Simulation for Designers - Exploring centroidal stress plots

Centroidal (Nodal) Results

Carrying on from the previous article I will continue discussing about centroidal results within Nastran In-CAD. Below is an example of centroidal results from different elements.

FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SIMULATION Read our blogs and case studies, or watch our short videos and on-demand webinars. FIND OUT MORE

So, if we look @ Node C we can have any of the following values displayed.

Maximum option             8.112

Minimum option              6.998

Average option (7.647+7.357+8.112+6.998)/4 = 7.529

Again, in an ideal world, we should also look for less than a 10% difference between corner average and centroidal average results in the area of interest as another sanity checks for convergence of results.

In the picture below, we can see the stress results are above 10% due to stress singularities present in the model so do take care interpreting results. In other words, the maximum and minimum values are not in the same location. In these situations, using fringe displays and probes can prove to be useful as mentioned in the previous articles.

     

I hope you found this article useful, I will discuss Safety Factor plots within Nastran In-CAD in my next blog.

 


Cracks in the System

25 November 2025

Cybersecurity threats don’t always kick the door down—sometimes, they slip in through the cracks. This month, we’re spotlighting three subtle but serious security risks that could be undermining your defences right now.

Cyber Threats in 2025: What We Learned & What Comes Next

25 November 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking back at some of the most impactful cyber threats of the year and more importantly, what they reveal about the challenges ahead. From ransomware tactics to AI-driven phishing and risky app integrations, this round-up highlights where businesses have been most vulnerable and how you can strengthen your defences in 2026.

What is Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)?

06 November 2025

Learn what Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is and how it helps teams manage product data, processes, and collaboration across the lifecycle. Discover the key benefits and PLM tools driving innovation.