Top Inventor Nastran Nonlinear Tips

This blog will highlight some top Inventor Nastran nonlinear tips to help you set up and analyse with confidence.

• Always run a linear analysis first to check if the yield limit has been exceeded.

• Keep the model simple and consider symmetry.

• Perform distortion checks to make sure there are no severely distorted elements.

• Only apply nonlinear materials in the areas of the model where you expect nonlinear or plastic behaviour. This will help speed up the analysis and improve the convergence rate.

• Split faces at contact regions to reduce the number of generated contacts.

• Use Linear elements instead of Parabolic elements to help with achieving faster convergence in results.

• Use Continuous Meshing for Surface models to connect surfaces eliminating the need to create contacts. Contacts increase solution times.

• Leave the Number of Increments field blank in the Nonlinear Setup dialogue box. The software will calculate the optimum number of increments.

• Equivalent Stress Results follow the stress and strain curve data. Use this to analyse your stress and strain results.

• Use the NPROCESSORS parameter to increase the number of cores to help speed up analysis times.

• Use explicit solvers if you are expecting high strains.

• Run the modal analysis to determine the Dominant Frequency W3 required for Nonlinear Transient Response Analysis.

• Use multiple subcases to determine permanent deformations in Nonlinear Static Analysis. With the first being loaded and the second being unloaded.

• Use multiple subcases to allow different time steps in Nonlinear Transient Response Analysis.

If you would like to know more about Inventor Nastran, visit our website or contact us. We also run a range of Inventor Nastran training courses to suit everyone.

Contact us

By completing the form below, or via email or telephone