet wrinkling allowable for a foam core sandwich is given by:
σwr = k1(Ef EcGc )1/3
where k1 is given by COMPK1 and is defaulted to 0.76 for thick
cores and 0.63 for thin cores.
Ef is Young’s Modulus for the facesheet
Ec is Young’s Modulus for the core
Gc is the transverse shear modulus for the core

See the Autodesk Nastran User’s Manual, Section 21.4, Composites,

for more information.

COMPK2 Honeycomb core composite sandwich stability allowable coefficient. Real AUTO
The face sheet wrinkling allowable for a honeycomb core sandwich is
given by:
Ectf
σwr = k2Ef
Ef tc
where k 2 is given by COMPK2 and is defaulted to 0.82 regardless
of core thickness.
Ef is Young’s Modulus for the facesheet
Ec is Young’s Modulus for the core
Gc is the transverse shear modulus for the core
tf is facesheet thickness
tc is core thickness

See the Autodesk Nastran User’s Manual, Section 21.4, Composites,

for more information.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-42

 Reference Manual

Results Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

COMPRSLTOUT Controls the output of individual ply results to the element results ON/OFF ON
neutral file for post processor results plotting. When set to ON, up to
200 individual ply results for each element are output in addition to
laminate max/min results.
DATABASEACCEL Model database acceleration option. When set to ON, the model ON/OFF AUTO
database will be loaded into memory regardless of available RAM. AUTO
When set to AUTO, RAM availability is checked for files that could use
large memory blocks and only if sufficient RAM is available, will load
into memory. When set to OFF, the model database will be stored on
disk and memory requirements for internal data storage will be
reduced, but performance may be degraded.
DIRSTRESSTYPE Direct stress type option. Controls what stress type is output for bar, 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 2 0
beam, and shell elements in the direct stress tensor results measure.
There are three options:
0 – Direct stress tensor is output.
1 – Bending only stress tensor is output which excludes
membrane/extensional stress components.
2 – Membrane/extensional only stress tensor is output which excludes
bending stress components.
DISPGEOMSFACT Specifies the scale factor applied to deformed geometry output. See Real 1.0
the Model Initialization directive, TRSLDFGMDATA in Section 2,
Initialization, for more information.
ELEMRSLTCORD Default coordinate system to be used for computing element results if Integer MATERIAL
a SURFACE and/or VOLUME Bulk Data entry is not specified. Note ELEMENT/
that grid point results will be output in the grid coordinate system. BASIC/
MATERIAL
ELEMRSLTMAXTYPE Element location where maximum/minimum stress/strain results are AVGCENTER/ MAXCORNER
output. When AVGCENTER is selected the element centroid will be MAXCORNER
used (default in previous versions). When MAXCORNER is selected
the maximum corner value will be used.
ENHCBARRSLT Option for enhanced CBAR and CBEAM element results. When set to ON/OFF OFF
ON, an improved method for calculating CBAR and CBEAM element
stress results is used when a corresponding PBARL and PBEAML
property type is specified. Maximum direct and invariant stresses are
determined using an automatically generated internal cross-sectional
mesh at each element end. A separate finite element solution is
performed on each mesh with direct and invariant results calculated at
each mesh point and the maximum and minimum values reported.
ENHCCONTACTRSLT Enhances the contact element formulation for parabolic tet elements. ON/OFF AUTO
When activated, it will subdivide parabolic tet element primary surfaces AUTO
into 4 separate sub-surfaces and avoid linearizing the element face.
If the model does not have contact on parabolic tet elements, this
parameter will have no effect on the solution.
ENHCQUADRSLT Option for enhanced CQUADR element results. When set to ON, an ON/OFF OFF
improved method for calculating CQUADR element stress results is
used which gives better accuracy in regions with stress concentrations.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-43

 Reference Manual

Results Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

EQVSTRESSTYPE Equivalent stress type option. Controls what stress type is output in 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 2 0
linear solutions for bar, beam, and shell elements in the equivalent
stress results measure. There are three options:
0 – von Mises stress is output.
1 – Bending only von Mises stress is output which excludes
membrane/extensional stress components.
2 – Membrane/extensional only von Mises stress is output which
excludes bending stress components.
This parameter is only applicable to linear solutions. Equivalent stress
is always output in nonlinear solutions.
FLOATOUTZERO Model results floating point zero tolerance. Real output data less than Real 1.0E-15
FLOATOUTZERO will be set to zero.
GPFORCEMETHOD Specifies how grid point forces are calculated. The NORAN option NASTRAN/ NASTRAN
only calculates element force contributions for elements which have an NORAN
element FORCE request. This permits the calculation of internal loads
along element point, edge, and face boundaries. The NASTRAN
option considers all elements regardless of FORCE request.
GPRSLTAVEMETHOD Specifies how shell element corner results are averaged to determine INVARIANT/ INVARIANT
grid point values. When set to INVARIANT, all element corner result DIRECT
measures are calculated first and then averaged including invariant
stress and strain. When set to DIRECT, only direct stress and strain is
averaged and invariant results are determined from the averaged
direct values.
GPSTRESS Grid point stress output option. When set to ON, grid point stresses ON/OFF OFF
for all subcases will be output unless the STRESS or STRAIN Case
Control command is set to NONE for a specific subcase.
LARC02TSAITOL Option to revert failure theory used in composite laminate individual ply Real 2.0
results from LaRC02 or Puck to Tsai-Wu if a non-unidirectional
material is detected. The value set controls the tolerance that triggers
reversion based on the ratio of E1/E2, XT/YT, and XC/YC.
MATGEN Homogenized material property translation for Bulk Data Output File ON/OFF OFF
generation. When set to ON, will translate calculated homogenized
material property as a solid anisotropic material property (MAT9).
MAXSRITER Option to specify the maximum number of iterations used in Integer ≥ 0 100
determining composite LaRC02 strength ratios.
MECHSTRAIN Controls the type of strain output. When thermal strains are generated, ON/OFF OFF
if MECHSTRAIN is set to ON, then mechanical strain (total minus
thermal) is output. If MECHSTRAIN is set to OFF, then total strain
(thermal plus mechanical) is output.
NOCOMPS Controls the computation and output of composite element ply results. Integer AUTO
If NOCOMPS is set to 1 or OFF, composite element ply results will be ON/OFF
output while the equivalent homogeneous element results will be
suppressed. If NOCOMPS is set to -1, 0 or ON, composite element AUTO
ply results will be suppressed while the equivalent homogeneous
element results will be output. When NOCOMPS is set to AUTO,
NOCOMPS will be set to OFF (ply results are calculated) when either
element force, stress or strain is requested or a nonlinear solution is
performed and NLCOMPPLYFAIL is set to ON, and to ON (ply results
are not calculated) otherwise reducing calculation time.
OGEOM Controls the output of geometry data blocks to the Nastran Binary ON/OFF ON
Results File.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-44

 Reference Manual

Results Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

OUTSETTOL Tolerance for identifying real values in output set lists. A real value is Real 1.0E-5
considered as included if
rSET − rInput
< OUTSETTOL
rInput

Where rSET is the SET value

rInput is the input value

POST Controls the output of data blocks to the Nastran Binary Results File. -7 ≤ Integer < 0 -1
See the Nastran Binary Results File Data Block Definition Table later
in this section.
RSLTDATABASE Controls the storage and retrieval of results data such as loads, DELETE/ DELETE
displacements, stress, and strain generated in linear and nonlinear FETCH/
structural solutions and subsequently used for restarts in fatigue and STORE/
explicit dynamics. The default value DELETE will purge the results EXPLICIT
database when the program terminates normally. When set to
STORE, the results database is stored in a single file with the same
base name as the Model Results Output File and a .RDB file extension.
When set to FETCH, the results database specified by the
RSLTDATFILE directive is retrieved for use in multiaxial fatigue
analysis. The EXCITEID on the TLOAD1 Bulk Data entry specifies the
database results set to be used. If the results database was generated
from a linear static analysis this would be the subcase sequence
number (not identification number). If the results database was
generated from a nonlinear static or transient analysis this would be
the load or time step.
SKINGEN Automated Surface Skin Generation (ASSG). Generates non- 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 4 0
structural surface skin elements used in stress and fatigue analysis. A DISABLE/
value between 0 and 4 defines the method used to calculate element SURFACE/
corner results on a solid element mesh surface. There are five HYBRIDX/
options: HYBRIDM/
0 – Automated surface skin generation is disabled. HYBRIDA
1 – Surface skin elements and results are generated on the solid
element mesh surface. No changes are made to the connected
solid element corner results.
2 – Surface skin elements and results are generated on the solid
element mesh surface. Connected solid element corner stress
and strain values are replaced with corresponding skin element
values regardless of magnitude.
3 – Surface skin elements and results are generated on the solid
element mesh surface. Connected solid element corner stress
and strain values are replaced with corresponding skin element
values if the magnitude of the skin element component is larger.
4 – Surface skin elements and results are generated on the solid
element mesh surface. Connected solid element corner stress
and strain values are averaged with corresponding skin element
values.
The character variables: DISABLE, SURFACE, HYBRIDX, HYBRIDM,
and HYBRIDA may be used in place of the numerical options 0 through
4.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-45

 Reference Manual

Results Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

STRENGTHRATIO Controls the output of Tsai Strength Ratio, which is provided in place ON/OFF OFF
of Failure Index for composite element ply results output. When set
to OFF, the standard NASTRAN Failure Index is output. When set to
ON, the Tsai Strength Ratio is calculated. Strength Ratio is
considered more useful than Failure Index because it indicates
exactly how to change applied loading to achieve optimal ply
performance (strength ratio equal to 1.0).
STRESSERROR Controls the output of normalized grid point stress error (mesh ON/OFF ON
convergence error). When set to ON, stress error at each grid point
is calculated using

(
e =  1 N σ n − σ )2  21
i
N∑ i i 
 n=1 
where N is the number of shell or solid elements attached to the
node.
σ i is the von Mises stress predicted by element n at grid
point i.
σ i is the mean von Mises stress at grid point i.
The normalized error output is generated using ei and a relative
stress error based on element volume.
TSAI2LARC02 When set to ON, will use the LaRC02 failure theory (LARC02) when ON/OFF OFF
the Tsai-Wu (TSAI) failure theory is specified in the FT field of the
PCOMP Bulk Data entry.
TSAI2MCT When set to ON, will use the MCT failure theory (MCT) when the Tsai- ON/OFF OFF
Wu (TSAI) failure theory is specified in the FT field of the PCOMP CARBON/
Bulk Data entry. Also the ON setting will automatically convert MAT8 GLASS/
Bulk Data entries to MATL8 by analyzing the MAT8 material KEVLAR
properties and comparing to known values for carbon, glass, and
Kevlar fibers in an epoxy matrix. Additionally MATL12 Bulk Data
entries are converted by analyzing the MAT12 material properties.
Unidirectional lamina with fiber volume fractions of approximately 0.6
and 0.52 respectively and plain weave fabrics with bundle volume
fractions of approximately 0.373 are supported. Other fiber and
bundle volume fractions may be specified using TSAI2MCTFVF and
TSAI2MCTBVF. See TSAI2MCTFVF and TSAI2MCTBVF below and
the MATL8 and MATL12 Bulk Data entries in Section 4, Bulk Data, for
additional information.
TSAI2MCTBVF Bundle volume fraction for plain weave lamina used to automatically 0.2 ≤ Real ≤ 0.38 AUTO
convert MAT8 Bulk Data entries to MATL8 when TSAI2MCT is set to AUTO
ON. The AUTO setting will use 0.373 for carbon, glass, and Kevlar
fibers.
TSAI2MCTFVF Fiber volume fraction for unidirectional lamina used to automatically 0.3 ≤ Real ≤ 0.9 AUTO
convert MAT8 Bulk Data entries to MATL8 when TSAI2MCT is set to AUTO
ON. The AUTO setting will use 0.6 for carbon and Kevlar fibers and
0.52 for glass.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-46

 Reference Manual

Results Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

UNITS Defines the model units system for output labeling and report D-F-H-T Undefined
generation. The format is D-F-H-T where D is the distance specifier,
F is the force specifier, H is the heat specifier, and T is the time
specifier. The following options are permitted:
Distance: MM, CM, M, IN, or FT
Force: KGF, TONF, N, KN, LBF, or KIPS
Heat: CAL, KCAL, J, BTU, or KJ
Time: SEC, MIN, or HR

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-47

 Reference Manual

Topology Design Optimization Processor Parameters:

Parameter Description Type Default

MAXITERRESTART Topology design optimization control of initial iterative solver tolerance 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 10 5
and maximum number tolerance changes. The iterative solver
tolerance starts at MAXITERRESTART orders of magnitude larger
than SPARSEITERTOL. When EPSILON is larger than 1.0E-5, an
E5131 warning message will be issued and the iterative solver
tolerance decrease by one order of magnitude . Adjustments to the
tolerance will stop when the tolerance equals SPARSEITERTOL.
MAXTOPTITER Topology design optimization maximum number of convergence Integer ≥ 0 200
iterations permitted. The solver will iterate until the convergence factor
set by TOPTITERTOL is reached or MAXOPTITER iterations have
been performed. A zero setting will result in iteration until convergence
is reached.
NITERLCUPDATE Topology design optimization linear contact iteration skip factor. The 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 10
linear contact iterative procedure will run every NITERLCUPDATE 99999999
topology optimization iterations. The contact status from the last run
contact procedure will be assumed for topology optimization iterations
where the linear contact procedure is skipped.
NTOPTSTRESSDIV Topology design optimization number stress divisions. Applicable 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 100 200
when a stress constraint is specified. A larger value will produce a
more accurate result with a reduction in performance. A value between
5 and 10 is recommended.
TOPTACITERSOLTOL Topology optimization sparse iterative solver convergence factor for 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 AUTO
adjoint operations. When solving for adjoint displacements the AUTO
iterative solver will iterate until the convergence factor set by
TOPTACITERSOLTOL is reached or MAXSPARSEITER iterations
have been performed and at least MINSPARSEITER iterations have
been performed. The AUTO setting uses the SPARSEITERTOL
setting.
TOPTACTHRESHOLD Applicable to topology optimization stress constraints. If element 0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0 AUTO
stress is less than the the stress constraint limit scaled by the topology AUTO
optimization activation threshold, then element adjacency calculations
are skipped. AUTO adjusts the threshold value dynamically
throughout the model.
TOPTALMMETHOD Topology design optimization boundary threshold used to export a 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 1
Nastran Bulk Data file of the final optimized design. Elements with
densities below this value will not be exported along with their
associated grid points.
Additive manufacturing constraint method for topology design
optimization. There are three options:
1 - The constraint is strictly imposed using max and min functions. The
sensitivity is not smooth. The optimum design tends not to produce
overhang supporting structures.
2 - The constraint is approximately imposed by an exponential
function. The approximation approaches the true max and min
functions with a large TOPTMAXALPHA.
3 - The constraint is approximately imposed by a projection method.
The optimum design tends to produce more overhang structures.
TOPTALMSPSFACT Topology design optimization additive manufacturing constraint 0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 0.5
support scale factor. Applicable when TOPTALMMETHOD is set to 3.
Controls the amount of support material generated. A larger value will
result in higher density supports and smaller value will result in lower
density supports.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-48

 Reference Manual

Topology Design Optimization Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

TOPTBTHRESHOLD Topology design optimization boundary threshold used to export a Real 0.5
Nastran Bulk Data file of the final optimized design. Elements with
densities below this value will not be exported along with their
associated grid points.
TOPTCOMPINDEX Topology design optimization compliance index design constraint Real > 1.0 1.0E+10
value. Applicable only when TOPTGEN is set to 2, 3, or 4.
TOPTDATABASE Controls the storage and retrieval of topology design optimization DELETE DELETE
density data. The default value DELETE purges all element density FETCH
data when the program terminates normally. When set to STORE, the
converged optimized design is stored in a single file with the same STORE
base name as the Model Results Output File and a .ODB file UPDATE
extension. When set to FETCH, the optimized design specified by the
TOPTDATFILE directive is retrieved and used as the starting point for
the subsequent topology design optimization solution sequence. When
set to UPDATE, the optimized design data will be retrieved and stored.
TOPTDEPXITER Topology Design Optimization skip factor for interprocess 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 1
communication dependent models. Dependent models defined with 99999999
TOPTDEPXFILE will be run every TOPTDEPXITER topology
optimization iterations of the independent model.
TOPTDESIGNCONSTR Topology design optimization design constraint value based on the Real > 0.0 1.0E+10
TOPTGEN setting. See TOPTGEN.
TOPTDESIGNMODE When SPEED is selected, settings are adjusted to give best possible ACCURACY/ ACCURACY
performance at the cost of accuracy. Applicable only in static solutions SPEED
when minimizing compliance with volume fraction constraints, or in
modal solutions when maximizing frequency with volume fraction
constraints.
TOPTDESIGNREGION Topology design optimization design region property identification Integer ≥ 0 1
number.
TOPTDESIGNTOL Topology design optimization MAM engine convergence factor used 0 ≤ Real ≤ 1 AUTO
when the TOPTENGINE Model Initialization directive is set to MAM or
AUTO and MAM is selected. For each design iteration the MAM engine
will iterate until the convergence factor set by TOPTDESIGNTOL is
reached or the internal iteration limit has been exceeded. Using a
larger factor may improve performance but could also result in a less
optimized design.
TOPTDTHRESHOLD Topology design optimization density threshold used for removing 0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 0.1
elements from the optimization process. Elements with densities
below this value will not be included in the solution for displacements,
internal forces, or compliance calculations. This parameter is only
applicable when TOPTSOLACCEL is set to ON.
TOPTELEMEXTTOL Near tolerance used to identify elements which are aligned in the Real 1.0E-2
extrude direction specified on the TOPVAR Bulk Data entry. The
actual tolerance is derived using TOPTELEMEXTTOL and an element
reference dimension.
TOPTELEMSYMTOL Near tolerance used to identify elements which are symmetric with Real 1.0E-2
respect to the specified TOPVAR Bulk Data entry mirror symmetry
plane. The actual tolerance is derived using TOPTELEMSYMTOL and
an element reference dimension.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-49

 Reference Manual

Topology Design Optimization Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

TOPTGEN Automated Topology Optimization Generation (ATOG). A value 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 0

between 0 and 8 defines one of the predefined topology design DISABLE/
optimization solutions generated. There are eight options:
COMPVF/
0 - Automated topology optimization generation is disabled.
VFSTRESS/
1 - The objective is to minimize compliance, the design constraint is
volume fraction (mass fraction), and the solution is linear statics. VFDISP/
VFSPCF/
2 - The objective is to minimize volume fraction (mass fraction), the
design constraints are stress and compliance index, and the solution VFCOMP/
is linear statics. VFFREQ
3 - The objective is to minimize volume fraction (mass fraction), the
design constraint is maximum displacement and compliance index,
and the solution is linear statics.
4 - The objective is to minimize volume fraction (mass fraction), the
design constraint is maximum singe point constraint force and
compliance index, and the solution is linear statics.
5 - The objective is to minimize volume fraction (mass fraction), the
design constraint is compliance index, and the solution is linear statics.
6 - The objective is to minimize volume fraction (mass fraction), the
design constraint is modal frequency, and the solution is normal
modes.
The character variables: DISABLE, COMPVF, VFSTRESS, VFDISP,
VFSPCF, VFCOMP, AND VFFREQ may be used in place of the
numerical options 0 through 6. All objectives are minimized and all
constraints are upper limits, except for modal frequency which is a
lower frequency limit. Multiple subcases are supported and applicable
to all constraints. See also TOPTMANCONSTR,
TOPTDESIGNCONSTR, and TOPTCOMPINDEX.
TOPTGLBDMETHOD Global displacement constraint method for topology design 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 3
optimization. There are three options:
1 - The maximum displacement is approximated by P-norm of all
displacements in a region. The global displacement value can be
different from the maximum displacement.
2 - The maximum displacement is approximated by an exponential
function of all displacements in a region. The global displacement
value can be different from the maximum displacement.
3 - The maximum displacement is used as it is without approximation.
The grid of maximum displacement might change during optimization
iteration. The global displacement value is identical to the maximum
displacement.
TOPTGLBSMETHOD Global stress constraint method for topology design optimization. 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 3
There are three options:
1 - The maximum von Mises stress is approximated by P-norm of all
stresses in a region. The global stress value can be different from the
maximum von Mises stress.
2 - The maximum von Mises stress is approximated by an exponential
function of all stresses in a region. The global stress value can be
different from the maximum von Mises stress.
3 - Same as option 1, but the global stress is scaled to match with the
maximum von Mises stress. The global stress value is identical to the
maximum von Mises stress.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-50

 Reference Manual

Topology Design Optimization Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

TOPTITERSOLMODE Topology design optimization control of iterative solver initial starting 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 4 AUTO
displacement vector and solver mode. The auto setting will use option AUTO
1. There are four options:
1 - Use block right-hand-side solver mode and a zero starting
displacement vector.
2 - Use block right-hand-side solver mode and a non-zero starting
displacement vector.
3 - Use sequential solver mode and a non-zero starting displacement
vector.
4 - Use sequential solver mode and a zero starting displacement
vector.
Note: The block right-hand-side solver mode is disabled regardless of
the TOPTITERSOLMODE setting if the number of adjoint load cases
is less than two.
TOPTITERTOL Topology design optimization Iterative solver convergence factor. The Real 5.0E-3
topology optimization solver will iterate until the convergence factor set
by TOPTITERTOL is reached or MAXTOPTITER iterations have been
performed
TOPTMANCONSTR Defines the type of manufacturing constraint to be used in Automated 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 3 0
Topology Optimization Generation (ATOG). There are three options: DISABLE/
0 - No manufacturing constraint is specified. SYM/
1 - Symmetry using either 1, 2, or 3 planes of symmetry is specified. EXT/
2 - Extrude design constraint is specified. ALM/
3 - Additive layer manufacturing design constraint is specified. MILL
4 - 3-axis milling manufacturing design constraint is specified.
The character variables: DISABLE, SYM, EXT, and ALM may be used
in place of the numerical options 0 through 3. See also TOPTMANDIR
and TOPTMANCORD.
TOPTMANCORD Specifies the topology design optimization manufacturing constraint Integer > 0 0
coordinate system corresponding to TOPTMANCONSTR. See also
TOPTMANDIR.
TOPTMANDIR Specifies the topology design optimization manufacturing constraint +X/+Y/+Z/ XY
symmetry plane(s), extrude direction, or print direction depending on -X/-Y/-Z/
the TOPTMANCONSTR value specified.
XY/YZ/ZX/
XYYZ/YZZX/
XYZX/
XYYZZX

TOPTMAXACTDIST Topology design optimization maximum distance for identifying Real AUTO
adjacent elements. Elements within distance TOPTMAXACTDIST are AUTO
used for sensitivity filtering. The default AUTO setting is
recommended since large values may result in slower performance
and undesired results.
TOPTMAXALPHA The maximum value of the exponential quotient for additive Real > 0.0 AUTO
manufacturing method (TOPTALMMETHOD = 2). The exponential AUTO
quotient increases gradually during optimization iteration up to
TOPTMAXALPHA. AUTO option sets TOPTMAXALPHA = 6.0. Values
greater than 12.0 are not recommended and may result in that the
exponential function returning an NaN error.

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-51

 Reference Manual

Topology Design Optimization Processor Parameters (Continued):

Parameter Description Type Default

TOPTMAXBETA Topology design optimization maximum minimum member size Real > 0.0 AUTO
manufacturing constraint penalty value. A value between 1.0 and 16.0 AUTO
is recommended. The AUTO setting will select the best value based
on the TOPTENGINE used and the constraints defined in the model.
TOPTMAXDELTAOBJ Topology design optimization maximum permitted delta objective. Real > 0.0 AUTO
Applicable only when using an adjustable volume fraction and when AUTO
the solution has trouble converging. The auto setting uses a value of
2.0. The delta objective is computed using:
𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑖𝑖 − 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
δ𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 =
𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
where 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑖𝑖 is the current objective
𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 is the minimum objective, which is updated when the objective
gradient changes sign

TOPTMAXGRAYSCALE Topology optimization maximum permitted gray scale. Applicable Real > 0.0 AUTO
only when using an adjustable volume fraction and when the solution AUTO
has trouble converging. The auto setting uses a value of 2.0. The gray
scale is computed using:
η
γ = η 𝑑𝑑
𝑔𝑔
where η is the number of elements in the design space between
𝑑𝑑
0.2 and TOPTBTHRESHOLD
η is the number of elements in the design space greater than
𝑔𝑔
TOPTBTHRESHOLD
TOPTMAXPNORMEXP Exponent of p-norm for global displacement and global temperature. 1.0 < Real ≤ 10.0
100.0
TOPTMINADJVF Topology design optimization lower bound for allowed adjustable 0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0 5.00E-02
volume fraction.
TOPTSOLACCEL Topology design optimization solution acceleration option. When set ON/OFF OFF
to ON, low density elements defined as less than
TOPTDTHRESHOLD are removed and solution times will decrease.
It is recommended to only use this option with the PCGLSS solver.
TOPTSTRESSTOL Decimal value representing the percent of high-density elements with 0 ≤ Real ≤ 1 4.00E-03
the highest stress to be ignored when evaluating whether a stress
constraint is within limits.
TOPTTDMAXEPSILON Affects size of members when maximum member size manufacturing 1.0E-3 ≤ Real ≤ 0.5
constraints are used. 1.0

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-52

Reference Manual

Nastran Binary Results File Geometry Data Block Definition Table:

POST Geometry
Description
-1 -2 -4 -6 -7 -8 -9/10 Data Block
NO YES YES YES YES YES YES CSTM Coordinate System Transformation Matrixes
YES NO NO NO NO YES YES GEOM1 Grid Point Definitions
YES YES YES NO NO YES YES GEOM2 Element Definitions
YES NO NO NO YES YES YES EPT Element Properties
YES NO NO NO YES YES YES MPT Material Properties
NO NO NO NO YES YES YES CASECC Case Control information
NO NO NO NO YES YES YES BGPDT Basic Grid Point Definition Table
NO YES YES YES YES YES YES GPL Grid Point List
NO YES YES YES NO YES YES GPDT Grid Point Definitions
NO NO NO NO YES YES YES GEOM2S Element Definitions (superelements)

Nastran Binary Results File Results Data Block Definition Table:

POST Results
Description
-1 -2 -4 -6 -7 -8 -9/10 Data Block
YES YES NO YES YES YES YES OUGV1 Displacements
YES YES NO YES YES YES YES OUPV1 Velocities and accelerations
YES YES NO YES YES YES YES OPG1 Applied loads
YES YES NO YES YES YES YES OQG1 Single constraint forces
YES YES NO YES NO YES YES OQMG1 Multipoint constraint forces
YES YES NO YES YES YES YES OES1 Element stresses
YES YES NO YES NO YES YES OES1C Composite element stresses
YES YES NO YES YES YES YES ONRGY1 Element strain energy and energy densities
YES YES NO YES YES YES YES OGPFB1 Grid point forces
YES YES NO YES YES YES YES OSTR1 Element strains
YES YES NO YES NO YES YES OSTR1C Composite element strains
YES YES NO YES NO YES YES OEFIT Composite element failure indices
YES YES NO YES YES YES YES OEF1X Element forces and heat fluxes

Nastran Binary Results File Modeler Compatibility Table:

POST Modeler
-1 MSC Patran
-2 UGS/Siemens I-DEAS
-4 LMS International Virtual Lab
-6 UGS/Siemens Unigraphics
-7 TMP Vision
-8 Anaglyph Laminate Tools

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-53

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix:

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
ACBINTERACTTOL    
ACBPRESSET    
ACBREFPRES    
ACBVC    
ADAPTTIMESTEP 
ADDNLTOQUADLOAD    
ADDPRESTRESS     
ALIGNEDGENODE                       
ALPHA            
ALTFAILINDEXFORM             
AUTOBPD                
AUTOFIXELEMGEOM                       
AUTOFIXRIGIGELEM                       
AUTOFIXRIGIGSPC                       
AUTOSPC                       
BARDKMETHOD             
BAREQVLOAD                   
BETA            
BISECT       

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-54

 CLOSE
CK1, CK2
CB1, CB2

CM1, CM2
CHECKRUN

COMPE3RSF
COMPE2RSF
COMPE1RSF

COMPG23RSF
COMPG12RSF

COMPG2ZRSF
COMPG1ZRSF
COMPE3RSFTID
COMPE2RSFTID
COMPE1RSFTID
Parameter

COMPG23RSFTID
COMPG12RSFTID

COMPG1ZRSFTID



Linear Static
101

Autodesk Nastran
Reference Manual




Prestress Static
181

















Nonlinear Static
106





Modal
103

Modal Complex





110
Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Eigenvalue





Linear Prestress Modal

182


















Nonlinear Prestress Modal

185

Linear Prestress Complex





188

Eigenvalue
Nonlinear Prestress


















189

Complex Eigenvalue




Linear Buckling
105


















Nonlinear Buckling
180

Direct Frequency




108

Response
Solution

Modal Frequency




111

Response
Linear Prestress




183

Frequency Response
Nonlinear Prestress

















186

Frequency Response





Direct Transient Response

109






Modal Transient Response

112

Linear Prestress Transient





184

Response
Nonlinear Prestress

















187

Transient Response
Nonlinear Transient

















129

Response
Linear Steady State Heat
Parameters 5-55



101

Transfer
Nonlinear Steady State



153

Heat Transfer
Nonlinear Transient Heat



159

Transfer
 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
COMPG2ZRSFTID       
COMPG31RSF       
COMPG31RSFTID       
COMPK1, COMPK2            
COMPILSMETHOD             
COMPRSLTOUT             
CONTACTGEN                       
CONTACTSTAB                       
CONTACTTOL                       
CONVMATRIX   
COUPMASS               
CP1, CP2                       
CYSYMGEN                       
CYSYMTOL                       
DATABASEACCEL                       
DDAMPHASE 
DFREQ    
DIRSTRESSTYPE             

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-56

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
DISPGEOMSFACT                       
DMILABEL                       
DMIPDIAG                       
DYNLMDIRECTDIF    
DYNRESPEIGVOUT      
DYNSOLACCEL      
DYNSOLDIRECTINT     
DYNSOLRELGRID        
EIGENFLEXFREQ            
EIGENSHIFTSFACT            
EIGENSOLACCEL              
EDGENODETOL                       
ELEMGEOMCHECKS                       
ELEMGEOMFATAL                       
ELEMGEOMOUT                       
ELEMRSLTCORD                    
ELEMRSLTMAXTYPE             
EMODES 
ENHCBARRSLT             

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-57

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
ENHCQUADRSLT             
EPSILONFLOAT                       
EPZERO                       
EQVSTRESSTYPE             
FACTDIAG                       
FACTRATIOTOL                       
FIXNLTOQUAD     
FLOATINZERO                       
FLOATOUTZERO                       
FREQRESPRSLTOUT    
FREQRESPRSLTINCR    
G            
GPFORCEMETHOD             
GPSTRESS                    
GRDPNT                       
GRIDCOLTOL                       
GRIDTEMPASGN                     
GRIDTEMPAVE                       
HEXARTOL                       

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-58

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal

HEXENODE                       
HEXFACEMAXIATOL                       
HEXFACEMINIATOL                       
HEXFACESKEWTOL                       
HEXFACEWARPTOL                       
HEXINODE                    
HEXMAXEPADTOL                       
HEXMINEPLRTOL                       
HEXREDORD                       
HFREQ            
HPNLMATREDORD      
HPNLMATSFACT      
INITSTRNSFACT       
INREL 
KRIGIDELEM                       
J4ROT                    
HEXARTOL                       
HEXENODE                       
K6ROT                    

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-59

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
KDAMP    
LANCZOSVECT              
LANGLE       
LARC02TSAITOL             
LFREQ            
LGDISP      
LINEARCONTACT 
LMODES            
LNCONTACTITERTOL 
M6ROT               
MAXBISECTRESTART      
MAXEIGENRESTART            
MAXELEMGEOMMSG                       
MAXIMPACTSTEP 
MAXLNCONTACTITER 
MAXTOPTITER 
MAXRATIO                       
MAXSPARSEITER                     
MAXSRITER             
MECHSTRAIN                    

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-60

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
MINSPARSEITER                     
MODALDATABASE            
MODEPFACTOR            
MODFSPCSTORE            
MODEVAROUT      
NCBMODE    
NCONTACTGEOMITER                       
NITERCUPDATE       
NITERKSUPDATE      
NITERMUPDATE       
NITERPFUPDATE       
NLAYERS       
NLINDATABASE     
NLINSOLACCEL        
NLKDIAGAFACT                       
NLKDIAGCOMP                       
NLKDIAGMINAFACT      
NLKDIAGSET                       
NLLSSTRAINTYPE      

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-61

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
NLLSSTRESSTYPE      
NLMATSFACT      
NLMATTABLGEN      
NLTOL       
NLTRUESTRESS       
NLSUBCREINIT      
NOCOMPS             
NSLDPLYINTPOINT        
OGEOM                       
OPTION 
OUTSETTOL               
OUTZEROVECT                       
PARTGEOMOUT                       
PARTMASSOUT                       
PENTARTOL                       
PENTFACEMAXIATOL                       
PENTFACEMINIATOL                       
PENTFACESKEWTOL                       
PENTFACEWARPTOL                       

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-62

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
PENTMAXEPADTOL                       
PENTMINEPLRTOL                       
PENTREDORD                       
POST                       
PRGPST                       
PYRTARTOL                       
PYRFACEMAXIATOL                       
PYRFACEMINIATOL                       
PYRFACESKEWTOL                       
PYRFACEWARPTOL                       
PYRMAXEPADTOL                       
PYRMINEPLRTOL                       
PYRREDORD                       
QUADARTOL                       
QUADELEMTYPE                       
QUADEQVLOAD                    
QUADINODE                    
QUADMAXEPADTOL                       
QUADMAXIATOL                       

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-63

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
QUADMINEPLRTOL                       
QUADMINIATOL                       
QUADREDORD                       
QUADRNODE                       
QUADSKEWTOL                       
QUADWARPLIMIT             
QUADWARPTOL                       
RADMATRIX   
RANDRESPINVLEVEL    
RBCHECKLEVEL                    
RBCHECKMODES                    
RESEQGRID                       
RESEQGRIDMETHOD                       
RESVEC            
RESVPGF            
RIGIDBODYMODE            
RIGIDELEM2ELAS                       
ROTINERTIA                    
RSLTDATABASE             

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-64

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
SLINEKAVG                    
SHEARELEMTYPE                    
SHELLRNODE                    
SHELLTVSMATTYPE                    
SIGMA   
SLINEKAVG                       
SLINEKSFACT                       
SLINEKSFACT2TC   
SLINEMAXACTCORD                       
SLINEMAXACTDIR                       
SLINEMAXACTDIST                       
SLINEMAXACTRATIO      
SLINEMAXACTWIDTH                       
SLINEMAXDISPTOL                       
SLINEMAXPENDIST                       
SLINEOFFSETTOL                       
SLINEPENTOL                       
SLINEPLANEZDIR                       
SLINEPOSTOL                       

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-65

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
SLINEPROTOL                       
SLINESLIDETYPE      
SLINESTABKSFACT      
SLINESTRESSLOC                       
SLINEUNLOADTOL      
SOLUTIONERROR                       
SORTMODEMASS   
SPARSEITERMETHOD                   
SPARSEITERMODE                   
SPARSEITERTOL                       
SPARSEMETHOD                       
SPCGEN                       
STIFFZEROTOL                       
STRENGTHRATIO             
STRESSERROR             
TABS   
TETARTOL                       
TETFACEMAXIATOL                       
TETFACEMINIATOL                       

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-66

 Reference Manual

Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Solution

101 181 106 103 110 182 185 188 189 105 180 108 111 183 186 109 112 184 187 129 101 153 159

Modal Transient Response

Direct Transient Response

Linear Prestress Transient

Nonlinear Prestress Modal

Linear Prestress Complex

Nonlinear Transient Heat

Linear Steady State Heat
Linear Prestress Modal

Nonlinear Steady State

Frequency Response

Frequency Response
Complex Eigenvalue

Transient Response
Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Prestress

Nonlinear Transient
Nonlinear Buckling

Modal Frequency
Direct Frequency

Linear Prestress
Nonlinear Static
Parameter
Prestress Static

Linear Buckling
Modal Complex

Heat Transfer
Linear Static

Eigenvalue

Eigenvalue

Response

Response

Response

Response

Transfer

Transfer
Modal
TETFACESKEWTOL                       
TETMAXEPADTOL                       
TETMINEPLRTOL                       
TETREDORD                       
TOPTBTHRESHOLD 
TOPTELEMSYMTOL 
TOPTITERTOL 
TOPTMAXACTDIST 
TRIARTOL                       
TRIELEMTYPE                       
TRIEQVLOAD                    
TRIMAXEPADTOL                       
TRIMAXIATOL                       
TRIMINEPLRTOL                       
TRIMINIATOL                       
TRIREDORD                       
TRIRNODE                    
TRISKEWTOL                       

Autodesk Nastran Parameters 5-67

UNITS

XDAMP
VMOPT

WTMASS
VFM2ACB
WARNING
TSAI2MCT
TSAI2LARC02

TSAI2MCTFVF
TSAI2MCTBVF

VFMNORMTOL
UNRESEQGRID

ZONADATAOUT
Parameter

VFMADDMETHOD
USAWETSURFACE

VFMINTERACTTOL







Linear Static
101








Prestress Static
181








Nonlinear Static
106














Modal
103

Modal Complex









110
Model Parameter/Solution Applicability Matrix (Continued):

Eigenvalue















Linear Prestress Modal

182















Nonlinear Prestress Modal

185

Linear Prestress Complex









188

Eigenvalue
Nonlinear Prestress









189

 Complex Eigenvalue







Linear Buckling
105









Nonlinear Buckling
180

Direct Frequency









108

Response
Solution

 Modal Frequency









111

Response
Linear Prestress










183

Frequency Response
Nonlinear Prestress










186

Frequency Response














Direct Transient Response

109















Modal Transient Response

112

Linear Prestress Transient














184

Response
Nonlinear Prestress













187

Transient Response
Nonlinear Transient












129

Response
Linear Steady State Heat



101

Transfer
Nonlinear Steady State



153

Heat Transfer
Nonlinear Transient Heat



159

Transfer
 Appendix A

RESULTS NEUTRAL FILE FORMAT

Reference Manual Results Neutral Files

Results Neutral Files

The result neutral file system is the primary interface for graphical processing of model results data. The file
system is also used for:
• Source of expanded model results output.
• Input file for results limits search via the RESULTLIMITS Case Control command.
• Input file for automated SET entry generation via the SETGENERATE Case Control command.

The results neutral file system consists of eight types of files, each generated by the Results Processor. A specific
Model Initialization directive as shown below controls output of each type:

File Type Model Initialization Directive Default Neutral Filename

Grid Point Displacement Vector DISPFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext] model output filename.DIS
Grid Point Force Vector FORCFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext] model output filename.GPF
Element Internal Load Vector LOADFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext] model output filename.ELF
Element Results ELEMFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext] model output filename.ELS
Grid Point Results GRIDFILE = [d:] [path] filename[.ext] model output filename.GPS
Femap Results Defined by DISPFILE model output filename.NEU
model output filename.FNO
NASTRAN Binary Results Defined by DISPFILE model output filename.OP2
NASTRAN XDB Results Defined by DISPFILE model output filename.XDB
NASTRAN ASCII Results Defined by MODLOUTFILE model output filename.PCH
MS Excel ASCII Results Defined by MODLOUTFILE model output filename.CSV

The DISPFILE, FORCFILE, LOADFILE, ELEMFILE, and GRIDFILE directives control the filenames and whether a
file is to be generated. Setting a specific directive equal to the character variable NONE will disable output of that
neutral file type.

Another useful Model Initialization directive is RSLTFILETYPE which controls file type and format. When
RSLTFILETYPE is set to FEMAPASCII or FEMAPBINARY, a single Femap® compatible results neutral file of the
entire results database is generated. When RSLTFILETYPE is set to PATRANASCII or PATRANBINARY, multiple
PATRAN 2.5 compatible results neutral files are generated. PATRAN results neutral files have a two digit subcase
number added to the base of the filename to facilitate multiple subcases. When RSLTFILETYPE is set to
NASTRANBINARY, a single NASTRAN Output 2 compatible results file of the entire results database is generated.

When RSLTFILETYPE is set to FEMAPBINARY and the INRCRSLTOUT directive is set to ON, a separate Femap
binary results neutral file will be generated for each load increment or time step. At the end of the analysis a single
neutral file with all steps will be generated.

For a detailed description of each directive see Section 2, Initialization.

Results Neutral File Descriptions

Grid Point Displacement Vector

The Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File contains the calculated displacement vector at each grid point in the
basic coordinate system. There are six columns where the first three are the x, y, and z components of translation
and the last 3 are the x, y, and z components of rotation.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-2

Reference Manual Results Neutral Files

The ASCII formatted version has the following structure:

Record 1: TITLE (A80)

Record 2: NGRID, MAXGID, MAXDISP, MAXDISPGID, NDISPVECTCOL (2I8, E15.6, 2I8)
Record 3: SUBTITLE (A80)
Record 4: LABEL (A80)
Record 5 to NGRID+4 : GRIDID, (DISPVECT(COL), COL=1, NDISPVECTCOL) (I8, (5E13.7))

The binary unformatted version has the following structure:

Record 1: TITLE, NGRID, MAXGID, MAXDISP, MAXDISPGID, NDISPVECTCOL

Record 2: SUBTITLE
Record 3: LABEL
Record 4 to NGRID+3 : GRIDID, (DISPVECT(COL), COL=1, NDISPVECTCOL)

Where

TITLE The set title CHAR80

SUBTITLE The set subtitle CHAR80
LABEL The set label CHAR80
NGRID Number of grid points INT4
MAXGID Largest grid point ID INT4
MAXDISP Maximum absolute displacement REAL4
MAXDISPGID Grid point ID where the maximum displacement occurs INT4
NDISPVECTCOL The number of displacement vector components or columns (6) INT4
GRIDID Grid point ID number INT4
DISPVECT Displacement vector component values at GRIDID REAL4

Grid Point Force Vector

The Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File contains the calculated internal, applied and reacted force vector at each
grid point in the basic coordinate system. The internal force vector is the resultant of all internal forces at the grid
point. For transient response solutions, acceleration and velocity is also included in this file.

The ASCII formatted version has the following structure:

Record 1: TITLE (A80)

Record 2: NGRID, MAXGID, MAXVECT, MAXVECTGID, NFORCVECTCOL (2I8, E15.6, 2I8)
Record 3: SUBTITLE (A80)
Record 4: LABEL (A80)
Record 5 to NGRID+4 : GRIDID, (FORCVECT(COL), COL=1, NFORCVECTCOL) (I8, (5E13.7))

The binary unformatted version has the following structure:

Record 1: TITLE, NGRID, MAXGID, MAXVECT, MAXVECTGID, NFORCVECTCOL

Record 2: SUBTITLE
Record 3: LABEL
Record 4 to NGRID+3 : GRIDID, (FORCVECT(COL), COL=1, NFORCVECTCOL)

Where

TITLE Set title CHAR80

SUBTITLE Set subtitle CHAR80
LABEL Set label CHAR80

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-3

Reference Manual Results Neutral Files

NGRID Number of grid points INT4

MAXGID Largest grid point ID INT4
MAXVECT Maximum absolute vector value REAL4
MAXVECTGID Grid point ID where the maximum value occurs INT4
NFORCVECTCOL The number of force vector components or columns INT4
GRIDID Grid point ID number INT4
FORCVECT Force vector component values at GRIDID REAL4
(internal force, applied force, SPC force, MPC force, velocity, and acceleration)

Element Internal Load Vector

The Element Internal Load Vector Neutral File contains the calculated element internal forces at each node in the
basic coordinate system.

The binary unformatted version has the following structure:

Record 1: TITLE, NLOADVECTCOL

Record 2: SUBTITLE
Record 3: LABEL
Record 4 to NELEM+3 : ELEMID, ELEMTYPE, (LOADVECT(COL), COL=1, NLOADVECTCOL)

Where

TITLE Set title CHAR80

SUBTITLE Set subtitle CHAR80
LABEL Set label CHAR80
NLOADVECTCOL The number of load vector components or columns INT4
ELEMID Element ID number INT4
ELEMTYPE Element type code INT4
LOADVECT Load vector component values at ELEMID REAL4

Element Results

The Element Results Neutral File contains various result types calculated at requested points on the element in a
user-specified coordinate system. The coordinate system for shell element results is specified using the Case Control
command SURFACE and solid element results using the Case Control command VOLUME (see SURFACE and
VOLUME in Section 3, Case Control). Shell and solid elements that do not have a coordinate system defined via a
SURFACE or VOLUME command will not be included. The default SURFACE is all shell elements in the element
coordinate system. The default VOLUME is all solid elements in the element coordinate system. The default
SURFACE/VOLUME coordinate system can be changed using the ELEMRSLTCORD parameter (see
ELEMRSLTCORD in Section 5, Parameters). Composite shell element ply results will not be included in PARAM,
NOCOMPS, -1 is included in the Model Input File (see NOCOMPS in Section 5, Parameters).
The ASCII formatted version has the following structure:

Record 1: TITLE (A80)

Record 2: NELEMVECTCOL (I8)
Record 3: SUBTITLE (A80)
Record 4: LABEL (A80)
Record 5 to NELEM+4 : ELEMID, ELEMTYPE, (ELEMVECT(COL), COL=1, NELEMVECTCOL) (2I8, /, (6E13.7))

The uncompressed binary unformatted version (RSLTFILECOMP directive set to OFF) has the following structure:

Record 1: TITLE, NELEMVECTCOL

Record 2: SUBTITLE
Record 3: LABEL
Record 4 to NELEM+3 : ELEMID, ELEMTYPE, (ELEMVECT(COL), COL=1, NELEMVECTCOL)

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-4

Reference Manual Results Neutral Files

The compressed binary unformatted version (RSLTFILECOMP directive set to ON) has the following structure:

Record 1: TITLE, NELEMVECTCOL

Record 2: SUBTITLE
Record 3: LABEL
Record 4 to NELEM+3 : ELEMID, ELEMTYPE, NCOL, (ELEMVECTP(COL), COL=1, NCOL),
(ELEMVECTC(COL), COL=1, NCOL)

Where

TITLE Set title CHAR80

SUBTITLE Set subtitle CHAR80
LABEL Set label CHAR80
NELEMVECTCOL The number of load vector components or columns INT4
ELEMID Element ID number INT4
ELEMTYPE Element type code INT4
ELEMVECT Element vector component values at ELEMID REAL4
NCOL The number of non-zero element vector component values at ELEMID INT4
ELEMVECTP Non-zero element vector component value locations at ELEMID INT4
ELEMVECTC Non-zero element vector component values at ELEMID REAL4

Grid Point Results

The Grid Point Results Neutral File contains various result types calculated at the grid points in a user-specified
coordinate system. The coordinate system for shell element results is specified using the Case Control command
SURFACE and solid element results using the Case Control command VOLUME (see SURFACE and VOLUME in
Section 3, Case Control). Grid points connected to shell and solid elements that do not have a coordinate system
defined via a SURFACE or VOLUME command will not be included.

The ASCII formatted version has the following structure:

Record 1: TITLE (A80)

Record 2: NGRID, MAXGID, MAXVECT, MAXVECTGID, NGRIDVECTCOL (2I8, E15.6, 2I8)
Record 3: SUBTITLE (A80)
Record 4: LABEL (A80)
Record 5 to NGRID+4 : GRIDID, (GRIDVECT(COL), COL=1, NGRIDVECTCOL) (I8, (5E13.7))

The binary unformatted version has the following structure:

Record 1: TITLE, NGRID, MAXGID, MAXVECT, MAXVECTGID, NGRIDVECTCOL

Record 2: SUBTITLE
Record 3: LABEL
Record 4 to NGRID+3 : GRIDID, (GRIDVECT(COL), COL=1, NGRIDVECTCOL)

Where

TITLE Set title CHAR80

SUBTITLE Set subtitle CHAR80
LABEL Set label CHAR80
NGRID Number of grid points INT4
MAXGID Largest grid point ID INT4
MAXVECT Maximum absolute vector value REAL4
MAXVECTGID Grid point ID where the maximum value occurs INT4
NGRIDVECTCOL The number of force vector components or columns INT4
GRIDID Grid point ID number INT4
GRIDVECT Grid point vector component values at GRIDID REAL4

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-5

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Structural Solutions – Real

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.ELS):

Solid and Shell Elements

Column Number Solid Shell
1 ENERGY ENERGY
2 % TOTAL ENERGY % TOTAL ENERGY
3 ENERGY DENSITY ENERGY DENSITY
4 NORMAL -X NORMAL -X1
5 NORMAL -Y NORMAL -Y1
6 NORMAL -Z SHEAR -XY1
7 SHEAR -XY 0-SHEAR ANGLE-1
8 SHEAR -YZ MAX SHEAR-1
9 SHEAR -ZX MAJOR PRINCIPAL-1
10 PRINCIPAL -A MINOR-PRINCIPAL-1
11 PRINCIPAL -B VON MISES-1
12 PRINCIPAL -C FIBER DISTANCE-1
13 PRINCIPAL -A COS-X NORMAL-X2
14 PRINCIPAL -B COS-X NORMAL-Y2
15 PRINCIPAL -C COS X SHEAR-XY2
16 PRINCIPAL -A COS-Y 0-SHEAR ANGLE-2
17 PRINCIPAL -B COS-Y MAX SHEAR-2
18 PRINCIPAL -C COS-Y MAJOR-PRINCIPAL-2
19 PRINCIPAL -A COS-Z MINOR-PRINCIPAL-2
20 PRINCIPAL -B COS-Z VON MISES-2
21 PRINCIPAL -C COS-Z FIBER DISTANCE-2
22 VON MISES MAX VON MISES-1/2
23 MAX SHEAR/TRESCA MAX SHEAR-1/2
24 MAX PRINCIPAL MAX PRINCIPAL-1/2
25 MIN PRINCIPAL MIN PRINCIPAL-1/2
26 MEAN PRESSURE STATUS
27 EQV STRESS EQV STRESS-1
28 EFF STRAIN-P EFF STRAIN-P1
29 EFF STRAIN-C EFF STRAIN-C1
30 OCTAHEDRAL EQV STRESS-2
31 STATUS EFF STRAIN-P2
32 0 EFF STRAIN-C2
33 0 MEMBRANE FX
34 0 MEMBRANE FY
35 0 MEMBRANE FXY
36 0 MOMENT MX
37 0 MOMENT MY
38 0 MOMENT MXY
39 0 TRANSV. SHEAR QX
40 0 TRANSV. SHEAR QY

Note: When STRESS(CORNER) is specified in the Case Control Section of the model, columns 1-40
for solid and shell elements are repeated for each element node. The corresponding column
number is equal to:
COLUMN NUMBER + (40 x NODE NUMBER).

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-6

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (Continued):

Composite Shell Elements

Column Number Composite Shell Individual Ply
1 0 0
2 0 0
3 0 0
4 MAX NORMAL-1 NORMAL-1
5 MAX NORMAL-2 NORMAL-2
6 MAX SHEAR-12 SHEAR-12
7 MAX SHEAR-XZ SHEAR-XZ
8 MAX SHEAR-YZ SHEAR-YZ
9 MAX PLY FAIL INDX PLY FAIL INDX
10 MAX BOND FAIL INDX BOND FAIL INDX
11 MAX STAB FAIL INDX STAB FAIL INDX
12 MAX EQV STRESS EQV STRESS
13 MIN NORMAL-1 STAB ALLW
14 MIN NORMAL-2 STAB ALLW FM
15 MIN SHEAR-12 STAB INDX WR
16 MIN SHEAR-XZ STAB INDX DP
17 MIN SHEAR-YZ STAB INDX CR
18 MIN PLY FAIL INDX STAB ALLW WR
19 MIN BOND FAIL INDX STAB ALLW DP
20 MIN STAB FAIL INDX STAB ALLW CR
21 MAX EFF STRAIN EFF STRAIN
22 MAX VON MISES VON MISES
23 MAX MAX SHEAR MAX SHEAR
24 MAX PRINCIPAL MAX PRINCIPAL
25 MIN PRINCIPAL MIN PRINCIPAL
26 MAX FAIL INDX FAILURE THEORY
27 MAX FAIL INDX PLY PLY FAIL MT-T
28 STATUS PLY FAIL MT-C
29 STAB CORE PLY PLY FAIL FB-T
30 MIN STAB ALLW PLY FAIL FB-C
31 MIN STAB ALLW PLY FRACTURE ANGLE
32 0 0
33 MEMBRANE FX 0
34 MEMBRANE FY 0
35 MEMBRANE FXY 0
36 MOMENT MX 0
37 MOMENT MY 0
38 MOMENT MXY 0
39 TRANSV. SHEAR QX 0
40 TRANSV. SHEAR QY 0

Note: When PARAM, COMPRSLTOUTPUT is set to ON, columns 1-40 for composite shell elements
are repeated for each ply. The corresponding column number is equal to:
COLUMN NUMBER + (40 x PLY NUMBER).
Note: When PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO is set to ON, Failure Indexes are replaced with Strength Ratios.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-7

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (Continued):

Shear Elements
Column Number Shear
1 ENERGY
2 % TOTAL ENERGY
3 ENERGY DENSITY
4 SHEAR-XY EDGE 1
5 SHEAR-XY EDGE 2
6 SHEAR-XY EDGE 3
7 SHEAR-XY EDGE 4
8 MAX SHEAR-XY
9 MIN SHEAR-XY
10 AVE SHEAR-XY
11 0
12 0
13 0
14 0
15 0
16 0
17 0
18 0
19 0
20 0
21 0
22 0
23 0
24 0
25 0
26 0
27 0
28 0
29 KICK NODE 1
30 KICK NODE 2
31 KICK NODE 3
32 KICK NODE 4
33 MAX KICK LOAD
34 MIN KICK LOAD
35 SHEAR FLOW EDGE 1
36 SHEAR FLOW EDGE 2
37 SHEAR FLOW EDGE 3
38 SHEAR FLOW EDGE 4
39 MAX SHEAR FLOW
40 MIN SHEAR FLOW

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-8

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (Continued):

Axisymmetric Elements
Column Number Axisymmetric
1 ENERGY
2 % TOTAL ENERGY
3 ENERGY DENSITY
4 NORMAL-RADIAL
5 NORMAL-TANGENTIAL
6 NORMAL-AXIAL
7 0
8 0
9 SHEAR-RADIAL/AXIAL
10 0
11 0
12 0
13 0
14 0
15 0
16 0
17 0
18 0
19 0
20 0
21 0
22 VON MISES
23 MAX SHEAR/TRESCA
24 MAX PRINCIPAL
25 MIN PRINCIPAL
26 MEAN PRESSURE
27 EQV STRESS
28 EFF STRAIN-P
29 EFF STRAIN-C
30 OCTAHEDRAL
31 STATUS
32 0
33 0
34 0
35 0
36 0
37 0
38 0
39 0
40 0

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-9

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (Continued):

Line Elements
Column Number Bar/Beam Rod Spring
1 ENERGY ENERGY ENERGY
2 % TOTAL ENERGY % TOTAL ENERGY % TOTAL ENERGY
3 ENERGY DENSITY ENERGY DENSITY ENERGY DENSITY
4 SA-AXIAL S-AXIAL STRESS
5 SA-C S-TORSIONAL 0
6 SA-D 0 0
7 SA-E 0 0
8 SA-F 0 0
9 SB-AXIAL 0 0
10 SB-C 0 0
11 SB-D 0 0
12 SB-E 0 0
13 SB-F 0 0
14 SA-MIN 0 0
15 SB-MIN 0 0
16 SA-MAX 0 0
17 SB-MAX 0 0
18 S-MAX 0 0
19 S-MIN 0 0
20 EQV STRESS EQV STRESS EQV STRESS
21 EFF STRAIN-P EFF STRAIN-P 0
22 EFF STRAIN-C EFF STRAIN-C 0
23 LOCATION A 0 0
24 LOCATION B 0 0
25 LOCATION S-MAX 0 0
26 LOCATION S-MIN 0 0
27 STATUS STATUS STATUS
28 VON MISES 0 0
29 FORCE A-X FORCE A-X 0
30 FORCE A-Y PLANE 1 0 0
31 FORCE A-Z PLANE 2 0 0
32 MOMENT A-X MOMENT A-X 0
33 MOMENT A-Y PLANE 2 0 0
34 MOMENT A-Z PLANE 1 0 0
35 FORCE B-X FORCE B-X FORCE
36 FORCE B-Y 0 0
37 FORCE B-Z 0 0
38 MOMENT B-X MOMENT B-X 0
39 MOMENT B-Y PLANE 2 0 0
40 MOMENT B-Z PLANE 1 0 0

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-10

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (Continued):

Line Elements
Column Number Pipe Weld Bush
1 ENERGY ENERGY ENERGY
2 % TOTAL ENERGY % TOTAL ENERGY % TOTAL ENERGY
3 ENERGY DENSITY ENERGY DENSITY ENERGY DENSITY
4 SA-LONGITUDINAL SA-LONGITUDINAL S-TX
5 SA-HOOP SA-TORSIONAL S-TY
6 SA-TORSIONAL SA-SHEAR S-TZ
7 SA-SHEAR SA-MAX PRINCIPAL S-RX
8 SA-MAX PRINCIPAL SA-MAX SHEAR S-RY
9 SA-MAX SHEAR SB-LONGITUDINAL S-RZ
10 SA-OCTAHEDRAL SB-TORSIONAL S-T MAX
11 SB-LONGITUDINAL SB-SHEAR S-R MAX
12 SB-HOOP SB-MAX PRINCIPAL 0
13 SB-TORSIONAL SB-MAX SHEAR 0
14 SB-SHEAR 0 0
15 SB-MAX PRINCIPAL 0 0
16 SB-MAX SHEAR 0 0
17 SB-OCTAHEDRAL 0 0
18 S-MAX PRINCIPAL 0 0
19 S-OCTAHEDRAL 0 0
20 EQV STRESS EQV STRESS EQV STRESS
21 EFF STRAIN-P EFF STRAIN-P EFF STRAIN
22 EFF STRAIN-C EFF STRAIN-C 0
23 LOCATION A LOCATION A FORCE-K
24 LOCATION B LOCATION B FORCE-B
25 0 0 FORCE-C
26 0 0 FORCE-T
27 STATUS STATUS STATUS
28 0 0 0
29 FORCE A-X FORCE A-X VISC DAMP FORCE-X
30 FORCE A-Y PLANE 1 FORCE A-Y PLANE 1 VISC DAMP FORCE-Y
31 FORCE A-Z PLANE 2 FORCE A-Z PLANE 2 VISC DAMP FORCE-Z
32 MOMENT A-X MOMENT A-X VISC DAMP MOMENT-X
33 MOMENT A-Y PLANE 2 MOMENT A-Y PLANE 2 VISC DAMP MOMENT-Y
34 MOMENT A-Z PLANE 1 MOMENT A-Z PLANE 1 VISC DAMP MOMENT-Z
35 FORCE B-X FORCE B-X FORCE-X
36 FORCE B-Y FORCE B-Y FORCE-Y
37 FORCE B-Z FORCE B-Z FORCE-Z
38 MOMENT B-X MOMENT B-X MOMENT-X
39 MOMENT B-Y PLANE 2 MOMENT B-Y PLANE 2 MOMENT-Y
40 MOMENT B-Z PLANE 1 MOMENT B-Z PLANE 1 MOMENT-Z

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-11

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (Continued):

Contact Elements
Column Number Gap Slide Line Contact Surface
1 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
4 AXIAL FORCE MAX NORMAL FORCE MAX NORMAL FORCE
5 SHEAR FORCE-Y MAX NORMAL STRESS MAX NORMAL STRESS
6 SHEAR FORCE-Z MAX NORMAL GAP MAX NORMAL GAP
7 AXIAL DISPLACEMENT MIN NORMAL FORCE MIN NORMAL FORCE
8 TOTAL DISP-Y MIN NORMAL STRESS MIN NORMAL STRESS
9 TOTAL DISP-Z MIN NORMAL GAP MIN NORMAL GAP
10 SLIP DISP-Y MAX SHEAR FORCE MAX SHEAR FORCE-X
11 SLIP DISP-Z MAX SHEAR STRESS MAX SHEAR FORCE-Y
12 GAP STATUS MAX SLIP DISP MAX SHEAR STRESS-X
13 RSLT SHEAR FORCE MIN SHEAR FORCE MAX SHEAR STRESS-Y
14 RSLT INPLANE DISP MIN SHEAR STRESS MAX SLIP DISP-X
15 RSLT SLIP DISP MIN SLIP DISP MAX SLIP DISP-Y
16 0 CONTACT STATUS MIN SHEAR FORCE-X
17 0 MIN SHEAR FORCE-Y
18 0 0 MIN SHEAR STRESS-X
19 0 0 MIN SHEAR STRESS-Y
20 0 0 MIN SLIP DISP-X
21 0 0 MIN SLIP DISP-Y
22 0 0 CONTACT STATUS
23 0 0 RSLT SHEAR FORCE
24 0 0 RSLT SHEAR STRESS
25 0 0 RSLT SLIP DISP
26 0 0
27 0 0
28 0 0
29 0 0
30 0 0 0
31 0 0 0
32 0 0 0
33 0 0 0
34 0 0
35 0 0
36 0 0
37 0 0 0
38 0 0 0
39 0 0 0
40 0 0 0

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-12

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (Continued):

Cable Elements
Column Number Cable
1 0
2 0
3 0
4 TENSION FORCE
5 TENSION STRESS
6 AXIAL DISPLACEMENT
7 SLIP
8 CABLE STATUS
9 0
10 0
11 0
12 0
13 0
14 0
15 0
16 0
17 0
18 0
19 0
20 EQV STRESS
21 EFF STRAIN
22 0
23 0
24 0
25 0
26 0
27 0
28 0
29 0
30 0
31 0
32 0
33 0
34 0
35 0
36 0
37 0
38 0
39 0
40 0

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-13

Reference Manual Grid Point Results Neutral File

Grid Point Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPS):

Solid and Shell Elements

Column Number Solid Shell
1 0 0
2 0 0
3 0 0
4 NORMAL -X NORMAL-X1
5 NORMAL -Y NORMAL-Y1
6 NORMAL -Z SHEAR-XY1
7 SHEAR -XY 0-SHEAR ANGLE-1
8 SHEAR -YZ MAX SHEAR-1
9 SHEAR -ZX MAJOR PRINCIPAL-1
10 PRINCIPAL -A MINOR-PRINCIPAL-1
11 PRINCIPAL -B VON MISES-1
12 PRINCIPAL -C FIBER DISTANCE-1
13 PRINCIPAL -A COS-X NORMAL-X2
14 PRINCIPAL -B COS-X NORMAL-Y2
15 PRINCIPAL -C COS-X SHEAR-XY2
16 PRINCIPAL -A COS-Y 0-SHEAR ANGLE-2
17 PRINCIPAL -B COS-Y MAX SHEAR-2
18 PRINCIPAL -C COS-Y MAJOR-PRINCIPAL-2
19 PRINCIPAL -A COS-Z MINOR-PRINCIPAL-2
20 PRINCIPAL -B COS-Z VON MISES-2
21 PRINCIPAL -C COS-Z FIBER DISTANCE-2
22 VON MISES MAX VON MISES-1/2
23 MAX SHEAR/TRESCA MAX SHEAR-1/2
24 MAX PRINCIPAL MAX PRINCIPAL-1/2
25 MIN PRINCIPAL MIN PRINCIPAL-1/2
26 MEAN PRESSURE EQV STRESS-1
27 EQV STRESS EFF STRAIN-P1
28 EFF STRAIN-P EFF STRAIN-C1
29 EFF STRAIN-C EQV STRESS-2
30 OCTAHEDRAL EFF STRAIN-P2
31 0 EFF STRAIN-C2
32 0 0
33 0 0
34 0 0
35 0 0
36 0 0
37 0 0
38 0 MESH ERROR-1
39 0 MESH ERROR-2
40 MESH ERROR MAX MESH ERROR-1/2

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-14

Reference Manual Grid Point Results Neutral File

Grid Point Results Neutral File Column Definition (Continued):

Contact Elements
Column Number Contact Surface
1 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
6 0
7 0
8 0
9 0
10 0
11 0
12 0
13 0
14 0
15 0
16 0
17 0
18 0
19 0
20 0
21 0
22 0
23 0
24 0
25 0
26 0
27 0
28 0
29 0
30 0
31 0
32 CONTACT PRESSURE
33 CONTACT TRACTION-X
34 CONTACT TRACTION-Y
35 BOND EQV STRESS
36 BOND EFF DISP
37 BOND DAMAGE
38 0
39 0
40 0

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-15

Reference Manual Element Internal Load Vector Neutral File

Element Internal Load Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.ELF):

Column Number Component

1 T1 INTERNAL FORCE
2 T2 INTERNAL FORCE
3 T3 INTERNAL FORCE
4 R1 INTERNAL MOMENT
5 R2 INTERNAL MOMENT
6 R3 INTERNAL MOMENT

Note: Data for columns 1-6 repeat for each node of the element.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-16

Reference Manual Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File

Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.DIS):

Column Number Component

1 TRANSLATION-1
2 TRANSLATION-2
3 TRANSLATION-3
4 ROTATION-1
5 ROTATION-2
6 ROTATION-3

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-17

Reference Manual Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File

Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPF):

Column Number Component

1 INTERNAL FORCE-1
2 INTERNAL FORCE-2
3 INTERNAL FORCE-3
4 INTERNAL MOMENT-1
5 INTERNAL MOMENT-2
6 INTERNAL MOMENT-3
7 APPLIED FORCE-1
8 APPLIED FORCE-2
9 APPLIED FORCE-3
10 APPLIED MOMENT-1
11 APPLIED MOMENT-2
12 APPLIED MOMENT-3
13 SPC FORCE-1
14 SPC FORCE-2
15 SPC FORCE-3
16 SPC MOMENT-1
17 SPC MOMENT-2
18 SPC MOMENT-3
19 MPC FORCE-1
20 MPC FORCE-2
21 MPC FORCE-3
22 MPC MOMENT-1
23 MPC MOMENT-2
24 MPC MOMENT-3
25 VELOCITY-1
26 VELOCITY-2
27 VELOCITY-3
28 ANGULAR VELOCITY-1
29 ANGULAR VELOCITY-2
30 ANGULAR VELOCITY-3
31 ACCELERATION-1
32 ACCELERATION-2
33 ACCELERATION-3
34 ANGULAR ACCELERATION-1
35 ANGULAR ACCELERATION-2
36 ANGULAR ACCELERATION-3
37 CONTACT FORCE-1
38 CONTACT FORCE-2
39 CONTACT FORCE-3

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-18

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Structural Solutions – Complex

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.ELS):

Solid and Shell Elements

Column Number Solid Shell
1 0 0
2 0 0
3 0 0
4 NORMAL -X NORMAL -X1
5 NORMAL -Y NORMAL -Y1
6 NORMAL -Z SHEAR -XY1
7 SHEAR -XY 0
8 SHEAR -YZ 0
9 SHEAR -ZX 0
10 0 0
11 0 VON MISES-1
12 0 FIBER DISTANCE-1
13 0 NORMAL-X2
14 0 NORMAL-Y2
15 0 SHEAR-XY2
16 0 0
17 0 0
18 0 0
19 0 0
20 0 VON MISES-2
21 0 FIBER DISTANCE-2
22 VON MISES MAX VON MISES-1/2
23 0 0
24 0 0
25 0 0
26 0 0
27 0 0
28 0 0
29 0 0
30 0 0
31 0 0
32 0 0
33 0 MEMBRANE FX
34 0 MEMBRANE FY
35 0 MEMBRANE FXY
36 0 MOMENT MX
37 0 MOMENT MY
38 0 MOMENT MXY
39 0 TRANSV. SHEAR QX
40 0 TRANSV. SHEAR QY

Note: Complex data is stored as columns 1-40 are real/magnitude and columns 41-80 are
imaginary/phase. When STRESS(CORNER) is specified in the Case Control Section of the
model, columns 1-80 for solid and shell elements are repeated for each element node. The
corresponding column number is equal to:
COLUMN NUMBER + (80 x NODE NUMBER).

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-19

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (Continued):

Line Elements
Column Number Bar/Beam Rod Spring
1 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
4 SA-AXIAL S-AXIAL STRESS
5 SA-C S-TORSIONAL 0
6 SA-D 0 0
7 SA-E 0 0
8 SA-F 0 0
9 SB-AXIAL 0 0
10 SB-C 0 0
11 SB-D 0 0
12 SB-E 0 0
13 SB-F 0 0
14 SA-MIN 0 0
15 SB-MIN 0 0
16 SA-MAX 0 0
17 SB-MAX 0 0
18 S-MAX 0 0
19 S-MIN 0 0
20 0 0 0
21 0 0 0
22 0 0 0
23 LOCATION A 0 0
24 LOCATION B 0 0
25 LOCATION S-MAX 0 0
26 LOCATION S-MIN 0 0
27 0 0 0
28 0 0 0
29 FORCE A-X FORCE A-X FORCE
30 FORCE A-Y PLANE 1 0 0
31 FORCE A-Z PLANE 2 0 0
32 MOMENT A-X MOMENT A-X 0
33 MOMENT A-Y PLANE 2 0 0
34 MOMENT A-Z PLANE 1 0 0
35 FORCE B-X FORCE B-X 0
36 FORCE B-Y 0 0
37 FORCE B-Z 0 0
38 MOMENT B-X MOMENT B-X 0
39 MOMENT B-Y PLANE 2 0 0
40 MOMENT B-Z PLANE 1 0 0

Note: Complex data is stored as columns 1-40 are real/magnitude and columns 41-80 are
imaginary/phase.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-20

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (Continued):

Line Elements
Column Number Weld Bush
1 0 0
2 0 0
3 0 0
4 SA-LONGITUDINAL S-TX
5 SA-TORSIONAL S-TY
6 SA-SHEAR S-TZ
7 0 S-RX
8 0 S-RY
9 SB-LONGITUDINAL S-RZ
10 SB-TORSIONAL S-T MAX
11 SB-SHEAR S-R MAX
12 0 0
13 0 0
14 S-MAX LONGITUDINAL 0
15 S-MAX TORSIONAL 0
16 S-MAX SHEAR 0
17 0 0
18 0 0
19 0 0
20 0 0
21 0 0
22 0 0
23 LOCATION A 0
24 LOCATION B 0
25 0 0
26 0 0
27 0 0
28 0 0
29 FORCE A-X VISC DAMP FORCE-X
30 FORCE A-Y PLANE 1 VISC DAMP FORCE-Y
31 FORCE A-Z PLANE 2 VISC DAMP FORCE-Z
32 MOMENT A-X VISC DAMP MOMENT-X
33 MOMENT A-Y PLANE 2 VISC DAMP MOMENT-Y
34 MOMENT A-Z PLANE 1 VISC DAMP MOMENT-Z
35 FORCE B-X FORCE-X
36 FORCE B-Y FORCE-Y
37 FORCE B-Z FORCE-Z
38 MOMENT B-X MOMENT-X
39 MOMENT B-Y PLANE 2 MOMENT-Y
40 MOMENT B-Z PLANE 1 MOMENT-Z

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-21

Reference Manual Grid Point Results Neutral File

Grid Point Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPS):

Solid and Shell Elements

Column Number Solid Shell
1 0 0
2 0 0
3 0 0
4 NORMAL -X NORMAL-X1
5 NORMAL -Y NORMAL-Y1
6 NORMAL -Z SHEAR-XY1
7 SHEAR -XY 0
8 SHEAR -YZ 0
9 SHEAR -ZX 0
10 0 0
11 0 VON MISES-1
12 0 FIBER DISTANCE-1
13 0 NORMAL-X2
14 0 NORMAL-Y2
15 0 SHEAR-XY2
16 0 0
17 0 0
18 0 0
19 0 0
20 0 VON MISES-2
21 0 FIBER DISTANCE-2
22 VON MISES MAX VON MISES-1/2
23 0 0
24 0 0
25 0 0
26 0 0
27 0 0
28 0 0
29 0 0
30 0 0
31 0 0
32 0 0
33 0 0
34 0 0
35 0 0
36 0 0
37 0 0
38 0 0
39 0 0
40 0 0

Note: Complex data is stored as columns 1-40 are real/magnitude and columns 41-80 are
imaginary/phase.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-22

Reference Manual Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File

Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.DIS):

Column Number Component

1 TRANSLATION-1
2 TRANSLATION-2
3 TRANSLATION-3
4 ROTATION-1
5 ROTATION-2
6 ROTATION-3

Note: Complex data is stored as columns 1-6 are real/magnitude and columns 7-12 are
imaginary/phase.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-23

Reference Manual Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File

Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPF):

Column Number Component

1 INTERNAL FORCE-1
2 INTERNAL FORCE-2
3 INTERNAL FORCE-3
4 INTERNAL MOMENT-1
5 INTERNAL MOMENT-2
6 INTERNAL MOMENT-3
7 APPLIED FORCE-1
8 APPLIED FORCE-2
9 APPLIED FORCE-3
10 APPLIED MOMENT-1
11 APPLIED MOMENT-2
12 APPLIED MOMENT-3
13 SPC FORCE-1
14 SPC FORCE-2
15 SPC FORCE-3
16 SPC MOMENT-1
17 SPC MOMENT-2
18 SPC MOMENT-3
19 MPC FORCE-1
20 MPC FORCE-2
21 MPC FORCE-3
22 MPC MOMENT-1
23 MPC MOMENT-2
24 MPC MOMENT-3
25 VELOCITY-1
26 VELOCITY-2
27 VELOCITY-3
28 ANGULAR VELOCITY-1
29 ANGULAR VELOCITY-2
30 ANGULAR VELOCITY-3
31 ACCELERATION-1
32 ACCELERATION-2
33 ACCELERATION-3
34 ANGULAR ACCELERATION-1
35 ANGULAR ACCELERATION-2
36 ANGULAR ACCELERATION-3

Note: Complex data is stored as columns 1-6 are real/magnitude and columns 7-12 are
imaginary/phase. The remaining result types follow this same pattern (i.e., columns 13-18
are real/magnitude and columns 19-24 are imaginary/phase)

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-24

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Heat Transfer Solutions

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.ELS):

Solid, Shell, and Line Elements

Column Number Solid Shell Line
1 THERMAL GRADIENT-X THERMAL GRADIENT-X THERMAL GRADIENT-X
2 THERMAL GRADIENT-Y THERMAL GRADIENT-Y 0
3 THERMAL GRADIENT-Z 0 0
4 THERMAL GRAD. RSLT THERMAL GRAD. RSLT THERMAL GRAD. RSLT
5 HEAT FLUX-X HEAT FLUX-X HEAT FLUX-X
6 HEAT FLUX-Y HEAT FLUX-Y 0
7 HEAT FLUX-Z 0 0
8 HEAT FLUX RSLT HEAT FLUX RSLT HEAT FLUX RSLT
9 0 0 0
10 0 0 0
11 0 0 0
12 0 0 0
13 0 0 0
14 0 0 0
15 0 0 0
16 0 0 0
17 0 0 0
18 0 0 0
19 0 0 0
20 0 0 0
21 0 0 0
22 0 0 0
23 0 0 0
24 0 0 0
25 0 0 0
26 0 0 0
27 0 0 0
28 0 0 0
29 0 0 0
30 0 0 0
31 0 0 0
32 0 0 0
33 0 0 0
34 0 0 0
35 0 0 0
36 0 0 0
37 0 0 0
38 0 0 0
39 0 0 0
40 0 0 0

Note: When FLUX(CORNER) is specified in the Case Control Section of the model, columns 1-40 for
solid and shell elements are repeated for each element node. The corresponding column number
is equal to:
COLUMN NUMBER + (40 x NODE NUMBER).

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-25

Reference Manual Element Results Neutral File

Element Results Neutral File Column Definition (Continued):

HBDY Elements
Column Number HBDY
1 APPLIED LOAD
2 CONVECTION LOAD
3 RADIATION LOAD
4 TOTAL LOAD
5 0
6 0
7 0
8 0
9 0
10 0
11 0
12 0
13 0
14 0
15 0
16 0
17 0
18 0
19 0
20 0
21 0
22 0
23 0
24 0
25 0
26 0
27 0
28 0
29 0
30 0
31 0
32 0
33 0
34 0
35 0
36 0
37 0
38 0
39 0
40 0

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-26

Reference Manual Grid Point Results Neutral File

Grid Point Results Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPS):

Solid and Shell Elements

Column Number Solid Shell
1 THERMAL GRADIENT-X THERMAL GRADIENT-X
2 THERMAL GRADIENT-Y THERMAL GRADIENT-Y
3 THERMAL GRADIENT-Z THERMAL GRADIENT-Z
4 THERMAL GRAD. RSLT THERMAL GRAD. RSLT
5 HEAT FLUX-X HEAT FLUX-X
6 HEAT FLUX-Y HEAT FLUX-Y
7 HEAT FLUX-Z HEAT FLUX-Z
8 HEAT FLUX RSLT HEAT FLUX RSLT
9 0 0
10 0 0
11 0 0
12 0 0
13 0 0
14 0 0
15 0 0
16 0 0
17 0 0
18 0 0
19 0 0
20 0 0
21 0 0
22 0 0
23 0 0
24 0 0
25 0 0
26 0 0
27 0 0
28 0 0
29 0 0
30 0 0
31 0 0
32 0 0
33 0 0
34 0 0
35 0 0
36 0 0
37 0 0
38 0 0
39 0 0
40 0 0

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-27

Reference Manual Grid Point Displacement and Force Vector Neutral File

Grid Point Displacement Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.DIS):

Column Number Component

1 TEMPERATURE
2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
6 0

Grid Point Force Vector Neutral File Column Definition (filename.GPF):

Column Number Component

1 INTERNAL HEAT FLUX
2 APPLIED HEAT FLUX
3 SPC HEAT FLUX
4 MPC HEAT FLUX
5 ENTHALPY
6 ENTHALPY RATE
7 0
8 0
9 0
10 0
11 0
12 0
13 0
14 0
15 0
16 0
17 0
18 0
19 0
20 0
21 0
22 0
23 0
24 0
25 0
26 0
27 0
28 0
29 0
30 0
31 0
32 0
33 0
34 0
35 0
36 0

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-28

Reference Manual Element Type Code Definition

Element Type Code Definition:

Element Type ELEMTYPE

ELAS 1
ROD 2
BAR 3
BEAM 4
SHELL 5
COMPOSITE SHELL 6
SHEAR 7
SOLID 8
GAP CONTACT 9
SLIDE LINE CONTACT 10
QUAD SURFACE CONTACT 11
TRI SURFACE CONTACT 12
CABLE 13
PIPE 14
SHELL 4-NODE 15
SHELL 3-NODE 16
SOLID 8-NODE 18
SOLID 6-NODE 19
SOLID 4-NODE 20
SOLID 20-NODE 21
SOLID 15-NODE 22
SOLID 15-NODE 23
HBDY 24
BUSH 25
WELD 26
SURFACE SHELL 27
LAYERED SOLID 28
SOLID 5-NODE 29
SOLID 13-NODE 30
AXISYMMETRIC 31
AXISYMMETRIC 3-NODE 32
AXISYMMETRIC 4-NODE 33
AXISYMMETRIC 2-NODE 34

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-29

Reference Manual Element Type Label Definition

Element Type Label Definition:

Element Type Label Element Type Definition

ELAS ELAS
ROD ROD
BAR BAR
BEAM BEAM
SHELL SHELL
COMP COMPOSITE SHELL
SHEAR SHEAR
SOLID SOLID
GAP GAP CONTACT
SLINE SLIDE LINE CONTACT
SQUAD QUAD SURFACE CONTACT
STRI TRI SURFACE CONTACT
CABLE CABLE
PIPE PIPE
HBDY HBDY
BUSH BUSH
WELD WELD
AQUAD AXISYMMETRIC QUAD
ATRI AXISYMMETRIC TRI

Vector Id Offset Definition for Complex Results:

Offset Definition
0 Magnitude
10000000 Phase
20000000 Real
30000000 Imaginary

Note: The above offset values are added to the vector ids listed in the following tables to define a complex
result type used in frequency and random response and complex eigenvalue analysis.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-30

Reference Manual Structural Neutral File Element Results Column Descriptions

Structural Neutral File Element Results Column Descriptions

Spring Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3028 ELAS FORCE Spring element force. Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3182 ELAS STRESS Spring element stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
3285 ELAS EQUIVALENT STRESS Spring element equivalent stress. Note that for prestress solutions,
regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting, equivalent stress
will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by STRESS or
STRAIN Case Control commands.
3481 ELAS STATUS Solution and option dependent. In modal summation solutions
(DDAM) STATUS, is the mode number with the maximum response in
the NRL summation.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-31

Reference Manual Bush Element Results Column Descriptions

Bush Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3028 BUSH FORCE-X Bush element force in element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE
Case Control command.
3030 BUSH FORCE-Y Bush element force in element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE
Case Control command.
3031 BUSH FORCE-Z Bush element force in element z-direction. Controlled by FORCE
Case Control command.
3032 BUSH MOMENT-X Bush element moment in element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE
Case Control command.
3033 BUSH MOMENT-Y Bush element moment in element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE
Case Control command.
3034 BUSH MOMENT-Z Bush element moment in element z-direction. Controlled by FORCE
Case Control command.
3285 BUSH EQUIVALENT STRESS Bush element maximum translational stress. Note that for prestress
solutions, regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting,
equivalent stress will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands (linear solutions) and
NLSTRESS Case Control command (nonlinear solutions).
3286 BUSH EFFECTIVE STRAIN Bush element maximum translational strain. Note that for prestress
solutions, regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting, effective
strain will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by STRESS
or STRAIN Case Control commands (linear solutions) and NLSTRESS
Case Control command (nonlinear solutions).
3481 BUSH STATUS Solution and option dependent. In modal summation solutions
(DDAM), STATUS is the mode number with the maximum response in
the NRL summation.
3490 BUSH STRESS TRANSLATIONAL-X Bush element x-direction translational stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3491 BUSH STRESS TRANSLATIONAL-Y Bush element y-direction translational stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3492 BUSH STRESS TRANSLATIONAL-Z Bush element z-direction translational stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3493 BUSH STRESS ROTATIONAL-X Bush element x-direction rotational stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3494 BUSH STRESS ROTATIONAL-Y Bush element y-direction rotational stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3495 BUSH STRESS ROTATIONAL-Z Bush element z-direction rotational stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3496 BUSH STRESS TRANSLATIONAL-MAX Bush element maximum translational stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3497 BUSH STRESS ROTATIONAL-MAX Bush element maximum rotational stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3501 BUSH VISCOUS DAMPING FORCE-X Bush element force in element x-direction due to viscous damping.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-32

Reference Manual Bush Element Results Column Descriptions

Bush Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

3502 BUSH VISCOUS DAMPING FORCE-Y Bush element force in element y-direction due to viscous damping.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3503 BUSH VISCOUS DAMPING FORCE-Z Bush element force in element z-direction due to viscous damping.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3504 BUSH VISCOUS DAMPING MOMENT-X Bush element moment in element x-direction due to viscous damping.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3505 BUSH VISCOUS DAMPING MOMENT-Y Bush element moment in element y-direction due to viscous damping.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3506 BUSH VISCOUS DAMPING MOMENT-Z Bush element moment in element z-direction due to viscous damping.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3507 BUSH FORCE-STIFFNESS Bush element axial force due to stiffness. Controlled by FORCE Case
Control command.
3508 BUSH FORCE-DAMPING Bush element axial force due to damping. Controlled by FORCE Case
Control command.
3509 BUSH FORCE-COUPLING Bush element axial force due to coupled stiffness-damping. Controlled
by FORCE Case Control command.
3510 BUSH FORCE-TOTAL Bush element axial force due to stiffness, damping, and coupled
stiffness-damping. Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3990 BUSH STRAIN TRANSLATIONAL-X Bush element x-direction translational strain. Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.
3991 BUSH STRAIN TRANSLATIONAL-Y Bush element y-direction translational strain. Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.
3992 BUSH STRAIN TRANSLATIONAL-Z Bush element z-direction translational strain. Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.
3993 BUSH STRAIN ROTATIONAL-X Bush element x-direction rotational strain. Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.
3994 BUSH STRAIN ROTATIONAL-Y Bush element y-direction rotational strain. Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.
3995 BUSH STRAIN ROTATIONAL-Z Bush element z-direction rotational strain. Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.
3996 BUSH STRAIN TRANSLATIONAL-MAX Bush element maximum translational strain. Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.
3997 BUSH STRAIN ROTATIONAL-MAX Bush element maximum rotational strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-33

Reference Manual Rod Element Results Column Descriptions

Rod Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3012 ROD MOMENT END A-X Rod element torque at end A about element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3013 ROD MOMENT END B-X Rod element torque at end B about element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3036 ROD FORCE END A-X Rod element axial force at end A in element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3037 ROD FORCE END B-X Rod element axial force at end B in element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3183 ROD AXIAL STRESS Rod element axial stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
3186 ROD TORSIONAL STRESS Rod element torsional stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
3290 ROD EQUIVALENT STRESS Rod element nonlinear equivalent axial stress (material nonlinear
solutions) or axial stress (linear solutions). Note that for prestress
solutions, regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting,
equivalent stress will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands (linear solutions) and
NLSTRESS Case Control command (nonlinear solutions).
3291 ROD EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Rod element effective axial strain. Note that for prestress solutions,
regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting, effective strain will
not include prestress contribution. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands.
3291 ROD EFFECTIVE STRAIN- Rod element effective strain (nonlinear elastic material) or plastic
PLASTIC/NONLINEAR ELASTIC strain (elastic-plastic material). Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
3292 ROD EFFECTIVE STRAIN-CREEP Rod element effective creep strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
3481 ROD STATUS Solution and option dependent. In modal summation solutions
(DDAM) STATUS, is the mode number with the maximum response in
the NRL summation.
3683 ROD AXIAL STRAIN Rod element axial strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
commands.
3686 ROD TORSIONAL STRAIN Rod element torsional strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
commands.
3998 ROD DAMAGE Rod element fatigue damage. Controlled by FATIGUE, STRESS, and
STRAIN Case Control commands.
3999 ROD LIFE Rod element fatigue life. Controlled by FATIGUE, STRESS, and
STRAIN Case Control commands.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-34

Reference Manual Bar Element Results Column Descriptions

Bar Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3000 BAR MOMENT END A-Z PLANE 1 Bar element bending moment at end A about element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3001 BAR MOMENT END A-Y PLANE 2 Bar element bending moment at end A about element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3002 BAR MOMENT END B-Z PLANE 1 Bar element bending moment at end B about element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3003 BAR MOMENT END B-Y PLANE 2 Bar element bending moment at end B about element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3004 BAR FORCE END A-Y PLANE 1 Bar element transverse shear force at end A in element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3005 BAR FORCE END A-Z PLANE 2 Bar element transverse shear force at end A in element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3006 BAR FORCE END B-Y PLANE 1 Bar element transverse shear force at end B in element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3007 BAR FORCE END B-Z PLANE 2 Bar element transverse shear force at end B in element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3008 BAR FORCE END A-X Bar element axial force at end A in element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3009 BAR FORCE END B-X Bar element axial force at end B in element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3010 BAR MOMENT END A-X Bar element torque at end A about element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3011 BAR MOMENT END B-X Bar element torque at end B about element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3075 BAR STRESS END A POINT C Bar element stress at end A, stress recovery point C. For bar elements
this stress will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3076 BAR STRESS END A POINT D Bar element stress at end A, stress recovery point D. For bar elements
this stress will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3077 BAR STRESS END A POINT E Bar element stress at end A, stress recovery point E. For bar elements
this stress will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3078 BAR STRESS END A POINT F Bar element stress at end A, stress recovery point F. For bar elements
this stress will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3083 BAR STRESS END B POINT C Bar element stress at end B, stress recovery point C. For bar elements
this stress will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3084 BAR STRESS END B POINT D Bar element stress at end B, stress recovery point D. For bar elements
this stress will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-35

Reference Manual Bar Element Results Column Descriptions

Bar Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

3085 BAR STRESS END B POINT E Bar element stress at end B, stress recovery point E. For bar elements
this stress will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3086 BAR STRESS END B POINT F Bar element stress at end B, stress recovery point F. For bar elements
this stress will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3107 BAR STRESS END A-AXIAL Bar element axial stress at end A. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3108 BAR STRESS END B-AXIAL Bar element axial stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3109 BAR STRESS END A-MAX Bar element maximum stress (bending and axial) for all points at end
A. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
3110 BAR STRESS END A-MIN Bar element minimum stress (bending and axial) for all points at end
A. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
3111 BAR STRESS END B-MAX Bar element maximum stress (bending and axial) for all points at end
B. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
3112 BAR STRESS END B-MIN Bar element minimum stress (bending and axial) for all points at end
B. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
3195 BAR VON MISES STRESS Bar element von Mises stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
3293 BAR EQUIVALENT STRESS Bar element nonlinear equivalent axial stress (material nonlinear
solutions) or axial stress (linear solutions). Note that for prestress
solutions, regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting,
equivalent stress will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands (linear solutions) and
NLSTRESS Case Control command (nonlinear solutions).
3293 BAR VON MISES STRESS-BENDING Bar element von Mises stress computed without membrane stress
contribution. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, EQVSTRESSTYPE setting.
3293 BAR VON MISES STRESS-MEMBRANE Bar element von Mises stress computed without bending stress
contribution. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, EQVSTRESSTYPE setting.
3294 BAR EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Bar element effective axial strain. Note that for prestress solutions,
regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting, effective strain will
not include prestress contribution. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands.
3294 BAR EFFECTIVE STRAIN- Bar element effective strain (nonlinear elastic material) or plastic strain
PLASTIC/NONLINEAR ELASTIC (elastic-plastic material). Controlled by NLSTRESS Case Control
command.
3295 BAR EFFECTIVE STRAIN-CREEP Bar element effective creep strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
3440 BAR MAX STRESS Bar element maximum stress (bending and axial) for all points at end
A and B. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-36

Reference Manual Bar Element Results Column Descriptions

Bar Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

3441 BAR MIN STRESS Bar element minimum stress (bending and axial) for all points at end
A and B. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
3442 BAR LOCATION A Bar element end A location.
3443 BAR LOCATION B Bar element end B location.
3481 BAR STATUS Solution and option dependent. In modal summation solutions
(DDAM) STATUS, is the mode number with the maximum response in
the NRL summation. In solutions where a factor of safety calculation
method has been defined on a MAT1 entry, STATUS is the factor of
safety.
3575 BAR STRAIN END A POINT C Bar element strain at end A, strain recovery point C. For bar elements
this stress will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
3576 BAR STRAIN END A POINT D Bar element strain at end A, strain recovery point D. For bar elements
this strain will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
3577 BAR STRAIN END A POINT E Bar element strain at end A, strain recovery point E. For bar elements
this strain will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
3578 BAR STRAIN END A POINT F Bar element strain at end A, strain recovery point F. For bar elements
this strain will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
3583 BAR STRAIN END B POINT C Bar element strain at end B, strain recovery point C. For bar elements
this strain will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
3584 BAR STRAIN END B POINT D Bar element strain at end B, strain recovery point D. For bar elements
this strain will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
3585 BAR STRAIN END B POINT E Bar element strain at end B, strain recovery point E. For bar elements
this strain will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
3586 BAR STRAIN END B POINT F Bar element strain at end B, strain recovery point F. For bar elements
this strain will only include bending contributions. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
3607 BAR STRAIN END A-AXIAL Bar element axial strain at end A. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
3608 BAR STRAIN END B-AXIAL Bar element axial strain at end B. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
3609 BAR STRAIN END A-MAX Bar element maximum strain (bending and axial) for all points at end
A. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
3610 BAR STRAIN END A-MIN Bar element minimum strain (bending and axial) for all points at end
A. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
3611 BAR STRAIN END B-MAX Bar element maximum strain (bending and axial) for all points at end
B. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-37

Reference Manual Bar Element Results Column Descriptions

Bar Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

3612 BAR STRAIN END B-MIN Bar element minimum strain (bending and axial) for all points at end
B. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
3695 BAR VON MISES STRAIN Bar element von Mises strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
3940 BAR MAX STRAIN Bar element maximum strain (bending and axial) for all points at ends
A and B. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
3941 BAR MIN STRAIN Bar element minimum strain (bending and axial) for all points at ends
A and B. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
3998 BAR DAMAGE Bar element fatigue damage. Controlled by FATIGUE, STRESS, and
STRAIN Case Control commands.
3999 BAR LIFE Bar element fatigue life. Controlled by FATIGUE, STRESS, and
STRAIN Case Control commands.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-38

Reference Manual Beam Element Results Column Descriptions

Beam Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3014 BEAM MOMENT END A-Z PLANE 1 Beam element bending moment at end A about element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3015 BEAM MOMENT END A-Y PLANE 2 Beam element bending moment at end A about element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3016 BEAM MOMENT END B-Z PLANE 1 Beam element bending moment at end B about element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3017 BEAM MOMENT END B-Y PLANE 2 Beam element bending moment at end B about element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3018 BEAM FORCE END A-Y PLANE 1 Beam element transverse shear force at end A in element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3019 BEAM FORCE END A-Z PLANE 2 Beam element transverse shear force at end A in element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3020 BEAM FORCE END B-Y PLANE 1 Beam element transverse shear force at end B in element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3021 BEAM FORCE END B-Z PLANE 2 Beam element transverse shear force at end B in element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3022 BEAM FORCE END A-X Beam element axial force at end A in element x-direction. Controlled
by FORCE Case Control command.
3023 BEAM FORCE END B-X Beam element axial force at end B in element x-direction. Controlled
by FORCE Case Control command.
3024 BEAM MOMENT END A-X Beam element torque at end A about element x-direction. Controlled
by FORCE Case Control command.
3025 BEAM MOMENT END B-X Beam element torque at end B about element x-direction. Controlled
by FORCE Case Control command.
3139 BEAM STRESS END A POINT C Beam element stress at end A, stress recovery point C. For beam
elements this stress will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.
3140 BEAM STRESS END A POINT D Beam element stress at end A, stress recovery point D. For beam
elements this stress will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.
3141 BEAM STRESS END A POINT E Beam element stress at end A, stress recovery point E. For beam
elements this stress will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.
3142 BEAM STRESS END A POINT F Beam element stress at end A, stress recovery point F. For beam
elements this stress will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.
3151 BEAM STRESS END B POINT C Beam element stress at end B, stress recovery point C. For beam
elements this stress will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.
3152 BEAM STRESS END B POINT D Beam element stress at end B, stress recovery point D. For beam
elements this stress will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-39

Reference Manual Beam Element Results Column Descriptions

Beam Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

3153 BEAM STRESS END B POINT E Beam element stress at end B, stress recovery point E. For beam
elements this stress will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.
3154 BEAM STRESS END B POINT F Beam element stress at end B, stress recovery point F. For beam
elements this stress will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.
3164 BEAM STRESS END A-MAX Beam element maximum stress (bending and axial) for all points at
end A. Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.
3165 BEAM STRESS END A-MIN Beam element minimum stress (bending and axial) for all points at end
B. Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.
3166 BEAM STRESS END B-MAX Beam element maximum stress (bending and axial) for all points at
end A. Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.
3167 BEAM STRESS END B-MIN Beam element minimum stress (bending and axial) for all points at end
A. Controlled by STRESS Case Control commands.
3170 BEAM STRESS END A-AXIAL Beam element axial stress at end A. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3176 BEAM STRESS END B-AXIAL Beam element axial stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3195 BEAM VON MISES STRESS Beam element von Mises stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
3296 BEAM EQUIVALENT STRESS Beam element nonlinear equivalent axial stress (material nonlinear
solutions) or axial stress (linear solutions). Note that for prestress
solutions, regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting,
equivalent stress will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands (linear solutions) and
NLSTRESS Case Control command (nonlinear solutions).
3296 BEAM VON MISES STRESS-BENDING Beam element von Mises stress computed without membrane stress
contribution. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, EQVSTRESSTYPE setting.
3296 BEAM VON MISES STRESS-MEMBRANE Beam element von Mises stress computed without bending stress
contribution. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, EQVSTRESSTYPE setting.
3297 BEAM EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Beam element effective axial strain. Note that for prestress solutions,
regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting, effective strain will
not include prestress contribution. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands.
3297 BEAM EFFECTIVE STRAIN- Beam element effective strain (nonlinear elastic material) or plastic
PLASTIC/NONLINEAR ELASTIC strain (elastic-plastic material). Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
3298 BEAM EFFECTIVE STRAIN-CREEP Beam element effective creep strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
3446 BEAM MAX STRESS Beam element maximum stress (bending and axial) for all points at
ends A and B. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-40

Reference Manual Beam Element Results Column Descriptions

Beam Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

3447 BEAM MIN STRESS Beam element minimum stress (bending and axial) for all points at
ends A and B. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
3448 BEAM LOCATION A Beam element end A location.
3449 BEAM LOCATION B Beam element end B location.
3481 BEAM STATUS Solution and option dependent. In modal summation solutions
(DDAM), STATUS is the mode number with the maximum response in
the NRL summation. In solutions where a factor of safety calculation
method has been defined on a MAT1 entry, STATUS is the factor of
safety.
3639 BEAM STRAIN END A POINT C Beam element stress at end A, stress recovery point C. For beam
elements this strain will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3640 BEAM STRAIN END A POINT D Beam element strain at end A, strain recovery point D. For beam
elements this strain will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3641 BEAM STRAIN END A POINT E Beam element STRAIN at end A, STRAIN recovery point E. For beam
elements this strain will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3642 BEAM STRAIN END A POINT F Beam element STRAIN at end A, STRAIN recovery point F. For beam
elements this strain will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3651 BEAM STRAIN END B POINT C Beam element STRAIN at end B, STRAIN recovery point C. For beam
elements this strain will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3652 BEAM STRAIN END B POINT D Beam element STRAIN at end B, STRAIN recovery point D. For beam
elements this strain will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3653 BEAM STRAIN END B POINT E Beam element stress at end B, stress recovery point E. For beam
elements this strain will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3654 BEAM STRAIN END B POINT F Beam element stress at end B, stress recovery point F. For beam
elements this strain will include both bending and axial contributions.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3664 BEAM STRAIN END A-MAX Beam element maximum strain (bending and axial) for all points at end
A. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3665 BEAM STRAIN END A-MIN Beam element minimum strain (bending and axial) for all points at end
B. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3666 BEAM STRAIN END B-MAX Beam element maximum strain (bending and axial) for all points at end
A. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3667 BEAM STRAIN END B-MIN Beam element minimum strain (bending and axial) for all points at end
A. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control commands.
3670 BEAM STRAIN END A-AXIAL Beam element axial strain at end A. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-41

Reference Manual Beam Element Results Column Descriptions

Beam Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

3676 BEAM STRAIN END B-AXIAL Beam element axial strain at end B. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
3695 BEAM VON MISES STRAIN Beam element von Mises strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
3948 BEAM MAX STRAIN Beam element maximum strain (bending and axial) for all points at
ends A and B. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
3949 BEAM MIN STRAIN Beam element minimum strain (bending and axial) for all points at
ends A and B. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
3998 BEAM DAMAGE Beam element fatigue damage. Controlled by FATIGUE, STRESS,
and STRAIN Case Control commands.
3999 BEAM LIFE Beam element fatigue life. Controlled by FATIGUE, STRESS, and
STRAIN Case Control commands.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-42

Reference Manual Pipe Element Results Column Descriptions

Pipe Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3223 PIPE EFFECTIVE STRAIN-CREEP Pipe element effective creep strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
3222 PIPE EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Pipe element effective axial strain. Note that for prestress solutions,
regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting, effective strain will
not include prestress contribution. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands.
3222 PIPE EFFECTIVE STRAIN- Pipe element effective strain (nonlinear elastic material) or plastic
PLASTIC/NONLINEAR ELASTIC strain (elastic-plastic material). Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
3221 PIPE EQUIVALENT STRESS Pipe element nonlinear equivalent axial stress (material nonlinear
solutions) or axial stress (linear solutions). Note that for prestress
solutions, regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting,
equivalent stress will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands (linear solutions) and
NLSTRESS Case Control command (nonlinear solutions).
3314 PIPE FORCE END A-X Pipe element axial force at end A in element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3310 PIPE FORCE END A-Y PLANE 1 Pipe element transverse shear force at end A in element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3311 PIPE FORCE END A-Z PLANE 2 Pipe element transverse shear force at end A in element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3315 PIPE FORCE END B-X Pipe element axial force at end B in element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3312 PIPE FORCE END B-Y PLANE 1 Pipe element transverse shear force at end B in element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3313 PIPE FORCE END B-Z PLANE 2 Pipe element transverse shear force at end B in element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3224 PIPE LOCATION A Pipe element end A location.
3225 PIPE LOCATION B Pipe element end B location.
3316 PIPE MOMENT END A-X Pipe element torque at end A about element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3307 PIPE MOMENT END A-Y PLANE 2 Pipe element bending moment at end A about element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3306 PIPE MOMENT END A-Z PLANE 1 Pipe element bending moment at end A about element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3317 PIPE MOMENT END B-X Pipe element torque at end B about element x-direction. Controlled by
FORCE Case Control command.
3309 PIPE MOMENT END B-Y PLANE 2 Pipe element bending moment at end B about element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3308 PIPE MOMENT END B-Z PLANE 1 Pipe element bending moment at end B about element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-43

Reference Manual Pipe Element Results Column Descriptions

Pipe Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

3206 PIPE STRESS END A-HOOP Pipe element hoop stress at end A. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3205 PIPE STRESS END A-LONGITUDINAL Pipe element longitudinal stress at end A. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3209 PIPE STRESS END A-MAX PRINCIPAL Pipe element maximum principal stress at end A. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3210 PIPE STRESS END A-MAX SHEAR Pipe element maximum shear stress at end A. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3211 PIPE STRESS END A-OCTAHEDRAL Pipe element maximum principal stress at end A. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3208 PIPE STRESS END A-SHEAR Pipe element shear stress at end A. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3207 PIPE STRESS END A-TORSIONAL Pipe element torsional stress at end A. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3213 PIPE STRESS END B-HOOP Pipe element hoop stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3212 PIPE STRESS END B-LONGITUDINAL Pipe element longitudinal stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3216 PIPE STRESS END B-MAX PRINCIPAL Pipe element maximum principal stress at end B. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3217 PIPE STRESS END B-MAX SHEAR Pipe element maximum shear stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3218 PIPE STRESS END B-OCTAHEDRAL Pipe element octahedral stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3215 PIPE STRESS END B-SHEAR Pipe element shear stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3214 PIPE STRESS END B-TORSIONAL Pipe element torsional stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3219 PIPE STRESS-MAX PRINCIPAL Pipe element maximum principal stress at end A and B. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3220 PIPE STRESS-OCTAHEDRAL Pipe element octahedral stress at end A and B. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3481 PIPE STATUS Solution and option dependent. In modal summation solutions
(DDAM) STATUS, is the mode number with the maximum response in
the NRL summation.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-44

Reference Manual Weld Element Results Column Descriptions

Weld Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3301 WELD EFFECTIVE STRAIN-CREEP Weld element effective creep strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
3300 WELD EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Weld element effective axial strain. Note that for prestress solutions,
regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting, effective strain will
not include prestress contribution. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands.
3300 WELD EFFECTIVE STRAIN- Weld element effective strain (nonlinear elastic material) or plastic
PLASTIC/NONLINEAR ELASTIC strain (elastic-plastic material). Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
3299 WELD EQUIVALENT STRESS Weld element nonlinear equivalent axial stress (material nonlinear
solutions) or axial stress (linear solutions). Note that for prestress
solutions, regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting,
equivalent stress will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands (linear solutions) and
NLSTRESS Case Control command (nonlinear solutions).
3328 WELD FORCE END A-X Weld element axial force at end A in element x-direction. Controlled
by FORCE Case Control command.
3324 WELD FORCE END A-Y PLANE 1 Weld element transverse shear force at end A in element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3325 WELD FORCE END A-Z PLANE 2 Weld element transverse shear force at end A in element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3329 WELD FORCE END B-X Weld element axial force at end B in element x-direction. Controlled
by FORCE Case Control command.
3326 WELD FORCE END B-Y PLANE 1 Weld element transverse shear force at end B in element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3327 WELD FORCE END B-Z PLANE 2 Weld element transverse shear force at end B in element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3254 WELD LOCATION A Weld element end A location.
3255 WELD LOCATION B Weld element end B location.
3330 WELD MOMENT END A-X Weld element torque at end A about element x-direction. Controlled
by FORCE Case Control command.
3321 WELD MOMENT END A-Y PLANE 2 Weld element bending moment at end A about element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3320 WELD MOMENT END A-Z PLANE 1 Weld element bending moment at end A about element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3331 WELD MOMENT END B-X Weld element torque at end B about element x-direction. Controlled
by FORCE Case Control command.
3323 WELD MOMENT END B-Y PLANE 2 Weld element bending moment at end B about element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
3322 WELD MOMENT END B-Z PLANE 1 Weld element bending moment at end B about element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-45

Reference Manual Weld Element Results Column Descriptions

Weld Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

3240 WELD STRESS END A-LONGITUDINAL Weld element longitudinal stress at end A. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3243 WELD STRESS END A-MAX PRINCIPAL Weld element maximum principal stress at end A. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3244 WELD STRESS END A-MAX SHEAR Weld element maximum shear stress at end A. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3242 WELD STRESS END A-SHEAR Weld element shear stress at end A. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3241 WELD STRESS END A-TORSIONAL Weld element torsional stress at end A. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3245 WELD STRESS END B-LONGITUDINAL Weld element longitudinal stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3248 WELD STRESS END B-MAX PRINCIPAL Weld element maximum principal stress at end B. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
3249 WELD STRESS END B-MAX SHEAR Weld element maximum shear stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
3247 WELD STRESS END B-SHEAR Weld element shear stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3246 WELD STRESS END B-TORSIONAL Weld element torsional stress at end B. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
3250 WELD STRESS-MAX PRINCIPAL Weld element maximum principal stress at end A and B. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
3481 WELD STATUS Solution and option dependent. In modal summation solutions
(DDAM) STATUS, is the mode number with the maximum response in
the NRL summation.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-46

Reference Manual Gap Element Results Column Descriptions

Gap Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3226 GAP AXIAL FORCE Gap element axial force (contact force). Controlled by FORCE or
STRESS Case Control command.
3227 GAP RESULTANT SHEAR FORCE Gap element shear force (due to friction) vector resultant. Controlled
by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3228 GAP SHEAR FORCE-Y Gap element shear force (due to friction) in element y-direction.
Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3229 GAP SHEAR FORCE-Z Gap element shear force (due to friction) in element z-direction.
Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3230 GAP AXIAL DISPLACEMENT Gap element axial displacement. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS
Case Control command.
3231 GAP TOTAL DISPLACEMENT-Y Gap element total displacement in element y-direction. Controlled by
FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3232 GAP TOTAL DISPLACEMENT-Z Gap element total displacement in element z-direction. Controlled by
FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3233 GAP SLIP DISPLACEMENT-Y Gap element slip displacement in element y-direction. Controlled by
FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3234 GAP SLIP DISPLACEMENT-Z Gap element slip displacement in element z-direction. Controlled by
FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3460 GAP STATUS Gap element status (1=open, 2=slide – closed with no friction defined,
3=stick – closed with friction and holding, 4=slip – closed with friction
and slipping). Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3461 GAP RESULTANT INPLANE Gap element total displacement vector resultant. Controlled by
DISPLACEMENT FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3462 GAP RESULTANT SLIP DISPLACEMENT Gap element slip displacement vector resultant. Controlled by FORCE
or STRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-47

Reference Manual Cable Element Results Column Descriptions

Cable Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3288 CABLE EFFECTIVE STRAIN Cable element extensional strain. This value does not include slip.
Controlled by FORCE, STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands
(linear solutions) and NLSTRESS Case Control command (nonlinear
solutions).
3287 CABLE EQUIVALENT STRESS Cable element extensional stress. Controlled by FORCE, STRESS or
STRAIN Case Control commands (linear solutions) and NLSTRESS
Case Control command (nonlinear solutions).
3463 CABLE FORCE Cable element extensional force. Controlled by FORCE, STRESS, or
STRAIN Case Control commands.
3466 CABLE SLIP DISPLACEMENT Cable element slip displacement (slack). This value represents the
amount of displacement before load is carried. Controlled by FORCE,
STRESS, or STRAIN Case Control commands.
3467 CABLE STATUS Solution and option dependent. In modal summation solutions
(DDAM), STATUS is the mode number with the maximum response in
the NRL summation. In nonlinear solutions STATUS is the cable
status (1=loaded, 2=unloaded, 3=failed).
3464 CABLE STRESS Cable element extensional stress. Controlled by FORCE, STRESS,
or STRAIN Case Control commands.
3465 CABLE TOTAL DISPLACEMENT Cable element total displacement, slack plus extension. Controlled by
FORCE, STRESS, or STRAIN Case Control commands.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-48

Reference Manual Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Shell Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

6036 SHELL MAX PRINCIPAL STRESS Shell element maximum principal stress (of bottom and top).
BOTTOM/TOP Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6037 SHELL MIN PRINCIPAL STRESS Shell element minimum principal stress (of bottom and top).
BOTTOM/TOP Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6038 SHELL MAX TRESCA STRESS Shell element maximum Tresca stress (of bottom and top). Controlled
BOTTOM/TOP by STRESS Case Control command.
6038 SHELL MAX MAX SHEAR STRESS Shell element maximum maximum shear stress (of bottom and top).
BOTTOM/TOP Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6039 SHELL MAX VON MISES STRESS Shell element maximum von Mises stress. Controlled by STRESS
BOTTOM/TOP Case Control command.
6043 SHELL FIBER DISTANCE TOP Shell element stress/strain recovery distance (element z-direction) for
top side (side 2).
6044 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Shell element bottom side (side 1) effective strain (von Mises). Note
BOTTOM that for prestress solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS
setting effective strain will not include prestress contribution.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
6044 SHELL FIBER DISTANCE BOTTOM Shell element stress/strain recovery distance (element z-direction) for
bottom side (side 1).
6046 SHELL STATUS Solution and option dependent. In modal summation solutions
(DDAM) STATUS is the mode number with the maximum response in
the NRL summation. In nonlinear solutions with tension-only shell
elements STATUS is the reversion status code (1=reverted to a shear
panel or tension-only element, 0=has not reverted). In solutions where
a factor of safety calculation method has been defined on a MAT1
entry, STATUS is the factor of safety. In topological optimization
solutions STATUS is the element density.
6105 SHELL MAX PRINCIPAL STRAIN Shell element maximum principal strain (of bottom and top).
BOTTOM/TOP Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
6106 SHELL MIN PRINCIPAL STRAIN Shell element minimum principal strain (of bottom and top). Controlled
BOTTOM/TOP by STRAIN Case Control command.
6107 SHELL MAX TRESCA STRAIN Shell element maximum Tresca strain (of bottom and top). Controlled
BOTTOM/TOP by STRAIN Case Control command.
6107 SHELL MAX SHEAR STRAIN Shell element maximum maximum shear strain (of bottom and top).
BOTTOM/TOP Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
6108 SHELL MAX VON MISES STRAIN Shell element maximum von Mises strain (of bottom and top).
BOTTOM/TOP Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
6175 SHELL MAX DAMAGE BOTTOM/TOP Shell element maximum fatigue damage (of bottom and top).
Controlled by FATIGUE, VIBFATIGUE, and STRESS Case Control
commands.
6176 SHELL MIN LIFE BOTTOM/TOP Shell element minimum fatigue life (of bottom and top). Controlled by
VIBFATIGUE and STRESS Case Control commands.
7020 SHELL NORMAL-X STRESS TOP Shell element top side (side 2) normal stress in SURFACE x-direction.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-49

Reference Manual Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Shell Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

7021 SHELL NORMAL-Y STRESS TOP Shell element top side (side 2) normal stress in SURFACE y-direction.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
7023 SHELL SHEAR-XY STRESS TOP Shell element top side (side 2) shear stress in SURFACE xy-direction
(tensor x-face, y-direction). Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
7026 SHELL MAJOR PRINCIPAL STRESS TOP Shell element top side (side 2) major principal stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
7027 SHELL MINOR PRINCIPAL STRESS TOP Shell element top side (side 2) minor principal stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
7029 SHELL ZERO SHEAR STRESS ANGLE Shell element top side (side 2) zero shear stress angle in degrees.
TOP Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
7031 SHELL MAX SHEAR STRESS TOP Shell element top side (side 2) maximum shear stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
7031 SHELL TRESCA STRESS TOP Shell element top side (side 2) Tresca stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
7032 SHELL EQUIVALENT STRESS TOP Shell element top side (side 2) nonlinear equivalent stress (material
nonlinear solutions) or von Mises stress (linear solutions). Note that
for prestress solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS
setting equivalent stress will not include prestress contribution.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands (linear
solutions) and NLSTRESS Case Control command (nonlinear
solutions).
7032 SHELL VON MISES STRESS-BENDING Shell element top side (side 2) von Mises stress computed without
TOP membrane stress contribution. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command and PARAM, EQVSTRESSTYPE setting.
7032 SHELL VON MISES STRESS-MEMBRANE Shell element top side (side 2) von Mises stress computed without
TOP bending stress contribution. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command and PARAM, EQVSTRESSTYPE setting.
7033 SHELL VON MISES STRESS TOP Shell element top side (side 2) von Mises stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
7065 SHELL NORMAL-X STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) normal strain in SURFACE x-direction.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
7066 SHELL NORMAL-Y STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) normal strain in SURFACE y-direction.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
7068 SHELL SHEAR-XY STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) shear strain in SURFACE xy-direction
(tensor x-face, y-direction). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
7071 SHELL MAJOR PRINCIPAL STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) major principal strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
7072 SHELL MINOR PRINCIPAL STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) minor principal strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
7074 SHELL ZERO SHEAR STRAIN ANGLE Shell element top side (side 2) zero shear strain angle in degrees.
TOP Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-50

Reference Manual Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Shell Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

7076 SHELL MAX SHEAR STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) maximum shear strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
7076 SHELL TRESCA STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) Tresca strain . Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.
7077 SHELL VON MISES STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) von Mises strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
7088 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Shell element top side (side 2) effective strain (von Mises). Note that
TOP for prestress solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS
setting effective strain will not include prestress contribution.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
7088 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN- Shell element top side (side 2) effective (nonlinear elastic material) or
PLASTIC/NONLINEAR ELASTIC TOP plastic (elastic-plastic material) strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
7089 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN-CREEP TOP Shell element top side (side 2) effective creep strain. Controlled by
NLSTRESS Case Control command.
7122 SHELL BIAXIALITY RATIO BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) stress biaxiality ratio. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
7123 SHELL DAMAGE BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) fatigue damage. Controlled by
FATIGUE, VIBFATIGUE, and STRESS Case Control commands.
7124 SHELL LIFE BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) fatigue life. Controlled by
FATIGUE, VIBFATIGUE, and STRESS Case Control commands.
7125 SHELL BIAXIALITY RATIO BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) strain biaxiality ratio. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
7206 SHELL MEMBRANE FORCE-FX Shell element inplane normal force per unit length in SURFACE x-
direction. Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
7207 SHELL MEMBRANE FORCE-FY Shell element inplane normal force per unit length in SURFACE y-
direction. Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
7208 SHELL MEMBRANE FORCE-FXY Shell element inplane shear force per unit length in SURFACE xy-
direction (tensor x-face, y-direction). Controlled by FORCE Case
Control command.
7211 SHELL BENDING MOMENT-MX Shell element bending moment per unit length in SURFACE x-
direction. Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
7212 SHELL BENDING MOMENT-MY Shell element bending moment per unit length in SURFACE y-
direction. Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
7213 SHELL BENDING MOMENT-MXY Shell element twisting moment per unit length in SURFACE xy-
direction (tensor x-face, y-direction). Controlled by FORCE Case
Control command.
7214 SHELL TRANSVERSE SHEAR FORCE-QX Shell element transverse shear force per unit length in SURFACE xz-
direction. Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
7215 SHELL TRANSVERSE SHEAR FORCE-QY Shell element transverse shear force per unit length in SURFACE yz-
direction. Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-51

Reference Manual Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Shell Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

7420 SHELL NORMAL-X STRESS BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) normal stress in SURFACE x-
direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
7421 SHELL NORMAL-Y STRESS BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) normal stress in SURFACE y-
direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
7423 SHELL SHEAR-XY STRESS BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) shear stress in SURFACE xy-
direction (tensor x-face, y-direction). Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
7426 SHELL MAJOR PRINCIPAL STRESS Shell element bottom side (side 1) major principal stress. Controlled
BOTTOM by STRESS Case Control command.
7427 SHELL MINOR PRINCIPAL STRESS Shell element bottom side (side 1) minor principal stress. Controlled
BOTTOM by STRESS Case Control command.
7429 SHELL ZERO SHEAR STRESS ANGLE Shell element bottom side (side 1) zero shear stress angle in degrees.
BOTTOM Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
7431 SHELL MAX SHEAR STRESS BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) maximum shear stress. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
7431 SHELL TRESCA STRESS BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) Tresca stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
7432 SHELL EQUIVALENT STRESS BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) nonlinear equivalent stress
(material nonlinear solutions) or von Mises stress (linear solutions).
Note that for prestress solutions regardless of PARAM,
ADDPRESTRESS setting equivalent stress will not include prestress
contribution. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands (linear solutions) and NLSTRESS Case Control command
(nonlinear solutions).
7432 SHELL VON MISES STRESS-BENDING Shell element bottom side (side 1) von Mises stress computed without
BOTTOM membrane stress contribution. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command and PARAM, EQVSTRESSTYPE setting.
7432 SHELL VON MISES STRESS-MEMBRANE Shell element bottom side (side 1) von Mises stress computed without
BOTTOM bending stress contribution. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command and PARAM, EQVSTRESSTYPE setting.
7433 SHELL VON MISES STRESS BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) von Mises stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
7465 SHELL NORMAL-X STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) normal strain in SURFACE x-
direction. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
7466 SHELL NORMAL-Y STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) normal strain in SURFACE y-
direction. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
7468 SHELL SHEAR-XY STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) shear strain in SURFACE xy-
direction (tensor x-face, y-direction). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
7471 SHELL MAJOR-PRINCIPAL STRAIN Shell element bottom side (side 1) major principal strain. Controlled
BOTTOM by STRAIN Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-52

Reference Manual Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Shell Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

7472 SHELL MINOR PRINCIPAL STRAIN Shell element bottom side (side 1) minor principal strain. Controlled
BOTTOM by STRAIN Case Control command.
7474 SHELL ZERO SHEAR STRAIN ANGLE Shell element bottom side (side 1) zero shear strain angle in degrees.
BOTTOM Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
7476 SHELL MAX SHEAR STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) maximum shear strain. Controlled
by STRAIN Case Control command.
7476 SHELL TRESCA STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) Tresca strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
7477 SHELL VON MISES STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) von Mises strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
7488 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN- Shell element bottom side (side 1) effective (nonlinear elastic material)
PLASTIC/NONLINEAR ELASTIC BOTTOM or plastic (elastic-plastic material) strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS
Case Control command.
7489 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN-CREEP Shell element bottom side (side 1) effective creep strain. Controlled
BOTTOM by NLSTRESS Case Control command.
7522 SHELL BIAXIALITY RATIO TOP Shell element top side (side 2) stress biaxiality ratio. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
7523 SHELL DAMAGE TOP Shell element top side (side 2) fatigue damage. Controlled by
FATIGUE, VIBFATIGUE, and STRESS Case Control commands.
7524 SHELL LIFE TOP Shell element top side (side 2) fatigue life. Controlled by FATIGUE,
VIBFATIGUE, and STRESS Case Control commands.
7525 SHELL BIAXIALITY RATIO TOP Shell element top side (side 2) strain biaxiality ratio. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-53

Reference Manual Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

6054 COMP MAX EFFECTIVE STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum effective strain
(von Mises). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
6055 COMP MAX EQUIVALENT STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum equivalent
stress (von Mises). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
6060 COMP MAX STABILITY FAILURE INDEX 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element maximum face sheet
stability index. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
6061 COMP MIN STABILITY FAILURE INDEX 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element minimum face sheet
stability index. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
6064 COMP MIN STABILITY ALLOWABLE 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element minimum stability
allowable. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
6065 COMP MIN STABILITY ALLOWABLE PLY 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element minimum stability
allowable ply. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
6066 COMP STABILITY CORE PLY 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element core ply selected by
solver. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands
and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
6079 COMP MAX NORMAL-1 STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
stress in material 1-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
6080 COMP MAX NORMAL-2 STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
stress in material 2-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
6081 COMP MAX SHEAR-12 STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply shear stress
in material 12-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
6082 COMP MAX SHEAR-XZ STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum interlaminar
shear stress in material xz-direction (of all plies). Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
6083 COMP MAX SHEAR-YZ STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum interlaminar
shear stress in material yz-direction (of all plies). Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
6084 COMP MIN NORMAL-1 STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal
stress in material 1-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
6085 COMP MIN NORMAL-2 STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal
stress in material 2-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
6086 COMP MIN SHEAR-12 STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply shear stress
in material 12-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-54

Reference Manual Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

6087 COMP MIN SHEAR-XZ STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum interlaminar
shear stress in material xz-direction (of all plies). Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
6088 COMP MIN SHEAR-YZ STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum interlaminar
shear stress in material yz-direction (of all plies). Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
6089 COMP MAX NORMAL-1 STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
strain in material 1-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
6090 COMP MAX NORMAL-2 STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
strain in material 2-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
6091 COMP MAX SHEAR-12 STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply shear strain
in material 12-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
6092 COMP MAX SHEAR-XZ STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum interlaminar
shear strain in material xz-direction (of all plies). Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
6093 COMP MAX SHEAR-YZ STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum interlaminar
shear strain in material yz-direction (of all plies). Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
6094 COMP MIN NORMAL-1 STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal strain
in material 1-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
6095 COMP MIN NORMAL-2 STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal strain
in material 2-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
6096 COMP MIN SHEAR-12 STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply shear strain
in material 12-direction (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
6097 COMP MIN SHEAR-XZ STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum interlaminar
shear strain in material xz-direction (of all plies). Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
6098 COMP MIN SHEAR-YZ STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum interlaminar
shear strain in material yz-direction (of all plies). Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
6099 COMP MAX PLY FAILURE INDEX 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply failure index
(of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
6099 COMP MAX PLY STRENGTH RATIO 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply strength
ratio (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-55

Reference Manual Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

6100 COMP MAX BOND FAILURE INDEX 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum bond failure
index (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
6100 COMP MAX BOND STRENGTH RATIO 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum bond strength
ratio (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
6101 COMP MIN PLY FAILURE INDEX 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply failure index
(of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
6101 COMP MIN PLY STRENGTH RATIO 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply strength ratio
(of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
6102 COMP MIN BOND FAILURE INDEX 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum bond failure
index (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
6102 COMP MIN BOND STRENGTH RATIO 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum bond strength
ratio (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
6103 COMP MAX FAILURE INDEX 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum failure index
(both ply and bond of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands.
6103 COMP MIN STRENGTH RATIO 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum strength ratio
(both ply and bond of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
6104 COMP MAX FAILURE INDEX PLY 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum failure index ply
(both ply and bond of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands.
6104 COMP MIN STRENGTH RATIO PLY 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum failure index ply
(both ply and bond of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
6109 COMP MAX PRINCIPAL STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply principal
stress (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6110 COMP MIN PRINCIPAL STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply principal
stress (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6111 COMP MAX MAX SHEAR STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum maximum shear
stress (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6112 COMP MAX VON MISES STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum von Mises
stress (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6113 COMP MAX PRINCIPAL STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply principal
strain (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
6114 COMP MIN PRINCIPAL STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply principal
strain (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-56

Reference Manual Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

6115 COMP MAX MAX SHEAR STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum maximum
shear strain (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
6116 COMP MAX VON MISES STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum von Mises
strain (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
6117 COMP STATUS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply failure status in
percent of total plies failed. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case
Control commands and PARAM, NLCOMPPLYFAIL.
7206 COMP MEMBRANE FORCE-FX 2-Dimensional composite laminate element inplane normal force per
unit length in SURFACE x-direction. Controlled by FORCE Case
Control command.
7207 COMP MEMBRANE FORCE-FY 2-Dimensional composite laminate element inplane normal force per
unit length in SURFACE y-direction. Controlled by FORCE Case
Control command.
7208 COMP MEMBRANE FORCE-FXY 2-Dimensional composite laminate element inplane shear force per
unit length in SURFACE xy-direction (tensor x-face, y-direction).
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
7211 COMP BENDING MOMENT-MX 2-Dimensional composite laminate element bending moment per
unit length in SURFACE y-direction. Controlled by FORCE Case
Control command.
7212 COMP BENDING MOMENT-MY 2-Dimensional composite laminate element bending moment per
unit length in SURFACE x-direction. Controlled by FORCE Case
Control command.
7213 COMP BENDING MOMENT-MXY 2-Dimensional composite laminate element twisting moment per
unit length in SURFACE xy-direction (tensor x-face, y-direction).
Controlled by FORCE Case Control command.
7214 COMP TRANSVERSE SHEAR FORCE-QX 2-Dimensional composite laminate element transverse shear force
per unit length in SURFACE xz-direction. Controlled by FORCE
Case Control command.
7215 COMP TRANSVERSE SHEAR FORCE-QY 2-Dimensional composite laminate element transverse shear force
per unit length in SURFACE yz-direction. Controlled by FORCE
Case Control command.
1000020 + COMP PLY NORMAL-1 STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply normal stress in ply
200(ply - 1) 1-direction (longitudinal). Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
1000021 + COMP PLY NORMAL-2 STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply normal stress in ply
200(ply - 1) 2-direction (lateral). Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
1000023 + COMP PLY SHEAR-12 STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply normal stress in ply
200(ply - 1) 12-direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
1000024 + COMP PLY SHEAR-XZ STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element interlaminar shear
200(ply - 1) stress in material xz-direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-57

Reference Manual Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

1000025 + COMP PLY SHEAR-YZ STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element interlaminar shear
200(ply - 1) stress in material yz-direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
1000026 + COMP PLY MAX PRINCIPAL STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply maximum principal
200(ply - 1) stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
1000027 + COMP PLY MIN PRINCIPAL STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply minimum principal
200(ply - 1) stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
1000031 + COMP PLY MAX SHEAR STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply maximum shear
200(ply - 1) stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
1000032 + COMP PLY EQUIVALENT STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element equivalent stress (von
200(ply - 1) Mises). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
1000033 + COMP PLY VON MISES STRESS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element von Mises stress.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
1000090 + COMP PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply ply failure index.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
1000090 + COMP PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply ply strength ratio.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
1000091 + COMP PLY BOND FAILURE INDEX 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply bond failure index.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
1000091 + COMP PLY BOND STRENGTH RATIO 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply bond strength ratio.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
1000092 + COMP PLY STABILITY INDEX 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element face sheet stability
200(ply - 1) index. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands
and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
1000093 + COMP PLY STABILITY ALLOWABLE 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element stability allowable
200(ply - 1) (minimum of the wrinkling, dimpling, and crimping allowables).
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and the
LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
1000094 + COMP PLY STABILITY ALLOWABLE 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element stability allowable
200(ply - 1) FAILURE MODE failure mode (1=wrinkling, 2=dimpling, 3=crimping). Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and the LAM field on
the PCOMP entry.
1000095 + COMP PLY STABILITY INDEX WRINKLING 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element face sheet wrinkling
200(ply - 1) stability index. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
1000096 + COMP PLY STABILITY INDEX DIMPLING 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element face sheet dimpling
200(ply - 1) stability index. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
1000097 + COMP PLY STABILITY INDEX CRIMPING 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element face sheet crimping
200(ply - 1) stability index. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-58

Reference Manual Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

1000098 + COMP PLY STABILITY ALLOWABLE 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element wrinkling stability
200(ply - 1) WRINKLING allowable. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
1000099 + COMP PLY STABILITY ALLOWABLE 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element dimpling stability
200(ply - 1) DIMPLING allowable. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
1000000 + COMP PLY STABILITY ALLOWABLE 2-Dimensional composite sandwich element crimping stability
200(ply - 1) CRIMPING allowable. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the LAM field on the PCOMP entry.
1000101 + COMP PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX MATRIX- 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix-tension
200(ply – 1) TENSION failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories). Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and the FT field
on the PCOMP entry.
1000101 + COMP PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX MATRIX-1 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix failure
200(ply – 1) index (MCT failure theory). Fill-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000101 + COMP PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO MATRIX- 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix-tension
200(ply – 1) TENSION failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories). Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and the FT field
on the PCOMP entry.
1000101 + COMP PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO MATRIX-1 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix strength
200(ply – 1) ratio (MCT failure theory). Fill-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000102 + COMP PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX MATRIX- 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix-
200(ply - 1) COMPRESSION compression failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories).
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000102 + COMP PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX MATRIX-2 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix failure
200(ply - 1) index (MCT failure theory). Warp-direction for plain weave
fabrics. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000102 + COMP PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO MATRIX- 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix-
200(ply - 1) COMPRESSION compression failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories).
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000102 + COMP PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO MATRIX-2 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix strength
200(ply - 1) ratio (MCT failure theory). Warp-direction for plain weave
fabrics. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000103 + COMP PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX FIBER- 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber-tension
200(ply - 1) TENSION failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories). Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and the FT field
on the PCOMP entry.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-59

Reference Manual Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Shell Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

1000103 + COMP PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX FIBER-1 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber failure index
200(ply - 1) (MCT failure theory). Fill-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000103 + COMP PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO FIBER- 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber-tension
200(ply - 1) TENSION failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories). Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and the FT field
on the PCOMP entry.
1000103 + COMP PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO FIBER-1 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber strength
200(ply - 1) ratio (MCT failure theory). Fill-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000104 + COMP PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX FIBER- 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber-
200(ply - 1) COMPRESSION compression failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories).
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000104 + COMP PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX FIBER-2 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber failure index
200(ply - 1) (MCT failure theory). Warp-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000104 + COMP PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO FIBER- 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber-
200(ply - 1) COMPRESSION compression failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories).
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000104 + COMP PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO FIBER-2 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber failure index
200(ply - 1) (MCT failure theory). Warp-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
1000105 + COMP PLY FAILURE THEORY 2-Dimensional composite laminate failure theory code [1=Hill,
200(ply - 1) 2=Hoffman, 3=Tsai-Wu, 4=Max Strain (MSC), 5=Max Strain
(Autodesk), 6=Max Stress, 7=LaRC02, 8=Puck, 9=MCT,
0=None]. Controlled by the FT field on the PCOMP Bulk Data
entry.
1000106 + COMP PLY FRACTURE ANGLE 2-Dimensional composite laminate fracture plane angle
200(ply - 1) (LaRC02 and Puck failure theories only). Controlled by STRESS
or STRAIN Case Control commands.
1000107 + COMP PLY STRENGTH RATIO ERROR 2-Dimensional composite laminate element strength ratio error.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
1000108 + COMP PLY STATUS 2-Dimensional composite laminate element ply failure status
200(ply - 1) (1=ply has failed, 0=ply has not failed). Controlled by STRESS
or STRAIN Case Control commands and PARAM,
NLCOMPPLYFAIL.
1000109 + COMP PLY EFFECTIVE STRAIN 2-Dimensional composite laminate element effective strain (von
200(ply - 1) Mises). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-60

Reference Manual Shear Element Results Column Descriptions

Shear Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

6007 SHEAR MAX KICK LOAD Shear element maximum kick load. Controlled by FORCE Case
Control command.
6008 SHEAR MIN KICK LOAD Shear element minimum kick load. Controlled by FORCE Case
Control command.
6009 SHEAR MAX SHEAR FLOW Shear element maximum shear flow (all edges). Controlled by FORCE
Case Control command.
6010 SHEAR MIN SHEAR FLOW Shear element minimum shear flow (all edges). Controlled by FORCE
Case Control command.
6011 SHEAR KICK LOAD NODE 1 Shear element node-1 kick load. Controlled by FORCE Case Control
command.
6012 SHEAR KICK LOAD NODE 2 Shear element node-2 kick load. Controlled by FORCE Case Control
command.
6013 SHEAR KICK LOAD NODE 3 Shear element node-3 kick load. Controlled by FORCE Case Control
command.
6014 SHEAR KICK LOAD NODE 4 Shear element node-4 kick load. Controlled by FORCE Case Control
command.
6015 SHEAR SHEAR FLOW STRESS EDGE 1 Shear element inplane shear force on element edge 1 (nodes 1-2).
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6016 SHEAR SHEAR FLOW STRESS EDGE 2 Shear element inplane shear force on element edge 2 (nodes 2-3).
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6017 SHEAR SHEAR FLOW STRESS EDGE 3 Shear element inplane shear force on element edge 3 (nodes 3-4).
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6018 SHEAR SHEAR FLOW STRESS EDGE 4 Shear element inplane shear force on element edge 4 (nodes 4-1).
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6020 SHEAR AVERAGE SHEAR FLOW Shear element average shear flow (all edges). Controlled by FORCE
Case Control command.
6024 SHEAR SHEAR-XY STRESS EDGE 1 Shear element inplane shear stress on element edge 1 (nodes 1-2).
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6025 SHEAR SHEAR-XY STRESS EDGE 2 Shear element inplane shear stress on element edge 2 (nodes 2-3).
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6026 SHEAR SHEAR-XY STRESS EDGE 3 Shear element inplane shear stress on element edge 3 (nodes 3-4).
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6027 SHEAR SHEAR-XY STRESS EDGE 4 Shear element inplane shear stress on element edge 4 (nodes 4-1).
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6028 SHEAR MAX SHEAR-XY STRESS Shear element maximum shear stress (all edges). Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
6029 SHEAR MIN SHEAR-XY STRESS Shear element minimum shear stress (all edges). Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
6030 SHEAR AVERAGE SHEAR-XY STRESS Shear element average shear stress (all edges). Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-61

Reference Manual Axisymmetric Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Solid Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

60010 SOLID NORMAL-X STRESS Solid element normal stress in VOLUME x-direction. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
60011 SOLID NORMAL-Y STRESS Solid element normal stress in VOLUME y-direction. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
60012 SOLID NORMAL-Z STRESS Solid element normal stress in VOLUME z-direction. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
60013 SOLID SHEAR-XY STRESS Solid element shear stress in VOLUME xy-direction (tensor x-face, y-
direction). Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60014 SOLID SHEAR-YZ STRESS Solid element shear stress in VOLUME yz-direction (tensor y-face, z-
direction). Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60015 SOLID SHEAR-ZX STRESS Solid element shear stress in VOLUME zx-direction (tensor z-face, x-
direction). Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60016 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A STRESS Solid element maximum principal stress. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60017 SOLID PRINICPAL-C STRESS Solid element minimum principal stress. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60018 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B STRESS Solid element median principal stress. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60019 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COSINE-X Solid element maximum principal stress x-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
60020 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B COSINE-X Solid element median principal stress x-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
60021 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COSINE-X Solid element minimum principal stress x-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
60022 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COSINE-Y Solid element maximum principal stress y-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
60023 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B COSINE-Y Solid element median principal stress y-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
60024 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COSINE-Y Solid element minimum principal stress y-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
60025 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COSINE-Z Solid element maximum principal stress z-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
60026 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B COSINE-Z Solid element median principal stress z-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
60027 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COSINE-Z Solid element minimum principal stress z-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
60028 SOLID MAX SHEAR STRESS Solid element maximum shear stress. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60029 SOLID MEAN PRESSURE STRESS Solid element mean pressure stress. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-62

Reference Manual Axisymmetric Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Solid Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

60030 SOLID EQUIVALENT STRESS Solid element nonlinear equivalent stress (material nonlinear
solutions) or von Mises stress (linear solutions). Note that for
prestress solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting
equivalent stress will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands (linear solutions) and
NLSTRESS Case Control command (nonlinear solutions).
60031 SOLID VON MISES STRESS Solid element von Mises stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
60032 SOLID OCTAHEDRAL STRESS Solid element octahedral stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
60033 SOLID MAX PRINCIPAL STRESS Solid element maximum principal stress. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60034 SOLID MIN PRINCIPAL STRESS Solid element minimum principal stress. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60035 SOLID STATUS Solution and option dependent. In modal summation solutions
(DDAM) STATUS is the mode number with the maximum response in
the NRL summation. In solutions where a factor of safety calculation
method has been defined on a MAT1 entry, STATUS is the factor of
safety. In topological optimization solutions STATUS is the element
density.
60050 SOLID NORMAL-X STRAIN Solid element normal strain in VOLUME x-direction. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
60051 SOLID NORMAL-Y STRAIN Solid element normal strain in VOLUME y-direction. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
60052 SOLID NORMAL-Z STRAIN Solid element normal strain in VOLUME z-direction. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
60053 SOLID SHEAR-XY STRAIN Solid element shear strain in VOLUME xy-direction (tensor x-face, y-
direction). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60054 SOLID SHEAR-YZ STRAIN Solid element shear strain in VOLUME yz-direction (tensor y-face, z-
direction). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60055 SOLID SHEAR-ZX STRAIN Solid element shear strain in VOLUME zx-direction (tensor z-face, x-
direction). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60056 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A STRAIN Solid element maximum principal strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60057 SOLID PRINICPAL-C STRAIN Solid element minimum principal strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60058 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B STRAIN Solid element median principal strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60059 SOLID MAX SHEAR STRAIN Solid element maximum shear strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60060 SOLID MEAN PRESSURE STRAIN Solid element mean pressure strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60061 SOLID VON MISES STRAIN Solid element von Mises strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-63

Reference Manual Axisymmetric Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Solid Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

60062 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COS-X Solid element maximum principal strain x-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRAIN Case Control command.
60063 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B COS-X Solid element median principal strain x-direction cosine. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
60064 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COS-X Solid element minimum principal strain x-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRAIN Case Control command.
60065 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COS-Y Solid element maximum principal strain y-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRAIN Case Control command.
60066 SOLID PRINICPAL-B COS-Y Solid element median principal strain y-direction cosine. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
60067 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COS-Y Solid element minimum principal strain y-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRAIN Case Control command.
60068 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COS-Z Solid element maximum principal strain z-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRAIN Case Control command.
60069 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B COS-Z Solid element median principal strain z-direction cosine. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
60070 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COS-Z Solid element minimum principal strain z-direction cosine. Controlled
by STRAIN Case Control command.
60071 SOLID OCTAHEDRAL STRAIN Solid element octahedral strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
60072 SOLID EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Solid element effective strain (von Mises). Note that for prestress
solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting effective
strain will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by STRESS
or STRAIN Case Control commands.
60072 SOLID EFFECTIVE STRAIN- Solid element effective (nonlinear elastic material) or plastic (elastic-
PLASTIC/NONLINEAR ELASTIC plastic material) strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS Case Control
command.
60073 SOLID EFFECTIVE STRAIN-CREEP Solid element effective creep strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
60073 SOLID VOLUMETRIC STRAIN Solid element volumetric strain (large strain material). Controlled by
NLSTRESS Case Control command.
60073 SOLID MARTENSITE VOLUME Solid element martensite volume fraction (Nitinol shape memory
FRACTION material). Controlled by NLSTRESS Case Control command.
60075 SOLID MAX PRINCIPAL STRAIN Solid element maximum principal strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60076 SOLID MIN PRINCIPAL STRAIN Solid element minimum principal strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60120 SOLID BIAXIALITY RATIO Solid element stress biaxiality ratio. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60121 SOLID DAMAGE Solid element fatigue damage. Controlled by FATIGUE,
VIBFATIGUE, STRESS, and STRAIN Case Control commands.
60122 SOLID LIFE Solid element fatigue life. Controlled by FATIGUE, VIBFATIGUE,
STRESS, and STRAIN Case Control commands.
60123 SOLID BIAXIALITY RATIO Solid element strain biaxiality ratio. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-64

Reference Manual Axisymmetric Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Axisymmetric Solid Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

6175 AXSYM DAMAGE Axisymmetric solid element fatigue damage. Controlled by FATIGUE,
STRESS, and STRAIN Case Control commands.
6176 AXSYM LIFE Axisymmetric solid element fatigue life. Controlled by FATIGUE,
STRESS, and STRAIN Case Control commands.
6200 AXSYM NORMAL-RADIAL STRESS Axisymmetric solid element normal stress in radial direction.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6201 AXSYM NORMAL-TANGENTIAL STRESS Axisymmetric solid element normal stress in tangential direction.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6202 AXSYM NORMAL-AXIAL STRESS Axisymmetric solid element normal stress in axial direction. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
6203 AXSYM SHEAR-RADIAL/AXIAL STRESS Axisymmetric solid element shear stress in axial/radial direction.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
6204 AXSYM VON MISES STRESS Axisymmetric solid element von Mises stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
6205 AXSYM MAX SHEAR/TRESCA STRESS Axisymmetric solid element von Mises stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
6206 AXSYM MAX PRINCIPAL STRESS Axisymmetric solid element maximum principal stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
6207 AXSYM MIN PRINCIPAL STRESS Axisymmetric solid element minimum principal stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
6208 AXSYM MEAN PRESSURE STRESS Axisymmetric solid element mean pressure stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
6209 AXSYM OCTAHEDRAL STRESS Axisymmetric solid element octahedral stress. Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
6210 AXSYM STATUS In solutions where a factor of safety calculation method has been
defined on a MAT1 entry, STATUS is the factor of safety.
6211 AXSYM EQUIVALENT STRESS Axisymmetric solid element von Mises stress. Note that for prestress
solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting equivalent
stress will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by STRESS
or STRAIN Case Control commands.
6212 AXSYM EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Axisymmetric solid element von Mises strain. Note that for prestress
solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS setting effective
strain will not include prestress contribution. Controlled by STRESS
or STRAIN Case Control commands.
6214 AXSYM NORMAL-RADIAL STRAIN Axisymmetric solid element normal strain in radial direction.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
6215 AXSYM NORMAL-TANGENTIAL STRAIN Axisymmetric solid element normal strain in tangential direction.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
6216 AXSYM NORMAL-AXIAL STRAIN Axisymmetric solid element normal strain in axial direction. Controlled
by STRAIN Case Control command.
6217 AXSYM SHEAR-RADIAL/AXIAL STRAIN Axisymmetric solid element shear strain in axial/radial direction.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-65

Reference Manual Axisymmetric Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Axisymmetric Solid Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

6218 AXSYM VON MISES STRAIN Axisymmetric solid element von Mises strain. Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.
6219 AXSYM MAX SHEAR/TRESCA STRAIN Axisymmetric solid element von Mises strain. Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.
6220 AXSYM MAX PRINCIPAL STRAIN Axisymmetric solid element maximum principal strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
6221 AXSYM MIN PRINCIPAL STRAIN Axisymmetric solid element minimum principal strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
6222 AXSYM MEAN PRESSURE STRAIN Axisymmetric solid element mean pressure strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
6223 AXSYM OCTAHEDRAL STRAIN Axisymmetric solid element octahedral strain. Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-66

Reference Manual Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

60036 LSLD MAX EFFECTIVE STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply effective
strain (von Mises, of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands.
60037 LSLD MAX EQUIVALENT STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply equivalent
stress (von Mises, of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands.
60196 LSLD MAX NORMAL-1 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
stress in ply 1-direction (longitudinal). Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60197 LSLD MAX NORMAL-2 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
stress in ply 2-direction (lateral). Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
60198 LSLD MAX NORMAL-3 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
stress in ply 3-direction (thickness). Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60199 LSLD MAX SHEAR-12 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
stress in ply 12-direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
60200 LSLD MAX SHEAR-YZ STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply
interlaminar shear stress in material xz-direction. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
60201 LSLD MAX SHEAR-XZ STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply
interlaminar shear stress in material yz-direction. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
60202 LSLD MIN NORMAL-1 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal
stress in ply 1-direction (longitudinal). Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60203 LSLD MIN NORMAL-2 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal
stress in ply 2-direction (lateral). Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
60204 LSLD MIN NORMAL-3 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal
stress in ply 3-direction (thickness). Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60205 LSLD MIN SHEAR-12 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal
stress in ply 12-direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
60206 LSLD MIN SHEAR-YZ STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply interlaminar
shear stress in material xz-direction. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
60207 LSLD MIN SHEAR-XZ STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply interlaminar
shear stress in material yz-direction. Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-67

Reference Manual Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

60208 LSLD MAX NORMAL-1 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
strain in ply 1-direction (longitudinal). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60209 LSLD MAX NORMAL-2 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
strain in ply 2-direction (lateral). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
60210 LSLD MAX NORMAL-3 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
strain in ply 3-direction (thickness). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60211 LSLD MAX SHEAR-12 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply normal
strain in ply 12-direction. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
60212 LSLD MAX SHEAR-YZ STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply
interlaminar shear strain in material xz-direction. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
60213 LSLD MAX SHEAR-XZ STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply
interlaminar shear strain in material yz-direction. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
60214 LSLD MIN NORMAL-1 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal
strain in ply 1-direction (longitudinal). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60215 LSLD MIN NORMAL-2 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal
strain in ply 2-direction (lateral). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
60216 LSLD MIN NORMAL-3 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal
strain in ply 3-direction (thickness). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60217 LSLD MIN SHEAR-12 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply normal
strain in ply 12-direction. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
60218 LSLD MIN SHEAR-YZ STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply interlaminar
shear strain in material xz-direction. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60219 LSLD MIN SHEAR-XZ STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply interlaminar
shear strain in material yz-direction. Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
60220 LSLD MAX PLY FAILURE INDEX 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply failure
index (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
60220 LSLD MAX PLY STRENGTH RATIO 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply strength
ratio (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
60221 LSLD MAX BOND FAILURE INDEX 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum bond failure
index (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-68

Reference Manual Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

60221 LSLD MAX BOND STRENGTH RATIO 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum bond strength
ratio (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
60222 LSLD MIN PLY FAILURE INDEX 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply failure index
(of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
60222 LSLD MIN PLY STRENGTH RATIO 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply strength
ratio (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
60223 LSLD MIN BOND FAILURE INDEX 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum bond failure
index (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
60223 LSLD MIN BOND STRENGTH RATIO 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum bond strength
ratio (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
60224 LSLD MAX FAILURE INDEX 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum failure index
(both ply and bond of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands.
60224 LSLD MIN STRENGTH RATIO 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum strength ratio
(both ply and bond of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
60225 LSLD MAX FAILURE INDEX PLY 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum failure index
ply (both ply and bond of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands.
60225 LSLD MIN STRENGTH RATIO PLY 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum failure index
ply (both ply and bond of all plies). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN
Case Control commands and PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.
60230 LSLD MAX PRINCIPAL STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply principal
stress (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60231 LSLD MIN PRINCIPAL STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply principal
stress (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60232 LSLD MAX MAX SHEAR STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum maximum
shear stress (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
60233 LSLD MAX VON MISES STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum von Mises
stress (of all plies). Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60234 LSLD MAX PRINCIPAL STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum ply principal
strain (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60235 LSLD MIN PRINCIPAL STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element minimum ply principal
strain (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60236 LSLD MAX MAX SHEAR STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum maximum
shear strain (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-69

Reference Manual Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

60237 LSLD MAX VON MISES STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element maximum von Mises
strain (of all plies). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60610 + LSLD PLY PLY NORMAL-1 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply normal stress in ply 1-
200(ply - 1) direction (longitudinal). Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
60611 + LSLD PLY PLY NORMAL-2 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply normal stress in ply 2-
200(ply - 1) direction (lateral). Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60612 + LSLD PLY PLY NORMAL-3 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply normal stress in ply 3-
200(ply - 1) direction (thickness). Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
60613 + LSLD PLY PLY SHEAR-12 STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply normal stress in ply
200(ply - 1) 12-direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60614 + LSLD PLY PLY SHEAR-YZ STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element interlaminar shear stress
200(ply - 1) in material xz-direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
60615 + LSLD PLY PLY SHEAR-XZ STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element interlaminar shear stress
200(ply - 1) in material yz-direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
60616 + LSLD PLY PLY PRINCIPAL-A STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply maximum principal
200(ply - 1) stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60617 + LSLD PLY PLY PRINCIPAL-B STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply minimum principal
200(ply - 1) stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60618 + LSLD PLY PLY PRINCIPAL-C STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply median principal
200(ply - 1) stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60628 + LSLD PLY PLY MAX SHEAR STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply maximum shear
200(ply - 1) stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60629 + LSLD PLY PLY MEAN PRESSURE 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply mean pressure stress.
200(ply - 1) STRESS Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60630 + LSLD PLY PLY EQUIVALENT STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply equivalent stress (von
200(ply - 1) Mises). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
60631 + LSLD PLY PLY VON MISES STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply von Mises stress.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60632 + LSLD PLY PLY OCTAHEDRAL STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply octahedral stress.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60633 + LSLD PLY PLY MAX PRINCIPAL STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply maximum principal
200(ply - 1) stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
60634 + LSLD PLY PLY MIN PRINCIPAL STRESS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply minimum principal
200(ply - 1) stress. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-70

Reference Manual Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

60650 + LSLD PLY PLY NORMAL-1 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply normal strain in ply 1-
200(ply - 1) direction (longitudinal). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
60651 + LSLD PLY PLY NORMAL-2 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply normal strain in ply 2-
200(ply - 1) direction (lateral). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60652 + LSLD PLY PLY NORMAL-3 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply normal strain in ply 3-
200(ply - 1) direction (thickness). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60653 + LSLD PLY PLY SHEAR-12 STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply normal strain in ply
200(ply - 1) 12-direction. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60654 + LSLD PLY PLY SHEAR-YZ STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element interlaminar shear strain
200(ply - 1) in material xz-direction. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
60655 + LSLD PLY PLY SHEAR-XZ STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element interlaminar shear strain
200(ply - 1) in material yz-direction. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
60656 + LSLD PLY PLY PRINCIPAL-A STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply maximum principal
200(ply - 1) strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60657 + LSLD PLY PLY PRINCIPAL-B STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply minimum principal
200(ply - 1) strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60658 + LSLD PLY PLY PRINCIPAL-C STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply median principal
200(ply - 1) strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60659 + LSLD PLY PLY MAX SHEAR STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply maximum shear
200(ply - 1) strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60660 + LSLD PLY PLY MEAN PRESSURE 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply mean pressure strain.
200(ply - 1) STRAIN Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60661 + LSLD PLY PLY VON MISES STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply von Mises strain.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60671 + LSLD PLY PLY OCTAHEDRAL STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply octahedral strain.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60675 + LSLD PLY PLY MAX PRINCIPAL STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply maximum principal
200(ply - 1) strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60676 + LSLD PLY PLY MIN PRINCIPAL STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply minimum principal
200(ply - 1) strain. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
60690 + LSLD PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply failure index.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
60690 + LSLD PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply strength ratio.
200(ply - 1) Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
PARAM, STRENGTHRATIO.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-71

Reference Manual Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

60691 + LSLD PLY PLY BOND FAILURE INDEX 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply bond failure
200(ply - 1) index. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
60691 + LSLD PLY PLY BOND STRENGTH RATIO 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply bond strength
200(ply - 1) ratio. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.
60692 + LSLD PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX MATRIX- 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix-tension
200(ply – 1) TENSION failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories). Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and the FT field
on the PCOMP entry.
60692 + LSLD PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX MATRIX-1 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix failure
200(ply – 1) index (MCT failure theory). Fill-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60692 + LSLD PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO MATRIX- 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix-tension
200(ply – 1) TENSION failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories). Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and the FT field
on the PCOMP entry.
60692 + LSLD PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO MATRIX-1 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix strength
200(ply – 1) ratio (MCT failure theory). Fill-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60693 + LSLD PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX MATRIX- 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix-
200(ply – 1) COMPRESSION compression failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories).
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60693 + LSLD PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX MATRIX-2 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix failure
200(ply – 1) index (MCT failure theory). Warp-direction for plain weave
fabrics. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60693 + LSLD PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO MATRIX- 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix-
200(ply – 1) COMPRESSION compression failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories).
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60693 + LSLD PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO MATRIX-2 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply matrix strength
200(ply – 1) ratio (MCT failure theory). Warp-direction for plain weave
fabrics. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands and the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60694 + LSLD PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX FIBER- 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber-tension
200(ply – 1) TENSION failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories). Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and the FT field
on the PCOMP entry.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-72

Reference Manual Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Composite Solid Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

60694 + LSLD PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX FIBER-1 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber failure index
200(ply – 1) (MCT failure theory). Fill-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60694 + LSLD PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO FIBER- 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber-tension
200(ply – 1) TENSION failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories). Controlled by
STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and the FT field
on the PCOMP entry.
60694 + LSLD PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO FIBER-1 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber strength
200(ply – 1) ratio (MCT failure theory). Fill-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60695 + LSLD PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX FIBER- 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber-
200(ply – 1) COMPRESSION compression failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories).
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60695 + LSLD PLY PLY FAILURE INDEX FIBER-2 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber failure index
200(ply – 1) (MCT failure theory). Warp-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60695 + LSLD PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO FIBER- 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber-
200(ply – 1) COMPRESSION compression failure index (LaRC02 or Puck failure theories).
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60695 + LSLD PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO FIBER-2 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply fiber failure index
200(ply – 1) (MCT failure theory). Warp-direction for plain weave fabrics.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands and
the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
60696 + LSLD PLY PLY FAILURE THEORY 3-Dimensional composite laminate failure theory code [1=Hill,
200(ply – 1) 2=Hoffman, 3=Tsai-Wu, 4=Max Strain (MSC), 5=Max Strain
(Autodesk), 6=Max Stress, 7=LaRC02, 8=Puck, 9=MCT,
0=None]. Controlled by the FT field on the PCOMP Bulk Data
entry.
60697 + LSLD PLY PLY FRACTURE ANGLE 3-Dimensional composite laminate fracture plane angle
200(ply – 1) (LaRC02 and Puck failure theories only). Controlled by STRESS
or STRAIN Case Control commands.
60698 + LSLD PLY PLY STRENGTH RATIO ERROR 3-Dimensional composite laminate element strength ratio error.
200(ply – 1) Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
60699 + LSLD PLY PLY STATUS 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply failure status
200(ply – 1) (1=ply has failed, 0=ply has not failed). Controlled by STRESS
or STRAIN Case Control commands and PARAM,
NLCOMPPLYFAIL.
60700 + LSLD PLY PLY EFFECTIVE STRAIN 3-Dimensional composite laminate element ply effective strain
200(ply – 1) (von Mises). Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-73

Reference Manual Quad Contact Surface Element Results Column Descriptions

Quad Contact Surface Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3468 SQUAD MAX NORMAL FORCE Quad contact surface maximum contact segment normal force.
Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3469 SQUAD MAX CONTACT PRESSURE Quad contact surface maximum contact segment contact pressure.
Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3470 SQUAD MAX NORMAL GAP Quad contact surface maximum normal gap. Controlled by FORCE or
STRESS Case Control command.
3471 SQUAD MIN NORMAL FORCE Quad contact surface minimum contact segment normal force.
Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3472 SQUAD MIN CONTACT PRESSURE Quad contact surface minimum contact segment contact pressure.
Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3473 SQUAD MIN NORMAL GAP Quad contact surface minimum normal gap. Controlled by FORCE or
STRESS Case Control command.
3474 SQUAD MAX SHEAR FORCE-X Quad contact surface maximum contact segment shear force in the
element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3475 SQUAD MAX SHEAR FORCE-Y Quad contact surface maximum contact segment shear force in the
element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3476 SQUAD MAX CONTACT TRACTION-X Quad contact surface maximum contact segment contact traction in
the element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case
Control command.
3477 SQUAD MAX CONTACT TRACTION -Y Quad contact surface maximum contact segment contact traction in
the element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case
Control command.
3478 SQUAD MAX SLIP DISPLACEMENT-X Quad contact surface maximum contact segment slip displacement in
the element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case
Control command.
3479 SQUAD MAX SLIP DISPLACEMENT-Y Quad contact surface maximum contact segment slip displacement in
the element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case
Control command.
3480 SQUAD MIN CONTACT TRACTION-X Quad contact surface minimum contact segment contact traction in the
element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3517 SQUAD MIN CONTACT TRACTION -Y Quad contact surface minimum contact segment contact traction in the
element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3518 SQUAD MIN SHEAR STRESS-X Quad contact surface minimum contact segment shear stress in the
element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3519 SQUAD MIN SHEAR STRESS-Y Quad contact surface minimum contact segment shear stress in the
element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-74

Reference Manual Quad Contact Surface Element Results Column Descriptions

Quad Contact Surface Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

3520 SQUAD MIN SLIP DISPLACEMENT-X Quad contact surface minimum contact segment slip displacement in
the element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case
Control command.
3521 SQUAD MIN SLIP DISPLACEMENT-Y Quad contact surface minimum contact segment slip displacement in
the element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case
Control command.
3522 SQUAD STATUS Quad contact status (1=open, 2=slide – closed with no friction defined,
3=stick – closed with friction and holding, 4=slip – closed with friction
and slipping, 5=weld). Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case
Control command.
3523 SQUAD RESULTANT SHEAR FORCE Quad contact surface maximum resultant shear force. Controlled by
FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3524 SQUAD RESULTANT CONTACT Quad contact surface maximum resultant contact traction. Controlled
TRACTION by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3525 SQUAD RESULTANT SLIP Quad contact surface maximum resultant slip displacement.
DISPLACEMENT Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-75

Reference Manual Tri Contact Surface Element Results Column Descriptions

Tri Contact Surface Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3468 STRI MAX NORMAL FORCE Tri contact surface maximum contact segment normal force.
Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3469 STRI MAX CONTACT PRESSURE Tri contact surface maximum contact segment contact pressure.
Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3470 STRI MAX NORMAL GAP Tri contact surface maximum normal gap. Controlled by FORCE or
STRESS Case Control command.
3471 STRI MIN NORMAL FORCE Tri contact surface minimum contact segment normal force.
Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3472 STRI MIN CONTACT PRESSURE Tri contact surface minimum contact segment contact pressure.
Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3473 STRI MIN NORMAL GAP Tri contact surface minimum normal gap. Controlled by FORCE or
STRESS Case Control command.
3474 STRI MAX SHEAR FORCE-X Tri contact surface maximum contact segment shear force in the
element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3475 STRI MAX SHEAR FORCE-Y Tri contact surface maximum contact segment shear force in the
element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3476 STRI MAX CONTACT TRACTION -X Tri contact surface maximum contact segment contact traction in the
element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3477 STRI MAX CONTACT TRACTION -Y Tri contact surface maximum contact segment contact traction in the
element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3478 STRI MAX SLIP DISPLACEMENT-X Tri contact surface maximum contact segment slip displacement in the
element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3479 STRI MAX SLIP DISPLACEMENT-Y Tri contact surface maximum contact segment slip displacement in the
element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3480 STRI MIN SHEAR FORCE-X Tri contact surface minimum contact segment shear force in the
element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3517 STRI MIN SHEAR FORCE-Y Tri contact surface minimum contact segment shear force in the
element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3518 STRI MIN CONTACT TRACTION -X Tri contact surface minimum contact segment contact traction in the
element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3519 STRI MIN CONTACT TRACTION -Y Tri contact surface minimum contact segment contact traction in the
element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-76

Reference Manual Tri Contact Surface Element Results Column Descriptions

Tri Contact Surface Element Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

3520 STRI MIN SLIP DISPLACEMENT-X Tri contact surface minimum contact segment slip displacement in the
element x-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3521 STRI MIN SLIP DISPLACEMENT-Y Tri contact surface minimum contact segment slip displacement in the
element y-direction. Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case Control
command.
3522 STRI STATUS Tri contact status (1=open, 2=slide – closed with no friction defined,
3=stick – closed with friction and holding, 4=slip – closed with friction
and slipping, 5=weld). Controlled by FORCE or STRESS Case
Control command.
3523 STRI RESULTANT SHEAR FORCE Tri contact surface maximum resultant shear force. Controlled by
FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3524 STRI RESULTANT CONTACT TRACTION Tri contact surface maximum resultant contact traction. Controlled by
FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.
3525 STRI RESULTANT SLIP DISPLACEMENT Tri contact surface maximum resultant slip displacement. Controlled
by FORCE or STRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-77

Reference Manual Miscellaneous Element Results Column Descriptions

Miscellaneous Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

80000 ENERGY Element strain energy. Controlled by ESE Case Control command.
80001 PERCENT TOTAL ENERGY Element percent of total strain energy. Controlled by ESE Case
Control command.
80002 ENERGY DENSITY Element strain energy density. Controlled by ESE Case Control
command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-78

Reference Manual Structural Neutral File Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions

Structural Neutral File Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions

Virtual Fluid Mass Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

61 TOTAL FLUID PRESSURE Virtual fluid mass element total fluid pressure.
62 T1 FLUID PRESSURE Virtual fluid mass element fluid pressure in T1 direction. Controlled by
MPRES Case Control command.
63 T2 FLUID PRESSURE Virtual fluid mass element fluid pressure in T2 direction. Controlled by
MPRES Case Control command.
64 T3 FLUID PRESSURE Virtual fluid mass element fluid pressure in T3 direction. Controlled by
MPRES Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-79

Reference Manual Shell Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions

Shell Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

71 SHELL NORMAL-X TOP STRESS Shell element top side (side 2) normal stress in SURFACE x-direction.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
72 SHELL NORMAL-Y TOP STRESS Shell element top side (side 2) normal stress in SURFACE y-direction.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
73 SHELL SHEAR-XY TOP STRESS Shell element top side (side 2) normal stress in SURFACE xy-direction
(tensor x-face, y-direction). Controlled by STRESS Case Control
command.
74 SHELL MAJOR PRINCIPAL TOP STRESS Shell element top side (side 2) major principal stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
75 SHELL MINOR PRINCIPAL TOP STRESS Shell element top side (side 2) minor principal stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
76 SHELL ZERO SHEAR STRESS ANGLE Shell element top side (side 2) zero shear stress angle in degrees.
TOP Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
77 SHELL MAX SHEAR TOP STRESS Shell element top side (side 2) maximum shear stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
77 SHELL TRESCA TOP STRESS Shell element top side (side 2) Tresca stress . Controlled by STRESS
Case Control command.
78 SHELL VON MISES TOP STRESS Shell element top side (side 2) von Mises stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
81 SHELL NORMAL-X BOTTOM STRESS Shell element bottom side (side 1) normal stress in SURFACE x-
direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
82 SHELL NORMAL-Y BOTTOM STRESS Shell element bottom side (side 1) normal stress in SURFACE y-
direction. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
83 SHELL SHEAR-XY BOTTOM STRESS Shell element bottom side (side 1) normal stress in SURFACE xy-
direction (tensor x-face, y-direction). Controlled by STRESS Case
Control command.
84 SHELL MAJOR PRINCIPAL STRESS Shell element bottom side (side 1) major principal stress. Controlled
BOTTOM by STRESS Case Control command.
85 SHELL MINOR PRINCIPAL STRESS Shell element bottom side (side 1) minor principal stress. Controlled
BOTTOM by STRESS Case Control command.
87 SHELL MAX SHEAR STRESS BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) maximum shear strain. Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
87 SHELL TRESCA STRESS BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) Tresca stress . Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.
88 SHELL VON MISES STRESS BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) von Mises stress. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-80

Reference Manual Shell Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions

Shell Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

113 SHELL MAX VON MISES STRESS Shell element maximum von Mises stress. Controlled by STRESS
BOTTOM/TOP Case Control command.
114 SHELL MAX SHEAR STRESS Shell element maximum shear stress (of bottom and top). Controlled
BOTTOM/TOP by STRESS Case Control command.
114 SHELL TRESCA STRESS BOTTOM/TOP Shell element maximum Tresca stress (of bottom and top). Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
115 SHELL MAX PRINCIPAL STRESS Shell element maximum principal stress (of bottom and top).
BOTTOM/TOP Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
116 SHELL MIN PRINCIPAL STRESS Shell element minimum principal stress (of bottom and top).
BOTTOM/TOP Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
660 SHELL NORMAL-X STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) normal strain in SURFACE x-direction.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
661 SHELL NORMAL-Y STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) normal strain in SURFACE y-direction.
Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
662 SHELL SHEAR-XY STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) normal strain in SURFACE xy-direction
(tensor x-face, y-direction). Controlled by STRAIN Case Control
command.
663 SHELL MAJOR PRINCIPAL STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) major principal strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
664 SHELL MINOR PRINCIPAL STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) minor principal strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
665 SHELL ZERO SHEAR STRAIN ANGLE Shell element top side (side 2) zero shear strain angle in degrees.
TOP Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
666 SHELL MAX SHEAR STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) maximum shear strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
666 SHELL TRESCA STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) Tresca strain . Controlled by STRAIN
Case Control command.
667 SHELL VON MISES STRAIN TOP Shell element top side (side 2) von Mises strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
680 SHELL NORMAL-X STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) normal strain in SURFACE x-
direction. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
681 SHELL NORMAL-Y STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) normal strain in SURFACE y-
direction. Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
682 SHELL SHEAR-XY STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) normal strain in SURFACE xy-
direction (tensor x-face, y-direction). Controlled by STRAIN Case
Control command.
683 SHELL MAJOR-PRINCIPAL STRAIN Shell element bottom side (side 1) major principal strain. Controlled
BOTTOM by STRAIN Case Control command.
684 SHELL MINOR PRINCIPAL STRAIN Shell element bottom side (side 1) minor principal strain. Controlled
BOTTOM by STRAIN Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-81

Reference Manual Shell Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions

Shell Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

685 SHELL ZERO SHEAR STRAIN ANGLE Shell element bottom side (side 1) zero shear strain angle in degrees.
BOTTOM Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
686 SHELL MAX SHEAR STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) maximum shear strain. Controlled
by STRAIN Case Control command.
686 SHELL TRESCA STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) Tresca strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
687 SHELL VON MISES STRAIN BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) von Mises strain. Controlled by
STRAIN Case Control command.
712 SHELL MAX VON MISES STRAIN Shell element maximum von Mises strain (of bottom and top).
BOTTOM/TOP Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
713 SHELL MAX SHEAR STRAIN Shell element maximum maximum shear strain (of bottom and top).
BOTTOM/TOP Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
713 SHELL TRESCA STRAIN BOTTOM/TOP Shell element maximum Tresca strain (of bottom and top). Controlled
by STRAIN Case Control command.
714 SHELL MAX PRINCIPAL STRAIN Shell element maximum principal strain (of bottom and top).
BOTTOM/TOP Controlled by STRAIN Case Control command.
715 SHELL MIN PRINCIPAL STRAIN Shell element minimum principal strain (of bottom and top). Controlled
BOTTOM/TO by STRAIN Case Control command.
716 SHELL EQUIVALENT STRESS TOP Shell element top side (side 2) nonlinear equivalent stress (material
nonlinear solutions) or von Mises stress (linear solutions). Note that
for prestress solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS
setting equivalent stress will not include prestress contribution.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands (linear
solutions) and NLSTRESS Case Control command (nonlinear
solutions).
717 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Shell element top side (side 2) effective strain (von Mises). Note that
TOP for prestress solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS
setting effective strain will not include prestress contribution.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
717 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN- Shell element top side (side 2) effective (nonlinear elastic material) or
PLASTIC/NONLINEAR ELASTIC TOP plastic (elastic-plastic material) strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
718 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN-CREEP TOP Shell element top side (side 2) effective creep strain. Controlled by
NLSTRESS Case Control command.
719 SHELL EQUIVALENT STRESS BOTTOM Shell element bottom side (side 1) nonlinear equivalent stress
(material nonlinear solutions) or von Mises stress (linear solutions).
Note that for prestress solutions regardless of PARAM,
ADDPRESTRESS setting equivalent stress will not include prestress
contribution. Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control
commands (linear solutions) and NLSTRESS Case Control command
(nonlinear solutions).

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-82

Reference Manual Shell Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions

Shell Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

720 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Shell element bottom side (side 1) effective strain (von Mises). Note
BOTTOM that for prestress solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPRESTRESS
setting effective strain will not include prestress contribution.
Controlled by STRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
720 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN- Shell element bottom side (side 1) effective (nonlinear elastic material)
PLASTIC/NONLINEAR ELASTIC BOTTOM or plastic (elastic-plastic material) strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS
Case Control command.
721 SHELL EFFECTIVE STRAIN-CREEP Shell element bottom side (side 1) effective creep strain. Controlled
BOTTOM by NLSTRESS Case Control command.
727 SHELL FIBER DISTANCE TOP Shell element stress/strain recovery distance (element z-direction) for
top side (side 2).
728 SHELL FIBER DISTANCE BOTTOM Shell element stress/strain recovery distance (element z-direction) for
bottom side (side 1).

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-83

Reference Manual Solid Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions

Solid Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

91 SOLID NORMAL-X Solid element grid point normal stress in VOLUME x-direction.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.
92 SOLID NORMAL-Y Solid element grid point normal stress in VOLUME y-direction.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.
93 SOLID NORMAL-Z Solid element grid point normal stress in VOLUME z-direction.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.
94 SOLID SHEAR-XY Solid element grid point shear stress in VOLUME xy-direction (tensor
x-face, y-direction). Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control
command.
95 SOLID SHEAR-YZ Solid element grid point shear stress in VOLUME yz-direction (tensor
y-face, z-direction). Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control
command.
96 SOLID SHEAR-ZX Solid element grid point shear stress in VOLUME zx-direction (tensor
z-face, x-direction). Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control
command.
97 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A Solid element grid point maximum principal stress. Controlled by
GPSTRESS Case Control command.
98 SOLID PRINICPAL-C Solid element grid point minimum principal stress. Controlled by
GPSTRESS Case Control command.
99 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B Solid element grid point median principal stress. Controlled by
GPSTRESS Case Control command.
100 SOLID MAX SHEAR Solid element grid point maximum shear stress. Controlled by
GPSTRESS Case Control command.
101 SOLID VON MISES Solid element grid point von Mises stress. Controlled by GPSTRESS
Case Control command.
102 SOLID MEAN PRESSURE Solid element grid point mean pressure stress. Controlled by
GPSTRESS Case Control command.
103 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COSINE-X Solid element grid point maximum principal stress x-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.
104 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B COSINE-X Solid element grid point median principal stress x-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.
105 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COSINE-X Solid element grid point minimum principal stress x-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.
106 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COSINE-Y Solid element grid point maximum principal stress y-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.
107 SOLID PRINICPAL-B COSINE-Y Solid element grid point median principal stress y-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.
108 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COSINE-Y Solid element grid point minimum principal stress y-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-84

Reference Manual Solid Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions

Solid Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

109 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COSINE-Z Solid element grid point maximum principal stress z-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.
110 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B COSINE-Z Solid element grid point median principal stress z-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.
110 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COSINE-Z Solid element grid point minimum principal stress z-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRESS Case Control command.
112 SOLID OCTAHEDRAL Solid element grid point octahedral stress. Controlled by GPSTRESS
Case Control command.
118 SOLID MAX PRINCIPAL Solid element grid point maximum principal stress. Controlled by
GPSTRESS Case Control command.
119 SOLID MIN PRINCIPAL Solid element grid point minimum principal stress. Controlled by
GPSTRESS Case Control command.
690 SOLID NORMAL-X Solid element grid point normal strain in VOLUME x-direction.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
691 SOLID NORMAL-Y Solid element grid point normal strain in VOLUME y-direction.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
692 SOLID NORMAL-Z Solid element grid point normal strain in VOLUME z-direction.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
693 SOLID SHEAR-XY Solid element grid point shear strain in VOLUME xy-direction (tensor
x-face, y-direction). Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control
command.
694 SOLID SHEAR-YZ Solid element grid point shear strain in VOLUME yz-direction (tensor
y-face, z-direction). Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control
command.
695 SOLID SHEAR-ZX Solid element grid point shear strain in VOLUME zx-direction (tensor
z-face, x-direction). Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control
command.
696 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A Solid element grid point maximum principal strain. Controlled by
GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
697 SOLID PRINICPAL-C Solid element grid point minimum principal strain. Controlled by
GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
698 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B Solid element grid point median principal strain. Controlled by
GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
699 SOLID MAX SHEAR Solid element grid point maximum shear strain. Controlled by
GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
700 SOLID VON MISES Solid element grid point von Mises strain. Controlled by GPSTRAIN
Case Control command.
701 SOLID MEAN PRESSURE Solid element grid point mean pressure strain. Controlled by
GPSTRAIN Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-85

Reference Manual Solid Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions

Solid Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

702 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COS X Solid element grid point maximum principal strain x-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
703 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B COS X Solid element grid point median principal strain x-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
704 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COS X Solid element grid point minimum principal strain x-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
705 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COS Y Solid element grid point maximum principal strain y-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
706 SOLID PRINICPAL-B COS Y Solid element grid point median principal strain y-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
707 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COS Y Solid element grid point minimum principal strain y-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
708 SOLID PRINCIPAL-A COS Z Solid element grid point maximum principal strain z-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
709 SOLID PRINCIPAL-B COS Z Solid element grid point median principal strain z-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
710 SOLID PRINCIPAL-C COS Z Solid element grid point minimum principal strain z-direction cosine.
Controlled by GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
711 SOLID OCTAHEDRAL Solid element grid point octahedral strain. Controlled by GPSTRAIN
Case Control command.
722 SOLID MAX PRINCIPAL Solid element grid point maximum principal strain. Controlled by
GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
723 SOLID MIN PRINCIPAL Solid element grid point minimum principal strain. Controlled by
GPSTRAIN Case Control command.
724 SOLID EQUIVALENT STRESS Solid element grid point nonlinear equivalent stress (material nonlinear
solutions) or von Mises stress (linear solutions). Note that for
prestress solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPREGPSTRESS
setting equivalent stress will not include prestress contribution.
Controlled by GPSTRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands (linear
solutions) and NLSTRESS Case Control command (nonlinear
solutions).
771 SOLID EFFECTIVE STRAIN-ELASTIC Solid element grid point effective strain (von Mises). Note that for
prestress solutions regardless of PARAM, ADDPREGPSTRESS
setting effective strain will not include prestress contribution.
Controlled by GPSTRESS or STRAIN Case Control commands.
771 SOLID EFFECTIVE STRAIN- Solid element grid point effective (nonlinear elastic material) or plastic
PLASTIC/NONLINEAR ELASTIC (elastic-plastic material) strain. Controlled by NLSTRESS Case
Control command.
772 SOLID EFFECTIVE STRAIN-CREEP Solid element grid point effective creep strain. Controlled by
NLSTRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-86

Reference Manual Contact Surface Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions

Contact Surface Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

303 CONTACT STATUS Quad and tri contact surface grid point contact status (1=open, 2=slide
– closed with no friction defined, 3=stick – closed with friction and
holding, 4=slip – closed with friction and slipping, 5=weld). Controlled
by STRESS Case Control command.
332 SSHL CONTACT PRESSURE Quad and tri contact surface grid point pressure. Positive indicates
compression. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
333 SSHL CONTACT TRACTION-X Quad and tri contact surface grid point traction in the x-direction.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
334 SSHL CONTACT TRACTION-Y Quad and tri contact surface grid point traction in the y-direction.
Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
335 SSHL CONTACT EQUIVALENT STRESS Quad and tri contact surface grid point equivalent stress used in weld
bond failure analysis. Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
336 SSHL BOND EFFECTIVE Quad and tri contact surface grid point bond effective displacement.
DISPLACEMENT Controlled by STRESS Case Control command.
337 SSHL BOND DAMAGE Quad and tri contact surface grid point bond damage. Controlled by
STRESS Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-87

Reference Manual Miscellaneous Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions

Miscellaneous Element Grid Point Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

775 SHELL MESH CONVERGENCE ERROR Shell element grid point bottom side (side 1) normalized mesh
BOTTOM convergence error. Controlled by STRESS(CORNER) Case Control
command and PARAM, STRESSERROR or GPDISCONT Case
Control command.
776 SHELL MESH CONVERGENCE ERROR Shell element grid point top side (side 2) normalized mesh
TOP convergence error. Controlled by STRESS(CORNER) Case Control
command and PARAM, STRESSERROR or GPDISCONT Case
Control command.
777 SHELL MAX MESH CONVERGENCE Shell element maximum normalized mesh convergence error (of
ERROR BOTTOM/TOP bottom and top). Controlled by STRESS(CORNER) Case Control
command and PARAM, STRESSERROR or GPDISCONT Case
Control command.
778 SOLID MESH CONVERGENCE ERROR Solid element grid point normalized mesh convergence error.
Controlled by STRESS(CORNER) Case Control command and
PARAM, STRESSERROR or GPDISCONT Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-88

Reference Manual Structural Neutral File Element Internal Load Vector Results Column Descriptions

Structural Neutral File Element Internal Load Vector Results Column Descriptions

Element Internal Load Vector Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

85000 + NODE i T1 INTERNAL FORCE Element nodal force at node i in direction T1 (translational).
6(node - 1)
85001 + NODE i T2 INTERNAL FORCE Element nodal force at node i in direction T2 (translational).
6(node - 1)
85002 + NODE i T3 INTERNAL FORCE Element nodal force at node i in direction T3 (translational).
6(node - 1)
85003 + NODE i R1 INTERNAL MOMENT Element nodal moment at node i in direction R1 (rotational).
6(node - 1)
85004 + NODE i R2 INTERNAL MOMENT Element nodal moment at node i in direction R2 (rotational).
6(node - 1)
85005 + NODE i R3 INTERNAL MOMENT Element nodal moment at node i in direction R3 (rotational).
6(node - 1)

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-89

Reference Manual Grid Point Vector Results Column Descriptions

Structural Neutral File Grid Point Vector Results Column Descriptions

Grid Point Displacement and Force Vector Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

1 TOTAL TRANSLATION Grid point translational displacement vector resultant. Controlled by
DISPLACEMENT Case Control command.
2 T1 TRANSLATION Grid point displacement vector in T1 direction (translational).
Controlled by DISPLACEMENT Case Control command.
3 T2 TRANSLATION Grid point displacement vector in T2 direction (translational).
Controlled by DISPLACEMENT Case Control command.
4 T3 TRANSLATION Grid point displacement vector in T3 direction (translational).
Controlled by DISPLACEMENT Case Control command.
5 TOTAL ROTATION Grid point rotational displacement vector resultant. Controlled by
DISPLACEMENT Case Control command.
6 R1 ROTATION Grid point displacement vector in R1 direction (rotational). Controlled
by DISPLACEMENT Case Control command.
7 R2 ROTATION Grid point displacement vector in R2 direction (rotational). Controlled
by DISPLACEMENT Case Control command.
8 R3 ROTATION Grid point displacement vector in R3 direction (rotational). Controlled
by DISPLACEMENT Case Control command.
11 TOTAL VELOCITY Grid point translational velocity vector resultant. Controlled by
VELOCITY Case Control command.
12 T1 VELOCITY Grid point velocity vector in T1 direction (translational). Controlled by
VELOCITY Case Control command.
13 T2 VELOCITY Grid point velocity vector in T2 direction (translational). Controlled by
VELOCITY Case Control command.
14 T3 VELOCITY Grid point velocity vector in T3 direction (translational). Controlled by
VELOCITY Case Control command.
15 TOTAL ANGULAR VELOCITY Grid point angular velocity vector resultant. Controlled by VELOCITY
Case Control command.
16 R1 ANGULAR VELOCITY Grid point velocity vector in R1 direction (rotational). Controlled by
OLOAD Case Control command.
17 R2 ANGULAR VELOCITY Grid point velocity vector in R2 direction (rotational). Controlled by
VELOCITY Case Control command.
18 R3 ANGULAR VELOCITY Grid point velocity vector in R3 direction (rotational). Controlled by
VELOCITY Case Control command.
21 TOTAL ACCELERATION Grid point translational acceleration vector resultant. Controlled by
ACCELERATION Case Control command.
22 T1 ACCELERATION Grid point acceleration vector in T1 direction (translational). Controlled
by ACCELERATION Case Control command.
23 T2 ACCELERATION Grid point acceleration vector in T2 direction (translational). Controlled
by ACCELERATION Case Control command.
24 T3 ACCELERATION Grid point acceleration vector in T3 direction (translational). Controlled
by ACCELERATION Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-90

Reference Manual Grid Point Displacement and Force Vector Results Column Descriptions

Grid Point Displacement and Force Vector Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

25 TOTAL ANGULAR ACCELERATION Grid point angular acceleration vector resultant. Controlled by
ACCELERATION Case Control command.
26 R1 ACCELERATION Grid point acceleration vector in R1 direction (rotational). Controlled
by ACCELERATION Case Control command.
27 R2 ACCELERATION Grid point acceleration vector in R2 direction (rotational). Controlled
by ACCELERATION Case Control command.
28 R3 ACCELERATION Grid point acceleration vector in R3 direction (rotational). Controlled
by ACCELERATION Case Control command.
41 TOTAL APPLIED FORCE Grid point applied force vector resultant. Controlled by OLOAD Case
Control command.
42 T1 APPLIED FORCE Grid point applied force vector in T1 direction (translational).
Controlled by OLOAD Case Control command.
43 T2 APPLIED FORCE Grid point applied force vector in T2 direction (translational).
Controlled by OLOAD Case Control command.
44 T3 APPLIED FORCE Grid point applied force vector in T3 direction (translational).
Controlled by OLOAD Case Control command.
45 TOTAL APPLIED MOMENT Grid point applied moment vector rotational resultant. Controlled by
OLOAD Case Control command.
46 R1 APPLIED MOMENT Grid point applied moment vector in R1 direction (rotational).
Controlled by OLOAD Case Control command.
47 R2 APPLIED MOMENT Grid point applied moment vector in R2 direction (rotational).
Controlled by OLOAD Case Control command.
48 R3 APPLIED MOMENT Grid point applied moment vector in R3 direction (rotational).
Controlled by OLOAD Case Control command.
51 TOTAL SPC FORCE Grid point single point constraint force vector resultant. Controlled by
SPCFORCES Case Control command.
52 T1 SPC FORCE Grid point single point constraint force vector in T1 direction
(translational). Controlled by SPCFORCES Case Control command.
53 T2 SPC FORCE Grid point single point constraint force vector in T2 direction
(translational). Controlled by SPCFORCES Case Control command.
54 T3 SPC FORCE Grid point single point constraint force vector in T3 direction
(translational). Controlled by SPCFORCES Case Control command.
55 TOTAL SPC MOMENT Grid point single point constraint moment vector resultant. Controlled
by SPCFORCES Case Control command.
56 R1 SPC MOMENT Grid point single point constraint moment vector in R1 direction
(rotational). Controlled by SPCFORCES Case Control command.
57 R2 SPC MOMENT Grid point single point constraint moment vector in R2 direction
(rotational). Controlled by SPCFORCES Case Control command.
58 R3 SPC MOMENT Grid point single point constraint moment vector in R3 direction
(rotational). Controlled by SPCFORCES Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-91

Reference Manual Grid Point Displacement and Force Vector Results Column Descriptions

Grid Point Displacement and Force Vector Results Column Descriptions (Continued):

Vector Id Label Description

61 TOTAL INTERNAL FORCE Grid point internal force vector resultant. Controlled by GPFORCE
Case Control command.
62 T1 INTERNAL FORCE Grid point internal force vector in T1 direction (translational).
Controlled by GPFORCE Case Control command.
63 T2 INTERNAL FORCE Grid point internal force vector in T2 direction (translational).
Controlled by GPFORCE Case Control command.
64 T3 INTERNAL FORCE Grid point internal force vector in T3 direction (translational).
Controlled by GPFORCE Case Control command.
65 TOTAL INTERNAL MOMENT Grid point internal moment vector rotational resultant. Controlled by
GPFORCE Case Control command.
66 R1 INTERNAL MOMENT Grid point internal moment vector in R1 direction (rotational).
Controlled by GPFORCE Case Control command.
67 R2 INTERNAL MOMENT Grid point internal moment vector in R2 direction (rotational).
Controlled by GPFORCE Case Control command.
68 R3 INTERNAL MOMENT Grid point internal moment vector in R3 direction (rotational).
Controlled by GPFORCE Case Control command.
151 TOTAL MPC FORCE Grid point multipoint constraint force vector resultant. Controlled by
MPCFORCES Case Control command.
152 T1 MPC FORCE Grid point multipoint constraint force vector in T1 direction
(translational). Controlled by MPCFORCES Case Control command.
153 T2 MPC FORCE Grid point multipoint constraint force vector in T2 direction
(translational). Controlled by MPCFORCES Case Control command.
154 T3 MPC FORCE Grid point multipoint constraint force vector in T3 direction
(translational). Controlled by MPCFORCES Case Control command.
155 TOTAL MPC MOMENT Grid point multipoint constraint moment vector rotational resultant.
Controlled by MPCFORCES Case Control command.
156 R1 MPC FORCE Grid point multipoint constraint moment vector in R1 direction
(rotational). Controlled by MPCFORCES Case Control command.
157 R2 MPC FORCE Grid point multipoint constraint moment vector in R2 direction
(rotational). Controlled by MPCFORCES Case Control command.
158 R3 MPC FORCE Grid point multipoint constraint moment vector in R3 direction
(rotational). Controlled by MPCFORCES Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-92

Reference Manual Heat Transfer Neutral File Element Results Column Descriptions

Heat Transfer Neutral File Element Results Column Descriptions

Rod Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3101 ROD THERMAL GRADIENT Rod element thermal gradient in element x-direction. Controlled by
FLUX Case Control command.
3104 ROD THERMAL GRADIENT RESULTANT Rod element thermal gradient vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
3105 ROD HEAT FLUX Rod element heat flux in element x-direction. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
3108 ROD HEAT FLUX RESULTANT Rod element heat flux vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-93

Reference Manual Bar Element Results Column Descriptions

Bar Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3201 BAR THERMAL GRADIENT Bar element thermal gradient in element x-direction. Controlled by
FLUX Case Control command.
3204 BAR THERMAL GRADIENT RESULTANT Bar element thermal gradient vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
3205 BAR HEAT FLUX Bar element heat flux in element x-direction. Controlled by FLUX Case
Control command.
3208 BAR HEAT FLUX RESULTANT Bar element heat flux vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-94

Reference Manual Beam Element Results Column Descriptions

Beam Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3301 BEAM THERMAL GRADIENT Beam element thermal gradient in element x-direction. Controlled by
FLUX Case Control command.
3304 BEAM THERMAL GRADIENT Beam element thermal gradient vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX
RESULTANT Case Control command.
3305 BEAM HEAT FLUX Beam element heat flux in element x-direction. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
3308 BEAM HEAT FLUX RESULTANT Beam element heat flux vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-95

Reference Manual Cable Element Results Column Descriptions

Cable Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3801 CABLE THERMAL GRADIENT Cable element thermal gradient in element x-direction. Controlled by
FLUX Case Control command.
3804 CABLE THERMAL GRADIENT Cable element thermal gradient vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX
RESULTANT Case Control command.
3805 CABLE HEAT FLUX Cable element heat flux in element x-direction. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
3808 CABLE HEAT FLUX RESULTANT Cable element heat flux vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-96

Reference Manual Pipe Element Results Column Descriptions

Pipe Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

3901 PIPE THERMAL GRADIENT Pipe element thermal gradient in element x-direction. Controlled by
FLUX Case Control command.
3904 PIPE THERMAL GRADIENT RESULTANT Pipe element thermal gradient vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
3905 PIPE HEAT FLUX Pipe element heat flux in element x-direction. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
3908 PIPE HEAT FLUX RESULTANT Pipe element heat flux vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-97

Reference Manual Weld Element Results Column Descriptions

Weld Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

4001 WELD THERMAL GRADIENT Weld element thermal gradient in element x-direction. Controlled by
FLUX Case Control command.
4004 WELD THERMAL GRADIENT Weld element thermal gradient vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX
RESULTANT Case Control command.
4005 WELD HEAT FLUX Weld element heat flux in element x-direction. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
4008 WELD HEAT FLUX RESULTANT Weld element heat flux vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-98

Reference Manual Bush Element Results Column Descriptions

Bush Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

4101 BUSH THERMAL GRADIENT Bush element thermal gradient in element x-direction. Controlled by
FLUX Case Control command.
4104 BUSH THERMAL GRADIENT RESULTANT Bush element thermal gradient vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
4105 BUSH HEAT FLUX Bush element heat flux in element x-direction. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
4108 BUSH HEAT FLUX RESULTANT Bush element heat flux vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-99

Reference Manual HBDY Element Results Column Descriptions

HBDY Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

4201 HBDY APPLIED LOAD HBDY element applied load. Controlled by FLUX Case Control
command.
4202 HBDY CONVECTION LOAD HBDY element convection load. Controlled by FLUX Case Control
command.
4203 HBDY RADIATION LOAD HBDY element radiation load. Controlled by FLUX Case Control
command.
4204 HBDY TOTAL LOAD Total of HBDY element applied, convection, and radiation loads.
Controlled by FLUX Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-100

Reference Manual Shell Element Results Column Descriptions

Shell Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

6001 SHELL THERMAL GRADIENT-X Shell element thermal gradient in SURFACE x-direction. Controlled
by FLUX Case Control command.
6002 SHELL THERMAL GRADIENT-Y Shell element thermal gradient in SURFACE y-direction. Controlled
by FLUX Case Control command.
6004 SHELL THERMAL GRADIENT Shell element thermal gradient vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX
RESULTANT Case Control command.
6005 SHELL HEAT FLUX-X Shell element heat flux in SURFACE x-direction. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
6006 SHELL HEAT FLUX-Y Shell element heat flux in SURFACE y-direction. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
6008 SHELL HEAT FLUX RESULTANT Shell element heat flux vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-101

Reference Manual Solid Element Results Column Descriptions

Solid Element Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

60001 SOLID THERMAL GRADIENT-X Solid element thermal gradient in VOLUME x-direction. Controlled by
FLUX Case Control command.
60002 SOLID THERMAL GRADIENT-Y Solid element thermal gradient in VOLUME y-direction. Controlled by
FLUX Case Control command.
60003 SOLID THERMAL GRADIENT-Z Solid element thermal gradient in VOLUME z-direction. Controlled by
FLUX Case Control command.
60004 SOLID THERMAL GRADIENT Solid element thermal gradient vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX
RESULTANT Case Control command.
60005 SOLID HEAT FLUX-X Solid element heat flux in VOLUME x-direction. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
60006 SOLID HEAT FLUX-Y Solid element heat flux in VOLUME y-direction. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
60007 SOLID HEAT FLUX-Z Solid element heat flux in VOLUME z-direction. Controlled by FLUX
Case Control command.
60008 SOLID HEAT FLUX RESULTANT Solid element heat flux vector resultant. Controlled by FLUX Case
Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-102

Reference Manual Heat Transfer Neutral File Vector Results Column Descriptions

Heat Transfer Neutral File Vector Results Column Descriptions

Grid Point Temperature and Heat Flow Vector Results Column Descriptions:

Vector Id Label Description

1 TEMPERATURE Grid point temperature. Controlled by THERMAL Case Control
command.
11 ENTHALPY Grid point enthalpy. Controlled by ENTHALPY Case Control
command.
21 ENTHALPY RATE Grid point enthalpy rate of change. Controlled by HDOT Case Control
command.
41 APPLIED HEAT FLOW Grid point applied heat flow. Controlled by OLOAD Case Control
command.
51 SPC HEAT FLOW Grid point single point constraint heat flow. Controlled by
SPCFORCES Case Control command.
151 MPC HEAT FLOW Grid point multipoint constraint heat flow. Controlled by MPCFORCES
Case Control command.

Autodesk Nastran Appendix A-103

 Appendix B

MODEL INPUT FILE COMMAND AND ENTRY SUMMARY

Reference Manual Model Input File Case Control Command Summary

Model Input File Case Control Command Summary:

Case Control Commands

Subcase Control Output Control Model Modification Model Generation Miscellaneous
ANALYSIS ACCELERATION ELEMDELETE* CONTACTGENERATE* INCLUDE
BEGIN BULK CORELLATE* GRIDSCALEFACTOR* CYSYMGENERATE* MODESET
B2GG DISPLACEMENT GRIDOFFSET* DISPINTERPOLATE* PARAM
CMETHOD ECHO FATIGUE* RESVEC
CONTACTSET* ELFORCE IMPACTGENERATE* SKIPOFF
DDAM* ELSTRAIN* LOADINTERPOLATE* SKIPON
DEFORM ELSTRESS SELEMGENERATE*
DMIGADD* ENTHALPY SETGENERATE*
DLOAD ESE TEMPINTERPOLATE*
ELEMSET* EXTSEOUT TEMPGENERATE*
FREQUENCY FLUX TEMPSCALEFACTOR*
IC FORCE VIBFATIGUE*
INITIALSTRAIN GEOMCHECK WELDGENERATE*
K2GG GLBMATRIX* XSETGENERATE*
LOAD GPDISCONT*
LOADSET GPFLUX*
M2GG GPFORCE
METHOD GPSTRAIN*
MPC GPSTRESS
NONLINEAR GROUNDCHECK
NLPARM HDOT
P2G LABEL
RANDOM LINE
SDAMPING MODES
SOLUTION MPCFORCES
SPC NLSTRESS
SUBCASE OFREQUENCY
SUBCOM OLOAD
SUBSEQ OTIME
TEMPERATURE RESULTSLIMITS*
TSTEP SET
TSTEPNL SPCFORCES
STRAIN
STRESS
SUBTITLE
SURFACE
THERMAL
TITLE
VECTOR
VELOCITY
VOLUME
XYDATA*

Autodesk Nastran Appendix B-2

 Reference Manual Model Input File Case Control Command Summary

Model Input File Case Control Command Summary (Continued):

Case Control Commands

Subcase Control Output Control Model Modification Model Generation Miscellaneous
XYDATAGENERATE*
XYPLOT
XYPRINT

* Denotes Autodesk Nastran extension

Autodesk Nastran Appendix B-3

Reference Manual Model Input File Bulk Data Entry Summary

Model Input File Bulk Data Entry Summary:

Bulk Data Entries

Element Property Material Load Displacement Coordinate Miscellaneous
BCONP PBAR CONCRETE* DAREA MPC CORD1C ASET
BFRIC PBEAM ENDATA* DEFORM MPCADD CORD1R ASET1
BLSEG PBUSH MAT1 DELAY SPC CORD1S BAROR
BOUTPUT PBUSH1D MAT2 DLOAD SPC1 CORD2C BEAMOR
BSCONP PCABLE* MAT4 DPHASE SPCADD CORD2R BSET
BSSEG PCOMP MAT5 DTI, SPECSEL SPCD CORD2S BSET1
BWIDTH PCONV MAT8 DTI, SPSEL TEMPBC CBARAO
CBAR PDAMP MAT9 FORCE CSET
CBEAM PDAMPT MAT12* FORCE1 CSET1
CBUSH PELAS MATHP FREQ DDAMDATA
CBUSH1D PELAST MATHP1* FREQ1 DMIG
CCABLE* PGAP MATL8* FREQ2 EIGRL
CDAMP1 PHBDY MATS1 FREQ3 EIGC
CDAMP2 PMASS MATST1* FREQ4 EIGR
CDAMP3 PMOUNT* MATT1 GRAV ESET*
CDAMP4 PPIPE MATT2 LOAD ESET1*
CELAS1 PROD MATT4 LSEQ ENDDATA
CELAS2 PSHEAR MATT5 MOMENT EPOINT
CELAS3 PSHELL MATT8* MOMENT1 FATIGUE*
CELAS4 PTUBE MATT9 NOLIN1 GRDSET
CGAP PVISC MATT12* NOLIN2 GRID
CHBDYG PWELD MATVE NOLIN3 INCLUDE
CHBDYP NITINOL* NOLIN4 NLPARM
CHEXA RADM PLOAD NLPCI
CMASS1 RADMT PLOAD1 OMIT
CMASS2 SNDATA* PLOAD2 OMIT1
CMASS3 TABLEM1 PLOAD4 PARAM
CMASS4 TABLEM2 PLOADG QSET
CONM1 TABLEM3 PLOADX1 QSET1
CONM2 TABLEM4 QBDY1 SEELT
CONROD TABLES1 QBDY2 SELABEL
CONV TABLEST QBDYG* SESET
CPENTA TABVE QHBDY SNDATA*
CPIPE QVOL SPOINT
CQUAD4 RADBC SUPORT
CQUAD8 RADSET TABDMP1
CQUADR RANDPS TOPVAR
CROD RANDT1 TSTEPNL
CSHEAR RFORCE VIEW
CTETRA RLOAD1 VIEW3D
CTRIA3 RLOAD2 VFATIGUE
CTRIA6 SLOAD XSET*
STRAIN XSET1*

(Continued)

Autodesk Nastran Appendix B-4

Nastran Solver Reference Manual

Model Input File Bulk Data Entry Summary (Continued):

Bulk Data Entries

Element Property Material Load Displacement Coordinate Miscellaneous
CTRIAR TABFV
CTRIAX6 TABLED1
CTUBE TABLED2
CVISC TABLED3
CWELD TABLED4
GENEL TABLEVF
RBAR TABRND1
RBE1 TEMP
RBE2 TEMPD
RBE3 TEMPP1
RROD TEMPRB
RSPLINE TIC
RTRPLT TLOAD1
TLOAD2
TSTEP

* Denotes Autodesk Nastran extension

(Continued)

Autodesk Nastran Appendix B-5