QRG

NX Nastran
Quick Reference Guide

Proprietary & Restricted Rights Notice
© 2007 UGS Corp. All Rights Reserved. This software and related documentation are
proprietary to UGS Corp.
NASTRAN is a registered trademark of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

NX Nastran is an enhanced proprietary version developed and maintained by UGS Corp.
MSC is a registered trademark of MSC.Software Corporation. MSC.Nastran and MSC.Patran

are trademarks of MSC.Software Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contents
nastran Command and NASTRAN Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
The nastran Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

The NASTRAN Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
NASTRAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
File Management Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Key to Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34

File Management Statement Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38
WHERE and CONVERT Clauses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42
ACQUIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43
ASSIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44
CONNECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-48
DBCLEAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-51
DBDICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52
DBDIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-66
DBFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-68
DBLOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-69
DBLOCATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-73
DBSETDEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-77
DBUNLOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-78
DBUPDATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-81
DEFINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-83
ENDJOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-86
EXPAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-87
INCLUDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89
INIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-90
PROJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-95
RESTART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-96
Executive Control Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Executive Control Statement Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-102
$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-103
ALTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-104
APP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-108
CEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-109
COMPILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-110
COMPILER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-114
DIAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-116
DOMAINSOLVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-121
ECHO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-124
ENDALTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-125
GEOMCHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-126
ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-131
INCLUDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-132
LINK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-133
MALTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-136
SOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-141
SOL 601,N or SOL 701 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-145
TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-149
Case Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Format of Case Control Command Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-154
Case Control Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-155
Case Control Command Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-167
$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-168
ACCELERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-169
ADACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-172
ADAMSMNF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-173
ADAPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-185
ADMRECVR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-186
AECONFIG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-190
AEROF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-191
AESYMXY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-192
AESYMXZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-193
AEUXREF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-194
ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-195
APRESSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-197
AUXCASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-198
AUXMODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-199
AXISYMMETRIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-200
B2GG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-201
B2PP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-202
BC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-203
BCRESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-204
BCSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-205
BEGIN BULK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-206
BGSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-208
BOLTLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-209
BOUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-210
CLOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-212
CMETHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-213
CSSCHD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-214
DATAREC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-215
DEFORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-216
DESGLB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-217
DESOBJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-218
DESSUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-219
DISPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-220
DIVERG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-224
DLOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-225
DSAPRT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-227
DSYM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-229
EBDSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-230
ECHO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-231
EDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-233
EKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-236
ELSDCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-239
ELSTRAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-240
ELSTRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-241
ELSUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-242
ENTHALPY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-243
ESE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-244
FLUX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-249
FMETHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-250
FORCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-251
FREQUENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-255
GKRESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-256
GPFORCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-257
GPKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-260
GPSDCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-262
GPSTRAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-263
GPSTRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-265
GROUNDCHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-267
GUST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-269
HARMONICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-270
HDOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-272
HOUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-273
IC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-274
INCLUDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-275
K2GG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-276
K2PP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-277
K42GG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-278
LABEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-279
LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-280
LOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-281
LOADSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-283
M2GG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-285
M2PP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-286
MASTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-287
MAXLINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-289
MAXMIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-290
MEFFMASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-293
METHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-295
MFLUID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-297
MODALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-298
MODCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-303
MODES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-304
MODSEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-306
MODTRAK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-307
MPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-308
MPCFORCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-309
MPRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-312
NLLOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-313
NLPARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-314
NLSTRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-315
NONLINEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-317
NOUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-318
OFREQUENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-319
OLOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-321
OMODES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-324
OTIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-326
OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-328
OUTRCV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-330
P2G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-331
PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-332
PARAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-333
PARTN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-334
PLOTID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-335
PRESSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-336
RANDOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-337
RCROSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-338
RECURDYNRFI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-340
REPCASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-349
RIGID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-350
RMAXMIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-351
RMETHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-353
RSMETHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-354
SACCELERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-356
SDAMPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-358
SDISPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-359
SEALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-361
SEDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-363
SEDV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-365
SEEXCLUDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-367
SEFINAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-369
SEKREDUCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-370
SELGENERATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-372
SELREDUCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-374
SEMGENERATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-376
SEMREDUCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-378
SENSITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-380
SERESP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-381
SET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-383
SET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-385
SET2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-388
SETS DEFINITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-390
SHELLTHK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-391
SKIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-392
SMETHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-393
SPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-394
SPCFORCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-395
STATSUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-398
STRAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-400
STRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-404
STRFIELD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-408
SUBCASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-409
SUBCOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-410
SUBSEQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-412
SUBTITLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-413
SUPER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-414
SUPORT1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-416
SURFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-417
SVECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-421
SVELOCITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-422
SYM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-424
SYMCOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-425
SYMSEQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-427
TEMPERATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-428
TFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-431
THERMAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-432
TITLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-434
TRIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-435
TSTEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-436
TSTEPNL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-438
TSTRU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-439
VECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-440
VELOCITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-441
VOLUME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-444
VUGRID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-446
WEIGHTCHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-447
Case Control Applicability Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-449
Case Control OUTPUT(PLOT) Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
AXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-472
CAMERA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-474
CONTOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-475
CSCALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-478
DISTORTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-479
FIND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-480
MAXIMUM DEFORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-482
OCULAR SEPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-483
ORIGIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-484
ORTHOGRAPHIC, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-485
PAPER SIZE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-486
PEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-487
PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-488
PLOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-489
PLOTTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-500
PROJECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-501
PTITLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-502
SCALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-503
SEPLOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-505
SET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-506
SEUPPLOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-507
STEREOSCOPIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-508
VANTAGE POINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-509
VIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-510
Case Control X-Y PLOT Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
X-Y Output Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-516

ALLEDGE TICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-520
BALL EDGE TICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-521
BLEFT TICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-522
BRIGHT TICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-523
CAMERA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-524
CLEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-525
CSCALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-526
CURVELINESYMBOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-527
DENSITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-528
LEFT TICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-529
LONG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-530
LOWER TICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-531
PENSIZE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-532
PLOTTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-533
RIGHT TICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-534
TALL EDGE TICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-535
TCURVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-536
TLEFT TICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-537
TRIGHT TICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-538
UPPER TICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-539
XAXIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-540
XBAXIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-541
XBGRID LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-542
XDIVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-543
XGRID LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-544
XINTERCEPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-545
XLOG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-546
XMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-547
XMIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-548
XPAPER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-549
XTGRID LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-550
XTITLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-551
XYPAPLOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-552
XYPEAK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-553
XYPLOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-554
XYPRINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-558
XYPUNCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-559
XVALUE PRINT SKIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-560
YAXIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-561
YBDIVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-562
YBINTERCEPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-563
YBGRID LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-564
YBLOG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-565
YBMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-566
YBMIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-567
YBTITLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-568
YBVALUE PRINT SKIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-569
YDIVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-570
YINTERCEPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-571
YGRID LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-572
YLOG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-573
YMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-574
YMIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-575
YPAPER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-576
YTAXIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-577
YTDIVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-578
YTGRID LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-579
YTINTERCEPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-580
YTITLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-581
YTLOG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-582
YTMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-583
YTMIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-584
YTTITLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-585
YTVALUE PRINT SKIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-586
YVALUE PRINT SKIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-587
Parameters and Parameter Applicability Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Parameter Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-590

Parameter Applicability Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-673
Item Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Element Stress (or Strain) Item Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-701

Element Force Item Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-762
Fluid Virtual Mass Pressure Item Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-786
Slideline Contact Item Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-787
Element Strain Energy Item Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-788
Degree-of-Freedom Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Degree-of-Freedom Set Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-790

Degree-of-Freedom Set Bulk Data Entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-793
Bulk Data Entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
Key to Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-796

Bulk Data Entry Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-797
Format of Bulk Data Entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-798
$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-839
/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-840
Bulk Data Entries A—B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
ACMODL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-842
ACSRCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-844
ADAPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-846
ADUMi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-850
AECOMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-851
AECOMPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-853
AEDW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-854
AEFACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-855
AEFORCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-856
AELINK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-858
AELIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-860
AEPARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-861
AEPRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-862
AERO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-863
AEROS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-865
AESTAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-867
AESURF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-869
AESURFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-871
ASET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-872
ASET1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-873
AXIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-875
AXIF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-877
AXSLOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-879
BAROR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-880
BCONP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-882
BCPROP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-885
BCRPARA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-886
BCTADD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-888
BCTPARA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-889
BCTPARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-901
BCTSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-905
BDYLIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-907
BDYOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-909
BEAMOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-911
BFRlC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-912
BGPARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-913
BGSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-915
BLSEG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-917
BNDGRID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-919
BOLT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-921
BOLTFOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-923
BOUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-924
BSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-926
BSET1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-927
BSURF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-929
BSURFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-931
BWIDTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-932
Bulk Data Entries CA—CM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
CAABSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-936
CAERO1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-938
CAERO2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-941
CAERO3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-944
CAERO4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-947
CAERO5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-949
CAXIFi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-954
CBAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-956
CBARAO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-961
CBEAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-963
CBEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-968
CBUSH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-971
CBUSH1D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-975
CCONEAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-977
CDAMP1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-978
CDAMP2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-980
CDAMP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-982
CDAMP4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-983
CDAMP5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-984
CDUMi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-985
CELAS1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-986
CELAS2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-988
CELAS3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-990
CELAS4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-991
CFLUIDi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-992
CGAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-994
CHACAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-997
CHACBR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-999
CHBDYE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1001
CHBDYG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1005
CHBDYP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1009
CHEXA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1014
CLOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1018
CMASS1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1020
CMASS2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1022
CMASS3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1024
CMASS4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1025
Bulk Data Entries CO—CY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
CONM1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1028
CONM2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1029
CONROD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1032
CONV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1034
CONVM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1036
CORD1C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1038
CORD1R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1040
CORD1S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1042
CORD2C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1044
CORD2R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1047
CORD2S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1049
CORD3G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1051
CPENTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1053
CQUAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1057
CQUAD4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1059
CQUAD8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1063
CQUADR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1068
CQUADX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1072
CRAC2D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1074
CRAC3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1077
CREEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1081
CROD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1088
CSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1090
CSET1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1092
CSHEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1094
CSLOT3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1096
CSLOT4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1098
CSSCHD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1100
CSUPER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1102
CSUPEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1104
CTETRA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1105
CTRIA3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1109
CTRIA6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1113
CTRIAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1117
CTRIAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1120
CTRIAX6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1122
CTUBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1124
CVISC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1125
CWELD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1126
CYAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1132
CYJOIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1134
CYSUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1136
CYSYM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1138
Bulk Data Entries D—E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
DAREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1140
DCONADD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1142
DCONSTR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1143
DDVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1145
DEFORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1147
DEFUSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1148
DELAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1149
DEQATN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1150
DESVAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1157
DIVERG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1158
DLINK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1159
DLOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1161
DMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1163
DMIAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1167
DMIG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1169
DMIG,UACCEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1173
DMIJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1175
DMIJI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1179
DMIK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1183
DOPTPRM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1187
DPHASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1194
DRESP1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1195
DRESP2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1204
DSCONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1209
DSCREEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1211
DTABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1213
DTI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1214
DTI,ESTDATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1216
DTI,INDTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1220
DTI,SETREE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1223
DTI,SPECSEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1225
DTI,SPSEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1226
DTI,UNITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1228
DVAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1230
DVBSHAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1231
DVCREL1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1232
DVCREL2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1234
DVGEOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1236
DVGRID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1237
DVMREL1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1239
DVMREL2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1241
DVPREL1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1243
DVPREL2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1245
DVSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1247
DVSHAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1249
EBDADD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1250
EBDSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1251
ECHOOFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1253
ECHOON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1254
EIGB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1255
EIGC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1257
EIGP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1266
EIGR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1267
EIGRL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1272
ELIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1277
ENDDATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1278
EPOINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1279
EXTRN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1280
Bulk Data Entries F—L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1
FEEDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1282
FEFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1285
FLFACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1287
FLSYM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1289
FLUTTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1291
FORCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1293
FORCE1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1295
FORCE2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1297
FORCEAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1299
FREEPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1300
FREQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1301
FREQ1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1302
FREQ2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1304
FREQ3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1306
FREQ4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1309
FREQ5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1312
FSLIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1314
GENEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1315
GMBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1319
GMBNDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1327
GMBNDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1329
GMCORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1331
GMCURV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1333
GMINTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1341
GMINTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1343
GMLOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1345
GMSPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1348
GMSURF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1349
GRAV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1357
GRDSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1359
GRID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1361
GRIDB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1363
GRIDF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1365
GRIDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1366
GUST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1368
INCLUDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1370
ITER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1371
LOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1376
LOADCYH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1378
LOADCYN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1380
LOADCYT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1382
LSEQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1384
Bulk Data Entries M—N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1
MAT1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1388
MAT2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1393
MAT3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1396
MAT4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1399
MAT5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1401
MAT8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1403
MAT9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1406
MAT10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1409
MATG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1411
MATHE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1413
MATHP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1418
MATS1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1421
MATT1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1427
MATT2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1429
MATT3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1431
MATT4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1433
MATT5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1435
MATT8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1436
MATT9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1438
MFLUID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1440
MKAERO1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1443
MKAERO2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1445
MODTRAK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1446
MOMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1447
MOMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1448
MOMENT1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1450
MOMENT2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1452
MONPNT1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1454
MPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1456
MPCADD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1458
MPCAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1459
NLPARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1461
NLPCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1467
NLRGAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1470
NOLIN1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1473
NOLIN2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1475
NOLIN3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1477
NOLIN4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1479
NXSTRAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1481
Bulk Data Entries O—P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1
OMIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1498
OMIT1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1499
OMITAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1500
OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1501
OUTRCV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1504
PAABSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1508
PACABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1510
PACBAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1512
PAERO1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1513
PAERO2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1514
PAERO3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1517
PAERO4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1519
PAERO5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1522
PANEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1526
PARAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1527
PBAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1528
PBARL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1531
PBCOMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1537
PBEAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1543
PBEAML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1549
PBEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1556
PBUSH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1563
PBUSH1D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1565
PBUSHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1571
PCOMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1573
PCONEAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1578
PCONV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1580
PCONVM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1582
PDAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1584
PDAMP5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1585
PDAMPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1586
PDUMi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1587
PELAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1588
PELAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1590
PGAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1592
PHBDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1596
PINTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1598
PINTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1599
PLOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1600
PLOAD1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1603
PLOAD2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1608
PLOAD4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1610
PLOADX1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1614
PLOTEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1617
PLPLANE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1618
PLSOLID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1619
PMASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1620
POINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1621
POINTAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1622
PRAC2D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1623
PRAC3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1625
PRESAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1626
PRESPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1627
PROD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1628
PSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1630
PSHEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1632
PSHELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1634
PSOLID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1638
PTUBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1644
PVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1646
PVISC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1648
PWELD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1649
Bulk Data Entries Q—S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1
QBDY1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1652
QBDY2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1654
QBDY3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1655
QHBDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1657
QSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1659
QSET1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1660
QVECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1661
QVOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1664
RADBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1666
RADBND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1668
RADCAV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1669
RADLST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1672
RADM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1674
RADMT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1676
RADMTX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1677
RADSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1678
RANDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1679
RANDT1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1681
RBAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1682
RBE1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1684
RBE2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1686
RBE3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1688
RCROSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1691
RELEASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1693
RFORCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1695
RINGAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1700
RINGFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1702
RLOAD1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1703
RLOAD2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1705
ROTORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1707
ROTORG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1711
RROD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1712
RSPLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1714
RSSCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1716
RTRPLT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1720
SEBNDRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1722
SEBSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1723
SEBSET1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1725
SEBULK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1727
SECONCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1729
SECSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1731
SECSET1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1733
SECTAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1735
SEELT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1736
SEEXCLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1737
SELABEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1738
SELOC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1739
SEMPLN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1741
SENQSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1742
SEQEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1743
SEQGP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1744
SEQSEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1745
SEQSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1747
SEQSET1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1749
SESET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1751
SESUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1753
SET1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1754
SET2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1755
SETREE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1757
SEUSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1759
SEUSET1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1760
SLBDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1762
SLOAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1763
SNORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1764
SPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1766
SPC1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1768
SPCADD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1770
SPCAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1771
SPCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1772
SPCOFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1774
SPCOFF1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1775
SPLINE1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1777
SPLINE2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1780
SPLINE3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1783
SPLINE4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1786
SPLINE5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1788
SPOINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1791
SUPAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1792
SUPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1793
SUPORT1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1795
Bulk Data Entries T—V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1
TABDMP1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1798
TABLE3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1801
TABLED1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1803
TABLED2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1806
TABLED3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1809
TABLED4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1811
TABLEM1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1813
TABLEM2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1816
TABLEM3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1818
TABLEM4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1820
TABLES1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1821
TABLEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1824
TABRND1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1825
TABRNDG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1828
TEMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1830
TEMPAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1832
TEMPBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1833
TEMPD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1835
TEMPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1837
TEMPP1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1838
TEMPP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1841
TEMPRB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1842
TF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1845
TIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1847
TLOAD1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1848
TLOAD2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1851
TRIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1854
TSTEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1856
TSTEPNL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1858
USET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1863
USET1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1865
UXVEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1867
VIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1868
VIEW3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1871
Chapter 1
nastran
1 nastran Command and NASTRAN
Statement
• The nastran Command
• The NASTRAN Statement

2 The nastran Command
1 1.1 The nastran Command

nastran NX Nastran is executed with a command called nastran. (Your system
administrator may assign a different name to the command.) The nastran
command permits the specification of keywords used to request options affecting
NX Nastran job execution. The format of the nastran command is:
nastran input_data_file [keyword1 = value1 keyword2 = value2 ...]
where input_data_file is the name of the file containing the input data and
keywordi=valuei is one or more optional keyword assignment arguments. For
example, to run a job using the data file example1.dat, enter the following
command:
nastran example1
Keyword assignments can be specified as command line arguments and/or included

in RC files.
There are two RC files controlled by you:
• The user RC file is in your home (or login) directory. This file should be used to
define parameters that are applied to all jobs run by you.
• The local RC file is .nast#rc (# designates release number), in the same

directory as the input data file. If the “rcf ” keyword is used, this local RC file
is ignored. This file should be used to define parameters that are applied to
all jobs contained in the input data file directory.
1. The tilde (~) character is not recognized within RC files.
2. Environment variables are only recognized when used in the context of a

logical symbol (see “Using Filenames and Logical Symbols” in the NX Nastran
Installation and Operations Guide).
3. When a keyword is specified on the command line, embedded spaces or special

characters that are significant to the shell must be properly quoted; quotes
should not be used within RC files.
The keywords listed below are the most common ones for various computers, but
are not available on all computers. Also, the defaults may be site dependent.
Please consult your Keywords and Environment Variables in the NX Nastran
Installation and Operations Guide for keyword applicability, specialized keywords,
and further discussion of keywords and their defaults. Also see DMP Processing
Keywords in the NX Nastran Installation and Operations Guide for a list of
specialized keywords for dmp operations. Keywords that use yes/no values accept
partial specification and case-independent values. For example, “yes” may be
specified as “y”, “ye”, or “yes” using uppercase or lowercase letters. The examples
assume the jobs are run under a UNIX operating system.
The nastran Command 3
after after=time Default: None

Holds the job until the time specified by time. See the description of the
1
nastran
“at” command in your system documentation for the format of time.
Example: nastran example after=10:00
The job is held until 10:00 A.M.
append append={yes|no} Default: no

Controls the combining of the F04, F06, and LOG files into a single file
after the run completes. If “no” is specified, the files are not combined.
If “yes” is specified, the files are combined into one file with the suffix
“.out”.
Example: nastran example append=yes
The F04, F06, and LOG files are combined into a file named example.out.
batch batch={yes|no} Default: yes

Indicates how the job is to be run. If “yes” is specified, the job is run
as a background process. If “no” is specified, the job is run in the
foreground. If the “aft” or “queue” keywords are specified, the batch
keyword is ignored.
If the job is already running in an NQS or NQE batch job, the
default is “no”.
Example: nastran example batch=no
The job is run in the foreground.
dbs dbs=pathname Default=input_data_file directory
Creates database files using an alternate file prefix. (See “Default

DBsets and Their Default Attribute” in the NX Nastran Installation
and Operations Guide.) If “dbs” is not specified, database files are
created in the current directory using the base name of the input
data file as the prefix. If the “dbs” value is a directory, database files
are created in the specified directory using the base name of the
input data file as the filename.
If “dbs” is specified and “scratch=yes” is specified, a warning

will be issued and “scratch=no” assumed. This is a change
from the behavior of prior releases, which would ignore the
“dbs” keyword if “scratch=yes” was set.
1 In the following examples, assume the following directory contents

and the job is running in a UNIX operating system:
nastran
example.dat mydir/ other/
other/example.dat
where “mydir” and “other” are directories.
Example: nastran example
or: nastran other/example
Database files are created in the current directory with name

example, e.g., ./example.DBALL.
Example: nastran example dbs=myfile
Database files are created in the current directory with name myfile,
e.g., ./myfile.DBALL.
Example: nastran example dbs=mydir
Database files are created in the mydir directory with name example,
e.g., mydir/example.DBALL.
Example: nastran example dbs=mydir/myfile
Database files are created in the mydir directory with name myfile,
e.g., mydir/myfile.DBALL.
memory memory=memory_size Default=estimate
Specifies the amount of open core memory to allocate. If

“memory=estimate” is specified, ESTIMATE will be used to
determine size. Otherwise, the size can be entered as a specific
memory size. This memory_size can be specified either as the
number of words or as a number followed by one of the following
modifiers:
G or Gw Multiply memory_size by 1024**3.
Gb Multiply memory_size by
(1024**3)/bytes_per_word.
M or Mw Multiply memory_size by 1024**2.

Mb Multiply memory_size by
(1024**2)/bytes_per_word.
1
nastran
K or Kw Multiply memory_size by 1024.
Kb Multiply memory_size by
1024/bytes_per_word.
w Use memory_size as is.
b Divide memory_size by bytes_per_word.
where bytes_per_word is 4 using ILP-32 and LP-64 executables, and

8 using ILP-64 executables. The modifier may be specified using any
case combination.
If you do not assign a value to the "memory" keyword, and

ESTIMATE runs but fails to provide an estimate, the value specified
by the "memorydefault" keyword will be used. If "memorydefault"
is null, the nastran command will issue a fatal error and the job
will end.
NX Nastran uses standard computer units for K, M, and G.
Example: nastran example memory=25mw
The job is run using an open core memory size of 25 megawords, or

25 600 kilowords, or 26 214 400 words.
You may also run the ’estimate’ command as a standalone utility

prior to running NX Nastran then use the resulting values as input
to the memory command. This also allows checking for sufficient
disk space for the job. See Chapter 7 of the NX Nastran Installation
and Operations Guide for usage.
The maximum memory_size limits are included in the NX Nastran

Installaton and Operations Guide in the section titled “Maximum
Memory Size”.
news news={yes|no} Default=yes

1 Displays the news file in the F06 file. If “yes” is specified, the
news file is displayed in the F06 file regardless of when it was last
nastran
changed. If “no” is specified, the news file is not displayed in the
F06 file.
Example: nastran example news=yes
The news file is displayed in the F06 file after the title page block.
notify notify={yes|no} Default=yes

Sends notification when the job is completed. See also the “ncmd”
keyword in the NX Nastran Installation and Operations Guide.
If the job is queued using the queue keyword, or the job is
already running in an NQS batch job, the default is “no”.
Example: nastran example notify=yes
A message is sent when the job is completed.
old old={yes|no} Default=yes

Saves previous copies of the F04, F06, LOG, OP2, OUT, PCH, and
PLT output files using sequence numbers. Sequence numbers are
appended to the keyword filename and are separated by a period.
If “yes” is specified, the highest sequence number of each of the
output files is determined. The highest sequence number found is
incremented by one to become the new sequence number. Then,
all current output files that do not include sequence numbers are
renamed using the new sequence number as a suffix.
Example: nastran v2401 old=yes
For example, in a UNIX operating system, the user’s directory

contains the following files:
v2401.dat v2401.log
v2401.f04 v2401.log.1
v2401.f04.1 v2401.log.2
v2401.f04.2 v2401.log.3
v2401.f06 v2401.f06.1
Apparently, the user ran the job four times, but deleted some of the
files. When the next job is run, the following files are renamed:
1
nastran
v2401.f04 is renamed to v2401.f04.4, v2401.f06 is renamed to
v2401.f06.4, and v2401.log is renamed to v2401.log.4. The sequence
number 4 is used because it is one greater than the highest sequence
number of all of the selected files (the highest being v2401.log.3).
Using this method, all files related to a single run will have the same
sequence number.
out out=pathname Default=input_data_file directory

Saves the output files using a different file prefix or in a different
directory. If “out” is not specified, the output files are saved in the
current directory using the base name of the input data file as a
prefix.
If the “out” value is a directory, output files are created in the
specified directory using the base name of the input data file as the
filename. In the following examples, assume the following directory
contents and that the job is running on a UNIX operating system:
example.data mydir/ other/
other/example.dat
where “mydir” and “other” are directories.
Example: nastran example
or: nastran other/example
Output files are created in the current directory with name example,
e.g., ./example.f06.
Example: nastran example out=myfile
Output files are created in the current directory with name myfile,
e.g., ./myfile.f06.
Example: nastran example out=mydir
Output files are created in the mydir directory with name example,
e.g., mydir/example.f06.
Example: nastran example out=mydir/myfile
Output files are created in the mydir directory with name myfile,
e.g., mydir/myfile.f06.
prt prt={yes|no} Default=no

Prints the output files F04, F06, and LOG at the end of the run. See
also the “pcmd” and “pdel” keywords in “Keywords and Environment
Variables” in the NX Nastran Installation and Operations Guide.
1 Example: nastran example prt=yes
The files example.f04, example.f06, and example.log are printed

nastran
using the default print command.
rcf rcf=pathname Default=no

Specifies the name of the local RC file. If this keyword is not
specified, then the .nast#rc (# designates release number) file from
the data file directory is used.
Example: $ nastran example rcf=nast.rc
scratch scratch={yes|no|mini} Default=no

Deletes the database files at the end of the run. If the database
files are not required, “scratch=yes” can be used to remove them. If
“mini” is specified, a reduced size database (that can only be used
for data recovery restarts) will be created. See “Mini-Database
Restarts” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide for further details on
the “mini” database.
Example: nastran example scratch=yes
All database files created by the run are deleted at the end of the job
in the same way as the FMS statement INIT MASTER(S).
sdirectory sdirectory=directory Default: See the description below.

Specifies the directory to use for temporary scratch files created
during the run. As NX Nastran can create very large scratch files,
the scratch directory should contain sufficient space to store any
scratch files created during a run. You must have read, write, and
execute privileges to the directory.
See “Determining Resource Requirements” in the NX Nastran
Installation and Operations Guide for information on estimating a
job’s total disk space requirements.
The default value is taken from the TMPDIR environment variable
if it is set to a non-null value. Otherwise, the computer’s default
temporary file directory is chosen; this is usually /tmp, but on SGI
systems, it is /var/tmp.
Example: nastran example sdir=/scratch
Scratch files are created in the directory /scratch.
smemory smemory=value Default: 100

Specifies the default number of GINO blocks to reserve for scratch

memory.
1
nastran
This keyword is overridden by the FMS statement INIT
SCRATCH(MEM=value).
Example: nastran example smem=200
This example reserves 200 GINO blocks for scratch memory.
symbol symbol=symbolic_name=string Default: None
Defines a symbolic (or logical) name used on ASSIGN and

INCLUDE statements and in command line arguments. This
statement can only be specified in initialization or RC files. It
cannot be specified on the command line (although logical symbols
defined using this keyword may be used on the command line).
Symbolic names must be 16 characters or less, the value assigned
to the symbolic name must be 256 characters or less. If the
symbolic name used in ASSIGN or INCLUDE statements or in
command line arguments is not defined, it is left in the filename
specification as is.
For example, many of the TPL and DEMO input data files have
ASSIGN statements, such as the following:
ASSIGN MASTER=DBSDIR:abc.master
The string “DBSDIR:” specifies a symbolic name that is to be

replaced by another string. The replaced string is defined by
the “symbol” keyword in the initialization or RC file or as an
environment variable. For example,
SYMBOL=DBSDIR=/dbs
When the previous ASSIGN statement is processed, the filename

assigned to the logical name MASTER is “/dbs/abc.master”. An
alternate way of defining symbolic names is through the use
of environment variables. For example, issuing the following
command at a Bourne or Korn shell prompt:
DBSDIR=/dbs; export DBSDIR
or the following at a C shell prompt:
setenv DBSDIR /dbs

1 is equivalent to the above “symbol” keyword.

nastran
If a symbolic name is defined by both an RC file and an
environment variable, the symbol statement value will be
used.
Keywords and Environment Variables in the NX Nastran

Installation and Operations Guide contains a list of environment
variables that are automatically created by the driver program.
Of particular importance to the logical symbol feature are the
OUTDIR and DBSDIR variables. These variables refer to the
directory that will contain the output files (set using the “out”
keyword) and the directory that will contain the permanent
database files (set using the “dbs” keyword), respectively.
The NASTRAN Statement 11
1.2 The NASTRAN Statement 1

The NASTRAN statement is used to specify values for certain Executive System nastran
operational parameters. These parameters are also called system cells. The
NASTRAN statement is used for exceptional circumstances and is therefore not
needed in most runs. The NASTRAN statement may also be specified in the
Runtime Configuration (RC) files at the system, user, and job level as described in
the NX Nastran Installation and Operations Guide.
12 NASTRAN
Executive System Parameter Modification
NASTRAN Executive System Parameter Modification

1
nastran
Specifies values for certain Executive System operational parameters called system
cells.
Format:
NASTRAN cellname1=expression1, ..., cellnamen=expressionn

or
NASTRAN SYSTEM(i)=expression1, ..., SYSTEM(n)=expressionn
Describers
Describer Meaning
cellnamei System cell names from Table 1-1.
SYSTEM Specifies the system cell number.
expression See DEFINE statement for description.
i System cell number from Table 1-1
Remarks:
1. The NASTRAN statements may appear anywhere in the File Management

Section. The NASTRAN statement may also be specified in Runtime
Configuration (RC) files. See “Customizing the Runtime Configuration Files” in
2. System cell values and their associated cell names may also be set with the
DEFINE statement. They may also be set or values returned with the DMAP
PUTSYS and GETSYS functions and the PARAM module. See “PUTSYS,
GETSYS” of the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide.
3. More than one NASTRAN statement and/or DEFINE statement may be present
and, if a system cell is specified more than once among these statements, then
the last specification takes precedence.
4. The expression will use type conversion rules based on the type (i.e., integer,
real, or logical) of the cellname, as defined on a previous DEFINE statement (see
the DEFINE statement for conversion rules).
5. If the expression is omitted, the system cell associated with the cellname will be
assigned the value as set on a previous DEFINE statement.
NASTRAN 13
6. Only integers are allowed when using the system cell numbers. Thus, when a
real number is requested, use the system cell name. 1
nastran
Examples:
1. Either of the following statements could be used to change the default value
for block size.
NASTRAN SYSTEM (1)=4097
or
NASTRAN BUFFSIZE=4097
Or, if a prior DEFINE statement had defined a keyword MY_SYSBUF to the

value 4097 then the following code could be used:
NASTRAN SYSTEM(1=MY_SYSBUF
or
NASTRAN BUFFSIZE=MY_SYSBUF
The following statement is used to request execution of MSGMESH:

NASTRAN MESH
2. Table 1-1 gives a summary of the recommended system cells.
Table 1-1. System Cell Summary

System Cell System Cell Function and Reference
Number Name
1 BUFFSIZE Specifies the number of words in a physical
record. Also called block length.
2 F06 Specifies FORTRAN unit number for standard
output file (.f06). (Integer > 0; Default = 6)
9 NLINES Specifies the number of lines printed per page of
output. See LINE.
14 MAXLINES See MAXLINES.
19 ECHO See ECHO.
20 METIME Minimum time for execution summary table
message.
21 APP Approach Flag. See APP of the Executive Control
section. If APP HEAT is specified, then this
system cell is set to 1.
22 MACHTYPE Machine type.
25 DIAGA Alternate method to set DIAGs 1 through 32.
See DIAG.
28 CONFIG Machine subtype.
31 MESH Requests execution of MSGMESH.
14 NASTRAN
1 Table 1-1. System Cell Summary

nastran System Cell System Cell Function and Reference
Number Name
46 - 54 ADUMi Dummy element flag., i=1 through 9.
56 HEAT See APP.
0: Structural analysis. (Default)
1: Heat transfer.
57 HICORE Working Memory. “ See Managing Memory in the
NX Nastran Installation and Operations Guide.
61 DIAGB Alternate method to set diagnostics 33 through
64. See DIAG .
64 PUNCH Specifies FORTRAN unit number for PUNCH

file (.f07). (Default = 7)
66 MPYAD Selects/deselects multiplication methods. See
MPYAD in the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s
Guide.
69 SOLVE Controls matrix decomposition. Same
as DECOMP in the NX Nastran DMAP
Programmer’s Guide and Option Selection in the
NX Nastran Numerical Methods User’s Guide.
0 or -1: Prints up to 50 messages for null columns

and zero diagonals. (Default = -1)
1: Terminates execution when first null column

is encountered.
2: Suppresses printing of message when a null

column is encountered.
4: Terminates execution when first zero diagonal

term is encountered.
16: Places 1.0 in diagonal position for all null

columns and proceeds with the decomposition.
32: Terminates execution on zero diagonal term.
64: Exits after execution of preface for symmetric

decomposition.
NASTRAN 15
Table 1-1. System Cell Summary 1

System Cell System Cell Function and Reference nastran
Number Name
70 FBSOPT Selects forward-backward substitution methods.
FBS in the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s
Guide and the FBS Method Selection in the NX
Nastran Numerical Methods User’s Guide.
77 DELFF Deletes form feeds.
81 REAL Specifies the amount of open core memory that
certain numerical modules will be restricted to.
- - - DBSET Database neutral file set. SubDMAP DBFETCH
in the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide .
82 DMAP Allows NOGO to operate. See Processing of User
Errors in the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s
Guide.
86 F04 Specifies FORTRAN unit number for Execution
Summary Table (.f04). See “Understanding the
.f04 File” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
(Integer > 0; Default = 4)

87 RADMTX Type of radiation exchange coefficient, See
RADMTX.
88 RADLST Print radiation area summary. See RADLST.
107 PARALLEL Parallel processing deselection (deactivation)

for matrix operations. See Keywords in the NX
Nastran Installation and Operations Guide.
0: Deactivate parallel processing.
1 through 1023: Number of processors. The

desired number of processors is summed with
the values below in order to deactivate parallel
processing methods in the following matrix
operations:
1024: Forward-backward substitution.
2048: Decomposition.
4096: Multiplication.
8192: Householder in eigenvalue extraction.
65536: Element matrix assembly.

16 NASTRAN

Number Name
262144: Sparse decomposition.
524288: Sparse forward-backward

substitution.
If PARALLEL is set simply to the number of

processors, then parallel processing is selected
in all operations above.
108 NEWHESS Request complex eigenvalue method. See EIGC.
109 --- Controls DMAP execution:
0: Do not execute DMAP instruction if all

outputs are previously computed.
1: Always execute DMAP instruction. (Default)

114 BUFFPOOL Sets bufferpool size. See “Keywords and
Environment Variables” in the NX Nastran
Installation and Operations Guide.
124 ATTDEL Controls the automatic assignment of the
delivery database. See “Delivery Database” in
the NX Nastran User’s Guide and “Creating and
Attaching Alternate Delivery Databases” in the
NX Nastran Installation and Operations Guide.
0: Enables automatic assigning. (Default)
-1: Disables automatic assigning.

125 NOKEEP Controls NOKEEP option of the RESTART File
Management statement.
0: Disable NOKEEP
1: Enable NOKEEP
NASTRAN 17

Number Name
126 SPARSE Selects the sparse matrix method. For
unsymmetrical sparse matrix decomposition
method selection, see cell number 209. The
following values may be summed in order to
select sparse matrix methods in the operations
listed below:
0: Deactivate sparse methods.
1: Multiplication.
8: Symmetric decomposition.
16: Forward-backward substitution.

The default is 25, which is the sum of all values.
128 UPDTTIM Specifies database directory update time. See
DBUPDATE .
0: Do not update.
>0: Time, in minutes, between database

directory updates.
129 SMPYAD67 Select pre-MSC.Nastran® (MSC.Nastran is
a registered trademark of MSC.Software
Corporation) Version 67 method in the SMPYAD
module. SMPYAD in the NX Nastran DMAP
Programmer’s Guide.
0: Use current method. (Default)
1: Use pre-MSC.Nastran Version 67 method.

- - - MAXDBSET The maximum number of online DBsets attached
to the run.
18 NASTRAN

Number Name
133 AUTOASGN Controls auto-assigning of dbsets. Sum the
desired values. (Default = 7). See “Database
Autoassignment” in the NX Nastran User’s
Guide.
0: No databases are automatically assigned.
1: Only the primary database is automatically

assigned.
2: Only the delivery database is automatically

assigned.
4: Only located databases are automatically

assigned.
135 TSTAMP Controls timestamp checking of DBsets..
0: Do not check.
1: Check. (Default)
2: Same as 1 and print diagnostics.

141 QUADINT Specifies quadratic or linear interpolation for the
line search method in nonlinear analysis.
0: Quadratic interpolation. (Default)
1: Linear interpolation.
142 SCR300 Requests creation of SCR300 partition on
SCRATCH DBset. See “INIT” .
1: Do not create SCR300 partition.
2: Create SCR300 partition. (Default)

NASTRAN 19

Number Name
143 LOCBULK LOCBULK=1 or 2 specifies that Bulk Data
is being obtained via the DBLOCATE FMS
statement. NASTRAN LOCBULK=2 is specified
when no Bulk Data entries, except for PARAM
entries, are to be deleted or added. All PARAM
entries must be respecified. All other entries will
be ignored and, if present, may increase CPU
times in XSORT and IFP. With LOCBULK=2,
the XSORT and IFP modules will not reprocess
the Bulk Data Section stored in the SEMAP run.
Also, GP1, TASNP2, SEP1 and SEP1X modules
will be skipped. 0 is the default, which assumes
the RESTART FMS statement. This system cell
is recognized only in SOLs 101 through 200.
144 --- RESTART FMS statement existence flag. Set to
1 if RESTART statement is present.
145 BFGS Selects strategies of BFGS updates for the
arc-length methods in nonlinear analysis. Please
see the NX Nastran Nonlinear Handbook.
0: Update ΔuR and ΔuP at every iteration with

γ*. (Default)
1: Update ΔuR only with γ.
2: Update ΔuR only with γ*.

146 --- Reserves (n x BUFFSIZE x 3) memory for faster
solution in the Lanczos method of eigenvalue
extraction. Default=1. A value of 2 increases the
memory reserved by 200%, a value of 3 increases
the memory reserved by 300%, etc. See EIGRL
. See system cell 229 for a disk space saving
feature.
147 UWM SYSTEM(147)=1 issues User Warning Message
for a DMAP parameter appearing on a CALL
statement that has an inconsistent authorization
in the called subDMAP. 0 is the default, which
means no message is issued.
20 NASTRAN

Number Name
148 DBVERCHK In general, databases are not compatible between
major releases, thus a check is performed in
NX Nastran to ensure that the major version
which created the database is the same as
that being executed. Since specific data on the
database may be compatible, SYSTEM(148)
allows this check to be circumvented. However,
circumventing the check may lead to problems
later in the run.
0 (Default): Check is performed.
1: Check is not performed.

150 SCR300DEL Sets minimum number of blocks of SCR300
partition of SCRATCH DBset at which it is
deleted. See “INIT”. (Default = 100)
151 --- Requests spill or no spill of the SCR300
partition of SCRATCH DBset. See“INIT” . FMS
statement. (Default = 1)
155 DBLAMKD Sets differential stiffness formulation for
CBEAM element.
0: Current formulation. (Default)
1: Pre-MSC.Nastran 67 formulation.
166 --- Controls sparse symmetric decomposition. Sum
the desired values. (Default = 0)
0: No action (Default)
1: If insufficient core is encountered, then switch

to conventional decomposition and continue.
2: Print diagnostics
4: Do not issue fatal message if maximum

ratios are exceeded. Although high maximum
ratios may be printed, they will not cause
job termination. This applies to the DCMP,
DECOMP, REIGL, and LANCZOS modules.
- - - OLDQ4K Requests the pre-MSC.Nastran 68 CQUAD4
element stiffness formulation. No value is
required after the keyword. Equivalent to
SYSTEM(173)=1.
NASTRAN 21

Number Name
170 LDQRKD Selects the differential stiffness method for
CQUAD4 and CTRIA3 elements.
0: MSC.Nastran Version 68, improved method.

(Default)
1: Pre-MSC Nastran Version 68 method.

173 --- 0: Default.
1: Requests pre-MSC.Nastran V68 QUAD4

Formulation.
2: Requests MSC.Nastran V68 - V70.5 QUAD4

Formulation.
189 Q4TAPER Specifies the maximum allowable value of taper
for the CQUAD4 element. Taper is computed by
connecting opposite grid points and computing
the area of the enclosed triangles. Another way
to think of taper is the ratio of the areas on the
two sides of a diagonal. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.5)
190 Q4SKEW Specifies the minimum allowable value of skew
for the CQUAD4 element. Skew is the angle
measured in degrees between the lines that join
opposite midsides. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 30.0)
191 TETRAAR Specifies the maximum allowable aspect ratio of
the longest edge to the shortest altitude for the
CTETRA element. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 100.0)
193 DISKSAVE Lanczos High Performance Option: Controls
whether the matrix/vector multiplication is
saved in a scratch file or recomputed at every
iteration.
0: Save (Default for all machines)
1: No save
2: Save
3: No Save
22 NASTRAN

Number Name
194 FASTIO Lanczos High Performance
Option: Controls input/output in
orthogonalization/renormalization routines.
0: UNPACK/PACK
1: GINO READ/WRITE (Default)

195 FRQSEQ Lanczos High Performance Option: 100 <
Exponent for the rational function used to
determine segment boundaries. See also the
ALPH field on the See “EIGRL”. (Integer;
Default = 0, which means equal segments.)
196 SCRSAVE Lanczos High Performance Option: Controls
reuse of scratch files in segment logic.
0: Do not reuse. (Default)
1: Reuse.
197 NUMSEG Lanczos High Performance Option: Selects
number of segments. See also the NUMS field on
the “EIGRL”. (Default = 1)
198 MINFRONT Lanczos High Performance Option: Sets
minimum front size. (The default value is
machine dependent.) This can also be set
with the “rank” keyword. See “Keywords and
Environment Variables” for more information on
the “rank” keyword, and Table **-** in the NX
Nastran Installation and Operations Guide for
the machine dependent default values.
199 MASSBUF Lanczos High Performance Option: Sets half the
number of buffers to set aside for storing the
mass matrix in core. (Default = 1, which means
2 buffers will be used.)
200 NSEGADD Number of segments in the element error table
that is generated in adaptive analysis. (Default
= 2)
204 CORDM Specifies the default value for CORDM field on
the PSOLID entry. (Integer ≥ -1; Default = 0)
NASTRAN 23

Number Name
205 --- Defines the number of rows that will be
simultaneously updated during a sparse
symmetric decomposition. This can also be set
with the “rank” keyword. See “Keywords and
Environment Variables” for more information on
the “rank” keyword, and Table **-**in the NX
Nastran Installation and Operations Guide for
the machine dependent default values.
206 --- Selects ordering method for sparse matrix
decomposition.
0: Method selected automatically in symbolic

factoring phase.
1: Minimum degree ordering.
2: Modified minimum degree ordering for

indefinite matrices.
3: No ordering (uses given sequence).
4: Extreme ordering.
8: METIS ordering. Metis was

developed by George Karpis and Vipin
Kumar at the University of Minnesota.
More information may be found at
http://www.cs.umn.edu/~karypis/metis.
.9: Selects better of METIS and MMD.

209 USPARSE Unsymmetric sparse matrix method selection
for the decomposition and forward-backward
substitution operations.
0: Deactivate.
1: Activate. (Default)
212 CHEXAINT Specifies CHEXA element’s integration rule for
p-adaptive analysis and p = 2x2x2 (only).
0: Reduced. (Default)
1: Full.
24 NASTRAN

Number Name
213 DISTORT Element distortion fatal termination override.
Applies to all p-elements and the TETRA
h-elements.
0: Terminate run. (Default)
1: Do not terminate run.

216 ITER Controls execution of global iterative solver in
SOLs 1,8,11,66,101,106,108,111,153 and the
element iterative solver in SOLS 1 and 101.
YES: Execute global iterative solver.
NO: Do not execute global iterative solver

(Default).
See bulk card ITER.
To run the element iterative solution, see

Nastran function ELEMITER.
218 T3SKEW Allows the user to control the minimum vertex
angle for TRIA3 elements at which USER
WARNING MESSAGE 5491 is issued. See the
description of CTRIA3.
229 MEMSAVE Specifies space-saving method for the old Lanczos
method of eigenvalue extraction (system(273)=1).
“EIGRL”.
0: No space savings. (Default)
1: Does not write factors to disk which reduces

scratch space usage by 67%. However, CPU costs
will increase.
242 --- Controls module BEGN and END messages in
.f04 file.
0: Print everything. (Default)
1: Print major modules only.
2: Print sub-modules only.
3: Do not print.
NASTRAN 25

Number Name
252 --- Used to select or deselect triple loop kernels in
triple MPYAD operations.
0 = do not use
1 = use triple loop numerical kernels

253 - 262 --- SYSTEM(253) to (262) have been set aside for
user DMAPS. The software does not use these
values in its code in present or future versions.
The SSSAlter library may use this range.
270 QUARTICDLM A value of 1 selects the new quartic formulation
of the doublet lattice kernel (N5KQ) while 0
selects the original quadratic form. (Default=0)
273 --- A value of 1 selects the old Lanczos shift logic
from V70 and prior systems. (Default=0)
303 MINDEF Indefinite Mass Matrix Check, the Default=1
does not perform the check.
If MINDEF>0, then check is not performed.
If MINDEF<0, then epsilon = -1.E(MINDEF).
If MINDEF=0, then MINDEF defaults to -6.

304 MPERTURB Perturbation factor for indefinite mass matrix.
The default=1 does not perturb the mass.
If MPERTURB>0, then the mass is not

perturbed.
If MPERTURB<0, then the mass

1.E(MPERTURB) is added to the diagonal terms
of the mass matrix
.If MPERTURB=0, then MPERTURB defaults

to -6. The perturbed mass matrix is used in the
subsequent eigenvalue analysis.
309 --- If set to 1, requests the pre-MSC.Nastran Version
70.7 HEXA8 element stiffness formulation.
(Default=0)
310 --- If set to 1, requests the pre-MSC.Nastran Version
70.7 RBE3 formulation. (Default=0)
319 XMSG If set to 1, gives extended error messages.
(Default=0)
26 NASTRAN

Number Name
320 --- Controls the conversion of DAREA Bulk Data
entries for grid and scalar points to equivalent
FORCE/MOMENT/SLOAD Bulk Data entries
as appropriate.
0: Perform the conversion, but do not give details

of the conversion. (Default)
N: Perform the conversion and give details of the

first N such conversions.
-1: Do not perform the conversion.

359 --- =0: Use the user-requested eigensolution
method.
<>0: When LAN is requested, switch to AHOU

if the number of DOFs sent to the eigensolver is
≤ “nswitch”, an input parameter to the READ
module. This parameter has an MPL default of
20. It may be set to other values in the solution
sequences, depending on the context. When
HOU, MHOU, or AHOU is selected, switch to the
new Householder-QL solution. (Default=1)
368 --- Reserved
370 QRMETH Selects the formulation used by the
QUADR/TRIAR elements.
0: Selects the QUADR/TRIAR membrane

formulation with active out of plane rotational
dof. (default)
1: Selects the older, limited QUADR/TRIAR

formulation.
395-398 --- Reserved.
NASTRAN 27

Number Name
399 ELEMITER Controls execution of element iterative solver in
SOLs 1 and 101.
YES: Execute element iterative solver.
NO: Do not execute element iterative solver

(Default).
Note that both ITER = YES and ELEMITER

= YES are required to run element iterative
solution.(See also bulk card ITER and Nastran
function ITER.)
400-401 --- Reserved.
- - - DPBLKTOL Tolerance to determine the removal of duplicate
GRID IDs and/or CORD1C, CORD1R, CORD1S,
CORD2C, CORD2R, CORD2S. (Real ≥ 0.0;
Default = 0.0)
Set DPBLKTOL < 0.0 (default) to have the

software abort a solve if a model contains
duplicate GRID point IDs and/or coordinate
system definitions.
Set DPBLKTOL = 0.0 to have the software ignore

duplicate GRID point IDs and/or coordinate
system definitions and proceed with the solve.
Set DPBLKTOL > 0.0 to specify a tolerance value

that determines whether the software ignores
duplicate GRID IDs and/or coordinate systems
and proceeds with the solve.
GRIDS: Duplicates will be removed if their

coordinates are within the specified tolerance,
one (or none) has a local coordinate system
defined, and all belong to the same superelement.
If all conditions are met, the GRID using the
local coordinate system will be used and the
others ignored. If all conditions are not met, the
solution stops with an error.
Coordinate Systems: Duplicate coordinate

system definitions will be removed if the
coordinate system types are the same and
28 NASTRAN

Number Name
their transformation matrices are within the
specified tolerance and they are on the same
superelement. If all conditions are met, the first
coordinate system will be kept and subsequent
duplicates ignored. If all conditions are not met,
the solution will stop with an error.
404 --- Reserved.
405 --- Complex eigenvalue solver options using ISRR
method.
0: Use ISRR special solver (higher memory

requirement). (Default)
1: Use NX NASTRAN general solver (small

memory requirement).
406 --- Complex eigenvalue solver options using ISRR
method.
0: Do not calculate left eigenvectors (better

performance). (Default)
1: Calculate left eigenvectors (extra

computational cost).
407 --- Determines if the version stamp header is
written on the first line of the OP2 file.
0: Version stamp written. (Default)
1: Turns off the version stamp.

409 --- Changes how the RBE3 check for unconnected
grid points is done. Normally the check will
produce a fatal error when grids referenced by
an RBE3 are unconnected, but if this system cell
is set to 1, only a warning will be issued and the
solution continues.
The check for an unconnected node on a RBE3

element is not performed for a superelement or
dmp solution.
NASTRAN 29

Number Name
412 OLDGAPS Controls how CGAPs are treated in SOL 101
when linear contact is defined. (See the section
on linear contact in the NX Nastran User’s Guide
for more information.)
0: CGAPs are treated as contact elements.

(Default)
1: CGAPs are treated as linear springs.
413 Determines if OUTPUT2 binary results files

are written as 32-bit or 64-bit from ILP-64
workstations only (same as PARAM OP2FMT
except when a custom solution sequence is used.
See parameter OP2FMT).
= 0: The solution will automatically check if a

PARAM, POST,n entry exists, and that n is less
than 0. If this exists, the OP2 file is converted
to 32-bit. If not, then the OP2 file is written as
64-bit.
= 32: The OP2 file will always be converted to

the 32-bit format from ILP-64 workstations.
= 64: The OP2 file will always be written in the

64-bit format from ILP-64 workstations, thus no
conversion is done.
415 Determines if OUTPUT4 binary results output
is written as 32-bit or 64-bit from ILP-64
workstations only (same as PARAM OP4FMT
See parameter OP4FMT).
= 32: The OP4 file will always be converted to

the 32-bit format from ILP-64 workstations.
= 64: The OP4 file will always be written in the

64-bit format from ILP-64 workstations, thus no
conversion is done.
30 NASTRAN

Number Name
416 Determines if binary files are read into
NX Nastran as 32-bit or 64-bit on ILP-64
workstations only (same as PARAM INP4FMT
See parameter INP4FMT).
= 32 When a 32-bit OP4 file is read, the data is

converted to 64-bit on ILP-64.
= 64 When a 64-bit OP4 file is read, the data is

read directly as 64-bit on ILP-64.
417 REDORTH Controls if the reduced-orthogonalization option
during Lanczos solutions is turned on or off.
0: Reduced-orthogonalization option is turned

off. (Default)
1: Reduced-orthogonalization option is turned

on.
419 SVDSPC Determines which AUTOSPC method is used.
0: Use the eigenvalue method (Default)
1: Use the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD)

method
421 SPARSEDR Selects if the sparse data recovery option is used
for modal response solutions
0: Sparse data recovery option not used.
1: Sparse data recovery option used. (default)

422 ENFMOTN Controls which formulation is used for enforced
motion response analysis (and mode acceleration,
if requested).
0: Constraint mode method of enforced motion

formulation (and new mode acceleration method)
1: Absolute displacement enforced motion

formulation (and old mode acceleration
method) (Default). (ABS/REL option
on DISPLACEMENT, VELOCITY, and
ACCELERATION case control entries is
disabled).
NASTRAN 31

Number Name
424 SPCHOL Selects if sparse Cholesky decomposition
technique is used in linear solutions.
0: Sparse Cholesky technique is not used.
1: Use Sparse Cholesky technique.(default)

425 ADSOPT Controls which optimizer is selected for design
optimization.
0: Use DOT (default)
1: Use UGS-ADS
426 REDMULT Selects the REDMULT performance option when
solving vibration problems with the Lanczos
method.
0: REDMULT is not used.(default)
1: REDMULT is used.
32 NASTRAN
1
nastran
Chapter
2 File Management Statements
2
FMS
• Key to Descriptions
• File Management Statement Descriptions

34 Key to Descriptions
2.1 Key to Descriptions
2
FMS
Key to Descriptions 35
The File Management Section (FMS)

The File Management Section (FMS) is primarily intended for the attachment and
initialization of Database sets (DBsets) and FORTRAN files. The initialization of
DBsets includes specification of their maximum size, member names, and physical
filenames. The initialization of FORTRAN files includes the specification of their
filenames, FORTRAN unit numbers, and FORTRAN attributes.
2
In most classes of problems that use NX Nastran solution sequences (SOL), no File FMS
Management statements are required because a default File Management Section
is executed at the beginning of every run. If a restart is desired, then the RESTART
statement is required in SOLs 4 and 101 through 200. All other solutions may not
be restarted. If the problem is large in terms of requiring significant amounts of
memory or disk space, then the INIT, ASSIGN, and EXPAND statements may be
required. If any FORTRAN files are required, then the ASSIGN statement is
required; for example, the OUTPUT2 DMAP module. The ASSIGN statement is
also required to assign databases for DBLOCATE, DBLOAD, and DBUNLOAD.
Special database operations are performed by the DBLOCATE, DBLOAD,
DBUNLOAD, DBLCLEAN, ACQUIRE, DBDIR, DBDICT, DBFIX, DBSETDEL,
DBUPDATE, and PROJECT statements.
File Management Statement Summary

The following is a summary of all File Management statements:
$ Comment statement.
ACQUIRE Selects NDDL schema and NX Nastran Delivery Database.
ASSIGN Assigns physical files to DBset members or special FORTRAN
files.
CONNECT Groups geometry data by evaluator and database.
DBCLEAN Deletes selected database version(s) and/or projects.
DBDICT Prints the database directory in user-defined format.
DBDIR Prints the database directory.
DBFIX Identifies and optionally corrects errors found in the
database.
DBLOAD Loads a database previously unloaded by DBUNLOAD.
DBLOCATE Obtains data blocks and parameters from databases.
DBSETDEL Deletes DBsets.
DBUNLOAD Unloads a database for compression, transfer, or archival
storage.
DBUPDATE Specifies the time between updates of the database directory.
ENDJOB Terminates a job upon completion of FMS statements.

EXPAND Concatenates additional DBset members to an existing
DBset.
INCLUDE Inserts an external file in the input file.
INIT Creates a temporary or permanent DBset.
2 NASTRAN
PROJ
Specifies values for system cells.
Defines the current or default project identifier.
FMS
The FMS statements are executed in the following order regardless of their order
of appearance in the input file:
NASTRAN, DEFINE
RFINCLUDE, INCLUDE
ASSIGN, INIT, EXPAND, DBUPDATE
PROJECT
DBCLEAN
DBFIX
DBDIR (1), DBDICT(1)
DBSETDEL
ACQUIRE
RESTART
DBLOCATE
DBUNLOAD
DBLOAD
DBDIR (2), DBDICT(2)
ENDJOB
If DBDIR or DBDICT is specified before any of the FMS statements DBSETDEL

through DBLOAD, then the directory printout will reflect the processing of
DBCLEAN and DBFIX only. If DBDIR or DBDICT is specified after DBSETDEL
through DBLOAD, then the directory printout will reflect the processing of all
statements in the FMS Section. It is recommended that the DBDIR and DBDICT
statements be specified last in the FMS Section. Multiple DBLOCATE, DBLOAD,

or DBUNLOAD statements are processed in the order in which they appear. If
the ENDJOB statement is specified, then only the File Management Section is
processed and the Executive Control, Case Control, and Bulk Data Sections are
ignored.
2
FMS
38 File Management Statement Descriptions
2.2 File Management Statement Descriptions

File Management statements may be abbreviated down to the first four characters
as long as the abbreviation is unique relative to all other statements. Each
statement is described as follows:
2 Description
FMS
A brief sentence about the function of the statement is given.
Format
Describers in uppercase are keywords that must be specified as shown. In addition,
describers in lowercase indicate that the user must provide a value.
Braces { } indicate that a choice of describers is mandatory. If the describers are

stacked vertically, then only one may be specified.
Brackets [ ] indicate that a choice of describers is optional. If the describers are

Describers that are shaded indicate the defaults.
If the statement line is longer than 72 columns, then it may be continued to the
next line with a comma as long as the comma is preceded by one or more spaces.
For example:
DBLOCATE DATABLK=(KAA) ,
WHERE(PROJECT=’FRONT BUMPER’ AND ,
SEID>0 AND VERSION=4) ,
LOGI=MASTER3
However, if a filename is to be continued on the next line, no space must precede

the comma, and the continuation line must have no leading spaces.
For example:
ASSIGN SDB=’/jw/johannes/Projects/secret/Aero/Tests/wing/Modes/w,
ing_modal.MASTER’
Note that all quotation marks shown under formats and examples are right-handed
single quotation marks and must be entered as such. For example:
PROJ=’MYJOB’
Examples
One or more examples are given.
File Management Statement Descriptions 39
Describers
Each of the describers is briefly discussed. The describer’s type (e.g., Integer, Real,
or Character), allowable range, and default value are enclosed in parentheses. The
describer must be specified by the user if no default value is given.
Remarks 2
FMS
The remarks are generally arranged in order of importance and indicate such
things as the FMS statement’s relationship to other commands, restrictions and
recommendations on its use, and further descriptions of the describers.
40 WHERE and CONVERT Clauses
WHERE and CONVERT Clauses
The WHERE clause is used in the selection of items (data blocks and parameters) on
the DBDICT, DBLOCATE, DBLOAD, and DBUNLOAD statements. The CONVERT
clause modifies qualifier values of items selected by the WHERE clause on the
DBLOCATE and DBLOAD statements.
2 The WHERE and CONVERT clauses specify values for PROJECT, VERSION,
FMS
qualifiers, and DBSET. PROJECT specifies the project-ID that is originally defined on
the PROJECT FMS statement at the time the project is created. VERSION specifies
the desired version-ID under the project-ID. Qualifiers are used to uniquely identify
items on the database with the same name. For example, data block KAA has SEID
as one of its qualifiers, which is the superelement ID. An item may have more than
one qualifier and the collection of all qualifiers assigned to an item is called a path.
All data blocks and parameters with qualifiers are defined in the NDDL (NASTRAN
Data Definition Language) sequence. See the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s
Guide. Data blocks and parameters are defined on the DATABLK and PARAM
NDDL statements. The DATABLK and PARAM statements specify the name of the
data block, parameter, and also its pathname. The pathnames are defined on the
PATH NDDL statement, which lists the qualifiers assigned to the path. Qualifiers
are defined on the QUAL NDDL statement. DBSET specifies the desired DBset.
The DBset of an item is specified after the LOCATION keyword on the DATABLK
and PARAM NDDL statement.
The format of the WHERE clause is:
WHERE (where-expr)
where-expr is a logical expression that specifies the desired values of qualifiers,
PROJECT, VERSION, and DBSET. If the result of the logical expression is TRUE for
an item on the database then the item is selected. For example, WHERE(VERSlON=4
AND SEID < > 2 AND SEID > 0) selects all items under version 4 for all values of
SEID greater than 0 except 2.
A simple where-expr is a comparison using the following relational operators = ,
> , < , < = , > =, >< or <>. For example, SEID > 0 means if SEID is greater than
zero, then the logical expression is true. Several simple where expressions may be
joined into a single where-expression using the following logical operators: AND, OR,
XOR, and EQV. The NOT operator may be used to negate a where expression. For
example, NOT(SEID > 0) is the same as SEID < = 0. Arithmetic operations and
DMAP functions may also be specified in the where-expression. (See the NX Nastran
DMAP Programmer’s Guide .)
If a qualifier in a where-expr is not a qualifier in the path of a specified item, then the
where-expr is set to FALSE. If the where-expr does not contain a specification for all
qualifiers in the path of an item, then the unspecified qualifiers will be wildcarded,
WHERE and CONVERT Clauses 41
(i.e., quali= * , all values will be selected). The default values of qualifiers, PROJECT,
VERSION, and DBSET are described under the statement in which the WHERE
clause is specified.
Examples of the WHERE clause are:
1. Select all items in the database for all superelements except 10 and 30 from
Version 1. 2
WHERE (VERSION=1 AND SEID>=0 AND NOT(SEID=10 OR SEID=30)) FMS
2. Select all entries in the database on DBSET=DBALL from all projects and
versions.
WHERE(PROJECT=PROJECT AND VERSlON>0 AND DBSET=’DBALL’)
The CONVERT clause modifies project- and version-ID, DBset-name (see INIT
statement), and qualifier values of items selected by the WHERE clause on the
DBLOCATE and DBLOAD statements. It contains one or more assignment
statements separated by semicolons. The format of the CONVERT clause is:
CONVERT(PROJECT=project-expr; VERSION=version-expr; ,
The PROJECT and VERSION statements modify the project-ID (see PROJECT FMS
statement) and version-ID. The DBSET statement modifies the DBset-name. The
value of quali will be replaced by qual-expri for selected items that have quali in
their path. qual-expri is any valid expression (see “Expressions and Operators” in
the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide) containing constants or any qualifier
name defined in the path of the item. If qual-expri contains names of qualifiers
not in the path of the selected item, then a fatal message is issued. If project-expr
and/or version-expr produces a project- or version-ID which does not exist, then one
will be created. Also, all version-IDs less than version-expr that do not exist will be
created; but they will be “empty.”
Examples of the CONVERT clause are:
1. Set qualifiers SEID, PEID, and SPC to constants 10, 20, 102 respectively.
CONVERT(SEID=10;PEID=20;SPC=102)
If more than one value of a qualifier is found for an item by the WHERE clause,
then each value is processed in qual-expri to define the new qualifier value for
each of the selected items. In the example below, if the original values of PEID
were 1, 2, and 3; then the new values for the SEID qualifier will be 2, 4, and 6.
2. Set all values of qualifier SEID to be twice that of the values of qualifier PEID.
CONVERT(SEID=2*PEID)
42 $
Comment
$ Comment
Used to insert comments into the input file. Comment statements may appear
anywhere within the input file.
Format:
2 $ followed by any characters out to column 80.
FMS
Examples:
$ TEST FIXTURE-THIRD MODE
Remarks:
1. Comments are ignored by the program.
2. Comments will appear only in the unsorted echo of the Bulk Data.
ACQUIRE 43
Selects NDDL Schema
ACQUIRE Selects NDDL Schema
Selects the NDDL schema and NX Nastran delivery database to be used for primary
database creation.
Format:
2
FMS
Describers:
Describer Meaning
NDDL NX Nastran NDDL schema.
nddl-name Name of a user NDDL schema specified on a COMPILE NDDL
statement when the user NDDL was stored.
Remarks:
This statement is used to specify the delivery database when the user wishes to
create his or her own solution sequence, yet use the subDMAP objects or NDDL
schema or both from the delivery database supplied with the software.
Examples:
The following requests the NX Nastran NDDL schema to be used when creating a
new database.
ACQUIRE NDDL
SOL MYDMAP
COMPILE DMAP=MYDMAP,SOUOUT=USROBJ
.
.
.
LINK MYDMAP,SOLOUT=USROBJ
44 ASSIGN
Assigns Physical File
ASSIGN Assigns Physical File
Assigns physical file names to DBset members or special FORTRAN files that are
used by other FMS statements or DMAP modules.
Format:
2 Format 1
FMS
Assign a DBset member name
ASSIGN log-name=’filename1’ [ TEMP DELETE SYS=’sys-spec’ ]
Format 2
Assign a FORTRAN file
Examples:
1. Assign the DBALL DBset:

ASSIGN DB1=’filename of member DB1’
INIT DBALL LOGI=(DB1)
2. Assign FORTRAN file 12 to the OUTPUT4 module using the ASCII option:
ASSIGN OUTPUT4=’filename of FORTRAN file’
UNIT=12, FORM=FORMATTED
ASSIGN 45
Describers:
Describer Meaning
log-name The name of a DBset member name. log-name is also

referenced on an INIT statement after the LOGICAL keyword.
filenamei The physical filename assigned to the DBset member. 2

FMS
TEMP Requests that filenamei is deleted at the end of the run.
DELETE Requests that filenamei, if it exists before the start of the run,
is to be deleted.
logical-key Specifies defaults for STATUS, UNIT, and FORM of FORTRAN

files for other FMS statements, DMAP modules, punching and
plotting operations.
filename2 The physical file name assigned to the FORTRAN file.
STATUS Specifies whether the FORTRAN file is being created

(STATUS=NEW) or has been created prior to the
run (STATUS=OLD). If its status is not known, then
STATUS=UNKNOWN is specified.
UNlT=u u is the FORTRAN unit number of the FORTRAN file.
FORM Indicates whether the FORTRAN file is written in ASCII

(FORM=FORMATTED), binary (FORM=UNFORMATTED),
little endian binary (LITTLEENDIAN), or big endian binary
(BIGENDIAN) format.
DEFER The specified file will not be opened/created during NX.Nastran

initialization. The file must be opened by the module or DMAP
accessing the file.
sys-spec System specific or machine-dependent controls for

IBM/MVS-type computers only. See Remark 1.
Remarks:
1. The ASSIGN statement and its applications are discussed further in

“Introduction to Database Concepts” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
2. The logical-key names and their default attributes that may be assigned by
the user are as follows:
46 ASSIGN
Default
logical-key Name Default Unit Default Form Application
Status
DBC NEW 40 UNFORMATTED DBC module —
PARAM,POST,0
INPUTT2 OLD none UNFORMATTED INPUTT2 module
INPUTT4 OLD none UNFORMATTED INPUTT4 module
OUTPUT2* NEW none UNFORMATTED OUTPUT2 module
2 OUTPUT4 NEW none UNFORMATTED OUTPUT4 module
FMS DBUNLOAD NEW 50 UNFORMATTED DBUNLOAD FMS
statement
DBLOAD OLD 51 UNFORMATTED DBLOAD FMS statement
USERFILE none none none User-defined
*The actual logical-key name for this is “OP2.” If you use “OUTPUT2" (even though this is still the
logical-key name put out by PATRAN), you will get a user fatal message from NASTRAN.
The defaults may be overridden on the ASSIGN statement.
3. Certain reserved names may not be used for log-names or logical-key names:
SEMTRN, LNKSWH, MESHFL, LOGFL, INPUT, PRINT, INCLD1, and CNTFL.
If they are used, then a fatal message is issued. Also, unit numbers 1 through
10 and 14 should not be assigned. PUNCH and PLOT may be used but are
not recommended.
4. If one of the logical-key names indicated in Remarks 2. and 3. is not specified

on this statement, then it is assumed to be a DBset member log-name as shown
in Format 1.
5. The logical-key names DBUNLOAD and DBLOAD may be assigned only once in
the FMS section. The others may be assigned as many times as needed for the
application. However, in all logical-key assignments, the unit number u must be
unique. If it is necessary to execute the INPUTT4 and OUTPUT4 modules on
the same unit, then specify ASSIGN OUTPUT4 only. The same is recommended
for the INPUTT2 and OUTPUT2 modules.
6. STATUS, UNIT, and FORM are ignored if assigning a log-name (DBset member
name).
7. FORM=FORMATTED must be specified for a unit when:

• Ascii output is desired on the INPUTT4 and OUTPUT4 DMAP modules that
process the unit. See the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide.
• FORMAT=NEUTRAL is selected on the DBUNLOAD and DBLOAD FMS

statements that process the unit. See “Database Archival and Retrieval” in
the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
ASSIGN 47
• The neutral file format is desired for the INPUTT2 and OUTPUT2 modules.
8. See the NX Nastran Installation and Operations Guide for further information
on machine-dependent aspects of the ASSIGN statement.
2
FMS
48 CONNECT
Group Evaluator Data
CONNECT Group Evaluator Data
Defines a group of external geometric or beam cross-section entities. These entities

should belong to the same evaluator-class (set of routines that process them), and
in the case of geometric data, should reside on the same database. The GMCURV,
GMSURF, PBARL and PBEAML Bulk Data entries refer to the groups defined here.
2 Format:
FMS
Describers:
Describer Meaning
group Group name referenced by the GROUP field on GMCURV,

GMSURF, PBARL and PBEAML Bulk Data entries.
evaluator Identifies the particular class of evaluator to which the

geometric or beam cross-section entities belong. Entities
belonging to one evaluator-class are handled by the same
set of routines (either provided with the software or
user-provided). For geometry, two classes of evaluators are
provided internally with NX Nastran. They are MSCRPC
(Rational Parametric Cubic) and MSCEQN (Generic
Equation). For beam cross-sections, the class MSCBML (NX
Nastran Beam Library) is provided internally. Users may
develop custom evaluator libraries for geometry or beam
cross-sections and configure them for use with NX Nastran.
See Remarks 3, 4 and, 5.
path Optional pathname or filename used by evaluator. Path must

be enclosed by single quotation marks if it contains lowercase
characters.
data Optional character string passed to the evaluator. Data must

be enclosed within single quotation marks if it contains
lowercase characters or embedded blanks.
Remarks:
1. CONNECT requests:
• an external database or evaluator,
CONNECT 49
• or a user defined grouping for geometric data defined by GMCURV and

GMSURF entries or beam cross-section data defined by PBARL and
PBEAML entries.
2. Two reserved group names, MSCGRP0 and MSCGRP1, have been predefined
for geometric entities. These names may be used in the GMCURV and
GMSURF entries, without being defined explicitly by means of a CONNECT
FMS statement. The group MSCGRP0 corresponds to the MSCRPC (Rational 2
Parametric Cubic) evaluator and the group MSCGRP1 corresponds to the FMS
MSCEQN (Generic Equation) evaluator.
3. A single reserved group name, MSCBML0 has been predefined for beam
cross-section entities. It may be used in the PBARL and PBEAML entries,
without being defined explicitly by means of a CONNECT FMS statement. It
corresponds to the MSCBML (Beam-Library) evaluator.
4. Custom beam cross-section evaluator libraries developed by users should comply

with the guidelines outlined in the NX.Nastran User’s Guide.
5. Once developed, an evaluator may be configured as:
• internal, where the evaluator routines are linked with the rest of the NX
Nastran object modules to comprise the NX Nastran executable program,
• or external, where the evaluator routines are linked with a provided server
program to constitute an independent geometry server.
Examples:
1. CONNECT GEOMEVAL FENDER, CATIA, ‘/u/kiz/adp’, ‘Version=6 as of 1/31/93’
In this case, the user is requesting that all calculations on GMCURV and
GMSURF Bulk Data entries that are grouped as FENDER use the CATIA
database/evaluator. For each GMCURV and GMSURF entry where the group
parameter is set to FENDER, appropriate evaluator routines will be called to
initialize and perform computations on the curve or surface.
2. CONNECT GEOMEVAL HOOD, MSCRPC
In this case the user is requesting that all calculations on GMCURV and
GMSURF Bulk Data entries that are grouped as HOOD use the NX Nastran
RPC database/evaluator. There is no need for additional routines to be supplied
by the user since the MSCRPC and MSCEQN evaluator libraries are included
in the standard NX Nastran delivery.
3. CONNECT GEOMEVAL DOOR, MSCEQN

50 CONNECT
In this case, the user is requesting that all calculations on GMCURV and
GMSURF Bulk Data entries that are grouped as DOOR use the MSC.Nastran®
(MSC.Nastran is a registered trademark of MSC.Software Corporation)
EQUATION database/evaluator. There is no need for additional routines to be
supplied by the user since the MSCRPC and MSCEQN evaluator libraries are
included in the NX Nastran standard delivery.
2 4. CONNECT BEAMEVAL HOIST, NEWBEAMS
FMS
In this case, the user is requesting that all calculations on PBARL and PBEAML
Bulk Data entries that are grouped as HOIST use the NEWBEAMS evaluator.
The user must supply the NEWBEAMS beam cross-section evaluator library,
and configure it to function with the NX Nastran executable program.
DBCLEAN 51
Delete Database Versions and/or Projects
DBCLEAN Delete Database Versions and/or Projects
Deletes one or more versions and/or projects from the database.
Format:
DBCLEAN VERSION = {version-ID,*} [PROJECT={’project-lD’,*}]

2
Describers: FMS
Describer Meaning
version-ID Version identifier of the database to be deleted.
* Wildcard. All versions or projects to be deleted.
project-ID Project identifier of the project to be deleted. (See the FMS
statement, “PROJ” .)
Remarks:
1. There may be up to ten DBCLEAN statements in the FMS Section.
2. If no project-ID is given, the current project-ID is assumed.
Examples:
DBCLEAN VERS=7 PROJ = ’OUTER WING - LEFT’
The above example would delete from the database all data blocks and parameters
stored under Version 7 of the project identified as OUTER WING – LEFT.
52 DBDICT
Prints Database Directory Tables:
DBDICT Prints Database Directory Tables:
Prints database directory tables.
Database Directory Tables
2 • Data blocks described by an NDDL DATABLK statement.

FMS
• Parameters described by an NDDL PARAM statement.
• All unique paths (KEYs) and their qualifiers values.
• Qualifiers and their current values.
• Data blocks not described by an NDDL DATABLK statement.
• Parameters not described by an NDDL PARAM statement.
• Project and version information.
Basic Format:
The basic format of DBDICT specifies which tables to print and prints all items (data
blocks and parameters) found in the directory. Also, the attributes (colnames) to be
printed and the print format are predefined. Note that more than one table may be
specified on the same DBDICT statement.
Examples:
DBDICT
DBDICT PARAM PROJVERS
Full Format:
The full format permits the selection of items by name and/or by the WHERE
describer. The full format also permits the attributes to be printed using the SELECT
describer. In addition, the print format can be specified with the SORT, FORMAT,
and LABEL describers. Note that the full format only allows the specification of a
single table on a DBDICT statement.
DBDICT 53
2
FMS
FORMAT (FWIDTH = w [.d] DWIDTH = w [.d] AWIDTH = a IWIDTH = i,

LWIDTH = k COLSPACE = c VALUE = w,
colname = col-width, . . .),
Describers:
Describer Meaning
DATABLK Print the data blocks. datablk-list specifies a list of

NDDL-defined data blocks separated by commas. If LOCAL is
specified, the non-NDDL-defined data blocks are printed.
PARAM Print the parameter table. param-list specifies a list of

parameters separated by commas. If LOCAL is specified, the
non-NDDL-defined parameters are printed.
PROJVERS Print the project-version table.
QUALIFIERS Print the qualifier table.

54 DBDICT
Describer Meaning
QUALCURR Print the current values of the qualifiers. SORT is ignored.
where-expr Logical expression that specifies the desired values of

colnames described below. For example, WHERE(VERSION=4
2 AND SEID < > 2 AND SEID > 0) selects all items under
version 4 for all values of SEID greater than 0 except 2. See
FMS
the beginning of this section for a further description. The
default for VERSION is the last version, and PROJECT is the
current project. The default for qual is *, which is all qualifier
values found on the database. See also Remark 12.
SELECT Specifies a list of column names to be printed. The order of

the specified colnames will be printed from left to right. If a
colname is not specified, then all columns will be printed.
colname Column name. colname specifies a particular attribute of the

database item; such as, data block name (NAME), creation
date (CDATE), number of blocks (SIZE), or qualifier name
(SEID, SPC, etc.). The allowable colnames are given in the
Remarks.
col-label The label to be printed above the column identified by colname.

The default for col-label is the colname. col-label may not be
specified for colnames QUALSET, QUALALL, and TRAILER.
FWIDTH=w.d Specifies the default width for single-precision real numbers

in real and complex qualifiers. (Integers: w > 0 and d > 0,
Default = 12.5)
DWIDTH=w.d Specifies the default width for double-precision real numbers

in real and complex qualifiers. (Integers: w > 0 and d > 0,
Default = 17.10)
AWIDTH=a Specifies the default width for character string qualifiers.

Character strings are printed with enclosing single quotation
marks, even if the string is blank. (Integer > 0, Default = 8)
IWIDTH=i Specifies the default width for integer qualifiers. (Integer >
0.) See Remarks for defaults.
LWIDTH=k Specifies the default width for logical qualifiers. Logical

values are printed as either “T” for TRUE or “F” for FALSE.
(Integer > 0, Default = 1)
DBDICT 55
Describer Meaning
COLSPACE=c Specifies the default number of spaces between columns.

(Integer > 0) See Remarks for defaults.
VALUE=w Specifies the default width for parameter values. The values
are printed as character strings with left justification. (Integer
> 0, Default = 40)
2
FMS
col-width The print width of the data under colname or qual-name. For
real numbers, specify w.d where w is the width of the field
and d is the number of digits in the mantissa. For integers
and character strings, specify w where w is the width of the
field. col-width may not be specified for colnames QUALSET,
QUALALL, and TRAILER.
SORT Specifies how the rows are sorted. The sort is performed in
order according to each colname specified in the list. A “D”
following the colname causes the sort to be in descending
order. An “A” following the colname causes the sort to be
in ascending order. Colnames QUALSET, QUALALL, and
TRAILER may not be specified under SORT. Each colname
specified in SORT must be separated by commas.
page-title A title to be printed on each page of the directory output.
RIGHT, Print justification of the page title.

CENTER,
LEFT
Remarks:
1. DBDICT prints seven different tables according to a default or a user-defined

format. The tables are:
Table 2-1. DBDICT Tables

Describer Description Default Page-Title See Remark
DATABLK Data blocks described by a NDDL DATABLOCKS
2.
NDDL DATABLK statement.
PARAM Parameters described by a NDDL PARAMETERS
3.
NDDL PARAM statement.
QUALCURR Current Qualifiers and their CURRENT QUALIFIERS
4.
values.
QUALIFIERS Qualifiers and their values for QUALIFIERS
5.
each key number.
56 DBDICT
Table 2-1. DBDICT Tables

Describer Description Default Page-Title See Remark
DATABLK(LOCAL) Data blocks not described by a LOCAL DATABLOCKS
6.
NDDL DATABLK statement.
PARAM(LOCAL) Parameters not described by a LOCAL PARAMETERS
7.
NDDL PARAM statement.
2 PROJVERS Project-Version. PROJECT-VERSION 8.
FMS
If DBDICT is specified without any describers then the NDDL Data blocks Table
will be printed. See Remark 2.
DATABLK(LOCAL) and PARAM(LOCAL) produce no output, and QUALCURR
produces the default values specified on the NDDL QUAL statement.
The defaults and allowable colnames for SELECT, FORMAT, SORT, and LABEL
depend on the table. The defaults are described in the following remarks and
tables.
2. The default print of the NDDL Data Blocks Table is obtained by:
DBDICT
or
DBDICT DATABLK
and is equivalent to:

DBDICT DATABLK ,
SELECT(NAME,DATABASE,DBSET,PROJ,VERS,CDATE,CTIME,
SIZE,KEY,PURGED=’PU’,EQUIVD=’EQ’,
POINTER=’FILE’,QUALSET) ,
FORMAT(NAME=8,DBSET=8,CDATE=6,CTIME=6,SIZE=5,
KEY=4 ,PURGED=4,EQUIVD=4,POINTER=8,
IWIDTH=5,COLSPACE=1) ,
SORT(PROJ=A,VERS=A,DBSET=A,NAME=A) ,
LABEL(’NDDL DATABLOCKS’ CENTER)
and looks like:

DBDICT 57
2
FMS
Figure 2-1. DBDICT DATABLK Example
Table 2-2 gives the allowable colnames along with a description that may be
specified in the FORMAT, SELECT, and SORT describers.
Table 2-2. DBDICT DATABLK Colnames

Default
colname Default col-label Description
col-width
PROJECT PROJECT NAME Project name defined by PROJECT
40
statement
PROJ PROJ NO Project number associated with
4
PROJECT
VERS 4 VERSION Version number
CDATE 6 CDATE Creation date
CTIME 6 CTIME Creation time
NAME 8 NAME Parameter name
DATABASE 8 DATABASE MASTER DBset name
DBSET 8 DBSET DBset name
RDATE 6 RDATE Revision date
RTIME 6 RTIME Revision time
SIZE 5 SIZE Number of blocks
qual-name See Note. qualifier name Qualifier name
KEY 4 KEY Key number
TRLi 8 TRLi i-th word in the trailer
TRAILER 8 TRLi All 10 trailer words
EXTNAME 8 EXTNAME Extended name
EQUIVD 4 EQ Equivalenced flag
PURGED 4 PU Purged flag
EQFLAG 4 EF Scratch equivalenced flag
SCRFLAG 4 SF Scratch DBSET flag
58 DBDICT
Table 2-2. DBDICT DATABLK Colnames

Default
col-width
POINTER 8 POINTER Directory pointer
DBENTRY 8 DBENTRY Database entry pointer
FEQCHAIN FEQCHAIN Forward equivalence chain
2 BEQCHAIN
8
8 BEQCHAIN Backward equivalence chain
FMS
DBDIR20 9 DBDIR(20) Directory word 20
QUALALL See Note. qualifier name All qualifiers
QUALSET See Note. qualifier name Predefined subset of all qualifiers
Default widths for qualifiers are DWIDTH=17.10, IWIDTH=5,

LWIDTH=1, AWIDTH=8, and FWIDTH=12.5.
3. The default print of the NDDL Parameter Table is obtained by:

DBDICT PARAM

DBDICT PARAM,
SELECT(NAME,DATABASE,DBSET,PROJ,VERS,CDATE,CTIME,
KEY,VALUE,QUALSET),
FORMAT(NAME=8,DATABASE=8,DBSET=8,CDATE=6,CTIME=6,
KEY=4,VALUE=40,IWIDTH=5,COLSPACE=1),
SORT(PROJ=A,VERS=A,DBSET=A,NAME=A),
LABEL(’NDDL PARAMETERS’ CENTER)
and looks like:
Figure 2-2. DBDICT PARAM Example
DBDICT 59
Table 2-3. DBDICT PARAM Colnames

colname Default col-width Default col-label Description
PROJECT PROJECT NAME Project name defined by PROJECT
40
statement
PROJ PROJ Project number associated with
5
PROJECT
VERS 4 VERS Version number
2
CDATE 6 CDATE Creation date FMS
CTIME 6 CTIME Creation time
DATABASE 8 DATABASE MASTER DBset name
DBSET 8 DBSET DBset name
RDATE 6 RDATE Revision date
RTIME 6 RTIME Revision time
VALUE 40 VALUE Parameter value
Default widths for qualifiers are DWIDTH=17.10, AWIDTH=8,

IWIDTH=5, LWIDTH=1, and FWIDTH=12.5.
4. The default print of the Qualifier Table is obtained by:

DBDICT QUALIFIERS

DBDICT QUALIFIERS ,
SELECT(KEY QUALALL) ,
FORMAT(DWIDTH=17.10 AWIDTH=8 IWIDTH=5 LWIDTH=1 ,
FWIDTH=12.5 COLSPACE=2) SORT(KEY=A) ,
LABEL(’QUALIFIERS’ CENTER)
and looks like:

60 DBDICT
2
FMS
Figure 2-3. DBDICT QUALIFIERS Example

QUALALL selects all qualifiers to be printed. The qualifiers will be printed
in alphabetic order. QUALSET selects the qualifiers SEID, PEID, SPC, MPC,
LOAD, and METH to be printed.
specified in the FORMAT, SELECT, and SORT describers. QUALALL and
QUALSET may not be specified in the FORMAT or SORT describers. The
qualifier names and values are not printed one per row, but rather from left to
right as one logical line that is allowed to wrap after 132 columns.
Table 2-4. DBDICT QUALIFIERS Colnames

Default
col-width

LWIDTH=1, and FWIDTH=12.5. AWIDTH defaults to the length
specified on the QUAL statement in the NDDL sequence.
5. The default print of the Current Qualifier Table is obtained by:

DBDICT QUALCURR

DBDICT QUALCURR SELECT(QUALALL),
FORMAT(AWIDTH=8,IWIDTH=5,LWIDTH=1,COLSPACE=2),
DBDICT 61
LABEL=(’CURRENT QUALIFIERS’ CENTER)
and looks like:
2
FMS
Figure 2-4. DBDICT QUALCURR Example
specified in the SELECT describers.
Table 2-5. DBDICT QUALCURR Colnames


LWIDTH=1, and FWIDTH=12.5. AWIDTH defaults to the length
specified on the QUAL statement in the NDDL sequence.
6. The default print of the Local Data Block Table is obtained by:
DBDICT DATABLK(LOCAL)

DBDICT DATABLK(LOCAL),
SELECT(NAME,SUBDMAP,SIZE=’BLOCKS’,PURGED=’PU’,
EQUIVD=’EQ’,POINTER,TRL1,TRL2,TRL3,TRL4,
TRL5,TRL6,TRL7),
FORMAT(NAME=8,SUBDMAP=8,IWIDTH=8,COLSPACE=2),
SORT(NAME=A) LABEL(’LOCAL DATABLOCKS’ CENTER)
and looks like:

62 DBDICT
2 Figure 2-5. DBDICT DATABLK(LOCAL) Example

FMS
TRLi specifies the data block trailer word i where 1 ≤ i ≤ 10. TRAILER selects all
10 data block trailer words.
Table 2-6. DBDICT DATABLK(LOCAL) Colnames

SUBDMAP 8 SUBDMAP SubDMAP name
SIZE 8 BLOCKS Number of blocks
EQUIVD 8 EQ Equivalenced flag
PURGED 8 PU Scratch flag
TRLi 8 TRLi i-th word in the trailer
TRAILER 8 TRLi All 10 trailer words
EXTNAME 8 EXTNAME Extended name
7. The default print of the Local Parameter Table is obtained by:

DBDICT PARAM(LOCAL)

DBDICT PARAM(LOCAL) SELECT(NAME,SUBDMAP,VALUE),
FORMAT(COLSPACE=4,VALUE=40,AWIDTH=8),
SORT(NAME=A) LABEL(’ LOCAL PARAMETERS’ CENTER)
and looks like:

DBDICT 63
2
FMS
Figure 2-6. DBDICT PARAM(LOCAL) Example
Table 2-7. DBDICT PARAM(LOCAL) Colnames

SUBDMAP 8 SUBDMAP SubDMAP name
VALUE 40 VALUE Parameter name
8. The default print of Project-Version Table is obtained by:

DBDICT PROJVERS

DBDICT PROJVERS ,
SELECT(PROJECT=’PROJECT NAME’,PROJ=’PROJ NO.’ ,
VERS=’VERSION’,DELFLG=’DELETED’ ,
CDATE=’CREATION DATE’ CTIME=’CREATION
TIME’) ,
FORMAT(PROJECT=40,PROJ=10,VERS=10,DELFLG=7,
COLSPACE=1 ,CDATE=13,CTIME=13) ,
LABEL(’PROJECT-VERSION’,CENTER) ,
SORT(PROJ=A,VERS=A)
and looks like:

64 DBDICT
Figure 2-7. DBDICT PROJVERS Example

2 Table 2-8 gives the allowable colnames along with a description that may be
FMS specified in the FORMAT, SELECT, and SORT describers.
Table 2-8. DBDICT PROJVERS Colnames

Default
col-width
PROJECT 40 PROJECT NAME Project name defined by PROJECT
statement
PROJ 10 PROJ NO Project number associated with PROJECT
VERS 10 VERSION Version number
DELFLG 7 DELETED Flag indicating whether this project/version
has been deleted by the RESTART NOKEEP
or DBCLEAN statements.
CDATE 13 CREATION DATE Creation date
CTIME 13 CREATION TIME Creation time
CDATE is printed as YYMMDD where YY, MM, and DD are the year, month,
and date, respectively. CTIME is HHMMSS where HH, MM, and SS are the
hour, minute, and second, respectively.
9. If a parameter or qualifier value is defined to be character string, then the value

will be printed with enclosing single quotation marks. Blank strings will also be
printed with single quotation marks.
10. If a given qualifier is not in the path of a given data block or parameter, then
blank spaces will be printed.
11. A line will wrap if additional columns need to be printed and not enough space is
available on the output. The first column of each additional line is to be indented
by the width of the first column printed for the entry.
12. The where-expr has the following rules:

• If the where-expr specifies a colname that is not assigned to the data block
or parameter, then no directory information will be printed for that data
block or parameter. For example, given that SPC is not a qualifier for KGG,
then the following DBDICT statement will produce no output:
DBDICT DATABLK=KGG WHERE(SPC=10)
DBDICT 65
• If the where-expr does not specify a colname that is assigned to the data
block (or parameter), then the qualifier is wildcarded. For example, given
that SEID is a qualifier for KAA, then the following DBDICT statements
are equivalent:
DBDICT DATABLK=KAA
DBDICT DATABLK=KAA WHERE(SEID = *)
13. A colname specified in the where-expr must be specified in the SELECT clause if
2
FMS
the SELECT clause is also specified.
Examples:
1. Print the Project Version Table with a title.

DBDICT PROJVERS SORT(PROJ,VERSION) LABEL(’PROJECT
VERSION TABLE’ LEFT)
2. Print a directory of all data blocks qualified with PEID=10 or SEID=10. Print
columns for the NAME and DBSET, and the qualifiers SPC, MPC, and LOAD.
DBDICT DATABLK SELECT(NAME,SPC,MPC,LOAD,DBSET,SIZE,
SEID,PEID) ,
SORT(NAME,SIZE=D) WHERE(SEID=10 OR PEID=10)
66 DBDIR
Prints Database Directory Tables
DBDIR Prints Database Directory Tables
Prints the database directory.
Format:
2 DBDIR [VERSlON={version-ID,*}] [PROJECT={’project-ID’,*}]

[ FORMAT={format-no}]
FMS
Describers:
Describer Meaning
version-ID Version identifier.
project-ID Project identifier. (See PROJ.)

* Wildcard. All versions or projects will be printed.
format-no Specifies the type(s) of directory information to be printed. If
several items are desired, then the sum of the following values
is required. 63 is the default, which is the sum of the first six
values below:
1 Project Version Table
2 NDDL Data Blocks
4 NDDL Parameters
8 NDDL Empty Data Blocks
16 NDDL Data Block Trailers
32 NDDL Path Value Table for NDDL entries
64 Scratch Data Blocks
Remarks:
1. Trailers are not printed unless NDDL data blocks, empty data blocks, or local
scratch data blocks are also printed.
2. The path value table is not printed unless NDDL data blocks, empty data blocks,
or parameters are also printed.
3. If no version-ID is given, all versions will be printed. If no project-ID is given,

the current project will be printed.
DBDIR 67
Prints Database Directory Tables
4. The directory print includes all items found on the primary database and all
databases attached by the DBLOCATE and DBLOAD FMS statements.
5. Only one DBDIR statement is permitted in the FMS Section, and this statement
should appear last in the FMS Section.
Examples:
2
DBDIR FMS
The above example would print all versions of the current project-ID in the database.
68 DBFIX
Database Directory Error Detection
DBFIX Database Directory Error Detection
Detects and optionally corrects errors in the database directory.
Format:
2
FMS
Describers:
Describer Meaning
LIST Requests a debug listing of the database directory pointers.
NOLlST Suppresses a debug listing of the database directory.
CORRECT Corrects the database if any errors are found.
NOCORRECT Suppresses the correction of the database.
Remarks:
1. It is recommended that a backup copy of the database be made before this

statement is used since corrections of the database are achieved through the
deletion of data. Data blocks and parameters are deleted from the database
if they have (1) incorrect paths (different from those listed in the NDDL), (2)
incorrect names (two or more names that are not equivalenced and reference
the same data), or (3) incorrect directory pointers.
2. NOLlST does not suppress the listing of any corrections made to the database.
Examples:
DBFIX LIST,NOCORRECT
The example above requests a printout of the directory pointers and any errors,
but not the corrections.
DBLOAD 69
Load a Database from a FORTRAN File
DBLOAD Load a Database from a FORTRAN File
Recovers data blocks or parameters from a database created by the DBUNLOAD

statement.
Format:
2
FMS
Examples:
1. Load the database stored in ASCII format on FORTRAN unit 12.

DBLOAD UNIT=12 FORMAT=NEUTRAL
ASSIGN DBLOAD=’physical file name of unloaded database’UNIT=12
FORMATTED
2. Load version 1 of KAA under project FRONT BUMPER and store it on the
primary database under version 5 and project BUMPER. Overwrite duplicates
found on the primary database.
DBLOAD DATABLK=(KAA) WHERE(PROJECT=’FRONT
BUMPER’ AND ,SEID=10 AND VERSION=1) CONVERT(VERSION=5; , PROJECT=’BUMPER
ASSIGN DBLOAD=’physical file name of unloaded
database’
Describers:
Describer Meaning
datablk-list Specifies a list of data blocks separated by commas. The

default is * which selects all data blocks. The loaded
data block may be renamed in the primary database by
specifying a slash after the old name followed by the new
name. For example, if KLL is to be renamed to KLL1, then
DATABLK=(KLL/KLL1) is specified.
70 DBLOAD
Describer Meaning
param-list Specifies a list of parameters separated by commas. The

default is *, which selects all parameters. The loaded
parameter may be renamed in the primary database by
2 name. For example, if LUSETS is to be renamed to LUSET,
then PARAM=(LUSETS/LUSET) is specified.
FMS
where-expr A logical expression that specifies the desired values of
qualifiers, PROJECT, VERSION, and DBSET. For example,
WHERE(VERSlON=4 AND SEID<>2 AND SEID>0) selects
all items under version 4 for all values of SEID greater than
0 except 2. See the beginning of this section on WHERE and
CONVERT clauses.
The default for VERSION is * for all versions; PROJECT is *

for all projects; and DBSET is * for all DBsets. The default
for qual is *, which is all qualifier values found on the loaded
database. See also Remark 8.
convert-expr Modifies the values for PROJECT, VERSION, DBSET,

and qualifiers selected by the where-expr. The format of
convert-expr is:
PROJECT=project-expr; VERSION=version-expr;
DBSET=DBset-name; quali=qual-expri[;..]
For example, CONVERT (SEID=100 + SElD; SPC=102). See

the beginning of this section on WHERE and CONVERT
clauses.
The default action for VERSION and PROJECT is

to use the same version IDs and project IDs; i.e.,
CONVERT(PROJECT=PROJECT; VERSION=VERSION).
But if either PROJECT or VERSION is specified in the
convert-expr, then both must be specified. The default action
for qualifiers and DBSET is to use the same values as long as
they are defined in both databases. If not, see Remark 8.
DBLOAD 71
Describer Meaning
unit Specifies the FORTRAN unit number of the database to be

loaded. The unit must be specified on an ASSIGN statement
that references the physical filename of the loaded database.
The default is 51.
OVRWRT By default, if duplicate data blocks or parameters exist on

2
FMS
NOOVRWRT the loaded and primary databases, then a fatal message is
issued. A duplicate means that a data block or parameter
has not only the same name but also the same qualifier
values, PROJECT, VERSION, and DBSET as a data block or
parameter on the primary database.
NEUTRAL, The database to be loaded may be in BINARY or NEUTRAL

BINARY format. BINARY indicates the database to be loaded is
in binary or FORTRAN unformatted format. NEUTRAL
indicates the database to be loaded is in ASCII format. The
default is BINARY.
Remarks:
1. The DBLOAD statement and its applications are discussed further in “Database
Archival and Retrieval” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
2. If the DATABLK keyword is specified and PARAM is not specified, then only
data blocks may be loaded. If the PARAM keyword is specified and DATABLK
is not specified, then only parameters may be loaded. If neither DATABLK nor
PARAM is specified, then all data blocks and parameters may be loaded.
3. The DB keyword is equivalent to DATABLK, and the PARM keyword is

equivalent to PARAM.
4. The database to be loaded is attached as read-only. In other words, items can

only be fetched and not stored on this database.
5. If more than one DBLOAD statement is specified, then the statements will
be processed in the order in which they appear. If a duplicate data block or
parameter is found on two or more different DBLOAD statements, then the last
duplicate will be used.
6. If NEUTRAL is specified, then the FORMATTED keyword must be specified on

the corresponding ASSIGN statement.
72 DBLOAD
7. If a data block or parameter is being renamed, then the new name must be
defined in the NDDL of the primary database.
8. If the database to be loaded and the primary database have different NDDL
schemes and CONVERT is not used, then the following is performed:
• If a qualifier in the NDDL of the database to be loaded is not in the NDDL

2 of the primary database, then all of its values are converted to the null
FMS value corresponding to its type. For example, if the qualifier is integer, real,
double-precision, complex or character, then the value is converted to 0, 0.,
0.D0, (0.,0.), or blank, respectively. If this conversion results in a duplicate
data block(s) or parameter(s), then a User Warning Message is printed and
the duplicates are not loaded.
• If a DBset-name in the NDDL of the database to be loaded is not in the

NDDL of the primary database, then its values will be converted to the
PARAM default value in the NDDL of the database to be loaded.
9. Data blocks that are equivalenced on the database to be loaded remain

equivalenced as long as they are loaded in the same DBLOAD statement or in
consecutive DBLOAD statements with the same unit number. Otherwise, a
separate copy is produced for the secondary data block.
10. It is not possible to restart from a database created by DBLOAD in the same run.
11. SOL 190 (or DBTRANS) is also required with DBLOAD if:
• The database to be loaded has a different BUFFSIZE.
• The database to be loaded is in neutral format or is being transferred

between different machine types.
See also “Migrating Databases” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.

DBLOCATE 73
Attaches Secondary Databases
DBLOCATE Attaches Secondary Databases
Obtains data blocks or parameters from prior versions of the primary database, or
other databases. DBLOCATE may also be used to compress the primary database
and to migrate databases created in prior NX Nastran versions.
Format: 2
FMS
Example:
1. Locate in version 4 of MASTER3 all data blocks named KAA for all
superelements with IDs greater than 0.
DBLOCATE DATABLK=(KAA) WHERE(PROJECT=’FRONT
BUMPER’ ,AND SEID>0 AND VERSION=4) LOGI=MASTER3
ASSIGN MASTER3=’physical file name of master
DBset’
2. Copy all data blocks and parameters from the last version of MASTER3 to the
primary database. For all items with the qualifier SEID, change the SEID
to twice the old ID number.
DBLOCATE CONVERT(SEID=2*SEID) COPY LOGI=MASTER3
ASSIGN MASTER3=’physical file name of master
DBset’
3. Compress a database with multiple versions. All versions under the current
project-ID (see PROJ statement) will be copied from the database OLDDB
to NEWDB.
ASSIGN MASTER3=’physical filename of new
master DBset’
ASSIGN OLDDB=’physical filename of old master
DBset’
DBLOCATE LOGI=OLDDB COPY WHERE(VERSION=*) ,
CONVERT(VERSION=VERSION;PROJECT=PROJECT)
74 DBLOCATE
Describers:
Describer Meaning
datablk-list Specifies a list of data blocks separated by commas. The

default is *, which selects all data blocks. The located data
block may be renamed in the primary database by specifying
2 a slash after the old name followed by the new name. For
FMS example, if KLL is to be renamed to KLL1, then DATABLK =
(KLL/KLL1) is specified.

default is *, which selects all parameters. The located
parameter may be renamed in the primary database by
name. For example, if LUSETS is to be renamed to LUSET,
then PARAM=(LUSETS/LUSET) is specified.
where-expr A logical expression that specifies the desired values of

WHERE(VERSlON=4 AND SEID < > 2 AND SEID > 0) selects
CONVERT clauses.
The default for VERSION is the last version-ID and PROJECT

is the current project-ID. The default for qual is *, which is
all qualifier values found on the located database. See also
Remark 9.
convert-expr Modifies the values for PROJECT, VERSION, DBSET,

and qualifiers selected by the where-expr. The format of
convert-expr is:
PROJECT=project-expr; VERSION=version-expr;
DBSET=DBset-name; quali=qual-expri[;...]
For example, CONVERT (SEID=100+SEID; SPC=102). See

the beginning of this section on WHERE and CONVERT
clauses.
The default action for VERSION and PROJECT is to convert

to the current version-ID and current project-ID. But if either
PROJECT or VERSION is specified in the convert-expr, then
both must be specified. See Example 3. The default action
for qualifiers and DBSET is to use the same values as long
DBLOCATE 75
Describer Meaning
as both databases have the same NDDL scheme. If not, see

Remark 9.
dbname Specifies the logical name of the master directory DBset

of the located database. dbname must be specified on an
ASSIGN statement, which references the physical file name. 2
By default, the located database is also the primary database. FMS
(If dbname is specified for the primary database, then dbname
must be MASTER.)
OVRWRT By default, duplicate data blocks or parameters on the located

database will take precedence over those on the primary
NOOVRWRT database. A duplicate means that a data block or parameter
has not only the same name but also the same qualifier
values, PROJECT, VERSION, and DBSET as the data block
or parameter on the primary database. If NOOVRWRT is
specified, then a fatal message is issued.
COPY Requests that the located data blocks or parameters be copied

to the primary database.
Remarks:
1. The DBLOCATE statement and its applications are discussed further in

“Database Concepts” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
data blocks may be located. If the PARAM keyword is specified and DATABLK is
not specified, then only parameters may be located. If neither DATABLK nor
PARAM is specified, then all data blocks and parameters may be located.

4. If more than one DBLOCATE statement is specified, then the statements will
be processed in the order in which they appear. If a duplicate data block or
parameter is found on two or more different DBLOCATE statements, then the
last duplicate will be used.
5. If the located database is not the primary database, then it is attached for
read-only purposes. In other words, items can only be fetched and not stored on
the located database.
76 DBLOCATE
6. If the RESTART FMS statement is also specified, then located data blocks and
parameters are treated as if they exist in the restart version. In other words,
restart equivalences will be made on located items at the beginning of the run
and can be subsequently broken as a result of regeneration and/or NDDL
dependencies.
7. If a data block or parameter is being renamed, then the new name must be
2 defined in the NDDL of the primary database.
FMS
8. If LOGICAL refers to the primary database and one version is to be copied to
another, then the items are equivalenced.
9. If the located database and the primary database have different NDDL schemes
and CONVERT is not used, then the following is performed:
• If a qualifier in the NDDL of the located database is not in the NDDL of

the primary database, then all of its values are converted to the null value
corresponding to its type. For example, if the qualifier is integer, real, double
precision, complex or character, then the value is converted to 0, 0., 0.D0,
(0.,0.), or blank, respectively. If this conversion results in a duplicate data
block(s) or parameter(s), then a User Warning Message is printed and the
duplicates are not located.
• If a dbset-name in the NDDL of the located database is not in the NDDL

of the primary database, then its values will be converted to the PARAM
default value in the NDDL of the located database.
DBSETDEL 77
Deletes DBsets
DBSETDEL Deletes DBsets
Deletes DBsets, all of its members, and associated physical files.
Format:
DBSETDEL dbsetnamei
2
Describers: FMS
Describer Meaning
dbsetnamei Specifies the name(s) of DBset(s) to be deleted. The DBset
names MASTER, OBJSCR, or SCRATCH may not be specified.
Remarks:
1. The DBSETDEL statement and its applications are discussed further in

“Deleting DBsets” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
2. If dbsetnamei does not exist, then no action is taken.
3. After a DBset has been deleted with this statement, it may be recreated with the
INIT statement in a subsequent run.
Examples:
Delete DBset DBUP20 from the database.

DBSETDEL DBUP20
78 DBUNLOAD
Unload a Database to a FORTRAN File
DBUNLOAD Unload a Database to a FORTRAN File
Stores data blocks or parameters from the primary database onto a FORTRAN file
in a binary or neutral format, for purposes of database compression or database
transfer between different computers.
2 Format:
FMS
Examples:
1. Unload the database in ASCII format onto FORTRAN unit 12.

DBUNLOAD UNIT=12 FORMAT=NEUTRAL
ASSIGN DBUNLOAD=’physical file name of
FORTRAN unit 12’
UNIT=12 FORMATTED
2. Unload version 1 of KAA under project FRONT BUMPER.

DBUNLOAD DATABLK=(KAA) WHERE(PROJECT=’FRONT
BUMPER’ ,AND SEID=10 AND VERSION=1)
ASSIGN DBUNLOAD=’physical file name of
FORTRAN unit 50’
Describers:
Describer Meaning
datablk-list Specifies a list of data blocks separated by commas. The default

is * which selects all data blocks.

default is *, which selects all parameters.
DBUNLOAD 79
Describer Meaning
where-expr Logical expression which specifies the desired values of

WHERE(VERSION=4 AND SEID<>2 AND SEID>0) selects
CONVERT Clauses.
2
FMS
The default for VERSION is * for all versions; PROJECT is *
for all projects; and DBSET is * for all DBsets. The default for
qual is *, which is all qualifier values found on the primary
database.
unit Specifies the FORTRAN unit number to unload the database.

The unit must be specified on an ASSIGN statement, which
references its physical filename. The default is 50.
NEUTRAL The database may be unloaded in BINARY or NEUTRAL

BINARY format. BINARY indicates the database is to be unloaded in
binary or FORTRAN unformatted. NEUTRAL indicates the
database is to be unloaded in ASCII format. The default is
BINARY.
NOREWIND By default, if DBUNLOAD is executed more than once for the

REWIND same unit, then the unit is not rewound. REWIND requests
that the unit be rewound prior to unloading.
Remarks:
1. The DBUNLOAD statement and its applications are discussed further in

“Database Archival and Retrieval” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
data blocks may be unloaded. If the PARAM keyword is specified and DATABLK
is not specified, then only parameters may be unloaded. If neither DATABLK
nor PARAM is specified, then all data blocks and parameters may be unloaded.

4. If more than one DBUNLOAD statement is specified, then the statements will
be processed in the order in which they appear.
80 DBUNLOAD
5. If NEUTRAL is specified, then the FORMATTED keyword must be specified on

the corresponding ASSIGN statement.
6. If NEUTRAL is specified, then only data blocks with an NDDL description

are unloaded. (See the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide under the
DATABLK statement.) An NDDL description is required for TYPE=TABLE
and none is required for TYPE=MATRIX. The data block must be unloaded in
2 BINARY if TYPE=UNSTRUCTURED, KDICT, or KELM.
FMS
7. Data blocks that are equivalenced on the primary database remain equivalenced
as long as they are unloaded in the same DBUNLOAD statement or in
consecutive DBUNLOAD statements with the same unit number. Otherwise, a
separate copy for the secondary data block is produced.
DBUPDATE 81
Specify Database Directory Update Interval
DBUPDATE Specify Database Directory Update Interval
Specifies the maximum length of CPU time between database directory updates
to the MASTER DBset. This statement is intended to be used if the INIT
MASTER(RAM=r) option is specified.
Format: 2
FMS
DBUPDATE [=] update-time
Describers:
Describer Meaning
update-time CPU time interval in minutes (real or integer) between database
directory updates.
Remarks:
1. The difference in CPU time from the last update is checked after the execution
of each DMAP instruction. The database directory is updated if this difference
is greater than update-time. Update-time and CPU time are accurate to the
nearest whole second only.
2. If update-time < 0, then database directory updates are only performed at the
end of the run.
3. Defaults for update-time are machine dependent and may be found in the NX
Nastran Installation and Operations Guide.
4. Periodic updates of the directory tables to MASTER DBset increase the integrity
of the database during system crashes (for example, crashes due to insufficient
time or space).
5. In addition to those specified by DBUPDATE, directory updates are performed

automatically at various points in the execution of the DMAP. An asterisk
appears after the word “BEGN” in the Executive Summary Table whenever
an update occurs. These updates occur whenever a permanent data block or
parameter DMAP equivalence or restart equivalence is broken. Updates also
occur upon deletions. Additions to the database do not automatically cause a
directory update to take place.
6. This statement is in effect only when INIT MASTER(RAM=r) is being used.

INIT MASTER(S) and INIT MASTER(NORAM) disable periodic and automatic
updates.
82 DBUPDATE
Specify Database Directory Update Interval
7. Update-time may also be changed with the DMAP instruction

PUTSYS(update-time, 128) or the NASTRAN SYSTEM(128)=update-time
statement. (The update-time must be a real, single-precision value specified
in minutes.)
Examples:
2 DBUPDATE=5.5
FMS
The above example would call for a database directory update at the end of a DMAP
module execution, after five and one-half minutes of CPU time have elapsed from
the last update.
DEFINE 83
Parameter Definition
DEFINE Parameter Definition
Assigns user defined keywords (or cellnames) to NASTRAN system cells. (See the
NASTRAN statement for a description of “cellname”). In addition, the DEFINE
statement provides a mechanism to set default values for system cells.
Format: 2
FMS
DEFINE keyword [ =expression ] [ LOCATION=SYSTEM(i) ] [ TYPE=type ]
Describers:
Describer Meaning
keyword User defined name, 1 through 24 characters in length.

The first character must be alphabetic. Only the following
characters can be used for keywords: A-Z, 0-9, ’ , _ , and “. All
other characters are invalid.
expression Expression produces a single value from a set of constant

and/or variable parameters separated by operators. The value
is assigned to the “keyword” and is also used to set the value
for the NASTRAN system cell specified by “LOCATION”. The
TYPE determines both the type of the result and the type
conversions that will be applied to the constants and variables
within the expression—mixed mode expressions are allowed
(see Remark 6). The parentheses can be used to change the
order of precedence. Operations within parentheses are
performed first with the usual order of precedence being
maintained within the parentheses. The variable parameters
within the expression must be keywords previously defined on
a DEFINE statement. The following operations are allowed
Parameter Type Operator Operation

Integer or Real + Addition
− Subtraction
× Multiplication
/ Division
Logical + Bit-wise OR
Logical - Bit clear. For example, the result
of a-b is equal to the value of a
with the bits associated with b
set to 0.
84 DEFINE
Describer Meaning
SYSTEM(I) Specifies the NASTRAN system cell number to be associated

with the keyword.
2 type The type of the expression result and the type conversions
that will be applied to the constants and variables within the
FMS
expression. Allowable data types are as follows:
Description Type
Integer (default) I
Real R
Logical LOGICAL
Remarks:
1. If TYPE, LOCATION and EXPRESSION are omitted, the default data type is
integer and the default value is zero.
2. If expression is omitted, an internal default will be assigned to the

keyword/cellname based on the LOCATION. (See “NASTRAN” for a list of
internal default values).
3. A DEFINE statement that specifies a LOCATION sets the default for a

NASTRAN system cell and therefore it is not necessary to set the system
cell value on a subsequent NASTRAN statement, unless the user wishes to
override the previous DEFINE statement setting. Also, since more than one
DEFINE statement may be present for the same “keyword” the last specification
takes precedence. “Keywords” referenced on a NASTRAN statement or in an
expression on the DEFINE statement are automatically substituted by the last
specification of the “keyword” prior to the current statement being processed.
4. DEFINE statements may also be specified in Runtime Configuration (RC) files.

See the NX Nastran Installation and Operations Guide.
5. System cells may also be set with the NASTRAN statement. In addition, they
may be set or values returned with the DMAP PUTSYS and GETSYS functions
and the PARAM module. See the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide
6. Each operand within the expression will be converted to the result type prior to
the arithmetic operation. For example: the statement “DEFINE JJ=2.5 + 3.6
TYPE=I” would result in 2.5 and 3.6 being converted to 2 and 3 respectively and
the result of 5 would be assigned to JJ.
DEFINE 85
Examples:
1. Change the default value for block size.

DEFINE BUFFSIZE=4097 LOCATION=SYSTEM(1)
2. Set the sparse matrix selection to forward-backward substitution only.

DEFINE SPARSE=16 LOCATION=SYSTEM(126) 2
FMS
3. Define the system cell keyword and default value for the maximum output line
count and then reset it to another value on a NASTRAN statement. Note: The
DEFINE statement would typically be placed in an RC file and the NASTRAN
statement would be placed in the File Management Section whenever the user
wants to override the DEFINE statement default setting.
DEFINE MAXLINES=999999999 LOCATION=SYSTEM(9)
NASTRAN MAXLINES=100000
4. Define system cells that behave like “toggles”, turning some feature on or off.
DEFINE MESH=2 LOCATION=(31)
DEFINE NOMESH=0 LOCATION=(31)
NASTRAN MESH
Note: Since each subsequent DEFINE statement redefines the default value,
the second DEFINE of system cell location 31 sets the default value to 0. A
NASTRAN statement can then be inserted in the input file to reset the MESH
system cell back to a value of 2. This same technique can be used with any
system cell where the user wishes to simply refer to the system cell keyword and
have the system cell set to a previous DEFINE statement default.
5. Invalid usage of the DEFINE and NASTRAN statement:

DEFINE BUFFSIZE=4097
Valid usage:
DEFINE BUFFSIZE=4097 LOCATION=SYSTEM(1)
86 ENDJOB
Terminate Job
ENDJOB Terminate Job
Terminates the job at a user-specified location in the FMS Section.
Format:
2 ENDJOB
FMS Remarks:
ENDJOB is normally used after a DBDICT or DBDIR statement or after database

initialization.
Examples:
DBDICT
ENDJOB
EXPAND 87
Concatenate New DBset Members
EXPAND Concatenate New DBset Members
Concatenates additional DBset members on an existing permanent DBset previously

defined with an INIT statement.
Format:
EXPAND dbset-name LOGICAL=(log-namei [(max-sizei)]...)

2
FMS
Describers:
Describer Meaning
dbset-name The name of a DBset previously defined with an INIT

statement.
log-namei Specifies the logical name of a DBset member. log-namei may

also be referenced on an ASSIGN statement which refers to
the physical file name of the DBset member.
max-sizei Specifies the maximum size, in blocks, of a DBset member.

For storage units specified in words or bytes, the size must be
followed by one of the unit keywords below
Unit Keyword Storage Unit

KW Kilowords (thousand)
KB Kilobytes (thousand)
MW Megawords (million)
MB Megabytes (million)
GW Gigawords (billion)
GB Gigabytes (billion)
For example, 100MB is 100 megabytes. The size of a block in

words is defined by BUFFSlZE.
Remarks:
1. On all computers with dynamic file allocation, the physical filename of a DBset
member may be specified on an ASSIGN statement:
ASSIGN log-name=’physical filename’
88 EXPAND
Concatenate New DBset Members
If an ASSIGN statement is not specified for the member, then a name is

automatically assigned. The naming convention is described in “Introduction to
Database Concepts” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
Examples:
ASSIGN DBMEM02=’physical file name’
2 EXPAND DBALL LOGICAL=(DBMEM02)
FMS
This would create and add the DBset member DBMEM02 to the already existing
DBset DBALL.
INCLUDE 89
Insert External File
INCLUDE Insert External File
Inserts an external file into the input file. The INCLUDE statement may appear
anywhere within the input data file.
Format:
INCLUDE ’filename’
2
FMS
Describers:
Describer Meaning
filename Physical filename of the external file to be inserted. The user
must supply the name according to installation or machine
requirements. It is recommended that the filename be enclosed
by single right-hand quotation marks (’).
Examples:
The following INCLUDE statement is used to obtain the Bulk Data from another file
called MYBULK.DATA:
SOL 101
CEND
TITLE = STATIC ANALYSIS
LOAD=100
BEGIN BULK
INCLUDE ’MYBULK.DATA’
ENDDATA
Remarks:
1. INCLUDE statements may be nested; that is, INCLUDE statements may appear
inside the external file. The nested depth level must not be greater than 10.
2. The INCLUDE statement does not allow continuations. The total length of the
statement must be 72 characters or less.
90 INIT
Create a DBset
INIT Create a DBset
Creates a temporary or permanent DBset. For the SCRATCH and MASTER DBsets,
all or some of their space may be allocated to real memory.
Format 1:
2 Initialize any DBset except MASTER and SCRATCH:
FMS
INIT DBset-name [ LOGICAL=(log-namei(max-sizei),...)
BUFFSIZE=b CLUSTER=c ]
Format 2:
Initialize the MASTER DBset:
BUFFSIZE = b CLUSTER = c
Format 3:
Initialize the SCRATCH DBset:
SCR300 = (log-namei(max-sizei),...) BUFFSIZE = b CLUSTER=c ]

Examples:
1. Modify the default allocation of the DBALL DBset to 50000 blocks.

INIT DBALL LOGI=(DBALL(50000))
2. Do not allocate any real memory for the MASTER and SCRATCH DBsets.
INIT MASTER(NORAM)
INIT SCRATCH(NOMEM)
3. Create a new DBset called DBUP with two members DBUP1 and DBUP2.
INIT DBUP LOGI=(DBUP1, DBUP2)
ASSIGN DBUP1 =’physical filename 1’
ASSIGN DBUP2=’physical filename 2’
INIT 91
Create a DBset
Describers:
Describer Meaning
dbset-name The name of a temporary or permanent DBset.

MASTER
SCRATCH
2
log-namei Specifies the logical name of a DBset member. log-namei FMS
may also be referenced on an ASSIGN statement, which
refers to the physical file name of the DBset member.
If no log-namei is specified, then the DBset will have
one member and the log-name will be the same as the
DBset-name. A maximum of twenty log-names may be
specified. For the SCRATCH DBset see also Remark
8. SCR300 is a special keyword that indicates that the
log-names are members reserved for DMAP module
internal scratch files.
max-sizei Specifies the maximum size, in blocks, words, or bytes,

of a DBset member. For storage units specified in words
or bytes, the size must be followed by one of the unit
keywords below.
Unit Keyword Storage Unit

KW Kilowords (1024)
KB Kilobytes (1024)
MW Megawords (1048576)
MB Megabytes (1048576)
GB Gigabytes (1073741824)
GW Gigawords (1073741824)
For example, 100MB is 100 megabytes. The size of a block

in words is defined by BUFFSlZE. The default for DBALL
and SCRATCH is 250,000 blocks.
RAM RAM=r requests that r words of real memory are to be

NORAM allocated for the MASTER DBset. The default is RAM or
RAM=30000. NORAM or RAM=0 specifies no real memory
is to be allocated.
92 INIT
Create a DBset
Describer Meaning
S If the primary database is being created in the run, this

option requests that all DBsets in the primary database
will be automatically deleted at the end of the run. INIT
MASTER(S) is equivalent to specifying scr = yes on the
2 “nastran” command. See the “nastran Command and
NASTRAN Statement” . If the run is a restart, then this
FMS
option is ignored.
MEM MEM=m specifies that m blocks of real memory are to

NOMEM be allocated for the SCRATCH DBset. The default m is
machine dependent and may be found in the NX Nastran
Installation and Operations Guide. NOMEM or MEM = 0
requests that no real memory is to be allocated.
BUFFSlZE BUFFSlZE = b specifies the number of words per block

in the DBset and will override the value specified by the
BUFFSlZE keyword on the NASTRAN statement. The
default for b is obtained from the NASTRAN BUFFSIZE
statement. See the NX Nastran Installation and
Operations Guide.
CLUSTER CLUSTER = c specifies the number of blocks per cluster

in the DBset. The default is 1, and any other value is not
recommended.
Remarks:
1. The INIT statement and its applications are discussed further in “Introduction
to Database Concepts” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
2. There are four DBsets that are predefined and automatically allocated by the
program. Their DBset-names are MASTER, DBALL, SCRATCH, and OBJSCR,
and they are described in “Introduction to Database Concepts” in the NX
Nastran User’s Guide.
3. On all computers with dynamic file allocation, the physical filename of a DBset
member may specified on an ASSIGN statement:
ASSIGN log-name=’physical filename’
If an ASSIGN statement is not specified for the member, then a name is

automatically assigned.
INIT 93
Create a DBset
4. It is recommended that there be sufficient physical space to hold a DBset

member should it reach its maximum size (max-sizei). The max-sizei may be
converted to words by multiplying by b. A summary of space usage and allocation
is printed at the end of the Execution Summary Table.
5. In restart runs, the INIT statement is ignored for preexisting permanent DBsets.
The INIT statement is intended to be specified only in the run in which the
DBset is being created. If more DBset members need to be added to the DBset, 2
then the EXPAND statement is used. FMS
6. If RAM or RAM = r is specified and the run terminates because the computer
operating system detects insufficient space or time or the computer halts due to
a power outage or operator interruption, then it may not be possible to restart
from the database. See the DBUPDATE FMS statement.
7. BUFFSIZE = b and CLUSTER = c must satisfy the following inequality:
8. By default, the SCRATCH DBset is divided into two partitions: LOGICAL and
SCR300. The LOGICAL partition, log-names after the LOGICAL keyword, are
reserved for DMAP scratch data blocks and the SCR300 partition for DMAP
module internal scratch files.
• The maximum total number of log-names for LOGICAL and SCR300 is
20. For example, if LOGICAL has 8 log-names, then SCR300 can have no
more than 12 log-names.
• If NASTRAN SYSTEM(142) = 1 is specified, then the SCR300 partition is

not created and internal scratch files, along with DMAP scratch data blocks,
will reside on the LOGICAL partition. The default is SYSTEM(142) = 2.
• If NASTRAN SYSTEM(151)=1 is specified and the LOGICAL partition has

reached its maximum size, then the SCR300 partition will be used. The
default is SYSTEM(151) = 0.
• By default, the space specified for the SCR300 partition is released to the
operating system after each DMAP module is executed as long as the
module used more than 100 blocks for internal scratch files. If 100 blocks is
not a desirable threshold, then it may be changed by specifying NASTRAN
SYSTEM(150) = t, where t is the number of blocks for the threshold.
9. BUFFSlZE = b is predefined for DBset-names MSCOBJ, OBJSCR, and USROBJ

and may not be changed by BUFFSIZE on this statement or the NASTRAN
BUFFSlZE bmax statement. The default for b is recommended for all except
94 INIT
Create a DBset
very large problems. bmax must reflect the maximum of b specified for all
DBsets attached to the run, including the delivery database. See NX Nastran
Installation and Operations Guide for the defaults of b and bmax.
10. If INIT MASTER(RAM = r) and INIT SCRATCH(MEM = m) are specified, then

BUFFSIZE for these DBsets must be the same. If not, a warning message is
issued, and the BUFFSlZE for the SCRATCH DBset is reset to that of the
2 MASTER DBset.
FMS
11. Only one INIT statement per dbset-name may be specified in the File
Management Section.
PROJ 95
Define Database Project-Identifier
PROJ Define Database Project-Identifier
Defines the current or default project identifier, project-ID.
Format:
PROJ [=] ’project-ID’

2
Describers: FMS
Describer Meaning
project-ID Project identifier. Must be enclosed in single quotes. (Character
string, maximum of 40 characters; Default = blank)
Remarks:
1. There may be only one PROJECT statement in the File Management Section.
The PROJECT statement must be specified before all DBCLEAN, DBDIR,
DBDICT, RESTART, DBLOCATE, and DBLOAD statements where project-ID is
not specified by the user.
2. This statement is optional and specifies that all data blocks and parameters
stored on or accessed from the database in the current run shall also be identified
by project-ID. Therefore, in subsequent runs that may access this data through
other FMS statements such as RESTART, the project-ID must be specified.
3. Project-ID is the default on DBCLEAN, DBDIR, DBDICT, and RESTART FMS

statements and in the WHERE and CONVERT clause of the DBLOCATE
statement.
4. Leading blanks and trailing blanks enclosed within single quotes are ignored.
All other blanks are considered part of the project-ID.
5. Project-ID is saved with only the first 40 characters specified.
Examples:
1. PROJ = ’MY JOB’
2. The following project-ID will be truncated to 40 characters:

PROJ ’CAR MODEL 1999 BODY FRAME SYM - PROTYP B RUN’
and all subsequent restarts must have the statement.
PROJ ’CAR MODEL 1999 BODY FRAME SYM - PROTYP B’

96 RESTART
Reuse Database From a Previous Run
RESTART Reuse Database From a Previous Run
Requests that data stored in a previous run be used in the current run.
Format:
2
FMS
Describers:
Describer Meaning
project-ID Project identifier. See PROJ FMS statement. Must be enclosed
in single right-hand quotation marks (’). (Character string,
maximum of 40 characters; default is the project-ID specified
on the PROJ FMS statement).
version-ID Version number. (Integer > 0)
LAST Specifies the last version under project-ID.
KEEP Data stored under VERSION will remain on the database after
the run is completed.
NOKEEP Data stored under VERSION will be deleted from the database
after the run is completed.
dbname Specifies the logical name of an existing MASTER (master
directory) DBset to be used for restart purposes. This MASTER
and its associated database will be opened in a read-only mode
to perform the restart, any new data will be written to the
database for the current run.
Remarks:
1. There may be only one RESTART statement in the File Management Section.
2. A new version-ID is automatically assigned whenever a restart is performed.
3. If project-ID or version-ID or both are specified and cannot be found, then a

fatal message will be issued.
4. The RESTART statement is required to perform restarts in solution sequences 4,

and 101 through 200.
RESTART 97
5. If PROJECT is not specified, then the run will restart from the project-ID
specified on the PROJ statement. (See Example 2 below.)
6. Databases created in one version cannot be directly restarted into a different

version. Restrictions are typically documented in the current release guide;
however, a DBLOCATE type restart might work.
Examples: 2
FMS
1.
RESTART VERSION=7
Version number 7 will be retrieved for this run (version 8). At the end of the run,
version 7 will be deleted.
2.
PROJ=’FENDER’
RESTART
The last version under project-ID FENDER will be used in the current run.
3.
ASSIGN RUN1=’run1.MASTER’
RESTART LOGICAL=RUN1
The run1.MASTER and its associated database will be used (read only) for restart
purposes.
98 RESTART
2
FMS
Chapter
3 Executive Control Statements
• Executive Control Statement Descriptions

3
EXEC
3
EXEC
Executive Control Section

This section describes the Executive Control statements. These statements select a
solution sequence and various diagnostics.
Most Executive Control statements are order independent. The exceptions are the
COMPILE, COMPILER, ALTER, ENDALTER, and LINK statements. If used, the
LINK statement must appear after all COMPILE statements. The COMPILER
statement (or equivalent DIAGs) must appear before all COMPILE statements.
The COMPILER statement also sets the defaults for subsequent COMPILE
statements.
Executive Control Statement Summary 3

EXEC
The Executive Control statements are summarized as follows:
ALTER Specifies deletion and/or insertion of following DMAP

statements.
APP Specifies an approach in a solution sequence.
CEND Designates the end of the Executive Control statements.
COMPILE Requests compilation of specified subDMAPs or the NDDL
file.
COMPILER Specifies DMAP compilation diagnostics.
DIAG Requests diagnostic output or modifies operational
parameters.
DOMAINSOLVER Selects domain decomposition solution methods.
ECHO Controls the echo of Executive Control statements.
ENDALTER Designates the end of a DMAP sequence headed by an
ALTER.
GEOMCHECK Specifies tolerance values and options for optional finite
element geometry tests.
ID Specifies a comment.
LINK Requests the link of a main subDMAP.
SOL Requests execution of a solution sequence or DMAP
program.
TIME Sets the maximum allowable execution time.
102 Executive Control Statement Descriptions
3.2 Executive Control Statement Descriptions

You can abbreviate Executive Control statements down to their first four
characters as long as the abbreviation is unique relative to all other statements.
Each statement is described as follows:
Description
A brief sentence about the function of the statement is given.
Format
3 Describers in uppercase are keywords that must be specified as shown. In addition,

EXEC
If the statement line is longer than 72 columns, then it may be continued to the
next line with a comma. For example:
COMPILE SEDRCVR SOUIN=MSCSOU,
NOREF NOLIST
Examples
Describers
Each of the describers is briefly discussed. The describer’s type (e.g., Integer,
Real, or Character), its allowable range, and its default value are enclosed in
parentheses. The describer must be specified by the user if no default value is
given.
Remarks
The remarks in the Remarks section are generally arranged in order of importance
and indicate such things as the Executive Control statement’s relationship to other
statements, restrictions and recommendations on its use, and further descriptions
of the describers.
$ 103
Comment
$ Comment
Format:
$ followed by any characters out to column 80.
Examples:
Remarks:
3
1. Comments are ignored by the program. EXEC
104 ALTER
Insert and/or Delete DMAP Statements
ALTER Insert and/or Delete DMAP Statements
Inserts and/or deletes DMAP statements in a subDMAP.

Format:
ALTER k1 [,k2]
or
ALTER ‘string1’[(occurrence,offset)] ,[‘string2’[(occurrence,offset)] ]
or
ALTER k1 , [‘string2’[(occurrence,offset)] ]
3 or
EXEC
ALTER ‘string1’[(occurrence,offset)] , [k2]
Describers:
Describer Meaning
k1 If k2 or ‘string2’ is not specified, the subsequent DMAP

statements will be inserted after either the statement
number k1 or the ‘string1’, [(occurrence,offset)] reference
point.
k1, k2 DMAP statements numbered k1 through k2 will be deleted

and may be replaced with subsequent DMAP statements.
‘string1’ If ‘string2’ or k2 is not specified, the subsequent DMAP

statements will be inserted after the first occurrence of
‘string1’.
‘string1’, ‘string2’ DMAP statements beginning with the first occurrence of

‘string1’ through DMAP statements containing the first
occurrence of ‘string2’ will be deleted and may be replaced
with subsequent DMAP statements.
occurrence This flag indicates which occurrence of the proceeding string

is to be used, starting at the beginning of the subDMAP.
(Integer > 0; Default = 1)
offset This flag indicates the offset from the reference DMAP
statement. Depending on the sign, the specific DMAP
statement may be above (-offset) or below (+offset) the
referenced DMAP statement. (Integer; Default = 0)
ALTER 105
Remarks:
1. The ALTER statement must be used in conjunction with the COMPILE

Executive Control statement. Note: ALTER statements cannot be used in
conjunction with a MALTER statement, and therefore, should never immediately
follow this statement.
2. If a MALTER statement is used in conjunction with the ALTER statement, then

the MALTER should be placed above the COMPILE statements. Failure to place
the MALTER in this position may cause ALTER statements to be ignored.
3. The ALTERs can reference the DMAP statements in any order within a
subDMAP. Two restrictions on ordering are:
• K2 or ‘string2’(occurence, offset) references must refer to a DMAP statement
3
EXEC
number that is greater than or equal to the k1 or ‘string1’(occurrence,offset)
reference within a single ALTER statement.
• K1 or ‘string1’ and k2 or ‘string2’ cannot overlap DMAP line positions with

another ALTER that references the same subDMAP.
4. The ‘string1’ or ‘string2’ used as a search pattern will apply to one complete
DMAP statement-i.e., a multiline DMAP statement will be searched for a pattern
match as if each 72 character line of the DMAP statement were concatenated
together into one string. All blanks and comments (either embedded or
immediately preceding the DMAP statement) will be retained. However,
comments are ignored for the following type of alter:
alter ‘^ *gp0’
5. Within a SUBDMAP, both ‘string1’ and ‘string2’ will be used to search for a
pattern match starting at the beginning of the subDMAP-not at the current
position of the last string match.
6. The special characters (meta characters) used for string searching are described
in Remark 9. The characters <,>, and $, which are common DMAP characters,
are also special meta characters. If they are to be used in the search string
as regular characters, then they must be preceded by a backward slash (\).
For example, to find the string
IF(DDRMM >=-1)
the command is
ALTER ‘IF (DDRMM \>=-1)’ $
7. The ALTER statement must not exceed 72 characters (no continuations are
allowed).
106 ALTER
8. ‘string2’ (r2,02) can be defaulted to ‘string1’ (r1,01) by using a null string (‘’). For
example, the alter statement
ALTER ‘string1’(r1,01),‘’
is equivalent to
ALTER ‘string1’(r1,01),‘string1’(r1,01)
The defaults for (r2,02) using the null string can be overridden by specifying
(r2,02).
As another example, the alter statement
ALTER ‘string1’(r1,01),‘’(r2,02)
3 is equivalent to
EXEC ALTER ‘string1’(r1,01),‘string1’(r2,02)
9. Meta characters:
. Matches any single character except newline.

* Matches any number (including zero) of the single character
(including a character specified by a regular expression) that
immediately precedes it. For example, since “.” (dot) means any
character, “.*” means “match any number of characters”.
[...] Matches any one of the characters enclosed between the brackets.
or < > For example, “[AB]” matches either “A” or “B”. A range of
consecutive characters can be specified by separating the first and
last characters in the range with a hyphen. For example “[A-Z]”
will match any uppercase letter from A to Z and “[0-9]” will match
any digit from 0 to 9. Some meta characters lose special meaning
inside brackets. A circumflex (^) as the first character in the
bracket tries to match any one character not in the list.
^ or ! Requires that the following regular expression be found at the
or -| beginning of the line. Note, that these meta characters may lead to
UFM 802 if the preceding line is a comment.
$ Requires that the preceding regular expression be found at the
end of the line.
\ Treats the following special character as an ordinary character. For
example “ \ .” stands for a period and “ \*” for an asterisk. Also, to
search for a tic (’), the search string must be single quotes.
’ Marks the beginning and end of a pattern to be matched.
ALTER 107
Note: Nonportable characters such as ^ and [ ] should be replaced

(e.g., ^ → ! and [] → <>) if portability is required. However, all the
above characters are recognized by NX Nastran.
10. If a string-based alter uses the “!” in the expression (find occurrence at the
beginning of line), it is possible NX Nastran will fail with USER FATAL
MESSAGE 802.
Examples:
1. The following alter will insert a MATPRN DMAP statement after the first
occurrence of the string ’SDR2’ in subDMAP DSASTAT.
SOL 101
3
COMPILE DSASTAT $ EXEC
ALTER ’SDR2’ $
MATPRN OESDS1//$
CEND
2. The following alter will delete the second occurrence of the OUTPUT4 DMAP
statement in subDMAP DSASTAT and replace it with a MATPRN DMAP
statement.
SOL 101
COMPILE DSASTAT $
ALTER ‘OUTPUT4’(2),‘OUTPUT4’(2) $
$ OR
$ ALTER ‘OUTPUT4’(2),‘’ $
MATPRN OESDS1//$
CEND
108 APP
Specify Solution Sequence Approach
APP Specify Solution Sequence Approach
Selects heat transfer analysis in the linear static SOLs 1 and 101 or a coupled
analysis combining heat transfer and structural analysis in SOL 153.
Format:
APP approach.
Describers:
Describer Meaning
approach Specifies one of the following:
3 HEAT Indicates that heat transfer is to be performed in
EXEC
SOLs 1 and 101.
COUPLED Indicates a coupled analysis combining heat transfer
and structural analysis in SOL 153.
Remarks:
1. The APP statement is optional.
2. The APP HEAT statement applies only to linear static SOLs 1 and 101. The
APP HEAT statement is not required in SOLs 153 and 159, or in SOL 101 if
PARAM,HEATSTAT,YES is specified.
3. The NASTRAN HEAT=1 statement is an alternate specification of APP HEAT.

See “nastran Command and NASTRAN Statement”.
Examples:
The following requests a heat transfer rather than a structural analysis in Solution
Sequence 1.
SOL 1
APP HEAT
CEND 109
End of Executive Control Delimiter
CEND End of Executive Control Delimiter
Designates the end of the Executive Control Section.
Format:
CEND
Remarks:
CEND is required unless an ENDJOB statement appears in the File Management

Section.
3
EXEC
110 COMPILE
Compile DMAP Statements
COMPILE Compile DMAP Statements
Requests the compilation of a subDMAP, subDMAP alter, or NDDL sequence.
Format 1:
Compiles a subDMAP or subDMAP alter sequence
3
EXEC
Format 2:
Compiles an NDDL sequence
Examples:
1. The following compiles an alter in subDMAP PHASEIDR.

COMPILE PHASE1DR
ALTER ‘CALL PHASE1A’
CEND
2. The following compiles a subDMAP called MYDMAP. (SUBDMAP and END are
DMAP statements; see NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide.)
COMPILE MYDMAP LIST REF
SUBDMAP MYDMAP $
.
.
.
END $
CEND
3. The following obtains a listing of the NDDL.

ACQUIRE NDDL
COMPILE NDDL=NDDL LIST
CEND
COMPILE 111
Describers:
Describer Meaning
subDMAP-name The name of a subDMAP sequence. SubDMAP-name must

be 1 to 8 alphanumeric characters in length and the first
character must be alphabetic. The keywords DMAP and
SUBDMAP are optional and do not have to be specified.
nddl-name The name of an NDDL sequence. (Character; 1 to 8

alphanumeric characters in length and the first character
must be alphabetic.) The keyword NDDL must be specified.
souin-DBset The name of a DBset from which the subDMAP or NDDL 3

source statements will be retrieved. (Character; 1 to 8 EXEC
must be alphabetic.) The default is MSCSOU if the next
statement is not a subDMAP statement.
souout-DBset The name of a DBset on which the subDMAP or NDDL

source statements will be stored. (Character; 1 to 8
must be alphabetic.) The default is the SCRATCH DBset.
objout-DBset The name of a DBset on which the subDMAP object code

will be stored. (Character; 1 to 8 alphanumeric characters
in length and the first character must be alphabetic.) The
default is the OBJSCR DBset.
LIST, NOLIST LIST requests a compiled listing of the subDMAP or NDDL

sequence. NOLIST suppresses the listing. NOLIST is the
default.
REF, NOREF REF requests a compiled cross reference of the subDMAP

or NDDL sequence. NOREF suppresses the cross reference.
NOREF is the default.
DECK, NODECK DECK requests the subDMAP or NDDL source statements

to be written to the PUNCH file. NODECK suppresses the
writing to the PUNCH file. NODECK is the default.
Remarks:
1. SubDMAP names for NX Nastran solution sequences are given in the SOL
statement description.
112 COMPILE
• For the unstructured solution sequences (SOLs 1 through 16), the

subDMAP-name is formed by appending the solution number to the string
“SOL”. For example, “SOL3” is the subDMAP-name of NX Nastran Solution
3.
• For the structured solution sequences (SOLs 100 through 200), the
subDMAP-names do not follow a similar scheme. The “COMPILER LIST
REF” statement may be used to determine the appropriate subDMAP-name.
2. If a subDMAP is being compiled and SOUIN=souin-DBset is specified, then

an ALTER Executive Control statement or an INCLUDE statement which
contains an ALTER statement as the first non comment line, must appear
immediately after these. If not, then the SUBDMAP DMAP statement must
3 appear immediately after these statements. See the NX Nastran DMAP
EXEC Programmer’s Guide.
3. DBsets USRSOU and USROBJ are no longer automatically created. They

must be initialized by the INIT FMS statement and then may be specified for
souin-dbset (or souout-dbset) and objout-dbset, respectively. They may be used to
store the subDMAP source statements and object code on the primary database
for re-execution in a subsequent run. For example:
In the first run, the following COMPILE statement compiles and stores a
subDMAP called MYDMAP.
COMPILE MYDMAP SOUOUT=USRSOU OBJOUT=USROBJ
SUBDMAP MYDMAP $
.
.
END $
CEND
In the second run, the SOL statement is used to execute the MYDMAP stored in
the previous run. The LINK statement is required to retrieve the object code
from the USROBJ DBset.
SOL MYDMAP
LINK MYDMAP INCL=USROBJ
CEND
In the third run, the COMPILE statement is used to alter MYDMAP and execute.
SOL MYDMAP
COMPILE MYDMAP SOUIN=USRSOU
ALTER...
.
.
.
CEND
COMPILE 113
4. If SOUOUT or OBJOUT is specified and a subDMAP with the same name as the
subDMAP-name already exists on the database, then its source statements or
object code will be replaced.
5. A COMPILE statement is required for each subDMAP to be compiled. If two or

more COMPILE statements reference the same subDMAP name, then only
the last is used in the linking of the object code. If the COMPILE statement is
being used only to alter a subDMAP and two or more COMPILE statements
reference the same subDMAP name, then the multiple alters are assembled and
the subDMAP is compiled only once.
6. Only one COMPILE statement for an NDDL sequence may be specified in the
input file.
3
• SOUIN=souin-DBset requests only a compilation of the NDDL sequence EXEC
stored on souin-DBset for purposes of obtaining a listing or a cross reference,
and it cannot be modified with the ALTER statement. See Remark 3.
COMPILE NDDL=NDDL SOUIN=MSCSOU LIST requests a listing of the
NX Nastran NDDL sequence. The ACQUIRE FMS statement or the SOL
statement must be specified in order to attach the corresponding Delivery
Database.
• To alter the NX Nastran NDDL sequences, the entire modified

NDDL sequence is included after the COMPILE statement and
SOUIN=souin-DBset is not specified.
• SOUOUT=souout-DBset requests the storage of the NDDL source

statements on the souout-DBset and may not be specified with
SOUIN=souin-DBset.
7. The COMPILER statement may be used to override the defaults of NOLIST,

NOREF, and NODECK. In other words, if LIST or NOLIST, REF or NOREF,
or DECK or NODECK is not specified, then the corresponding option on the
COMPILER statement will be used. In the following example, REF on the
COMPILER statement will override the default of NOREF on the COMPILE
statement.
COMPILER REF
COMPILE MYDMAP
8. MSCSOU and MSCOBJ, specified with SOUOUT and OBJOUT, are special
DBsets similar to USRSOU and USROBJ except that they are used in the
creation or modification of a delivery database. For an example application, see
114 COMPILER
DMAP Compiler Output Options
COMPILER DMAP Compiler Output Options
Requests compilation of a DMAP sequence and/or overrides defaults on the

COMPILE statement.
Format:
Describers:
3 Describer Meaning
EXEC LIST, NOLIST LIST requests the compilation listing of the solution sequence.
NOLIST suppresses the listing.
DECK, NODECK DECK requests that the DMAP source statements of the
solution sequence be written to the PUNCH file. NODECK
suppresses the DECK option.
REF, NOREF REF requests a compilation cross reference. NOREF
suppresses a compilation cross reference.
GO, NOGO GO requests the execution of the solution sequence following
compilation. NOGO requests termination following
compilation.
SORT, NOSORT SORT compiles subDMAPs in alphabetical order. NOSORT
compiles subDMAPs in calling sequence order.
Remarks:
1. REF is equivalent to DIAG 4. LIST is equivalent to DIAG 14. DECK is

equivalent to DIAG 17.
2. NOGO is an alternative to NOEXE on the SOL statement.
3. This statement provides the user a means of obtaining a compilation or source

listing, or both, of a complete solution sequence, including all the component
subDMAPs.
4. See the COMPILE statement to compile a single subDMAP.
5. This statement also requests the automatic link of the solution sequence.
Therefore, all objects must be created in the current run or obtained from the
COMPILER 115
DMAP Compiler Output Options
DBset such as USROBJ. See the COMPILE statement for how to create and
store objects.
6. The COMPILER statement may be used to override the defaults of NOLIST,

NOREF, NODECK on the COMPILE entry when they are not explicitly specified.
However, COMPILER LIST produces a list of the entire solution sequence. If a
listing of only specific subdmaps are desired, then COMPILER LIST should not
be specified and the LIST request should be made on the COMPILE entry.
COMPILER REF
COMPILE MYDMAP
Examples:
COMPILER=LIST 3
EXEC
116 DIAG
Request Diagnostic Output
DIAG Request Diagnostic Output
Requests diagnostic output or special options.

Format:
DIAG [=] k1[k2, ..., kn]

Describers:
Describer Meaning
ki A list separated by commas and/or spaces of desired diagnostics.
3 Remarks:
EXEC
1. The DIAG statement is optional.
2. Multiple DIAG statements are allowed.
3. The following table lists the possible values for ki and their corresponding
actions:
k=1 Dumps memory when a nonpreface fatal message is generated.

k=2 Prints database directory information before and after each DMAP
statement. Prints bufferpooling information.
k=3 Prints “DATABASE USAGE STATISTICS” after execution of each
functional module. This message is the same as the output that
appears after the run terminates.
k=4 Prints cross-reference tables for compiled sequences. Equivalent to
the COMPILER REF statement.
k=5 Prints the BEGIN time on the operator’s console for each functional
module.
k=6 Prints the END time for each functional module in the log file or day
file and on the operator’s console. Modules that consume less time
than the threshold set by SYSTEM(20) do not create a message.
k=7 Prints eigenvalue extraction diagnostics for the Complex
Determinate method.
k=8 Prints matrix trailers as the matrices are generated in the Execution
Summary Table.
k=9 Not used.
DIAG 117
k=10 Uses alternate nonlinear loading in linear transient analysis.

Replaces Nn+1 with (Nn+1 + Nn + Nn−1)/3.
k=11 DBLOAD, DBUNLOAD, and DBLOCATE diagnostics.
k=12 Prints eigenvalue extraction diagnostics for complex Inverse Power,
complex Lanczos and ISRR methods.
k=13 Prints the open core length (the value of REAL on VAX computers).
k=14 Prints the solution sequence. Equivalent to the COMPILER LIST
statement.
k=15 Prints table trailers.
k=16 Traces real inverse power eigenvalue extraction operations. 3
EXEC
k=17 Punches solution sequences. Equivalent to the COMPILER DECK
statement.
k=18 In aeroelastic analysis, prints internal grid points specified on SET2
Bulk Data entries.
k=19 Prints data for MPYAD and FBS method selection in the Execution
Summary Table.
k=20 Similar to DIAG 2 except the output appears in the Execution
Summary Table and has a briefer and more user-friendly format.
However, the .f04 file will be quite large if DIAG 20 is specified with
an NX Nastran solution sequence. A DMAP Alter with DIAGON(20)
and DIAGOFF(20) is recommended. DIAG 20 also prints DBMGR,
DBFETCH, and DBSTORE subDMAP diagnostics. See the NX
Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide.
k=21 Prints diagnostics of DBDIR and DBENTRY table.
k=22 Outputs EQUIV and EQUIVX module diagnostics.
k=23 Not used.
k=24 Prints files that are left open at the end of a module execution. Also
prints DBVIEW diagnostics.
k=25 Outputs internal plot diagnostics.
k=26 Outputs dynamic file allocation diagnostics on IBM/MVS computers.
k=27 Prints Input File Processor (IFP) table. See section 4.3 of the NX
Nastran Programmer’s Guide for more information on IFP.
118 DIAG
k=28 Punches the link specification table (XBSBD). The Bulk Data and
Case Control Sections are ignored, and no analysis is performed.
k=29 Process link specification table update. The Bulk Data and Case
Control Sections are ignored, and no analysis is performed.
k=30 In link 1, punches the XSEMii data (i.e., set ii via DIAG 1 through
15). The Bulk Data and Case Control Sections are ignored, and no
analysis is performed. After link 1, this turns on BUG output. Used
also by MATPRN module. See also Remark 5 on the “TSTEP” Bulk
Data entry.
k=31 Prints the link specification table and module properties list (MPL)
3 data. The Bulk Data and Case Control Sections are ignored, and
no analysis is performed.
EXEC
k=32 Prints diagnostics for XSTORE and PVA expansion.
k=33 Not used.
k=34 Turns off plot line optimization.
k=35 Prints diagnostics for 3-D slideline contact analysis in SOLs 106
and 129.
k=36 Prints extensive tables generated by the GP0 module in p-version
analysis.
k=37 Disables the superelement congruence test option and ignores User
Fatal Messages 4277 and 4278. A better alternative is available
with PARAMeter CONFAC. See “Parameters” .
k=38 Prints material angles for CQUAD4, CQUAD8, CTRIA3, and
CTRIA6 elements. The angle is printed only for elements that
specify MCID in field 8 of the connection entry.
k=39 Traces module FA1 operations and aerodynamic splining in SOLs
145 and 146.
k=40 Prints constraint override/average information for edges and faces
in p-adaptive analysis.
k=41 Traces GINO OPEN/CLOSE operations.
k=42 Not used.
k=43 Not used.
k=44 Prints a mini-dump for fatal errors and suppresses user message
exit.
DIAG 119
k=45 Prints the same database directory information as DIAG 2 except

that it prints only after each DMAP statement.
k=46 Used by UGS development for GINO printout.
k=47 Prints DBMGR, DBFETCH, and DBSTORE subDMAP diagnostics.
k=48 Used by UGS development for GINO printout.
k=49 Prints the DMAP execution time summary table.
k=50 Traces the nonlinear solution in SOLs 106, 129, 153, and 159. Prints
subcase status; echoes NLPARM, NLPCI, and TSTEPNL entry
fields; and prints initial arc-length. Prints iteration summary only
in SOLs 129, and 159. 3
In static aeroelastic analysis (SOL 144), prints transformation EXEC
information associated with the generation of the DJX matrix in the
ADG module and intermediate solutions information in the ASG
module.
k=51 Prints intermediate displacement, load error vectors, and additional
iteration information helpful to debugging in SOLs 106, 129, 153,
and 159.
k=52 Disables the printing of errors at each time step in SOLs 129 and
159.
k=53 Prints the MESSAGE module output in the execution summary
table.
k=54 Print linker debug diagnostics.
k=55 Output performance timing.
k=56 Prints all DMAP statements and RESTART deletions. (Extended
print of Execution Summary table).
k=57 Outputs executive table (XDIRLD) performance timing and
last-time-used (LTU) diagnostics.
k=58 Outputs data block deletion debug and timing constants echo.
k=59 Prints buffpool debug.
k=60 Prints diagnostics for data block cleanup at the end of each module
execution in subroutines DBCLN, DBEADD, and DBERPL.
k=61 GINO block allocator diagnostics.
120 DIAG
k=62 GINO block manager diagnostics.

k=63 Prints each item checked by the RESTART module and its NDDL
description.
k=64 Requests upward compatibility DMAP conversion from
MSC.Nastran Version 65 only. Ignored in MSC.Nastran Version
70.5 and later systems.
Examples:
DIAG 8,53
3 or
EXEC DIAG 8
DIAG 53
See the “NX Nastran Output Files” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
DOMAINSOLVER 121
Domain Decomposition Solution Method
DOMAINSOLVER Domain Decomposition Solution Method
Selects domain decomposition solution methods.
Format:
Describers: 3
EXEC
Describer Meaning
GDSTAT Geometric Domain Decomposition—Linear Statics
GDMODES Geometric Domain Decomposition—Normal Modes
FDMODES Frequency Domain—Normal Modes
FDFREQR Frequency Domain—Frequency Response
ACMS Automatic Component Modal Synthesis
A description of the parameters follows
NUMDOM Selects the number of domains or frequency segments as

described below. It is different for each method.
ACMS If NUMDOM = 0 or 1, then the model will not be split. Default

depends on the model size as follows:
NGRID ≤ 2,000;NUMDOM=4
2,000 ≤ NGRIDS < 10,000; NUMDOM=16
10,000 ≤ NGRIDS < 50,000; NUMDOM=32
50,000 ≤ NGRIDS < 100,000; NUMDOM=64
100,000 ≤ NGRIDS < 300,000; NUMDOM=128
300,000 ≤ NGRIDS; NUMDOM=256
The model will be split into NUMDOM domains.

122 DOMAINSOLVER
GDSTAT Default = dmp; if NUMDOM has any other value, it will

automatically be set to dmp (=# of processors used for the run).
GDMODES Default = dmp; if NUMDOM has any other value, it will

FDMODES Default = dmp; if NUMDOM has any other value, it will

The model will NOT be split into domains; instead, the frequency
range will be split inside the READ module into NUMDOM
3 segments that are solved independently.
EXEC FDFREQR Default = dmp; if NUMDOM has any other value, it will
automatically be set to dmp (which is the number of processors
used for the run). The model will NOT be split into domains;
instead, the forcing frequencies will be split inside the FRLGEN
or FRRD1 module into NUMDOM segments that are solved
independently.
UPFACT The EIGR/L specification must include a frequency range. By

(ACMS) default, the frequency range used for upstream component
modes is two times larger than the selected range. To modify
this factor, specify the keyword UPFACT.
TREE Specifies the type of tree to use:TREE = MULTI > multi-level

(ACMS) superelements tree (default).TREE = SINGLE ≥ single-level
superelement tree.
Remarks:
1. A multi-level tree requires the number of tip superelements (i.e., NUMDOM) to

be evenly divisible by the number of processors specified for the run; otherwise
the program will switch to a single-level tree automatically.
2. The DOMAINSOLVER command isn’t required to run the FDMODES or

GDMODES options.
• FDMODES can be run using the submittal keyword dmp and the NASTRAN
keyword NUMSEG.
• GDMODES can be run using the submittal keyword dmp.

DOMAINSOLVER 123
See “Parallel Options” in the NX Nastran Numerical Methods User’s Guide for
more information on running FDMODES and GDMODES using submittal
keywords.
3. In case the user defines frequency domain options in multiple places, (i.e.
NUMSEG can be defined as a NASTRAN keyword, on the DOMAINSOLVER
executive control command, and on the EIGRL bulk data card), the following
rules apply:
• EIGRL takes precedence over the DOMAINSOLVER options.
• DOMAINSOLVER options take precedence over the NASTRAN keyword

NUMSEG.
3
4. The hierarchic domain parallel (hdmp) method is a simultaneous application EXEC
of the geometry and frequency domain normal modes methods. Since the
DOMAINSOLVER statement can be used to set only one of either FDMODES or
GDMODES, and not both at the same time, DOMAINSOLVER cannot be used
with the hdmp method. Instead, keyword submittal is required. In the hdmp
method, the number of frequency segments is defined by the NCLUST submittal
keyword. The number of geometry partitions is equal to DMP/NCLUST, where
DMP is a submittal keyword specifying the number of processors allocated to
the task. See “Hierarchic DMP (HDMP)” in the NX Nastran Numerical Methods
User’s Guide for more information on this method.
124 ECHO
Control Printed Echo
ECHO Control Printed Echo
Controls the echo (printout) of the Executive Control Section.
Formats:
ECHOOFF
ECHOON
Remarks:
1. The ECHO statement is optional.
2. ECHOOFF suppresses the echo of subsequent Executive Control statements.

3 ECHOON reactivates the echo after an ECHOOFF statement.
EXEC
ENDALTER 125
End of DMAP Alter
ENDALTER End of DMAP Alter
Designates the end of an alter.
Format:
ENDALTER
Remarks:
The ENDALTER statement is required when using an alter unless the alter package
ends with the CEND, COMPILE, or LINK statement.
3
EXEC
126 GEOMCHECK
Specifies Geometry Check Options
GEOMCHECK Specifies Geometry Check Options
Specifies tolerance values for (optional) finite element geometry tests.
Format:
3 Describers:
EXEC
Describer Meaning
test_keyword A keyword associated with the particular element geometry

test. See Remark 2. for a list of acceptable selections.
tol_value Tolerance value to be used for the specified test. See Remark 2.
for default values of the test tolerances.
n The maximum number of messages that will be produced. The

default is 100 messages for each element type. See Remark 3.
FATAL Geometry tests that exceed tolerance values produce fatal

messages. See Remark 4.
INFORM Geometry tests that exceed tolerance values produce

informative messages. See Remark 4.
WARN Geometry tests that exceed tolerance values produce warning

messages. See Remark 4.
SUMMARY A summary table of the geometry tests performed is produced.

No individual element information messages are output.
NONE None of the optional element geometry tests will be performed.
Remarks:
1. The GEOMCHECK directive controls the number and severity of certain

informational and warning messages produced by element matrix generation
geometry checking operations. Controls are currently available for the CQUAD4,
CQUADR, CTRIA3, CTRIAR, CHEXA, CPENTA, CTETRA, CBAR and CBEAM
GEOMCHECK 127
elements only. Multiple GEOMCHECK directives may be present. Continuations

are acceptable.
2. The following table summarizes the acceptable specifications for test_keyword.
Name Value Type Default Comment

Q4_SKEW Real≥0.0 30.0 Skew angle in degrees
Q4_TAPER Real≥0.0 0.50 Taper ratio
Q4_WARP Real≥0.0 0.05 Surface warping factor
Q4_IAMIN Real≥0.0 30.0 Minimum Interior Angle in degrees
Q4_IAMAX Real≥0.0 150.0 Maximum Interior Angle in degrees
T3_SKEW Real≥0.0 10.0 Skew angle in degrees 3
T3_IAMAX Real≥0.0 160.0 Maximum Interior Angle in degrees EXEC
TET_AR Real≥0.0 100.0 Longest edge to shortest edge aspect ratio
TET_EPLR Real≥0.0 0.50 Edge point length ratio
TET_DETJ Real 0.0 | J | minimum value
TET_DETG Real 0.0 | J | minimum value at vertex point
HEX_AR Real≥0.0 100.0 Longest edge to shortest edge aspect ratio
HEX_EPLR Real≥0.0 0.50 Edge point length ratio
HEX_DETJ Real 0.0 | J | minimum value
HEX_WARP Real≥0.0 0.707 Face warp coefficient
PEN_AR Real≥0.0 100.0 Longest edge to shortest edge aspect ratio
PEN_EPLR Real≥0.0 0.50 Edge point length ratio
PEN_DETJ Real 0.0 | J | minimum value
PEN_WARP Real≥0.0 0.707 Quadrilateral face warp coefficient
BEAM_OFF Real≥0.0 0.15 CBEAM element offset length ratio
BAR_OFF Real≥0.0 0.15 CBAR element offset length ratio
where:
• Test_keyword names starting with the characters Q4 are applicable to

CQUAD4 and CQUADR elements. Test_keyword names starting with
the characters T3 are applicable to CTRIA3 and CTRIAR elements.
Test_keyword names starting with the characters TET_ are applicable to
CTETRA elements. Test_keyword names starting with the characters HEX_
are applicable to CHEXA elements. Test_keyword names starting with the
characters PEN_ are applicable to CPENTA elements.
128 GEOMCHECK
• Skew angle for the quadrilateral element is defined to be the angle between
the lines that join midpoints of the opposite sides of the quadrilateral. Skew
angle for the triangular element is defined to be the smallest angle at any
of the three vertices.
• 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.
• Taper ratio for the quadrilateral element is defined to be the ratio of the
area of the triangle formed at each corner grid point to one half the area of
the quadrilateral. The largest of the four ratios is compared against the
tolerance value. It may be noted that as the ratio approaches 1.0, the shape
3 approaches a triangle.
EXEC
• Surface warping factor for a quadrilateral is defined to be the distance of
the corner points of the element to the mean plane of the grid points divided
by the average of the element’s diagonal lengths. For flat elements (all of
the grid points lie in a plane), this factor is zero.
• The edge point length ratio test is only performed for solid elements when
edge node points exist. The 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 default tolerance allows the edge node
to be positioned anywhere between the two quarter points on this line.
In addition, the angles between the lines joining the edge node and the
end points are determined. If the angle is greater than 30°, then the edge
point length ratio test is considered violated and a diagnostic message will
be generated if appropriate.
• The face warp coefficient test tolerance is the cosine of the angle formed
between the normal vectors located at diagonally opposite corner points
on each face surface. This value is 1.0 for a face where all 4 corners lie in
a plane. The default tolerance allows angles of up to 45° before a message
is generated.
3. A single line summarizing the results of all tests for an element will be output if
any of the geometry tests exceeds the test tolerance. Only the first n of these
messages will be produced. A summary of the test results indicating the number
of tolerances exceeded as well as the element producing the worst violation is
also output. If the SUMMARY keyword has been specified, only the summary
table is produced and none of the single line element messages will be output.
GEOMCHECK 129
Solutions which fail with numerical problems, i.e. negative jacobian, report
differently based on the sign of MSGLIMIT. When troubleshooting a failed
analysis, you may find it useful to switch between the following two strategies:
Value of
Meaning when numerical fatal errors occur
MSGLIMIT
If numerical problems are found, a FATAL ERROR message
is generated without the offending element ID, the analysis
terminates, but the GEOMCHECK criteria is processed and
output for all elements.
> 0 (positive) This strategy works when only a few elements fail the
GEOMCHECK. However, if there are hundreds or thousands of
failures, diagnosing the critical elements could become difficult.
In addition, the offending element ID may or may not have
3
EXEC
failed the GEOMCHECK criteria depending on the criteria you
entered.
If numerical problems are found, a FATAL ERROR message
is generated which includes the offending element ID, the
analysis terminates, yet GEOMCHECK is not processed for all
< 0 (negative) elements. The downside of using a negative MSGLIMIT is if
the model contains multiple offending elements, the procedure
of fixing/rerunning needs to be repeated until all offending
elements have been corrected.
4. When SUMMARY is not specified, each geometry test that exceeds the tolerance
will be identified in the single line output summary by an indicator based on the
specification for MSGTYPE. For the FATAL option, the indicator is “FAIL”; for
the INFORM option, it is “xxxx”; for the WARN option, it is “WARN”. If the
FATAL option is specified and any test fails, the run is terminated.
5. There are two categories of element checks in an NX Nastran solution:

• The system controlled checks will always occur whether GEOMCHECK is
defined or not. As the name implies, there is no user control to these checks.
The system controlled checks will always produce a fatal error if an element
is found which prevents the formulation of the finite element matrix.
• GEOMCHECK is the optional, user controlled check, and can optionally

generate a fatal error if it finds an element which fails the user defined
criteria. By default, GEOMCHECK does not produce fatal errors.
The system controlled and user controlled checks are similar for elements
like shells, but different for elements like solids. Be aware that when
MSGTYPE=inform, GEOMCHECK may flag a poor quality element with an
informational message, the element may pass the system check, and the solve
130 GEOMCHECK
may complete. MSGTYPE should be set appropriately if you expect fatal errors
in these cases.
Fatal errors can also be forced by assigning a negative value to MSGLIMIT, for
example, MSGLIMIT=-100. This is also useful since a specific “FAIL” message
will be reported for each element failing the GEOMCHECK criteria.
Examples:
1. Set the tolerance for the CQUAD4 element skew angle test to 15.0 degrees and
limit messages to 50.
GEOMCHECK Q4_SKEW=15.0,MSGLIMIT=50
3 2. Limit messages to 500 for each element type.

EXEC
GEOMCHECK MSGLIMIT=500
3. Set the message type to fatal for CQUAD4 element taper tests.
GEOMCHECK Q4_TAPER,MSGTYPE=FATAL
4. Request summary table output only using default tolerance values.

GEOMCHECK SUMMARY
ID 131
Comment
ID Comment
Specifies a comment.
Format:
ID [=] i1, i2
Describers:
Describer Meaning
i1, i2 Character strings (1 to 8 characters in length and the first character
must be alphabetic).
3
Remarks: EXEC
The ID statement is optional and not used by the program.

132 INCLUDE
Format:
INCLUDE ‘filename’
Describers:
Describer Meaning
filename Physical filename of the external file to be inserted. The user must
3 supply the name according to installation or machine requirements.
EXEC It is recommended that the filename be enclosed within single
right-hand quotation marks (’).
Examples:
called MYBULK.DATA.
SOL 101
INCLUDE ‘MYEXEC.DATA’
CEND
LOAD=100
BEGIN BULK
ENDDATA
Remarks:
LINK 133
Link a Main SubDMAP
LINK Link a Main SubDMAP
Links a main subDMAP to form a solution sequence.
Format:
Describers: 3
EXEC
Describer Meaning
n The solution number of the main subDMAP. See “SOL” for

the list of valid numbers. (Integer>0)
subDMAP-name The name of a main subDMAP. See the NX Nastran DMAP

Programmer’s Guide. (Character; 1 to 8 alphanumeric
characters in length and the first character must be
alphabetic.)
solout-DBset The name of a DBset where the solution sequence executable

and the link table of the solution sequence may be stored.
See Remark 6. (Character; 1 to 8 alphanumeric characters
in length and the first character must be alphabetic.)
exeout-DBset The name of an alternate DBset different than solout-DBset

where only the solution sequence executable may be stored.
See Remark 6. (Character; 1 to 8 alphanumeric characters
in length and the first character must be alphabetic.)
incl-DBset The name of a DBset where other subDMAP objects are

obtained. See Remark 2. (Character; 1 to 8 alphanumeric
alphabetic.)
newname A new name which is referenced by the SOL statement.

(Character; 1 to 8 alphanumeric characters in length
and the first character must be alphabetic; default is
subDMAP-name.)
134 LINK
Link a Main SubDMAP
Describer Meaning
MAP Prints the link map. A link map will give the name of all the
subDMAPs that make up the solution sequence.
NOMAP Suppresses printing of the link map.
Remarks:
1. All DBsets specified on this statement must have the same BUFFSIZE. See
“INIT” .
3 2. SubDMAP objects are created with the COMPILE statement either in the
current run or obtained from previous runs. The LINK statement collects objects
EXEC
in the following order:
• Objects created with the COMPILE statement in the current run.
• Objects residing on the DBset-name specified by the INCLUDE keyword.

The default is MSCOBJ.
3. Upon successful linking of a subDMAP, the subDMAP may be executed with the
SOL statement.
4. The LINK statement must appear after all the COMPILE packages, if any. A
compile package begins with the COMPILE statement and is delimited by the
ENDALTER, CEND, LINK, or another COMPILE statement.
5. The link table is necessary for COMPILER (or DIAG 4, 14, 17) Executive
statement requests and the automatic link process.
6. EXEOUT is useful in building delivery databases where executables are not to

be saved. EXEOUT defaults to the same DBset as specified by SOLOUT.
Examples:
1.
LINK STATICS
Links the STATICS main subDMAP. The program links any subDMAPs compiled
in this run, with any other subDMAP objects called in STATICS and stored on
the MSCOBJ DBset.
2.
LINK MYDMAP,SOLNAM=STATICS,SOLOUT=USROBJ,
NOMAP,INCLUDE=USROBJ
LINK 135
Link a Main SubDMAP
Links MYDMAP and renames the solution sequence executable to STATICS. The
executable will be saved on the USROBJ DBset. The order of search for
subDMAP objects is:
• Compiled subDMAP in this run.
• USROBJ DBset.
3
EXEC
136 MALTER
Insert and/or Delete DMAP Statements in Solution Sequences
MALTER Insert and/or Delete DMAP Statements in Solution Sequences
Inserts or deletes DMAP statements by allowing a global “string” search across all
subDMAPs within the current solution sequence.
Format:
MALTER ‘string1’[(occurrence,offset)] , [‘string2’[(occurrence,offset)] ]
or
MALTER ‘string1’[(occurrence,offset)] , [k2]
Describers:
3
EXEC Describer Meaning
‘string1’ If ‘string2’ or k2 is not specified, the subsequent DMAP

statements will be inserted after the first occurrence of
‘string1’.
‘string1’, ‘string2’ DMAP statements beginning with the first occurrence of

‘string1’ through DMAP statements containing the first
occurrence of ‘string2’ will be deleted and may be replaced
with subsequent DMAP statements.
k2 If k2 is specified, it is applied to the subDMAP in which

‘string1’ was found. (Integer > 0)
occurrence This flag indicates which occurrence of the preceding

string is to be used, starting at the beginning of the
subDMAP. (Integer > 0, Default = 1)
offset This flag indicates the offset from the referenced DMAP
statement. Depending on the sign, the specific DMAP
statement may be above (-offset) or below (+offset) the
referenced DMAP statement. (Integer, Default = 0)
Remarks:
1. If a MALTER statement is used in conjunction with the ALTER statement, then

the MALTER should be placed above the COMPILE statements. Failure to place
the MALTER in this position may cause ALTER statements to be ignored.
2. The MALTER statement can reference the DMAP statements in any order
within a subDMAP. Two restrictions on ordering are:
MALTER 137
• k2 or ‘string2’(occurence,offset) references must refer to a DMAP line

number that is greater than or equal to the k1 or ‘string1’(occurrence,offset)
reference within a single MALTER statement.
• ‘string1’ and k2 or ‘string2’ cannot overlap DMAP line positions with another
MALTER that references the same subDMAP.
3. The ‘string1’ or ‘string2’ used as a search pattern will apply to one complete
DMAP statement-i.e., a multiline DMAP statement will be searched for a pattern
match as if each 72 character line of the DMAP statement were concatenated
together into one string. All blanks and comments (either embedded or
immediately preceding the DMAP statement) will be retained.
4. The special characters used for string searching are described in Remark 9. 3
The characters <, >, and $, which are common DMAP characters, are also EXEC
special meta characters. If they are to be used in the search string as regular
characters, then they must be preceded by a backward slash (\). For example,
to find the string
IF (DDRMM >=-1)
the command is
ALTER ‘IF (DDRMM \>=-1)’ $
5. ‘string2’ (r2,02) can be defaulted to ‘string1’ (r1,01) by using a null string (‘’). For
example, the alter statement
MALTER ‘string1’(r1,01),‘’
is equivalent to
MALTER ‘string1’(r1,01),‘string1’(r1,01)
The defaults for (r2,02) using the null string can be overridden by specifying
(r2,02).
As another example, the alter statement
MALTER ‘string1’(r1,01),‘’(r2,02)
is equivalent to
MALTER ‘string1’(r1,01),‘string1’(r2,02)
6. The existing COMPILE statement options, such as LIST, XREF, SOUIN, etc.,
cannot be directly specified on the new MALTER statement. They are obtained
as follows:
• If a COMPILE statement exists for the subDMAP referenced by the
MALTER, then options from this COMPILE statement will be used.
138 MALTER
• Else, they will be taken from the COMPILER statement, provided the LIST,
and SORT option is always on.
7. The MALTER string search order is as follows:
• All COMPILE statement references that are part of the existing solution
sequence (i.e., SOL=) are searched first.
• Then, all remaining subDMAPs in the solution sequence are searched in

ascending alphabetical order.
• Within a subDMAP, both ‘string1’ and ‘string2’ will be used to search for a
pattern match starting at the beginning of the subDMAP, not at the current
3 position of the last string match.
EXEC
8. The MALTER statement must not exceed 72 characters (no continuations are
allowed).
9. Meta characters:
. Matches any single character except newline.

* Matches any number (including zero) of the single character
(including a character specified by a regular expression) that
immediately precedes it. For example, since “.” (dot) means any
character, “.*” means “match any number of characters.”
[...] Matches any one of the characters enclosed between the
or < > brackets. For example, “[AB]” matches either “A” or “B”. A
range of consecutive characters can be specified by separating
the first and last characters in the range with a hyphen. For
example “[A-Z]” will match any uppercase letter from A to
Z and “[0-9]” will match any digit from 0 to 9. Some meta
characters lose special meaning inside brackets. A circumflex
(^) as the first character in the bracket tries to match any one
character not in the list.
^ or ! Requires that the following regular expression be found at the
or _| beginning of the line.
$ Requires that the preceding regular expression be found at the

end of the line.
\ Treats the following special character as an ordinary character.
For example “ \.” stands for a period and “ \*” for an asterisk.
Also, to search for a tic (’), the search string must be “ \’ ”.
MALTER 139
’ Marks the beginning and end of a pattern to be matched.
Nonportable characters such as ^ and [ ] should be replaced (e.g., ^

→ ! and [] → <>) if portability is required. However, all the above
characters are recognized by NX Nastran.
10. Labels for use with the MALTER have been included in the solution sequences.
See Table 3-1. These labels will be maintained in future versions and it is
strongly suggested that alters which use the MALTER command take advantage
of the unique MALTER labels. Use of the MALTER labels will significantly
reduce the time required to convert alters between versions.
3
Table 3-1. DMAP Labels and Corresponding SubDMAP Positions EXEC
DMAP MALTER Labels
$MALTER:AFTER PREFACE MODULES
$MALTER:TOP OF PHASE 1 SUPERELEMENT LOOP, AFTER PARAMETERS AND QUALIFIERS SET
$MALTER:AFTER SUPERELEMENT STIFFNESS, VISCOUS DAMPING, MASS, AND

ELEMENT STRUCTURAL DAMPING GENERATION (KJJZ, BJJZ, MJJZ, K4JJ)
$MALTER:AFTER X2GG MATRICES READ (K2JJ, M2JJ, B2JJ)
$MALTER:AFTER TOTAL SUPERELEMENT STIFFNESS, VISCOUS DAMPING, AND MASS FORMULATED, STRUCTURAL
+ DIRECT INPUT
$MALTER:AFTER SUPERELEMENT LOAD GENERATION (PJ)
$MALTER:AFTER UPSTREAM SUPERELEMENT MATRIX AND LOAD ASSEMBLY (KGG, BGG, MGG, K4GG, PG)
$MALTER:AFTER SUPERELEMENT MATRIX AND LOAD REDUCTION TO A-SET,

STATIC AND DYNAMIC (KAA, KLAA, MAA, MLAA, BAA, K4AA, PA)
$MALTER:BOTTOM OF PHASE 1 SUPERELEMENT LOOP
$MALTER:AFTER X2PP MATRICES READ (K2PP, M2PP, B2PP)
$MALTER:AFTER SUPERELEMENT DISPLACEMENT RECOVERY (UG)
$MALTER:AFTER ELEMENT STRESS, STRAIN, ETC. DATA RECOVERY, SORT1 (OUGV1, OES1, OEF1, ETC.)
$MALTER:AFTER ELEMENT STRESS, STRAIN, ETC. DATA RECOVERY, SORT2 (OUGV2, OES2, OEF2, ETC.)
$MALTER:BOTTOM OF SUPERELEMENT DATA RECOVERY LOOP
$MALTER:USERDMAP - AFTER CALL PREFACE
Examples:
1. The following MALTER will insert a MATPRN DMAP statement to print the
KJJ matrix for each superelement.
SOL 101
MALTER ‘MALTER:AFTER SUPERELEMENT STIFFNESS .* GENERATION’
MESSAGE //‘SEID=’/SEID $
MATPRN KJJZ/ $
140 MALTER
2. The following MALTER will add a user DMAP after the PREFACE modules in
SOL 100 (USERDMAP).
SOL 101
MALTER ‘AFTER CALL PREFACE’
.
.
.
3
EXEC
SOL 141
Execute a Solution Sequence
SOL Execute a Solution Sequence
Specifies the solution sequence or main subDMAP to be executed.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Solution number. See Remark 6. for the list of valid

3
EXEC
numbers. (Integer > 0)
subDMAP-name The name of a main subDMAP. See the NX Nastran DMAP

Programmer’s Guide. (Character; 1 to 8 alphanumeric
alphabetic.)
obj-DBset The character name of a DBset where the OSCAR

is stored. See Remarks 1 and 2. (Character; 1 to 8
must be alphabetic.)
NOEXE Suppresses execution after compilation and/or linkage of

the solution is complete. Also, the Bulk Data and Case
Control Sections are not read or processed.
Remarks:
1. If a SOLIN keyword is not given and if there are no LINK statements within
the input data, the program will perform an automatic link. The program will
first collect the objects created in the current run by the COMPILE statement
and the remaining objects stored in the MSCOBJ DBset. The program will then
perform an automatic link of the collected objects.
2. If the SOLIN keyword is not given but a LINK statement is provided, the SOLIN
default will be obtained from the SOLOUT keyword on the LINK statement.
3. The OSCAR (Operation Sequence Control ARray) defines the problem solution
sequence. The OSCAR consists of a sequence of entries with each entry
containing all of the information needed to execute one step of the problem
142 SOL
solution. The OSCAR is generated from information supplied by the user’s

entries in the Executive Control Section.
4. The SOLIN keyword will skip the automatic link and execute the OSCAR on the
specified DBset.
5. The DOMAINSOLVER may be used in conjunction with Solution Sequences 101,

103, 108, and 111 to select domain decomposition solution methods.
6. The following Solution Sequences are currently available in NX Nastran:
Table 3-2. Structured Solution Sequences

3 SOL
SOL Name Description
EXEC Number
SESTATIC Statics with Options:
Linear Steady State Heat Transfer
Alternate Reduction (See “Superelement Alternate Statics

101
Solution” of the NX Nastran User’s Guide.)
Inertia Relief
Design Sensitivity - Statics

SEMODES Normal Modes with Option:
103
Design Sensitivity - Modes
SEBUCKL Buckling with options:
Static Analysis
105 Alternate Reduction
Inertia Relief
Design Sensitivity - Buckling

106 NLSTATIC Nonlinear or Linear Statics
107 SEDCEIG Direct Complex Eigenvalues
108 SEDFREQ Direct Frequency Response
109 SEDTRAN Direct Transient Response
110 SEMCEIG Modal Complex Eigenvalues
111 SEMFREQ Modal Frequency Response
112 SEMTRAN Modal Transient Response
CYCSTATX Cyclic Statics with Option:
114
Alternate Reduction
SOL 143
Table 3-2. Structured Solution Sequences

SOL
Number
115 CYCMODE Cyclic Normal Modes
116 CYCBUCKL Cyclic Buckling
118 CYCFREQ Cyclic Direct Frequency Response
129 NLTRAN Nonlinear or Linear Transient Response
144 AESTAT Static Aeroelastic Response
145 SEFLUTTR Aerodynamic Flutter
146 SEAERO Aeroelastic Response
NLSCSH Static Structural and/or Steady State Heat Transfer Analysis 3
with Options: EXEC
153
Linear or Nonlinear Analysis
NLTCSH Transient Structural and/or Transient Heat Transfer Analysis
159 with Options:
Linear or Nonlinear Analysis

187 RESDDAM DDAM analysis.
190 DBTRANS Database Transfer.
200 DESOPT Design Optimization
Table 3-3. Unstructured Solution Sequences

SOL
Number
1 STATICS1 Statics and Linear Heat Transfer
3 MODES Normal Modes
4 GNOLIN Geometric Nonlinear
5 BUCKLING Buckling
7 DCEIG Direct Complex Eigenvalues
8 DFREQ Direct Frequency Response
9 DTRAN Direct Transient Response
10 MCEIG Modal Complex Eigenvalues
11 MFREQ Modal Frequency Response
12 MTRAN Modal Transient Response
14 CYCSTAT Cyclic Statics
15 CYCMODES Cyclic Modes
144 SOL
Table 3-3. Unstructured Solution Sequences

SOL
Number
16 CYCBUCK Cyclic Buckling
Examples:
1. In the following example, SOL 103 is executed from MSCOBJ.

SOL 103
2. In the following example, the PHASE0 subDMAP is altered, SOL 103 is relinked
3 onto the OBJSCR DBset (which is the default for SOLOUT), and SOL 103
EXEC is executed.
SOL 103
COMPILE PHASE1
ALTER ‘DTIIN’
TABPT SETREE,,,,// $
.
.
.
ENDALTER $
3. In the following example, the solution sequence called DYNAMICS is executed

from the USROBJ DBset.
SOL DYNAMICS SOLIN = USROBJ
SOL 601,N or SOL 701 145
SOL 601,N or SOL 701
Executes a NX Nastran Advanced Implicit (SOL 601,N) or Explicit (SOL 701)

Nonlinear Solution
Format:
SOL 601,N
SOL 701
Examples:
SOL 601,106 3
EXEC
SOL 701
Remarks:
1. There must be no space in 601,N.
2. You must place the following statement at the beginning of each SOL 601 and
701 Nastran input file:
ASSIGN OUTPUT2=‘advnlin’.op2,UNIT=21
The file name ‘advnlin.op2’ is reserved. If there is an existing file with this name
in the directory that the job is running, it will be overwritten.
3. Only one running job is allowed in a directory at any time.
4. When an analysis is completed, a restart file dbs.res is created where dbs is set
by the “dbs” keyword (as for dbs.MASTER and dbs.DBALL files). This file should
be preserved to run a restart analysis. To run a restart analysis, dbs.res must
exist and the parameter MODEX in NXSTRAT bulk data entry must be set to 1.
Note that the default for dbs is the current working directory with the prefix of
the current job name.
Note that keyword scratch=no must be used when running a restart analysis.
5. In the nastran command, keyword parallel may be used to specify the number
of processors to use for the solution.
6. In the nastran command, keyword memory (≥ 128 MB) may be used to specify
the maximum memory that can be used for the solution. Note that if memory <
128 MB is specified, it will be ignored.
146 SOL 601,N or SOL 701
7. N represent s a valid analysis type. The available types are:
N SOL 601 Analysis Types

106 Static (Default)
129 Transient
8. You can use the following Case Control commands with SOL 601 and SOL 701
(except BGSET, BOLTLD and GKRESULTS):
ACCELERATION MPC STRESS
BCRESULTS GKRESULTS SUBCASE
BCSET IC TEMPERATURE
3 BGSET LOAD TITLE
EXEC
BOLTLD SET TSTEP
DISPLACEMENT SHELLTHK VELOCITY
DLOAD SPC
EBDSET SPCFORCES
9. Only one subcase is used. If multiple subcases exist, the first subcase is used.
10. Both LOAD and DLOAD can be specified for either static or transient analysis.
LOAD selects constant loads while DLOAD selects time-dependent loads. See
the Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide on defining time-dependent
loads.
11. BGSET, BOLTLD and GKRESULTS are used only with SOL 601.
12. DISPLACEMENT, VELOCITY, and ACCELERATION should all reference the

same set of grid points. If different sets are referenced, the sets are combined
and results will be output for the combined set.
13. For shell nodes which have 5 degrees of freedom, rotation results are not output
for displacements, velocities, and accelerations.
14. You can use the following Bulk Data Entries with SOL 601 (all) and SOL 701
(except those marked as “not 701”):
BCPROP CORD2S MATHP PMASS
BCRPARA CPENTA MATS1 PROD
BCTPARA CQUAD (not 701) MATT1 PSHELL
BCTADD CQUAD4 MATT2 PSOLID

SOL 601,N or SOL 701 147
BCTSET CQUAD8 (not 701) MATT9 RBAR

BGSET (not 701) CQUADR (not 701) MOMENT RBE2
BOLT (not 701) CQUADX (not 701) MOMENT1 RBE3
BOLTFOR (not CREEP (not 701) MOMENT2 RFORCE
701)
BSURF CROD MPC SPC
BSURFS CTETRA MPCADD SPC1
CBAR CTRIA3 NXSTRAT SPCADD
CBEAM CTRIA6 (not 701) PARAM SPCD
CBUSH1D CTRIAR (not 701) PBAR TABLED1
CDAMP1 CTRIAX (not 701) PBARL TABLED2
CDAMP2 DLOAD PBCOMP TABLEM1 3
CELAS1 EBDSET PBEAM TABLES1 EXEC
CELAS2 EBDADD PBEAML TABLEST
CGAP FORCE PBUSH1D TEMP
CHEXA FORCE1 PCOMP (not 701) TEMPD
CMASS1 FORCE2 PDAMP TIC
CMASS2 GRAV PELAS TLOAD1
CONM1 GRID PGAP TSTEP
CONM2 LOAD PLOAD
CONROD MAT1 PLOAD1
CORD1C MAT2 PLOAD2
CORD1R MAT8 PLOAD4
CORD1S MAT9 PLOADX1 (not 701)
CORD2C MATG (not 701) PLPLANE (not 701)
CORD2R MATHE PLSOLID (not 701)
15. BSURF, BSURFS, BCPROP, BCRPARA, BCTSET and BCSET are supported
by SOLs 101, 601 and 701. BCTPARA, BCTADD, NXSTRAT, EBDSET and
EBDADD are only supported by SOLs 601 and 701. MATG is supported only
for SOL 601.
16. Not all parameters in each bulk data entry are used. Restrictions are given in
the description for the entry. Some restrictions are highlighted in Remark 19.
17. For PARAM entry, parameters POST, LGDISP, LGSTRN, ALPHA1, and ALPHA2
are supported.
148 SOL 601,N or SOL 701
18. PARAM,POST,-2 must be specified to generate both geometry and results data
blocks in the op2 file. PARAM,POST,-1 must be specified to generate only results
data blocks. Otherwise, no op2 file is generated.
19. Some important restrictions in SOL 601 and 701 are highlighted below:
• When there is element birth/death (either through EBDSET or automatic

element rupture) or preload bolt, SORT2 output is not supported.
• Structural damping is not supported for individual elements. Hence, GE

field in the supported Bulk Data entries is not used. Rayleigh damping
is supported and specified with PARAM ALPHA1 and ALPHA2. Only
ALPHA1 is supported for SOL 701.
3
EXEC • Nonstructural mass is not supported.
• CROD and CONROD are simulated by rod elements with no torsional

stiffness.
• Several restrictions apply to beam elements, e.g. beam offsets, tapered

beams, shear center. Please see remarks in the CBAR, CBEAM, PBAR,
PBARL, PBEAM, PBEAML, and PBCOMP entries.
• Only relevant fields in the MAT2 and MAT9 entries are used to define
orthotropic materials instead of anisotropic materials.
• In the PSHELL entry, only MID1 is used to define material properties

of shell elements.
• Restrictions apply to the use of follower force/moment in FORCE1, FORCE2,

MOMENT1, and MOMENT2 entries.
• Transverse properties for gap elements (PGAP entry) are not supported.
• Only diagonal terms in the mass matrix defined by CONM1 and CONM2
are used.
• Several restrictions apply to MATHP, CREEP, and PLOAD1 entries. Other

restrictions are mentioned in the remarks for the entry.
20. For more information on SOL 601 and 701, please refer to the Advanced
Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide.
TIME 149
TIME
Sets the maximum CPU and I/O time.
Format:
TIME[=]t1[,t2]]
Describers:
Describer Meaning
t1 Maximum allowable execution time in CPU minutes. (Real or
Integer > 0; Default = 1.89E9 seconds) 3
t2 Maximum allowable I/O limit in minutes. (Real or Integer > 0; EXEC
Default is infinity, which is machine dependent.)
Remarks:
1. The TIME statement is optional.
2. If t2 is specified then t1 must be specified.
Examples:
1. The following example designates a runtime of 8 hours:

TIME 480
2. The following example designates 90 seconds:

TIME 1.5
150 TIME
3
EXEC
Chapter
4 Case Control Commands
• Format of Case Control Command Descriptions
• Case Control Command Summary
• Case Control Command Descriptions
• Case Control Applicability Tables

4
CASE
4
CASE
The Case Control Section

The Case Control Section has several basic functions; specifically, it:
• Selects loads and constraints.
• Requests printing, plotting, and/or punching of input and output data (see
“Plotting” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.)
• Defines the subcase structure for the analysis.
Table 4-1 through Table 4-6 at the end of this section indicate the applicability of
each command in all solution sequences.
4
CASE
154 Format of Case Control Command Descriptions
4.2 Format of Case Control Command Descriptions

Case Control commands may be abbreviated down to the first four characters as
long as the abbreviation is unique relative to all other commands. Each command
is described as follows:
Description
A brief sentence about the function of the command is stated.
Format
Describers in uppercase are keywords that must be specified as shown. In addition,


4 stacked vertically, then only one may be specified.
CASE
If the command line is longer than 72 columns, then it may be continued to the
next line with a comma. For example:
SET 1=5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10 THRU 55
Examples
Describers
Each of the describers is briefly discussed. The describer’s type (e.g., Integer, Real,
or Character), allowable range, and default value are enclosed in parentheses. The
describer must be specified by the user if no default value is given.
Remarks
The Remarks are generally arranged in order of importance and indicate such
things as which Bulk Data entries are selected by the Case Control command; the
command’s relationship to other commands, restrictions and recommendations on
its use; and further descriptions of the describers.
Case Control Command Summary 155
4.3 Case Control Command Summary

This section contains a summary of all Case Control commands under the following
headings:
Subcase Definition
1. Output Request Delimiters
OUTPUT Delimits the various types of commands for the

structure plotter, curve plotter, grid point stress,
and MSGSTRESS.
OUTPUT(PLOT) Beginning of structure plotter output request.
OUTPUT(POST) or Beginning of grid point stress output requests

SETS DEFINITION } and/or p-element data recovery set definition.
OUTPUT(XYOUT) or Beginning of curve plotter output request.

OUTPUT(XYPLOT) } 4
OUTPUT(CARDS) Suppresses processing of Bulk Data entries CASE
(MSGMESH).
ENDCARDS Reactivates processing of Bulk Data entries

(MSGMESH).
2. Subcase Delimiters
SUBCASE Delimits and identifies a subcase.
SUBCOM Delimits and identifies a combination subcase.
SYM Delimits and identifies a symmetry subcase.
SYMCOM Delimits and identifies a symmetry combination

subcase.
REPCASE Delimits and identifies a repeated output request

subcase.
3. Subcase Control
SUBSEQ Gives the coefficients for forming a linear combination

of the previous subcases.
156 Case Control Command Summary
SYMSEQ Gives the coefficients for combining the symmetry

subcases into the total structure.
MODES Repeats a subcase.
MASTER Allows the redefinition of a MASTER subcase.
Data Selection
1. Static Load Selection
LOAD Selects an external static loading set.
DEFORM Selects the element deformation set.
CLOAD Requests a CLOAD Bulk Data entry that defines a

list of superelement loads and their scale factors in
nonlinear static analysis only.
4
CASE
2. Dynamic Load Selection
DLOAD Selects a dynamic load or an acoustic source to be

applied in a transient or frequency response problem.
LOADSET Selects a sequence of static load sets to be applied to

the structural model. The load sets may be referenced
by dynamic load commands.
NONLINEAR Selects nonlinear dynamic load set for transient

problems.
3. Constraint Selection
SPC Selects a single-point constraint set to be applied.
MPC Selects a multipoint constraint set.
SUPORT1 Selects the fictitious support set (SUPORT1 entries

only) to be applied to the model.
AXISYMMETRIC Selects boundary conditions for an axisymmetric shell

problem or specifies the existence of fluid harmonics
for hydroelastic problems.
DSYM Provides for either one or two planes of overall

symmetry in DIH-type cyclic symmetry problems.
BC Identifies multiple boundary conditions for normal

modes, buckling, and flutter analysis in SOLs 103, 105,
145, and 200.
STATSUB Selects the static solution to use in forming the

differential stiffness for buckling analysis, normal
modes, complex eigenvalue, frequency response and
transient response analysis.
4. Thermal Field Selection
TEMPERATURE Selects the temperature set to be used in either

material property calculations or thermal loading in
heat transfer and structural analysis.
TEMPERATURE
(LOAD)
Selects temperature set for static thermal load.
4
CASE
TEMPERATURE Selects temperature set for temperature-dependent
(MATERIAL) material properties.
TEMPERATURE Selects initial temperature distribution for

(INITIAL) temperature dependent material properties and heat
transfer problems.
TSTRU Defines a temperature set ID for a structures run

based on a heat transfer subcase.
5. Static Solution Conditions
SMETHOD Selects iterative solver parameters.
6. Dynamic Solution Conditions
RSMETHOD Selects the real eigenvalue extraction parameters

in the component mode reduction of the residual
structure for direct and modal solutions.
METHOD Selects the real eigenvalue extraction parameters.
CMETHOD Selects complex eigenvalue extraction parameters.

SDAMPING Requests modal damping as a function of natural

frequency in modal solutions or viscoelastic materials
as a function of frequency in direct frequency response
analysis.
FREQUENCY Selects the set of forcing frequencies to be solved in

frequency response problems.
RANDOM Selects the RANDPS and RANDT1 Bulk Data entries

to be used in random analysis.
IC Selects the initial conditions for direct transient

analysis (SOLs 9, 109, 129, and 159).
SMETHOD Selects iterative solver override options in frequency

response analysis.
TSTEP Selects integration and output time steps for linear or

nonlinear transient analysis.
4
CASE 7. Direct Input Matrix Selection
B2GG Selects direct input damping matrices.
B2PP Selects direct input damping matrices.
K2GG Selects direct input stiffness matrices.
K2PP Selects direct input stiffness matrices, which are not

included in normal modes.
M2GG Selects direct input mass matrices.
M2PP Selects direct input mass matrices, which are not

included in normal modes.
TFL Selects the transfer function set(s) to be added to the

direct input matrices.
P2G Selects direct input load matrices.
MFLUID Selects the MFLUID Bulk Data entries to be used to

specify the fluid-structure interface.
8. Nonlinear Analysis
NLPARM Selects the parameters used for nonlinear static analysis.
SMETHOD Selects iterative solver override parameters in nonlinear

static analysis.
TSTEP Selects integration and output time steps for linear or

nonlinear transient analysis.
TSTEPNL Transient time step set Selection for nonlinear analysis.
9. Aerodynamic Analysis
AECONFIG Assigns the aerodynamic configuration parameter used

to locate the associated datablocks on the aerodynamic
and aeroelastic databases.
AESYMXY Aerodynamic XY plane of symmetry flag.
AESYMXZ Aerodynamic XZ plane of symmetry flag.

4
AEUXREF Defines the Reference Aerodynamic Extra Point CASE
(Controller) Vector.
CSSCHD Aerodynamic Control Surface Schedule.
GUST Selects the gust field in an aerodynamic response

problem.
TRIM Selects trim variable constraints in static aeroelastic

response.
FMETHOD Selects the parameters to be used by the aerodynamic

flutter analysis.
DIVERG Selects the divergence parameters in a static aeroelastic

divergence problem.
10. Design Optimization and Sensitivity (SOL 200)
ANALYSIS Specifies the type of analysis being performed for the

current subcase.
AUXCASE Delimits Case Control commands for an auxiliary model

in SOL 200.
AUXMODEL References an auxiliary model for generation of boundary

shapes in shape optimization.
BEGIN BULK Designates the end of the Case Control Section and/or
the beginning of a Bulk Data Section.
DESGLB Selects the design constraints to be applied at the global

level in a design optimization task.
DESOBJ Selects the DRESP1 or DRESP2 entry to be used as the

design objective.
DESSUB Selects the design constraints to be used in a design

optimization task for the current subcase.
DSAPRT Specifies design sensitivity output parameters.
MODTRAK Selects mode tracking options in design optimization

(SOL 200).
4
CASE 11. Original Design Sensitivity Analysis (DSA) (SOLs 101, 103, and 105)
SENSITY Requests generation of the combined constraint/design

sensitivity matrix for original design sensitivity analysis
(DSA).
12. p-element and Adaptivity Analysis
ADACT Specifies whether or not the subcase is to participate in

the adaptivity process.
ADAPT Specifies adaptivity control parameters.
DATAREC Requests form and type of output for p-version elements.
OUTRCV Selects the output options for p-elements defined on an

OUTRCV Bulk Data entry.
SET Defines a set of element identification numbers only for

the SURFACE and VOLUME commands (grid point
stress) or the OUTRCV Bulk Data entry (p-element data
recovery). This form of the SET command must and
can only be specified after the SETS DEFINITION or
OUTPUT(POST) command delimiter.
SETS Delimits the various type of commands under grid point

DEFINITION stress and/or p-version element set definitions. This
command is synonymous with OUTPUT(POST).
VUGRID Requests output of view grid and view element entries

used in p-version element data recovery.
Output Selection
1. Output Control
TITLE Defines a character string that will appear on the first

heading line of each page of the NX Nastran printer
output.
SUBTITLE Defines a subtitle that will appear on the second heading

line of each page of the printer output.
LABEL Defines a character string that will appear on the third 4

heading line of each page of the printer output. CASE
LINE Defines the maximum number of output lines per printed
page.
MAXLINES Sets the maximum number of output lines.
ECHO Controls echo (i.e., printout) of the Bulk Data.
ECHOOFF Suppresses echo of Case Control.
ECHOON Reactivates echo of Case Control.
PAGE Causes a page eject in the echo of the Case Control Section.
PLOTID Defines a character string that will appear on the first

frame of any plotter output.
SKIP Activates or deactivates the execution of subsequent

commands in the Case Control (including plot commands).
SKIPON Defines commands in Case Control that are not to be

processed.
SKIPOFF Resumes processing of commands in Case Control.
2. Set Definition
SET Defines a set of element or grid point numbers to be

plotted.
SET2 Lists paired set numbers for design sensitivity.

These sets refer to constraint and design variable set
identification numbers.
MAXMIN Specifies options for max/min surveys of certain output

data associated with grid points.
OFREQUENCY Selects a set of frequencies for output requests.
OMODES Selects a set of modes for output requests.
OTIME Selects a set of times for output requests.
PARTN Specifies a list of grid point identification numbers that

will be partitioned with the DMAP module MATMOD
(Option 17). In SOLs 111 and 200, the PARTN command
specifies the points at which modal participation factors
4 are to be computed.
CASE
SURFACE Defines a surface for the calculation of grid point
stresses, strains, or mesh stress discontinuities.
VOLUME Defines a volume for the calculation of grid point

stresses, strains, or mesh stress discontinuities.
3. Physical Set Output Requests
DISPLACEMENT, Requests the form and type of displacement or

VECTOR, or pressure vector output. Note: PRESSURE and
PRESSURE VECTOR are equivalent commands.
SVECTOR Requests the form and type of solution set

eigenvector output.
VELOCITY Requests the form and type of velocity vector output.
ACCELERATION Requests the form and type of acceleration vector

output.
FORCE Requests the form and type of element force output

orELFORCE or particle velocity output in coupled fluid-structural
analysis. Note: ELFORCE is an equivalent
command.
STRESS or Requests the form and type of element stress output.

ELSTRESS Note: ELSTRESS is an equivalent command.
GPSTRESS Requests grid point stresses for printing only.
ELSDCON Requests mesh stress discontinuities based on

element stresses (see STRESS).
GPSDCON Requests mesh stress discontinuities based on grid

point stresses (see GPSTRESS).
STRFIELD Requests the computation of grid point stresses

for graphical postprocessing and mesh stress
discontinuities.
STRAIN Requests the form and type of strain output.
GPFORCE Requests grid point force balance at selected grid

points.
ESE Requests the output of the strain energy in selected 4

elements. CASE
FLUX Requests the form and type of gradient and flux
output in heat transfer analysis.
ENTHALPY Requests form of enthalpy vector output in transient

heat transfer analysis (SOL 159).
HDOT Requests form of rate of change of enthalpy vector

output in transient heat transfer analysis (SOL 159).
MPCFORCE Requests the form and type of multipoint force of

constraint vector output.
SPCFORCES Requests the form and type of single-point force of

constraint vector output.
OLOAD Requests the form and type of applied load vector

output.
THERMAL Requests the form and type of temperature output.
NOUTPUT Requests physical output in cyclic symmetry

problems.
BOUTPUT Selects contact regions for output.

EDE Requests the output of the energy loss per cycle in

selected elements.
EKE Requests the output of the kinetic energy in selected

elements.
GPKE Requests the output of the kinetic energy at selected

grid points in normal modes analysis only.
GPSTRAIN Requests grid points strains for printing only.
MEFFMASS Requests the output of the modal effective mass,

participation factors, and modal effective mass
fractions in normal modes analysis.
NLSTRESS Requests the form and type of nonlinear element

stress output in SOL 106.
4. Solution Set Output Requests

4
CASE HARMONICS Controls the number of harmonics output in
axisymmetric shell or axisymmetric fluid problems;
controls the number of harmonics to be used for
analysis in cyclic symmetry problems.
HOUTPUT Requests harmonic output in cyclic symmetry

problems.
SDISPLACEMENT Requests the form and type of solution set

displacement output.
SVELOCITY Requests the form and type of solution set velocity

output.
SACCELERATION Requests the form and type of solution set

acceleration output.
NLLOAD Requests the form and type of nonlinear load output

for transient problems.
MPRES Requests the pressure for selected surface elements

in fluid-structure interaction problems.
AEROF Requests the aerodynamic loads on aerodynamic

control points.
APRESSURE Requests the aerodynamic pressures in static

aeroelastic response.
5. Model Checkout
ELSUM Requests a summary of element properties for

output.
GROUNDCHECK Performs grounding check analysis on stiffness

matrix to expose unintentional constraints by
moving the model rigidly.
WEIGHTCHECK At each stage of the mass matrix reduction, computes

rigid body mass and compares it with the rigid body
mass of the g-set.
Superelement Control
4
SUPER Assigns a subcase(s) to a superelement or set of CASE
superelements.
SEMGENERATE Specifies the superelement identification numbers for

which stiffness, mass, and damping matrices will be
generated.
SELGENERATE Specifies the superelement identification numbers for

which static loads will be generated.
SEALL Specifies the superelement identification numbers of

Phase 1 processing in which all matrices and loads are
generated and assembled. Controls execution of the
solution sequence.
SEKREDUCE Specifies the superelement identification numbers for

which stiffness matrices are assembled and reduced.
SEMREDUCE Specifies the superelement identification numbers for

which the mass and damping matrices will be assembled
and reduced. In buckling analysis, the differential stiffness
matrices are assembled and reduced.
SELREDUCE Specifies the superelement identification numbers for

which the static load matrices will be assembled and
reduced.
SEFINAL Specifies the superelement identification number of the

final superelement to be assembled.
SEEXCLUDE Specifies the superelement identification numbers for

which all matrices and loads will not be assembled into the
downstream superelement.
SEDR Specifies the superelement identification numbers for

which data recovery will be performed.
SEDV Specifies the superelement identification numbers for

which the design variables will be processed.
SERESP Specifies the superelement identification numbers for

which the design sensitivity matrices will be generated.
Miscellaneous
4 $ Used to insert comments into the input file. Comment

CASE statements may appear anywhere within the input file.
INCLUDE Inserts an external file into the input file. The INCLUDE
statement may appear anywhere within the input data file.
OUTPUT Delimits the various types of commands for the structure

plotter, curve plotter, grid point stress, and MSGSTRESS.
PARAM Specifies values for parameters.

Case Control Command Descriptions 167
4.4 Case Control Command Descriptions
4
CASE
168 $
Comment
$ Comment
Format:
Examples:
Remarks:
1. Comments are ignored by the program.
4
CASE
ACCELERATION 169
Acceleration Output Request
ACCELERATION Acceleration Output Request
Requests form and type of acceleration vector output.
Format:
Examples:
ACCELERATION=5
ACCELERATION(SORT2, PHASE)=ALL
ACCELERATION(SORT1, PRINT, PUNCH, PHASE)=17 4
Describers: CASE
Describer Meaning
SORT1 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of grid points

for each load, frequency, eigenvalue, or time, depending on
the solution sequence.
SORT2 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of frequency or

time for each grid point.
PRINT The printer will be the output medium.
PUNCH The punch file will be the output medium.
PLOT Computes, but does not print or punch, acceleration output.
REAL or IMAG Requests rectangular format (real and imaginary) of complex

output. Use of either REAL or IMAG yields the same output.
PHASE Requests polar format (magnitude and phase) of complex

output. Phase output is in degrees.
ABS For enforced motion dynamic analysis, acceleration results

will be output as absolute acceleration.
170 ACCELERATION
Describer Meaning
REL For enforced motion dynamic analysis, acceleration results

will be output relative to the enforced motion input.
PSDF Requests the power spectral density function be calculated for

random analysis post-processing. The request must be made
above the subcase level and RANDOM must be selected in the
Case Control. See remark 7.
ATOC Requests the autocorrelation function be calculated for

CRMS Requests the cumulative root mean square function be

calculated for random analysis post-processing. Request must
be made above the subcase level and RANDOM must be made
in the Case Control. See remark 7.
4
CASE RALL Requests all of PSDF, ATOC, and CRMS be calculated for
RPRINT Writes random analysis results to the print file. (Default) See
remark 7.
NORPRINT Disables the writing of random analysis results to the print

file. See remark 7.
RPUNCH Writes random analysis results to the punch file. See remark
7.
ALL Accelerations at all points will be output.
NONE Accelerations at no points will be output.
n Set identification of a previously appearing SET command.

Only accelerations of points with identification numbers that
appear on this SET command will be output. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. Both PRINT and PUNCH may be requested.

ACCELERATION 171
2. Acceleration output is only available for transient and frequency response

problems.
3. See Remark 2 under “DISPLACEMENT” for a discussion of SORT1 and SORT2.
4. ACCELERATION = NONE allows overriding an overall output request.
5. The PLOT option is used when curve plots are desired in the magnitude/phase
representation and no printer request is present for magnitude/phase
representation.
6. Acceleration results are output in the global coordinate system (see field CD on
the GRID Bulk Data entry).
7. The option of PSDF, ATOC, CRMS, and RALL, or any combination of them can
be selected for random analysis. The results can be either printed to the .f06 file,
punched to the punch file, or output to both files using RPRINT and RPUNCH.
8. When doing enforced motion dynamic analysis and relative output is requested
(using the REL describer), the output will be relative to the input as described 4
by the equation: CASE
where uf = absolute displacement

yf = relative displacement
us = enforced motion.
Remarks related to SOLs 601 and 701:
1. Output is restricted to REAL format. IMAG, PHASE, PSDF, ATOC and RALL
are ignored.
2. Displacements, velocities and accelerations must be output for the same set of
grid points if requested. Output requested for set n in this command will be
combined with the sets requested in the VELOCITY and DISPLACEMENT
commands, and accelerations will be output at the grid points of the combined
set.
172 ADACT
Adaptivity Subcase Selection
ADACT Adaptivity Subcase Selection
Specifies whether or not the subcase is to participate in the adaptivity process.
Format:
Examples:
ADACT=NONE
ADACT=10
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 ALL All subcases will participate in the error analysis.
CASE
n The first n modes in a normal modes analysis will participate in
the error analysis. (Integer>0)
NONE The current subcase will not participate in the error analysis.
Remarks:
1. ADACT is processed only when an adaptive analysis is requested.
2. In a static analysis, ADACT=n is equivalent to ADACT = ALL and ALL means

that the results of all subcases will be included in the error analysis. When
ADACT = NONE in any subcase, the results of that subcase are excluded from
the error analysis and adaptivity.
3. In an eigenvalue analysis, ALL means that the results of all the modes will be
included in the error analysis.
4. Only one ADACT command may be specified per SUBCASE.
5. An ADAPT Case Control command must be present in order to have an adaptive

analysis.
ADAMSMNF 173
Generates ADAMS Interface Modal Neutral File
ADAMSMNF Generates ADAMS Interface Modal Neutral File
Generates ADAMS Interface Modal Neutral File (MNF) during SOL 103.
Format:
4
CASE
Examples:
ADAMSMNF FLEXBODY=YES
Describers:
Describer Meaning
FLEXBODY Requests the generation of MNF.
NO Standard NX Nastran solution without MNF creation (default).
YES MNF generation requested.
FLEXONLY Determines if standard DMAP solution runs or not after MNF

creation is complete.
YES Only MNF creation occurs (default).
NO MNF file creation occurs along with standard DMAP solution.
OUTGSTRS Determines if grid point stress is written to MNF.

174 ADAMSMNF
Describer Meaning
NO Do not write grid point stress to MNF (default).
YES Write grid point stress to MNF.
OUTGSTRN Determines if grid point strain is written to MNF.
NO Do not write grid point strain to MNF (default).
YES Write grid point strain to MNF.
MINVAR Determines how mass invariants are computed.
PARTIAL Mass invariants 5 and 9 are not computed.
CONSTANT Mass invariants 1,2,6 and 7 are computed.
FULL All nine mass invariants are computed.

4
CASE NONE No mass invariants are computed.
PSETID Selects a set of elements defined in the OUTPUT(PLOT) section

(including PLOTEL) or on a sketch file whose connectivity is
exported to face geometry to be used in ADAMS. (See Remark
15)
NONE All grids, geometry and associated modal data is written to

MNF (default).
setid The connectivity of a specific element set is used to export face

geometry.
ALL The connectivity of all element sets are used to export face
geometry.
sktunit The connectivity of element faces defined on a sketch file is used

to export face geometry. Note that the value must be a negative
number to distinguish it from a setid value.
ADMOUT Requests that the FLEXBODY run output an NX Nastran OP2

file for use in post processing of ADAMS/Flex results.
NO OP2 file will not be generated (default).

ADAMSMNF 175
Describer Meaning
YES OP2 file will be generated.
CHECK Requests debug output be written to the f06 file when

ADMOUT=YES (See Remark 19).
NO No debug output will be written (default).
YES Debug output will be written.
Remarks:
1. The creation of the Adams MNF, which is applicable in a non-restart SOL 103
analysis only, is initiated by ADAMSMNF FLEXBODY=YES (other describers
are optional) along with the inclusion of the bulk data entry DTI,UNITS.
2. The Data Table Input Bulk Data entry DTI,UNITS, which is required for an
ADAMSMNF FLEXBODY=YES run, is used to specify the system of units for
the data stored in the MNF (unlike NX Nastran, ADAMS is not a unitless 4
code). Once identified, the units will apply to all superelements in the model. CASE
The complete format is:
DTI UNITS 1 MASS FORCE LENGTH TIME
All entries are required. Acceptable character strings are listed below.
Mass:
KG - kilogram
LBM – pound-mass (0.45359237 kg)
SLUG – slug (14.5939029372 kg)
GRAM – gram (1E-3 kg)
OZM – ounce-mass (0.02834952 kg)
KLBM – kilo pound-mass (1000 lbm) (453.59237 kg)
MGG – megagram (1E3 kg)
MG – milligram (1E-6 kg)
MCG – microgram (1E-9 kg)
NG – nanogram (1E-12 kg)
UTON – U.S. ton (907.18474 kg)
SLI – slinch (175.1271524 kg)
176 ADAMSMNF
Force:
N – Newton
LBF – pound-force (4.44822161526 N)
KGF – kilograms-force (9.80665 N)
OZF – ounce-force (0.2780139 N)
DYNE – dyne (1E-5 N)
KN – kilonewton (1E3 N)
KLBF – kilo pound-force (1000 lbf) (4448.22161526 N)
MN – millinewton (1E-3 N)
MCN – micronewton (1E-6 N)
NN – nanonewton (1E-9 N)
Length:
4 M – meter
CASE
KM – kilometer (1E3 m)
CM – centimeter (1E-2 m)
MM – millimeter (1E-3 m)
MI – mile (1609.344 m)
FT – foot (0.3048 m)
IN – inch (25.4E-3 m)
MCM – micrometer (1E-6 m)
NM – nanometer (1E-9 m)
A – Angstrom (1E-10 m)
YD – yard (0.9144 m)
ML – mil (25.4E-6 m)
MCI – microinch (25.4E-9 m)
Time:
S – second
H – hour (3600.0 sec)
MIN-minute (60.0 sec)
ADAMSMNF 177
MS – millisecond (1E-3 sec)

MCS – microsecond (1E-6 sec)
NS – nanosecond (1E-9 sec)
D – day (86.4E3 sec)
3. Since DTI,UNITS determines all units for the MNF, the units defined in
WTMASS, which are important for units consistency in NX Nastran, are ignored
in the output to the MNF. For example, if the model mass is kilograms, force in
Newtons, length in meters, and time in seconds, then WTMASS would equal 1
ensuring that NX Nastran works with the consistent set of kg, N, and m. The
units written to the MNF would be: “DTI,UNITS,1,KG,N,M,S”.
4. You can create flexible body attachment points by defining the component as a
superelement or part superelement, in which case the physical external (a-set)
grids become the attachment points; or for a residual-only type model, you can
use standard NX Nastran ASET Bulk Data entries to define the attachment
points.
5. The nine mass variants are:

4
CASE
178 ADAMSMNF
4
CASE
sp = [xyz]T are the coordinates of grid point p in the basic coordinate system.
φp=partitioned orthogonal modal matrix that corresponds to the translational

degrees of freedom of grid p.
Ip=inertia tensor p.
φp*=partitioned orthogonal modal matrix that corresponds to the rotational
=skew-symmetric matrix formed for each grid translational degree of

freedom for each mode.
M=number of modes.
N=number of grids.
6. To accurately capture the mode shapes when supplying SPOINT/QSET

combinations, the number of SPOINTS (ns) should be at least ns=n+(6+p),
assuming that residual flexibility is on. In the above equation for ns, the number
ADAMSMNF 179
of modes (n) is specified on the EIGR or EIGRL Bulk Data entries; the number of
load cases is p. In general, you can’t have too many SPOINTs, as excess ones will
simply be truncated with no performance penalty.
7. For FLEXBODY=YES runs, residual vectors for the component should always be
calculated as they result in a more accurate representation of the component
shapes at little additional cost.
8. OMIT or OMIT1 Bulk Data entries are not supported.
9. Lumped mass formulation (default) is required. Either leave

PARAM,COUPMASS out of the input file or supply PARAM,COUPMASS,-1
(default) to ensure lumped mass.
10. P-elements are not allowed because they are always use a coupled mass
formulation.
11. PARAM,WTMASS,value with a value other than 1.0 may be used with an NX
Nastran run generating an MNF. It must have consistent units with regard 4
to the DTI,UNITS Bulk Data entry. Before generating the MNF, NX Nastran CASE
will appropriately scale the WTMASS from the physical mass matrix and mode
shapes.
12. There is a distinction between how an ADAMSMNF FLEXBODY=YES run

handles element-specific loads (such as a PLOAD4 entry) versus those that are
grid-specific (such as a FORCE entry), especially when superelements are used.
The superelement sees the total element-specific applied load. For grid-specific
loads, the loads attached to an external grid will move downstream with the
grid. That is to say, it is part of the boundary and not part of the superelement.
This distinction applies to a superelement run and not to a residual-only or
parts superelement run.
13. The loads specified in NX Nastran generally fall into two categories: non-follower
or fixed direction loads (non-circulatory) and follower loads (circulatory). The
follower loads are nonconservative in nature. Examples of fixed direction loads
are the FORCE entry or a PLOAD4 entry when its direction is specified via
direction cosines. Examples of follower loads are the FORCE1 entry or the
PLOAD4 entry when used to apply a normal pressure. By default in NX
Nastran, the follower loads are always active in SOL 103 and will result in
follower stiffness being added to the differential stiffness and elastic stiffness of
the structure. In a run with ADAMSMNF FLEXBODY=YES and superelements,
if the follower force is associated with a grid description (such as a FORCE1) and
the grid is external to the superelement, the follower load will move downstream
with the grid. Thus, the downstream follower contribution to the component’s
180 ADAMSMNF
stiffness will be lost, which could yield poor results. This caution only applies to
a superelement run and not to a residual-only or a part superelement run.
14. OUTGSTRS and OUTGSTRN entries require the use of standard NX Nastran
STRESS= or STRAIN= used in conjunction with GPSTRESS= or GPSTRAIN=
commands to produce grid point stress or strain. GPSTRESS(PLOT)= or
GPSTRAIN(PLOT)= will suppress grid stress or strain print to the NX Nastran
.f06 file.
15. To reduce the FE mesh detail for dynamic simulations, PSETID (on the
ADAMSMNF Case Control command) defined with a SET entry (i.e. setid) is
used to define a set of PLOTELs or other elements used to select grids to display
the components in ADAMS. This option can significantly reduce the size of the
MNF without compromising accuracy in the ADAMS simulation providing that
the mass invariant computation is requested. With superelement analysis, for
any of these elements that lie entirely on the superelement boundary (all of the
elements’ grids attached only to a-set or exterior grids), a SEELT Bulk Data
entry must be specified to keep that display element with the superelement
component. This can also be accomplished using PARAM, AUTOSEEL,YES. The
4 SEELT entry is not required with parts superelements, as boundary elements
CASE stay with their component.
If the SET entry points to an existing set from the OUTPUT(PLOT) section, this
single set is used explicitly to define elements used to select grids to display the
component in ADAMS. If PSETID does not find the set ID in OUTPUT(PLOT), it
will search sets in the case control for a matching set ID. This matching set ID
list then represents a list of OUTPUT(PLOT) defined elements’ sets, the union of
which will be used to define a set of PLOTELs or other elements used to select
grids to display the component in ADAMS. If the user wishes to select all of the
sets in the OUTPUT(PLOT) section, then use PSETID=ALL.
The following element types are not supported for writing to an MNF, nor are
they supported as a ‘type’ entry in a set definition in OUTPUT(PLOT): CAABSF,
CAEROi, CDUMi, CHACAB, CHACBR, CHBDYx, CDAMP3, CDAMP4,
CELAS3, CELAS4, CFLUIDi, CMASS3, CMASS4, CRAC2D, CRAC3D,
CTRMEM, CTWIST, CWEDGE, CWELD, and GENEL.
PSETID can also point to a sketch file using PSETID=-sktunit, where sktunit
references an ASSIGN statement of the form
ASSIGN SKT=‘sketch_file.dat’,UNIT=sktunit.
The grids defined for the elements’ faces in the sketch file, along with all external
(i.e. boundary) grids for the superelements, will be the only grids (and their
associated data) written to the MNF.
The format of the sketch file, which describes the mesh as a collection of faces,
must be as follows:
ADAMSMNF 181
face_count
face_1_node_count face_1_nodeid_1 face_1_nodeid_2 ...
face_2_node_count face_2_nodeid_1 face_2_nodeid_2 ...
<etc>
Faces must have a node count of at least two. For example, a mesh comprised of
a single brick element might be described as follows:
6
4 1000 1001 1002 1003
4 1007 1006 1005 1004
4 1000 1004 1005 1001
4 1001 1005 1006 1002
4 1002 1006 1007 1003
4 1003 1007 1004 1000
Alternatively, the mesh might be described as a stick figure using a collection of

lines (two node faces), as shown below:
8
2 101 102
2 102 103
2 103 104
2 104 105
2
2
105
106
106
107 4
2 107 108 CASE
2 108 109
16. Typical NX Nastran data entry requirements are described below.

Typical Parameters:
• PARAM,RESVEC,character_value – controls calculation of residual
flexibility (including inertia relief) modes. In SOL 103, residual flexibility is
on by default for only component modes (o-set).
• PARAM,GRDPNT, value - mass invariants 1I, 2I, and 7I will be computed

using results of NX Nastran grid point weight generator execution in the
basic coordinate system.
Typical Case Control:
• ADAMSMNF FLEXBODY=YES is required for MNF generation.
• METHOD=n is required before or in the first subcase for modal solutions.
• SUPORT1=seid is necessary to select a static support set for a residual

only linear preload run.
• SUPER=n,SEALL=n is useful with multiple superelement models to select

an individual superelement as a flexible body. Cannot be used with a linear
STATSUB(PRELOAD) run.
182 ADAMSMNF
• OUTPUT(PLOT) is necessary to define elements used to select grids to

display the component in ADAMS when PSETID=ALL or setid.
SET n=list of elements (including PLOTELs) is used to select grids to
display the component.
• OUTPUT(POST) is necessary to define volume and surface for grid stress

or strain shapes.
SET n=list is a list of elements for surface definition for grid stress or strain
shapes.
Stress and strain data in the MNF is limited to the six components (i.e. 3
normal and 3 shear) for a grid point for a given mode.
SURFACE n SET n NORMAL z3 is used to define a surface for writing stress
and strain data. Only one FIBER selection is allowed for each SURFACE,
thus the use of the FIBRE ALL keyword on the SURFACE case control
command will write stresses to the MNF at the Z1 fiber location only.
Since the FIBRE keyword only applies to stresses, strain data will always be
4 written to the MNF at the MID location.
CASE
Stress and strain data at grid points can only be written to the MNF for
surface and volume type elements (e.g. CQUAD and CHEXA).
VOLUME n SET n is a volume definition.
The default SYSTEM BASIC is required with SURFACE or VOLUME.
• STRESS(PLOT) is necessary for stress shapes.
• STRAIN(PLOT) is necessary for strain shapes.
• GPSTRESS(PLOT) is necessary for grid point stress shapes to be included

in the MNF.
• GPSTRAIN(PLOT) is necessary for grid point strain shapes to be included

in the MNF.
Typical Bulk Data:
• DTI,UNITS,1,MASS,FORCE,LENGTH,TIME is required for MNF

generation. For input files containing superelements, this command must
reside in the main bulk data section.
• SPOINT,id_list defines and displays modal amplitude.SESET,SEID,grid_list

defines a superelement (see GRID and BEGIN BULK SUPER=). The
exterior grids will represent the attachment points along with the q-set.
ADAMSMNF 183
• SEELT,SEID,element_list reassigns superelement boundary elements to

an upstream superelement.
• RELEASE,SEID,C,Gi is an optional entry that removes DOFs from an

attachment grid for which no constraint mode is desired. For example, this
allows the removal of rotational degrees of freedom from an analysis where
only translational degrees of freedom are required.
• SEQSET,SEID,spoint_list defines modal amplitudes of a superelement (see

SEQSET1).
• SENQSET,SEID,N defines modal amplitudes of a part superelement. It

must reside in the main Bulk Data Section.
• ASET,IDi,Ci defines attachment points for a residual-only run (see ASET1).
• QSET1,C,IDi defines modal amplitudes for the residual structure or modal

amplitudes for a part superelement (see QSET).
• SUPORT1,SID,IDi,Ci defines the static support for a preload condition 4

with a residual-only run. This entry is case control selectable. Do not use CASE
SUPORT.
• PLOTEL,EID,Gi can be used, along with existing model elements, to define

elements used to select grids to display the components in ADAMS.
• EIGR,SID,METHOD,… obtains real eigenvalue extraction (see EIGRL).
17. ADAMSMNF and RECURDYNRFI case control entries cannot be used in the
same analysis run. In other words, an ADAMS MNF file or a RecurDyn RFI file
can be generated during a particular NX Nastran execution, but not both files at
the same time. Attempting to generate both files in the same analysis will cause
an error to be issued and the execution to be terminated.
18. The ADMOUT=YES option is used when you would like results recovery (using
the ADMRECVR case control entry) from an ADAMS/Flex analysis. This option
requires the following assignment command:
ASSIGN OUTPUT2=’name.out’ STATUS=UNKNOWN UNIT=20
FORM=UNFORM
inserted into the file management section of the NX Nastran input file. It will
cause an OP2 file with a .out extension to be generated, which then can be
used as input into an NX Nastran SOL 103 run using the ADMRECVR case
control capability to perform results recovery from an ADAMS/Flex analysis.
FLEXBODY=YES is required with its use.
184 ADAMSMNF
The data blocks output are:

MGGEW - physical mass external sort with weight mass removed
MAAEW - modal mass
KAAE - modal stiffness
CMODEXT - component modes.
This capability is limited to one superelement per NX Nastran model.
Residual-only analyses are not supported.
19. Setting CHECK=YES (which is only available when ADMOUT=YES) is not

recommended for models of realistic size due to the amount of data that will
be written to the f06.
20. The ADAMSMNF data routines use the environment variable TMPDIR for
temporary storage during the processing of mode shape data. As a result,
TMPDIR must be defined when using ADAMSMNF. TMPDIR should equate
to a directory string for temporary disk storage, preferably one with a large
amount of free space.
4
CASE
ADAPT 185
Adaptivity Control Selection
ADAPT Adaptivity Control Selection
Specifies adaptivity control parameters.
Format:
ADAPT=n
Examples:
ADAPT=12
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification for either an ADAPT or PSET Bulk Data entry.

(Integer>0)
Remarks: 4
CASE
1. ADAPT is required only when an analysis with p-elements is requested.
2. A multiple p-level analysis with error analysis is performed whenever the

ADAPT command references an ADAPT Bulk Data entry.
3. A single p-level analysis without error analysis is performed whenever the

ADAPT command references a PSET Bulk Data entry.
4. Only one ADAPT may appear in the Case Control Section and should appear
above all SUBCASE commands.
5. The subcases that will not participate in the error analysis/adaptivity must
contain the ADACT = NONE command.
186 ADMRECVR
ADAMS stress recovery.
ADMRECVR ADAMS stress recovery.
Recovers stress results from an ADAMS/Flex analysis.
Format:
4
CASE Examples:
ASSIGN INPUTT2=‘adams_results.mdf’ UNIT=13

...
CEND
STRESS(PLOT)=100
ADMRECVR
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ADMFORM Specifies the format of the ADAMS/Flex modal deformations file

(see remarks 1 and 2)
BINARY OUTPUT2 file (default)
ASCII PUNCH file.
MSRMODE Specifies stress recovery type (see remarks 6 and 7).

ADMRECVR 187
Describer Meaning
0 Component modal definitions are stored in an OUTPUT2 file

(specifically, a *.out file was created by using ADMOUT=YES
on the ADAMSMNF case control in a pre-ADAMS/Flex NX
Nastran run). The OUTPUT2 files used in this case do not
contain data blocks used for MNF creation (default).
1 Same as option 0, except that the OUTPUT2 file will contain 10

additional data blocks used for MNF creation by an ADAMS
pre-processor (specifically, a *.out file created through use of the
mnfx.alt DMAP alter capability).
2 No file reference (specifically, component modal definitions will

be recomputed)
RGBODY Requests the addition of rigid body motion with modal

deformations (see remark 5).
NO Do not include rigid body motion (default). 4

CASE
YES Include rigid body motion.
MSGLVL Level of diagnostic output from Lanczos eigensolver when

component modal definitions are determined (applies only when
MSRMODE=2).
0 No output (default).
1 Warning and fatal messages.
2 Summary output.
3 Detailed output on cost and convergence.
4 Detailed output on orthogonalization.
ADMCHK Requests debug output be written to the f06 file (See Remark 9).
NO No debug output will be written (default).
YES Debug output will be written.

188 ADMRECVR
Remarks:
1. When modal deformations to be read are in binary (OUTPUT2) format

(specifically, ADMFORM=BINARY), the following statement needs to be specified
near the top of the NX Nastran input file in the file management section:
ASSIGN INPUTT2=‘<MDFilename>’ UNIT=13

where <MDFilename> is the name of the modal deformations file from ADAMS.
2. To input the modal deformations file from ADAMS in ASCII (Punch) format
(specifically, ADMFORM=ASCII), the following statement needs to be included
in the bulk data section:
INCLUDE ‘<MDFilename>’ where ‘<MDFilename>’ is the name of the modal

deformations file.
3. Dynamic stress/strain output can either be in .f06, PUNCH, and/or OUTPUT2

according to standard NX Nastran functionality. However, stress recovery in NX
Nastran from ADAMS/Flex results does not support XYPLOT output.
4
CASE 4. If displacements, stresses, and/or strains are to be available for post processing,
one or more of the following statements must appear in the case control section
of the NX Nastran input file:
DISP(PLOT) = <set id>

STRAIN(FIBER,PLOT) = <set id>
STRESS(PLOT) = <set id>
5. Rigid body motions from an ADAMS simulation are included in the modal
deformations file, but they are not applied unless the RGBODY keyword is set
to YES and the SORT1 option is included in the DISP(PLOT) command in case
control. Including rigid body motion affects the display and animation of the
flexible component, but it has no effect on dynamic stresses.
6. For MSRMODE=0 or 1, stress recovery references the OUTPUT2 file obtained

from the initial CMS analysis (specifically, ADMOUT=YES on the ADAMSMNF
case control entry or use of the mnfx.alt DMAP alter capability). No other files
are required. The geometric data needs to be included in the bulk data of the NX
Nastran input file because geometry is missing from the OUTPUT2 file. This
mode of stress recovery is faster than the MSRMODE=2 mode. To reference this
OUTPUT2 file the following line needs to be included in the file specification
section of the NX Nastran input file:
ASSIGN INPUTT2=‘<OUTPUT2_filename>’ UNIT=20

ADMRECVR 189
7. For MSRMODE=2, no files are referenced for stress recovery. Instead, a full
CMS reanalysis is performed to build the reference data for the stress recovery
analysis. Obviously, the analysis time is significantly far greater compared to
the MSRMODE=0 or 1 method, but this method frees up disk space. There is
also risk in using this method. If the reanalysis generates slightly different
component eigenvalues or eigenvectors than were generated during the creation
of the ADAMS MNF in the initial NX Nastran run, then the ADAMS results in
the ADAMS MDF (modal deformation file) will be inconsistent and incorrect
results will be recovered. Something as simple as a sign change for one
eigenvector will cause incorrect results to be recovered. It is, therefore, highly
recommended that MSRMODE=0 or 1 always be used.
8. This capability must be performed in SOL 103 and is limited to one superelement
per NX Nastran model. Residual-only analyses are not supported.
9. Setting ADMCHK=YES is not recommended for models of realistic size due to

the amount of data that will be written to the f06.
4
CASE
190 AECONFIG
Aeroelastic Configuration Name
AECONFIG Aeroelastic Configuration Name
Assigns the aerodynamic configuration parameter used to locate the associated

datablocks on the aerodynamic and aeroelastic databases. The configuration name
is the Aerodynamic Supergroup identified as part of the aeroelastic model in the
Aeroelasticity module prior to analysis submission. The standard location of the
AECONFIG entry will be above the SUBCASE entries. An AECONFIG located
within a SUBCASE entry will override the global AECONFIG; this requires
attachment to an existing aerodynamic database. If the AECONFIG is not found,
new qualified datablocks will be created from the data in the Bulk Data Section.
Format:
Assigns a DBset member name
AECONFIG =config-name.
4 Examples:
CASE Assigns a MASTER file for the aerodynamic and aeroelastic DBsets.
AECONFIG =CONFIG_A
Describers:
Describer Meaning
config-name The configuration name. This is the Aerodynamic SuperGroup

name identified as part of the aeroelastic model.
AEROF 191
Aerodynamic Force Output Request
AEROF Aerodynamic Force Output Request
Requests the aerodynamic loads on aerodynamic control points.
Format:
AEROF=n
Examples:
AEROF=ALL
AEROF=5
Describers:
Describer Meaning

(Integer>0)
ALL Output forces at all points.

4
CASE
Remarks:
1. The SET command references box or body element identification numbers.
2. Output is in the units of force or moment.
3. Only aerodynamic forces on points specified on the SET command will be output.
192 AESYMXY
Aerodynamic Flow Symmetry About XY Plane
AESYMXY Aerodynamic Flow Symmetry About XY Plane
Aerodynamic XY plane of symmetry flag. This is used to indicate whether the

aerodynamic model has symmetry with respect to the ground. This selection is
typically done within each subcase, but a case control default can be defined by
placing an entry above the subcase.
Format:
Example 1:
AESYMXY=ASYMMETRIC
Describers:
4
CASE Describer Meaning
SYMMETRIC Indicates that the aerodynamic model is moving in a

symmetric manner with respect to the XY plane.
ANTISYMMETRIC Indicates that the aerodynamic model is moving in an

antisymmetric manner with respect to the XY plane.
ASYMMTRIC Indicates that the aerodynamic model has no reflection

about the XY plane.
Remarks:
1. If the AESYMXY and AESYMXZ commands are not present for a particular
subcase, aerodynamic XY symmetry will be determined from the SYMXY field of
the AEROS Bulk Data entry for static aeroelastic analysis and from the SYMXY
field of the AERO Bulk Data entry for flutter and dynamic aeroelastic analysis.
2. Symmetric implies ground effect while asymmetric implies free air analysis.
AESYMXZ 193
Aerodynamic Flow XZ Symmetry About XZ Plane
AESYMXZ Aerodynamic Flow XZ Symmetry About XZ Plane
Aerodynamic XZ plane of symmetry flag. This is used to support symmetric models

about the centerline. Default is ASYMMETRIC (no symmetry). (Subcase level
inheritance from AESYMXY applies.)
Format:
Example 1:
AESYMXZ=SYMMETRIC
Describers:
Describer Meaning 4
CASE
SYMMETRIC Indicates that a half span aerodynamic model is moving
in a symmetric manner with respect to the XZ plane.
ANTISYMMETRIC Indicates that a half span aerodynamic model is moving

in an antisymmetric manner with respect to the XZ
plane.
ASYMMETRIC Indicates that a full aerodynamic model is provided.

(Default.)
Remarks:
If the AESYMXZ and AESYMXY commands are not present, aerodynamic XZ

symmetry is determined from the SYMXZ field of the AEROS Bulk Data entry for
static aeroelastic analysis and from the SYMXZ field of the AERO Bulk Data entry
for flutter and dynamic aeroelastic analysis.
194 AEUXREF
Define the Reference Aerodynamic Extra Point (Controller) Vector
AEUXREF Define the Reference Aerodynamic Extra Point (Controller) Vector
Reference UXVEC selector for the aeroelastic trim analysis. This is used to indicate
an aerodynamic extra point vector about which the stability derivatives are to be
computed and printed. The stability derivatives are the change in force due to a
unit perturbation of each parameter in the aerodynamic extra point set. Due to the
nonlinear nature of the aeroelastic loads, the stability derivatives can be (but are
not required to be) a function of the point about which the slope is computed. This
input defines which point is to be used in computing the stability derivatives for
printing (local slopes will be computed as needed in the trim solver). This selection
is typically done within each subcase, but a case control default can be defined by
placing an entry above the subcase level.
Format:
4 Examples:
CASE
AEUXREF=100
AEUXREF=TRIM
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n The identification number of a UXVEC Bulk Data entry that

defines the point about which stability derivatives will be
computed in TRIM cases.
TRIM Indicates that the stability derivatives should be computed about

the trimmed state.
Remarks:
1. If, for a particular subcase, AEUXREF is not defined, the “free stream” state will
be used (that is, the stability derivatives will be computed about zero values for
all parameters). This results in upward compatibility with the linear database
paradigm.
2. Only one of TRIM or a UXVEC id may be specified on any given subcase. To

see stability derivatives about additional points, you must define additional
trim subcases.
ANALYSIS 195
Analysis Discipline Subcase Assignment
ANALYSIS Analysis Discipline Subcase Assignment
Specifies the type of analysis being performed for the current subcase.
Format:
ANALYSIS=type
Examples:
ANALYSIS=STATICS
ANALYSIS=MODES
Describers:
Describer Meaning
type Analysis type. Allowable values and applicable solution sequences

(Character):
STATICS Statics
4
CASE
MODES Normal Modes also in
SOL 110, 111, 112
BUCK Buckling
DFREQ Direct Frequency
MFREQ Modal Frequency
MTRAN Modal Transient

SOL 200 only
DCEIG Direct Complex
Eigenvalue Analysis
MCEIG Modal Complex

Eigenvalue Analysis
SAERO Static Aeroelasticity
DIVERGE Static Aeroelastic

Divergence
FLUTTER Flutter
HEAT Heat Transfer Analysis SOLs 153 and

159 only
196 ANALYSIS
Analysis Discipline Subcase Assignment
Describer Meaning
STRUCTURE Structural Analysis
Remarks:
1. ANALYSIS = STRUC is the default in SOLs 153 and 159.
2. In SOL 200, all subcases, including superelement subcases, must be assigned by

an ANALYSIS command either in the subcase or above all subcases. Also, all
subcases assigned by ANALYSIS=MODES must contain a DESSUB request.
3. ANALYSIS=DIVERG is only available for analysis in SOL 200. Sensitivity and

optimization are not supported for this analysis type.
4. In order to obtain normal modes data recovery in SOLs 110, 111, and 112,
ANALYSIS = MODES must be specified under one or more separate subcase(s)
which contains requests for data recovery intended for normal modes only. For
4 example, in SOL 111:
CASE METH=40
SPC=1
SUBCASE 1 $ Normal Modes
ANALYSIS=MODES
DISP=ALL
SUBCASE 2 $ Frequency response
STRESS=ALL
DLOAD=12
FREQ=4
All commands which control the boundary conditions (SPC, MPC, and SUPORT)
and METHOD selection should be copied inside the ANALYSIS=MODES subcase
or specified above the subcase level.
APRESSURE 197
Aerodynamic Pressure Output Request
APRESSURE Aerodynamic Pressure Output Request
Requests the aerodynamic pressures in static aeroelastic response.
Format:
Examples:
APRES=ALL
APRES=6
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of a previously appearing SET

4
CASE
command. Only aerodynamic pressures on the referenced
aerodynamic boxes will be output. (Integer>0)
ALL Pressures at all points will be output.

198 AUXCASE
Auxiliary Model Case Control Delimiter
AUXCASE Auxiliary Model Case Control Delimiter
Delimits Case Control commands for an auxiliary model in SOL 200.
Format:
AUXCASE
Examples:
AUXCAS
AUXC
Remarks:
1. AUXCASE indicates the beginning of Case Control commands for an auxiliary

model. AUXCASE commands must follow the primary model Case Control
commands.
4 2. All Case Control commands following this entry are applicable until the next
CASE AUXCASE or BEGIN BULK command. Commands from preceding Case Control
Sections are ignored.
3. Each auxiliary model Case Control must be delimited with the AUXCASE
command.
4. The AUXMODEL command is used to associate the auxiliary model Case Control
with a particular auxiliary model.
AUXMODEL 199
Auxiliary Model Identification Number
AUXMODEL Auxiliary Model Identification Number
References an auxiliary model for generation of boundary shapes in shape

optimization.
Format:
AUXMODEL=n
Examples:
AUXMODEL=4
AUXM=4
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Auxiliary model identification number. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
4
CASE
1. AUXMODEL references a particular auxiliary model for analysis and may only
be specified in the auxiliary model Case Control Section.
2. See the BEGIN BULK command for the Bulk Data definition of an auxiliary
model.
200 AXISYMMETRIC
Conical Shell Boundary Conditions
AXISYMMETRIC Conical Shell Boundary Conditions
Selects boundary conditions for an axisymmetric shell problem or specifies the

existence of fluid harmonics for hydroelastic problems.
Format:
Examples:
AXISYMMETRIC=COSINE
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 SINE Sine boundary conditions will be used.
CASE
COSINE Cosine boundary conditions will be used.
FLUID Existence of fluid harmonics.
Remarks:
1. This command is required for conical shell problems.
2. If this command is used for hydroelastic problems, at least one harmonic must
be specified on the AXIF command.
3. See “Conical Shell Element (RINGAX)” in the NX Nastran Element Libraryfor a

discussion of the conical shell problem.
4. See “Axisymmetric Fluids in Tanks” in the NX Nastran Advanced Dynamic

Analysis User’s Guide for a discussion of the hydroelastic formulation.
5. The sine boundary condition will constrain components 1, 3, and 5 at every ring
for the zero harmonic.
6. The cosine boundary condition will constrain components 2, 4, and 6 at every

ring for the zero harmonic.
7. SPC and MPC Case Control commands may also be used to specify additional
constraints.
B2GG 201
Direct Input Damping Matrix Selection
B2GG Direct Input Damping Matrix Selection
Selects direct input damping matrices.
Format:
B2GG=name
Examples:
B2GG=BDMIG
B2GG=B1, B2, B3
SET 100=BDMIG, B1, B8
B2GG=100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
name Name of [B2gg] matrix that is input on the DMIG Bulk Data
entry. See “Matrix Assembly Operations in SubDMAP SEMG”
in the NX Nastran User’s Guide. (Character) 4
CASE
Remarks:
1. DMIG matrices will not be used unless selected.
2. Terms are added to the damping matrix before any constraints are applied.
3. The matrix must be symmetric and field 4 on the DMIG,name entry must
contain the integer 6.
4. A scale factor may be applied to this input via the PARAM, CB2 entry. See
“Parameters” .
5. The matrices are additive if multiple matrices are referenced on the B2GG
command.
202 B2PP
Direct Input Damping Matrix Selection
B2PP Direct Input Damping Matrix Selection
Selects direct input damping matrices.
Format:
B2PP=name
Examples:
B2PP=BDMIG
B2PP=B1, B2, B3
SET 100=BDMIG, B1, B8
B2PP=100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
name Name of [B2pp] matrix that is input on the DMIG or DMIAX

Bulk Data entry. See “Formulation of Dynamic Equations in
4 SubDMAP GMA” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide. (Character)
CASE
Remarks:
1. DMIG entries will not be used unless selected.
2. B2PP is used only in dynamics problems.
3. DMIAX entries will not be used unless selected by the B2PP command.
4. The matrix must be square or symmetric and field 4 on the DMIG,name entry
must contain a 1 or 6.
5. It is recommended that PARAM,AUTOSPC,NO be specified. See “Constraint and

Mechanism Problem Identification in SubDMAP SEKR” in the NX Nastran
User’s Guide.
6. The matrices are additive if multiple matrices are referenced on the B2PP
command.
BC 203
Boundary Condition Identification
BC Boundary Condition Identification
Identifies multiple boundary conditions for normal modes, buckling, and flutter
analysis in SOLs 103, 105, 145, and 200.
Format:
BC=n
Examples:
BC=23
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Identification number. (Integer>0)
Remarks: 4
CASE
1. In SOLs 103, 105, 145, and 200 BC is required in each subcase if multiple
boundary conditions are specified for normal modes, buckling, and flutter
analysis.
2. If only one boundary condition is specified, then BC does not have to be specified
and n defaults to zero.
204 BCRESULTS
Contact Result Output Request (SOLs 101, 601 and 701)
BCRESULTS Contact Result Output Request (SOLs 101, 601 and 701)
Requests the form and type of contact result output in SOLs 101, 601 and 701.
Format:
Examples:
BCRESULTS=ALL
BCRESULTS(FORCE,PLOT)=ALL
BCRESULTS(TRACTION,FORCE,PLOT)=ALL
Describers:
Describer Meaning
TRACTION Contact pressure (scalar) and in-plane contact tractions (vector

4 in basic coordinate system) are output for each contact grid
CASE point.
FORCE Contact force vector is output for each contact grid point.
PLOT Computes and puts contact results in OP2 file only.
ALL Contact results at all contact grid points will be output.
NONE Contact results will not be output.

BCSET 205
Contact Set Selection (SOLs 101, 103, 111, 112, 601 and 701)
BCSET Contact Set Selection (SOLs 101, 103, 111, 112, 601 and 701)
Selects the contact set for SOLs 101, 103, 111, 112, 601 and 701.
Format:
BCSET=n
Examples:
BCSET=5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Contact set identification of a BCTSET of BCTADD Bulk Data

entry. (Integer>0)
Remarks: 4
CASE
1. BCSET references a BCTSET Bulk Data entry if there is only one contact
set. When multiple contact sets are used in SOLs 601 and 701, BCSET must
reference a BCTADD Bulk Data entry. Use of the BCTADD entry is not
supported in SOLs 101, 103, 111 or 112.
2. A contact definition can be included in a normal mode solution (SOL 103), and in
an optional dynamic response calculation (SOLs 111 and 112). In the normal
mode solution, contact stiffness result is added from the end of the converged
linear statics contact solution. The contact stiffness values in the normal mode
solution represents the final contact condition of the structure around the contact
interface. Thus, it will appear that the resulting contact surfaces are attached
during the normal mode analysis. Since the calculated normal modes include
the final contact interface conditions, the response calculation (SOLs 111 and
112) which use these normal modes automatically include the same conditions.
The inputs for the normal mode solution are consistent with differential stiffness
solutions which require a linear statics subcase. The difference is that the
linear statics subcase should include the BCSET case control command. When
defining the normal modes subcase, a STATSUB bulk entry must be included to
reference the subcase id containing the contact definition. The contact solution
in the linear statics subcase must fully converge before moving to the normal
mode portion of the run.
206 BEGIN BULK
Case Control and Bulk Data Delimiter
BEGIN BULK Case Control and Bulk Data Delimiter
Designates the end of the Case Control Section and/or the beginning of a Bulk Data
Section.
Format:
Examples:
BEGIN BULK
BEGIN AUXMODEL=22
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 AUXMODEL Indicates the beginning of an auxiliary model Bulk Data Section.

CASE
auxmid Auxiliary model identification number. (Integer>0)
SUPER Indicates the beginning of partitioned superelement Bulk Data

Section.
seid Superelement identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
Remarks:
1. BEGIN BULK is not required if there are no Bulk Data entries and there is no
ENDDATA entry. The BEGIN SUPER or BEGIN AUXMODEL Bulk Data must
lie between BEGIN BULK and ENDDATA entries.
2. For an auxiliary model, AUXMID is referenced by the AUXMODEL Case Control

command.
3. Partitioned Bulk Data Sections defined by BEGIN SUPER are used to define
only one superelement each. Bulk Data commands which define superelements
are ignored in partitioned Bulk Data Sections.
Superelements specified by a BEGIN SUPER entry can be automatically
attached to other superelements based on relative location of grid points. For
connection to the downstream superelement, the global coordinate directions of
the attachment grid points of the upstream superelement will be internally
transformed to the global coordinate directions of the grid points of the
BEGIN BULK 207
Case Control and Bulk Data Delimiter
downstream superelement. For displacement data recovery, the output will be in

the original global coordinate directions.
4
CASE
208 BGSET
Glue Contact Set Selection
BGSET Glue Contact Set Selection
Selects the glue contact set.
Format:
BGSET=n
Examples:
BGSET=5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Glue contact set identification of a BGSET Bulk Data entry.

(Integer>0)
4
CASE
BOLTLD 209
Bolt Load Set Selection
BOLTLD Bolt Load Set Selection
Selects the BOLTFOR Bulk Data entry for bolt pre-load processing.
Format:
BOLTLD=n
Examples:
BOLTLD=5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Selects the BOLTFOR Bulk Data entry for bolt pre-load

processing. (Integer>0)
Remarks: 4
CASE
1. Bolt pre-loading is supported in SOLs 101, 103, 105, 107 through 112 and 601.
210 BOUTPUT
Contact Output Requests
BOUTPUT Contact Output Requests
Selects contact regions for output.

Format:
Examples:
BOUTPUT=ALL
BOUTPUT=5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 SORT1 Output is presented as a tabular listing of slave nodes for each
CASE load or time depending on the solution sequence.
SORT2 Output is presented as a tabular listing of load or time for each

slave node.
PRINT The print file is the output media.
PUNCH The punch file is the output media.
PLOT Generate output histories for slave nodes, but do not print.
ALL Histories of all the slave nodes listed in all the BOUTPUT Bulk
Data entries are output. If no BOUTPUT Bulk Data entries
are specified, histories of all the slave nodes in all the contact
regions are output.
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command.

Only contact regions with identification numbers that appear
on the SET command are selected for output. If there is a
BOUTPUT Bulk Data entry for a contact region selected via the
set command, histories for slave nodes listed in the Bulk Data
entry are output. If there is no BOUTPUT Bulk Data entry for
a contact region selected via the set command, histories for all
the slave nodes in that contact region are output.
NONE Result histories for slave nodes are not calculated or output.
BOUTPUT 211
Contact Output Requests
Remarks:
1. BOUTPUT is processed in SOLs 106, 129, 153, and 159 only.
2. SORT1 is the default in SOLs 106 and 153. SORT2 is the default in SOLs 129
and 159.
4
CASE
212 CLOAD
Static Load Request for Upstream Superelement Loads
CLOAD Static Load Request for Upstream Superelement Loads
Requests a CLOAD Bulk Data entry that defines a list of superelement loads and
their scale factors in nonlinear static analysis only.
Format:
CLOAD=n
Examples:
CLOAD=15
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Identification number of a unique CLOAD Bulk Data entry.

(Integer>0)
4 Remarks:
CASE
1. This command may only appear in the residual structure subcases (see
“SUPER”) and if used it must be specified in all of them.
2. The CLOAD Bulk Data entry must reference previously processed LSEQ (load
sequence) Bulk Data that was requested by LOADSET Case Control commands
on the upstream (SUPER ≠ 0) subcases.
3. The resulting load is added to those produced by LOAD and TEMP(LOAD) Case
Control commands in the residual structure subcases.
CMETHOD 213
Complex Eigenvalue Extraction Method Selection
CMETHOD Complex Eigenvalue Extraction Method Selection
Selects complex eigenvalue extraction parameters.
Format:
CMETHOD=n
Examples:
CMETHOD=77
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of EIGC (and EIGP) Bulk Data entry.

(Integer>0)
Remarks: 4
CASE
1. The CMETHOD command must be specified in order to compute complex
eigenvalues.
2. See the description for the parameter, UNSYMF, to perform complex eigenvalue
analysis in Solution 106.
214 CSSCHD
Aerodynamic Control Surface Schedule
CSSCHD Aerodynamic Control Surface Schedule
Selects control system schedule information.
Format:
CSSCHD=n
Examples:
CSSCHD=10
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of a control system schedule that appears on a

CSSCHD Bulk Data entry.
4 Remarks:
CASE
One or more CSSCHD entries can be invoked by this entry.
DATAREC 215
Data Recovery Output for p-Version Elements
DATAREC Data Recovery Output for p-Version Elements
Requests form and type of output for p-version elements.
Format:
Examples:
DATAREC=12
Describers:
Describer Meaning
SORT1 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of grid point results

per load case.
4
SORT2 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of load case per CASE
grid point.
n SID of OUTPUT Bulk Data entry to be used. Only

displacements, stresses, and strains of p-version elements with
identification numbers that appear on the OUTPUT Bulk Data
entry with SID = n will be output. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. DATAREC is processed only when an adaptive analysis is requested.
2. Only one command per subcase is allowed.
3. This information is used only for output control and does not in anyway affect
the analysis.
4. Displacements, stresses, and strains will be calculated and printed only for
p-version elements in OUTPUT entry. Those elements listed that are not
p-version elements will be ignored.
5. The coordinates of the view points (points at which the displacements are
calculated and printed) can be printed by using the VUGRID command.
216 DEFORM
Element Deformation Static Load
DEFORM Element Deformation Static Load
Selects the element deformation set.
Format:
DEFORM=n
Examples:
DEFORM=27
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of DEFORM Bulk Data entries.

(Integer>0)
4 Remarks:
CASE
1. DEFORM Bulk Data entries will not be used unless selected by the DEFORM
command in the Case Control Section.
2. DEFORM is only applicable in linear statics, inertia relief, differential stiffness,

and buckling problems (SOLs 101, 105, 114, and 200), and will produce a fatal
message in other solution sequences.
3. The total load applied will be the sum of external (LOAD), thermal
(TEMP(LOAD)), element deformation (DEFORM) and constrained displacement
loads (SPC, SPCD).
4. Static, thermal, and element deformation loads should have unique identification
numbers.
5. In the superelement solution sequences, if this command is used in a cold start,

it must also be specified in the restart.
DESGLB 217
Request Design Constraints at the Global Level
DESGLB Request Design Constraints at the Global Level
Selects the design constraints to be applied at the global level in a design

optimization task.
Format:
DESGLB=n
Examples:
DESGLB=10
DESG=25
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of a set of DCONSTR or a DCONADD Bulk

Data entry identification number. (Integer>0)
4
CASE
Remarks:
1. If used, this command must occur before the first SUBCASE.
2. A DESGLB command is optional and invokes constraints that are to be applied

independent of a particular subcase. These constraints could be based on
responses that are independent of subcases (e.g., WEIGHT or VOLUME).
3. The DESGLB command can be used to invoke constraints that are not a function
of DRESP1 entries; e.g., DRESP2 responses that are not functions of DRESP1
responses are subcase independent.
218 DESOBJ
Design Objective
DESOBJ Design Objective
Selects the DRESP1 or DRESP2 entry to be used as the design objective.
Format:
Examples:
DESOBJ=10
DESO=25
Describers:
Describer Meaning
MIN Specifies that the objective is to be minimized.
MAX Specifies that the objective is to be maximized.
4
CASE n Set identification of a DRESP1 or DRESP2 Bulk Data entry.
(Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. A DESOBJ command is required for a design optimization task and is optional

for a sensitivity task. No more than one DESOBJ may appear in Case Control.
2. If the DESOBJ command is specified within a SUBCASE, the identified DRESPi

Bulk Data entry uses a response only from that subcase. If DESOBJ appears
above all SUBCASE commands and there are multiple subcases, it uses a global
response.
3. The referenced DRESPi entry must define a scalar response (for example,
WEIGHT or VOLUME).
DESSUB 219
Design Constraints Request at the Subcase Level
DESSUB Design Constraints Request at the Subcase Level
Selects the design constraints to be used in a design optimization task for the current
subcase.
Format:
DESSUB=n
Examples:
DESSUB=10
DESS=25
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of a set of DCONSTR and/or a DCONADD

Bulk Data entry identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
4
CASE
Remarks:
1. A DESSUB command is required for every subcase for which constraints are to
be applied. An exception to this is ‘global constraints’, which are selected by
the DESGLB command.
2. All DCONSTR and DCONADD Bulk Data entries with the selected set ID will
be used.
220 DISPLACEMENT
Displacement Output Request
DISPLACEMENT Displacement Output Request
Requests the form and type of displacement or pressure vector output. Note:
PRESSURE and VECTOR are equivalent commands.
Format:
Examples:
4 DISPLACEMENT=5
DISPLACEMENT(REAL)=ALL
CASE DISPLACEMENT(SORT2, PUNCH, REAL)=ALL
Describers:
Describer Meaning

SORT2 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of load,

frequency or time for each grid point.
PLOT Generates, but does not print, displacement data.


DISPLACEMENT 221
Describer Meaning
ABS For enforced motion dynamic analysis, displacement results

will be output as absolute displacement.
REL For enforced motion dynamic analysis, displacement results

will be output relative to the enforced motion input.
PSDF Requests the power spectral density function be calculated

for random analysis post-processing. The request must be
made above the subcase level and RANDOM must be selected

above the subcase level and RANDOM must be selected in
the Case Control. See remark 8.

calculated for random analysis post-processing. Request 4
must be made above the subcase level and RANDOM must CASE
be made in the Case Control. See remark 8.
RALL Requests all of PSDF, ATOC, and CRMS be calculated for

RPRINT Writes random analysis results to the print file. (Default)

See remark 8.

file. See remark 8.
8.
ALL Displacements for all points will be output.
NONE Displacement for no points will be output.

Only displacements of points with identification numbers
that appear on this SET command will be output. (Integer>0)
222 DISPLACEMENT
Remarks:
2. The defaults for SORT1 and SORT2 depend on the type of analysis:
• SORT1 is the default in static analysis, frequency response, steady state

heat transfer analysis, real and complex eigenvalue analysis, flutter
analysis, and buckling analysis.
• SORT2 is the default in transient response analysis (structural and heat

transfer). SORT2 is not available for real eigenvalue (including buckling),
complex eigenvalue, or flutter analysis. If SORT1 is selected in a transient
solution for one or more of the commands ACCE, DISP, ENTH, FORC,
HDOT, MPCF, OLOA, SPCF, STRA, STRE, and VELO then the remaining
commands will also be output in SORT1 format. If SORT2 is selected in a
frequency response solution for one or more of the commands ACCE, DISP,
FORC, MPCF, OLOA, SPCF, STRA, STRE, and VELO then the remaining
commands will also be output in SORT2 format.
4
CASE • XY plot requests will force SORT2 format thus overriding SORT1 format
requests.
3. VECTOR and PRESSURE are alternate forms and are entirely equivalent to
DISPLACEMENT.
4. DISPLACEMENT = NONE overrides an overall output request.
representation and no printer output request is present for magnitude/phase
representation.
6. The units of translation are the same as the units of length of the model.
Rotations are in units of radians.
7. Displacement results are output in the global coordinate system (see field CD on
(using the REL describer), the output will be relative to the input as described
by the equation:
DISPLACEMENT 223

are ignored.
2. Displacements, velocities and accelerations must be output for the same set of
grid points if requested. Output requested for set n in this command will be
combined with the sets requested in the VELOCITY and ACCELERATION
commands, and displacements will be output at the grid points of the combined
set.
4
CASE
224 DIVERG
Static Aeroelastic Divergence Request
DIVERG Static Aeroelastic Divergence Request
Selects the divergence parameters in a static aeroelastic divergence problem.
Format:
DIVERG=n
Examples:
DIVERG=70
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of a DIVERG Bulk Data entry. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
4 Static aeroelastic divergence analysis can be performed in SOLs 144 and 200.
CASE
DLOAD 225
Dynamic Load Set Selection
DLOAD Dynamic Load Set Selection
Selects a dynamic load or an acoustic source to be applied in a transient or frequency

response problem.
For SOLs 601 and 701 : Selects a time-dependent load for advanced nonlinear
analysis.
Format:
DLOAD=n
Examples:
DLOAD=73
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of a DLOAD, RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1,

TLOAD2, or ACSRCE Bulk Data entry. (Integer>0) 4
CASE
n (SOL 601/701) Set identification of a DLOAD or TLOAD1 Bulk Data entry.
(Integer>0)
Remarks related to transient and frequency response:
1. RLOAD1 and RLOAD2 may only be selected in a frequency response problem.
2. TLOAD1 and TLOAD2 may be selected in a transient or frequency response

problem.
3. Either a RLOADi or TLOADi entry (but not both) must be selected in an

aeroelastic response problem. If RLOADi is selected, a frequency response
is calculated. If TLOADi is selected, then transient response is computed by
Fourier transform. When there are only gust loads (GUST entry), the DLOAD
selects a TLOADi or RLOADi entry with zero load along with field 3 of the
GUST command.
4. The DLOAD command will be ignored if specified for upstream superelements

in dynamic analysis. To apply loads to upstream superelements, please see
the “LOADSET” .
1. In SOLs 601 and 701, DLOAD may be used in a static or transient analysis.
226 DLOAD
Dynamic Load Set Selection
2. Both the DLOAD and LOAD case control commands can be specified in a SOLs
601 and 701 analysis. DLOAD is used to select time-dependent loads and LOAD
is used to select constant loads.
3. See Section 5.1 in the Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide on
defining time-dependent loads.
4
CASE
DSAPRT 227
Design Sensitivity Output Parameters
DSAPRT Design Sensitivity Output Parameters
Specifies design sensitivity output parameters.

Format:
Examples:
DSAPRT(FORMATTED,EXPORT)
DSAPRT(FORMATTED,START=FIRST,BY=3,END=LAST)=101
DSAPRT(UNFORMATTED,START=FIRST)
DSAPRT(UNFORMATTED,EXPORT)
DSAPRT(FORMATTED,END=4)=ALL
DSAPRT(UNFORMATTED,END=SENS)=ALL
DSAPRT(NOPRINT, EXPORT)
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4
CASE
FORMATTED Output will be presented with headings and labels.
UNFORMATTED Output will be printed as a matrix print (see the description

for the MATPRN module in the NX Nastran DMAP
Programmer’s Guide.).
NOPRINT No output will be printed.
EXPORT Output will be exported to an external binary file specified

by PARAM,IUNIT.
NOEXPORT Output will not be exported to an external binary file.
START=i Specifies the first design cycle for output. (Integer>0 or

Character: “FIRST” or “LAST”; Default = 1 or “FIRST”)
BY=j Specifies the design cycle interval for output. (Integer ≥ 1,

or >0; Default = 0) See Remark 2.
END=k Specifies the last design cycle for output. (Integer>0 or

Character: “FIRST”, “LAST”, or “SENS”; Default = “LAST”)
ALL All design responses (defined in DRESP1 and DRESP2

entries) will be output.
228 DSAPRT
Design Sensitivity Output Parameters
Describer Meaning

Only sensitivities of responses with identification numbers
that appear on this SET command will be output.
(Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. Only one DSAPRT may appear in the Case Control Section and should appear
above all SUBCASE commands.
2. Sensitivity data will be output at design cycles i, i+j, i+2j, ..., k. Note that the
BY=0 default implies no sensitivity analysis at the intermediate design cycles.
3. END = SENS requests design sensitivity analysis, and no optimization will

be performed.
4 4. If both DSAPRT and PARAM,OPTEXIT, 4, -4, or 7 are specified then DSAPRT

CASE overrides PARAM,OPTEXIT, 4, -4, or 7. PARAM,OPTEXIT values and the
equivalent DSAPRT commands are as follows:
OPTEXIT Equivalent DSAPRT Command

4 DSAPRT(UNFORMATTED, END=SENS)
-4 DSAPRT(NOPRINT, EXPORT, END=SENS)
7 DSAPRT(UNFORMATTED, START=LAST)
5. Formatted sensitivity output is not supported for aeroelastic response types

(DRESP1 RTYPE=TRIM, STABDER or FLUTTER). Unformatted output must
be requested.
DSYM 229
Dihedral Symmetry Option in Cyclic Symmetry
DSYM Dihedral Symmetry Option in Cyclic Symmetry
Provides for either one or two planes of overall symmetry in DIH-type cyclic
symmetry problems.
Format:
Examples:
DSYM=AS
Describers: 4
CASE
Describer Meaning
S, A The problem is assumed to be symmetrical (S) or antisymmetrical
(A) with respect to the plane containing Side 1 of segment 1.
SS, SA, AS, The problem is assumed to be symmetrical (or antisymmetrical)
AA with respect to the plane containing Side 1 of segment 1
(denoted by the first symbol), and also with respect to a plane
perpendicular to Side 1 (denoted by the second symbol).
230 EBDSET
Element Birth/Death Set Selection
EBDSET Element Birth/Death Set Selection
Selects the element birth/death set (SOLs 601 and 701)
Format:
EBDSET=n
Examples:
EBDSET=5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Element birth/death set identification of an EBDSET or EBDADD
Bulk Data entry. (Integer>0)
4
CASE
ECHO 231
Bulk Data Echo Request
ECHO Bulk Data Echo Request
Controls echo (i.e., printout) of the Bulk Data.
Format:
Examples:
ECHO=NOSORT
ECHO=BOTH
ECHO=PUNCH, SORT (MAT1, PARAM)
ECHO=SORT (EXCEPT DMI, DMIG)
Describers:
4
Describer Meaning CASE
UNSORT The unsorted Bulk Data will be printed. If SORT is also not
specified then the sorted Bulk Data will not be printed.
SORT The sorted (arranged in alphanumeric order) Bulk Data will

be printed.
NOSORT The sorted Bulk Data will not be printed. If UNSORT is also not
specified then the unsorted Bulk Data will not be printed.
cdni,... Bulk Data entry names to be included or excluded by EXCEPT, in

the sorted echo printout. The PUNCH file is not affected by cdni.
EXCEPT Exclude cdni Bulk Data entries from sorted echo printout. See
Remark 6.
BOTH Both sorted and unsorted Bulk Data will be printed. This is
equivalent to ECHO=SORT, UNSORT.
NONE Neither sorted nor unsorted Bulk Data will be printed.
PUNCH The entire Bulk Data will be written to the punch file in sorted
form.
232 ECHO
Bulk Data Echo Request
Remarks:
1. If no ECHO command appears, a sorted Bulk Data will be printed.
2. Comments will appear at the front of the sorted file if ECHO=PUNCH.
3. Portions of the unsorted Bulk Data can be selectively echoed by including the
commands ECHOON and ECHOOFF at various places within the Bulk Data.
ECHOOFF stops the unsorted echo until an ECHOON command is encountered.
Many such pairs of commands may be used. The ECHOON and ECHOOFF
commands may be used in the Executive and Case Control Sections; however,
ECHOOF should not be the first entry as continuation entries will not be
handled correctly.
4. If the SORT (cdni,...) is specified in a restart in SOLs 101 through 200, then the
continuation entries will not be printed.
5. If the SORT (cdni,...) describer is used, then it must appear as the last describer,
as in the example above.
4
CASE 6. If EXCEPT is specified then it must be specified before all cdni. All Bulk Data
entry types will be listed except those given for cdn1, cdn2, etc. If EXCEPT is
not specified, then only those Bulk Data entry types listed under cdn1, cdn2,
etc. will be listed.
EDE 233
Element Energy Loss Per Cycle Output Request
EDE Element Energy Loss Per Cycle Output Request
Requests the output of the energy loss per cycle in selected elements.
Format:
Examples:
EDE=ALL
EDE(PUNCH, THRESH=.0001)=19
4
CASE
Describers:
Describer Meaning
PRINT Write energies to the print file (default).
PUNCH Write energies to the punch file.
PLOT Do not write energies to either the punch file or the print file.
AVERAGE Requests average energy in frequency response analysis only.
AMPLITUDE Requests amplitude of energy in frequency response analysis

only.
PEAK Requests peak energy for frequency response analysis only.

PEAK is the sum of AVERAGE and AMPLITUDE.
AVGAMP Requests both the average and amplitude energy in frequency

response analysis only.
RMAG Outputs the energy magnitude in real data format.

234 EDE
Describer Meaning
REAL or Requests rectangular format (real and imaginary) of complex

IMAG output. Use of either REAL or IMAG yields the same output.

SORT1 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of grid points for

each load, frequency, eigenvalue, or time, depending on the
solution sequence.

THRESH Suppresses energies for elements having an energy value of less

than p% in all output files. THRESH overrides the value of
TINY described in Remark 1. (Default=0.001)
4 ALL Computes energy for all elements.

CASE
n Set identification number. Energy for all elements specified on
the SET n command will be computed. The SET n command
must be specified in the same subcase as the EDE command or
above all subcases. (Integer>0)
NONE Element energy will not be output.
Remarks:
1. If THRESH = p is not specified, then p defaults to the values specified by user

parameter TINY.
2. The energy calculations include the contribution of initial thermal strain.
3. Energy density (element energy divided by element volume) is also computed in

some solution sequences. It can be suppressed by use of PARAM,EST,-1.
4. The equations used to calculate elemental damping energy components are

given below.
Average Damping Energy:

EDE 235
where:
E = elemental energy
{ur} = displacement - real part
{ui} = displacement - imaginary part
[Be] = elemental damping
Real Part of Damping Energy Amplitude:
Imaginary Part of Damping Energy Amplitude:
Magnitude of Damping Energy Amplitude: 4

CASE
Phase of Damping Energy Amplitude:
Peak Damping Energy:
5. In SOL 111, EDE can only be requested if PARAM,DDRMM,-1 is used.
6. Only damping from the viscous dampers (e.g., CVISC, CDAMPi, etc.) are
included. Structural damping is not included in the calculation.
236 EKE
Element Kinetic Energy Output Request
EKE Element Kinetic Energy Output Request
Requests the output of the kinetic energy in selected elements.
Format:
Examples:
4 EKE=ALL
EKE(PUNCH, THRESH=.0001)=19
CASE
Describers:
Describer Meaning

only.



EKE 237
Describer Meaning



solution sequence.


ALL Computes energy for all elements. 4

CASE
must be specified in the same subcase as the EKE command or
NONE Element energy will not be output.
Remarks:
1. If THRESH = p is not specified, then p defaults to the values specified by user

parameter TINY.
3. Energy density (element energy divided by element volume) is also computed in

some solution sequences. It can be suppressed by use of PARAM,EST,-1.
4. The equations used to calculate elemental kinetic energy components are given
below.
Average Kinetic Energy:

238 EKE
where:
{vr} = velocity - real part
{vi} = velocity - imaginary part
[Me] = elemental mass
Real Part of Kinetic Energy Amplitude:
Imaginary Part of Kinetic Energy Amplitude:
4 Magnitude of Kinetic Energy Amplitude:

CASE
Phase of Kinetic Energy Amplitude:
Peak Kinetic Energy:
5. In SOL 111, EKE can only be requested if PARAM,DDRMM,-1 is used.

ELSDCON 239
Element Stress Discontinuity Output Request
ELSDCON Element Stress Discontinuity Output Request
Requests mesh stress discontinuities based on element stresses.
Format:
Examples:
ELSDCON=ALL
ELSDCON=19
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL Stress discontinuity requests for all SURFACE and VOLUME

commands defined in the OUTPUT(POST) section will be output.
4
CASE
command. Only surfaces and volumes with identification
numbers that appear on this SET command will be included in
the stress discontinuity output request. (Integer>0)
NONE No element stress discontinuity output.
Remarks:
1. This output is available in linear static analysis in SOLs 101 and 144 only.
Output will be presented for each surface or volume as a tabular listing of stress
discontinuities for each subcase.
2. Only elements used to define the surface or volume are output. See the
descriptions of “SURFACE” and “VOLUME” .
3. Element stress output (STRESS) must be requested for elements referenced on

SURFACE and VOLUME commands. Also, the GPSTRESS command must be
present for printed output and the STRFIELD command for postprocessing
output using the .xdb file (PARAM,POST,0) for the same surfaces and volumes.
240 ELSTRAIN
Element Strain Output Request
ELSTRAIN Element Strain Output Request
Requests the form and type of strain output.
ELSTRAIN has an equivalent format to STRAIN. See STRAIN command for

description.
4
CASE
ELSTRESS 241
Element Stress Output Request
ELSTRESS Element Stress Output Request
Requests the form and type of stress output.
ELSTRESS has an equivalent format to STRESS. See STRESS command for

description.
4
CASE
242 ELSUM
ELSUM Element Summary Requests
ELSUM ELSUM Element Summary Requests
Requests a summary of element properties for output.
Format:
Examples:
ELSUM = ALL
ELSUM = 9
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 ALL Element summary output for all elements.

CASE
n Set identification of a previously appearing SET command. Only
produces output for elements whose identification numbers
appear on this SET command. (Integer>0).
NONE No element summary output.
Remarks:
1. The ELSUM Case Control command produces a summary of properties for

elements. The properties include element-id, material-id, (length or thickness),
area, volume, structural mass, non-structural mass, total mass, and the product
total mass * WTMASS. Total mass is the sum of structural and non-structural
mass.
2. Certain element types produce only partial data. For these element types,
output will contain element-id, length or thickness, volume, and area without
mass data. Totals will thus not include those elements for which mass data
was not generated.
3. Mass data will be computed for the following elements: CBAR, CBEAM, CBEND,
CHEXA, CONROD, CPENTA, CQUAD4, CQUAD8, CQUADR, CROD, CSHEAR,
CTETRA, CTRIAR, CTRIA3, CTRIA6, CTRIAX6, CTUBE.
ENTHALPY 243
Heat Transfer Enthalpy Output Request
ENTHALPY Heat Transfer Enthalpy Output Request
Requests form of enthalpy vector output in transient heat transfer analysis (SOL
159).
Format:
Examples:
ENTHALPY=5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
SORT1 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of grid points for 4

each time. CASE
SORT2 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of time for each

grid point.
PLOT Generates but does not print enthalpies.
ALL Enthalpy for all points will be output.
NONE Enthalpy for no points will be output.
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Only

enthalpies of points with identification numbers that appear on
this SET command will be output. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
ENTHALPY=NONE is used to override a previous ENTHALPY=n or

ENTHALPY=ALL command.
244 ESE
Element Strain Energy Output Request
ESE Element Strain Energy Output Request
Requests the output of the strain energy in selected elements.
Format:
Examples:
4 ESE=ALL
ESE (PUNCH, THRESH=.0001)=19
CASE
Describers:
Describer Meaning

only.



ESE 245
Describer Meaning



solution sequence.


ALL Computes energy for all elements. 4

CASE
must be specified in the same subcase as the ESE command or
NONE Element strain energy will not be output.
Remarks:
1. If THRESH = p is not specified then p defaults to the values specified by user

parameter TINY.
3. Energy density (element strain energy divided by element volume) is also

computed in some solution sequences. It can be suppressed by use of
PARAM,EST,-1.
4. The equations used to calculate elemental strain energy components are given
below.
Average Strain Energy:
246 ESE
where:
displacement - real part

{ur} =
{ui} = displacement - imaginary part
[Ke] = elemental stiffness
Real Part of Strain Energy Amplitude:
Imaginary Part of Strain Energy Amplitude:

4
CASE
Magnitude of Strain Energy Amplitude:
Phase of Strain Energy Amplitude:
Peak Strain Energy:
5. In SOL 111, ESE can only be requested if PARAM,DDRMM,-1 is used.
6. Element data recovery for thermal loads is not currently implemented in

dynamics.
7. Element strain energy is available for nonlinear static analysis (SOL 106). All
other nonlinear solution sequences do not support element strain energy output.
ESE 247
8. The strain energy for nonlinear elements is calculated by integrating the specific
energy rate, which is the inner product of strain rate and stress, over element
volume and time.
Equation 4-1.
where:
σ = stress tensor
= tensor of the strain rate
V = element volume
t = actual time in the load history 4

CASE
Loads from temperature changes are included in Equation 4-1. If we assume a
linear variation of temperatures from subcase to subcase, then the strain energy
in Equation 4-1—for the special case of linear material and geometry—becomes
Equation 4-2.
where Pet is the element load vector for temperature differences.
For linear elements, the default definition of element strain energy is
Equation 4-3.
where Pet is the element load vector for temperature differences and element
deformation.
In Equation 4-3, the temperatures are assumed to be constant within a subcase.
The default definition of the strain energy for linear elements differs from the
248 ESE
definition for nonlinear elements by a factor of 1/2 in the temperature loads.

To request the strain energy for linear elements using Equation 4-2, set the
parameter XFLAG to 2; the default value for XFLAG is 0, which uses Equation
4-3 for the strain energy of linear elements.
4
CASE
FLUX 249
Heat Transfer Gradient and Flux Output Request
FLUX Heat Transfer Gradient and Flux Output Request
Requests the form and type of gradient and flux output in heat transfer analysis.
Format:
Examples:
FLUX=ALL
FLUX(PUNCH,PRINT)=17
FLUX=25
Describers:
Describer Meaning

4
CASE
PLOT The output will be sent to the plot file.
ALL Flux for all elements will be output.
NONE Flux for no elements will be output.

fluxes of elements with identification numbers that appear on
Remarks:
1. FLUX=ALL in SOL 159 may produce excessive output.
2. FLUX=NONE overrides an overall request.

250 FMETHOD
Flutter Analysis Method Parameter Selection
FMETHOD Flutter Analysis Method Parameter Selection
Selects the parameters to be used by the aerodynamic flutter analysis.
Format:
FMETHOD=n
Examples:
FMETHOD=72
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of a FLUTTER Bulk Data entry.

(Integer>0)
4 Remarks:
CASE
1. An FMETHOD command is required for flutter analysis.
2. A CMETHOD command in also required for the K-method of flutter analysis.
3. If this entry is being used in SOL 200 in conjunction with flutter design
conditions, the METHOD selected on the FLUTTER Bulk Data entry must be
“PK” or “PKNL”.
FORCE 251
Element Force Output or Particle Velocity Request
FORCE Element Force Output or Particle Velocity Request
Requests the form and type of element force output or particle velocity output in
coupled fluid-structural analysis. Note: ELFORCE is an equivalent command.
Format:
Examples:
4
FORCE=ALL CASE
FORCE(REAL, PUNCH, PRINT)=17
FORCE=25
Describers:
Describer Meaning
SORT1 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of elements for

solution sequence.

time for each element type.
PLOT Generates force output for requested set but no printed output.


252 FORCE
Describer Meaning

ATOC Requests the autocorrelation function be calculated for random

analysis post-processing. The request must be made above
the subcase level and RANDOM must be selected in the Case
Control. See remark 9.


4 above the subcase level and RANDOM must be selected in the
CASE Case Control. See remark 9.
remark 9.

file. See remark 9.
RPUNCH Writes random analysis results to the punch file. See remark 9.
CENTER Output CQUAD4, CQUADR, CTRIAR element forces at the

center only.
CORNER or Output CQUAD4, CQUADR, CTRIAR element forces at the

BILIN center and grid points using strain gage approach with bilinear
extrapolation.
SGAGE Output CQUAD4 element forces at center and grid points

using strain gage approach.
CUBIC Output CQUAD4 element forces at center and grid points

using cubic bending correction.
ALL Forces for all elements will be output.

FORCE 253
Describer Meaning

Only forces of elements with identification numbers that
NONE Forces for no elements will be output.
Remarks:
1. ALL should not be used in a transient problem.
2. See “DISPLACEMENT” for a discussion of SORT1 and SORT2.
3. ELFORCE is an alternate form and is entirely equivalent to FORCE.
4. FORCE=NONE overrides an overall request.
5. For composite stress and/or failure index output, a FORCE request is required 4
for the desired elements. CASE
6. To request force output on damping elements in modal frequency

response analysis (e.g., SOL 11 or 111), the mode displacement method
(PARAM,DDRMM,-1) must be selected.
Force output on damping elements is not available in transient response analysis.
7. In nonlinear transient analysis, this request is ignored for nonlinear elements.
8. The options CENTER, CORNER, CUBIC, SGAGE, and BILIN are recognized
only in the first subcase and determine the option to be used in all subsequent
subcases with the STRESS, STRAIN, and FORCE commands. Consequently,
options specified in subcases other than the first subcase will be ignored.
• If the STRESS command is specified in the first subcase then the option on
the STRESS command is used in all subcases with STRESS, STRAIN, and
FORCE commands.
• If the STRAIN command and no STRESS command is specified in the first

subcase, then the option on the STRAIN command is used in all subcases
containing STRESS, STRAIN, and FORCE commands.
• If the FORCE command and no STRESS or STRAIN command is specified

in the first subcase, then the option on the FORCE command is used in all
subcases containing STRESS, STRAIN, and FORCE commands.
254 FORCE
• If STRESS, STRAIN, and FORCE commands are not specified in the first
subcase, then the CENTER option is used in all subcases containing
STRESS, STRAIN, and FORCE commands.
4
CASE
FREQUENCY 255
Frequency Set Selection
FREQUENCY Frequency Set Selection
Selects the set of forcing frequencies to be solved in frequency response problems.
Format:
FREQUENCY=n
Examples:
FREQUENCY=17
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of FREQ, FREQ1, FREQ2, FREQ3,

FREQ4, and FREQ5 Bulk Data entries. (Integer>0)
Remarks: 4
CASE
1. A frequency set selection is required for a frequency response problem.
2. A frequency set selection is required for transient response by Fourier methods

(SOL 146).
3. All FREQ, FREQ1, FREQ2, FREQ3, FREQ4, and FREQ5 entries with the same
frequency set identification numbers will be used. Duplicate frequencies will be
ignored. fN and fN−1 are considered duplicated if
• |fN − fN−1|<10−5|fMAX − fMIN|

256 GKRESULTS
Gasket Result Output Request (SOL 601 only)
GKRESULTS Gasket Result Output Request (SOL 601 only)
Requests the form and type of gasket result output in SOL 601.
Format:
Examples:
GKRESULTS=ALL
GKRESULTS(PLOT)=ALL
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 PLOT Computes and puts gasket results in OP2 file only.

CASE ALL Gasket results will be output for all gasket elements.
NONE Gasket results will not be output.
Remarks:
Gasket results consist of gasket pressure, gasket closure, plastic gasket closure,
gasket yield stress and gasket status.
GPFORCE 257
Grid Point Force Output Request
GPFORCE Grid Point Force Output Request
Requests grid point force balance at selected grid points.

Format:
Examples:
GPFORCE=ALL
GPFORCE=17
Describers:
Describer Meaning

4
ALL Grid point force balance for all grid points will be output. CASE

command. Only grid points with identification numbers that
appear on this SET command will be included in the grid point
force balance output. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. The printing of the grid point forces will be suppressed if PARAM,NOGPF,-1

appears in the Bulk Data.
2. The Bulk Data entry PARAM,NOELOF,+1 will cause the output of the grid point
forces to be aligned with the edges of the two-dimensional elements. The default
value of -1 will suppress this output.
3. The Bulk Data entry PARAM,NOELOP,+1 will cause the output of the sum of
the forces parallel to the edges of adjacent elements. The default value of -1 will
suppress this output.
4. The output of grid point forces aligned with the edges of elements is available for
the following elements:
CBAR
CROD
CBEAM
CSHEAR
258 GPFORCE
CONROD
CTRIA3
The positive direction for grid point forces aligned with the edges of elements is
from the reference point to the load point as indicated on the printed output.
5. Grid point force balance is computed from linear and nonlinear elements,
the sum of applied and thermal loads, and MPC and SPC forces. Effects not
accounted for include those from mass elements in dynamic analysis (inertia
loads), general elements, DMIG entries, and boundary loads from upstream
superelements. These effects may lead to an apparent lack of equilibrium at
the grid point level. The following table summarizes those effects that are
considered and those effects that are ignored in the calculation of grid point
forces in the global coordinate system:
Contributions Included Contributions Ignored
Applied Loads GENEL Forces
4 SPC Forces DMIG and DMI Forces

CASE Element Elastic Forces Boundary Loads from Upstream
Superelements
Thermal Loads
MPC and Rigid Element Forces
6. Only the element elastic forces are included when the grid point forces are
aligned with the edges of elements.
7. In inertia relief analysis, the GPFORCE output related to SPCFORCES and

applied loads is interpreted differently for SOLs 1, 101, and 200:
• In SOL 1, the SPCFORCE and applied load output does not reflect the
effects due to inertial loads.
• In SOLs 101 and 200, the SPCFORCE and applied load output includes both
the effect of inertial loads and applied loads.
8. When pressure loads are applied, the GPFDR module uses the discrete load
vector and does not include any distributed effects.
9. Grid point force output is not available for frequency response analysis (SOL
108 and 111).
GPFORCE 259
10. Grid point force output is available for nonlinear static analysis (SOL 106).
All other nonlinear solution sequences do not support grid point force output.
PARAM,NOELOF and PARAM,NOELOP are not supported in nonlinear static
analysis; therefore, Remarks 2, 3, 4, and 6 do not apply to SOL 106.
4
CASE
260 GPKE
Grid Point Kinetic Energy Output Request
GPKE Grid Point Kinetic Energy Output Request
Requests the output of the kinetic energy at selected grid points in normal modes
analysis only.
Format:
Examples:
GPKE=ALL
GPKE (PRINT, PUNCH)=19
Describers:
4 Describer Meaning
CASE
NOPRINT Generates, but does not print, grid point kinetic energy output.
e Minimum energy threshold. Only energies above this value will

be printed and/or punched.
ALL Grid point kinetic energy for all grid points will be output.

command. Only grid points with identification numbers that
appear on this SET command will be included in the output.
(Integer>0)
NONE Grid point kinetic energy for no points will be output.
Remarks:
1. Grid point kinetic energy is only available for normal modes analysis.
3. GPKE=NONE overrides an overall output request.

GPKE 261
Grid Point Kinetic Energy Output Request
4. For models using the lumped mass formulation, the grid point kinetic energy
can be used to examine the distribution of kinetic energy among the grid points.
It is computed as:
where φgmass is the mass-normalized eigenvector so that the total grid point
kinetic energy is scaled to be unity. Note that the operator shown in the previous
equation indicates term-wise matrix multiplication.
5. The grid point kinetic energy output has limited meaning for a coupled mass
formulation. Since this mass formulation produces a coupling of mass across grid
points, the sharing of kinetic energy among grid points can occur. In general, this
obscures the meaning of the computation as a means of identifying important
model parameters to control modal behavior.
4
CASE
262 GPSDCON
Grid Point Stress Discontinuity Output Request
GPSDCON Grid Point Stress Discontinuity Output Request
Requests mesh stress discontinuities based on grid point stresses.
Format:
Examples:
GPSDCON=ALL
GPSDCON=19
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL Stress discontinuity requests for all SURFACE and VOLUME

4
CASE n Set identification number of a previously appearing SET
the stress discontinuity output request. (Integer>0)
NONE No grid point stress discontinuity output.
Remarks:
1. This output is available in linear static analysis SOLs 101 and 144 only. Output
will be presented for each surface or volume as a tabular listing of stress
discontinuities for each subcase.
2. Only elements used to define the surface or volume are output. See the
description for the SURFACE or VOLUME commands.

SURFACE and VOLUME commands. Also, the GPSTRESS command must be
present for printed output and the STRFIELD command for postprocessing
output using the .xdb file (PARAM,POST,0) for the same surfaces and volumes.
GPSTRAIN 263
Grid Point Strain Output Request for Printing Only
GPSTRAIN Grid Point Strain Output Request for Printing Only
Requests grid point strains for printing only.

Format:
Examples:
GPSTRAIN=ALL
GPSTRAIN=19
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL Grid point strain requests for all SURFACE and VOLUME
commands defined in the OUTPUT(POST) section will be 4
output. CASE

the grid point strain output request. (Integer>0)
NONE No grid point strain output.
Remarks:
1. For statics, normal modes and transient analysis output will be presented for
each surface or volume as a tabular listing of grid point strains for each load,
eigenvalue, and time step. (See “DISPLACEMENT” for a discussion of SORT1
and SORT2.)
2. Only grid points connected to elements used to define the surface or volume are
output. See the description for “SURFACE” and “VOLUME” .
3. Element strain output (STRAIN) must be requested for elements referenced on

SURFACE and VOLUME commands.
4. In nonlinear transient analysis, grid point strains are computed only if

parameter LGDISP is -1, which is the default, and for elements with linear
material properties only.
264 GPSTRAIN
Grid Point Strain Output Request for Printing Only
5. For the graphical display of grid point strains in the computation of mesh strain
discontinuities, the STRFIELD command must be specified.
4
CASE
GPSTRESS 265
Grid Point Stress Output Request for Printing Only
GPSTRESS Grid Point Stress Output Request for Printing Only
Requests grid point stresses for printing only.

Format:
Examples:
GPSTRESS=ALL
GPSTRESS=19
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL Grid point stress requests for all SURFACE and VOLUME
4
CASE
command. Only surfaces and volumes with identification numbers
that appear on this SET command will be included in the grid
point stress output request. (Integer>0)
NONE No grid point stress output.
Remarks:
1. For statics, normal modes and transient analysis output will be presented for
each surface or volume as a tabular listing of grid point stresses for each load,
eigenvalue, and time step. (See “DISPLACEMENT” for a discussion of SORT1
and SORT2.)
output. See the description for “SURFACE” and “VOLUME” .

SURFACE and VOLUME commands.
4. In nonlinear transient analysis, grid point stresses are computed only if

parameter LGDISP is -1, which is the default, and for elements with linear
material properties only. Grid point stresses are not computed for the
hyperelastic elements.
266 GPSTRESS
Grid Point Stress Output Request for Printing Only
5. For the graphical display of grid point stresses in the computation of mesh stress
discontinuities, the STRFIELD command must be specified.
6. Grid point stress is not output for midside nodes.
4
CASE
GROUNDCHECK 267
Rigid Body Motion Grounding Check
GROUNDCHECK Rigid Body Motion Grounding Check
Perform grounding check analysis on stiffness matrix to expose unintentional

constraints by moving the model rigidly.
Format:
Examples:
GROUNDCHECK=YES
GROUNDCHECK(GRID=12,SET=(G,N,A),THRESH=1.E-5,DATAREC)=YES
Describers:
Describer Meaning 4
CASE
PRINT Writes output to the print file. (Default)
NOPRINT Does not write output to the print file.
PUNCH Writes output to the punch file.
SET Selects degree-of-freedom set(s). (Default: SET=G).
gid Reference grid point for the calculation of the rigid body motion.
e Maximum strain energy which passes the check. The default

value is computed by dividing the largest term in the stiffness
matrix by 1.E10.
DATAREC Requests data recovery of grounding forces. (Default:

DATAREC=NO)
r Grounding forces which are larger than r percent of the

largest grounding force will be printed if DATAREC=YES.
(Default=10%)
Remarks:
1. GROUNDCHECK must be specified above the subcase level.

268 GROUNDCHECK
Rigid Body Motion Grounding Check
2. SET=N+AUTOSPC uses the stiffness matrix for the n-set with the rows
corresponding to degrees-of-freedom constrained by the PARAM,AUTOSPC
operation zeroed out. If AUTOSPC was not performed, then this check is
redundant with respect to SET=N.
4
CASE
GUST 269
Aerodynamic Gust Load Requests
GUST Aerodynamic Gust Load Requests
Selects the gust field in an aeroelastic response problem.
Format:
GUST=n
Examples:
GUST=73
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of a GUST Bulk Data entry. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
The choice of transient or frequency response GUST depends upon the type of
4
CASE
TLOAD or RLOAD referenced on the selected GUST entry.
270 HARMONICS
Harmonic Analysis or Printout Control
HARMONICS Harmonic Analysis or Printout Control
Controls the number of harmonics output in axisymmetric shell or axisymmetric

fluid problems; controls the number of harmonics to be used for analysis in cyclic
symmetry problems.
Format for Axisymmetric Problems:
Format for Cyclic Symmetric Problems:
4 Examples:
CASE HARMONICS=ALL
HARMONICS=32
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL All harmonics will be output in the case of axisymmetric shell

or axisymmetric fluid problems. All harmonics will be used for
analysis in cyclic symmetry problems.
NONE No harmonics will be output. This option is not available for use in
cyclic symmetry problems.
h Available harmonics up to and including harmonic h will be output

in the case of axisymmetric shell or axisymmetric fluid problems.
(Integer ≥ 0)
n Harmonics specified in SET n will be used for analysis in cyclic

symmetry problems. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. If no HARMONICS command is present in the Case Control Section for

axisymmetric shell or fluid problems, printed output is prepared only for the
zero harmonic.
HARMONICS 271
Harmonic Analysis or Printout Control
2. This command must be present in cyclic symmetry problems with

HARMONICS=ALL or n; otherwise, the program will abort without performing
any analysis.
3. In cyclic symmetry analysis, n must be defined as a set of integers on a SET

command.
4
CASE
272 HDOT
Heat Transfer Rate of Change of Enthalpy Output Request
HDOT Heat Transfer Rate of Change of Enthalpy Output Request
Requests form of rate of change of enthalpy vector output in transient heat transfer
analysis (SOL 159).
Format:
Examples:
HDOT=5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 SORT1 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of grid points for
CASE each time.
SORT2 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of time for each

grid point.
PLOT Generates but does not print rate of change of enthalpy.
ALL Rate of change of enthalpy for all points will be output.
NONE Rate of change of enthalpy for no points will be output.
n Set identification of previously appearing SET command. Only

rates of change of enthalpy for points with identification numbers
that appear on this SET command will be output. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
HDOT=NONE is used to override a previous HDOT=n or HDOT=ALL command.

HOUTPUT 273
Harmonic Output Request in Cyclic Symmetry Problems
HOUTPUT Harmonic Output Request in Cyclic Symmetry Problems
Requests harmonic output in cyclic symmetry problems.
Format:
Examples:
HOUTPUT=ALL
HOUTPUT(C,S)=5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
C, S, C*, S* Harmonic coefficients. See Remark 4.
ALL All harmonics will be output. 4

CASE
k Set identification number of harmonics for output. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. Set k must be defined on a SET command and output will be computed for all
available harmonics in SET k.
2. HOUTPUT=ALL requests output for all harmonics specified on the

HARMONICS command.
3. Either the HOUTPUT or NOUTPUT command is required to obtain data

recovery in cyclic symmetry analysis.
4. C and S correspond to the cosine and sine coefficients when the STYPE field is
ROT or AXI on the CYSYM Bulk Data entry.
C, S, C*, and S* correspond to the cosine symmetric, sine symmetric, cosine

antisymmetric, and sine antisymmetric coefficients respectively, when the
STYPE field is DIH on the CYSYM Bulk Data entry.
274 IC
Transient Initial Condition Set Selection
IC Transient Initial Condition Set Selection
Selects the initial conditions for direct transient analysis (SOLs 9, 109, 129, 159,
601 and 701).
Format:
IC=n
Examples:
IC=17
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of a TIC Bulk Data entry for structural analysis

or TEMP and TEMPD entries for transient heat transfer analysis
(SOL 159). (Integer>0)
4
CASE
Remarks:
1. For structural analysis, TIC entries will not be used (therefore, no initial
conditions) unless selected in the Case Control Section.
2. Initial conditions are not allowed in a modal transient analysis (SOLs 12 and
112).
INCLUDE 275
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning

requirements. It is recommended that the filename be enclosed
within single right-hand quotation marks (’).
Examples: 4
CASE
called MYBULK.DATA:
SOL 101
CEND
TITLE=STATIC ANALYSIS
LOAD=100
INCLUDE ’MYCASE.DATA’
BEGIN BULK
ENDDATA
Remarks:
276 K2GG
Direct Input Stiffness Matrix Selection
K2GG Direct Input Stiffness Matrix Selection
Selects direct input stiffness matrices.
Format:
K2GG=name
Examples:
K2GG=KDMIG
K2GG=K1, K2, K3
SET 100=KDMIG, K1, K8
K2GG=100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
name Name of a [k2gg] matrix that is input on the DMIG Bulk

Data entry. (Character) See “Matrix Assembly Operations in
4 SubDMAP SEMG” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
CASE
Remarks:
2. Terms are added to the stiffness matrix before any constraints are applied.
4. A scale factor may be applied to this input via the PARAM, CK2 entry. See
“Parameters” .
5. The matrices are additive if multiple matrices are referenced on the K2GG
command.
K2PP 277
Direct Input Stiffness Matrix Selection
K2PP Direct Input Stiffness Matrix Selection
Selects direct input stiffness matrices, which are not included in normal modes.
Format:
K2PP=name
Examples:
K2PP=KDMIG
K2PP=K1, K2, K3
SET 100=KDMIG, K1, K8
K2PP=100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
name Name of a [k2pp] matrix that is input on the DMIG or DMlAX

Bulk Data entry. (Character) See “Solution Sequences” in the
NX Nastran User’s Guide. 4
CASE
Remarks:
1. DMIG and DMIAX entries will not be used unless selected by the K2PP
command.
2. The matrix must be square or symmetric and field 4 on the DMIG,name entry

User’s Guide.
4. K2PP matrices are used only in dynamic response problems. They are not used
in normal modes.
5. The matrices are additive if multiple matrices are referenced on the K2PP
command.
278 K42GG
Direct Input Structural Damping Matrix Selection
K42GG Direct Input Structural Damping Matrix Selection
Selects direct input structural damping matrices.
Format:
K42GG=name
Examples:
K42GG=K4DMIG
K42GG=K1, K2, K3
SET 100=K4DMIG, K1, K8
K42GG=100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
name Name of a [k4,2gg] matrix that is input on the DMIG Bulk

Data entry. (Character) See “Matrix Assembly Operations in
4 SubDMAP SEMG” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
CASE
Remarks:
2. Terms are added to the structural damping matrix before any constraints are
applied.
4. A scale factor may be applied to this input via the PARAM, CK42 entry. See
“Parameters” .
5. The matrices are additive if multiple matrices are referenced on the K42GG
command.
LABEL 279
Output Label
LABEL Output Label
Defines a character string that will appear on the third heading line of each page
of printer output.
Format:
LABEL=label
Examples:
LABEL=DEMONSTRATION PROBLEM
Describers:
Describer Meaning
label Any character string.
Remarks: 4
CASE
1. LABEL appearing at the subcase level will label output for that subcase only.
2. LABEL appearing before all subcases will label any outputs that are not subcase
dependent.
3. If no LABEL command is supplied, the label line will be blank.
4. LABEL information is also placed on plotter output as applicable. Only the

first 65 characters will appear.
280 LINE
Maximum Lines Per Printed Page
LINE Maximum Lines Per Printed Page
Defines the maximum number of output lines per printed page.
Format:
LINE=n
Examples:
LINE=35
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Maximum number of output lines per page. (Integer>0; Default

= 50)
4 Remarks:
CASE
1. For 11 inch paper, 50 lines per page is recommended; for 8-1/2 inch paper, 35
lines per page is recommended.
2. The NASTRAN statement keyword NLINES may also be used to set this value.
See the “nastran Command and NASTRAN Statement” .
LOAD 281
External Static Load Set Selection
LOAD External Static Load Set Selection
Selects an external static load set.

For SOLs 601 and 701: Selects a constant load for advanced nonlinear analysis.
Format:
LOAD=n
Examples:
LOAD=15
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of at least one external load Bulk Data entry.

The set identification must appear on at least one FORCE,
FORCE1, FORCE2, FORCEAX, GRAV, MOMAX, MOMENT,
MOMENT1, MOMENT2, LOAD, PLOAD, PLOAD1, PLOAD2,
4
CASE
PLOAD4, PLOADX, QVOL, QVECT, QHBDY, QBDY1, QBDY2,
QBDY3, PRESAX, RFORCE, SPCD, or SLOAD entry. (Integer>0)
n (For SOLs Set identification of at least one external load Bulk Data entry.
601 and 701) The set identification must appear on at least one FORCE,
FORCE1, FORCE2, GRAV, MOMENT, MOMENT1, MOMENT2,
LOAD, PLOAD, PLOAD1, PLOAD2, PLOAD4, PLOADX1 (SOL
601), RFORCE or SPCD entry. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. A GRAV entry cannot have the same set identification number as any of the
other loading entry types. If it is desired to apply a gravity load along with other
static loads, a LOAD Bulk Data entry must be used.
2. LOAD is only applicable in linear and nonlinear statics, inertia relief, differential
stiffness, buckling, and heat transfer problems.
3. The total load applied will be the sum of external (LOAD), thermal
(TEMP(LOAD)), element deformation (DEFORM), and constrained displacement
(SPC) loads.
4. Static, thermal, and element deformation loads should have unique set
282 LOAD
External Static Load Set Selection
1. In SOL 601, LOAD may be used in a static or transient analysis.
2. Both DLOAD and LOAD case control commands can be specified in a SOL 601
or 701 analysis. DLOAD is used to select time-dependent loads and LOAD is
used to select constant loads.
4
CASE
LOADSET 283
Static Load Set Selection
LOADSET Static Load Set Selection
Selects a sequence of static load sets to be applied to the structural model. The load
sets may be referenced by dynamic load commands.
Format:
LOADSET=n
Examples:
LOADSET=100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of at least one LSEQ Bulk Data entry.

(Integer>0)
Remarks:
4
CASE
1. When used in superelement analysis, this command must be used for all
superelements. The number of static load vectors created for each superelement
depends upon the type of analysis. In static analysis, the number of vectors
created is equal to the number of unique EXCITEID IDs on all LSEQ entries in
the Bulk Data; in dynamic analysis, the number of vectors created is equal to the
number of unique DAREA IDs on all RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1, TLOAD2
and ACSRCE entries in the Bulk Data.
2. When the LOADSET command is used in superelement statics, the residual

structure should have as many loading conditions as the number of unique
EXCITEID sets defined on all LSEQ entries. The subcases after the first should
contain only SUBTITLE and LABEL information and residual structure output
requests. SUBTITLE and LABEL information for all superelements will be
obtained from the residual structure.
3. When more than one subcase is used with solution sequences 8, 9, 11 and 12
and the coupled mass option is used with CBAR elements, the LOADSET must
appear above all subcases. Only one LOADSET may be specified.
4. In SOL 101, the design sensitivity output will identify all expanded subcases
by a sequence of unique integers beginning with n.
5. In the nonlinear static solution sequences (SOLs 106 and 153) the LOADSET
must appear above all subcases and only one LOADSET may be specified.
284 LOADSET
Static Load Set Selection
6. Only one LOADSET command is allowed per superelement.
7. It is no longer necessary to employ LOADSET/LSEQ data to specify static

loading data for use in dynamic analysis. In the absence of LOADSET request in
Case Control, all static loads whose load set IDs match the EXCITEID IDs on all
RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1, TLOAD2 and ACSRCE entries in the Bulk Data
are automatically processed.
4
CASE
M2GG 285
Direct Input Mass Matrix Selection
M2GG Direct Input Mass Matrix Selection
Selects direct input mass matrices.
Format:
M2GG=name
Examples:
M2GG=MDMIG
M2GG=M1, M2, M3
SET 100=MDMIG, M1, M8
M2GG=100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
name Name of a [M2gg] matrix that is input on the DMIG Bulk Data
entry. See “Matrix Assembly Operations in SubDMAP SEMG”
in the NX Nastran User’s Guide. (Character) 4
CASE
Remarks:
2. Terms are added to the mass matrix before any constraints are applied.
3. The matrix must be symmetric and field 4 on the DMIG, name entry must
contain a 6.
4. M2GG input is not affected by PARAM,WTMASS. M2GG input must either be in

consistent mass units or PARAM,CM2 may be used.
5. The matrices are additive if multiple matrices are referenced on the M2GG
command.
286 M2PP
Direct Input Mass Matrix Selection
M2PP Direct Input Mass Matrix Selection
Selects direct input mass matrices, which are not included in normal modes.
Format:
M2PP=name
Examples:
M2PP=MDMIG
M2PP=M1, M2, M3
SET 100=MDMIG, M1, M8
M2PP=100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
name Name of a [M2pp] matrix that is input on the DMIG or DMIAX

Bulk Data entry. See “Dynamic Reduction and Component Mode
4 Synthesis in SubDMAP SEMR3” in the NX Nastran User’s
CASE Guide. (Character)
Remarks:
1. DMIG and DMIAX entries will not be used unless selected by the M2PP input.
2. M2PP input is not affected by PARAM,WTMASS. M2PP input must be in

consistent mass units.
3. The matrix must be square or symmetric and field 4 on the DMIG, name entry

User’s Guide.
5. M2PP matrices are used only in dynamic response problems. They are not used
in normal modes.
6. The matrices are additive if multiple matrices are referenced on the M2PP
command.
MASTER 287
Redefine the MASTER Subcase
MASTER Redefine the MASTER Subcase
Allows the redefinition of a MASTER subcase.
Format:
SUBCASE n
MASTER
Examples:
SUBCASE 10
MASTER
Remarks:
1. All commands in a MASTER subcase apply to the following subcases until a new
MASTER subcase is defined.
2. Suppose that superelement 10 has SPC set 10, MPC set 10, and LOAD sets
101 and 102. Suppose also that superelement 20 has SPC set 20, MPC set 20,
4
CASE
and LOAD sets 201 and 202.
The following setup specifies the required subcase structure:
TITLE=MY MODEL
DISP=ALL
SEALL=ALL
SUBCASE 101
MASTER
SPC=10
MPC=10
SUPER=10, 1
LOAD=101
LABEL=SUPER 10
ESE=ALL
SUBCASE 102
LOAD=102
SUPER=10, 2
SUBCASE 201
MASTER
SPC=20
MPC=20
SUPER=20, 1
LOAD=201
LABEL=SUPER 20
SUBCASE 202
LOAD=202
SUPER=20, 2
3. MASTER may also be used to advantage with multiple boundary condition Case
Control setups. Suppose that constraint sets 10 and 20 are to be solved with
288 MASTER
Redefine the MASTER Subcase
three loading conditions each: 1, 2, and 3 and 4, 5, and 6, respectively. The

following Case Control Section may be used
TITLE=MULTIPLE BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
DISP=ALL
SYM 1
MASTER
SPC=10
LOAD=1
SYM 2
LOAD=2
SYM 3
LOAD=3
SYM 4
MASTER
SPC=20
LOAD=4
SYM 5
LOAD=5
SYM 6
LOAD=6
SYMCOM 10
SYMSEQ=1., 1., 1., -1., -1., -1.
SYMCOM 20
SYMSEQ=-1., -1., -1., 1., 1., 1.
4
CASE 4. The MASTER command must appear immediately after a SUBCASE or SYM
command.
MAXLINES 289
Maximum Number of Output Lines
MAXLINES Maximum Number of Output Lines
Sets the maximum number of output lines.
Format:
MAXLINES=n
Examples:
MAXLINES=150000
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Maximum number of output lines allowed.
(Integer>0; Default=999999999)
Remarks:
4
CASE
1. Any time MAXLINES is exceeded, the program will terminate.
2. MAXLINES does not override any system parameters such as those on Job
Control Language commands.
3. MAXLINES may also be specified on the NASTRAN statement with

SYSTEM(14). See the “nastran Command and NASTRAN Statement”..
4. The code actually counts the number of pages and assumes that the number of
lines output is the number of lines allowed per page, specified by the “LINES”
command, times the number of pages.
290 MAXMIN
MAXMIN Survey Output Request
MAXMIN MAXMIN Survey Output Request
Specifies options for max/min surveys of certain output data associated with grid
points.
Format:
Examples:
MAXMIN (BOTH=10,CID=1000,DISP,COMP=T1/T3)=501
Describers:
4 Describer Meaning
CASE MAX Specifies only maximum values are to be output. See Remark 1.
MIN Specifies only minimum values are to be output. See Remark 1.
BOTH Specifies both maximum and minimum values are to be output.

See Remark 1.
VMAG Specifies vector magnitude resultants are to be output. See

Remark 2.
num The maximum number of values that will be output. See Remark
3. (Integer>0 , default=5)
CID Specifies the coordinate system frame of reference in which the

max/min values will be output. See Remarks 1 and 3.
GLOBAL Requests output in the global coordinate system frame of

reference.
BASIC Requests output in the basic coordinate system frame of reference.
cid Requests output in the local coordinate system defined by cid.

(Integer>0)
MAXMIN 291
Describer Meaning
oplist Specifies a list of one or more standard Case Control output

requests for which max/min results are to be produced. The list
may include any of DISP, SPCDF, OLOAD, MPCF, VELO, ACCE
or ALL. See Remark 6. (Character, no default)
list Specifies a list of grid point degree of freedom (DOF) component

directions that will be included in the max/min survey output.
The components are separated by slashes and are selected from
T1, T2, T3, R1, R2, R3. See Remarks 4 and 5. (Character,
default=/T1 /T2 /T3 /R1 /R2 /R3)
ALL MAXMIN survey results for all points will be output.
NONE MAXMIN survey results for no points will be output.
n Set identification of a previously appearing SET command. The

max/min results survey will be output only for the points specified
in SET n. (Integer>0) 4
CASE
Remarks:
1. The MAXMIN command produces an algebraically ascending sorted list of the

output quantities specified for all of the points in the selected set. MAX refers to
the largest magnitude positive values, while MIN refers to the largest magnitude
negative values. The output format is similar to that of displacement output.
All components will be output for a grid point and the order of the grid points
will be in sort on the particular component that was surveyed. The output title
contains the identification number of the SET of points participating in the
max/min output, the coordinate system frame of reference, the number of MAX
and MIN values output and the component that was surveyed. When the output
being surveyed is in the global output coordinate system reference frame and
BASIC or a local output coordinate system is specified as cid, both the sorted
system output and the original reference system output are displayed for the
grid point if these systems are different.
2. Vector magnitude results are computed for both translations and rotations and
displayed under the T1 and R1 column headings. The presence of the COMP
keyword is ignored.
3. The default value of 5 generates a minimum of 10 output lines for the BOTH
option. There will be 5 maximum values and 5 minimum values produced. In
addition, if coordinate system are involved, both surveyed and original data
292 MAXMIN
will be output. This could result in as many as 10 more lines of output for each
surveyed component.
4. Multiple MAXMIN commands may be specified for a subcase. This permits

different output quantities to have different MAXMIN specification within a
subcase. For example,
SET 501=1,3,5,7 THRU 99, 1001,2001
MAXMIN (DISP, COMP=T3)=501
MAXMIN (SPCF, COMP=T1/R3)=ALL
specifies different components and output sets for displacements and forces of
single point constraint. When multiple component searches are specified using
the COMP keyword, separate output tables are produced that contain the results
of the max/min survey for each of the components in the list. For example,
COMP=T1/R3 produces two surveys , one with the T1 component surveyed and
the other with the R3 component surveyed.
5. Scalar point output is included only if component T1 is included in the list.
4 6. MAXMIN output will only be generated for items in the oplist when there is an
associated case control command present. For example, a DISP Case Control
CASE
command must be present in order for the MAXMIN (DISP)=ALL command
to produce output. Use of the ALL keywords for the oplist requests MAXMIN
output for all of the output commands acceptable to MAXMIN that are present
in case control.
MEFFMASS 293
Modal Effective Mass Output Request
MEFFMASS Modal Effective Mass Output Request
Requests the output of the modal effective mass, participation factors, and modal
effective mass fractions in normal modes analysis.
Format:
Examples:
MEFFMASS
MEFFMASS(GRID=12, SUMMARY, PARTFAC)
4
Describers: CASE
Describer Meaning
NOPUNCH Does not write output to the punch file. (Default)
PLOT Writes output to the output2 file
NOPLOT Does not write output to the output2 file (Default)
grid Reference grid point for the calculation of the Rigid Body Mass
Matrix. The default is the origin of the basic coordinate system.
SUMMARY Requests calculation of the Total Effective Mass Fraction,

Modal Effective Mass Matrix, and the Rigid Body Mass Matrix.
(Default)
PARTFAC Requests calculation of Modal Participation Factors.
MEFFM Requests calculation of the Modal Effective Mass in units of

mass.
294 MEFFMASS
Modal Effective Mass Output Request
Describer Meaning
MEFFW Requests calculation of the Modal Effective Mass in units of

weight.
FRACSUM Requests calculation of the Modal Effective Mass Fraction.
Remarks:
1. The SUMMARY describer produces three outputs:

Modal Effective Mass Matrix [εT][m][ε] where
ε = Modal Participation Factors
= [m]-1[φ]T[Maa][Dar]
m = Generalized mass matrix
φ = Eigenvectors
4
CASE Maa = Mass matrix reduced to the a-set (g-set for superelements)
Dar = Rigid body transformation matrix with respect to the a-set
A-set Rigid Body Mass Matrix: [DTar][Maa][Dar]. For a superelement this is

computed at the g-set.
Total Effective Mass Fraction: i.e., diagonal elements of the Modal Effective
Mass Matrix divided by the Rigid Body Mass Matrix.
2. The PARTFAC describer outputs the Modal Participation Factors table: ε
3. The MEFFM describer outputs the Modal Effective Mass table: ε2, the term-wise
square of the Modal Participation Factors table.
4. The MEFFW describer outputs the Modal Effective Weight table; i.e., the Modal
Effective mass multiplied by user PARAMeter WTMASS.
5. The FRACSUM describer outputs the Modal Effective Mass Fraction table; i.e.,
the Generalized Mass Matrix (diagonal term) multiplied by the Modal Effective
Mass and then divided by the Rigid Body Mass Matrix (diagonal term).
6. For superelements the MEFFMASS command uses the residual structure

eigenvalues and eigenvectors, by default. If however, PARAM, FIXEDB, -1 is
specified then MEFFMASS command uses the component mode eigenvalues
and eigenvectors.
METHOD 295
Real Eigenvalue Extraction Method Selection
METHOD Real Eigenvalue Extraction Method Selection
Selects the real eigenvalue extraction parameters.
Format:
Examples:
METHOD=33
METHOD(FLUID)=34
Describers:
Describer Meaning
STRUCTURE The referenced EIGR or EIGRL Bulk Data entry is applied to the
or FLUID structural or fluid portion of the model. (Default = STRUCTURE)
4
n Set identification number of an EIGR or EIGRL Bulk Data entry CASE
for normal modes or modal formulation, or an EIGB or EIGRL
entry for buckling. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. An eigenvalue extraction method must be selected when extracting real

eigenvalues using DMAP modules READ or REIGL.
2. If the set identification number selected is present on both EIGRL and EIGR
and/or EIGB entries, the EIGRL entry will be used. This entry requests the
Lanczos eigensolution method.
3. METHOD(FLUID) permits a different request of EIGR or EIGRL for the

fluid portion of the model from the structural portion of the model in coupled
fluid-structural analysis. See the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
• If not specified, then the METHOD selection of the structure will be used
for the fluid and modal reduction will not be performed on the fluid portion
of the model in the dynamic solution sequences.
• The METHOD(FLUID) and METHOD(STRUCTURE) may be specified

simultaneously in the same subcase for the residual structure only. Do
not specify METHOD(FLUID) in a superelement subcase even if the
superelement contains fluid elements.
296 METHOD
• The auto-omit feature is not recommended. (See the NX Nastran User’s

Guide.) Therefore, only those methods of eigenvalue extraction that can
process a singular mass matrix should be used; e.g., EIGRL entry or MGIV
and MHOU on the EIGR entry.
4
CASE
MFLUID 297
Fluid Boundary Element Selection
MFLUID Fluid Boundary Element Selection
Selects the MFLUID Bulk Data entries to be used to specify the fluid-structure
interface.
Format:
MFLUID=n
Examples:
MFLUID=919
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of one or more MFLUID Bulk Data

entries. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
4
CASE
For a further discussion, see the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
298 MODALE
Energy output selection for SOL 111
MODALE Energy output selection for SOL 111
Energy output selection for SOL 111. This is not supported for the constraint mode
method of enforced motion.
Format:
4
CASE
Examples:
MODALE=ALL
SET 200=1,3,4,5,7
SET 300=0.1 0.3 0.5
MODALE(TYPE=BOTH,FREQ=300)=200
MODALE 299
Describers:
Describer Meaning
TYPE Type of energy output:
All=Strain energy, kinetic energy, and total energy will be

output. (Default)
SE=Only strain energy will be output.
KE=Only kinetic energy will be output.
BOTH=Both strain and kinetic energy will be output.
TOTAL=Only total energy will be output.
BOTH Both constant and oscillating energy results will be output.

(Default)
CONST Only constant energy results will be output.

4
OSCILL Only oscillating energy results will be output. CASE
SORT1 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of energy values for

the set of frequencies defined by the FREQ describer at each
mode in the specified set of modes.
SORT2 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of energy values

for the specified set of modes at each frequency defined by the
FREQ describer. (Default)
PRINT Prints the modal energy results to the .f06 file. (Default)
NOPRINT Writes the modal energy results to the OP2 file without writing
to the f06 or punch file.
PUNCH Writes the modal energy results to the punch (.pch) file.

(Default)
PHASE Requests polar format (magnitude and phase) of complex output.

Phase output is in degrees.
300 MODALE
Describer Meaning
FREQ Computes energies at ALL frequencies or the set of frequencies

defined by SET r. (Default=ALL)
ALL, n, Computes modal energies for (1) all modes, (2) the modes defined
NONE on SET n, or (3) no modes.
Remarks:
1. The FREQ describer selects from the set of forcing frequencies. If a frequency in
the selected set is not identical to a frequency in the set of forcing frequencies,
energy values at the closest frequency will be provided. If a frequency in the
selected set is greater or less than the range of forcing frequencies, energy values
will be provided at the highest or lowest forcing frequency, respectively.
2. Modal energy will be calculated and reported for (1) constant energy and/or
(2) oscillating energy (depending on whether BOTH, CONST, or OSCILL is
4 requested) at each frequency for each mode and at each frequency for all modes
CASE summed together. The frequencies used are those requested by the FREQ
describer; the modes used are those requested by ALL/n (i.e. SET n). Combined
with the value of the TYPE describer, one or more of the following equations
will be output (the modal energy computation is valid for the arbitrary loading
case denoted by superscript ‘s’, and the arbitrary excitation radian frequency
denoted by subscript ‘r’):
MODALE 301
4
CASE
302 MODALE
4
CASE
MODCON 303
Modal Contribution Request
MODCON Modal Contribution Request
Requests the output of modal contribution data for SOL 111.
Format:
MODCON=YES/NO
Examples:
MODCON=YES
Describers:
Describer Meaning
NO Do not output modal contribution data. (Default)
YES Modal contribution data will be output.
Remarks:
4
CASE
1. The option to PRINT, PLOT, or PUNCH the modal contribution data
can be selected by the DISP, VELO, ACCE and the SDISP, SVELO and
SACCELERATION case control methods.
2. Output of modal contribution can only occur on grids. Element output is not
supported at this time.
3. No new bulk data entries are required, however, the USET card with U3 can
be used to define the l=1,....n degrees of freedom which modal contributions
are computed.
4. The complex and actual modal contributions are assigned with dummy subcase
IDs for each dof in the f06 and punch files to distinguish each set of results while
post processing. It is recommended to use a large increment when assigning the
SUBCASE IDs in the case control section to avoid a dummy ID duplicating
a case control ID.
5. This capability is NOT supported for the constraint mode method of enforced
motion.
6. This capability is not supported for models having rigid body or fluid modes.
304 MODES
Subcase Repeater
MODES Subcase Repeater
Repeats a subcase.
Format:
MODES=n
Examples:
MODES=3
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Number of times the subcase is to be repeated. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
4 1. This command can be illustrated by an example. Suppose stress output is desired

for the first five modes only and displacements for the next two modes and forces
CASE
for the remaining modes. The following example would accomplish this.
SUBCASE 1 $ FOR MODES 1 THRU 5
MODES=5
STRESS=ALL
SUBCASE 6 $ FOR MODES 6 AND 7
DISPLACEMENTS=
MODES=2
SUBCASE 8 $ FOR MODE 8 AND REMAINING MODES
FORCE=ALL
2. This command causes the results for each mode to be considered as a separate,
successively numbered subcase, beginning with the subcase number containing
the MODES command. In the example above, this means that subcases 1, 2, 3,
etc. are assigned to modes 1, 2, 3, etc., respectively.
3. If this command is not used, eigenvalue results are considered to be a part of

a single subcase. Therefore, any output requests for the single subcase will
apply for all eigenvalues.
4. All eigenvectors with mode numbers greater than the number of subcases
defined in Case Control are printed with the descriptors of the last subcase. For
example, to suppress all printout for modes beyond the first three, the following
Case Control could be used:
SUBCASE 1
MODES=3
DISPLACEMENTS=ALL
SUBCASE 4
MODES 305
Subcase Repeater
DISPLACEMENTS=NONE
BEGIN BULK
5. This command may be of no use in non eigenvalue analysis and may cause data
recovery processing to be repeated.
4
CASE
306 MODSEL
Selects/deselects mode numbers
MODSEL Selects/deselects mode numbers
Used to select or deselect mode numbers in dynamic response and aero-elasticity

solutions.
Format:
MODSEL = n
Examples:
MODSEL=3
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Points to a SET card that holds the list of selected and retained
mode numbers. The default is to use all modes. The mode numbers
omitted from the list are removed from the modal space. Numbers
4 larger than the number of eigenvalues computed are ignored.
CASE (Integer)
MODTRAK 307
Mode Tracking Request
MODTRAK Mode Tracking Request
Selects mode tracking options in design optimization (SOL 200).
Format:
MODTRAK=n
Examples:
MODTRAK=100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of a MODTRAK Bulk Data entry. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
Selection of a MODTRAK Bulk Data entry with the MODTRAK Case Control
4
CASE
command activates mode tracking for the current subcase. This request is limited to
normal modes subcases (ANALYSIS = MODES) in design optimization (SOL 200).
308 MPC
Multipoint Constraint Set Selection
MPC Multipoint Constraint Set Selection
Selects a multipoint constraint set.
Format:
MPC=n
Examples:
MPC=17
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of a multipoint constraint set. This

set identification number must appear on at least one MPC or
MPCADD Bulk Data entry. (Integer>0)
4 Remarks:
CASE
1. In cyclic symmetry analysis, this command must appear above the first
SUBCASE command.
2. Multiple boundary (MPC sets) conditions are not allowed in superelement

analysis. If more than one MPC set is specified per superelement (including the
residual), then the second and subsequent sets will be ignored.
MPCFORCES 309
Multipoint Forces of Constraint Output Request
MPCFORCES Multipoint Forces of Constraint Output Request
Requests the form and type of multipoint force of constraint vector output.
Format:
Examples:
MPCFORCES=5
MPCFORCES(SORT2,PUNCH,PRINT,IMAG)=ALL
MPCFORCES(PHASE)=NONE
4
Describers: CASE
Describer Meaning

solution sequence.

PLOT Generates, but does not print, multipoint constraint forces.


310 MPCFORCES
Describer Meaning




remark 9.

file. See remark 9.
RPUNCH Writes random analysis results to the punch file. See remark 9.
ALL Multipoint forces of constraint for all points will be output.

See Remarks 3 and 6.
NONE Multipoint forces of constraint for no points will be output.

Only multipoint forces constraint for points with identification
numbers that appear on this SET command will be output.
(Integer>0)
Remarks:

MPCFORCES 311
2. See “DISPLACEMENT” for a discussion of SORT1 and SORT2. In the SORT1

format only nonzero values will be output.
3. In a statics problem, a request for SORT2 causes loads at all points (zero and
nonzero) to be output.
4. MPCFORCES=NONE overrides an overall output request.
5. In SORT1 format, MPCFORCEs recovered at consecutively numbered scalar

points are printed in groups of six (sextets) per line of output. But if a scalar
point is not consecutively numbered, then it will begin a new sextet on a new
line of output. If a sextet can be formed and all values are zero, then the line will
not be printed. If a sextet cannot be formed, then zero values may be output.
6. MPCFORCE results are output in the global coordinate system (see field CD on
7. MPCFORCE results are not available in SOL 129.
8. In inertia relief analysis, the MPCFORCE output is interpreted differently for 4

SOLs 1, 101, and 200: CASE
• In SOL 1, the MPCFORCE output reflects the effects due to the applied
loads only and not the inertial loads.
• In SOLs 101 and 200, the MPCFORCE output includes both the effects of
applied and inertial loads.
312 MPRES
Fluid Pressure Output Request
MPRES Fluid Pressure Output Request
Requests the pressure for selected surface elements in fluid-structure interaction

problems.
Format:
Examples:
MPRES=5
MPRES(IMAG)=ALL
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4
CASE PRINT The printer will be the output medium.
PLOT Generates, but does not print or punch, data.


ALL Fluid pressures for all elements will be output.
NONE Fluid pressures for no elements will be output.

command. Only fluid pressures for elements in this set will
be output. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
PARAM,DDRMM,-1 is also required in the modal solution sequences 11, 12, 111,
112, 146, and 200.
NLLOAD 313
Nonlinear Load Output Request
NLLOAD Nonlinear Load Output Request
Requests the form and type of nonlinear load output for transient problems.
Format:
Examples:
NLLOAD=ALL
Describers:
Describer Meaning

4
PUNCH The punch file will be the output medium. CASE
ALL Nonlinear loads for all solution points will be output.
NONE Nonlinear loads will not be output.

nonlinear loads for points with identification numbers that appear
on this SET command will be output. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. Nonlinear loads are output only in the solution (d or h) set.
2. The output is available in SORT2 format only.
3. Both PRINT and PUNCH may be used.
4. NLLOAD=NONE allows overriding an overall output request.

314 NLPARM
Nonlinear Static Analysis Parameter Selection
NLPARM Nonlinear Static Analysis Parameter Selection
Selects the parameters used for nonlinear static analysis.
Format:
NLPARM=n
Examples:
NLPARM=10
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of NLPARM and NLPCI Bulk Data entries.

(Integer>0)
4 Remarks:
CASE
1. NLPARM and NLPCI entries in the Bulk Data will not be used unless selected.
2. NLPARM may appear above or within a subcase.

NLSTRESS 315
Nonlinear Element Stress Output Request
NLSTRESS Nonlinear Element Stress Output Request
Requests the form and type of nonlinear element stress output in SOL 106.
Format:
Examples:
NLSTRESS=5
NLSTRESS (SORT1,PRINT,PUNCH,PHASE)=15
NLSTRESS(PLOT)=ALL
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4
SORT1 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of elements for each CASE
load.
SORT2 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of load for each

element type.
PLOT Generates nonlinear element stresses for requested set but no

printer output.
ALL Stresses for all nonlinear elements will be output. (Default)

stresses for elements with identification numbers that appear on
NONE No nonlinear element stress will be output.
Remarks:
2. ALL should not be used in a transient problem due to excessive output.

316 NLSTRESS
Nonlinear Element Stress Output Request
3. See “DISPLACEMENT” for a discussion of SORT1 and SORT2.
4. If the NLSTRESS command is not specified, then NLSTRESS=ALL is the

default.
4
CASE
NONLINEAR 317
Nonlinear Dynamic Load Set Selection
NONLINEAR Nonlinear Dynamic Load Set Selection
Selects a nonlinear dynamic load set for transient problems.
Format:
NONLINEAR=n
Examples:
NONLINEAR=75
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of NOLINi or NLRGAP Bulk Data entry.

(Integer>0)
Remarks: 4
CASE
NOLINi Bulk Data entry will be ignored unless selected in the Case Control Section.
318 NOUTPUT
Normal Output Request in Cyclic Symmetry Problems
NOUTPUT Normal Output Request in Cyclic Symmetry Problems
Requests physical output in cyclic symmetry problems.
Format:
Examples:
NOUTPUT (R)=ALL
NOUTPUT (2)=5
NOUTPUT (4,L)=10
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL Output for all segments is desired.

4 m Output for segments specified in SET m is desired. (Integer>0)
CASE
k Used in eigenvalue analysis to request eigenvector and internal
force output for harmonics specified in SET k. (Integer>0)
R, L Output for only the right- or left-half of segments specified as

ALL or in SET m. R and L are used in dihedral symmetry only.
Remarks:
1. Sets k and m are defined on SET commands.
2. In cyclic symmetry analysis, this command or the HOUTPUT command is

required to obtain data recovery.
OFREQUENCY 319
Output Frequency Set
OFREQUENCY Output Frequency Set
Selects a set of frequencies for output requests.
Format:
Examples:
OFREQUENCY=ALL
OFREQUENCY=15
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL Output for all frequencies will be computed.
n Set identification of a previously appearing SET command. 4

Output for frequencies closest to those given on this SET CASE
command will be output. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. In real eigenvalue, buckling, and complex eigenvalue analyses, the OMODES

Case Control command allows for an alternate way of selecting the modes to be
output based on their mode numbers. In these cases, if both the OMODES and
OFREQUENCY requests appear, the OMODES request takes precedence.
2. If this command is not specified in the Case Control Section (or, in the case
of real eigenvalue, buckling, and complex eigenvalue analyses, if neither the
OMODES nor the OFREQUENCY request is specified), then output will be
generated for all frequencies.
3. The number of solutions selected will always be equal to the number of quantities
in the selected set. The closest values are used.
4. In flutter analysis (SOL 145), the selected set refers to the imaginary part of the
complex eigenvalues. The physical interpretation of this quantity depends on the
method of flutter analysis as follows:
• K- or KE-method: Velocity (input units).
• PK-method: Frequency.
320 OFREQUENCY
Output Frequency Set
5. In aeroelastic response analysis (SOL 146) with RLOAD selection, the selected
set refers to the frequency (cycles per unit time).
6. In complex eigenvalue analysis (SOLs 7, 10, 107, and 110), the selected set refers
to the imaginary part of the complex eigenvalues.
7. In the modal solution sequences, if this command is specified in more than one
subcase, then it is recommended that the first subcase contain OFREQ=ALL and
subsequent subcases contain OFREQ=n. Also, data recovery requests should be
specified only in the subsequent subcases. For example:
SUBCASE 1
OFREQ=ALL $ 0.0 through 0.5
SUBCASE 2
SET 10=0.0 0.1 0.3
OFREQ=10
DISP=ALL
SUBCASE3
SET 20=0.4 0.5
OFREQ=20
STRESS=ALL
4
CASE
OLOAD 321
Applied Load Output Request
OLOAD Applied Load Output Request
Requests the form and type of applied load vector output.
Format:
Examples:
OLOAD=ALL
OLOAD(SORT1,PHASE)=5
Describers:
4
CASE
Describer Meaning

SORT2 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of frequency

or time for each grid point.



322 OLOAD
Describer Meaning


calculated for random analysis post-processing. Request
must be made above the subcase level and RANDOM must


See remark 11.
4
CASE NORPRINT Disables the writing of random analysis results to the print
file. See remark 11.
11.
ALL Applied loads for all points will be output. See Remarks 2
and .
NONE Applied load for no points will be output.

Only loads on points with identification numbers that appear
Remarks:
2. See “DISPLACEMENT” for a discussion of SORT1 and SORT2. In the SORT1

format, only nonzero values will be output.
3. In a statics problem, a request for SORT2 causes loads at all requested points
(zero and nonzero) to be output.
OLOAD 323
4. OLOAD=NONE overrides an overall output request.
5. In the statics superelement solution sequences, and in the dynamics SOLs 107
through 112, 118, 145, 146, and 200, OLOADs are available for superelements
and the residual structure. Only externally applied loads are printed, and not
loads transmitted from upstream superelements. Transmitted loads can be
obtained with GPFORCE requests.
• In the nonlinear transient analysis solution sequences SOLs 129 and 159,
OLOADs are available only for residual structure points and include loads
transmitted by upstream superelements.
6. In nonlinear analysis, OLOAD output will not reflect changes due to follower
forces.
7. Loads generated via the SPCD Bulk Data entry do not appear in OLOAD output.
8. In SORT1 format, OLOADs recovered at consecutively numbered scalar points

are printed in groups of six (sextets) per line of output. But if a scalar point is
not consecutively numbered, then it will begin a new sextet on a new line of 4
output. If a sextet can be formed and it is zero, then the line will not be printed. CASE
If a sextet cannot be formed, then zero values may be output.
9. OLOAD results are output in the global coordinate system (see field CD on the
GRID Bulk Data entry).
10. In inertia relief analysis, the OLOAD output is interpreted differently for SOLs
1, 101, and 200:
• In SOL 1, the output shows only the applied loads.
• In SOLs 101 and 200, the output includes both the inertia loads and applied
loads.
324 OMODES
Output Modes Set
OMODES Output Modes Set
Selects a set of modes for output requests.
Format:
Examples:
OMODES=ALL
OMODES=20
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL Output for all extracted modes will be computed. (Default)

4 n Set identification of a previously appearing SET command.
CASE Output for those extracted modes appearing on this SET
command will be computed.
Remarks:
1. This command is honored only in SOLs 103, 105, 107, 110, 111, 112, and 200. It
is ignored in all other analyses.
2. In contrast to the OFREQENCY Case Control request, which affords an alternate

way of selecting the modes to be output based on their frequencies, the OMODES
command allows mode selection based on integer mode ID. For example:
SUBCASE 10
…
SET 11=1,3,5,7
OMODES=11
DISP=ALL
…
SUBCASE 20
…
SET 21=25., 28., 31.
OFREQ=21
DISP=ALL
…
3. If both the OMODES and the OFREQUENCY requests appear, the OMODES
request takes precedence.
OMODES 325
Output Modes Set
4. If neither the OMODES nor the OFREQUENCY request is specified, output

will be generated for all modes.
5. It is important to note that the OMODES request has no effect whatsoever on

the number of modes computed. Instead, it only provides a means for selecting a
subset of the computed modes for which output is to be generated.
6. In superelement analysis, the set definition of an OMODES request for an

upstream superelement will not be honored unless a similar request appears for
its downstream neighbor. The downstream request should either be comprised
of the union of all upstream requests, or left blank, as the OMODES default is
ALL. Note that the code does not check to see if this condition is satisfied.
4
CASE
326 OTIME
Output Time Set
OTIME Output Time Set
Selects a set of times for output requests.

Format:
Examples:
OTIME=ALL
OTIME=15
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL Output for all times will be computed.
n Set identification number of a previously appearing SET command.

4 Output for times closest to those given on this SET command will
CASE be computed. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. If the OTIME command is not supplied in the Case Control Section, then output
for all times will be computed.
2. This command is particularly useful for requesting a subset of the output (e.g.,
stresses at only peak times, etc.).
3. This command can be used in conjunction with the MODACC module to limit the
times for which modal acceleration computations are performed.
4. If this command is specified in more than one subcase in the modal solution
sequences, then it is recommended that the first subcase contain OTIME=ALL
and subsequent subcases contain OTIME=n. Also, data recovery requests should
be specified only in the subsequent subcases. For example:
SUBCASE 1
OTIME ALL
SUBCASE 2
OTIME=10
SET10=. . .
DISP=ALL
SUBCASE 3
OTIME=20
SET 20=. . .
STRESS=ALL
OTIME 327
Output Time Set
5. The OTIME command is not effective in nonlinear transient analysis.
6. In superelement analysis, the set definition of an OTIME request for an

upstream superelement will not be honored unless a similar request appears for
its downstream neighbor. The downstream request should either be comprised of
the union of all upstream requests, or left blank, as the OTIME default is ALL.
Note that the program does not check to see if this condition is satisfied.
4
CASE
328 OUTPUT
Case Control Delimiter
OUTPUT Case Control Delimiter
Delimits the various types of commands for the structure plotter, curve plotter, grid
point stress, and MSGSTRESS.
Format:
Examples:
OUTPUT
OUTPUT(PLOT)
OUTPUT(XYOUT)
Describers:
4
PLOT Beginning of the structure plotter request. This command must

precede all structure plotter control commands. Plotter commands
are described in “OUTPUT(PLOT) Commands” .
POST Beginning of grid point stress SURFACE and VOLUME

commands. This command must precede all SURFACE and
VOLUME commands.
XYOUT or Beginning of curve plotter request. This command must precede

XYPLOT all curve plotter control commands. XYPLOT and XYOUT are
entirely equivalent. Curve plotter commands are described in
“X-Y PLOT Commands” .
CARDS The OUTPUT(CARDS) packet is used by the MSGSTRESS

program. These commands have no format rules. This package
must terminate with the command ENDCARDS (starting in
column 1).
Remarks:
1. The structure plotter request OUTPUT(PLOT), the curve plotter request

OUTPUT(XYOUT or XYPLOT), and the grid point stress requests
(OUTPUT(POST)) must follow the standard Case Control commands.
OUTPUT 329
Case Control Delimiter
2. If OUTPUT is specified without a describer, then the subsequent commands

are standard Case Control commands.
3. Case Control commands specified after OUTPUT(POST) are SURFACE and

VOLUME.
4
CASE
330 OUTRCV
P-element Output Option Selection
OUTRCV P-element Output Option Selection
Selects the output options for the p-elements defined on an OUTRCV Bulk Data entry.
Format:
OUTRCV=n
Examples:
OUTRCV=10
OUTR=25
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of a OUTRCV Bulk Data entry.

(Integer>0)
4 Remarks:
CASE
The OUTRCV command is optional. By default, p-element output uses the defaults
specified for CID and VIEW under the OUTRCV Bulk Data entry description.
P2G 331
Direct Input Load Matrix Selection
P2G Direct Input Load Matrix Selection
Selects direct input load matrices.
Format:
P2G=name
Examples:
P2G=LDMIG
P2G=L1, L2, L3
SET 100=LDMIG, L1, L8
P2G=100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
name Name of a [P2g] matrix to be input on the DMIG Bulk Data entry.
See the NX Nastran User’s Guide. (Character)
4
CASE
Remarks:
1. Terms are added to the load matrix before any constraints are applied.
2. The matrix must be columnar in form (field 4 on the DMIG entry must contain
the integer 9).
3. A scale factor may be applied to this input using the PARAM,CP2 parameter.
See Parameters .
332 PAGE
Page Eject
PAGE Page Eject
Causes a page eject in the echo of the Case Control Section.
Format:
PAGE
Examples:
PAGE
Remarks:
1. PAGE appears in the printed echo prior to the page eject.
2. PAGE is used to control paging in large Case Control Sections.
4
CASE
PARAM 333
Parameter Specification
PARAM Parameter Specification
Specifies values for parameters. Parameters are described in Parameters .
Format:
PARAM,n,V1,V2
Examples:
PARAM,GRDPNT,0
PARAM,K6ROT,1.0
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Parameter name (1 to 8 alphanumeric characters, the first of

which is alphabetic).
V1, V2 Parameter value based on parameter type, as follows:

4
CASE
Type V1 V2
Integer Integer Blank
Real, single precision Real Blank
Character Character Blank
Real, double precision Real, Double Precision Blank
Complex, single precision Real or Blank Real or Blank
Complex, double precision Real, Double Precision Real, Double Precision
Remarks:
1. The PARAM command is normally used in the Bulk Data Section and is
described in Bulk Data Entries.
2. The parameter values that may be defined in the Case Control Section are
described in Parameters. Case Control PARAM commands in user-written
DMAPs require the use of the PVT module, described in the NX Nastran DMAP
334 PARTN
Partitioning Vector Specifications
PARTN Partitioning Vector Specifications
Specifies a list of grid point identification numbers that will be partitioned with the
DMAP module MATMOD (Option 17). In SOLs 111 and 200, the PARTN command
specifies the points at which modal participation factors are to be computed.
Format:
PARTN=n
Examples:
PARTN=10
Describers:
Describer Meaning

command. Only modal participation factors for points with
4 identification numbers that appear on the SET=n command will
CASE be output. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. The PARTN command and the DMAP module MATMOD provide a convenient
method for building a partitioning vector for use in the DMAP modules such as
PARTN and MERGE.
2. Modal participation factors are computed automatically in SOLs 111 and 200
when coupled fluid-structure analysis is performed. See the NX Nastran User’s
Guide.
PLOTID 335
Plotter Identification
PLOTID Plotter Identification
Defines a character string that will appear on the first frame of any plotter output.
Format:
PLOTID=title
Examples:
PLOTID=BLDG. 125 BOX 91
Describers:
Describer Meaning
title Any character string.
Remarks:
1. PLOTID must appear before the OUTPUT(PLOT) or OUTPUT(XYOUT)

4
CASE
commands.
2. The presence of PLOTID causes a special header frame to be plotted with the
supplied identification plotted several times. The header frame allows plotter
output to be identified easily.
3. If no PLOTID command appears, no ID frame will be plotted.
4. The PLOTID header frame will not be generated for the table plotters.
336 PRESSURE
Pressure Output Request
PRESSURE Pressure Output Request
Requests form and type pressure output. Analogous to the DISPLACEMENT Case
Control command.
See the description for DISPLACEMENT.
4
CASE
RANDOM 337
Random Analysis Set Selection
RANDOM Random Analysis Set Selection
Selects the RANDPS and RANDT1 Bulk Data entries to be used in random analysis.
Format:
RANDOM=n
Examples:
RANDOM=177
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of RANDPS and RANDT1 Bulk Data

entries to be used in random analysis. (Integer>0)
Remarks: 4
CASE
1. RANDOM must select RANDPS Bulk Data entries to perform random analysis.
2. RANDOM must appear in the first subcase of the current loop. RANDPS Bulk
Data entries may not reference subcases in a different loop. Loops are defined
by a change in the FREQUENCY command or changes in the K2PP, M2PP, or
B2PP commands.
3. If RANDPS entries are used in a superelement analysis, the RANDOM command

may be specified above the subcase level if a condensed subcase structure
(SUPER=ALL) is used. If a condensed subcase structure is not used, then a
unique RANDOM selection of a unique RANDPS entry must be specified within
each of the desired superelement subcases.
4. P-elements are not supported in random analysis.

338 RCROSS
Cross-Power Spectral Density and Cross-correlation Function Output Requests
RCROSS Cross-Power Spectral Density and Cross-correlation Function

Output Requests
Requests computation and output of cross-power spectral density and

cross-correlation functions in random analysis.
Format:
Examples:
RCROSS(PHASE)=10
RCROSS(PSDF,NOPRINT,PUNCH)=20
Describers:
4 Describer Meaning
CASE
IMAG output (for cross-power spectral density function). Use of either
REAL or IMAG yields the same output. (Default)
PHASE Requests polar format (magnitude and phase) of complex output

(for cross-power spectral density function). Phase output is in
degrees.
PRINT Writes output to print file. (Default)
PUNCH Writes output to punch file.
PSDF Requests the cross-power spectral density function be calculated

and output for random analysis post-processing. (Default)
CORF Requests the cross-correlation function be calculated and output

for random analysis post-processing.
RALL Requests both the cross-power spectral density and

cross-correlation function be calculated and output for random
analysis post-processing.
n Identification number of RCROSS bulk data entry to be used in

random analysis. (Integer > 0)
RCROSS 339
Cross-Power Spectral Density and Cross-correlation Function Output Requests
Remarks:
1. The case control RCROSS entry must be used in conjuction with the case control
RANDOM entry. See remarks under the RANDOM case control entry.
2. Response quantities, such as DISPLACEMENT, STRESS, and FORCE, must be

requested by corresponding case control entries in order to compute cross-power
spectral density and cross-correlation functions between the two response
quantities specified by the RCROSS bulk data entry. It is recommended that the
DISPLACEMENT, STRESS, and FORCE requests be put above the subcase
level to ensure that these response quantities exist when the random analysis
post-processing occurs.
3. The response quantities must belong to the same superelement. The cross-power
spectral density and cross-correlation functions between two responses that
belong to different superelements are not supported.
4
CASE
340 RECURDYNRFI
Generates RecurDyn Flex Input File
RECURDYNRFI Generates RecurDyn Flex Input File
Generates a RecurDyn Flex Input (RFI) file during SOL 103.

Format:
4
CASE
Examples:
RECURDYNRFI FLEXBODY=YES
Describers:
Describer Meaning
FLEXBODY Requests the generation of RFI (required).
NO Standard NX Nastran solution without RFI creation (default).
YES RFI generation requested.
FLEXONLY Determines if standard DMAP solution and data recovery runs

or not after RFI creation is complete.
YES Only RFI creation occurs (default).
NO RFI file creation occurs along with standard DMAP solution

and data recovery.
RECURDYNRFI 341
Describer Meaning
OUTGSTRS Determines if grid point stress is written to RFI.
NO Do not write grid point stress to RFI (default).
YES Write grid point stress to RFI.
OUTGSTRN Determines if grid point strain is written to RFI.
NO Do not write grid point strain to RFI (default).
YES Write grid point strain to RFI.
MINVAR Determines how mass invariants are computed.
PARTIAL Mass invariants 6 and 8 are not computed.

4
CONSTANT Mass invariants 1,2,3 and 9 are computed. CASE
FULL All nine mass invariants are computed.
NONE No mass invariants are computed.
PSETID Selects a set of elements defined in the OUTPUT(PLOT)

(including PLOTEL) whose connectivity is exported to face
geometry into the RFI. (See Remark 16)
NONE No specific sets are selected, thus all grids, geometry and
associated modal data are written to RFI (default).
setid The connectivity of a specific element set is used to export face

geometry.
ALL The connectivity of all element sets are used to export face
geometry.
Remarks:
1. The creation of the RecurDyn Flex Input file is applicable in a non-restart SOL
103 analysis only.
342 RECURDYNRFI
2. The creation of the RecurDyn Flex Input file is initiated by RECURDYNRFI

FLEXBODY=YES (other describers are optional) along with the inclusion of the
bulk data entry DTI,UNITS.
3. The Data Table Input Bulk Data entry DTI,UNITS, which is required for an
RECURDYNRFI FLEXBODY=YES run, is used to specify the system of units
for the data stored in the RFI (unlike NX Nastran, RecurDyn is not a unitless
code). Once identified, the units will apply to all superelements in the model.
The complete format is:
DTI UNITS 1 MASS FORCE LENGTH TIME
All entries are required. Acceptable character strings are listed below.
Mass:
KG - kilogram
LBM – pound-mass
SLUG – slug
4 GRAM – gram
CASE
OZM – ounce-mass
KLBM – kilo pound-mass (1000.lbm)
MGG – megagram
Force:
N – Newton
LBF – pound-force
KGF – kilograms-force
OZF – ounce-force
DYNE – dyne
KN – kilonewton
KLBF – kilo pound-force (1000.lbf)
MN - millinewton
Length:
KM – kilometer
M – meter
CM – centimeter
RECURDYNRFI 343
MM – millimeter
MI – mile
FT – foot
IN – inch
Time:
H – hour
MIN-minute
S – second
MS – millisecond
4. Since DTI,UNITS determines all units for the RFI, the units defined in
in the output to the RFI. For example, if the model mass is kilograms, force in
ensuring that NX Nastran works with the consistent set of kg, N, and m. The 4
units written to the RFI would be: “DTI,UNITS,1,KG,N,M,S”. CASE
5. You can create flexible body attachment points by defining the component as a
superelement or part superelement, in which case the physical external (a-set)
grids become the attachment points; or for a residual-only type model, you can
use standard NX Nastran ASET Bulk Data entries to define the attachment
points.
6. The eight mass variants are:

344 RECURDYNRFI
sp = [xyz]T are the coordinates of grid point p in the basic coordinate system.
4 φp=partitioned orthogonal modal matrix that corresponds to the translational

CASE degrees of freedom of grid p.
Ip=inertia tensor p.
φp*=partitioned orthogonal modal matrix that corresponds to the rotational
=skew-symmetric matrix formed for each grid translational degree of

freedom for each mode.
M=number of modes.
N=number of grids.
7. To accurately capture the mode shapes when supplying SPOINT/QSET

combinations, the number of SPOINTS (ns) should be at least ns=n+(6+p),
assuming that residual flexibility is on. In the above equation for ns, the number
of modes (n) is specified on the EIGR or EIGRL Bulk Data entries; the number of
load cases is p. In general, you can’t have too many SPOINTs, as excess ones will
simply be truncated with no performance penalty.
8. For FLEXBODY=YES runs, residual vectors for the component should always be
calculated as they result in a more accurate representation of the component
shapes at little additional cost.
9. OMIT or OMIT1 Bulk Data entries are not supported.

RECURDYNRFI 345
10. Lumped mass formulation (default) is required. Either leave

PARAM,COUPMASS out of the input file or supply PARAM,COUPMASS,-1
(default) to ensure lumped mass.
11. P-elements are not allowed because they are always use a coupled mass
formulation.
12. PARAM,WTMASS,value with a value other than 1.0 may be used with an NX
Nastran run generating an RFI. It must have consistent units with regard to
the DTI,UNITS Bulk Data entry. Before generating the RFI, NX Nastran will
appropriately scale the WTMASS from the physical mass matrix and mode
shapes.
13. There is a distinction between how an RECURDYNRFI FLEXBODY=YES run

handles element-specific loads (such as a PLOAD4 entry) versus those that are
grid-specific (such as a FORCE entry), especially when superelements are used.
The superelement sees the total element-specific applied load. For grid-specific
loads, the loads attached to an external grid will move downstream with the
grid. That is to say, it is part of the boundary and not part of the superelement.
This distinction applies to a superelement run and not to a residual-only or 4
parts superelement run. CASE
14. The loads specified in NX Nastran generally fall into two categories: non-follower
or fixed direction loads (non-circulatory) and follower loads (circulatory). The
follower loads are nonconservative in nature. Examples of fixed direction loads
are the FORCE entry or a PLOAD4 entry when its direction is specified via
direction cosines. Examples of follower loads are the FORCE1 entry or the
PLOAD4 entry when used to apply a normal pressure. By default in NX Nastran,
the follower loads are always active in SOL 103 and will result in follower
stiffness being added to the differential stiffness and elastic stiffness of the
structure. In a run with RECURDYNRFI FLEXBODY=YES and superelements,
if the follower force is associated with a grid description (such as a FORCE1) and
the grid is external to the superelement, the follower load will move downstream
with the grid. Thus, the downstream follower contribution to the component’s
stiffness will be lost, which could yield poor results. This caution only applies to
a superelement run and not to a residual-only or a part superelement run.
15. OUTGSTRS and OUTGSTRN entries require the use of standard NX Nastran
STRESS= or STRAIN= used in conjunction with GPSTRESS= or GPSTRAIN=
commands to produce grid point stress or strain. GPSTRESS(PLOT)= or
GPSTRAIN(PLOT)= will suppress grid stress or strain print to the NX Nastran
.f06 file.
16. To reduce the FE mesh detail for dynamic simulations, PSETID (on the
RECURDYNRFI Case Control command) defined with a SET entry is used to
346 RECURDYNRFI
define a set of PLOTELs or other elements used to select grids to display the
components in RecurDyn. This option can significantly reduce the size of the
RFI without compromising accuracy in the FunctionBay simulation providing
that the mass invariant computation is requested. With superelement analysis,
for any of these elements that lie entirely on the superelement boundary (all of
the elements’ grids attached only to a-set or exterior grids), a SEELT Bulk Data
entry must be specified to keep that display element with the superelement
component. This can also be accomplished using PARAM, AUTOSEEL,YES. The
SEELT entry is not required with parts superelements, as boundary elements
stay with their component.
If the SET entry points to an existing set from the OUTPUT(PLOT) section, this
single set is used explicitly to define elements used to select grids to display the
component in RecurDyn. If PSETID does not find the set ID in OUTPUT(PLOT),
it will search sets in the case control for a matching set ID. This matching set ID
list then represents a list of OUTPUT(PLOT) defined elements’ sets, the union of
which will be used to define a set of PLOTELs or other elements used to select
grids to display the component in RecurDyn. If the user wishes to select all of
the sets in the OUTPUT(PLOT) section, then use PSETID=ALL.
4 The following element types are not supported for writing to an RFI, nor are
CASE
they supported as a ‘type’ entry in a set definition in OUTPUT(PLOT): CAABSF,
CAEROi, CDUMi, CHACAB, CHACBR, CHBDYx, CDAMP3, CDAMP4,
CELAS3, CELAS4, CFLUIDi, CMASS3, CMASS4, CRAC2D, CRAC3D,
CTRMEM, CTWIST, CWEDGE, CWELD, and GENEL.
17. Typical NX Nastran data entry requirements are described below.
Typical Parameters:
• PARAM,RESVEC,character_value – controls calculation of residual

flexibility (including inertia relief) modes. In SOL 103, residual flexibility is
on by default for only component modes (o-set).
• PARAM,GRDPNT,value - mass invariants 1I, 2I, and 3I will be computed

using results of NX Nastran grid point weight generator execution in the
basic coordinate system.
Typical Case Control:
• RECURDYNRFI FLEXBODY=YES is required for RFI generation.
• METHOD=n is required before or in the first subcase for modal solutions.
• SUPORT1=seid is necessary to select a static support set for a residual

only linear preload run.
RECURDYNRFI 347
• SUPER=n,SEALL=n is useful with multiple superelement models to select

an individual superelement as a flexible body. Cannot be used with a linear
STATSUB(PRELOAD) run.
• OUTPUT(PLOT) is necessary to define elements used to select grids to

display the component in RecurDyn when PSETID=ALL or setid.
SET n=list of elements (including PLOTELs) is used to select grids to
display the component.
• OUTPUT(POST) is necessary to define volume and surface for grid stress

or strain shapes.
SET n=list is a list of elements for surface definition for grid stress or strain
shapes.
Stress and strain data in the RFI is limited to the six components (i.e. 3
normal and 3 shear) for a grid point for a given mode.
SURFACE n SET n NORMAL z3 is used to define a surface for writing stress
and strain data. Only one FIBER selection is allowed for each SURFACE,
thus the use of the FIBRE ALL keyword on the SURFACE case control
4
CASE
command will write stresses to the RFI at the Z1 fiber location only.
Since the FIBRE keyword only applies to stresses, strain data will always be
written to the RFI at the MID location.
Stress and strain data at grid points can only be written to the RFI for
surface and volume type elements (e.g. CQUAD and CHEXA).
VOLUME n SET n is a volume definition.
The default SYSTEM BASIC is required with SURFACE or VOLUME.
• STRESS(PLOT) is necessary for stress shapes.
• STRAIN(PLOT) is necessary for strain shapes.
• GPSTRESS(PLOT) is necessary for grid point stress shapes to be included

in the RFI.
• GPSTRAIN(PLOT) is necessary for grid point strain shapes to be included

in the RFI.
Typical Bulk Data:
• DTI,UNITS,1,MASS,FORCE,LENGTH,TIME is required for RFI generation.

For input files containing superelements, this command must reside in the
main bulk data section.
348 RECURDYNRFI
• SPOINT,id_list defines and displays modal amplitude.
• SESET,SEID,grid_list defines a superelement (see GRID and BEGIN BULK

SUPER=). The exterior grids will represent the attachment points along
with the q-set.
• SEELT,SEID,element_list reassigns superelement boundary elements to

an upstream superelement.
• RELEASE,SEID,C,Gi is an optional entry that removes DOFs from an

attachment grid for which no constraint mode is desired. For example, this
allows the removal of rotational degrees of freedom from an analysis where
only translational degrees of freedom are required.
• SEQSET,SEID,spoint_list defines modal amplitudes of a superelement (see

SEQSET1).
• SENQSET,SEID,N defines modal amplitudes of a part superelement. It

must reside in the main Bulk Data Section.
4
CASE • ASET,IDi,Ci defines attachment points for a residual-only run (see ASET1).
• QSET1,C,IDi defines modal amplitudes for the residual structure or modal

amplitudes for a part superelement (see QSET).
• SUPORT1,SID,IDi,Ci defines the static support for a preload condition

with a residual-only run. This entry is case control selectable. Do not use
SUPORT.
• PLOTEL,EID,Gi can be used, along with existing model elements, to define

elements used to select grids to display the components in RecurDyn.
• EIGR,SID,METHOD,… obtains real eigenvalue extraction (see EIGRL).
18. RECURDYNRFI and ADAMSMNF case control entries cannot be used in the
same analysis run. In other words, a RecurDyn RFI file or an ADAMS MNF file
can be generated during a particular NX Nastran execution, but not both files at
the same time. Attempting to generate both files in the same analysis will cause
an error to be issued and the execution to be terminated.
REPCASE 349
Repeat Output Subcase Delimiter
REPCASE Repeat Output Subcase Delimiter
Delimits and identifies a repeated output subcase.
Format:
REPCASE=n
Examples:
REPCASE=137
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Subcase identification number. (Integer>1)
Remarks:
1. n must be strictly increasing (i.e., must be greater than all previous subcase
4
CASE
identification numbers).
2. REPCASE defines a subcase that is used to make additional output requests for
the previous real subcase. This command is required because multiple output
requests for the same item are not permitted in the same subcase.
3. REPCASE may only be used in statics and normal modes problems. However,
in normal modes, only output for the first mode is obtained. This feature is not
supported in SOLs 106 or 153.
4. One or more repeated subcases (REPCASEs) must immediately follow the

subcase (SUBCASE) to which they refer.
5. If the referenced subcases contain thermal loads or element deformations, the

user must define the temperature field in the REPCASE with a TEMP(LOAD)
Case Control command or the element deformation state with a DEFORM
command. P-elements are not supported in random analysis.
350 RIGID
Rigid Element Method
RIGID Rigid Element Method
Selects the rigid element processing method for RBAR, RBE1, RBE2, RROD and
RTRPLT elements.
Format:
Examples:
RIGID=LAGRAN
Describers:
Describer Meaning
LINEAR Selects the linear elimination method.

4 LAGRAN Selects the Lagrange multiplier method.
CASE
Remarks:
1. The RIGID command must be above the SUBCASE level.
2. The LAGRAN method allows for the thermal expansion of the rigid elements.
3. The RIGID command can only be used in SOLs 101 through 112. For all other
solution sequences, RIGID command is ignored and RIGID=LINEAR is used.
4. If the RIGID command is not specified, RIGID=LINEAR is used.
5. LINEAR processing will not compute the thermal loads. Also, in SOLs 103
through 112, LAGRAN method must be used to compute the differential stiffness
due to the thermal expansion of the rigid elements.
6. When using RIGID=LAGRAN, K6ROT must be defined as non-zero.

RMAXMIN 351
Requests output of MIN/MAX values from solutions 12 and 112.
RMAXMIN Requests output of MIN/MAX values from solutions 12 and 112.
Defines parameters to output the minimum, maximum, absolute value maximum,

and RMS response of stress, force and displacement results generated during SOL
12 or 112.
Format:
Examples:
RMAXMIN(NOPRINT,STRESS,ABSOLUTE)=YES 4
Describers: CASE
Describer Meaning
FORCE, STRESS, Result tables to be searched.

DISP
PLOT Writes output to .plt file.
ABSOLUTE Specifies output of absolute maximum values.
MINIMUM Specifies output of minimum values.
MAXIMUM Specifies output of maximum values. (Default)
APPR=m Overrides the default approach code of the input data

blocks. (Default used when APPR≤ 0 or blank)
YES Activates RMAXMIN.
NO Disables RMAXMIN.
352 RMAXMIN
Requests output of MIN/MAX values from solutions 12 and 112.
Remarks:
1. Only one of MAXIMUM, MINIMUM and ABSOLUTE can be selected. RMS

values are always output with any of the selections.
2. Since RMAXMIN only processes SORT1 output requests, you must specify
PARAM, POST in conjunction with RMAXMIN to process the OEF1, OES1 or
OUGV1 datablocks.
3. One or more of STRESS, FORCE and DISP must be selected for any output to be
generated. RMAXMIN processes displacement for the grid points specified by
the DISP case control and processes stress and force for elements specified by
the STRESS and FORCE case control respectively.
4. The parameter RMXTRAN is used to control the output of transient results for
STRESS, FORCE, DISP case control when RMAXMIN is activated. The default,
RMXTRAN=NO will suppress output of transient results.
5. The output datablocks generated by RMAXMIN are OES1MX, OEF1MX, and

4 OUGV1MX for stress, force and displacement respectively.
CASE
6. The maximum, minimum, absolute, and RMS results are captured and stored
on a component basis in the OES1MX, OEF1MX, and OUGV1MX datablocks.
For example, the maximum displacement is computed and stored for each of a
grid’s six DOF and each value may correspond to different times in the transient
history.
RMETHOD 353
ROTORD Selection
RMETHOD ROTORD Selection
Selects the ROTORD bulk data entry used for rotor dynamics analysis.
Formats:
RMETHOD=n
Examples:
RMETHOD=77
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Identification number of a ROTORD Bulk Data entry. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. ROTORD bulk data entires will not be used unless selected in the Case Control
4
CASE
section.
2. RMETHOD entry must be above any SUBCASE Case Control entries.
3. RMETHOD is only supported in SOL 110.

354 RSMETHOD
RSMETHOD Real Eigenvalue Extraction Method Selection
Selects the real eigenvalue extraction parameters in the component mode reduction
of the residual structure for direct and modal solutions.
Format:
RSMETHOD = n
Examples:
RSMETHOD=33
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of an EIGR or EIGRL Bulk Data entry.

(Integer>0)
4 Remarks:
CASE
1. RSMETHOD specifies the set identification number of an EIGR or EIGRL entry
to be used in the computation of the normal modes on the o-set (fixed boundary
modes) or v-set (mixed boundary modes) of the residual structure depending on
the b-set and/or c-set entries. These modes are calculated for a component mode
reduction of the residual structure when QSET type entries exist. If QSET type
entries do not exist in the residual structure a component mode reduction for
SE 0 is not performed.
2. Component mode reduction of a residual structure is used to account for local

residual flexibilitiy in the residual. Similar to component mode reduction
of a superelement in which residual flexibility effects are obtained for the
exterior DOF, a component mode reduction on the residual accounts for residual
flexibility at DOF identified with ASET, BSET, and CSET type entries.
3. If the set identification number selected is present on both EIGRL and EIGR
entries, the EIGRL entry will be used. This entry requests the Lanczos
eigensolution method.
4. For CMR of RS the user must have QSET type entries along with ASET, BSET,
and CSET type entries. In contrast, when using CMR of a superelement other
than 0, the user must use SEBSET, SECSET, SEQSET, or SESET type entries.
5. If any of the following conditions exist, a Guyan reduction is executed and the
results may be poor because of the absence of a dynamic portion of the reduction:
RSMETHOD 355
• QSET entries present but RSMETHOD not specified.
• DOF referenced by QSET do not exist.
• RSMETHOD specified but QSET does not exist.
4
CASE
356 SACCELERATION
Solution Set Acceleration Output Request
SACCELERATION Solution Set Acceleration Output Request
Requests the form and type of solution set acceleration output.
Format:
Examples:
SACCELERATION=ALL
SACCELERATION(PUNCH,IMAG)=142
Describers:
Describer Meaning

4 each load, frequency, eigenvalue, or time, depending on the
CASE solution sequence.

time for each grid point (or mode number).


ALL Acceleration for all solution set points (modes) will be output.
NONE Acceleration for no solution set points (modes) will be output.

command. Only accelerations of points with identification
(Integer>0)
SACCELERATION 357
Solution Set Acceleration Output Request
Remarks:
1. Acceleration output is only available for transient and frequency response

problems.
2. The defaults for SORT1 and SORT2 depend on the type of analysis and are
discussed under DISPLACEMENT. If SORT1 is selected for any of the commands
SACC, SDIS, and SVEL, then the remaining commands will also be SORT1.
3. SACCELERATION=NONE allows an overall output request to be overridden.
4. Due to the differences in formulations, the modal responses for the constraint
mode method of enforced motion will be different than the modal responses for
the absolute displacement method of enforced motion. In order to highlight
this difference, the f06 output for the constraint mode method will be labeled
alternative solution set.
4
CASE
358 SDAMPING
Structural Damping Selection
SDAMPING Structural Damping Selection
Requests modal damping as a function of natural frequency in modal solutions or

viscoelastic materials as a function of frequency in direct frequency response analysis.
Format:
Examples:
SDAMPING=77
Describers:
Describer Meaning
STRUCTURE Modal damping is requested for the structural or fluid portion

4 or FLUID of the model.
CASE n Set identification number of a TABDMP1 or TABLEDi Bulk
Data entry. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. In the modal solutions (e.g., SOLs 10, 11, 12, 110, 111, 112, 145, 146, and 200),
SDAMPING must reference a TABDMP1 entry.
2. In direct frequency response (e.g., SOL 108), SDAMPING must reference a

TABLEDi entry which defines viscoelastic (frequency-dependent) material
properties. See the NX Nastran Advanced Dynamic Analysis User’s Guide.
3. SDAMPING may be requested for superelements as long as

PARAM,SESDAMP,YES is specified.
SDISPLACEMENT 359
Solution Set Displacement Output Request
SDISPLACEMENT Solution Set Displacement Output Request
Requests the form and type of solution set displacement output.
Format:
Examples:
SDISPLACEMENT=ALL
SDISPLACEMENT(SORT2,PUNCH,PHASE)=NONE
Describers:
Describer Meaning

4
CASE



ALL Displacements for all solution set points (modes) will be

output.
NONE Displacements for no solution set points (modes) will be

output.

command. Only displacements on points with identification
(Integer>0)
360 SDISPLACEMENT
Solution Set Displacement Output Request
Remarks:
discussed in Remark 2 under the “DISPLACEMENT” . If SORT1 is selected for
any of the commands SACC, SDIS, and SVEL then the remaining commands
will also be SORT1.
2. SDISPLACEMENT=NONE allows an overall output request to be overridden.
3. The SDISPLACEMENT command is required to output normalized complex

eigenvectors.
4
CASE
SEALL 361
Superelement Generation and Assembly
SEALL Superelement Generation and Assembly
Specifies the superelement identification numbers of Phase 1 processing in which

all matrices and loads are generated and assembled. Controls execution of the
solution sequence.
Format:
Examples:
SEALL=ALL
SEALL=7
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4
CASE
ALL Generate and assemble all superelements.

command. Only superelements with identification numbers that
appear on this SET command will be generated and assembled.
(Integer>0)
i Identification number of a single superelement that will be

generated and assembled. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. If this command is present, then it must be located before the first SUBCASE
command.
2. Zero (0) is the identification number of the residual structure and can only
appear as a member of a SET.
3. For a further discussion of this command, see the NX Nastran Superelement

User’s Guide.
4. If i is used, the superelement identification number must be unique with respect

to any SET identification numbers used.
362 SEALL
Superelement Generation and Assembly
5. This command combines, in one command, the functions of the SEMG, SELG,
SEKR, SELR, and SEMR commands.
6. This command does not control superelement data recovery (Phase 3). See SEDR.
7. SEALL=ALL is the default in the Structured Solution Sequences (SOLs 101

through 200). This default can be overridden by specifying any of the following
Phase 1 commands: SEALL, SEMG, SELG, SEKR, SELR, or SEMR.
4
CASE
SEDR 363
Superelement Data Recovery
SEDR Superelement Data Recovery
Specifies the superelement identification numbers for which data recovery will be
performed.
Format:
Examples:
SEDR=ALL
SEDR=7
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL Performs data recovery for all superelements.

4
CASE
command. Data recovery will be performed for superelements
with identification numbers that appear on this SET command.
(Integer>0)
i Identification number of a single superelement for which data

recovery will be performed. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
command.
2. Zero (0) is the identification number for the residual structure and can only

User’s Guide.

364 SEDR
Superelement Data Recovery
5. If this command is not present, data recovery is performed for all superelements
for which there are output requests (i.e., the default for this command is
SEDR=ALL).
4
CASE
SEDV 365
Superelement Design Variable Processing
SEDV Superelement Design Variable Processing
Specifies the superelement identification numbers for which the design variables
will be processed.
Format:
Examples:
SEDV=ALL
SEDV=18
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4
ALL Requests design variable processing for all superelements. CASE
Design variable processing will be performed for superelements
(Integer>0)
i Identification number of a single superelement for which design

variable processing will be performed. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
command.
3. For a further discussion of superelement sensitivity analysis, see the NX Nastran

Design Sensitivity and Optimization User’s Guide.
4. Zero (0) can only appear as a member of a SET.

366 SEDV
Superelement Design Variable Processing
6. If both the SEDV and SERESP commands are not present, then the design
variable processing and design sensitivity matrix generation will be performed
for all superelements.
4
CASE
SEEXCLUDE 367
Superelement Matrix and Load Assembly Exclusion
SEEXCLUDE Superelement Matrix and Load Assembly Exclusion
Specifies the superelement identification numbers for which all matrices and loads
will not be assembled into the downstream superelement.
Format:
Examples:
SEEXCLUDE=ALL
SEEXCLUDE=18
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4
ALL All upstream superelements will be excluded. CASE
Only those superelements with identification numbers that appear
on this SET command will be excluded. (Integer>0)
i Identification number of a single superelement for which matrices

will be excluded. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
command.

3. This command is not meaningful when applied to the residual structure.

User’s Guide.
5. If the SEEXCLUDE command is specified in a restart of SOLs 101 through 200,

then PARAM,SERST,MANUAL must be specified. Also the SEKR command
must be specified for the superelement immediately downstream from the
368 SEEXCLUDE
Superelement Matrix and Load Assembly Exclusion
excluded superelement. For example, if superelement 10 is excluded in the

superelement tree:
then you must specify the following commands in the Case Control Section:
SEKR=30
PARAM,SERST,MANUAL
4
CASE
SEFINAL 369
Final Superelement for Assembly
SEFINAL Final Superelement for Assembly
Specifies the superelement identification number for the final superelement to be

assembled.
Format:
Examples:
SEFINAL=14
Describers:
Describer Meaning

Each superelement identification number appearing on the SET
command must belong to a disjoint model. (Integer>0) 4
CASE
i Identification number of the final superelement to be assembled.
(Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. If this command is not present, the program selects the order of the
superelements for assembly operations.
command.

4. This command can be used on restarts to ensure that minor modeling changes do
not also change the processing order. For this usage, inspect the SEMAP table to
determine which superelements were final superelements on the prior run.
5. See the NX Nastran Superelement User’s Guide for a further discussion of this
command.
370 SEKREDUCE
Superelement Stiffness Matrix Assembly and Reduction
SEKREDUCE Superelement Stiffness Matrix Assembly and Reduction
Specifies the superelement identification numbers for which stiffness matrices are
assembled and reduced.
Format:
Examples:
SEKREDUCE=ALL
SEKREDUCE=9
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 ALL Assembles and reduces matrices for all superelements.
CASE
command. Matrices will only be assembled for superelements
(Integer>0)
i Identification number of a single superelement for which the

stiffness matrix will be assembled and reduced. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
command.

User’s Guide.
4. SEKREDUCE is an alternate form and is entirely equivalent to the obsolete

command SEMASSEMBLE.
SEKREDUCE 371
Superelement Stiffness Matrix Assembly and Reduction
5. SEALL=ALL is the default in the Structured SOLs 101 through 200. This
default can be overridden by specifying any of the following Phase 1 commands:
SEALL, SEMG, SELG, SEKR, SELR, or SEMR.
4
CASE
372 SELGENERATE
Superelement Load Generation
SELGENERATE Superelement Load Generation
Specifies the superelement identification numbers for which static loads will be
generated.
Format:
Examples:
SELGENERATE=ALL
SELGENERATE=18
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 ALL Generates static loads for all superelements.
CASE

Static load matrices will only be generated for superelements
(Integer>0)
i Identification number of a single superelement for which load

matrices will be generated. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
command.

User’s Guide.

SELGENERATE 373
Superelement Load Generation
4
CASE
374 SELREDUCE
Superelement Load Assembly and Reduction
SELREDUCE Superelement Load Assembly and Reduction
Specifies the superelement identification numbers for which the static load matrices
will be assembled and reduced.
Format:
Examples:
SELREDUCE=ALL
SELREDUCE=9
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 ALL Assembles and reduces matrices for all superelements.
CASE
command. Matrices will be assembled only for superelements
(Integer>0)
i Identification number of a single superelement for which the load

matrices will be assembled and reduced. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
command.
2. Zero (0) is the identification number for the residual structure and can only be

User’s Guide.
4. This command is used on restarts to selectively assemble and reduce load

matrices.

SELREDUCE 375
Superelement Load Assembly and Reduction
6. In superelement static analysis, SELREDUCE is equivalent to SELASSEMBLE.
7. In dynamic analysis, SELASSEMBLE combines the functions of SELREDUCE

and SEMREDUCE.
4
CASE
376 SEMGENERATE
Superelement Matrix Generation
SEMGENERATE Superelement Matrix Generation
Specifies the superelement identification numbers for which stiffness, mass, and
damping matrices will be generated.
Format:
Examples:
SEMGENERATE=ALL
SEMGENERATE=7
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 ALL Generates structural matrices for all superelements.
CASE
Structural matrices will only be generated for superelements
(Integer>0)
i Identification number of a single superelement for which structural

matrices will be generated. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. If this command is present, then is must be located before the first SUBCASE
command.

User’s Guide.

SEMGENERATE 377
Superelement Matrix Generation
4
CASE
378 SEMREDUCE
Superelement Mass and Damping Assembly and Reduction
SEMREDUCE Superelement Mass and Damping Assembly and Reduction
Specifies the superelement identification numbers for which the mass and damping
matrices will be assembled and reduced. In buckling analysis, the differential
stiffness matrices will be assembled and reduced.
Format:
Examples:
SEMREDUCE=ALL
SEMREDUCE=9
Describers:
4 Describer Meaning
CASE ALL Assembles and reduces matrices for all superelements.

command. Matrices will only be assembled for superelements
(Integer>0)
i Identification number of a single superelement for which the load

matrices or the mass and damping matrices will be assembled
and reduced. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
command.
appear as a member of a set.
3. This command is used on restart to selectively assemble and reduce mass and
damping matrices. For a further discussion of this command, see the NX Nastran
Superelement User’s Guide.

SEMREDUCE 379
Superelement Mass and Damping Assembly and Reduction
5. In dynamic analysis, SELASSEMBLE combines the functions of SELREDUCE

and SEMREDUCE.
6. This command has no function in static analysis.
4
CASE
380 SENSITY
Sensitivity Matrix Request
SENSITY Sensitivity Matrix Request
Requests the generation of the combined constraint/design sensitivity matrix for

original design sensitivity analysis (DSA).
Format:
Examples:
SENSITY=19
Describers:
Describer Meaning

4 NOPRINT No printed output is requested.
CASE
STORE The results will be stored on the database.
NOSTORE The results will not be stored on the database.
FORT The results will be output on a user-written FORTRAN file.
NOFORT There will be no FORTRAN output.
ALL Combines design sensitivity/constraint matrix requests for all

DSCONS and DVAR entries in the Bulk Data.
n Set identification of a previously appearing SET2 command.

Only those DSCONS and DVAR entries with identification
numbers that appear on the SET2=n command will be included
in the combined design sensitivity/constraint matrix generation
request. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. For further discussion see the NX Nastran Design Sensitivity and Optimization
User’s Guide.
2. NOPRINT is ignored for the printout of eigenvector derivatives.

SERESP 381
Superelement Response Sensitivity
SERESP Superelement Response Sensitivity
Specifies the superelement identification numbers for which the design sensitivity
matrices will be generated.
Format:
Examples:
SERESP=ALL
SERESP=18
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4
ALL Requests design sensitivity matrix generation for all CASE
superelements.

command. Design sensitivity matrices will be generated for
superelements with identification numbers that appear on this
SET command. (Integer>0)
i Identification number of a single superelement for which the

design sensitivity matrix will be generated.
Remarks:
command.
3. For a further discussion of this command, see the NX Nastran Design Sensitivity
and Optimization User’s Guide.

382 SERESP
Superelement Response Sensitivity
5. If both SEDV and SERESP commands are not present, then the design variable
processing and design sensitivity matrix generation will be performed for all
superelements.
4
CASE
SET 383
Set Definition, General Form
SET Set Definition, General Form
Sets are used to define the following lists:
Lists
1. Identification numbers (point, element, or superelement) for processing and

output requests.
2. Frequencies for which output will be printed in frequency response problems

or times for transient response, using the OFREQ and OTIME commands,
respectively.
3. Surface or volume identification numbers to be used in GPSTRESS or STRFIELD

commands.
Formats:
SET n = {i1[,i2, i3, THRU i4, EXCEPT i5, i6, i7, i8, THRU i9]} 4
CASE
SET n = {r1, [r2, r3, r4]}
SET n=ALL
Examples:
SET 77=5
SET 88=5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 THRU 55 EXCEPT 15, 16, 77, 78, 79, 100 THRU 300
SET 99=1 THRU 100000
SET101=1.0, 2.0, 3.0

SET105=1.009, 10.2, 13.4, 14.0, 15.0
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number. Any set may be redefined by

reassigning its identification number. SETs specified under a
SUBCASE command are recognized for that SUBCASE only.
(Integer>0)
i1, i2, etc. Identification numbers. If no such identification number exists,

the request is ignored. (Integer ≥ 0)
i3 THRU i4 Identification numbers (i4>i3). (Integer>0)

384 SET
Set Definition, General Form
Describer Meaning
EXCEPT Set identification numbers following EXCEPT will be deleted

from the output list as long as they are in the range of the set
defined by the immediately preceding THRU. An EXCEPT list
may not include a THRU list or ALL.
r1, r2, etc. Frequencies or times for output. The nearest solution frequency
or time will be output. EXCEPT and THRU cannot be used. If
an OFREQ or OTIME command references the set, then the
values must be listed in ascending sequences, r1>r2>r3>r4...etc.,
otherwise some output may be missing. If an OFREQ or OTIME
command is not present, all frequencies or times will be output.
(Real>0.0)
ALL All members of the set will be processed.
Remarks:
4
CASE 1. A SET command may be more than one physical command. A comma at the end
of a physical command signifies a continuation command. Commas may not end
a set. THRU may not be used for continuation. Place a number after the THRU.
2. Set identification numbers following EXCEPT within the range of the THRU
must be in ascending order.
3. In SET 88 in the example section above, the numbers 77, 78, etc., are included in
the set because they are outside the prior THRU range.
SET 385
Set Definition OUTPUT(PLOT)
SET Set Definition OUTPUT(PLOT)
Defines a set of element or grid point numbers to be plotted.

Format:
Examples:
1. SET 1 consists of elements 1, 5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 20, 22, 24, and 26.
SET 1=INCLUDE 1, 5, 10 THRU 15 EXCEPT 12, INCLUDE 20
THRU 26 BY 2
4
CASE
2. SET 2 consists of all CTRIA3 and CQUAD4 elements except element 21.
SET 2=QUAD4 TRIA3 EXCEPT 21
3. SET 10 includes all CTRIAR elements plus elements 70 through 80.

SET 10 TRIAR INCLUDE ELEMENTS 70 THRU 80
4. SET 15 includes all elements from 15 to 20 and 26 to 100.

SET 15=15 THRU 100 EXCEPT 21 THRU 25
5. SET 2 includes all elements except CTETRA elements.

SET 2=ALL EXCEPT TETRA
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number. (0<Integer<999999)
ALL Selects all elements or grid points. See typei.
ELEMENTS Specifies that all identification numbers refer to elements.
GRID Specifies that all identification numbers refer to grid points.

POINTS
386 SET
Describer Meaning
INCLUDE Includes specified element or grid point identification numbers

or elements in the set.
EXCLUDE Excludes specified element or grid point identification numbers

or element types in the set.
EXCEPT Modifies a prior ALL, INCLUDE, or EXCLUDE specification.
typei Element types. The allowed element types are (Character):
typei Element Entry Name

TRIA3 CTRIA3
TRIA6 CTRIA6
TRIAR CTRIAR
QUAD4 CQUAD4
QUAD8 CQUAD8
4 QUADR CQUADR
CASE
HEXA CHEXA
PENTA CPENTA
TETRA CTETRA
THRU Specifies a range of identification numbers.
BY Specifies an increment for a THRU specification.
inci Increment for THRU range. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. This form of the SET command must and can only be specified after an
OUTPUT(PLOT) delimiter.
2. The INCLUDE, EXCLUDE, and EXCEPT specifications may be specified more

than once in the same set. See Examples above.
3. Commas or spaces may be used as separators.
4. Not all of the identification numbers in a THRU range have to correspond to

elements or grid points. For example, elements 2, 4, 7, and 9 may be selected
SET 387
with 2 THRU 9, even if elements 3, 5, 6, and 8 do not exist. This is called an open
set. It should be noted that large open sets can cause higher computational costs.
4
CASE
388 SET2
Set Definition for Design Constraints and Design Variables
SET2 Set Definition for Design Constraints and Design Variables
Lists paired set numbers for design sensitivity. These sets refer to constraint and
design variable set identification numbers.
Format:
SET2 N = {(i1, j1)[, (i2, j2), ...]}

SET N = {((i1[, i2, i3 THRU i4EXCEPT i5]), (j1[, j2, j3 THRU j4EXCEPT j6]))}
Examples:
SET2 7=(1,2),(3,3),(2,3)
SET2 11=((1,2,3),(5))
SET2 15=(1,2),((3,2),(3))
SET2 22=(ALL,(3,2))
SET2 24=((1,2,3),ALL)
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4
CASE N Set identification. Must be unique between SET and SET2
commands. (Integer>0)
i1, i2, etc. Set identification number of SET commands. The DSCONS Bulk
Data entries referenced by these sets define constraint output
requests. All i’s must be enclosed in parentheses.
i3 THRU i4 Output of set identification numbers i3 thru i4 (i4>i3). (Integer>0)
EXCEPT Set identification numbers following EXCEPT will be deleted

from output lists as long as they are in the range of the set
defined by the immediately preceding THRU. (Integer>0)
j1, j2, etc. Set identification numbers of SET commands. The DVAR Bulk
Data entries referenced by these sets define design variable
output requests. Note: j’s follow the same rules as those given
for i’s. (Integer>0)
ALL All members of the set (DSCONS and/or DVAR) will be processed.
Remarks:
1. A SET2 command may be more than one physical command. A comma at the end
of a physical command signifies a continuation command. Commas may not end
a set. A complete set identification pair must be defined on a physical command.
SET2 389
Set Definition for Design Constraints and Design Variables
2. Set identification numbers following EXCEPT within the range of the THRU
must be in ascending order.
3. A set identification pair request must be enclosed in parentheses, (e.g.,

(7,3),(8,14)...).
4. SET2 commands are selected by the SENSITY command.
4
CASE
390 SETS DEFINITION
Case Control Processing Delimiter
SETS DEFINITION Case Control Processing Delimiter
Delimits the various type of commands under grid point stress and/or p-version
element set definitions. This command is synonymous with OUTPUT(POST).
Format:
SETS DEFINITION
Examples:
SETS DEFINITION
Remarks:
SETS DEFINITION is synonymous with OUTPUT(POST). Either SETS

DEFINTIION or OUTPUT(POST) may be specified but not both.
4
CASE
SHELLTHK 391
Shell Thickness Output Request
SHELLTHK Shell Thickness Output Request
Requests the form of shell thickness output (SOLs 601 and 701).
Format:
Examples:
SHELLTHK(PLOT)=ALL
Describers:
Describer Meaning
PLOT Computes and puts shell thickness results in op2 file only.
4
ALL Shell thickness results will be output for all applicable shell CASE
elements. See remark 1.
NONE Shell thickness results will not be output.
Remarks:
1. Shell thickness results are output only for large strain analysis, i.e.,
PARAM,LGSTRN,1. Note that large strain formulation is not available for
8-node shell elements. However, by specifying ELCV=1 in the NXSTRAT entry,
8-node shell elements will be converted to 9-node shell elements which support
large strain.
2. Shell thickness results are output at nodes on elements.

392 SKIP
Case Control Processing Delimiter
SKIP Case Control Processing Delimiter
Activates or deactivates the execution of subsequent commands in the Case Control

(including plot commands).
Format:
Examples:
SKIPOFF
Remarks:
1. SKIPON and SKIPOFF commands may appear as many times as needed in

the Case Control.
4 2. Commands that are skipped will be printed.

CASE
3. SKIPON ignores subsequent commands until either a SKIPOFF or BEGIN
BULK command is encountered. This allows the user to omit requests without
deleting them from his data. In the following example, plot commands will be
skipped.
TITLE = EXAMPLE
SPC = 5
LOAD = 6
SKIPON $ SKIP PLOT REQUEST
OUTPUT (PLOT)
SET 1 INCLUDE ALL
FIND
PLOT
BEGIN BULK
SMETHOD 393
Iterative Solver Method Selection
SMETHOD Iterative Solver Method Selection
Selects iterative solver parameters.
Format:
SMETHOD=n
Examples:
SMETHOD=77
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of an ITER Bulk Data entry. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. The iterative solver is requested by specifying ITER=YES on the NASTRAN

4
CASE
statement. The SMETHOD command is optional and only required to override
defaults shown on the ITER Bulk Data entry.
2. SMETHOD is only available in SOLs 1, 8, 11, 101, 106, 108, and 111.
394 SPC
Single-Point Constraint Set Selection
SPC Single-Point Constraint Set Selection
Selects a single-point constraint set to be applied.
Format:
SPC=n
Examples:
SPC=10
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of a single-point constraint that appears

on a SPC, SPC1, or SPCADD Bulk Data entry. (Integer>0)
4 Remarks:
CASE
1. In cyclic symmetry analysis, this command must appear above the first
SUBCASE command.
2. Multiple boundary conditions are only supported in SOLs 101, 103, 105, 145 and
200. Multiple boundary conditions are not allowed for upstream superelements.
The BC command must be specified to define multiple boundary conditions for
the residual structure in SOLs 103, 105, 145 and 200.
SPCFORCES 395
Single-Point Forces of Constraint Output Request
SPCFORCES Single-Point Forces of Constraint Output Request
Requests the form and type of single-point force of constraint vector output.
Format:
Examples:
SPCFORCES=5
SPCFORCES(SORT2,PUNCH,PRINT,IMAG)=ALL
SPCFORCES(PHASE)=NONE
4
Describers: CASE
Describer Meaning

solution sequence.

PLOT Generates, but does not print, single-point forces of constraint.


396 SPCFORCES
Describer Meaning




remark 10.

10.
ALL Single-point forces of constraint for all points will be output.

NONE Single-point forces of constraint for no points will be output.

Only single-point forces constraint for points with identification
(Integer>0)
Remarks:

SPCFORCES 397
2. See DISPLACEMENT for a discussion of SORT1 and SORT2. In the SORT1

format only nonzero values will be output.
3. In a statics problem, a request for SORT2 causes loads at all points (zero and
nonzero) to be output.
4. SPCFORCES=NONE overrides an overall output request.
5. In SORT1 format, SPCFORCESs recovered at consecutively numbered scalar

points are printed in groups of six (sextets) per line of output. But if a scalar
point is not consecutively numbered, then it will begin a new sextet on a new
line of output. If a sextet can be formed and all values are zero, then the line will
not be printed. If a sextet cannot be formed, then zero values may be output.
6. SPCFORCES results are output in the global coordinate system (see field CD on
7. In SOLs 129 and 159, SPCFORCES results do not include the effects of mass
and damping elements.
4
8. In all solution sequences except SOLs 129 and 159, SPCFORCES results do CASE
include the effects of mass and damping, except damping selected by SDAMPING
command. PARAM,DYNSPCF,OLD may be specified to obtain SPCFORCES
results, which do not include mass and damping effects.
9. In inertia relief analysis, the SPCFORCES output is interpreted differently for

SOLs 1, 101 and 200:
• In SOL 1, the SPCFORCE output reflects the effects due to the applied
loads only and not the inertial loads.
• In SOLs 101 and 200, the SPCFORCE output includes both the effects due
to inertial loads and applied loads.
are ignored.
2. Output is restricted to ALL or NONE. If set n is specified, single-point forces of

constraint for all points will be output.
398 STATSUB
Static Solution Selection for Differential Stiffness
STATSUB Static Solution Selection for Differential Stiffness
Selects the static solution to use in forming the differential stiffness for buckling
analysis, normal modes, complex eigenvalue, frequency response and transient
response analysis.
Format:
Examples:
STATSUB=23
STAT=4
STATSUB(PREL)=7
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 BUCKLING Subcase id number corresponding to static subcase of buckling or
CASE varying load. (Default in buckling analysis.)
PRELOAD Subcase id number corresponding to static subcase of preload or

constant load. (Default in dynamic analysis.)
n Subcase identification number of a prior SUBCASE specified for

static analysis (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. STATSUB may be used in SOLs 103, 105, 107 through 112, and SOL 200
(ANALYSIS = BUCKLING) only.
2. STATSUB must be specified in the same subcase that contains the METHOD
selection for buckling or normal modes, CMETHOD for complex eigenvalue
analysis, TSTEP for transient response and FREQ for frequency response.
3. In SOL 105, if it is intended that results from the first static subcase are used to
compute the differential stiffness, then the STATSUB command is not required.
In other words, the default for STATSUB is the first static subcase identification.
In SOLs 103 and 107 through 112, 115, and 116, STATSUB must reference a
separate static subcase.
4. In dynamic analysis, only one STATSUB command may be specified in each

dynamic subcase. In buckling analysis with a pre-load, both STATSUB
STATSUB 399
Static Solution Selection for Differential Stiffness
(BUCKLING) and STATSUB(PRELOAD) must be specified in each buckling

subcase.
5. If superelements are used , the static subcase which is identified in the

STATSUB command must include the residual superelement or the solution
will fail with an error.
6. If multiple superelements are used with the STATSUB command, each must be
used in a static subcase or their differential stiffness will not be included. All
superelements can be used in a single static subcase using SUPER=ALL, or a
separate subcase can exist for each one (order of subcases is not important).
In either case, the STATSUB command should point to the subcase which
references the residual (see above remark).
4
CASE
400 STRAIN
STRAIN Element Strain Output Request
Requests the form and type of strain output. Note: ELSTRAIN is an equivalent
command.
Format:
Examples:
STRAIN=5
4 STRAIN(CORNER)=ALL
STRAIN(PRINT,PHASE)=15
CASE STRAIN(PLOT)=ALL
Describers:
Describer Meaning

solution sequence.

time for each element.
PLOT Generates strain for the requested set but no printer output.


STRAIN 401
Describer Meaning




above the subcase level and RANDOM must be selected in the 4
Case Control. See remark 10. CASE
remark 10.

10.
VONMISES von Mises strains are output.
MAXS or Maximum shear strains are output.

SHEAR
STRCUR Strain at the reference plane and curvatures is output for plate
elements.
FIBER Strain at locations Z1, Z2 is computed for plate elements.
CENTER Outputs CQUAD4, CQUADR, CTRIAR strains at the center

only.
402 STRAIN
Describer Meaning
CORNER or Outputs CQUAD4, CQUADR, CTRIAR element strains at the

BILIN center and grid points using strain gage approach with bilinear
extrapolation.
SGAGE Outputs CQUAD4 element strains at the center and grid points
CUBIC Outputs CQUAD4 element strains at the center and grid points
using cubic bending correction.
ALL Output strain for all elements.

Only strain for elements with identification numbers that
NONE No element strain will be output.

4
CASE
Remarks:
1. In SOLs 106 and 129, the STRAIN request pertains only to linear elements and
only if the parameter LGDISP is -1, which is the default. Nonlinear strains
for nonlinear elements are requested by the STRESS command and appear in
the nonlinear stress output.
3. STRAIN=NONE overrides an overall output request.
4. The PLOT option is used when strains are requested for postprocessing but
no printer output is desired.
5. Definitions of stress, strain, curvature, and output locations are given in the NX
Nastran Element Library Reference Manual.
6. If the STRCUR option is selected, the values of Z1 will be set to 0.0. and Z2 will
be set to -1.0 on the output.
7. The VONMISES, MAXS, and SHEAR options are ignored in the complex
eigenvalue and frequency response solution sequences.
STRAIN 403
subcases with the STRESS, STRAIN, and FORCE commands. (In superelement
analysis, the first subcase refers to the first subcase of each superelement.
Therefore, it is recommended that these options be specified above all subcases.)
Consequently, options specified in subcases other than the first subcase will be
ignored. See also FORCE command for further discussion.
9. See DISPLACEMENT for a discussion of SORT1 and SORT2.
4
CASE
404 STRESS
STRESS Element Stress Output Request
Requests the form and type of element stress output. Note: ELSTRESS is an
equivalent command.
Format:
Examples:
4 STRESS=5
STRESS(CORNER)=ALL
STRESS (SORT1,PRINT,PUNCH,PHASE)=15
CASE
STRESS(PLOT)=ALL
Describers:
Describer Meaning

solution sequence.

time for each element type.
PLOT Generates stresses for requested set but no printer output.


STRESS 405
Describer Meaning




above the subcase level and RANDOM must be selected in 4
the Case Control. See remark 13. CASE

See remark 13.

13.
VONMISES Requests von Mises stress.
MAXS or Requests maximum shear in the plane for shell elements and
SHEAR octahedral stress for solid elements.
CENTER Requests CQUAD4, CQUADR, CTRIAR element stresses at

the center only.
CUBIC Requests CQUAD4 element stresses at the center and

grid points using strain gage approach with cubic bending
correction.
SGAGE Requests CQUAD4 element stresses at center and grid points

406 STRESS
Describer Meaning
CORNER or Requests CQUAD4, CQUADR, CTRIAR element stresses at

BILIN center and grid points using bilinear extrapolation.
ALL Stresses for all elements will be output.

Only stresses for elements with identification numbers that
appear on this SET command will be output. (Integer >0)
NONE No element stress will be output.
Remarks:
2. ALL should not be used in a transient problem due to excessive output.

4
CASE 3. See DISPLACEMENT for a discussion of SORT1 and SORT2.
4. ELSTRESS is an alternate form and is entirely equivalent to STRESS.
5. STRESS=NONE overrides an overall output request.
6. The PLOT option is used when contour plots of stresses are requested but
no printer output of stresses is desired. However in nonlinear analysis, the
nonlinear stresses will still be printed unless NLSTRESS(PLOT) is specified.
7. The VONMISES option is ignored for ply stresses.
8. The VONMISES, MAXS, and SHEAR options are ignored in the complex
eigenvalue and frequency response solution sequences.
subcases with the STRESS, STRAIN, and FORCE commands. (In superelement
analysis, the first subcase refers to the first subcase of each superelement.
Therefore, it is recommended that these options be specified above all subcases.)
Consequently, options specified in subcases other than the first subcase will be
ignored. See also FORCE command for further discussion.
10. For composite ply output, the grid point option for CQUAD4 elements will be
reset to the default option (CENTER).
STRESS 407
11. For nonlinear analysis, the grid point option for CQUAD4 elements will be reset
to the default (CENTER) option for nonlinear elements.
12. MAXS for shell elements is not an equivalent stress.
1. Output is restricted to REAL format and CENTER or CORNER for CQUAD4

element stresses. IMAG, PHASE, CUBIC, SGAGE, PSDF, ATOC and RALL
are ignored.
2. The same request is used for element strain output in both linear and nonlinear
analysis, i.e., the STRAIN command is ignored for linear analysis.
3. CQUAD8 and CTRIA6 (non-hyperelastic) element results are always output

in the op2 file using linear stress and strain data blocks, even if a nonlinear 4
material model is used with these elements. CASE
4. If there is any nonlinearity in the model, i.e., large displacements, contact, or

nonlinear material models, element results are output in the op2 file using
nonlinear element stress/strain data block, including elements with linear
material models. Exceptions are the CQUAD8 and CTRIA6 elements mentioned
in remark 3.
408 STRFIELD
Grid Point Stress Output Request
STRFIELD Grid Point Stress Output Request
Requests the computation of grid point stresses for graphical postprocessing and
mesh stress discontinuities.
Format:
Examples:
STRFIELD=ALL
STRFIELD=21
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL Grid point stress requests for all surfaces and volumes defined in
4 the OUTPUT(POST) section will be saved for postprocessing.
CASE
numbers that appear on this SET command and in the
OUTPUT(POST) section will be included in the grid point stress
output request for postprocessing. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. The STRFIELD command is required for the graphical display of grid point
stresses in postprocessors that use the .xdb file (PARAM,POST,0), or when the
GPSDCON or ELSDCON commands are specified. The GPSTRESS command
can be used to obtain printed output.
output. See the SURFACE and VOLUME commands.

requested SURFACE and VOLUME commands.
4. In nonlinear static and transient analysis, grid point stresses are computed only
if parameter LGDISP is -1, which is the default. Also, in nonlinear transient
analysis, grid point stresses are computed for elements with linear material
properties only.
SUBCASE 409
Subcase Delimiter
SUBCASE Subcase Delimiter
Delimits and identifies a subcase.
Format:
SUBCASE=n
Examples:
SUBCASE=101
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. The subcase identification number, n, must be greater than all previous subcase
4
CASE
2. Plot requests and RANDPS requests refer to n.
3. See the MODES command for use of this command in normal modes analysis.
4. If a comment follows n, then the first few characters of the comment will appear
in the subcase label in the upper right-hand corner of the output.
Only one subcase is allowed. If more than one subcase is specified, the first subcase
is used.
410 SUBCOM
Combination Subcase Delimiter
SUBCOM Combination Subcase Delimiter
Delimits and identifies a combination subcase.

Format:
SUBCOM = n
Examples:
SUBCOM = 125
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
4 1. The subcase identification number, n, must be greater than all previous subcase
CASE
2. A SUBSEQ command must follow this command.
3. SUBCOM may only be used in statics problems.
4. Output requests above the subcase level will be used.
5. If the referenced subcases contain thermal loads or element deformations, the

user must define the temperature field in the SUBCOM with a TEMP(LOAD)
command or the element deformations with a DEFORM command.
6. SUBCOMs may be specified in superelement analysis with the following

recommendations:
• For each superelement, specify its SUBCASEs consecutively, directly
followed by its SUBCOM(s).
• Specify a SUPER command with a new load sequence number under each
SUBCOM command.
The following example is given for a model with one superelement and one load
combination:
SUBCASE 101
SUPER=1,1
LOAD=100
SUBCASE 102
SUBCOM 411
Combination Subcase Delimiter
SUPER=1,2
LOAD=200
SUBCOM 110
LABEL=COMBINE SUBCASES 101 AND 102
SUPER=1,3
SUBSEQ=1.,1.
SUBCASE 1001
SUBCASE 1002
SUBCOM 1010
SUBSEQ=1.,1.
4
CASE
412 SUBSEQ
Subcase Sequence Coefficients
SUBSEQ Subcase Sequence Coefficients
Gives the coefficients for forming a linear combination of the previous subcases.
Format:
SUBSEQ=R1 [, R2, R3, ..., Rn]
Examples:
SUBSEQ=1.0, -1 .0, 0.0, 2.0
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Ri Coefficients of the previously occurring subcases. See Remark 4.

(Real)
4 Remarks:
CASE
1. The SUBSEQ command can only appear after a SUBCOM command.
2. This command may only be used in statics problems.
3. This command list is limited to a maximum of 200 numbers.
4. 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:
DISPL=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.
USE ONLY ONE.
SUBTITLE 413
Output Subtitle
SUBTITLE Output Subtitle
Defines a subtitle that will appear on the second heading line of each page of printer
output.
Format:
SUBTITLE=subtitle
Examples:
SUBTITLE=PROBLEM NO. 5-1A
Describers:
Describer Meaning
subtitle Any character string.
Remarks: 4
CASE
1. SUBTITLE appearing under a SUBCASE command will appear in the output
for that subcase only.
2. SUBTITLE appearing before all SUBCASE commands will appear in the output
for all subcases except those in Remark 1.
3. If no SUBTITLE command is present, the subtitle line will be blank.
4. The subtitle also appears on plotter output.

414 SUPER
Superelement Subcase Assignment
SUPER Superelement Subcase Assignment
Assigns a subcase(s) to a superelement or set of superelements.

Format:
Examples:
SUPER=17, 3
SUPER=15
SUPER=ALL
Describers:
4 Describer Meaning
CASE
i Superelement identification number. (Integer>0)
ALL The subcase is assigned to all superelements and all loading

conditions. (Default)

command. The subcase is assigned to all superelements with
identification numbers that appear on this SET command.
(Integer>0)
l Load sequence number. (Integer>0; Default = 1)
Remarks:
1. All subcases with requests for specific superelement(s) must contain the SUPER
command. If no SUPER command is specified in the Case Control Section then
all subcases will be assigned to all superelements. In other words, SUPER=ALL
is the default.
2. All subcases associated with superelements must precede those for the residual
structure except when SUPER=ALL or SUPER=n and the selected set includes
the residual structure.
3. The load sequence number is only used in static analysis and frequency response
analysis when there are multiple loading conditions. Also, the residual structure
SUPER 415
Superelement Subcase Assignment
must have a subcase specified for each unique load condition. This is required
because the number of residual structure subcases is used to determine the
number of load conditions for all superelements.
4. The load sequence number is associated with the order of the subcases for the
residual structure; i.e., the third loading condition is associated with the third
subcase for the residual structure.
5. Subcases are required for superelements when there is a load, constraint, or

output request.
6. If a set is referenced by n, then the SET identification number must be unique

with respect to any superelement identification numbers. In addition, the same
sets must be used for all loading conditions.
7. If the ALL option is used, it must be used for all loading conditions.
4
CASE
416 SUPORT1
Fictitious Support Set Selection
SUPORT1 Fictitious Support Set Selection
Selects the fictitious support set (SUPORT1 entries only) to be applied to the model.
Format:
SUPORT1=n
Examples:
SUPORT1=15
SUPO=4
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification of fictitious support set defined on the SUPORT1

Bulk Data entry. (Integer>0)
4 Remarks:
CASE
1. SUPORT1 entries will not be used unless selected in Case Control by the
SUPORT1 command.
2. SUPORT entries will be applied in all subcases.

SURFACE 417
Surface Definition
SURFACE Surface Definition
Defines a surface for the calculation of grid point stresses, strains, or mesh stress
discontinuities.
Format:
4
CASE
Examples:
SURFACE 10 SET 9 NORMAL X3
Describers:
Describer Meaning
id Surface identification number (required).
SET References a SET command that defines the elements in the

surface (required). Either form of the SET command may be
used.
sid Set identification number.
FIBRE Specifies the fiber location at which stresses will be calculated.
ALL Requests output at all fiber locations; i.e., z=Z1, Z2, and MID.
418 SURFACE
Surface Definition
Describer Meaning
Z1 Requests output z=Z1 only.
Z2 Requests output z=Z2 only.
MID Requests output z=(Z1+Z2)/2 only.
SYSTEM Specifies the coordinate system to be used to define the output

coordinate system.
ELEMENT Specifies the element coordinate system for output.
CORD cid Specifies the coordinate system defined on a CORDij Bulk Data
entry for output.
BASIC Specifies the basic coordinate system for output.
AXIS Specifies the axis of the coordinate system to be used as the x

4 output axis and the local x-axis when geometric interpolation
is used.
CASE
X1, X2, X3 Specifies the direction of the axis or the normal. X, Y, and Z
may be substituted for X1, X2, and X3, respectively.
NORMAL Specifies the reference direction for positive fiber and shear
stress output, but has no effect when ELEMENT is specified.
M Specifies the reverse of the direction given by R, X1, X2, or X3.
R Specifies the radius vector from the origin of reference

coordinate system to the grid point.
TOPOLOGICAL Specifies the method to calculate the average grid point stress
GEOMETRIC or strain. The default is TOPOLOGICAL.
theta Specifies the interelement slope difference tolerance (in

degrees) to detect stress discontinuity between elements, (not
used with TOPOLOGICAL). (Real; Default = 0.0)
BRANCH Selects whether multiple element intersections

(BREAK/NOBREAK) are to be treated as discontinuities and if
warning messages (MESSAGE/NOMESSAGE) are to be issued.
SURFACE 419
Surface Definition
Describer Meaning
BREAK Multiple element intersections are (or are not) to be treated as

NOBREAK stress discontinuities.
MESSAGE A warning message will (or will not) be issued when multiple
NOMESSAGE element intersections are encountered.
Remarks:
1. SURFACE commands must be specified after OUTPUT(POST).
2. The surface identification number must be referenced on a SET command

appearing after OUTPUT(POST). The SET identification number may then
be referenced on a GPSTRESS, GPSTRAIN, STRFIELD, ELSDCON, and
GPSDCON commands. The seid on the surface entry must reference a SET
defined after OUTPUT(POST).
3. The surface normal is also used in the definition of the local reference surface for 4
geometric interpolation. Two options are available. In the first option, the radius CASE
vector (R) from the origin of the reference coordinate system to the grid point
is used. In the second option, one axis (X1, X2, or X3) of the coordinate system
is used. The direction can be reversed using the modification parameter, M.
The positive side of an element is defined as a side from which the NORMAL
direction emerges rather than the side determined by the connection specified on
the element connection entries.
4. When the parameter ELEMENT is present, the element stresses or strains

are used unmodified (defaults to output stresses in the output system). The
CORD keyword references a CORDij Bulk Data entry with coordinate system
identification number cid.
5. When theta=0, no testing is made. When theta is negative, grid point stresses
will be calculated for each element connected to an exception point; otherwise,
the best estimation of the grid point stress will be output.
6. BREAK is the default if theta is nonzero.
7. For all elements defined in SET 9 in the Examples section:

• All fiber locations are output.
• The basic output system is used.
• The x-axis is x-axis of the basic system.

420 SURFACE
Surface Definition
• The surface normal direction point is z-axis of the basic system.
• The topological interpolation method is used.
• No tolerance test is made.
• No branch test is made.
The example illustrates a good choice for regular two-dimensional problems

in the x-y plane.
4
CASE
SVECTOR 421
Solution Set Eigenvector Output Request
SVECTOR Solution Set Eigenvector Output Request
Requests the form and type of solution set eigenvector output.
Format:
Examples:
SVECTOR=ALL
SVECTOR(PUNCH)=NONE
Describers:
Describer Meaning
PRINT The printer will be the output medium. 4
CASE
ALL Displacements for all points (modes) will be output.
NONE Displacements for no points (modes) will be output.
displacements of points with identification numbers that appear
Remarks:
2. SVECTOR=NONE overrides an overall output request.
3. Output will be presented as a tabular listing of grid points for each eigenvector.
422 SVELOCITY
Solution Set Velocity Output Request
SVELOCITY Solution Set Velocity Output Request
Requests the form and type of solution set velocity output.
Format:
Examples:
SVELOCITY=5
SVELOCITY(SORT2,PUNCH,PRINT,PHASE)=ALL
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 SORT1 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of grid points

CASE for each load, frequency, eigenvalue, or time, depending on



ALL Velocity for all solution points (modes) will be output.
NONE Velocity for no solution points (modes) will be output.

Only velocities of points with identification numbers that
SVELOCITY 423
Solution Set Velocity Output Request
Remarks:
2. Velocity output is only available for transient and frequency response problems.
discussed in DISPLACEMENT. If SORT1 is selected for any of the commands
SACC, SDIS, and SVEL then the remaining commands will also be SORT1.
4. SVELOCITY=NONE overrides an overall output request.
4
CASE
424 SYM
Symmetry Subcase Delimiter
SYM Symmetry Subcase Delimiter
Delimits and identifies a symmetry subcase.
Format:
SYM=n
Examples:
SYM=123
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
4 1. The subcase identification number, n, must be greater than all previous subcase
CASE
2. Plot commands should refer to n.
3. Overall output commands will not propagate into a SYM subcase (i.e., any
output desired must be requested within the subcase).
4. SYM may only be used in statics or inertia relief problems.

SYMCOM 425
Symmetry Combination Subcase Delimiter
SYMCOM Symmetry Combination Subcase Delimiter
Delimits and identifies a symmetry combination subcase.

Format:
SYMCOM=n
Examples:
SYMCOM=123
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. The subcase identification number, n, must be greater than all previous subcase
4
CASE
2. SYMCOM may only be used in statics problems.
3. If the referenced subcases contain thermal loads or element deformations,

the user must define the temperature field in the SYMCOM by use of a
TEMP(LOAD) command, or the element deformations by a DEFORM command.
4. An alternate command is the SUBCOM command.
5. SYMCOMs may be specified in superelement analysis with the following

recommendations:
• For each superelement, specify its SUBCASEs consecutively, directly
followed by its SYMCOM(s).
• Specify a SUPER command with a new load sequence number under each
SYMCOM command.
The following example is given for a model with one superelement and one
load combination:
SUBCASE 101
SUPER=1,1
LOAD=100
SUBCASE 102
SUPER=1,2
LOAD=200
SYMCOM 110
426 SYMCOM
Symmetry Combination Subcase Delimiter

SUPER=1,3
SYMSEQ=1.,1.
SUBCASE 1001
SUBCASE 1002
SYMCOM 1010
SYMSEQ=1.,1.
4
CASE
SYMSEQ 427
Symmetry Sequence Coefficients
SYMSEQ Symmetry Sequence Coefficients
Gives the coefficients for combining the symmetry subcases into the total structure.
Format:
SYMSEQ=R1 [,R2,R3,..., Rn]
Examples:
SYMSEQ=1.0, -2.0, 3.0, 4.0
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Ri Coefficients of the previously occurring n SYM subcases. (Real)
Remarks:
1. SYMSEQ may only appear after a SYMCOM command.

4
CASE
2. The default value for the coefficients is 1.0 if no SYMSEQ command appears.
3. SYMSEQ may only be used in statics or inertia relief.
4. Ri is limited to a maximum of 200 numbers.

428 TEMPERATURE
Temperature Set Selection
TEMPERATURE Temperature Set Selection
Selects the temperature set to be used in either material property calculations or

thermal loading in heat transfer and structural analysis.
Format:
Examples:
TEMPERATURE(LOAD)=15
TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL)=7
TEMPERATURE=7
Describers:
4
MATERIAL The selected temperature set will be used to determine

temperature-dependent material properties indicated on the
MATTi Bulk Data entries. See Remarks 6 and 7.
LOAD The selected temperature set will be used to determine an

equivalent static load and to update material properties in a
nonlinear analysis. See Remarks 6 and 7.
BOTH Both MATERIAL and LOAD will use the same temperature set.
n Set identification number of TEMP, TEMPD, TEMPP1,

TEMPRB, TEMPF, or TEMPAX Bulk Data entries. (Integer>0)
INITIAL The selected temperature table will be used to determine initial

temperature distribution in nonlinear static analysis. See
Remarks 6 and 7.
Remarks:
1. In linear analysis, only one temperature-dependent material request should

be made in any problem and should be specified above the subcase level. If
multiple requests are made, then only the last request will be processed. See
also Remarks 6 and 7.
TEMPERATURE 429
2. The total load applied will be the sum of the external (LOAD command), thermal
(TEMP(LOAD) command), element deformation (DEFORM command) and
constrained displacement (SPC command) loads.
3. Static, thermal, and element deformation loads should have unique set
4. INITIAL is used in steady state heat transfer analysis for conduction material
properties and provides starting values for iteration.
5. In superelement data recovery restarts, TEMPERATURE(LOAD) requests must

be respecified in the Case Control Section.
6. The following rules apply in structural nonlinear static analysis, which supports
temperature-dependent material properties.
• The specification of TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) is required above the

subcase level. The specification of TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL) or
TEMPERATURE(BOTH) will cause a fatal error. 4
CASE
• If a subcase does not contain a TEMPERATURE(LOAD) request, then the
thermal load set will default to the TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) set.
• TEMPERATURE(LOAD) will also cause the update of

temperature-dependent material properties due to the temperatures selected
in the thermal load set. Temperature-dependent material properties are
specified with MATi, MATTi, MATS1, and/or TABLEST Bulk Data entries.
• If TREF and TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) are specified, then the

TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) set will be used as the initial temperature to
calculate both the loads and the material properties. Both are used in the
definition of thermal strain.
7. In linear analysis, if no TEMP(INIT) is present, TREF of the MATi is used to

define the datum of temperature. If TEMP(INIT) is present, it is used to define
the datum temperature.
8. TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL) and TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) cannot be

specified simultaneously in the same run.
9. TEMP(INIT) is not used with TEMPAX.
10. Temperature loads cause incorrect stresses in dynamic analysis.

430 TEMPERATURE
1. Only TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) and TEMPERATURE(LOAD) are

allowed. A fatal error will be issued if TEMPERATURE(MATERIAL) or
TEMPERATURE(BOTH) is specified.
2. n should reference the set identification number of the TEMP or TEMPD Bulk
Data entry only.
3. Temperature loads can be used in both static and transient analysis.
4. TEMPERATURE(LOAD) is used to select a constant temperature load. For

time-dependent temperature load, DLOAD command is used instead.
5. If TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) is not specified, then initial temperatures are

assumed to be zero.
4
CASE
TFL 431
Transfer Function Set Selection
TFL Transfer Function Set Selection
Selects the transfer function set(s) to be added to the direct input matrices.
Formats:
TFL={n1, [n2, n3 THRU n4, EXCEPT n5, n6, n7]}

Examples:
TFL=77
TFL=1, 25, 77
TFL=5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 THRU 55 EXCEPT 15, 16, 77, 78, 79
TFL=1 THRU 10
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n1, n2, etc. Identification numbers of TF Bulk Data entries. (Integer>0)
n3 THRU n4 Identification numbers of TF bulk data entries (n3>n4). (Integer>0) 4

CASE
EXCEPT Identification numbers following EXCEPT will be deleted from
the list as long as they are in the range of the set defined by the
immediately preceding THRU. An EXCEPT list may not include a
THRU.
Remarks:
1. Transfer functions will not be used unless selected in the Case Control Section.
2. Transfer functions are supported in dynamics problems only.
3. Transfer functions are described in the NX Nastran Advanced Dynamic Analysis

User’s Guide.
4. It is recommended that PARAM,AUTOSPC,NO be specified when using transfer

functions. See the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
5. The transfer functions are additive if multiple TF values are referenced on the
TFL command.
6. Identification numbers following EXCEPT within the range of the THRU must
be in ascending order.
7. In the third example in the Examples section, the numbers 77, 78, 79 are
included because they are outside the prior THRU range.
432 THERMAL
Temperature Output Request
THERMAL Temperature Output Request
Requests the form and type of temperature output.
Format:
Examples:
THERMAL=5
THER(PRINT,PUNCH)=ALL
Describers:
Describer Meaning
4 SORT1 Output is presented as a tabular listing of point temperatures for

CASE each load or time step.
SORT2 Output is presented as a tabular listing of loads or time steps for

each point temperature.
PLOT Compute temperatures but do not print.
ALL Temperatures for all points will be output.
NONE Temperatures for no points will be output.

temperatures of points with identification numbers that appear
Remarks:
1. The THERMAL output request is designed for use with the heat transfer
option. The printed output will have temperature headings. The PUNCH option
produces TEMP Bulk Data entries, and the SID on the entries will be the
subcase number (=1 if no SUBCASES are specified).
THERMAL 433
Temperature Output Request
2. SORT1 is the default in steady state heat transfer analysis. SORT2 is the
default in transient heat transfer analysis.
3. In a transient heat transfer analysis, the SID on the punched TEMP Bulk Data
entries, equals the time step number.
4
CASE
434 TITLE
Output Title
TITLE Output Title
Defines a character string that will appear on the first heading line of each page
of NX Nastran printer output.
Format:
TITLE=title
Examples:
TITLE=RIGHT WING, LOAD CASE 3.
Describers:
Describer Meaning
title Any character string.
4 Remarks:
CASE
1. If this command appears under a SUBCASE command, then the title appears in
the output for that subcase only.
2. If this command appears before all SUBCASE commands, then the title is used
in all subcases without a TITLE command.
3. If no TITLE command is present, then the title line will contain data and page
numbers only.
4. The title also appears on plotter output.

TRIM 435
Aerodynamic Trim Variable Constraint Selection
TRIM Aerodynamic Trim Variable Constraint Selection
Selects trim variable constraints in static aeroelastic response.
Format:
TRIM=n
Examples:
TRIM=1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of a TRIM Bulk Data entry. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
Aerodynamic extra points (trim variables) that are not constrained by a TRIM Bulk
4
CASE
Data entry will be free during the static aeroelastic response solution.
436 TSTEP
Transient Time Step Set Selection
TSTEP Transient Time Step Set Selection
Selects integration and output time steps for linear or nonlinear transient analysis.
For SOLs 601 and 701: Selects time stepping for advanced nonlinear analysis.
Format:
TSTEP=n
Examples:
TSTEP=731
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification number of a TSTEP or TSTEPNL Bulk Data

entry. (Integer>0)
4 n (For SOLs
601 and 701)
Set identification number of a TSTEP Bulk Data entry.
(Integer>0)
CASE
Remarks:
1. A TSTEP entry must be selected to execute a linear transient analysis (SOLs

9, 12, 109, or 112) and TSTEPNL for a nonlinear transient analysis (SOLs 129
and 159).
2. A TSTEPNL entry must be selected in each subcase to execute a nonlinear

transient problem.
3. For the application of time-dependent loads in modal frequency response

analysis (SOLs 111 and 146), a TSTEP entry must be selected by the TSTEP
command. The time-dependent loads will be recomputed in frequency domain by
a Fourier Transform.
1. In SOL 601, TSTEP selects the solution time steps for a static or transient
analysis.
2. In SOL 701, the actual time step size may be based on the critical time step
size for stability calculated by the program. However, the total solution time is
considered. For example, if the TSTEP entry specifies 5 time steps of step size
0.001, the program will execute up to solution time 0.005 using an appropriate
time step size. To request that the program use the time step size specified
TSTEP 437
Transient Time Step Set Selection
in TSTEP Bulk Data entry, specify XSTEP=1 in the NXSTRAT entry. See the
Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guideon the critical time step size
and when results are output.
4
CASE
438 TSTEPNL
Transient Time Step Set Selection for Nonlinear Analysis
TSTEPNL Transient Time Step Set Selection for Nonlinear Analysis
See the description for TSTEP.
4
CASE
TSTRU 439
Temperature Set ID for a Structures Run
TSTRU Temperature Set ID for a Structures Run
Defines a temperature set ID for a structures run based on a heat transfer subcase.
Format:
TSTRU=n
Examples:
TSTRU=999
Describers:
Describer Meaning
n Set identification for use on TEMP(LOAD)=n or TEMP(INIT)=n
Remarks:
1. TSTRU should be placed in the heat transfer subcase.

4
CASE
2. If TSTRU does not explicitly appear in the heat transfer subcase, it is defaulted
to TSTRU=Heat Transfer Subcase ID.
3. In a structures run, a temperature set generated from a heat transfer run will
override an existing temperature set with an identical set ID defined with TEMP,
TEMPD, TEMPF, TEMPP1, TEMPRB or any combination.
4. TSTRU may be placed in the first subcase of a PARAM,HEATSTAT,YES run.
5. TSTRUs may be placed in each subcase of an APPHEAT run. The associated

structures run then requires the following:
ASSIGN heat_run=’heat transfer job name.MASTER’
DBLOC DATABLK=(UG,EST,BGPDTS,CASECCR/CASEHEAT) LOGICAL=heat_run
6. Heat transfer runs and structure runs must have the same mesh. P-elements
should also have the same geometry description. P-order between runs can
be different.
7. For nonlinear heat transfer SOL 106 or SOL 153 the INOUT field on the
NLPARM Bulk Data entry must be blank or NO if the results of the run are to be
transferred to a linear structures run.
PARAM,NLHTLS,-1 should be placed in the nonlinear heat run. This will place
UG heat transfer on the database.
440 VECTOR
VECTOR Displacement Output Request
Requests the form and type of displacement vector output.
See the description for DISPLACEMENT.
4
CASE
VELOCITY 441
Velocity Output Request
VELOCITY Velocity Output Request
Requests the form and type of velocity vector output.
Format:
Examples:
VELOCITY=5
VELOCITY(SORT2,PHASE,PUNCH)=ALL
Describers: 4
CASE
Describer Meaning

SORT2 Output will be presented as a tabular listing of frequency

or time for each grid point.
PLOT Generates, but does not print, velocities.


ABS For enforced motion dynamic analysis, velocity results will be

output as absolute velocity.
442 VELOCITY
Describer Meaning
REL For enforced motion dynamic analysis, velocity results will be

output relative to the enforced motion input.



4
CASE RALL Requests all of PSDF, ATOC, and CRMS be calculated for

See remark 7.

file. See remark 7.
7.
ALL Velocity for all solution points will be output.
NONE Velocity for no solution points will be output.

Only velocities of points with identification numbers that
Remarks:

VELOCITY 443
2. Velocity output is only available for transient and frequency response problems.
3. See DISPLACEMENT for a discussion of SORT1 and SORT2.
4. VELOCITY=NONE overrides an overall output request.
representation and no printer request is present for magnitude/phase
representation.
6. Velocity results are output in the global coordinate system (see field CD on the
GRID Bulk Data entry).
(using the REL describer), the output will be relative to the input as described
by the equation: 4
CASE

are ignored.
2. Displacements, velocities and accelerations must be output for the same

set of grid points if requested. Output requested for set n in this command
will be combined with the sets requested in the DISPLACEMENT and
ACCELERATION commands, and velocities will be output at the grid points of
the combined set.
444 VOLUME
Volume Definition
VOLUME Volume Definition
Defines a volume for the calculation of grid point stresses, strains, or mesh stress
discontinuities.
Format:
Examples:
VOLUME 21 SET 2
Describers:
Describer Meaning
id Volume identification number.

4
CASE sid Set identification number of a SET command that defines the
elements in the volume. Either form of the SET command may
be used. The default is all elements.
PRINCIPAL Requests principal stresses or strains, direction cosines, mean

pressure, and von Mises equivalent stresses or strains to be
calculated. If neither PRINCIPAL nor DIRECT is specified,
then the default is to output both.
DIRECT Requests direct stress or strains, mean pressure stress and von
Mises equivalent stress to be calculated. If neither PRINCIPAL
nor DIRECT is specified, then the default is to output both.
SYSTEM Used to specify the reference coordinate system to be used to

define the output stress orientation coordinate system.
ELEMENT Specifies the element coordinate system.
CORD cid Specifies the coordinate system specified on a CORDij entry.
BASIC Specifies the basic coordinate system.
Remarks:
1. VOLUME commands must be specified after OUTPUT(POST).

VOLUME 445
Volume Definition
2. The surface identification number must be referenced on a SET command

appearing above OUTPUT(POST). The SET identification number may then be
referenced on GPSTRESS, GPSTRAIN, STRFIELD, ELSDCON, and GPSDCON
commands.
3. If ELEMENT is specified, element stresses or strains are not transformed.
4. In the example given above, for all elements in SET 2:
• Both PRINCIPAL and DIRECT stress are output.
• The BASIC output system is used.
4
CASE
446 VUGRID
View Geometry Output for p-Version Analysis
VUGRID View Geometry Output for p-Version Analysis
Requests output of view grid and view element entries used in p-version element
data recovery.
Format:
Examples:
VUGRID(PRINT)=n
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ALL All view element and grid entries will be output.

4 n Set identification of a previously appearing SET command.
CASE
Only those p-version elements with identification numbers that
PLOT Generate entries but do not print or punch.
Remarks:
1. VUGRID is processed only when an analysis with p-version elements is

requested.
2. Only one VUGRID command per analysis is allowed.
3. The VUGRID command is used only for output control and does not in anyway
affect the p-version analysis.
4. See parameters VUHEXA, VUTETRA, and VUPENTA in Parameters, for

renaming element entries.
5. See parameters VUELJUMP and VUGJUMP in Parameters for numbering of

view grid and view element entries.
WEIGHTCHECK 447
Rigid Body Mass Reduction Check
WEIGHTCHECK Rigid Body Mass Reduction Check
At each stage of the mass matrix reduction, compute the rigid body mass and
compare with the rigid body mass of the g-set.
Format:
Examples:
WEIGHTCHECK=YES
WEIGHTCHECK(GRID=12,SET=(G,N,A),MASS)=YES
Describers:
Describer Meaning 4
CASE
PRINT Writes output to the print file (default).
SET Selects degree-of-freedom set(s). (Default SET=G)
gid Reference grid point for the calculation of rigid body motion.
The default is the origin of the basic coordinate system.
CGI For GCI≠YES , GCI=YES requests output of center of gravity

and mass moments of inertia. (Default: CGI=NO).
WEIGHT/MASS Selects output in units of weight or mass. (Default=WEIGHT)
Remarks:
1. WEIGHTCHECK must be specified above the subcase level.
2. For SET=N, N+AUTOSPC, F, or A, the WEIGHTCHECK command also outputs

a percentage loss or gain in the reduced rigid body mass matrix (e.g., MAA)
as compared to the g-set rigid body mass matrix (e.g., MGG). G must also be
requested to obtain this comparison; e.g., WEIGHTCHECK(SET=(G,A))=YES.
448 WEIGHTCHECK
Rigid Body Mass Reduction Check
3. SET=N+AUTOSPC uses the mass matrix for the n-set with the rows
corresponding to degrees-of-freedom constrained by the PARAM, AUTOSPC
operation zeroed out. If AUTOSPC was not performed then this check is
redundant with respect to SET=N.
4. WEIGHTCHECK is available in all SOLs. However, in SOLs 101, 105, 114, and
116, because no mass reduction is performed, only WEIGHTCHECK(SET=G)
is available.
4
CASE
Case Control Applicability Tables 449
4.5 Case Control Applicability Tables

The following tables describe the applicability of Case Control commands to
Solution Sequences:
Table 4-1 and Table 4-2 Structured SOLs (101 through 200, 601, 701)
- Subcase Definition, Superelement Control,

and Auxiliary Model Control
Table 4-3 and Table 4-4 Structured SOLs (101 through 200. 601, 701)
- Data Selection
Table 4-5 and Table 4-6 Structured SOLs (101 through 200, 601, 701)
- Output Selection
Table 4-7 Unstructured SOLs (1 through 16)
- Subcase Definition and Superelement

Control
4
CASE
- Data Selection
- Output Selection
450 Case Control Applicability Tables
Table 4-1. Case Control Commands in the Structured SOLs – Subcase Definition,
Superelement Control, and Auxiliary Model Control
Structured Solution Number

Command Name
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
ADACT X X
ANALYSIS
AUXCAS
AUXMODEL
BEGIN BULK X X X X X X X X X X
MASTER X X X X X X X X X X
MODES X
4 OUTPUT(blank) X X X X X X X X X X
CASE OUTPUT(PLOT) X X X X X X X X X X
OUTPUT (POST) or SETS

X X X X X X X X X X
DEFINITION
OUTPUT(XYPLOT) X X X X X X X X X X
REPCASE X X
SEALL X X X X X X X X X X
SEDR X X X X X X X X X X
SEDV
SEEXCLUD X X X X X X X X X X
SEFINAL X X X X X X X X X X
SEKR X X X X X X X X X X
SELG X X X X X X X
SELR X X X X X X X
SEMR X X X X X X X X X X
SEMR X X X X X X X X
Table 4-1. Case Control Commands in the Structured SOLs – Subcase Definition,
Superelement Control, and Auxiliary Model Control

Command Name
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
SERE
SUBCASE X X X X X X X X X X
SUBCOM X
SUBSEQ X
SUPER X X X X X X X X X X
SYM X
SYMCOM X
SYMSEQ X 4
CASE
Table 4-2. Case Control Commands in the Structured SOLs – Subcase

Definition, Superelement Control, and Auxiliary Model Control

Command Name
601&
114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200
701
ADACT X
ANALYSIS X X
AUXCAS X
AUXMODEL X
BEGIN BULK X X X X X X X X X X X X
MASTER X X X X X X X X X X X X
MODES X X X
OUTPUT (blank) X X X X X X X X X X X X
OUTPUT(PLOT) X X X X X X X X X X X X
Table 4-2. Case Control Commands in the Structured SOLs – Subcase

Definition, Superelement Control, and Auxiliary Model Control

Command Name
601&
114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200
701
OUTPUT
(POST) or SETS X X X X X X X X X X X X
DEFINITION
OUTPUT(XYPLOT) X X X X X X X X X X X X
REPCASE X X
SEALL X X X X X X X X X X X X
SEDR X X X X X X X X X X X X
4 SEDV X
CASE SEEXCLUD X X X X X X X X X X X X
SEFINAL X X X X X X X X X X X X
SEKR X X X X X X X X X X X X
SELG X X X X X X X X X
SELR X X X X X X X X X
SEMR X X X X X X X X X X X X
SEMR X X X X X X X X X X
SERE X
SUBCASE X X X X X X X X X X X X X
SUBCOM X
SUBSEQ X
SUPER X X X X X X X X X X X X
SYM X
SYMCOM X
SYMSEQ X
Table 4-3. Case Control Commands in the Structured SOLs – Data Selection

Command Name
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
ADAPT X X
AXISYMME X X X X X X X X X
B2GG X X X X X X X X X X
B2PP X X X X X X
BC X
BCSET X X X X
BGSET X X X X X X X X X X
BOLTLD X X X X X X X X X
CLOAD X
4
CASE
CMETHOD X X
DEFORM X X
DESGLB
DESOBJ
DESSUB
DLOAD X X X X X X
DSYM
FMETHOD
FREQUENC X X
GUST
HARMONIC X X X X X X X X X
IC X
K2GG X X X X X X X X X X
K42GG X X X X X X X X X X

Command Name
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
K2PP X X X X X X
LOAD X X X X X X X
LOADSET X X X X X X X
M2GG X X X X X X X X X X
M2PP X X X X X X
MAXMIN X X X X X X X X X X
METHOD X X X X X X X X
MFLUID X X X X X X X
4 MODSEL X X
CASE
MODTRAK
MPC X X X X X X X X X X
NLPARM X
NONLINEA X X
OMODES X X X* X* X*
P2G X X X X X X X
RANDOM X X
RIGID X X X X X X X X X X
RMETHOD X
RSMETHOD X X X X X X X
SDAMPING X X X
SDENSITY X X X
SMETHOD X X
SPC X X X X X X X X X X

Command Name
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
STATSUB X X X X X X X X
SUPORT1 X X X X X X X X X X
TEMPER(INIT) X
TEMPER(LOAD) X X X X X X X
TEMPER(MATE) X X X X X X X X X X
TFL X X X X X X
TRIM
TSTEP X X
WEIGHTCHECK X X X X X X X X X X
4
CASE
Command Name 601

114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
ADAPT X
AXISYMME X X
B2GG X X X X X X X X X X X X
B2PP X X X X X X
BC X
BCSET X
BGSET X X X X X X X X X 601
BOLTLD 601
CLOAD X
Command Name 601

114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
CMETHOD X
DEFORM X X X X
DESGLB X
DESOBJ X
DESSUB X
DLOAD X X X X X X X
DSYM X X X X
4 EBDSET X
CASE
FMETHOD X X
FREQUENC X X X
GUST X X
HARMONIC X X X X X X
IC X X
K2GG X X X X X X X X X X X X
K2PP X X X X X X
LOAD X X X X X X X X X
LOADSET X X X X X X X X X
M2GG X X X X X X X X X X X X
M2PP X X X X X X
MAXMIN X X X X X X X X X X X X
METHOD X X X X X X X X X X X
Command Name 601

114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
MFLUID X X X X X X X X X
MODSEL X X X
MODTRAK
MPC X X X X X X X X X X X X X
NLPARM X
NONLINEA X X
OMODES X X X
P2G X X X X X X X X
4
CASE
RANDOM X X
RMETHOD
RSMETHOD X X X X X X X
SDAMPING X X X
SDENSITY X
SMETHOD
SPC X X X X X X X X X X X X X
STATSUB X X X
SUPORT1 X X X X X X X X X X X X
TEMPER(INIT) X X
TEMPER(LOAD) X X X X X X
TEMPER(MATE) X X X X X X X X X X X X
TFL X X X X X X
TRIM X X
Command Name 601

114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
TSTEP X X X X X
WEIGHTCHECK X X X X X X X X X X
Table 4-5. Case Control Commands in the Structured SOLs – Output Selection

Command Name
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
4 ACCELERA X X X X X
CASE ADAMSMNF X
ADMRECVR X
AEROF
APRESS
BOUTPUT X
DATAREC X X X X X X
DISPLACE X X X X X X X X X X
DSAPRT
ECHO X X X X X X X X X X
ECHOOFF X X X X X X X X X X
ECHOON X X X X X X X X X X
EDE X X X* X X*
EKE X X X* X X*
ELSDCON X X
ELSUM X X X X X X X X X X

Command Name
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
ENTHALPY
ESE X X X X X* X X*
FLUX X
FORCE X X X X X X X X X X
GPFORCE X X X
GPKE X X X* X X
GPSDCON X X
GPSTRAIN X X X X X
GPSTRESS X X X X X
4
CASE
GROUNDCHECK X X X X X X X X X X
HARMONIC X X X X X X X X X
HDOT
HOUTPUT
LABEL X X X X X X X X X X
LINE X X X X X X X X X X
MAXLINES X X X X X X X X X X
MODALE X
MODCON X
MPCFORCE X X X X X X X X X
MPRESSURE X X X X X X X
NLLOAD X X
NOUTPUT
OFREQUEN X X

Command Name
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
OLOAD X X X X X X X
OTIME X X
OUTRCV X X X X X
PAGE X X X X X X X X X X
PARTN X X X X X X X X X X
PLOTID X X X X X X X X X X
PRESSURE X X X X
RCROSS X X
4 RECURDYNRFI X
CASE
RMAXMIN X
SACCELER X X X X
SDISPLAC X X X X X X X
SET X X X X X X X X X X
SET2 X X X
SKIP X X X X X X X X X X
SPCFORCE X X X X X X X X X X
STRAIN X X X X X X X X X X
STRESS X X X X X X X X X X
STRFIELD X X X X X
SUBTITLE X X X X X X X X X X
SURFACE X X X X X
SVECTOR X X X X X
SVELOCITY X X X X

Command Name
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
THERMAL X
TITLE X X X X X X X X X X
VECTOR X X X X X X X X X X
VELOCITY X X X X
VOLUME X X X X X
VUGRID X X X X X X
Table 4-6. Case Control Commands in the Structured SOLs –Output

Selection 4
CASE
Command Name 601

114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
ACCELERA X X X X X X
ADAMSMNF
ADMRECVR
AEROF X X X
APRESS X X
BCRESULTS X
BOUTPUT X X X
DATAREC X X
DISPLACE X X X X X X X X X X X X X
DSAPRT X
ECHO X X X X X X X X X X X X

Selection
Command Name 601

114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
ECHOFF X X X X X X X X X X X X
ECHOON X X X X X X X X X X X X
EDE X X X X
EKE X X X X
ELSDCON X X
ELSUM X X X X X X X X X X
4 ENTHALPY X
CASE ESE X X X X X X X
FLUX X X X X
FORCE X X X X X X X X X X X X
GKRESULTS 601
(only 601)
GPFORCE X X X X X
GPKE X X X
GPSDCON X X X X
GPSTRAIN X X X X X X X
GPSTRESS X X X X X X X
GROUNDCHECK X X X X X X X X X X
HARMONY X X X X X X
HDOT X
HOUTPUT X X X X
LABEL X X X X X X X X X X X X

Selection
Command Name 601

114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
LINE X X X X X X X X X X X X
MAXLINES X X X X X X X X X X X X
MODALE
MPCFORCE X X X X X X X X X
MPRESSURE X X X X X X X
NLLOAD X
NOUTPUT X X X X 4
X X X
CASE
OFREQUEN
OLOAD X X X X X X X X X
OTIME X X X X X X X X X X
OUTRCV X
PAGE X X X X X X X X X X X X
PARTN X X X X X X X X X X X X
PLOTID X X X X X X X X X X X X
PRESSURE X X
RCROSS X X
RECURDYNRFI
SACCELER X X X X
SDISPLAC X X X X X X X X
SET X X X X X X X X X X X X X
SET2 X
SHELLTHK X

Selection
Command Name 601

114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
SKIP X X X X X X X X X X X X
SPCFORCE X X X X X X X X X X X X X
STRAIN X X X X X X X X X X X X
STRESS X X X X X X X X X X X X X
STRFIELD X X X X X X
SUBTITLE X X X X X X X X X X X X
4 SURFACE X X X X X
CASE
SVECTOR X X X X X X X
SVELOCITY X X X X X
THERMAL X X X X X
TITLE X X X X X X X X X X X X X
VECTOR X X X X X X X X X X X X
VELOCITY X X X X X
VOLUME X X X X X
VUGRID
Table 4-7. Case Control Commands in the Unstructured SOLs – Subcase

Definition and Superelement Control
Unstructured Solution Number

Command Name
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
MASTER X X X X X X X X X X X X X
MODES X
Table 4-7. Case Control Commands in the Unstructured SOLs – Subcase

Definition and Superelement Control

Command Name
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
OUTPUT X X X X X X X X X X X X X
OUTPUT(PLOT) X X X X X X X X X X X X X
OUTPUT(POST) X X X X X
OUTPUT(XYPLOT) X X X X X X X X X X X X
REPCASE X X
SUBCASE X X X X X X X X X X X X
SUBCOM X
SUBSEQ X 4
SYMCOM X
CASE
SYMSEQ X
Table 4-8. Case Control Commands in the Unstructured SOLs – Data Selection

Command Name
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
AXISYMMETRIC X X X X X X X X
B2GG X X X X X X X X X
B2PP X X X X X X
CMETHOD X X
DEFORM X X X X X
DLOAD X X X X
DSYM X X X
FREQUENCY X X
Table 4-8. Case Control Commands in the Unstructured SOLs – Data Selection

Command Name
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
HARMONICS X X X
IC X
K2PP X X X X X X
LOAD X X X X X X
LOADSET X X X X
M2GG X X X X X X X X X X X
4 M2PP X X X X X X
CASE
METHOD X X X X X X X
MFLUID X X X
MPC X X X X X X X X X X X X X
NONLINEAR X X
P2G X X X X X X X X X
RANDOM X X
RSMETHOD X X X X X X
SDAMPING X X X
SMETHOD X X
SUPORT1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X
SPC X X X X X X X X X X X X X
TEMP(LOAD) X X X X
TEMP(MATE) X X X X X X X X X X X X X
TFL X X X X X X
TSTEP X X
Table 4-9. Case Control Commands in the Unstructured SOLs – Output Selection

Command Name
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
ACCELERATION X X X X
DISPLACEMENT X X X X X X X X X X X X X
ECHO X X X X X X X X X X X X X
ECHOOFF X X X X X X X X X X X X X
ECHOON X X X X X X X X X X X X X
ESE X X X X X X
FLUX X X
FORCE X X X X X X X X X X X X X
GPFORCE X X X X X X
4
CASE
GPSTRAIN X X X X X
GPSTRESS X X X X X
HARMONICS X X X
HOUTPUT X X X
LABEL X X X X X X X X X X X X X
LINE X X X X X X X X X X X X X
MAXLINES X X X X X X X X X X X X X
MPCFORCE X X X X X X X X X X X X X
MPRES X X X
NLLOAD X X
NOUTPUT X X X
OFREQUENCY X X X
OLOAD X X X X X X X X X X
OTIME X X
Table 4-9. Case Control Commands in the Unstructured SOLs – Output Selection

Command Name
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
PAGE X X X X X X X X X X X X X
PARTN X X X X X X X X X X X X X
PLOTID X X X X X X X X X X X X X
PRESSURE X X X X
RMAXMIN X
SACCELERATION X X X X
SDISPLACEMENT X X X X X X X X
SET X X X X X X X X X X X X X
4 SKIP X X X X X X X X X X X X X
CASE
SPCFORCE X X X X X X X X X X X X X
STRAIN X X X X X X X X X X
STRESS X X X X X X X X X X X X X
STRFIELD X X X X X X X
SUBTITLE X X X X X X X X X X X X X
SURFACE X X X X X X X
SVECTOR X X X X X X
SVELOCITY X X X X
THERMAL X X
TITLE X X X X X X X X X X X X X
VECTOR X X X X X X X X X X X X X
VELOCITY X X X X
VOLUME X X X X X X X
Chapter
5 Case Control OUTPUT(PLOT)

Commands
5
PLOT
470
The PLOT command requests the generation of undeformed, deformed, or contour

plots. All other commands specify how the model will be plotted, the type of
projection, view angles, scales, etc. All commands have default actions if not
specified by the user. The FIND command may be used to calculate an optimal
SCALE, ORIGIN, and/or VANTAGE POINT to allow the construction of a plot in a
user-specified region of the paper or film. All the commands used in the generation
of the various plots will be printed out as part of the output, whether they are
directly specified, defaulted or established using the FIND command. Initialization
of commands to default values occurs only once. Subsequently, these values remain
until altered by direct command input. The only exceptions are the view angles,
scale factors, vantage points, and the origins. Whenever the plotter or the method
of projection is changed, the view angles are reset to the default values, unless they
are respecified by the user. In addition, the scale factors, vantage points, and the
origin must be respecified by the user.
The commands are listed here in a logical sequence; however, they need not be so
specified. Any order may be used, but if a command is specified more than once,
the value or choice stated last will be used.
PLOTTER Selects format of plot file for interpretation by plotter

post-processor.
ORTHOGRAPHIC Selects orthographic projection.
PERSPECTIVE Selects perspective projection.

5 STEREOSCOPIC Selects stereoscopic projection.
PLOT
AXES Assigns axes of the basic coordinate system to the observer’s

coordinate system.
VIEW Defines the angular relationship between observer’s

coordinate system (r, s, and t axes specified on the AXES
command) and basic coordinate system.
MAXIMUM Defines the magnification of the maximum displacement.

DEFORMATION
SCALE Defines reduction, as a scale factor, of model’s dimensions

so that the model fits on a plot frame.
DISTORTION Specifies the distortion scale factors of the axes in the basic
coordinate system.
CSCALE Defines scale factor for characters in the plot frame.

471
ORIGIN Defines the origin of the plot frame with respect to the
origin of the (r, s, t) coordinate system defined on the AXES
command.
VANTAGE Defines the location of the observer with respect to the

POINT model in the (r, s, t) coordinate system defined on the AXES
command for perspective and stereoscopic projections only.
PROJECTION Defines the separation, along the r-axis, between the

PLANE observer and the projection plane if not already specified
on the VANTAGE POINT command. Used by stereoscopic
projections only.
OCULAR Defines the separation of the left and right eye vantage
SEPARATION points along the s-axis for stereoscopic projections.
CAMERA Specifies microfilm plotter options.
PAPER SIZE Defines the size and type of the paper.
PEN Generates a message on the printed output to inform the

plotter operator as to what size and color pen point to
mount in the various pen holders.
PTITLE Defines a character string that will appear at the top of the
plot frame on the line below the sequence number. 5
PLOT
SET Defines a set of elements and/or grid points to be plotted.
FIND Requests the plotter to optimally compute any of the

parameters that can be specified on the SCALE, ORIGIN i,
and/or VANTAGE POINT commands.
CONTOUR Specifies contour plot options for stress, displacement, or

temperature.
PLOT Generates an undeformed plot or a deformed plot per

subcase, mode number, frequency, or time step. A contour
plot may also be requested with an undeformed or deformed
plot.
472 AXES
Orientation of Observer’s Coordinate System
AXES Orientation of Observer’s Coordinate System
Assigns axes of the basic coordinate system to the observer’s coordinate system.
Format:
View toward negative x-axis of model.
AXES MX, Y, MZ
Mirror image of model.
AXES Y X Z
Describers:
Describer Meaning
r,s,t Assigns axes of basic coordinate system to axes of observer’s

coordinate system: (Default = X, Y, Z)
X X-direction of basic coordinate system. (Default for r)

5
PLOT Y Y-direction of basic coordinate system. (Default for s)
Z Z-direction of basic coordinate system. (Default for t)
MX Negative X-direction of basic coordinate system.
MY Negative Y-direction of basic coordinate system.
MZ Negative Z-direction of basic coordinate system.
SYMMETRIC Specifies a symmetric orientation of the view. See Remark

5. (Default)
ANTISYMMETRIC Specifies an antisymmetric orientation of the view. See

Remark 5.
Remarks:
1. If no AXES command is specified then AXES X, Y, Z is the default.

AXES 473
Orientation of Observer’s Coordinate System
2. The direction of view is in the negative r-direction; i.e., the projection plane is
parallel to the s-t plane.
3. The VIEW command depends on the AXES command specification and defines
the angular relationship between the observer’s coordinate system and the basic
coordinate system.
4. The AXES command can be used to preposition the object in 90° increments
in such a manner that only rotations less than 90° are required by the VIEW
command to obtain the desired orientation. MX, MY, MZ can be used to define
left-handed coordinate systems. Note that the default system is right-handed.
5. An undeformed or deformed plot of the symmetric portion of an object can

be obtained by reversing the sign of the axis that is normal to the plane of
symmetry. In the case of multiple planes of symmetry, the signs of all associated
planes should be reversed. The ANTISYMMETRIC option should be specified
when a symmetric model is loaded in an unsymmetrical manner. This will cause
the deformations to be plotted antisymmetrically with respect to the specified
plane or planes. Since the AXES command applies to all parts (SETs) of a single
frame, symmetric and antisymmetric combinations cannot be made with this
command (see the symmetry option description in PLOT).
6. To avoid a mirror image, ensure that the r, s, and t axes obey the right-hand rule.
5
PLOT
474 CAMERA
Microfilm Plotter Options
CAMERA Microfilm Plotter Options
Specifies microfilm plotter options.
Format:
Examples:
CAMERA FILM
Describers:
Describer Meaning
FILM Requests 35mm or 16mm film and positive or negative images.
PAPER Requests positive prints.
BOTH Requests positive prints and 35mm or 16mm film.
5 Remarks:
PLOT
1. If the CAMERA command is not specified, then CAMERA PAPER BLANK
FRAMES 0 is assumed.
2. If FILM or BOTH is specified, then these options must be communicated to the

plotter operator through normal means of communications at the installation.
3. If FILM or BOTH are specified and if n is greater than 0, then n blank frames
will be inserted between plots. The plotter must be operated in the manual
mode in order to have blank frames inserted between positive prints. If blank
frames are desired only on film, and not on paper, the plotter must be operated
in the automatic mode.
CONTOUR 475
Contour Plot Options
CONTOUR Contour Plot Options
Specifies contour plot options for stress, displacement, or temperature.
Format:
Examples:
CONTOUR MAGNIT LIST 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0
Describers:
Describer Meaning
component Name of stress, displacement or temperature component.

(Character, Default = “MAJPRIN”)
5
MAJPRIN Major principal stress. Not available for nonlinear PLOT
elements. (Default)
MINPRIN Minor principal stress. Not available for nonlinear

elements.
EQUIVAL von Mises stress. When STRESS(MAXS) is

requested in Case Control, von Mises stress is used
for plotting. For nonlinear analysis, Mohr-Coulomb
or Drucker-Prager stress may also be plotted in
conjunction with the MATS1 command.
XNORMAL X component of normal stress.
YNORMAL Y component of normal stress.
ZNORMAL Z component of normal stress.
XYSHEAR XY component of shear stress.

476 CONTOUR
Describer Meaning
XZSHEAR XZ component of shear stress.
YZSHEAR YZ component of shear stress.
XDISP T1 component of displacement in global coordinate

system.
YDISP T2 component of displacement in global coordinate

system.
ZDISP T3 component of displacement in global coordinate

system.
MAGNIT Magnitude of displacement or temperature.
EVEN n Number of contours. (50 ≥ Integer> 0, Default is EVEN 10)
LIST a, b, ... List of stresses, displacements or temperatures which define

the contours. (Real)
5 Z1 Stresses at Z1 from neutral plane. (Default.)

PLOT
Z2 Stresses at Z2 from neutral plane.
MAX Maximum of stress at Z1 and Z2.
MID Average of stress (membrane stress) at Z1 and Z2.
COMMON Plot stress contours in basic coordinate system (Default).
LOCAL Plot stress contours in element coordinate system. This is the

coordinate system used in printed output.
Remarks:
1. The CONTOUR command should be specified immediately before its associated

PLOT command.
CONTOUR 477
2. A STRESS request must appear in the Case Control Section for all elements
included in a CONTOUR request. If printed output is not desired then
STRESS(PLOT)=sid should be specified.
3. In linear analysis, stress contour plots are available for the following elements:
CTRIA3, CQUAD4, CSHEAR, and CTRlAX6. In nonlinear analysis, stress
contour plots are available for CQUAD4 and CTRlA3 elements. The Bulk Data
element connection entries for all elements must list the grid points in either
clockwise or counterclockwise order. Mixing the order will result in meaningless
or confusing plots.
4. When selecting contour options, note:
• MAJPRIN, MINPRIN, EQUIVAL are the same in COMMON and LOCAL.
• ZNORMAL, XZSHEAR, YZSHEAR, if selected in LOCAL, will be changed to

COMMON.
• CSHEAR elements only have the MAXSHEAR value.
5. The CTRIAX6 element stress contour plots are different in that they must be
selected as COMMON. Also, the following equivalences apply:
XNORMAL is radial
YNORMAL is azimuthal
ZNORMAL is axial
5
PLOT
XYSHEAR is shear
XZSHEAR is maximum principal
YZSHEAR is von Mises
EQUIVAL is octahedral
478 CSCALE
Character Scale Factor
CSCALE Character Scale Factor
Defines scale factor for characters in the plot frame.
Format:
CSCALE cs
Examples:
CSCA 2.0
Describer Meaning
cs Scale factor applied to characters in the plot frame.
Remarks:
1. CSCALE is used to control the spacing of characters when plots are made with
the NASTRAN plotter and they are postprocessed with the NX/NASPLOT
routine. For example, if the SCALE FACTOR on the NASPLOT data command
is 2.0, a value for cs of 0.5 will result in characters of default size (.07 inches)
at the regular spacing. A value of 1.8 produces good spacing when using the
post-processing plotter programs NASTPLT, TEKPLT, and NEUPS. On the other
hand, if the user wishes to double the size of both the plot and the characters, the
SCALE FACTOR and the CSCALE FACTOR on the NASPLOT data command
5 should both be set equal to 2.0.
PLOT
2. The CSCALE command must immediately precede the PLOTTER command. If
a second CSCALE command is specified then a second PLOTTER command
must also be specified.
DISTORTION 479
Distortion Scale Factors
DISTORTION Distortion Scale Factors
Specifies the distortion scale factors of the axes in the basic coordinate system.
Format:
DISTORTION dx dy dz
Examples:
DIST 0.5 1.0 1.0
Describers:
Describer Meaning
dx Distortion scale factor of the basic coordinate system’s x-axis.

(Default = 1.0)
dy Distortion scale factor of the basic coordinate system’s y-axis.

(Default = 1.0)
dz Distortion scale factor of the basic coordinate system’s z-axis.

(Default = 1.0)
Remarks:
5
1. If no DISTORTION command is specified, then no distortion is applied. PLOT
2. If DISTORTION is specified, then all three values for dx, dy, and dz must be
specified even though one or two will use the default.
3. The distortion factors are applied prior to any of the other scaling commands,
such as: SCALE, MAXIMUM DEFORMATION, CSCALE, etc.
480 FIND
Automatic Calculation of Scale, Origin, and Vantage Point
FIND Automatic Calculation of Scale, Origin, and Vantage Point
Requests the plotter to optimally compute any of the parameters that can be specified
on the SCALE, ORIGIN i, and/or VANTAGE POINT commands.
Format:
FIND [ SCALE ORIGIN oid VANTAGE POINT SET setid , REGION { le be re te } ]

Examples:
FIND SCALE ORIGIN 5 SET 2
Describers:
Describer Meaning
oid Origin identification number. (Integer > 0)
setid Set identification number. (Integer > 0)
le Fractional distance of the left edge of the plot region from the
lower left corner of the image area. (Real, Default = 0.0)
be Fractional distance of the bottom edge of the plot region from the
5 re Fractional distance of the right edge of the plot region from the
PLOT lower left corner of the image area. (Real, Default = 1.0)
te Fractional distance of the top edge of the plot region from the
Remarks:
1. The FIND command is recommended over the specification of SCALE, ORIGIN,

and VANTAGE POINT commands and should be specified prior to its associated
PLOT or CONTOUR command.
2. The FIND command requests the plotter to optimally compute any of the
parameters that can be specified on the SCALE, ORIGIN, and/or VANTAGE
POINT commands and is based on the specification of the following commands:
• PLOTTER command
• PROJECTION PLANE command
• SET and REGION specifications on the FIND command

FIND 481
Automatic Calculation of Scale, Origin, and Vantage Point
• VIEW and/or AXES commands,
• MAXIMUM DEFORMATION command and
• PAPER SIZE command.
All of these commands must precede the associated FIND command.
3. The FIND command can be used to compute any or all of SCALE, ORIGIN, or
VANTAGE POINT as long as they have not been previously specified.
4. If SET is not specified then the first defined SET will be used.
5. If no options are specified on the FIND command, a SCALE and VANTAGE

POINT are selected and an ORIGIN is located, using the first defined SET, so
that the plotter object is located within the image area.
6. The plot region is defined as some fraction of the image area (image area = 0.0,
0.0, 1.0, 1.0 and first quadrant = 0.5, 0.5, 1.0, 1.0). The image area is located
inside the margins on the paper.
5
PLOT
482 MAXIMUM DEFORM
Length of Maximum Displacement
MAXIMUM DEFORM Length of Maximum Displacement
Defines the magnification of the maximum displacement. All other displacements

are scaled accordingly.
Format:
MAXIMUM DEFORMATION d
Examples:
Magnify the displacements such that the maximum displacement is equal to two
units of length of the model.
MAXI DEFO 2.
Describer Meaning
d Specifies the length in units of the model and not of the plot frame
to which the maximum displacement is scaled. (Default = 5% of
the largest dimension of the model represented by the elements in
the SET specification on the PLOT command.)
Remarks:
1. If no MAXIMUM DEFORMATION command is specified, then the default shown

5 above is assumed.
PLOT
2. If you wish the FIND command to utilize the d value, a MAXIMUM
DEFORMATION command should precede the FIND command.
3. If you wish the plot deformation scaling to be different than the FIND scaling,
a different MAXIMUM DEFORMATION command can appear first before the
PLOT command.
4. For nonlinear plotting, MAXIMUM DEFORMATION d and the MAXIMUM

DEFORMATION field on the PLOT command should have the same value.
OCULAR SEPARATION 483
Separation of the Vantage Points
OCULAR SEPARATION Separation of the Vantage Points
Defines the separation of the left and right eye vantage points along the s-axis for
stereoscopic projections.
Format:
OCULAR SEPARATION os
Examples:
OCULAR SEPARATION 2.0
Describer Meaning
os Separation, in inches, of the two vantage points along the s-axis.
(Real, Default = 2.756 inches)
Remarks:
The default value is the separation used in the standard stereoscopic cameras and
viewers (70mm). The default value is recommended.
5
PLOT
484 ORIGIN
Origin of Plot Frame
ORIGIN Origin of Plot Frame
Defines the origin of the plot frame with respect to the origin of the (r, s, t) coordinate
system defined on the AXES command.
Format:
ORIGIN oid u v
Examples:
ORIG 3 -1. -2.
Describers:
Describer Meaning
oid Origin identification number which may be specified after the

ORIGIN describer on the PLOT command. (Integer > 0)
u Horizontal displacement of plot frame origin from the rst origin.

(Real, Default = 0.0)
v Vertical displacement of paper origin from the rst origin. (Real,

Default = 0.0)
5 Remarks:
PLOT
1. In the transformation performed for any of the three projections, the origins
of both the basic coordinate system and the observer’s coordinate system are
coincident. The ORIGIN command may be used to locate the plot frame origin
(lower left hand corner) from the rst origin. The units are inches and are not
subject to the scaling of the plotted object.
2. The ORIGIN command is not recommended for general use. See FIND have
the origin optimally located so as to place the plotted object in the center of
the plot frame.
3. Ten origins may be specified at one time. However, any one can be redefined
at any time. An eleventh origin is also provided if more than ten origins are
erroneously defined; i.e., only the last of these surplus origins will be retained.
4. If a projection, for example, ORTHOGRAPHIC, STEREOSCOPIC, or

PERSPECTIVE, is changed in the plot packet, or the PLOTTER command is
changed, then all previously defined origins are deleted.
ORTHOGRAPHIC, etc. 485
Type of Projection
ORTHOGRAPHIC, etc. Type of Projection
Selects type of projection.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ORTHOGRAPHIC Selects orthographic projection. (Default)
PERSPECTIVE Selects perspective projection.
STEREOSCOPIC Selects stereoscopic projection.
Remarks:
If none of the above projections are specified, then ORTHOGRAPHIC is used.

5
PLOT
486 PAPER SIZE
Paper Dimensions
PAPER SIZE Paper Dimensions
Defines the size and type of the paper.
Format:
PAPER SIZE h X or BY v [ TYPE ptype ]
Examples:
PAPER SIZE 10. BY 10.
Describers:
Describer Meaning
h Horizontal size of paper in inches. (Real, Default = 20.0)
v Vertical size of paper in inches. (Real, Default = 20.0)
ptype Paper type. (Character, Default = “VELLUM”)
Remarks:
1. The default paper size for the PLOTTER NAST is 20 by 20 inches which is
converted to a 7 by 7 inch plot frame by the NASPLOT postprocessor.
5
PLOT 2. PAPER SIZE can be specified along with the NASPLOT postprocessor to create
rectangular plots. For example, the command will result in a 14 by 7 inch
plot frame if the default value of 1.0 is used for the SCALE FACTOR on the
NASPLOT command. The SCALE FACTOR on the NASPLOT data command
can be used to make larger plots having the shape defined with PAPER SIZE.
3. PAPER SIZE also affects the raster count for the NASTRAN plotter. The default
raster count is 1000 for a paper size of 20 by 20. Doubling the paper size to 40 by
40 will double the raster count to 2000.
PEN 487
Pen Color and Size Assignments
PEN Pen Color and Size Assignments
Generates a message on the printed output which may be used to inform the plotter
operator as to what size and color pen point to mount in the various pen holders.
Format:
PEN pn [ COLOR cname ]
Examples:
PEN 2 COLOR RED
Describers:
Describer Meaning
pn Pen identification number. (Integer > 0)
COLOR Flag indicating the next word is a color name.
cname Pen color. (Character)
Remarks:
1. The actual number of pens available will depend on the plotter hardware
configuration at each installation. 5
PLOT
2. The PEN command does not control the pen used in generating the plot. See the
PEN describer for “PLOT” .
3. The PEN command is optional and is not appropriate for microfilm plotters.
488 PERSPECTIVE
Selects Perspective Projection
PERSPECTIVE Selects Perspective Projection
See the description for ORTHOGRAPHIC, etc..
5
PLOT
PLOT 489
Undeformed or Deformed Plot Request
PLOT Undeformed or Deformed Plot Request
Generates an undeformed plot of the model or a deformed plot for a subcase, mode
number or time step.
Format:
5
PLOT
Examples:
See after Remarks Section.

490 PLOT
Describers:
Describer Meaning
analysis Type of analysis results. (Character, Default results in an

undeformed plot or undeformed underlay for contour plots.)
STATIC Plot static deformations.
MODAL Plot mode shapes or eigenvectors.
CMODAL Plot complex mode shapes or

eigenvectors.
TRANSIENT Plot transient solutions.
FREQUENCY Plot frequency solutions.
SENOMOVE Plot undeformed superelements in

their original position; i.e., ignore
SELOC Bulk Data entry.
dtype Specifies plot quantity. (Character, Default =

“DEFORMATION”)
DEFORMATION Plot displacements or temperatures in

5 the Z direction. (Default)
PLOT
VELOCITY Plot velocities.
ACCELERATION Plot accelerations.
CONTOUR Request for contour plot.
i1, i2,... Subcase identification numbers. See SHAPE and VECTOR

for use of “0" (underlay) command. See Remark 3 (Integer
≥ 0, Default is all subcases)
RANGE f1 f2 Specifies range of natural frequencies, eigenvalues,

excitation.
TIME t1,t2 Frequencies, time steps, or load factors. Used to minimize

the amount of plotted data. See Remark 4. (Real)
PHASE LAG φ Specified phase lag, in degrees, for plotting complex

quantities. See Remark 5. (Real, Default = 0.0)
PLOT 491
Describer Meaning
MAGNITUDE Requests magnitude of complex quantities.
MAXIMUM
Specifies the magnification of the maximum displacement.
DEFORMATION See Remark 6. (Real)
d
SET sid Set identification number which defines the set of elements
or grid points to be plotted. (Default is first SET command.)
ORIGIN oid Origin identification number. (Default is first origin defined

by the ORIGIN or FIND command.)
SYMMETRY w Request plot of the symmetric portion of the symmetrically

or antisymmetrically loaded model. This symmetric portion
ANTISYMMETRY will be located in the space adjacent to the region originally
w defined by ORIGIN oid, and will appear as a reflection of the
antisymmetrically deformed model about the plane whose
normal is oriented parallel to the coordinate direction w.
See Remark 7. (Default is no action.)
PEN p Specifies pen number that is used to generate the plot.

(Integer > 0)
DENSITY d Specifies line density scale factor for film plotters which is d
5
PLOT
times heavier than a line density of 1. (Integer > 0)
SYMBOLS m[,n] All the grid points associated with the specified set will
have symbol m overprinted with symbol n printed at its
location. If n is not specified, only symbol m will be printed.
See Remark 8.
m or n Symbol
0 none
1 X
2 *
3 +
4 -
5 .
6 ×
7 [ ]
492 PLOT
Describer Meaning
8 < >
9 / \
LABEL label Specifies labeling options at elements and grid points:
GRID All the grid points included in the

specified set have their identification
number printed to the right of the
undeformed or deformed location
(undeformed location in the case of
superimposed plots). (Default)
ELEMENTS All the elements included in the

specified set are identified by the
element identification number and
type at the center of each element
(undeformed location in the case of
superimposed plots). See Remarks 11
and 12.
BOTH Both GRID and ELEMENT options.
GSPC Label those degrees-of-freedom that

5 are constrained to zero through
PLOT permanent single point constraints
on GRID and GRDSET Bulk Data
entries, or are constrained through
SPC and SPC1 Bulk Data entries.
The label consists of the grid point
ID number and the constrained
degrees-of-freedom.
EPID Label elements with their respective

property identification (PID) numbers.
The label consists of the standard
element labels and element PID.
SHAPE All the elements included in the specified set are shown by
connecting the associated grid points in a predetermined
manner. See Remark 9.
PLOT 493
Describer Meaning
OUTLINE Only the outline of all the elements in the specified set
are shown. Elements not supported by contour plots are
ignored. Outlines are always drawn with PEN 1. See
Remark 9.
VECTOR v A line will be plotted at the grid points of the set

representing by length and direction the deformation of the
point. See Remark 10. Possible values of v are:
X, Y, or Z Requesting individual components.
XY, XZ, or YZ Requesting two specified components.
XYZ Requesting all three components.
RXY, RXZ, or RYZ Requesting vector sum of two

components.
R Requesting total vector deformation.
N Used with any of the above

combinations to request that no
underlay shape be drawn.
PRINT A list of the average stresses at the interior grid points in

5
PLOT
the set will be printed for contour stress plots.
SHRINK t,o t is the ratio of the reduction to the original dimensions

of all two-dimensional elements except the CQUAD8 and
CTRIA6 (0.0 ≤ t ≤ 1.0) (Real, Default = 0.1) which results in
a 10% reduction.
o is the ratio of the reduction in length to the original length

for one-dimensional elements. There is no default value for
o. t must be specified to shrink one-dimensional elements.
NORMALS Plot vector normal to CHBDYP and CHBDYG elements.
Remarks:
1. If PLOT is specified with no describers then a picture of the undeformed model

will be prepared using the first defined set and the first defined origin.
494 PLOT
2. Describers analysis through PHASE LAG must be specified in the order shown
above.
3. The following should be noted when using subcase numbers for plotting
eigenvectors:
• If subcase numbers are specified then the convention for displacement
vectors is that the list of subcases must refer to subcase IDs whenever the
number of modes recovered is equal to or less than the number of subcases
defined. If the number of modes recovered is more than the subcases defined,
the plot request for those modes associated with the subcases must refer to
subcase IDs. After the mode associated with the last defined subcase, higher
modes will be identified by incrementing the last defined subcase ID by one
for each such higher mode.
• For the display of element quantities in contour plots, the automatic

incrementing beyond the last defined subcase does not occur. All subcase
numbers to be plotted must be defined. A MODES command in the Case
Control Section may be used for this purpose.
• In problems using cyclic symmetry solution sequences, the plot requests

for segments of the model must refer to the coded subcase identification
numbers (see “Cyclic Symmetry Theory” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide).
All eigenvectors recovered for the segment will be plotted. The RANGE
option can be used to select a subset of all eigenvectors for plotting without
5 use of coded subcase IDs.
PLOT
• RANGE does not require the use of subcase numbers.
4. RANGE specifies the range of values using requested subcases for which plots
will be prepared. If only one number is input, it is used as the lower bound and
the upper bound is set to the highest value computed. Unless otherwise noted,
the default range is all values computed.
• In real eigenvalue analysis, the values are natural frequencies in units of
cycles per unit time.
• In buckling analysis, the values are eigenvalues.
• In frequency response, the values are excitation frequencies in units of

cycles per unit time.
• In transient response, the values are in units of time.
• In static nonlinear analysis (SOLs 106 and 153), the values are load factors.
The default range is the highest load factor of each subcase.
PLOT 495
• In transient nonlinear analysis (SOLs 129 and 159), the values are in units
of time. The default range is the last time step for each subcase.
5. PHASE LAG φ is used in the equation:
where uR and uI are the real and imaginary parts of the response quantity,
respectively. The printed output for magnitude and phase uses the convention of
a phase lead.
6. MAX DEFO is not recommended for general use. Each subcase is separately
scaled according to its own maximum if this item is absent. If d is omitted, the
set will be scaled to the maximum within the set being plotted.
7. w specifies the basic coordinates X, Y or Z or any combination thereof. This

option allows the plotting of symmetric and/or antisymmetric combinations,
provided that an origin is selected for the portion of the model defined in the
Bulk Data Section that allows sufficient room for the complete plot. This does not
permit the combination of symmetric and antisymmetric subcases, as each plot
must represent a single subcase. In the case of a double reflection, the figure will
appear as one reflected about the plane whose normal is parallel to the first of the
coordinates w, followed by a reflection about the plane whose normal is oriented
parallel to the second of the coordinates w. This capability is primarily used
in the plotting of models that are loaded in a symmetric or an antisymmetric 5
manner. The plane of symmetry must be one of the basic coordinate planes. PLOT
8. Grid points excluded from the set will not have a symbol. Grid points in an
undeformed underlay will be identified with symbol 2.
9. In order to get a deformed shape, either SHAPE or OUTLINE must be present in

the PLOT command. Both deformed and undeformed shapes or outlines may
be specified. All the deformed shapes relating to the subcases listed may be
underlaid on each of their plots by including “0" with the subcase string on the
PLOT command. The undeformed plot will be drawn using PEN 1 or DENSITY
1 and symbol 2 (if SYMBOLS is specified).
10. All plots requesting the VECTOR option will have an underlay generated of the
undeformed shape using the same sets, PEN 1 or DENSITY 1, and symbol 2 (if
SYMBOLS is specified). If SHAPE and VECTOR are specified, the underlay will
depend on whether “0" is used along with the subcases with DEFORMATION.
It will be the deformed shape when not used and will be both deformed and
undeformed shapes when it is used. The part of the vector at the grid point will
be the tail when the underlay is undeformed and the head when it is deformed.
496 PLOT
If v=“N” then no shape will be drawn but other options such as SYMBOLS will
still be valid.
11. Element type labels are given below. Plot labels QH and TH indicate hyperelastic
elements.
Element Type Plot Label Element Type Plot Label

CAERO1 AE PLOTEL PL
CAXIF2 A2 CQUAD QH
CAXIF3 A3 CQUAD4 Q4 or QH
CAXIF4 A4 CQUAD8 Q8 or QH
CBAR BR CQUADR QR
CBEAM BM CQUADX QH
CBEND BD CROD RD
CONEAX CN CSHEAR SH
CONROD CR CSLOT3 S3
CDUMI Di CSLOT4 S4
CTETRA TE
CFLUID2 F2 CTRIAX6 D1
5 CFLUID3 F3 CTRIA3 T3 or TH
PLOT
CFLUID4 F4 CTRIA6 T6 or TH
CHBDYG HB CTRIAR TR
CHBDYP HB CTRIAX TH
CHEXA HA CTUBE TU
CPENTA HA CVISC VS
12. The heat transfer boundary condition elements CHBDYG and CHBDYP can
be plotted for undeformed plots. There are several types of CHBDYi elements
as shown below.
No. of Primary Grid

Type Normals Available
Points
POINT 1 yes
LINE 2 yes
PLOT 497
No. of Primary Grid

Type Normals Available
Points
AREA3 3 yes
AREA4 4 yes
REV 2 no
ELCYL 2 no
TUBE 2 yes
FTUBE 2 yes
AREA6 6 yes
AREA6 8 yes
The secondary grid points are used for ambient conditions and are ignored by
the plotter. Type POINT must have a nonzero associated area (see AF on the
associated PHBDY entry) and a defined normal direction (see V1, V2, V3 on the
CHBDYP entry) to be plotted. It is plotted as a hexagon with approximately the
correct area. Type LINE must have a nonzero width (see AF on the associated
PHBDY entry) and a normal defined in order to plot.
13. To assign the PLOT command to superelements SEUPPLOT or a SEPLOT

command is required.
Examples:
5
PLOT
1. Undeformed SHAPE using first defined SET, first defined ORIGIN and PEN 1
(or DENSITY 1).
PLOT
2. Undeformed SHAPE using SET 3, ORIGIN 4, PEN 2 (or DENSITY 2) with each
grid point of the set having a + placed at its location, and its identification
number printed adjacent to it.
PLOT SET 3 ORIGIN 4 PEN 2 SHAPE SYMBOLS 3 LABEL
3. Modal deformations as defined in subcase 5 using first defined SET, first defined
ORIGIN, and PEN 1 (or DENSITY 1).
PLOT MODAL DEFORMATION 5 SHAPE
4. STATIC deformations as defined in subcases 3, 4, 5, and 8 deformed SHAPE;

drawn with PEN 4, using first defined SET and ORIGIN, underlaid with
undeformed SHAPE drawn with PEN 1. This command will cause four plots
to be generated.
498 PLOT
PLOT STATIC DEFORMATION 0, 3 THRU 5, 8 PEN 4, SHAPE
5. Deformations as defined in· subcases 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 undeformed underlay with

PEN 1, consisting of SET 2 at ORIGIN 3, SET 2 at ORIGIN 4 (with a < placed at
each grid point location), and SET 35 at ORIGIN 4. Deformed data as follows:
SHAPE using SET 2 at ORIGIN 3 (PEN 3) and SET 35 at ORIGIN 4 (PEN 4); 3
VECTORS (X, Y and Z) drawn at each grid point of SET 2 at ORIGIN 4 (PEN 4)
(less any excluded grid points), with o placed at the end of each vector.
PLOT STATIC DEFORMATION 0 THRU 5,
SET 2 ORIGIN 3 PEN 3 SHAPE,
SET 2 ORIGIN 4 PEN 4 VECTORS XYZ SYMBOLS 0,
SET 35 SHAPE
6. Static deformations as defined in subcases 3 and 4, both halves of a problem

solved by symmetry using the X-Y principal plane as the plane of symmetry.
SET 1 at ORIGIN 2 and SET 2 at ORIGIN 3, with the deformed shape plotted
using DENSITY 3 and the undeformed model plotted using DENSITY 1. The
deformations of the “opposite” half will be plotted to correspond to symmetric
loading. This command will cause two plots to be generated.
PLOT STATIC DEFORMATIONS 0, 3, 4,
SET 1 ORIGIN 2 DENSITY 3 SHAPE,
SET 1 SYMMETRY Z SHAPE,
SET 2 ORIGIN 3 SHAPE,
SET 2 SYMMETRY Z SHAPE
7. Transient deformations as defined in subcase 1 for time = 0.1 to time = 0.2,

5 using SET 1 at ORIGIN 1. The undeformed SHAPE using PEN or DENSITY
PLOT 1 with an * at each grid point location will be drawn as an underlay for the
resultant deformation vectors using PEN or DENSITY 2 with an < typed at the
end of each vector drawn. In addition, a plotted value of 2.0 will be used for the
single maximum deformation occurring on any of the plots produced. All other
deformations on all other plots will be scaled relative to this single maximum
deformation. This command will cause a plot to be generated for each output
time step which lies between 0.1 and 0.2.
PLOT TRANSIENT DEFORMATION, TIME 0.1, 0.2,
MAXIMUM DEFORMATION 2.0, SET 1, ORIGIN 1, PEN 2,
SYMBOLS 2,
VECTOR R
8. Contour plot of x-component of normal stress for elements in SET 2 in basic

coordinate system at a distance Z1 from neutral plane with 10 contour lines, an
outline of elements in SET 2, and using ORIGIN 4.
CONTOUR XNORMAL
PLOT CONTOUR, SET 2, ORIGIN 4, OUTLINE
PLOT 499
9. Contour plot of magnitude of displacements at grid points associated with

elements in SET 5 with 5 contours having values of 2., 4., 6., 8., 10., and an
outline of the elements in SET 5 using ORIGIN 4.
CONTOUR MAGNIT, LIST 2., 4., 6., 8., 10.
PLOT CONTOUR, SET 5, OUTLINE
10. Plot the imaginary part of the complex eigenvector in SET 1.

PLOT CMODAL DEFORMATION PHASE LAG 90. SET 1 VECTOR R
5
PLOT
500 PLOTTER
Plot File Format
PLOTTER Plot File Format
Selects format of plot file for interpretation by plotter post-processor.
Format:
Examples:
PLOTTER NAST
Describers:
Describer Meaning
NAST Specifies format suitable for postscript plotters. (Default)
SC Specifies Stromberg-Carlson microfilm plotter format.
Remarks:
If no PLOTTER command is specified, then PLOTTER NAST is the default.

5
PLOT
PROJECTION 501
Separation Between Projection Plane and Observer
PROJECTION Separation Between Projection Plane and Observer
Defines the separation along the r-axis and between the observer and the projection
plane if not already specified on the VANTAGE POINT command. Used by
stereoscopic projections only.
Format:
PROJECTION PLANE SEPARATION do
Examples:
PROJ PLAN SEPA 1.5
Describer Meaning
do Separation of the observer and the projection plane on the r-axis in
model units. The VANTAGE POINT command may also specify the
separation. (Real, Default = 2.0)
Remarks:
1. The PROJECTION PLANE SEPARATION command is not recommended.

The FIND command is recommended because it automatically calculates the
optimum separation.
2. A theoretical description of projection plane separation is contained in The 5

NASTRAN Theoretical Manual. PLOT
502 PTITLE
Plot Frame Title
PTITLE Plot Frame Title
Defines a character string that will appear at the top of the plot frame on the line
below the sequence number.
Format:
PTITLE ptitle
Examples:
PTITLE RIGHT WING -- LOAD CASE 3
Describer Meaning
ptitle Any character string. (Character, Default = blank)
Remarks:
1. PTITLE may not be continued to the next command line.
2. Up to four lines of title information will be printed in the lower left-hand

corner of each plot. The text for the top three lines is taken from the TITLE,
SUBTITLE, and LABEL commands in the Case Control Section. (See Case
Control Commands for a description of the TITLE, SUBTITLE, and LABEL
commands.) The text for the bottom line may be of two forms depending on the
5 type of plot requested. One form contains the word UNDEFORMED SHAPE.
PLOT The other form contains the type of plot (statics, modal, etc.) subcase number,
load set or mode number, frequency or eigenvalue or time, and (for complex
quantities) the phase lag or magnitude. The sequence number for each plot is
printed in the upper corners of each frame. The sequence number is determined
by the relative position of each PLOT execution command in the plot package.
The information on the PTITLE command is printed on the line below the
sequence number. The date and (for deformed plots) the maximum deformation
are also printed at the top of each frame.
SCALE 503
Scale Factor
SCALE Scale Factor
Defines reduction, as a scale factor, of a model’s dimensions,so that the model fits on
a plot frame.
Format:
SCALE a [ b ]
Examples:
SCALE 0.5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
a Scale factor. (Default = 1.0)
b Ratio of model size/real object size for stereoscopic projection only.
Remarks:
1. The SCALE command is not recommended. The FIND command is recommended

because it automatically calculates the optimum scale factor.
2. For orthographic or perspective projections, a is the ratio of the plotted object 5

in inches to the real object in units of the model; i.e., one inch of paper equals PLOT
one unit of model.
3. For stereoscopic projections, the stereoscopic effect is enhanced by first reducing

the real object to a smaller model according to b, and then applying a. The ratio
of plotted/real object is then the product of a and b.
4. If the NASTRAN general purpose plotter is used in combination with the

PLOTPS postprocessing routine, a scale factor may be computed as follows:
where
504 SCALE
Scale Factor
p = ratio of plot size to object size. For instance, if your model is 100
inches long and your plot size is 7 inches:
= ratio of default PAPER SIZE to default PLOTPS frame size.
K = SCALE value on PLOTPS command. (Default = 1.0)
(See “Using the Utility Programs ” in the NX Nastran Installation

and Operations Guide.
5
PLOT
SEPLOT 505
Superelement Plot Delimiter
SEPLOT Superelement Plot Delimiter
Assigns the subsequent plot commands to one or more superelements.
Format:
SEPLOT seid1 [ seid2 ... ]
Examples:
SEPLOT 5
SEPLOT 0 3 7 200
Describers:
Describer Meaning
seidi Superelement identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
Remarks:
1. See also related command SEUPPLOT.
2. Any plot commands appearing above all SEPLOT (or SEUPPLOT) commands
will apply in all SEPLOT (or SEUPPLOT) packets.
3. For multiple PLOT commands, there should be a SEPLOT command with each
PLOT. For the special case where the PLOTs refer to the same superelements 5
and all plots use the same FIND, a single SEPLOT followed by a single FIND PLOT
may be placed above all PLOT commands.
506 SET
Set Definition Under OUTPUT(PLOT)
SET Set Definition Under OUTPUT(PLOT)
Defines a set of elements or grid point numbers to be plotted.
Remarks:
The SET command specifies sets of elements or grid points, corresponding to portions
of the model, which may be referenced by PLOT and FIND commands. The SET
command is required. Each set of elements defines by implication a set of grid points
connected by those elements. The set may be modified by deleting some of its grid
points. The elements are used for creating the plot itself and element labeling, while
the grid points are used for labeling, symbol printing, and drawing deformation
vectors.
Name on SET Name on SET

Element Type Element Type
Command Command
CAERO1 AERO1 CQUAD QUAD
CAXIF2 AXIF2 CQUAD4 QUAD4
CAXIF3 AXIF3 CQUAD8 QUAD8
CAXIF4 AXIF4 CQUADR QUADR
CBAR BAR CQUADX QUADX
5 CBEAM BEAM CROD ROD

PLOT CBEND BEND CSHEAR SHEAR
CONEAX CONE CSLOT3 SLOT3
CONROD CONROD CSLOT4 SLOT4
CDUMi DUMi CTETRA TETRA
CFLUID2 FLUID2 CTRIAX6 TRIAX6
CFLUID3 FLUID3 CTRIA3 TRIA3
CFLUID4 FLUID4 CTRIA6 TRIA6
CHBDYG HBDY CTRIAR TRIAR
CHBDYP HBDY CTRIAX TRIAX
CHEXA HEXA CTUBE TUBE
CPENTA PENTA CVISC VISC
PLOTEL PLOTEL
SEUPPLOT 507
Superelement Plot Delimiter
SEUPPLOT Superelement Plot Delimiter
Assigns the subsequent plot commands to a superelement and all of its upstream
superelements.
Format:
SEUPPLOT seid
Examples:
SEUPPLOT 7
Describers:
Describer Meaning
seid Superelement identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
Remarks:
1. See also related command SEPLOT .
2. Any plot commands appearing above all SEUPPLOT (or SEPLOT) commands
will apply in all SEUPPLOT (or SEPLOT) packets.
3. For multiple PLOT commands, there should be a SEUPPLOT command

with each PLOT. For the special case where the PLOTs refer to the same
5
PLOT
superelements and all plots use the same FIND, a single SEUPPLOT followed by
a single FIND may be placed above all the PLOT commands.
508 STEREOSCOPIC
Selects Stereoscopic Projection
STEREOSCOPIC Selects Stereoscopic Projection
See the description for ORTHOGRAPHIC, etc..
5
PLOT
VANTAGE POINT 509
Location of the Observer
VANTAGE POINT Location of the Observer
Defines the location of the observer with respect to the model in the (r, s, t) coordinate
system defined on the AXES command for perspective and stereoscopic projections
only.
Format:
VANTAGE POINT ro so to do sor
Examples:
VANT 100.
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ro Location of the observer on the r-axis in model units. (Real)
so Location of the observer and left eye of the observer on the s-axis,
in model units, for perspective and stereoscopic projections,
respectively. (Real)
to Location of the observer on the t-axis in model units. (Real)
do Separation of the observer and the projection plane on the r-axis

in model units. The PROJECTION PLANE SEPARATION 5
command may also specify the separation. (Real) PLOT
sor Location of the observer’s right eye for stereoscopic projections in

model units. (Real)
Remarks:
1. VANTAGE POINT or the FIND command must be specified if the PERSPECTIVE

or STEREOSCOPIC command is also specified.
2. The VANTAGE POINT command is not recommended. The FIND command is

recommended because it automatically calculates the optimum vantage point.
3. A theoretical description of the vantage point is contained in The NASTRAN

Theoretical Manual.
510 VIEW
Angular Relationship of Observer’s Coordinate System
VIEW Angular Relationship of Observer’s Coordinate System
Defines the angular relationship between the observer’s coordinate system (r, s, and t
axes specified on the AXES command) and the basic coordinate system.
Format:
VIEW gamma beta alpha
Examples:
1. View the model from the r-axis.

VIEW 0. 0. 0.
2. View the model midway between the r- and s-axes.

VIEW 45. 0. 0.
Describers:
Describer Meaning
gamma Angle of rotation, in degrees, of t axis specified on AXES

command. (Default = 34.27)
5 beta Angle of rotation, in degrees, of s axis specified on

AXES command. (Default = 23.17 if ORTHOGRAPHIC
PLOT
or STEREOSCOPIC command is specified and 0.0 if
PERSPECTIVE command is specified)
alpha Angle of rotation, in degrees, of r axis specified on AXES

command. (Default = 0.0)
Remarks:
1. If no VIEW command is specified then VIEW 34.27 23.17 0.0 is assumed

for orthographic and stereoscopic projections; and VIEW 34.27 0.0 0.0 for
perspective projections. The default values produce a plot in which unit vectors
on the axes of the basic coordinate system have equal lengths.
2. The angles are rotated in sequence: gamma rotates the t-axes, followed by beta
which rotates the s-axes, followed by alpha which rotates the r-axes.
VIEW 511
5
PLOT
3. The VIEW command specifies the position of the model with respect to the s-t
plane. gamma and beta represent the angles of turn and tilt. alpha is normally
not used since it does not affect the orientation of the s-t plane, but only it’s
orientation on the plot frame.
512 VIEW
5
PLOT
Chapter
6 Case Control X-Y PLOT Commands
6
X-Y
PLOT
514
The X-Y output request packet of the Case Control Section includes all commands
between either OUTPUT(XYPLOT) or OUTPUT(XYOUT) and either BEGIN
BULK or OUTPUT(PLOT). The remainder of this section describes the X-Y output
commands.
A single set of plotted X-Y pairs is known as a curve. Curves are the entities that
the user requests to be plotted. The surface (paper, microfilm frame, etc.) on which
one or more curves is plotted is known as a frame. Curves may be plotted on a
whole frame, an upper-half frame, or a lower-half frame. Grid lines, tic marks,
axes, axis labeling and other graphic control options may be chosen by the user.
The program will select defaults for parameters not selected by the user.
Only two commands are required for an X-Y output request.
1. Only one of OUTPUT(XYPLOT) or OUTPUT(XYOUT) at the beginning of the
X-Y output command packet.
2. At least one of the commands XYPLOT, XYPEAK, XYPRINT, XYPUNCH, or

XYPAPLOT.
The commands OUTPUT(XYPLOT) and OUTPUT(XYOUT) are equivalent. If the

X-Y output is to be printed and/or punched, a PLOTTER command is not required.
If only the required commands are used, the graphic control options will all
assume default values. Curves using all default parameters have the following
general characteristics:
1. Tic marks are drawn on all edges of the frame. Five spaces are provided on
each edge of the frame.
2. All tic marks are labeled with their values.
3. Linear scales are used.

6
X-Y 4. Scales are selected such that all points fall within the frame.
PLOT
5. The plotter points are connected with straight lines.
6. The plotted points are not identified with symbols.
The above characteristics may be modified by inserting any of the parameter

definition commands in the next section, ahead of the XY____ command(s). The
use of a parameter definition command sets the value of that parameter for all
following command operation commands unless the CLEAR command is inserted.
If grid lines are requested, they will be drawn at the locations of all tic marks that
result from defaults or user requests. The locations of tic marks (or grid lines) for
logarithmic scales cannot be selected by the user. Values for logarithmic spacing
are selected by the program. The values for the number of tic marks (or grid lines)
515
per cycle depend on the number of logarithmic cycles required for the range of
the plotted values.
The definition and rules for the X-Y output commands follow. The form of X-Y
output commands differs in many instances from that of similar commands used in
the OUTPUT(PLOT) section.
6
X-Y
PLOT
516 X-Y Output Command Summary
6.1 X-Y Output Command Summary
Commands Applied To All Curves
PLOTTER Selects format of plot file for interpretation by plotter

post-processor.
CAMERA Selects plotter media.
PENSIZE Selects pen number.
DENSITY Selects the line density for microfilm plotters only.
XPAPER Defines the size of the paper in x-direction.
YPAPER Defines the size of the paper in y-direction.
XMIN Specifies the minimum value on the x-axis.
XMAX Specifies the maximum value on the x-axis.
XLOG Selects logarithmic or linear x-axis.
YAXIS Controls the plotting of the y-axis on all curves.
XINTERCEPT Specifies the location of the x-axis on the y-axis.
UPPER TICS Specifies how to draw tic marks on the upper edge.
LOWER TICS Specifies how to draw tic marks on the lower edge.
6 CURVELINE Selects lines and/or symbols to be drawn through the x-y

X-Y points.
PLOT
XDIVISIONS Specifies spacing of tic marks on the x-axis for all curves.
XVALUE Specifies how often to print the x-values alongside the x-axis
SKIP tic marks.
CLEAR Resets X-Y PLOT commands to their default value.
XTITLE Defines a character string that will appear along the x-axis.
TCURVE Defines a character string that will appear at the top of the
plot frame.
X-Y Output Command Summary 517
LONG Controls amount of curve’s summary printout.
CSCALE Defines the scale factor for characters in the plot frame.
Commands Applied to Whole Frame Curves Only
YMIN Specifies the minimum value on the y-axis.
YMAX Specifies the maximum value on the y-axis.
XAXIS Controls the plotting of the x-axis.
YINTERCEPT Specifies the location of the y-axis on the x-axis.
YLOG Selects the logarithmic or linear y-axis.
LEFT TICS Specifies how to draw tic marks on the left edge of the frame.
RIGHT TICS Specifies how to draw tic marks on the right edge of the
frame.
ALLEDGE TICS Specifies how to draw tic marks on all edges of the frame.
YDIVISIONS Specifies spacing of tic marks on the y-axis.
YVALUE Specifies how often to print the y-values alongside the

PRINT y-axis tic marks.
XGRID LINES Controls the drawing of the grid lines parallel to the y-axis
at the x-axis tic marks.
6
YGRID LINES Controls the drawing of the grid lines parallel to the x-axis X-Y
at the y-axis tic marks. PLOT
YTITLE Defines a character string that will appear along the y-axis.
Commands Applied to Upper Half Frame Curves Only
YTMIN Specifies the minimum value on the y-axis.
YTMAX Specifies the maximum value on the y-axis.
YTAXIS Controls the plotting of the y-axis.

518 X-Y Output Command Summary
YTINTERCEPT Specifies the location of the y-axis on the x-axis.
YTLOG Selects the logarithmic or linear y-axis.
TLEFT TICS Specifies how to draw tic marks on the left edge.
TRIGHT TICS Specifies how to draw tic marks on the right edge.
TALL EDGE Specifies how to draw tic marks on all edges.

TIC
YTDIVISIONS Specifies spacing of tic marks on the y-axis.
YTVALUE Specifies how often to print the y-values alongside the

XTGRID LINES Controls the drawing of the grid lines parallel to the y-axis
YTGRID LINES Controls the drawing of the grid lines parallel to the x-axis
at the y-axis tic marks.
YTTITLE Defines a character string that will appear along the y-axis.
Commands Applied to Lower Half Frame Curves Only
YBMIN Specifies the minimum value on the y-axis.
YBMAX Specifies the maximum value on the y-axis.

6 XBAXIS Controls the plotting of the x-axis.
X-Y
PLOT YBINTERCEPT Specifies the location of the y-axis on the x-axis.
YBLOG Selects the logarithmic or linear y-axis.
BLEFT TICS Specifies how to draw tic marks on left edge.
BRIGHT TICS Specifies how to draw tic marks on right edge.
BALL EDGE Specifies how to draw tic marks on all edges.

TIC
YBDIVISIONS Specifies spacing of tic marks on the y-axis.

X-Y Output Command Summary 519
YBVALUE Specifies how often to print the y-values alongside the

XBGRID LINES Controls the drawing of the grid lines parallel to the y-axis
YBGRID LINES Controls the drawing of the grid lines parallel to the x-axis
at the y-axis tic marks.
YBTITLE Defines a character string that will appear along the y-axis.
X-Y Plot Generation Commands
XYPAPLOT Generates X-Y plots for a printer.
XYPEAK Prints only the summary for all curves.
XYPLOT Generates X-Y plots for a plotter.
XYPRINT Generates a table of X-Y pairs for a printer.
XYPUNCH Generates a table of X-Y pairs for the PUNCH file.
6
X-Y
PLOT
520 ALLEDGE TICS
Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on All Edges
ALLEDGE TICS Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on All Edges
Specifies how to draw tic marks on all edges of the frame.
Format:
ALLEDGE TICS tic
Examples:
ALLEDGE -1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
tic
Specifies how to draw tic marks. (Integer, Default = 0)
-1 Draw tic marks only.
0 Do not draw tic marks or associated values. (Default)
1 Draw tic marks and associated values.
Remarks:
1. ALLEDGE TICS applies to whole frame curves only.
2. To determine if on any given edge (a) tic marks will be drawn without values,
(b) no tic marks or values will be drawn, or (c) tic marks with values will be
drawn, the following sum must be computed by the user. Add the tic values of
the edge in question to its associated ALLEDGE TICS, TALL EDGE TICS, or
BALL EDGE TICS tic values. If the resulting value is less than zero, tic marks
6 will be drawn without values. If the resulting value is zero, no tic marks or
values will be drawn. If the resulting value is greater than zero, tic marks with
X-Y
PLOT values will be drawn. The user should be careful in his use of the ALLEDGE
TICS, TALL EDGE TICS, or BALL EDGE TICS commands. For example, the
use of only the ALLEDGE TICS = -1 command will result in no tic marks or
values being drawn since the default values for individual edges is +1. Tic values
input may only be -1, 0, or 1.
BALL EDGE TICS 521
Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Lower Half
BALL EDGE TICS Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Lower Half
Specifies how to draw tic marks on lower half of frame.
Format:
BALL EDGE TICS tic
Examples:
BALL EDGE TICS -1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
tic Specifies how to draw tic marks. (Integer, Default = 0)
Remarks:
1. BALL EDGE TICS applies to lower frame curves only.
2. See ALLEDGE TICS.
6
X-Y
PLOT
522 BLEFT TICS
Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Left Edge
BLEFT TICS Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Left Edge
Specifies how to draw tic marks on the left edge of the lower half of the frame.
Format:
BLEFT TICS tic
Examples:
BLEFT TICS -1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
0 Do not draw tic marks or associated values.
1 Draw tic marks and associated values. (Default)
Remarks:
1. BLEFT TICS applies to lower frame curves only.
3. See related command BRIGHT TICS.
6
X-Y
PLOT
BRIGHT TICS 523
Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Right Edge
BRIGHT TICS Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Right Edge
Specifies how to draw tic marks on the right edge of the lower half of the frame.
Format:
BRIGHT TICS tic
Examples:
BRIGHT TICS -1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. BRIGHT TICS applies to lower frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
524 CAMERA
Plotter Media Selection
CAMERA Plotter Media Selection
Selects plotter media.
Format:
CAMERA ctype
Examples:
CAMERA 1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ctype Camera type. (Integer 1, 2, or 3; Default = 2)
1 Film
2 Paper (Default)
3 Both
Remarks:
If the CAMERA command is not specified then CAMERA 2 is assumed.
6
X-Y
PLOT
CLEAR 525
Resets X-Y PLOT Commands
CLEAR Resets X-Y PLOT Commands
Resets X-Y PLOT commands to their default value.
Format
CLEAR
Remarks:
All commands except XTITLE, YTITLE, YTTITLE, YBTITLE, and TCURVE will
revert to their default values.
6
X-Y
PLOT
526 CSCALE
Character Scale Factor
CSCALE Character Scale Factor
Defines the scale factor for characters in the plot frame. See CSCALE in the
OUTPUT(PLOT) Section.
6
X-Y
PLOT
CURVELINESYMBOL 527
Curve, Line and Symbol Selection
CURVELINESYMBOL Curve, Line and Symbol Selection
Selects lines and/or symbols to be drawn through the x-y points.
Format:
CURVELINESYMBOL symtype
Examples:
CURV 4
Describers:
Describer Meaning
symtype Specifies the symbol drawn at the x-y points. If symtype is 0 then
only lines will be drawn through the points with no symbol. If
symtype is less than zero then only the symbol and not the lines
will be drawn. If symtype is greater than zero then both the symbol
and the lines will be drawn. (-9 ≤ Integer ≤ 9, Default = 0)
symtype Symbol
0 none
1 X
2 *
3 +
4 —
5 .
6 ×
7
8
[ ]
< >
6
X-Y
9 / \ PLOT
Remarks:
If more than one curve is plotted per frame then the symbol number is incremented
by 1 for each curve.
528 DENSITY
Microfilm Plotter Line Density
DENSITY Microfilm Plotter Line Density
Selects the line density for microfilm plotters only.
Format
DENSITY d
Example
DENS 3
Describers:
Describer Meaning
d Specifies line density scale factor for microfilm plotters. A line
density of d is d times heavier than a line density of 1. (Integer ≥
0, Default = 1)
6
X-Y
PLOT
LEFT TICS 529
Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Left Edge
LEFT TICS Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Left Edge
Specifies how to draw tic marks on the left edge of whole frame curves.
Format:
LEFT TICS tic
Examples:
LEFT -1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. LEFT TICS applies to whole frame curves only.
3. See related command RIGHT TICS.
6
X-Y
PLOT
530 LONG
Summary Print Control
LONG Summary Print Control
Controls amount of curve’s summary printout.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
YES One page for each curve’s summary. (Default)
NO Condensed curve summary.
Remarks:
If LONG is not specified then LONG=NO is assumed.
6
X-Y
PLOT
LOWER TICS 531
Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Lower Edge
LOWER TICS Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Lower Edge
Specifies how to draw tic marks on lower edge.
Format:
LOWER TICS tic
Examples:
LOWER -1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. LOWER TICS applies to all curves.
6
X-Y
PLOT
532 PENSIZE
Pen Selection
PENSIZE Pen Selection
Selects pen number.
Format:
PENSIZE p
Examples:
PENS 3
Describers:
Describer Meaning
p Specifies pen number that is used to generate the plot. (Integer >
0, Default = 1)
6
X-Y
PLOT
PLOTTER 533
X-Y Plot File Format
PLOTTER X-Y Plot File Format
See the command, PLOTTER in the OUTPUT(PLOT) Section.
6
X-Y
PLOT
534 RIGHT TICS
Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Right Edge
RIGHT TICS Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on Right Edge
Specifies how to draw tic marks on the right edge of the frame.
Format:
RIGHT TICS tic
Examples:
RIGHT -1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. RIGHT TICS applies to whole frame curves only.
3. See related command LEFT TICS.
6
X-Y
PLOT
TALL EDGE TICS 535
Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on All Edges
TALL EDGE TICS Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on All Edges
Specifies how to draw tic marks on all edges of the upper half of the frame.
Format:
TALL EDGE TICS tic
Examples:
TALL -1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. TALL EDGE TICS applies to upper half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
536 TCURVE
Curve Title
TCURVE Curve Title
Defines a character string that will appear at the top of the plot frame.
Format:
TCURVE ctitle
Examples:
TCUR RIGHT WING -- LOAD CASE 3
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ctitle Any character string. (Character, Default = blank)
Remarks:
TCURVE may not be continued to the next command line.
6
X-Y
PLOT
TLEFT TICS 537
Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on the Left-Edge
TLEFT TICS Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on the Left-Edge
Specifies how to draw tic marks on the left edge of the upper half of the frame.
Format:
TLEFT TICS tic
Examples:
TLEFT -1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. TLEFT TICS applies to upper half frame curves only.
3. See related command TRIGHT TICS.
6
X-Y
PLOT
538 TRIGHT TICS
Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on the Right Edge
TRIGHT TICS Controls Drawing of Tic Marks on the Right Edge
Specifies how to draw tic marks on the right-edge of the upper half of the frame.
Format:
TRIGHT TICS tic
Examples:
TRIGHT -1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. TRIGHT TICS applies to upper half frame curves only.
3. See related command TLEFT TICS.
6
X-Y
PLOT
UPPER TICS 539
Controls Drawing Of Tic Marks On Upper Edge
UPPER TICS Controls Drawing Of Tic Marks On Upper Edge
Specifies how to draw tic marks on the upper edge.
Format:
UPPER TICS tic
Examples:
UPPER -1
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. UPPER TICS applies to all curves.
3. See related command LOWER TICS.
6
X-Y
PLOT
540 XAXIS
X-Axis Plot Control
XAXIS X-Axis Plot Control
Controls the plotting of the x-axis on whole frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
YES Plot the x-axis.
NO Do not plot the x-axis. (Default)
Remarks:
1. XAXIS applies to whole frame curves only.
2. See related command YAXIS.
6
X-Y
PLOT
XBAXIS 541
X-Axis Plot Control
XBAXIS X-Axis Plot Control
Controls the plotting of the x-axis on lower half frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
XBAXIS applies to lower half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
542 XBGRID LINES
Plot X-Axis Grid Lines
XBGRID LINES Plot X-Axis Grid Lines
Controls the drawing of the grid lines parallel to the y-axis at the x-axis tic marks on
lower half frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
YES Plot the x-axis grid lines.
NO Do not plot the x-axis grid lines. (Default)
Remarks:
1. XBGRID applies to lower half frame curves only.
2. See the related command YBGRID LINES.
6
X-Y
PLOT
XDIVISIONS 543
Tic Spacing on Y-Axis
XDIVISIONS Tic Spacing on Y-Axis
Specifies spacing of tic marks on the x-axis for all curves.
Format:
XDIVISIONS xd
Examples:
XDIV 10
Describers:
Describer Meaning
xd Number of spaces between tic marks on x-axis. (Integer > 0,
Default = 5)
Remarks:
1. XDIVISIONS applies to all curves and to the commands: UPPER TICS, LOWER
TICS, and YINTERCEPT.
2. XDIVISIONS is ignored for logarithmic x-axes.
6
X-Y
PLOT
544 XGRID LINES
XGRID LINES Plot X-Axis Grid Lines
whole frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. XGRID applies to whole frame curves only.
2. See the related command YGRID LINES .
6
X-Y
PLOT
XINTERCEPT 545
Location of X-Axis on Y-Axis
XINTERCEPT Location of X-Axis on Y-Axis
Specifies the location of the x-axis on the y-axis.
Format:
XINTERCEPT xi
Examples:
XINT 50.
Describers:
Describer Meaning
xi Location of x-axis on the y-axis. (Real, Default = 0.0)
6
X-Y
PLOT
546 XLOG
Logarithmic or Linear X-Axis
XLOG Logarithmic or Linear X-Axis
Selects logarithmic or linear x-axis.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
YES Plot a logarithmic x-axis.
NO Plot a linear x-axis. (Default)
Remarks:
1. XLOG applies to all curves.
2. The default value for tic division interval depends on the number of log cycles.
The default values for tic divisions are given below but will range over whole
cycles
Number of Cycles Intermediate Values

1, 2 2., 3., 4., 5., 6., 7., 8., 9.
3 2., 3., 5., 7., 9.,
4 2., 4., 6., 8.,
5 2., 5., 8.
6 6, 7 3., 6.
X-Y
PLOT 8, 9, 10 3.
XMAX 547
Maximum X-Axis Value
XMAX Maximum X-Axis Value
Specifies the maximum value on the x-axis.
Format:
XMAX xmax
Examples:
XMAX 100.
Describers:
Describer Meaning
xmax Maximum value on the x-axis. (Real)
Remarks:
1. If XMAX is not specified then the maximum value is set to the highest value of x.
2. See related commands XMIN, YMIN, and YMAX.
6
X-Y
PLOT
548 XMIN
Minimum X-Axis Value
XMIN Minimum X-Axis Value
Specifies the minimum value on the x-axis.
Format:
XMIN xmin
Examples:
XMIN 100.
Describers:
Describer Meaning
xmin Minimum value on the x-axis. (Real)
Remarks:
1. XMIN applies to all curves.
2. If XMIN is not specified then the minimum value is set to the lowest value of x.
3. See related commands XMAX, YMIN, and YMAX.
6
X-Y
PLOT
XPAPER 549
Paper Size in the X-Direction
XPAPER Paper Size in the X-Direction
Defines the size of the paper in the x-direction.
Format:
XPAPER xsize
Examples:
XPAP 10.
Describers:
Describer Meaning
xsize Size of paper in the x-direction and in inches. (Real, Default = 20.0)
Remarks:
1. The default paper size is 20 by 20 inches.
2. See related command YPAPER.
6
X-Y
PLOT
550 XTGRID LINES
XTGRID LINES Plot X-Axis Grid Lines
upper half frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
XTGRID applies to upper half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
XTITLE 551
X-Axis Title
XTITLE X-Axis Title
Defines a character string that will appear along the x-axis.
Format:
XTITLE xtit
Examples:
XTIT RIGHT WING CASE 3 - TIME
Describers:
Describer Meaning
xtit Any character string. (Character, Default = blank)
Remarks:
1. XTITLE may not be continued to the next command line.
2. XTITLE applies to all curves.
6
X-Y
PLOT
552 XYPAPLOT
Generate X-Y Plots for a Printer
XYPAPLOT Generate X-Y Plots for a Printer
Generates X-Y plots for a printer.
See XYPLOT for Format, Describers, and additional Remarks.
Remarks:
1. The x-axis moves vertically along the page and the y-axis moves horizontally
along the page.
2. An asterisk (*) identifies the points associated with the first curve of a frame,
then for successive curves on a frame, the points are designated by symbols
O, A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H.
6
X-Y
PLOT
XYPEAK 553
Print Curve Summary
XYPEAK Print Curve Summary
Prints only the summary for all curves. The summary output is titled:
“X Y - O U T P U T S U M M A R Y”
and is also printed under XYPLOT, XYPUNCH, XYPRINT, and XYPAPLOT. This
output contains the maximum and minimum values of y for the range of x.
6
X-Y
PLOT
554 XYPLOT
Generates X-Y Plots for a Plotter
XYPLOT Generates X-Y Plots for a Plotter
Generates X-Y Plots for a Plotter.

Format
XYPLOT yvtype ptype [ i1, i2, i3,... ] /
id11 (itemu11 [, iteml11]) , id12 (itemu12 [, iteml12]) , ... /
id21 (itemu21 [, iteml21]) , id22 (itemu22 [, iteml22]) , ... / ....
Describers:
Describer Meaning
yvtype Type of y-value to be plotted: (Character)
ACCE Acceleration in the physical set
BOUT Slideline contact output
DISP Displacement in the physical set
ELFORCE Element force
ENTHALPY Enthalpy in the physical set
FLUX Element Heat flux
HDOT Rate of change of enthalpy in the physical set
6 NONLINEAR Nonlinear applied load

X-Y
PLOT OLOAD Applied Load
PRESSURE Pressure of fluid-structure body
SACCE Acceleration in the solution set
SDISP Displacement in the solution set
SPCF Single-point force of constraint
STEMP Temperature in the solution set
STRESS Element stress

XYPLOT 555
Describer Meaning
SVELO Velocity in the solution set
TEMP Temperature in the physical set
VECTOR Displacement in the physical set
VELO Velocity in the physical set
VG Flutter analysis
ptype Plot type defining the meaning of i1, i2, ... etc., idi, itemui and
itemli. (Character, Default = “RESPONSE”)
RESPONSE Time or frequency in SORT2 format or grid

identification numbers in SORT1 format.
(Default)
AUTO Autocorrelation function on whole frame

curves only.
PSDF Power spectral density function on whole

frame curves only.
SPECTRAL Response spectrum on whole frame curves only.
i1, i2,... Subcase identification numbers for ptype = RESPONSE.

The list must be specified in ascending order. For ptype
= SPECTRAL, the subcase refers to the RECNO in the
DTI,SPSEL Bulk Data entry. The list is ignored for ptype =
AUTO and PSDF. (Integer ≥ 0, Default is all subcases) 6
X-Y
idij Element, grid, scalar, or extra point identification number for PLOT
y-value for frame i. For yvtype = VG, idij refers to the loop
count of a flutter analysis. (Integer > 0)
556 XYPLOT
Describer Meaning
itemuij, Item code for y-value. itemuij is for the upper half or whole
itemlij curves on frame i and itemlij is for lower half curves only
on frame i. If itemlij is not specified, then whole frame curves
will be plotted with itemuij. itemlij is ignored for ptype =
“AUTO”, “PSDF”, and “SPECTRAL”. (Character or Integer > 0)
For elements, the code represents a component of the

element stress, strain, or force and is described in the Item
Codes topic in this guide. For ptype = “AUTO” and “PSDF”,
the complex stress or strain item codes need to be used. As
the output quantities are real, you can use either the real
or the imaginary item code. Both will give the same result.
For grid points and ptype = “RESPONSE”, the code is one

of the mnemonics T1, T2, T3, R1, R2, R3, T1RM, T2RM,
T3RM, R1RM, R2RM, R3RM, T1IP, T2IP, T3IP, R1IP,
R2IP, or R3IP, where Ti stands for the i-th translational
component, Ri stands for the i-th rotational component,
RM means real or magnitude, and IP means imaginary or
phase. For scalar or extra points or heat transfer analysis,
use T1, T1RM, or T1IP.
For grid points and ptype = “AUTO” or “PSDF”, the code is

one of the mnemonics T1, T2, T3, R1, R2, R3. For scalar or
extra points, use T1.
For yvtype = VG, itemui and/or itemli can be “F” for

frequency or “G” for damping.
6
X-Y Remarks:
PLOT
1. Multiple XYPLOT, XYPUNCH, XYPRINT, XYPEAK and/or XYPAPLOT
commands may be specified in the OUTPUT(XYPLOT) section.
2. Solution set requests are more efficient, because the time consuming recovery of
the dependent displacements can be avoided.
3. The item codes also appear in printed summaries as “CURVE ID” for grid points
as well as element data.
4. The information after each slash (/) specifies the curve(s) that are to be plotted
on the same frame. The describer idij identifies the grid point j or element j
associated with the frame number i. All plot requests on one command are
XYPLOT 557
sorted on idij to improve the efficiency of the plotting process. Symbols are
assigned in order by idij.
5. If any of the item codes, itemlij or itemuij, are not specified; e.g. (8,) or (,5), the
corresponding half frame curve is not plotted. If both the comma (,) and itemlij
not specified; e.g., (8), then whole frame curves will be plotted. Also, for any
single frame, the specifications of “(itemuij,itemlij)” must be consistently half
frame (upper and/or lower) or whole frame. For example on half frame curves,
if iteml11 and the comma is not specified then either iteml12 or itemu12 must
not be specified and on whole frame curves, the commas, iteml11, and iteml12
must not be specified. In other words, the curves on each plot frame must be
all whole or half (upper and/or lower).
6. The XYPLOT command may be continued on the next line as long as “XYPLOT
yvtype ptype [ i1, i2, i3,... ] /” is specified on the first line.
7. Specifying a nonexistent grid point may cause the program to exit in the
XYTRAN module and missing plots to occur.
6
X-Y
PLOT
558 XYPRINT
Generate Table of X-Y Pairs for a Printer
XYPRINT Generate Table of X-Y Pairs for a Printer
Generates tabular printer output of the X-Y pairs.
6
X-Y
PLOT
XYPUNCH 559
Generate Table of X-Y Pairs for the PUNCH File
XYPUNCH Generate Table of X-Y Pairs for the PUNCH File
Generates tabular punch output of the X-Y pairs. This is the same as XYPRINT,
except that the output is written to the PUNCH file.
6
X-Y
PLOT
560 XVALUE PRINT SKIP
Print Values on X-Axis Tic Marks
XVALUE PRINT SKIP Print Values on X-Axis Tic Marks
Specifies how often to print the x-values alongside the x-axis tic marks.
Format:
XVALUE PRINT SKIP xvps
Examples:
XVAL 5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
xvps Number of tic marks to be skipped between labeled tic marks with
their corresponding values. (Integer ≥ 0)
Remarks:
XVALUE applies to all curves.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YAXIS 561
Y-Axis Plot Control
YAXIS Y-Axis Plot Control
Controls the plotting of the y-axis on all curves.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
YES Plot the y-axis.
NO Do not plot the y-axis. (Default)
6
X-Y
PLOT
562 YBDIVISIONS
YBDIVISIONS Tic Spacing on Y-Axis
Specifies spacing of tic marks on the y-axis for lower half frame curves only.
Format:
YBDIVISIONS ybd
Examples:
YBDI 10
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ybd Number of spaces between tic marks on y-axis. (Integer > 0,
Default = 5)
Remarks:
1. YBDIVISIONS applies to lower half frame curves only.
2. YBDIVISIONS is ignored for logarithmic y-axes.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YBINTERCEPT 563
Location of Y-Axis on X-Axis
YBINTERCEPT Location of Y-Axis on X-Axis
Specifies the location of the y-axis on the x-axis for lower half frame curves only.
Format:
YBINTERCEPT ybi
Examples:
YBINT 50
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ybi Location of y-axis on the x-axis. (Real, Default = 0.0)
Remarks:
YBINTERCEPT applies to lower half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
564 YBGRID LINES
Plot Y-Axis Grid Lines
YBGRID LINES Plot Y-Axis Grid Lines
Controls the drawing of the grid lines parallel to the x-axis at the y-axis tic marks on
lower half frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
YES Plot the y-axis grid lines.
NO Do not plot the y-axis grid lines. (Default)
Remarks:
YBGRID applies to lower half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YBLOG 565
Logarithmic or Linear Y-Axis
YBLOG Logarithmic or Linear Y-Axis
Selects logarithmic or linear y-axis for lower half frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
YES Plot a logarithmic y-axis.
NO Plot a linear y-axis. (Default)
Remarks:
1. YBLOG applies to lower half frame curves only.
2. See XLOG.
6
X-Y
PLOT
566 YBMAX
Maximum Y-Axis Value
YBMAX Maximum Y-Axis Value
Specifies the maximum value on the y-axis for lower half frame curves only.
Format:
YBMAX ymax
Examples:
YBMAX 100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ymax Maximum value on the y-axis. (Real)
Remarks:
1. YBMAX applies to lower half frame curves only.
2. If YBMAX is not specified, then the maximum value is set to the highest value
of y.
3. See the related command YBMIN.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YBMIN 567
Minimum Y-Axis Value
YBMIN Minimum Y-Axis Value
Specifies the minimum value on the y-axis for lower half frame curves only.
Format:
YBMIN ymin
Examples:
YBMIN 100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ymin Minimum value on the y-axis. (Real)
Remarks:
1. YBMIN applies to lower half frame curves only.
2. If YBMIN is not specified, then the minimum value is set to the lowest value of y.
3. See the related command YBMAX.
6
X-Y
PLOT
568 YBTITLE
Y-Axis Title
YBTITLE Y-Axis Title
Defines a character string that will appear along the y-axis for lower half frame
curves only.
Format:
YBTITLE ytit
Examples:
YBTIT RIGHT WING LOADS - CASE 3
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ytit Any character string. (Character, Default = blank)
Remarks:
1. YBTITLE may not be continued to the next command line.
2. YBTITLE applies to lower half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YBVALUE PRINT SKIP 569
Print Values on Y-Axis Tic Marks
YBVALUE PRINT SKIP Print Values on Y-Axis Tic Marks
Specifies how often to print the y-values alongside the y-axis tic marks on lower
half frame curves only.
Format:
YBVALUE PRINT SKIP yvps
Examples:
YBVAL 5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
yvps Number of tic marks to be skipped between labeled tic marks with
Remarks:
YBVALUE applies to lower half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
570 YDIVISIONS
YDIVISIONS Tic Spacing on Y-Axis
Specifies spacing of tic marks on the y-axis for whole frame curves only.
Format:
YDIVISIONS yd
Examples:
YDIV 10
Describers:
Describer Meaning
yd Number of spaces between tic marks on the y-axis. (Integer > 0,
Default = 5)
Remarks:
1. YDIVISIONS applies to whole frame curves only and to the commands: LEFT
TICS, RIGHT TICS, and XINTERCEPT.
2. YDIVISIONS is ignored for logarithmic y-axes.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YINTERCEPT 571
YINTERCEPT Location of Y-Axis on X-Axis
Specifies the location of the y-axis on the x-axis for whole frame curves only.
Format:
YINTERCEPT yi
Examples:
YINT 50
Describers:
Describer Meaning
yi Location of y-axis on the x-axis. (Real, Default = 0.0)
Remarks:
YINTERCEPT applies to lower half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
572 YGRID LINES
YGRID LINES Plot Y-Axis Grid Lines
whole frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
YGRID applies to whole frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YLOG 573
YLOG Logarithmic or Linear Y-Axis
Selects logarithmic or linear y-axis for whole frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. YLOG applies to whole frame curves only.
2. See XLOG.
6
X-Y
PLOT
574 YMAX
YMAX Maximum Y-Axis Value
Specifies the maximum value on the y-axis.
Format:
YMAX ymax
Examples:
YMAX 100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. If YMAX is not specified, then the maximum value is set to the highest value of y.
2. See the related command YMIN .
6
X-Y
PLOT
YMIN 575
YMIN Minimum Y-Axis Value
Specifies the minimum value on the y-axis.
Format:
YMIN ymin
Examples:
YMIN 100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. YMIN applies to all curves.
2. If YMIN is not specified, then the minimum value is set to the lowest value of y.
3. See the related command YMAX.
6
X-Y
PLOT
576 YPAPER
Paper Size in Y-Direction
YPAPER Paper Size in Y-Direction
Defines the size of the paper in the y-direction.
Format:
YPAPER ysize
Examples:
YPAP 10
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ysize Size of the paper in the y-direction and in inches. (Real, Default
= 20.0)
Remarks:
1. The default paper size is 20 by 20 inches.
2. See the related command XPAPER.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YTAXIS 577
Y-Axis Plot Control
YTAXIS Y-Axis Plot Control
Controls the plotting of the y-axis on upper half frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
YTAXIS applies to upper half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
578 YTDIVISIONS
The Spacing on Y-Axis
YTDIVISIONS The Spacing on Y-Axis
Specifies spacing of tic marks on the y-axis for upper half frame curves only.
Format:
YTDIVISIONS ytd
Examples:
YTDI 10
Describers:
Describer Meaning
ytd Number of spaces between tic marks on y-axis. (Integer > 0,
Default = 5)
Remarks:
1. YTDIVISIONS applies to upper half frame curves only.
2. YTDIVISIONS is ignored for logarithmic y-axes.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YTGRID LINES 579
YTGRID LINES Plot Y-Axis Grid Lines
upper half frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
YTGRID applies to upper half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
580 YTINTERCEPT
YTINTERCEPT Location of Y-Axis on X-Axis
Specifies the location of the y-axis on the x-axis for upper half frame curves only.
Format:
YTINTERCEPT yti
Examples:
YTINT 50
Describers:
Describer Meaning
yti Location of y-axis on the x-axis. (Real, Default = 0.0)
Remarks:
YTINTERCEPT applies to upper half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YTITLE 581
Y-Axis Title
YTITLE Y-Axis Title
Defines a character string that will appear along the y-axis for whole frame curves
only.
Format:
YTITLE ytit
Examples:
YTIT RIGHT WING LOADS - CASE 3
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. YTITLE may not be continued to the next command line.
2. YTITLE applies to whole frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
582 YTLOG
YTLOG Logarithmic or Linear Y-Axis
Selects logarithmic or linear y-axis for upper half frame curves only.
Format:
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. YTLOG applies to upper half frame curves only.
2. See XLOG.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YTMAX 583
YTMAX Maximum Y-Axis Value
Specifies the maximum value on the y-axis for upper half frame curves only.
Format:
YTMAX ymax
Examples:
YTMAX 100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. YTMAX applies to upper half frame curves only.
2. If YTMAX is not specified, then the maximum value is set to the highest value
of y.
3. See the related command YTMIN.
6
X-Y
PLOT
584 YTMIN
YTMIN Minimum Y-Axis Value
Specifies the minimum value on the y-axis for upper half frame curves only.
Format:
YTMIN ymin
Examples:
YTMIN 100
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. YTMIN applies to upper half frame curves only.
2. If YTMIN is not specified, then the minimum value is set to the lowest value of y.
3. See the related command YTMAX.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YTTITLE 585
Y-Axis Title
YTTITLE Y-Axis Title
Defines a character string that will appear along the y-axis for upper half frame
curves only.
Format:
YTTITLE ytit
Examples:
YTTIT RIGHT WING LOADS - CASE 3
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
1. YTTITLE may not be continued to the next command line.
2. YTTITLE applies to upper half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
586 YTVALUE PRINT SKIP
YTVALUE PRINT SKIP Print Values on Y-Axis Tic Marks
Specifies how often to print the y-values alongside the y-axis tic marks on upper
half frame curves only.
Format:
YTVALUE PRINT SKIP yvps
Examples:
YTVAL 5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
YTVALUE applies to upper half frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
YVALUE PRINT SKIP 587
YVALUE PRINT SKIP Print Values on Y-Axis Tic Marks
Specifies how often to print the y-values alongside the y-axis tic marks on whole
frame curves only.
Format:
YVALUE PRINT SKIP yvps
Examples:
YVAL 5
Describers:
Describer Meaning
Remarks:
YVALUE applies to whole frame curves only.
6
X-Y
PLOT
588 YVALUE PRINT SKIP
6
X-Y
PLOT
Chapter
7 Parameters and Parameter

Applicability Tables
• Parameter Descriptions
• Parameter Applicability Tables
7
PARAM
590 Parameter Descriptions
7.1 Parameter Descriptions

Parameters are used extensively in the solution sequences for input of scalar values
and for requesting special features. Parameters values are specified on PARAM
Bulk Data entries or PARAM Case Control commands. For more information on
the PARAM Bulk Data entry, see PARAM. For more information on the PARAM
Case Control command, see PARAM. A complete alphabetical list of PARAMeter
names and their functions is given in this section. Table 7-2 and Table 7-3 at
the end of this section summarize parameter applicability in the structured and
unstructured solution sequences, respectively.
ACOUT Default = PEAK
ACOUT specifies the type of output to be used with the FORCE

Case Control command in coupled fluid-structural analysis (see
“Performing a Coupled Fluid-Structural Analysis” in the NX
Nastran User’s Guide). ACOUT=RMS requests root-mean-square
output.
To obtain sound pressure level in units of dB and dBA given by the

FORCE command, a peak reference pressure must be specified
with PARAM, PREFDB. The dB level is defined as:
ACSYM Default = YES
By default, the dynamic equations for coupled fluid-structure

analysis in frequency response are symmetrized for efficiency.
PARAM,ACSYM,NO requests the pre-MSC.Nastran Version 69
formulation which involves no symmetrization and will require
more CPU time. See the “Formulation of Dynamic Equations in
SubDMAP GMA” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
If the iterative solver is selected (see the ITER=YES keyword on

the NASTRAN statement) then the external work diagnostic will be
7 different between ACSYM=YES and ACSYM=NO.
PARAM
Parameter Descriptions 591
ADPCON Default = 1.0
Initial penalty values used in contact analysis are calculated

automatically by the program and are given by k · SFAC ·
|ADPCON| where k is a number selected for each slave node
based on the diagonal stiffness matrix coefficients that are in the
contact region, and SFAC is the value specified by the user in
the SFAC field of the BCONP Bulk Data entry. The ADPCON
value applies to all the contact regions in the model. During the
analysis, if convergence problems are encountered, penalty values
are automatically reduced. Still there may be some problems where
convergence cannot be achieved with default values. In such cases,
analysis may be restarted with a lower value of ADPCON.
In some cases the default penalty values may be low. In such

situations, analysis may be restarted with a higher value of
ADPCON.
Generally, penalty values are recalculated every time there is a

change in stiffness. However, if ADPCON is negative, penalty
values are calculated only at the beginning of each subcase, and
penalty values are not adjusted during analysis. This is useful if
the contact between two elastic bodies is being analyzed.
ADSTAT Default = YES (SOL 109 and 112 only)
Used in transient analysis data recovery with differential stiffness

(see the Case Control Command, STATSUB) to request whether the
static solution (displacements, SPC forces, and MPC forces) is to be
included (YES) or excluded (NO) in the transient results.
AESDISC Default = 1.E-8
Tolerance for discarding generalized coordinates in the RITZ

method (see AESMETH) which are not linearly independent.
AESMAXIT Default = 15
Maximum number of iterations for the ITER method (see

AESMETH).
7
PARAM
AESMETH Default = SELECT
Solution method for static aeroelastic analysis.

SELECT selects the DIRECT method on models with less

than 5000 DOF in the solution set; otherwise selects
AUTO.
AUTO selects the reduced basis method for an approximate
solution, which is used as starting vectors for an
ITER solution.
DIRECT selects the direct solution.
RITZ selects the reduced basis approximate solution.
ITER selects the iterative solution.
AESRNDM Default = 2
Number of random vectors to use as generalized functions in the

RITZ method (see AESMETH).
AESTOL Default = 1.E-10
Convergence criteria for the iterative solver.
ALPHA1, Default = (0.0,0.0)

ALPHA2
In frequency and transient response analysis, if PARAM,ALPHA1
and/or ALPHA2 are not equal to complex zero, then Rayleigh
damping is added to the viscous damping. ALPHA1 is the complex
scale factor applied to the mass matrix and ALPHA2 to the stiffness
matrix. The scale factors are applied to the d-set or h-set matrices.
See “Formulation of Dynamic Equations in SubDMAP GMA” in
[B′] = [B] + ALPHA1 · [M] + ALPHA2 · [k]
ALTRED Default = NO
ALTRED=YES requests the alternate stiffness and load reduction

technique for superelement analysis in SOLs 101 and 114. This
7 technique is described in “Static Condensation in SubDMAPs SEKR
PARAM and SEMR2” and “Data Recovery Operations in SubDMAP SEDISP”
in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
ALTSHAPE Default = 0
ALTSHAPE selects the set of displacement shape functions to

be used in p-version analysis. PARAM,ALTSHAPE,0 selects the
MacNeal set. PARAM,ALTSHAPE,1 selects the Full Product Space
set. For ALTSHAPE=1, IN=1 and ISOP=1 must be specified on
the PSOLID entry.
ASCOUP Default = YES
In coupled fluid-structure analysis, by default, the coupling between

the fluid and structure is computed in the mass and stiffness of
the residual structure only. This interaction will be ignored if
PARAM,ASCOUP,NO is specified. See “Performing a Coupled
Fluid-Structural Analysis” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
ASING Default = 0
ASING specifies the action to take when singularities (null rows
and columns) exist in the [Kll] in statics). If ASING=-1, then a User
Fatal Message will result.
If ASING=0 (the default), singularities are removed by appropriate

techniques depending on the type of solution being performed.
The procedures used are described in “Formulation of Dynamic
Equations in SubDMAP GMA” and “Real Eigenvalue Analysis in
SubDMAPs SEMR3 and MODERS” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
AUNITS Default = 1.0

AUNITS is used in SOL 144 to convert accelerations specified in
units of gravity on the TRIM Bulk Data entry to units of distance
per time squared.
AUTOADJ Default = YES

In SOL 200, a value of YES will automatically select the direct or
the adjoint method for sensitivity analysis based on the performance
criteria. AUTOADJ=NO requests that the adjoint method not be
selected for sensitivity analysis and the direct method is enforced.
The default should be preferred in all cases. However, the presence
of this parameter allows investigation of the alternative of using
direct methods in place of adjoint methods in the sensitivity
7
PARAM
calculations.
AUTOMPC Default = NO
AUTOMPC=YES specifies that the software automatically selects

the m-set dofs rather than use the m-set values as specified on MPC
or RIGID element cards (RBE*, RBAR, RROD, etc.) in the bulk data
definition except as noted below.
This option relieves the need to carefully define rigid elements (or
MPCs) so as to not have a conflict of the m-sets between elements.
In addition, any redundant constraints will be eliminated.
This option is not available in some circumstances and will be

automatically set to NO for:
1. A p-element analysis with local coordinate systems or RSSCON

elements.
2. A design optimization solution (SOL=200) with DVGRID data.
The AUTOMPC option is not recommended for use in models with

RSSCON elements connected to CPENTA elements.
If an RBE3 element contains UM information on the m-set data,

those dofs will be used in the m-set. SPOINTS in MPC equations
will always be made part of the m-set.
When using this option, it is possible to specify that selected dofs

must not be made part of the m-set. This is accomplished by
defining these dofs on USET/USET1 bulk data cards making them
part of the U5 set. If specified, the UM information on RBE3
elements will be ignored.
An option also exists to specify that selected dof must be made

part of the m-set. Again, using USET/USET1 bulk data cards, but
making them part of the U4 set.
AUTOSEEL Default = NO
Requests that elements connected totally to external (boundary)
grids (b-set and c-set) of super elements be included in the super
element rather than the residual structure. AUTOSEEL = NO
7 (default) means such elements are included in the residual
structure.AUTOSEEL = YES means they are included in the super
PARAM
element.
AUTOSPC Default = YES (In all SOls, except 4, 106, 129, 153, and 159)
Default = NO (In SOLs 4, 106, 129, 153, and 159)

AUTOSPC specifies the action to take when singularities exist in

the stiffness matrix [Kgg]. AUTOSPC=YES means that singularities
will be constrained automatically. AUTOSPC=NO means that
singularities will not be constrained. If AUTOSPC=NO is set, then
the user should take extra caution analyzing the results of the grid
point singularity table and epsilon.
See “Constraint and Mechanism Problem Identification in

SubDMAP SEKR” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide for details
of singularity identification and constraint. Singularity ratios
smaller than PARAM,EPPRT (default = 1.E-8) are listed as
potentially singular. If PARAM,AUTOSPC has the value YES,
identified singularities with a ratio smaller than PARAM,EPZERO
(default = 1.E-8) will be automatically constrained with
single-point constraints. If PARAM,EPPRT has the same value
as PARAM,EPZERO (the default case), all singularities are
listed. If PARAM,EPPRT is larger than PARAM,EPZERO, the
printout of singularity ratios equal to exactly zero is suppressed.
If PARAM,PRGPST is set to NO (default is YES), the printout of
singularities is suppressed, except when singularities are not going
to be removed. If PARAM,SPCGEN is set to 1 (default = 0), the
automatically generated SPCs are placed in SPCi Bulk Data entry
format on the PUNCH file.
AUTOSPC provides the correct action for superelements in all

contexts. It does not provide the correct action for the residual
structure in SOLs 4 or 129 and is ignored for the residual structure
in SOLs 106 and 153. PARAM,AUTOSPCR, not AUTOSPC, is used
for the o-set (omitted set) in the residual structure in SOLs 106
and 153.
AUTOSPCR Default = NO (SOLs 106 and 153 only)

AUTOSPCR specifies the action to take when singularities exist
in the linear stiffness matrix of the residual structure after
multipoint constraints are processed. AUTOSPCR=YES means
that singularities will be constrained and AUTOSPCR=NO
means they will not be constrained. It is recommended that all
degrees-of-freedom attached to nonlinear elements be specified
on ASETi entries. Parameters EPPRT, EPZERO, PRGPST, and
7
PARAM
SPCGEN may be used with AUTOSPCR.
BAILOUT Default = 0
See MAXRATIO.
BETA Default = 0.333333

BETA specifies the transient integration control factor for the
Newmark method in SOLs 129 and 159. The stability limits are
0.25 ≤ β < 0.5.
BlGER, Default = 0.0

BIGER1,
BlGER2 See S1.
BOLTFACT Real, default = 1.0e6
Factor used to reduce the bolt stiffness during the first phase of
a bolt preload analysis.
BUCKLE Default = -1
BUCKLE=1 requests a nonlinear buckling analysis in a restart run
of SOLs 106 or 153. See the NX Nastran Handbook for Nonlinear
Analysis.
BUCKLE=2 requests buckling in a SOL 106 cold start run.
CB1, CB2 Default =(1.0, 0.0)

CB1 and CB2 specify factors for the total damping matrix. The
total damping matrix is:
where B2jj is selected via the Case Control command B2GG and
Bxjj comes from CDAMPi or CVlSC element Bulk Data entries.
These parameters are effective only if B2GG is selected in the Case
Control Section.
CDIF Default = YES for shape optimization with or without property

optimization.
Default = NO for property optimization only.
7 CDIF may be used to override the default finite difference

scheme used in the calculation of pseudoloads in SOL 200.
PARAM
PARAM,CDIF,YES forces the selection of the central difference
scheme used in the semianalytic approach regardless of the type of
optimization requested. PARAM,CDIF,NO forces the selection of
the forward difference scheme.
CDITER Default = 0
CDPCH Default = NO
CDPRT Default = YES
If CDITER>0, perform constrained displacement iterations in

SOL 101. The value is the maximum number of iterations. If
CDPRT=YES, print those negative displacements and tension
forces which do not satisfy constraints. If CDPCH=YES, punch
DMIG CDSHUT entries for final state; by default all gaps are
closed. These can be used for initial conditions for a restart.
Potential contact points must be specified on the SUPORTi entries.
The SUPORTi points must be in the residual structure. Optional
DMIG entries to define the initial shut vector may be specified.
Degrees-of-freedom that are specified on the SUPORT entry and
have a value of 1.0 defined on the DMIG,CDSHUT entry will be
considered closed initially. If the DMIG,CDSHUT entry is not
supplied, then all degrees-of-freedom specified on the SUPORT
entries will be considered shut initially. A fatal message will be
issued if this parameter is used and PARAM,INREL is specified.
CHECKOUT Default = NO (structured solutions only)

CHECKOUT=YES requests a model checkout in SOLs 101
through 200. See “Geometry Processing in SubDMAP PHASEO”
in the NX Nastran User’s Guide. The run will terminate prior to
phase 1 of superelement analysis. The PARAM,POST options
are also available with PARAM,CHECKOUT,YES. The following
options and their user parameters are also available with
PARAM,CHECKOUT,YES,
1. PARAM,PRTGPL,YES
Prints a list of external grid and scalar point numbers in

internal sort. It also lists external grid and scalar point
numbers along with the corresponding sequence numbers
in internal sort. The sequence numbers are defined as
(1000*external number) and will reflect any user-requested
resequencing.
2. PARAM,PRTEQXIN,YES 7
PARAM
Prints a list of external and internal grid and scalar numbers
in external sort. It also lists external grid and scalar numbers
with the corresponding coded SIL number in external sort. The
coded SIL numbers are defined as:
The SIL numbers correspond to degrees-of-freedom, i.e., one SIL

number for scalar point and six SIL numbers for a grid point.
3. PARAM,PRTGPDT,YES
Prints, for each grid and scalar point, the following information
in the internal sort:
• Coordinate system ID in which grid point geometry is

defined (ID=-1 for scalar points).
• Spatial location of grid points in the “CP” coordinate

system. For scalar points, all entries are zero.
• Coordinate system ID for grid point displacements, forces,

and constraints (ID=0 for scalar points).
• Permanent single-point constraints defined on GRID Bulk

Data entries. A zero is entered for scalar points.
4. PARAM,PRTCSTM,YES
Prints for each coordinate system type the transformation

matrix from the global to the basic coordinate system, and the
origin of the indicated coordinate system in the basic coordinate
system. Coordinate system types are: 1 = rectangular; 2 =
cylindrical; 3 = spherical.
5. PARAM,PRTBGPDT,YES
Prints all grid and scalar points listed in internal sort with
their x, y, and z coordinates in the basic coordinate system. In
addition, the coordinate system ID for grid point displacements,
forces, and constraints is indicated for each grid point (ID=-1
7 for scalar points). The x, y, and z coordinates of scalar points
PARAM are zero.
6. PARAM,PRTGPTT,YES
Prints, for each temperature load set, information on element

and grid point temperatures.
7. PARAM,PRTMGG,YES
Prints the g-size mass matrix labeled by grid

point/degree-of-freedom.
8. PARAM,PRTPG,YES
Prints the g-size load vectors labeled by grid

point/degree-of-freedom.
9. The summation of forces and moments of applied loads in

the basic coordinate system is automatically output for each
loading condition requested in the Case Control Section.
Related parameters are GPECT, PROUT, and EST.
CK1, CK2 Default =(1.0, 0.0)

CK1 and CK2 specify factors for the total stiffness matrix. The total
stiffness matrix (exclusive of GENEL entries) is
where [K2jj] is selected via the Case Control command K2GG and
[Kzjj] is generated from structural element (e.g., CBAR) entries
in the Bulk Data. These are effective only if K2GG is selected in
Case Control. A related parameter is CK3. Note that stresses and
element forces are not factored by CK1, and must be adjusted
manually.
CK3 Default = (1.0, 0.0)

CK3 specifies a factor for the stiffness derived from GENEL Bulk
Data entries. The total stiffness matrix is
where [Kyjj] comes from the GENEL Bulk Data entries and [Kxjj]
is derived using PARAMs CK1 and CK2. CK3 is effective only if
GENEL entries are defined. Related parameters include CK1 and
CK2. 7
PARAM
CK41, CK42 Default =(1.0, 0.0)
CK41 and CK42 specify factors for the total structural damping
matrix. The total structural damping matrix is
where [K4,2jj] is selected via the Case Control command K42GG

and [K4,zjj] is generated from the stiffness of structural element
(e.g., CBAR) entries in the Bulk Data times the structural damping
coefficient GE on material entries (e.g. MAT1). These are effective
only if K42GG is selected in Case Control. Note that stresses and
element forces are not factored by CK41, and must be adjusted
manually.
CLOSE Default = 1.0

See SCRSPEC.
CM1, CM2 Default = (1.0, 0.0)

CM1 and CM2 specify factors for the total mass matrix. The total
mass matrix is
where [M2jj] is selected via the Case Control command M2GG and
[Mxjj] is derived from the mass element entries in the Bulk Data
Section. These are effective only if M2GG is selected in the Case
Control Section.
CNSTRT No longer required.
COMPMATT Default=NO
During SOL 106 solutions, composite materials compute
temperature-dependent properties for the plies only at the reference
temperature given on the PCOMP bulk data entry. The resulting
7 ply properties are smeared and used for all load steps, regardless of
whether the temperature is changing through application of thermal
PARAM
loads.If the parameter equals YES, the temperature-dependent
properties for the plies are updated and smeared at the current
temperature for each load step.This parameter only applies to SOL
106, and CQUAD4/CTRIA3 elements only.
CONFAC Default = 1.E-5

In superelement analysis, CONFAC specifies the tolerance factor

used in checking the congruence of the location and displacement
coordinate systems of the boundary points between image
superelements and their primaries (see the Bulk Data entry,
CSUPER). Specification of this parameter is recommended instead
of DlAG 37 (DIAG 37 ignores User Fatal Messages 4277 and 4278).
COUPMASS Default = -1
COUPMASS>0 requests the generation of coupled rather than
lumped mass matrices for elements with coupled mass capability,
as listed in “Element Summary – Small Strain Elements” in the NX
Nastran Element Library. This option applies to both structural
and nonstructural mass for the following elements: CBAR,
CBEAM, CONROD, CQUAD4, CQUADR, CHEXA, CPENTA,
CQUAD8, CROD, CTETRA, CTRIA3, CTRIAR, CTRlA6, CTRIAX6,
CTUBE. A negative value (the default) causes the generation of
lumped mass matrices (translational components only) for all of
the above elements.
COUPMASS needs to be > 0 for mass residual vectors to be

generated during SOL 111 & 112.
P-elements are always generated with coupled mass and are not
affected by COUPMASS.
CP1, CP2 Default = (1.0, 0.0)

The load vectors are generated from the equation
where
{P2j} is selected via the Case Control command P2G, and {Pxj} comes
from Bulk Data static load entries.
CURV Default = -1 7
PARAM
PARAM,CURV,1 requests that the CTRIA3 and CQUAD4

element stress and/or strain output be computed in a material
coordinate system (normal output is in the element or basic
coordinate system) and/or to interpolate it to grid points.
(CQUAD4 element corner stress output is not supported.)
The integer parameter OG controls the calculation of stress

and/or strain data at grid points. If OG is set to -1, the
calculation for stresses and/or strain data at grid points is not
performed. The default value of zero provides the calculation
of these quantities at those grid points to which the selected
elements connect.
User parameters S1G, S1M, S1AG, and S1AM, set to 1, request

the printout of stresses at grid points, stresses in the material
coordinate system, strains at grid points and strains in the
material coordinate system, respectively.
The integer parameter OUTOPT may be set in accordance with

the below options to select print, punch, and/or plotter output
for stress and/or strain data that are computed in user-defined
material coordinate systems.
OUTOPT Value Description

Default-standard NX Nastran device codes are
0
used.
1 Print only
2 Plot only
4 Punch only
The above values may be combined additively to select two or

more forms of output. For example, OUTOPT=6 requests both
plot and punch output. Related parameters include BIGER,
CURVPLOT, DOPT, NUMOUT, NINTPTS, S1G, S1M.
7 For stress and/or strain/curvature output in a user-defined

material coordinate system MCSID must be defined on MAT1
PARAM
and MAT2 Bulk Data entries. The values of MCSID reference
CORDiR, CORDiC, and CORDiS Bulk Data entries. A value
of zero for MCSID does not imply the basic coordinate and
will eliminate all elements which reference the MATi from the
subject calculations.
1. If these data are requested at the element centers, the

program will compute the unit vector along the T1 or
x-axis of the material coordinate system, and compare
for each element that references the material coordinate
system, where n is the normal to the surface of the element.
If the projection of the y-axis on the surface of
the element is taken as the reference axis. Otherwise, the
projection of the x-axis on the surface of the element is taken
as the reference axis. The angle between the x-axis of the
element coordinate system and the projection of the selected
reference axis of the material coordinate system is used to
transform the stress and/or strain data into the material
coordinate system at the element centers.
2. If, on the other hand, the user requests these data at the
grid points to which the elements connect, the program will
interpolate the results from (a) to the grid points to which
the elements connect. The parameter NlNTPTS = N, the
stress and/or strain data at the N closest element centers to
the grid point in question will be used in the interpolation.
The program may include more that N points in the
interpolation if the distance of other element centers is not
more than 10% greater than the closest N element centers.
The following specifies the output headings for stresses and/or

strains in the material coordinate system.
Element stresses (PARAM,S1M,1) are:
1. Available in CQUAD4 and CTRlA3 elements.
2. In page headings:
STRESSES IN QUADRILATERAL ELEMENTS (CQUAD4)

STRESSES IN TRIANGULAR ELEMENTS (CTRlA3)
7
3. Under the column FlBER DISTANCE: PARAM
Z1 is replaced by MCSID.
Z2 is replaced by 1.0 if the x-axis of the material coordinate
system is selected as the reference axis, and by 2.0 if the
y-axis of the material coordinate system is selected as the
reference axis.
Grid point stresses (PARAM,S1G,1 and PARAM,OG,1)
1. Available for CQUAD4 and CTRIA3 elements.
2. In page heading:
STRESSES AT GRID POINTS
3. Under the column:
Z1 is replaced by MCSlD:
Z2 = A+10*N where A is 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0, depending on
whether the x-, y-, or z-axis of the material coordinate
system is most nearly normal to the projected plane of the
field of elements involved in the calculation.
Element strains (PARAM,S1AM,1) are:
1. Available for CQUAD4 and CTRlA3 elements.
2. In page headings:
STRAINS IN QUADRlLATERAL ELEMENTS (CQUAD4)

STRAINS IN TRIANGULAR ELEMENTS (CTRIA3)
3. Under the column FIBER DISTANCE:
Z2 is replaced by 1.0 if the x-axis of the material coordinate
system is selected as the reference axis, and by 2.0 if the
y-axis of the material coordinate system is selected as the
reference axis.
7 Grid point strains (PARAM,S1AG,1 and PARAM,OG,1):

PARAM
1. Available for CQUAD4 and CTRIA3 elements.
2. In page heading:
STRAINS AND CURVATURES AT GRID POINTS

3. Under the column:
Z2 = A+10*N where A is 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0, depending on
whether the x-, y-, or z-axis of the material coordinate
system is most nearly normal to the projected plane of the
field of elements involved in the calculation.
CURVPLOT Default=-1
PARAM,CURVPLOT,1 requests x-y (or curve) plots whose

abscissas are a sequence of grid points and whose ordinates may
be displacements, loads, SPC forces, or grid point stresses. To
obtain stress plots, set the CURV parameter to +1. The default
for DOPT is the length between grid points
Specify the XYOUTPUT Case Control command in the usual

manner, replacing the point ID with the SID of SET1 Bulk Data
entries.
The SET1 Bulk Data entries must contain unique SIDs for each
set of grid points to be plotted.
User requests for xy-plots of output quantities appear in the

Case Control Section in the standard form. For example,
.
.
.
OUTPUT(XYOUT)
.
.
XYPLOT DISP 1/4(T3)
.
.
XYPLOT SPCF 2/5(T1)
.
.
7
PARAM
BEGIN BULK
The first XYPLOT command will produce an xy-plot from the

displacement output of subcase 1. The abscissa of the curve will
reflect the grid point IDs listed on the SET1 entry with a SID of
4, and the ordinate will reflect the T3 component of displacement
at these grid points. The second XYPLOT command will produce
an xy-plot whose ordinates are the T1 components of the forces

of constraint in subcase 2 at the grid points listed on the SET1
entry with a SlD of 5.
The user has some degree of control over the scaling of the
abscissas on these xy-plots. This control is exercised through
the parameter DOPT on a PARAM Bulk Data entry. The legal
values of this parameter provide the following scaling options
for the abscissas.
Value of DOPT Scaling for Abscissa

0 (default) ||gj − gi||
1 |xj − xi|
2 |yj − yi|
3 |zj − zi|
4 1.
Thus, the default value of DOPT will place the first grid
point listed on the referenced SET1 card at the origin, and
subsequent grid points will be located along the abscissa at
intervals proportional to the distance between that grid point
and its predecessor. Values of DOPT equal to 1, 2, or 3 will
scale the abscissa so that the interval between adjacent grid
points is proportional to the difference in the X, the Y, and the
Z components of the subject grid points respectively. DOPT = 4
will space the grid points equally along the abscissa.
DBALL Default = DBAL
By default, all data to be stored on the database for restart

purposes will be located on the DBALL database set DBset.
These parameters permit the storage of some data blocks on
DBsets other than DBALL, which are defined by the user and
specified on the INIT File Management statement. Any or all of
7 these parameters may be set to SCRATCH in order to reduce
PARAM overall disk space usage; e.g., PARAM,DBUP,SCRATCH or
PARAM,DBALL,SCRATCH. However, automatic restarts will be
less efficient because data normally assigned to a permanent
DBset will have to be recomputed.
A unique value for each superelement may be specified in the

Case Control Section for the parameters DBALL, DBDN, DBRCV,
and DBUP. Certain DBsets may be taken offline depending on

which phase of superelement analysis is being performed (see
“Summary of Solution Sequence Operations” in the NX Nastran
User’s Guide). PARAM,DBALL specifies the default value for
parameters DBDN, DBUP, and DBRCV.
The DBDN DBset contains data blocks necessary for

“downstream” processing. For example, the stiffness, mass,
damping, and static loads matrices that have been reduced to the
boundary of the superelement are stored in this DBset.
The DBRCV DBset contains data blocks that must be online

during the first pass through data recovery (Phase 3). These
data blocks are used to recover the total displacement vector ug
of the superelement. This operation is performed by the SSG3
and SDR1 modules. On subsequent data recovery restarts, this
DBset may be taken offline. Its default is determined from the
value of DBUP.
The DBUP DBset contains data blocks necessary for “upstream”

processing. For example, the geometry and property tables along
with the stiffness, mass, damping, and static loads matrices
related to the interior grid points of the superelement are stored
in this DBset. These matrices and tables must be online during
the reduction (Phase 1) and data recovery (Phase 3) of the
superelement.
The IFP DBset contains data blocks that are required for all
phases of the analysis. These data blocks are related to the
entire model; examples are Bulk Data, superelement map, IFP
module outputs, and resequenced grid points. This DBset must
be online for all runs.
DBCCONV Default = XL
See PARAM, POST, 0.
DBCDIAG Default = 0 7
See PARAM, POST, 0. PARAM
DBCOVWRT Default = YES
See PARAM, POST.

DBDICT Default = -1
Controls the printout of the database directory at the beginning

and end of the run. See DBDICT FMS statement description in
Section 2. If DBDlCT = 0, then the database directory will be
printed at the start of the run. If DBDICT=1, then the directory
will be printed at the end of the run. If DBDlCT ≥ 2, then it will
be printed at the beginning and end of the run. If DBDICT =
-1 (the default), the directory is not printed at the beginning or
end of the run.
If multiple versions and/or projects exist on the database, then

the parameters DBDRPRJ and DBDRVER allow the user
to select the desired project and version, respectively. The
appropriate values may be found in the Project/Version Table
that is printed upon restart. If DBDRVER = 0 (or DBDRPRJ=0),
then the current version (or project) is selected. If DBDRPRJ=-1
(or DBDRVER = -1), then all projects (or versions) are selected.
DBDN Default = value of PARAM,DBALL.

See DBALL.
DBDRPRJ Default = 0
Specifies the desired project-identification number. See DBDICT.
DBDRVER Default = 0
Specifies the desired version-identification number. See DBDICT.
DBRCV Default=value of PARAM,DBUP.

See DBALL.
DBUP Default=value of PARAM,DBALL.

See DBALL.
7 DDRMM Default = 0
PARAM
By default, the matrix method of data recovery is used in the
modal transient and frequency response solutions. DDRMM=-1
will force calculation of complete g-set solution vectors by the mode
displacement method.
DESPCH Default = 0
DESPCH specifies in SOL 200 when the optimized (updated) Bulk

Data entries are written to the PUNCH file. Currently, all the
property entries, material entries, and connectivity entries that
can be designed and DESVAR, DRESP1, and GRID entries can be
written.
DESPCH < 0 never.
DESPCH = 0 at the last design cycle only. (Default)
DESPCH > 0 at every design cycle that is a multiple of DESPCH

and the last design cycle. For example, if n=2 and the maximum
number of design cycles is 5 (DESMAX=5 on the DOPTPRM entry),
then, DESVAR and GRID entries at design cycle 2, 4, and 5 are
written in the punch file.
DESPCH1 Default=6
DESPCH1 specifies in SOL 200 the amount of data to be written to
the.pch file. A positive DESPCH1 value requests large field formats
while a negative value requests small field formats. For a shape
optimization job, if DESPCH1<>0, the updated GRID entries of the
whole model will be written in the.pch file.
Descriptions of various DESPCH1 values are given below:
DESPCH1 = 0, writes no data.
DESPCH1 = ± 1, writes the property entries that are designed.
DESPCH1 = ± 2, writes all the property entries of a given type when

one property of that type is designed.
DESPCH1 = ± 4, writes DESVAR and DRESP1 entries.
DESPCH1 = ± n, writes combine quantities by summing the

DESPCH1 values. For example, n=1+4=5 requests writing all the
designed property entries, DESVAR andDRESP1 entries to the.pch
file.
DFREQ Default = 10-5

7
PARAM
DFREQ specifies the threshold for the elimination of duplicate

frequencies on all FREQi Bulk Data entries. Two frequencies, f1
and f2, are considered duplicated if
where fMAX and fMIN are the maximum and minimum excitation
frequencies of the combined FREQi entries.
DOPT Default = 0
See CURVPLOT.
DPEPS Default = 1.0E-4

In SOL 200, if any difference between the property value on
the property entries and the value calculated from the design
variable values on the DESVAR entry (through DVPRELi relations)
is greater than DPEPS, the design model values override the
analysis values. If all the differences are less than DPEPS,
analysis results from a previous run are accepted in a subsequent
sensitivity/optimization task, thereby avoiding a reanalysis. The
PTOL parameter on the DOPTPRM entry is a related parameter
that checks the maximum difference.
DPREONLY Default = NO
DPREONLY is used to signal the SOL 187 analysis to stop execution
before the Fortran NAVSHOK program is started. This option
is used when you want to run the Fortran program outside the
Nastran job.
If PARAM,DPREONLY,YES is specified, the DDAM solution will

stop after the OUTPUT4 files are written, but just before the
Fortran program is executed.
If PARAM,DPREONLY,NO is specified, the DDAM solution will

start the Fortran NAVSHOK program once the OUTPUT4 files
have been created.
7
PARAM
DSNOKD Default = 0.0
DSNOKD specifies a scale factor to the differential stiffness matrix

in buckling design sensitivity analysis. If DSNOKD>0.0, the effect
of the differential stiffness matrix is included in buckling the design
sensitivity analysis.
If PARAM,DSNOKD > 0 is specified in SOL 105, under the original

Design Sensitivity Analysis (DSA), the differential stiffness
sensitivity calculation is performed under the assumption that all
the displacements are enforced; i.e., the change in the stiffness
matrix due to the changes in the displacements are not computed.
Therefore, PARAM,DSNOKD,0.0 is recommended in SOL 105. If
PARAM,DSNOKD,1.0 is specified in SOL 200, the differential
stiffness sensitivity calculation is performed more accurately;
i.e., the change in the stiffness matrix due to the changes in the
displacements are computed. However, the calculation is more
expensive than with PARAM,DSNOKD,0.0.
Non-zero values of PARAM,DSNOKD cannot be used in SOL

200 with multiple buckling design subcases unless each subcase
contains the same STATSUB command.
DSZERO Default = 0.0
DSZERO specifies the minimum absolute value for the printout of

design sensitivities.
DYNSPCF Default = NEW (structured solutions only)

PARAM,DYNSPCF,NEW requests that mass and damping coupled
to ground be included in the SPCForce calculations for the linear
dynamic solutions: SOLs 103, 107 through 112, 115, 118, 145, 146,
and 200. OLD neglects these effects and gives the same SPCForce
results obtained in versions prior to MSC.Nastran Version 68.
EIGD Default = NO
PARAM,EIGD,YES requests the calculation of eigenvector

derivatives in normal modes original design sensitivity analysis 7
(DSA) in SOL 103. PARAM
PARAM,NORM specifies and must correspond to the type of

eigenvector normalization specified on the EIGR or EIGRL Bulk
Data entry: The default, 0, means NORM=“MASS” on the EIGR or
EIGRL entry and 1 means NORM=“MAX” or “POINT”.
ELITASPC Default = NO
Set to YES to perform the autospc in the element iterative solver.

Normally the element iterative solver does not perform an autospc
function as it is usually not necessary. For solid elements, the
rotational dofs are eliminated directly. If K6ROT is specified for
linear shell elements, there is no issue either. But for CQUAD8
and CTRIA6 elements and possibly other special cases, the autospc
function is required. The drawback of this option is that it requires
the assembly of the KGG matrix which is used in the autospc and
this can have a significant impact on performance. This parameter
will also generate the rigid body mass properties.
If MPCFORCE output is requested, this parameter will

automatically be set to YES since a partition of the assembled
stiffness matrix is needed for the calculation of the mpc forces.
EPPRT Default = 1.E-8

Specifies the maximum value of singularities that will be printed.
See AUTOSPC.
EPZERO Default = 1.E-8

Specifies the minimum value that indicates a singularity. See
AUTOSPC.
ERROR Default = -1
If ERROR is set to 0, errors in superelement generation or assembly
(e.g., a singular matrix, a mechanism, a nonpositive definite
matrix, no stiffness, or all upstream superelements not available)
will not terminate the run. The remaining computations for that
superelement will be skipped, and additional superelements will
be attempted. The default value causes a User Fatal Message to
terminate the run. A related parameter is MAXRATIO.
EST Default = 2
EST = +1 requests that the measure (length, area or volume) and
7 volume be computed and printed for each element in the model,
or in the case of superelement analysis, for the SEMG-selected
PARAM
superelements. The default value of 2 causes this data to be
computed but not printed, making it available for element strain
energy density calculations. If EST is set to -1, the calculation is
skipped, and the density data will not be calculated.
EXTDR, Default = NO. See EXTOUT
EXTDROUT
EXTDRUNT Default = 31. See EXTOUT
EXTUNIT Default = 30.
EXTOUT Default = NO.

When inputting the matrices for a reduced external superelement
(SEBULK, CSUPER), there are four options that can be selected
using the parameter EXTOUT. EXTOUT must be placed in the
Case Control Section above any subcase or in the main Bulk Data
Section. The options for Step 1 (see the table at the end of this
discussion) are as follows:
If EXTOUT is set to MATRIXDB, the reduced structural matrices

and loading are stored on the database.
If EXTOUT is set to DMIGDB, the reduced structural matrices

and loading are stored on the database in a format which allows
automatic connection to the analysis model if the identification
numbers of the reduction grid points and scalar points are the same
as the grid points and scalar points used in the analysis model.
If EXTOUT is set to DMIGOP2, the reduced structural matrices

and loading are written in OUTPUT2 format to a tape unit specified
by the parameter EXTUNIT (default=30). The storage format is
the same as the DMIGDB option and allows automatic connection
to the analysis model if the identification numbers of the reduction
grid points and scalar points are the same as the grid points and
scalar points used in the analysis model. The output unit can be
assigned to a specific file by using an ASSIGN command in the File
Management Section.
If EXTOUT is set to DMIGPCH, the reduced structural matrices

and loading are output on the punch file (.pch) in DMIG format.
The procedure for accessing the external superelement information

7
PARAM
depends on the option used to output the external superelement in
Step 1. The methods are as follows:
1. If EXTOUT was MATRIXDB or DMIGDB in Step 1, use the

following commands in the File Management Section:
ASSIGN SEXXX=’step1.MASTER’
DBLOCATE DATABLK=(EXTDB)CONVERT(SEID=xxx),
LOGICAL=SEXXX
where
step1.MASTER is the database from Step 1.
and
xxx is the superelement identification number given to the
partitioned Bulk Data Section for the external superelement.
2. If EXTOUT was DMIGOP2 in Step 1, then use the following

commands in the File Management Section:
ASSIGN INPUTT2=’step1_output2_file’,UNIT=extunit
where
step1_output2_file is the OUTPUT2 file from Step 1.
and
extunit is the unit number specified by the parameter
EXTUNIT (default = 30).
3. If EXTOUT was DMIGPCH in Step 1, then include the

punch file from Step 1 in the partitioned Bulk Data Section.
In addition, add the following Case Control commands in the
subcase for the external superelement:
K2GG=KAAX
P2G=PAX
The SEBULK entry defining the superelement as an external

superelement and the EXTRN entry in the partitioned Bulk
Data Section should not be specified.
If data recovery is desired for the external component in SOLs 101,

103, and 107 through 112, there are three methods of transmitting
the displacements of the reduced model to the external full model.
The method is selected by the parameter EXTDROUT in the
partitioned Bulk Data Section. The options are as follows:
7 1. EXTDROUT set to MATRIXDB. The displacements of the

reduced component model are stored directly on the database.
PARAM
The sequencing of the displacement degrees-of-freedom
corresponds to the sequencing in the reduced model.
2. EXTDROUT set to DMIGDB. The displacements of the reduced

model are stored on the database in a format which allows
automatic connection to the reduced component model if the
reduction grid points and scalar points are the same grid points
and scalar points used in the analysis model. This option can
only be used if EXTOUT was set to DMIGDB or DMIGOP2.
3. EXTDROUT set to DMIGOP2. The same as EXTDROUT set to

DMIGDB except that the displacements of the reduced model
are written in OUTPUT2 format to a tape unit specified by
parameter EXTDRUNT (default = 31). The output unit can
be assigned to a specific file by using an ASSIGN command in
the File Management Section. This option can only be used if
EXTOUT was set to DMIGDB or DMIGOP2.
Data recovery for the external component is limited to SOLs 101

and 103 and 107 through 112. Data recovery is accomplished using
a restart procedure from the data base created in Step 1 and setting
parameter EXTDR to YES. The method on inputting the reduced
displacements into the component model depends on the method
used to output the external component in Step 2. The input methods
are as follows:
1. If EXTDROUT was MATRIXDB or DMIGDB in Step 2, then

add the following commands in the File Management Section:
ASSIGN SEXX=’step1.MASTER’
RESTART LOGICAL=SEXX
ASSIGN SEYYY=’step2.MASTER’
DBLOCATE DATABLK=(EXTDB) WHERE(SEID=yyy),
LOGICAL=SEYYY
where:
step1.MASTER is the database from the Step 1.
step2.MASTER is the database from the Step 2.
and
yyy is the superelement identification number given to the
partitioned Bulk Data Section for the external superelement
in Step 2.
2. If EXTDROUT was DMIGOP2 in Step 2, then add the following

commands in the File Management Section: 7
PARAM
ASSIGN INPUTT2=’step2_output2_file’,UNIT=extdrunt
where
step2_output2_file is the OUTPUT2 file from Step 2.
and
extdrunt is the unit number specified by the parameter

EXTDRUNT (default = 31).
For SOL 101, the Case Control structure must match the system
model subcase structure in the numbers of loading conditions. The
loading used in Step 1 to generate the loads transmitted to the
analysis model must also be specified in this step. If the analysis
model had more loading conditions than the component model, then
the loadings defined in Step 1 must be specified first.
For SOL 103 and 107 through 112, the Case Control structure
must match the analysis model subcase structure in the number of
eigenvalue extractions, FREQ/DLOAD or TSTEP/DLOAD subcases.
Step 1
Step 2 Step 3
Create External
Perform Analysis Data Recovery for External SE
SE
PARAM, a ASSIGN SEXX=’step1.MASTER’ a ASSIGN SEXX=’step1.MASTER’
EXTOUT, DBLOCATE DATABLK=(EXTDB), RESTART LOGICAL=SEXX

CONVERT (SEID=xxx),
MATRIXDB ASSIGN SEYYY=’step2.MASTER’
LOGICAL=SEXX
DBLOCATE DATABLK=(EXTDB),
b PARAM,EXDROUT,MATRIXDB WHERE(SEID=YYY),
LOGICAL=SEYYY
b PARAM,EXTDR,YES
PARAM, a ASSIGN SEXX=’step1.MASTER’ a ASSIGN SEXX=’step1.MASTER’
EXTOUT, DBLOCATE DATABLK=(EXTDB), RESTART LOGICAL=SEXX

CONVERT (SEID=xxx),
DMIGDB ASSIGN SEYYY=’step2.MASTER’
LOGICAL=SEXX
b PARAM,EXDROUT,MATRIXDB WHERE(SEID=YYY),
or
7 PARAM,EXDROUT,DMIGDB
LOGICAL=SEYYY
PARAM ASSIGN INPUTT2=’step2_output_file’,

or
UNIT=Extdrunt
PARAM,EXDROUT,DMIGOP2
b PARAM,EXTDR,YES
Step 1
Step 2 Step 3
Create External
Perform Analysis Data Recovery for External SE
SE
PARAM, a ASSIGN SEXX=’step1.MASTER’

EXTOUT,
DMIGOP2 a ASSIGN RESTART LOGICAL=SEXX
INPUTT2=’step1_output2_file’, Unit
ASSIGN SEYYY=’step2.MASTER’
= extunit
b PARAM,EXDROUT,MATRIXDB
WHERE(SEID=YYY),
or
LOGICAL=SEYYY
PARAM,EXDROUT,DMIGDB
or ASSIGN INPUTT2=’step2_output_file’,
PARAM,EXDROUT,DMIGOP2 UNIT=Extdrunt
b PARAM,EXTDR,YES
Include the.PCH file in partitioned Bulk

PARAM, Data Section and for external SE subcase
EXTOUT,
a K2GG=KAAX
DMIGPCH
P2G=PAX
EXTRCV Default = 0
EXTRCV > 0 indicates that data recovery is to be performed on an

external superelement. In this type of run, the database for the
external superelement must be attached as the primary database
(See “Database Concepts” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide), and the
database that contains the solution vectors, superelement map, and
external/internal grid point equivalence table for its downstream
superelement must be attached via the DBLOCATE statements.
The value of EXTRCV must also be specified in the CONVERT
clause of the DBLOCATE statement for the EMAP data block.
The following example shows the DBLOCATE statements for

external superelement data recovery in SOL 101. 7
ASSIGN DOWNSE=... $ DOWNSTREAM SUPERELEMENT DATABASE PARAM
DBLOC DB=EMAP CONVERT (EXTRCV=500) LOGICAL=DOWNSE
DBLOC DB=UL WHERE (SEID=0) LOGICAL=DOWNSE
DBLOC DB=UG WHERE (SEID=0) LOGICAL=DOWNSE
DBLOC DB=BGPDTS WHERE (PEID=0) LOGICAL=DOWNSE
SOL 101
CEND
SEDR=... $ EXTERNAL SUPERELEMENT ID
.
.
.
BEGIN BULK
PARAM,EXTRCV,500
FACTOR Default = 10000

See OLDSEQ .
FIXEDB Default = 0
FIXEDB is used to reduce the cost of superelement checkout.
FIXEDB = -2 (SOL 101 only) is used on the initial runs when the
user suspects that the superelement may contain errors and that
only operations necessary for fixed-boundary solutions need be
performed. In particular, the generation of the [Goa] matrix is
branched over in the SEKR operation and [Pa] is not generated in
the SELR operation. These operations typically result in 50% of
the reduction cost and are not needed in the fixed-boundary data
recovery operations described in the next paragraph. After this
operation has been completed, the keyword SELANG will appear
in the database dictionary, indicating that the [Pa] stored there
is incomplete, and should not be summed into the downstream
superelement, because System Fatal Message 4252 will be issued.
FlXEDB ≤ -1 (SOLs 101 and 103 only) allows uncoupled solutions

for any superelement with conventional output requests. This
output may be obtained as soon as the superelement is successfully
generated and reduced and does not require that the entire
model be assembled. In superelement statics, the solution is
the component due to the {uoo} vector, i.e., a fixed-boundary
solution. In superelement modes, the solution is the uncoupled
eigenvectors of the component. If PARAM,FIXEDB,-1 is specified
in the Bulk Data or in the residual structure subcase, the modes
of the residual structure will not be computed. For a printout or
plotting of the component mode eigenvectors it is recommended
that PARAM,FIXEDB,-1 be specified in the Bulk Data Section or
above the subcase level in Case Control. If the modes of the residual
7 structure are desired, then PARAM,FlXEDB,0 should be specified in
PARAM the residual structure subcase. Exterior degrees-of-freedom listed
on SECSETi and SESUP entries are free, and those on SEBSETi
degrees-of-freedom are fixed. Data recovery for the residual
structure should not be requested for this option.
FlXEDB = +1 (SOL 101 only) is used after the superelement has

been proven valid. In the SEKR and SELR operations, it provides
a branch over all operations already completed in the SEKR and

SELR phases and completes the generation of the [Goa] matrix
and the boundary stiffness and load matrices. It is also a method
to recover the factor of the [Koo] matrix if the run aborted while
computing [Goa].
FKSYMFAC Default=1.0
FKSYMFAC controls the symmetrization of the follower force
stiffness in SOL 106. By default, the follower force stiffness Kf is
symmetrized as:
and the symmetric part Kfs is used for efficiency. If FKSYMFAC=

0. is specified, the original follower force stiffness Kf is used. If a
value of 0. < FKSYMFAC < 1. is specified, the non-symmetric part
of the follower force stiffness is calculated as:
and the ratio of unsymmetry:
is compared with the user specified value of FKSYMFAC. The norm

||·|| is the absolute maximum number of the matrix.
If r < FKSYMFAC, the symmetric stiffness Kfs is used.
If r > FKSYMFAC, the original unsymmetrical stiffness Kf is used.
For most cases, the symmetrized follower force stiffness (default)

will give sufficiently accurate answers. If the influence of the
non-symmetric part of the follower force stiffness is important, a
value of FKSYMFAC=1.e-9 is recommended. 7
PARAM
The parameter FKSYMFAC is applicable to SOL 106 only. All
other solution sequences symmetrize the follower force stiffness.
See parameter FOLLOWK for a list of solution sequences which
calculate the follower force stiffness.
FLEXINCR Default=0
In SOL 144, a value of YES will cause the TRIM subcases to be

ignored. Instead, the TRIM Bulk Data will be used to obtain the set
of Mach, Dynamic pressure and symmetry values for Unit Solutions
(Flexible Increments). These data can be archived in the aeroelastic
database for subsequent reuse. (Flexible Increments are always
computed. This param merely avoids the TRIM subcase if these
increments are all that is required.)
FLUIDMP Default = 0
In SOLs 111 and 200, under ANALYSIS=MFREQ with
fluid-structure models (see “Performing a Coupled Fluid-Structural
Analysis” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide), fluid modal participation
factors are computed and output for the first n modes of the
fluid defined by user parameters LFREQFL, HFREQFL, and
LMODESFL, where n is specified by PARAM,FLUIDMP,n.
Structural, load, and panel factors are computed and output for
the first n modes of the structure defined by user parameters
LFREQ, HFREQ, and LMODES, where n is specified by
PARAM,STRUCTMP,n. By default, panel factors are computed for
all modes specified by PARAM,STRUCTMP. PARAM,PANELMP,-1
suppresses the calculation and printout of panel participation
factors. If n = -1 for STRUCTMP or FLUIDMP, then factors will
be output for all modes.
By default, factors are computed for all forcing frequencies at all

fluid grid points in the residual structure. If this is not desired,
then the OFREQ Case Control command may be used to specify the
desired forcing frequencies, and the PARTN Case Control command
may be used to specify the desired fluid grid points.
FLUIDSE Default = 0
PARAM,FLUIDSE,seidf specifies a special superelement reserved
for fluid elements. Frequency dependent fluid elements must still
be in the residual. The newer partitioned superelements are not
supported.
7 FOLLOWK Default = YES

PARAM
In SOLs 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 115, and 116,
FOLLOWK=YES (default) requests the inclusion of follower force
stiffness in the differential stiffness. FOLLOWK=NO requests that
the follower force stiffness not be included. For FOLLOWK=YES
in SOLs 103, 105, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 115, and 116, a
separate static subcase is required and the STATSUB command is
also required in the eigenvalue subcase. In nonlinear analysis (SOL
106), the follower force is included if PARAM,LGDISP,1 is specified.
FOLLOWK is ignored in SOL 106 if LGDISP is not specified.
FRQDEPO Default = NO
By default, frequency-dependent elements cannot be connected
to o-set degrees-of-freedom. PARAM,FRQDEPO,YES allows
frequency-dependent elements to be connected to o-set
degrees-of-freedom. However, results may not be reliable.
G,GFL Default = 0.0

G and GFL specify the uniform structural and fluid-damping
coefficient in the formulation of dynamics problems. In coupled
fluid-structure analysis, G is applied to the structural portion of
the model and GFL to the fluid portion of the model. To obtain the
value for the parameter G or GFL, multiply the critical damping
ratio, C/Co, by 2.0. PARAM,G and GFL are not recommended for
use in hydroelastic or heat-transfer problems. If PARAM,G (or
GFL) is used in transient analysis, PARAM,W3 (or W3FL) must
be greater than zero or PARAM,G (or GFL) will be ignored. See
“Formulation of Dynamic Equations in SubDMAP GMA” in the NX
GEOMU Default = 40
See PARAM, POST, 0.
GPECT Default = -1
GPECT controls the printout of all elements connected to each grid
point. GPECT=+1 requests the printout. In superelement analysis,
the list is printed if PARAM,CHECKOUT,YES is specified or the
7
PARAM
SEMG or SEALL Case Control command selects the superelement.
GPECT=-1 suppresses the printout.
GRDPNT Default = -1
GRDPNT>-1 will cause the grid point weight generator to be

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. All
fluid-related masses and masses on scalar points are ignored. The
following weight and balance information is automatically printed
following the execution of the grid point weight generator.
• 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. Note: Change the signs of the off-diagonal
terms to produce the “inertia tensor.”
• 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.
In superelement static or geometric nonlinear analysis, GRDPNT>

-1 also specifies the grid point to be used in computing resultants,
in the basic coordinate system, of external loads and single point
constraint forces applied to each superelement. If GRDPNT
is not a grid point (including the default value of -1), then the
resultants are computed about the origin of the basic coordinate
7 system. In superelement analysis, weights and resultants are
computed for each superelement without the effects of its upstream
PARAM
superelements.
For the CTRIAX6, CTRIAX, and CQUADX elements, the masses

and inertias are reported for the entire model of revolution but the
center of gravity is reported for the cross section in the x-z plane.
GUSTAERO Default = 1
If gust loads are to be computed, for example on restart, set
GUSTAERO to -1. The default is recommended if no gust loads are
to be computed after the flutter analysis.
HEATSTAT Default = NO
In SOL 101, if PARAM,HEATSTAT,YES is entered, then
temperatures are computed in a linear steady state heat transfer
and then applied as thermal loads in a subsequent thermal
stress analysis. Two subcases are required. The first defines the
temperature loads, boundary conditions, and output requests for the
heat transfer analysis and the second subcase defines the thermal
loads, boundary conditions, and output requests for the thermal
stress analysis. Thermal loads in the second subcase are requested
through the command
TEMP(LOAD) = Heat Transfer Subcase ID
If this default is not acceptable, then in the heat transfer subcase

add the Case Control word TSTRU=SID and in the structures
subcase here
TEMP(LOAD) = SID
See the Case Control command, TSTRU. PARAM,NESET is no

longer used. HEATSTAT is not supported for p-elements.
HFREQ, Default = 1.+30

HFREQFL
The parameters LFREQ, HFREQ, LFREQFL, and HFREQFL
specify the frequency range in cycles per unit time of the modes to
be used in the modal formulations. (LFREQ and LFREQFL are the
lower limits and HFREQ and HFREQFL are the upper limits.) In
coupled fluid-structure analysis, HFREQ and LFREQ are applied to
the structural portion of the model and HFREQFL and LFREQFL
are applied to the fluid portion of the model. Note that the
default for HFREQ and HFREQFL will usually include all vectors
computed. Related parameters are LMODES and LMODESFL.
IFP Default = value of PARAM,DBALL

7
PARAM
See DBALL
IFTM Default = 0
IFTM specifies the method for Inverse Fourier Transformation in

SOLs 111 and 146. See the NX Nastran Aeroelastic Analysis User’s
Guide for further discussion. Permissible values are 0, 1, and 2. The
default value is recommended.
0: constant (default)
1: piecewise linear
2: cubic spline
INP4FMT Default = 32
Determines if binary files are read into NX Nastran as 32-bit or
64-bit on ILP-64 workstations only. If used with a customized
solution sequence, (that is, a solution which does not use phase0.dat
dmap), use system cell 416=1 instead.
= 32 When a 32-bit OP4 file is read, the data is converted to 64-bit

on ILP-64.
= 64 When a 64-bit OP4 file is read, the data is read directly as

64-bit on ILP-64.
INREL Default = 0
INREL controls the calculation of inertia relief or enforced
acceleration in SOLs 101, 105, and 200. INREL = -1 requests that
inertia relief or enforced acceleration be performed INREL=-2
(SOL 101 only) requests automatic inertia relief, in which case no
SUPORT entries are necessary.
SUPORT or SUPORT1 entries are required on one or more grid

points in the Bulk Data Section which restrain rigid body motion.
The total number of degrees-of-freedom specified on SUPORT and
SUPORT1 entries must be less than or equal to six.
In SOL 105, SUPORT1, not SUPORT, Bulk Data entries must be

used to define the supported degrees-of-freedom and the SUPORT1
Case Control command may only be specified in a separate static
subcase.
7 Loads due to unit rigid body accelerations at the point referenced
PARAM
by PARAM,GRDPNT are computed and then appended to the
external loads. If PARAM,GRDPNT is specified in superelement
analysis, then the point must be interior to the residual structure
and exterior to all superelements.
Enforced accelerations, if desired, are input on the DMlG,UACCEL

Bulk Data entry (not supported for the INREL=-2 option).
If INREL=0, a static analysis is performed.
See also:
“Data Recovery Operations in SubDMAP SEDISP” in the NX

Nastran User’s Guide
“Buckling Analysis in SubDMAP MODERS” in the NX Nastran

User’s Guide
“Automatic Inertia Relief ” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide
IRES Default = -1
lRES=1 requests that the residual load vectors RULV and RUOV
be output in all solution sequences. In superelement analysis, the
parameters PRPA and PRPJ may also be used to request output
of the partial load vectors {Pa} and {Pj}, respectively. In geometric
nonlinear analysis, PARAM,lRES,1 will cause the printing of the
residual vector as follows:
ITAPE Default = -1
ITAPE specifies the output status of the DSCMR matrix in SOLs
101, 103, and 105; and the DSCMCOL table and the DSCM2 matrix
in SOL 200. (See the OUTPUT2 and OUTPUT4 module descriptions
in the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide.)
IUNIT Default = 11
IUNIT specifies the FORTRAN unit number on which the DSCMR
matrix in Design Sensitivity SOLs 101, 103, and 105 and the
DSCMCOL table and the DSCM2 matrix in SOL 200 will be written.
(See the OUTPUT2 and OUTPUT4 module descriptions in the NX
Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide.)
KDAMP, Default = 1 7
KDAMPFL PARAM
If KDAMP or KDAMPFL is set to -1, viscous modal damping is
entered into the complex stiffness matrix as structural damping.
In coupled fluid-structure analysis, KDAMP is applied to the
structural portion of the model and KDAMPFL to the fluid portion
of the model. See “Formulation of Dynamic Equations in SubDMAP
GMA” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
KDIAG Default = -1.0 (SOLs 4, 106, and 153 only)

In nonlinear static analysis, KDIAG may be used to eliminate
spurious mechanisms and singularities in the nonlinear stiffness
matrix. The absolute value of KDIAG will be added to some or all of
the diagonal terms in the nonlinear stiffness matrix as follows:
If KDIAG < 0.0, then add the absolute value of KDIAG to the null
diagonal terms only. (Default)
If KDIAG = 0.0, then no action is taken.
If KDIAG > 0.0, then add the value of KDIAG to all diagonal terms.
K6ROT Default = 100.0

K6ROT specifies the stiffness to be added to the normal rotation
for CQUAD4 and CTRIA3 elements. This is an alternate method
to suppress the grid point singularities, and is intended primarily
for geometric nonlinear analysis. A value between 1.0 and 100.0
is recommended to suppress singularities. A large value may be
required in nonlinear and eigenvalue analyses. This parameter is
ignored for CQUADR, CTRIAR, CQUAD8, and CTRIA6 elements.
K6ROT is forced to 0 when only membrane elements exist.
LAMLIN Default = 0.001

LAMLIN is used by the NX Response Dynamics Capability to
identify rigid body modes for computing the viscous damping ratio
matrix which is written to the OP2 file when RSOPT =1. The
frequencies below the LAMLIM value will be considered a rigid body
mode. The column and rows of the viscous damping ratio matrix
associated with the rigid body will be set to zero.
LANGLE Default = 1
LANGLE specifies the method for processing large rotations in
nonlinear analysis. By default, large rotations are computed with
the gimbal angle method in nonlinear analyses SOLs 106, 129,
153, and 159 with geometric nonlinearity (PARAM,LGDlSP,1). If
7 PARAM,LANGLE,2 is specified, then they are computed with the
Rotation Vector method. The value of LANGLE cannot be changed
PARAM
in a subsequent restart.
LFREQ, Default = 0.0

LFREQFL
See HFREQ, HFREQFL.
LGDISP Default = -1
If LGDlSP + 1, all the nonlinear element types that have a large
displacement capability in SOLs 106, 129, 153, and 159 (see
“Element Summary – Small Strain Elements” in the NX Nastran
Element Library under “Geometric Nonlinear”) will be assumed to
have large displacement effects (updated element coordinates and
follower forces). If LGDlSP = -1, then no large displacement effects
will be considered.
SOLs 601 and 701 support LGDISP = +1 or -1 only.
Deformation dependent loading in SOLs 601 and 701 is controlled

by the LOADOPT parameter in the NXSTRAT Bulk Data entry.
If LGDISP = 2, then follower force effects will be ignored but large

displacement effects will be considered.
If LGDISP ≥ 0, then the differential stiffness is computed for

the linear elements and added to the differential stiffness of the
nonlinear elements.
LGSTRN LGSTRN is supported by SOLs 601 and 701 only.
If LGSTRN = 0, small strains are assumed. (Default)
If LGSTRN= 1, large strains, displacements and rotations are

assumed, (i.e. LGDISP is automatically set to 1).
LMODES, Default = 0
LMODESFL
LMODES and LMODESFL are the number of lowest modes to
use in a modal formulation. In coupled fluid-structure analysis,
LMODES specifies the lowest modes of the structural portion of
the model and LMODESFL the modes of the fluid portion of the
model. If LMODES (or LMODESFL) = 0, the retained modes are
determined by the parameters LFREQ and HFREQ (or LFREQFL
and HFREQFL).
In SOL 103, LMODES may be used to reduce the number

of eigenvectors to be processed in data recovery which may 7
significantly reduce the CPU and storage costs. PARAM
LOADU Default = -1
See PARMAM, POST, 0.

LOOPID Default = 0
LOOPID defines the desired loop number for initial conditions in a

restart of SOLs 106, 129, 153, and 159. By default in SOLs 106 and
153 the restart proceeds from the last loop ID of the subcase defined
by SUBCASID or SUBID. In SOLs 106, and 153 PARAM,SUBID or
SUBCASID may also be specified.
LSTRN Replaced by the STRAIN Case Control command.
MACH Default = 0.0

Mach number. If more than one Mach number was used to compute
aerodynamic matrices, the one closest to MACH will be used in
dynamic aeroelastic response analysis. The default causes the
matrices computed at the lowest MACH number to be used.
MAXLP Default = 5
MAXLP specifies the maximum number of iterations for element
relaxation and material point subincrement processes in SOLs 129
and 159. MAXLP is 10 in SOLs 106 and 153 and cannot be changed
by the user.
MAXRATIO Default = 1.E7
Default = 1E10 if glue, linear contact or Lagrange rigid elements

are present in the model.
The ratios of terms on the 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 MAXRATIO,
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 (nonpositive definite).
The ratios greater than MAXRATIO and less than zero and their
associated external grid identities will be printed out. The program
will then take appropriate action as directed by the parameter
BAILOUT.
7 By default, in the superelement solution sequences the program

PARAM will terminate processing for that superelement. A negative value
for BAILOUT directs the program to continue processing the
superelement. Although forcing the program to continue with
near-singularities is a useful modeling checkout technique, it may
lead to solutions of poor quality or fatal messages later in the run.
It is recommended that the default values be used for production
runs. A related parameter is ERROR.
The value -1 of BAILOUT causes the program to continue processing

with near singularities and a zero value will cause the program to
exit if near singularities are detected.
In SOLs 101 through 200 when PARAM,CHECKOUT,YES is

specified, PARAM,MAXRATIO sets the tolerance for detecting
multipoint constraint equations with poor linear independence. (See
“Superelement Analysis” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.)
BAILOUT and MAXRATIO may be specified in the Case Control

Section in order to provide different values between superelements
but not between different boundary conditions.
MECHFIL Default=1.E-6
Criterion for discarding massless mechanism modes with small
generalized mass. A smaller value will result in more marginal
constraint modes being retained.
MECHFIX Default=AUTO
Control for fixing the massless mechanism problem. The new
capability is provided automatically for the default of this
parameter, listed above. The new capability is executed only when
the eigensolution does not provide answers because of symptoms
consistent with the presence of massless mechanisms. If MECHFIX
is set to YES, the constraint modes are removed before attempting
an eigensolution. When set to NO, the new capability is blocked,
and the eigensolution uses the pre MSC.Nastran 2001 rules, i.e.,
three failed shifts and a fatal exit.
MECHPRT Default=NO
For SOL 103 only, if massless mechanisms are found the constraint
modes are printed with a format similar to eigenvectors when this
parameter is set to YES. They are labeled CONSTRAINT MODES,
and are numbered sequentially. Grid points with only zero values
in a mode are not printed. This parameter should be used when
performing initial checkout of a model and a goal is to remove all
massless mechanisms before starting production analysis. The 7
number of each “mode” matches the corresponding GID,C pair in the PARAM
high ratio message. If there are many (thousands) of such modes
the output file will be large.
MESH Default = NO
If MESH=YES is specified, then a summary of the shading status

and the subelement mesh for each CHBDYi element referencing a
VIEW Bulk Data entry is printed.
METHCMRS Default = 0
In dynamic analysis (SOLs 103, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 145,
146, and 200), METHCMRS specifies the set identification number
of an EIGR or EIGRL entry to be used in the computation of the
normal modes on the o-set (fixed boundary modes) or v-set (mixed
boundary modes) of the residual structure depending on the b-set
and/or c-set entries.
These modes are calculated for a component mode reduction of

the residual structure when q-set exists. If no q-set exists in the
residual structure, a component modal reduction is not performed.
The case control entry RSMETHOD has the same effect as the
METHCMRS parameter. If both of them exist, the RSMETHOD
takes precedence. If neither exists, a warning message is issued
since only Guyan reduction will be executed and the results are
poor. In the latter case, the residual structure fixed boundary
normal modes or mixed boundary normal modes will be computed
based on the METHOD Case Control command and the appropriate
b-set and c-set entries.
MINIGOA Default = No
Allows for the reduction in the amount of disk space used when
using superelements. When this parameter is set to YES, the
transformation matrix GOA will contain terms only for the
degrees-of-freedom in the U5 (USET, USET1, SEUSET, SEUSET1)
set. This can allow for a significant reduction in the amount of disk
space used by the database. The limitation of using this approach is
that data recovery will be available only for the degrees-of-freedom
and elements connected to them.
MODACC Default = -1
7
PARAM
MODACC = 0 selects the mode acceleration method for data

recovery in dynamic analysis. See “Formulation of Dynamic
Equations in SubDMAP GMA” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide for
further discussion.
MODACC = 1 is the same as MODACC = 0 except if SUPORTi

entries are present then the displacements are corrected for
rigid body motion and the local flexibility at the SUPORTi
degrees-of-freedom.
MODACC ≥ 0 is not recommended for use in hydroelastic problems.
MODEL Default = 0
This parameter also allows several models to be stored in the same
graphics database created by PARAM,POST,0.
MODESEL Default = NO
This parameter is used, along with the DMI (direct matrix input)
card, in a Rotor Dynamics solution to select or deselect specific
modes. See the NX Nastran Rotor Dynamics User’s Guide for a full
description on using this parameter.
MPCX Default = 0
See OLDSEQ .
NASPRT Default = 0
NASPRT specifies how often data recovery is performed and printed

in SOL 200. By default, SOL 200, in addition to performing an
analysis and optimization, will perform full data recovery operations
at the first design cycle and upon completion of the last design cycle.
If NASPRT > 0, then data recovery operations are performed at the

first design cycle; at every design cycle that is a multiple of NASPRT;
and the last design cycle. For example, if PARAM,NASPRT,2 and
the maximum number of design iterations requested is 5, then data
recovery is obtained at design iterations 1, 2, 4, and 5. 7
If NASPRT < 0, then no data recovery operations are performed. PARAM
NDAMP Default = 0.01

In SOLs 129 and 159, numerical damping may be specified for the
METHOD=“ADAPT” on the TSTEPNL entry (two-point integration)
in order to achieve numerical stability. A value of zero requests
no numerical damping. The recommended range of values is from
0.0 to 0.1.
NEWSEQ Renamed OLDSEQ.
NINTPTS Default = 10
NINTPTS requests interpolation over the NINTPTS elements
closest to each grid point. NINTPTS=0 requests interpolation over
all elements, which can be computationally intensive. Related
parameters include BlGER, CURV, NUMOUT, OG, OUTOPT, S1G,
S1M, S1AG and S1AM.
NLAYERS Default=5 (minimum=1, maximum=12) (SOLs 106, 129, 153, and

159)
NLAYERS is used in material nonlinear analysis only and is
the number of layers used to integrate through the thickness of
CQUAD4 and CTRlA3 elements with isotropic material properties.
Set NLAYERS=1 for efficiency if no bending is selected (MID2=0 or
-1 on all PSHELL data entries). Do not specify NLAYERS=1 if MID2
is greater than zero. A larger value of NLAYERS will give greater
accuracy at the cost of computing time and storage requirements.
NLHTLS Default=0
See Remarks under Case Control command, TSTRU..
NLTOL Default = 2 (SOL 106 only)
Default = 0 (SOL 153, nonlinear heat transfer)
7
PARAM
NLTOL establishes defaults for the CONV, EPSU, EPSP and

EPSW fields of NLPARM Bulk Data entry for nonlinear static and
heat transfer analysis according to the following table.
NLTOL Level of Accuracy

0 Very high
1 High
2 Engineering Design
3 Preliminary Design
See the NLPARM entry for further details and corresponding

default NLPARM field values.
NMLOOP Default = 0
In SOLs 106 and 153, nonlinear static analysis, normal modes
will be computed with the updated nonlinear stiffness if
PARAM,NMLOOP is not equal to zero. The nonlinear normal
modes will be computed at the last iteration loop of each subcase in
which a METHOD command appears.
NOCOMPS Default = +1
NOCOMPS controls the computation and printout of composite
element ply stresses and failure indices. If NOCOMPS = 1,
composite element ply stresses and failure indices will be printed.
If NOCOMPS = 0, the same quantities plus element stresses for
the equivalent homogeneous element will be printed. Composite
stress recovery is not available for complex stresses.
If NOCOMPS = -1, the composite element ply stresses and failure

indices output will be suppressed while the element stresses for
the equivalent homogeneous element will be printed.
Remember, homogenous stresses are based upon a smeared

representation of the laminate’s properties and in general will be
significantly different than the more accurate lamina stresses
available from PCOMP-based elements.
7
PARAM
NOELOF Default = -1
If NOELOF > 0, then the grid point forces (GPFORCE Case Control
command) are computed along the edges of the two-dimensional
elements. The default value will suppress this output.
NOELOP Default = -1
If NOELOP > 0, then the sum of the grid point forces (GPFORCE
Case Control command) are computed parallel to the edges of
adjacent elements. The effect of CBAR element offsets is not
considered in the calculation of the forces. The default value will
suppress this output.
NOFISR Default = 0
NOFISR controls the printout of the composite failure indices and
strength ratios. If NOFISR > 0, the failure indices and strength
ratios will not be printed.
NOGPF Default = 1
NOGPF controls the printout of grid point forces (GPFORCE Case
Control command). NOGPF > 0 specifies that the grid point forces
are to be printed. NOGPF < 0 suppresses the printing of the grid
point forces.
NOMSGSTR Default = 0
If NOMSGSTR = -1, the MSGSTRES module will be skipped even
though Bulk Data entries provided for it.
NONCUP Default = -1
In SOLs 12 and 112, NONCUP selects either a coupled or
noncoupled solution algorithm in modal transient response analysis.
See “Transient Response in SubDMAPs SEDTRAN and SEMTRAN”
in the NX Nastran User’s Guide. By default, the noncoupled
solution algorithm is selected unless the dynamic matrices KHH,
MHH, or BHH have off-diagonal terms. NONCUP=1 requests the
coupled algorithm and -2 the uncoupled algorithm regardless of
the existence of off-diagonal terms in the dynamic matrices. User
Information Message 5222 indicates which algorithm is used in
the analysis.
NORM Default = 0
7
PARAM See EIGD.
NQSET Default = 0
If NQSET > 0, and the PARAM entry is in Case Control, all

part superelements that do not contain QSET entries, or are not
referenced by SENQSET entries in the main Bulk Data Section,
have NQSET generalized coordinates assigned to them. These
QSET variables are functionally equivalent to those generated by
SENQSET entries.
NUMOUT, See S1, S1G, S1M.
NUMOUT1,
NUMOUT2
OG Default = 0
See CURV.
OGEOM Default = YES

See PARAM, POST < 0.
OLDSEQ Default = -1 for non-iterative distributed parallel solutions
Default = 5 for iterative solutions using parallel methods

(NASTRAN ITER = 1 and system (231) > 0)
Default = 6 if Super = 2
OLDSEQ selects from the following options for resequencing:
–1 : No resequencing is performed.
1: Use the active/passive option.
2: Use the band option.
3: For the active/passive and the band option select the option
giving the lowest RMS value of the active columns for each
group of grid points.
4: Use the wavefront (Levy) option. 7

PARAM
5: Use the Gibbs-King option even if the CPU estimate is
higher than for nonsequencing.
6: Use the automatic nested dissection option even if the CPU

estimate is higher than for no resequencing. See the following
SUPER=2 description.
8: Semiautomatic selection. The program will compute

estimates for two options that are suitable for the decomposition
method selected by the PARALLEL and SPARSE keywords on
the NASTRAN statement and select the option with the lowest
estimate. The following table shows the suitable options for
each decomposition method.
Decomposition Method Suitable Options

regular 1 and 4
parallel 2 and 5
sparse 6 and 7
Note that the wavefront option does not support superelement

resequencing or starting nodes. Also note that the automatic nested
dissection option uses starting nodes only to establish the root of
the initial connectivity tree.
If the value of OLDSEQ is changed in superelement analysis, a

SEALL=ALL restart is required.
PARAM,FACTOR is used to generate the sequenced identification

number (SEQlD) on the SEQGP entry as follows:
SEQlD=FACTOR*GRP+SEQ
where
SEQ = generated sequence number
and
GRP = group sequence number
If GRP=0, use GRP(MAX)+1 where GRP(MAX) is the largest group

sequence number in the database.
PARAM,MPCX controls whether the grid point connectivity created

by the MPC, MPCADD, and MPCAX entries and/or the rigid
7 element entries (e.g., RBAR) is considered during resequencing:
PARAM
-1: Do not consider the connectivity of the MPC, MPCADD,
MPCAX, or rigid element entries.
0: Consider the connectivity of the rigid element entries only.

(Default).
>0: Consider the connectivity of the rigid element entries

and the MPC, MPCADD, and MPCAX entries with the set
identification number set to the value of this parameter.
PARAM,SEQOUT controls the output options as follows:
0: Do not generate any printed or punched output for the new

sequence. (Default)
1: Print a table of the internal/external sequence in internal

order.
2: Write the SEQGP entries to the PUNCH file.
3: Perform SEQOUT=1 and 2.
PARAM,START specifies the number of the grid points at the

beginning of the input sequence. The input sequence will be the
sorted order of the grid point numbers including the effect of any
SEQGP entries input by the user. A single SEQGP entry can be
input to select the starting point for the new sequence. Otherwise,
the first point of lowest connectivity will be used as the starting
point.
If PARAM,SUPER<0, all grid points from the connection table that

are not part of the group currently being processed are deleted.
This option provides for sequencing only the interior points of a
superelement. If any superelements are present, the residual
structure is not resequenced. If all the grid points are in the
residual structure, they are resequenced.
If PARAM,SUPER=0 or 1, all grid points in the connection table

are considered. This option provides for the recognition of passive
columns.
If PARAM,SUPER=2, then all points that are connected to

multipoint constraints (via MPC entries) or rigid elements (e.g.,
the RBAR entry) are placed in a special group at the end of the 7
sequence. This option also forces OLDSEQ=6 and may not be PARAM
selected with other values of OLDSEQ. This option is intended
primarily for models that have many active columns due to MPCs
or rigid elements; e.g., a model with disjoint structures connected
only by MPCs or rigid elements.
OMAXR Default = 2*BUFFSlZE

OMAXR specifies the maximum record length of data written
by the OUTPUT2 module under PARAM,POST,<0 and
PARAM,OPTEXIT,*4. BUFFSIZE is a machine-dependent value
defined in the NX Nastran Installation and Operations Guide.
For further information, see the OMAXR parameter description
under the OUTPUT2 module description in NX Nastran DMAP
OMID Default = NO
To print or punch the results in the material coordinate system,
set the parameter OMID to yes. Applicable to forces, strains, and
stresses for CTRIA3, CQUAD4, CTRIA6, CQUAD8, CQUADR and
CTRIAR elements. Other elements and outputs are not supported.
This capability is not supported by pre-processors (xdb and OP2
output do not change) and grid point stress output which assume
output is in the element coordinate system.
See Also
“Using the OMID Parameter to Output Shell Element Results” in

the NX Nastran Element Library
OP2FMT Default = 0
Determines if OUTPUT2 binary results files are written as 32-bit
or 64-bit from ILP-64 workstations only. If used with a customized
= 0: The solution will automatically check if a PARAM, POST,n

entry exists, and that n is less than 0. If this exists, the OP2 file is
converted to 32-bit. If not, then the OP2 file is written as 64-bit.
= 32: The OP2 file will always be converted to the 32-bit format
from ILP-64 workstations.
= 64: The OP2 file will always be written in the 64-bit format from
7 ILP-64 workstations, thus no conversion is done.
PARAM
OP4FMT Default = 32
Determines if OUTPUT4 binary results output is written as 32-bit

or 64-bit from ILP-64 workstations only. If used with a customized
= 32: The OP4 file will always be converted to the 32-bit format
from ILP-64 workstations.
= 64: The OP4 file will always be written in the 64-bit format from
ILP-64 workstations, thus no conversion is done.
OPGTKG Default = -1
OPGTKG > -1 prints the matrix for the interpolation between the
structural and aerodynamic degrees-of-freedom.
OPPHIB Default = -1
In the flutter (SOLs 145 and 200) and aeroelastic (SOLs 146 and
200) solution sequences, OPPHIB > -1 and a DISPLACEMENT
request in the Case Control Section will output the real vibration
modes with the structural displacement components transformed
to the basic coordinate system.
OPPHIPA Default = -1
In the flutter (SOLs 145 and 200) and the dynamic aeroelastic (SOL
146) solution sequences, OPPHIPA > -1 and a DISPLACEMENT
command in the Case Control Section will output the real vibration
modes at all degrees-of-freedom, including the aerodynamic
degrees-of-freedom.
OPTEXIT Default = 0
In SOL 200, especially during the checkout of the analysis model
and the design optimization input data (design model), it may be
desirable to exit the solution sequence at certain points before
proceeding with full optimization. OPTEXIT may be set to values of
1 through 7 and -4. The DSAPRT Case Control command overrides
the specification of PARAM,OPTEXIT,4, -4, or 7. The description of
OPTEXlT values follow.
7
PARAM
OPTEXIT
Description
Value
0 Do not exit. Proceed with optimization.
Exit after the initialization of the analysis and

1 design model but before finite element analysis
begins.
Exit after finite element analysis and initial design
2
response and shape basis vector processing.
Exit after design constraint evaluation and
3
screening.
Exit after design sensitivity analysis and print
the matrix of design sensitivity coefficients
4
(DSCM2). This is equivalent to the DSAPRT
(UNFORM,END=SENS) Case Control command.
Exit after design sensitivity analysis and write
the data blocks related to sensitivity coefficients
(DSCM2 and DSCMCOL) to an external file using
-4 the OUTPUT2 and OUTPUT4 modules. This is
equivalent to the DSAPRT (NOPRINT,EXPORT
END=SENS) Case Control command. See related
parameters ITAPE, IUNIT, and OMAXR.
Exit after the first approximate optimization of the
5
design model.
Exit after the first update of the analysis model
6 based on the first approximate optimization of the
design model.
Compute and output design sensitivity coefficients
at the end of normal program termination: hard
7 convergence, soft convergence, or maximum
design cycles. This is equivalent to the DSAPRT
(UNFORM,START=LAST) Case Control command.
OPTION Default = ABS

See SCRSPEC.
7
PARAM OSWELM Default=1 000 000
This is the offset for identification numbers of generated m-set
constraints in CWELD elements. The numbering starts with
OSWELM+1. For each CWELD element, two sets of RWELD
constraints are generated if MSET=ON is specified. See MSET and
the Bulk Data entry PWELD.
OSWPPT Default= 1 000 000

This is the offset for grid identification numbers of GA and GB in
CWELD elements. The numbering starts with OSWPPT+1. For
each CWELD element, a pair of grid points GA and GB is generated
internally if the formats GRIDID or ELEMID are used and if no
identification numbers for GA and GB are specified. See the Bulk
Data entry CWELD.
OUGCORD See POST.
OUNIT1 Default = Value of OUNIT2

See POST.
OUNIT2 Default = 12
See POST.
OUTOPT Default = 0
See CURV.
OUTPUT Default = 0 (SOL 4 only)

In SOL 4 geometric nonlinear analysis, OUTPUT controls restarts
in a loop. If it is desired to skip operations in the loop prior to stress
recovery, set OUTPUT = -1.
PANELMP Default = 0
See FLUIDMP.
PATVER Default = 3.0

See PARAM, POST, -1.
PDRMSG Default = 1
PDRMSG controls the printout of messages associated with
deformed plots, including error messages. PDRMSG = 0 suppresses 7
the printout. Contour values will not be displayed unless the PARAM
default value is used.
PEDGEP Default = 0
Cubic edges of p-elements can be created with the FEEDGE Bulk

Data entry by defining two vertex grids and two points in between.
By default, the two points on an edge are moved to the parametric
1/3 and 2/3 locations of the edge. For PEDGEP = 1 the points are
not moved.
PKRSP Default = -1
If PKRSP=0, the magnitude of the output quantities at the time
of peak acceleration of the modal variables is output. The SRSS
technique that is used for response spectra is described in “Shock
and Response Spectrum Analysis” in the NX Nastran Advanced
Dynamic Analysis User’s Guide. This option is available only for
modal transient analysis.
PLTMSG Default = 1
PARAM,PLTMSG,0 suppresses messages associated with
undeformed plot requests, including error messages.
POST Default = 1
If PARAM,POST,0, then the following parameters and discussion
apply:
The data blocks often used for pre- and postprocessing will be
stored in the database and also converted, by the DBC module (see
the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide) to a format suitable
for processing. These data blocks include input data related to
geometry, connectivity, element and material properties, and static
loads; they also include output data requested through the Case
Control commands OLOAD, SPCF, DISP, VELO, ACCE, THERMAL,
ELSTRESS, ELFORCE, FLUX, GPSTRESS, GPFORCE, ESE,
GPSDCON, and ELSDCON.
The converted data is written to logical FORTRAN units, which

may be assigned to physical files in the File Management Section.
The FORTRAN unit numbers are specified by the parameters
GEOMU, POSTU, and LOADU. By default, all data is written to
the logical FORTRAN unit indicated by GEOMU. If LOADU >
7 0, static load data may be diverted to another unit indicated by
PARAM LOADU. If POSTU > 0, then output data requested with the Case
Control commands listed above will be diverted to the logical unit
indicated by POSTU. See “Database Concepts”in the NX Nastran
User’s Guide for the procedure for assigning physical files.
By default, if converted data already exists in the files indicated by

GEOMU, POSTU, and LOADU, then the DBC module will overwrite
the old data. If this is not desirable, then PARAM,DBCOVWRT,NO

must be entered. The parameters MODEL and SOLID may be used
to store more than one model and solution in the graphics database.
These parameters are not supported by MSC.Patran.
PARAM,DBCDlAG > 0 requests the printing of various diagnostic

messages from the DBC module (see NX Nastran DMAP
Programmer’s Guide) during data conversion. By default, no
messages are printed.
If PARAM,POST,<0, then the following parameters and discussion

apply:
PARAM,POST,-1 outputs the appropriate files for the MSC.Patran

NASPAT program. PARAM,POST,-2 outputs the appropriate files
for the I-DEAS Dataloader program. PARAM,POST,-4 outputs the
files indicated below along with OPHIG for the MSC_NF interface
by LMS International. PARAM,POST,-5 outputs the files indicated
in the table below along with LAMA and OPHG1 for the FemTools
interface by Dynamic Design Solutions. PARAM, POST=-4 and -5
are intended for SOL 103 only.
An OUTPUT2 file for FORTRAN unit 12 in binary format is

automatically created in the same directory and with the same
name as the input file and with the extension “.OP2”. For example,
if the input file is fender.dat then the OUTPUT2 file will be called
fender.OP2.
An ASSIGN statement is required in the FMS Section only if

neutral file format is desired as follows:
ASSIGN OP2=‘filename of FORTRAN file’ FORM
Geometry data blocks are output with PARAM,OGEOM,YES

(except with PARAM,PATVER<3.0) and are written to a FORTRAN
unit specified by PARAM,OUNIT1 (Default = OUNIT2) for PARAM,
POST = -1, -2, and -4. PARAM,OUNIT2K (default = 91) specifies
the unit number for KELM and KDICT with PARAM,POST,-5.
PARAM,OUNIT2M (default = 92) specifies the unit number for
MELM and MDICT with PARAM,POST,-5. See the following table 7
for the specific geometry data blocks written for different values for PARAM
POST.
See also the PARAM,POSTEXT description for additional data

blocks written to the.OP2 file.
Geometry Data
POST Description
Block
-1 -2 -4 -5
YES NO NO NO GEOM1S, Grid Point Definitions

GEOM1VU (Superelement)
NO YES YES NO CSTM Coordinate SystemTransformations
NO YES YES NO GPL Grid Point List
NO YES YES NO GPDT Grid Point Definitions
NO YES YES NO EPT Element Properties
NO YES YES NO MPT Material Properties
NO YES YES NO GEOM2 Element Definitions
NO YES NO NO GEOM3 Load Definitions
NO YES NO NO GEOM4 Constraint Definitions
YES NO NO NO DIT Dynamic Table Input
YES NO NO NO DYNAMICS Dynamic Loads Definition
NO NO YES YES KDICT Element Stiffness Dictionary
NO NO YES YES KELM Element Stiffness Matrices
NO NO YES YES MDICT Element Mass Dictionary
NO NO YES YES MELM Element Mass Matrices
NO NO NO NO ECTS Element Connections
YES NO NO NO VIEWTB View Element Table
YES NO NO NO EDOM Design Model Input
YES NO NO NO GEOM2S, Same as GEOM2 for superelements

GEOM2VU
YES NO NO NO CSTMS Same as CSTM for superelements
YES NO NO NO EPTS Same as EPT for superelements
YES NO NO NO MPTS Same as MPT for superelements
Note: *With PARAM,PATVER,v3.0 (default)

7
PARAM
PARAM,OMACHPR,NO (default) selects the MSC.Nastran

Version 68 (and 68.2) format for GPDT, CSTM, and GEOM1.
PARAM,OMACHPR,YES selects the MSC.Nastran Version 69
format.
For PARAM,POST = -1 and -2, results data blocks are output to a

FORTRAN unit specified by PARAM,OUNlT2 (Default = 12). This
parameter is allowed to vary between superelements. In buckling
solution sequences (SOLs 5 and 105), a unique value of OUNIT2
should be specified for the buckling subcase. See also the related
parameter OMAXR.
By default, under PARAM,PATVER, ≥ 3.0, the displacements are

output in the global coordinate system. To output in the basic
coordinate system, specify PARAM,OUGCORD,BASIC. Under
PARAM,PATVER,<3.0, the opposite is true.
PARAM,POST,-1: Results Data Blocks for MSC.Patran
By default, the following data blocks are output under

PARAM,POST,-1. The following parameters may be used to disable
the output of data blocks to the OUTPUT2 file. For example, if
PARAM,OQG,NO is specified, then the SPCFORCE output is
not written to the OUTPUT2 file. PARAM,PATVER selects the
appropriate version of MSC.Patra.n (Default = 3.0)
Parameter Data Block

PARAM, PATVER Case Control Description
Name Name
<3.0 >3.0
YES YES OQG SPCFORCE OQG1 Forces of single-point

constraint
YES NO OUG DISP OUGV1PAT Displacements in the basic

coordinate system
YES YES OUG DISP OUGV1 Displacements in the

global coordinate system
YES NO OES STRESS OES1 Element stresses (linear

elements only)
YES NO OEF FORCE OEF1 Element forces or heat

7
flux (linear elements only)
PARAM
YES YES OEE STRAIN OSTR1 Element strains
YES YES OGPS GPSTRESS OGS1 Grid point stresses
YES YES OESE ESE ONRGY1 Element strain energy

Parameter Data Block

PARAM, PATVER Case Control Description
Name Name
<3.0 >3.0
YES YES OGPF GPFORCE OGPFB1 Grid point force balance

table
NO YES OEFX FORCE OEF1X Element forces with

intermediate (CBAR and
CBEAM) station forces
and forces on nonlinear
elements
NO YES OESX STRESS OES1X Element stresses with

intermediate (CBAR and
CBEAM) station stresses
and stresses on nonlinear
elements
NO YES OPG OLOAD OPG1 Applied static loads
NO YES OCMP STRESS OES1C Ply stresses
NO YES OCMP STRAIN OSTR1C Ply strains
NO YES none DISP OUPV1 OQP1 Scaled Response Spectra
SPCFORCE DOEF1 DOES1
FORCE DOSTR1
STRESS STRAIN
none LAMA Nonlinear Buckling
NO YES none DISP OLOAD OCRUG

OCRPG
NO YES none NLSTRESS OESNLXR Nonlinear static stresses
NO YES none BOUTPUT OESNLBR Slideline stresses
NO YES none NLLOAD OPNL1 Nonlinear loads
NO YES none STRESS OESNLXD Nonlinear transient

stresses
NO YES none none ERRORN p-element error summary

table
7
PARAM
PARAM,POST,-2: Results Data Blocks for I-DEAS

PARAM,POST,-2. By default, the displacements are output in the
basic coordinate system. To output in the global coordinate system,
specify PARAM,OUGCORD,GLOBAL. The following parameters
may be used to disable the output of data blocks to the OUTPUT2
file. For example, if PARAM,OQG,NO is specified, then the
SPCFORCE output is not written to the OUTPUT2 file.
PARAMeter Results Data

Case Control Description
Name Block Name
OQG SPCFORCE OQG1 Forces of single-point constraint
OUG DISPLACE BOUGV1 Displacements in the basic coordinate

system
BOPHIG Eigenvectors in the basic coordinate

system
OUGV1 Displacements in the global coordinate

system
TOUGV1 Grid point temperatures
OES STRESS OES1 Element stresses (linear elements

only)
OEF FORCE OEF1 Element forces (linear elements only)
FLUX HOEF1 Element heat flux
OEE STRAIN OSTR1 Element strains
OESE ESE ONRGY1 Element strain energy
OCMP STRESS OEFIT Failure indices
STRESS OES1C Ply stresses
STRAIN OSTR1C Ply strains
OUMU ESE LAMA Eigenvalue summary
ONRGY2 Element kinetic energy
OEFX FORCE OEF1X Element forces (nonlinear elements

only)
OESX STRESS OES1X Element stresses (nonlinear elements

only)
7
PARAM
none none ODELBGPD Shape optimization geometry changes
PARAM, POST, -4: Results Data blocks for LMS

International/MSC_NF

the output of data blocks to the OUTPUT2 file. For example,
PARAM,OUG,NO requests that eigenvectors not be written to the
OUTPUT2 file.
PARAMeter Name Case Control Data Block Name Description

Eigenvectors in the global coordinate
OUG DISPLAC OPHIG
system
PARAM, POST, -5: Results Data blocks for Dynamic Design

Solutions/FemTools
the output of data blocks to the OUTPUT2 file. For example,
PARAM,OUG,NO requests that eigenvectors not be written to the
OUTPUT2 file. PARAM,OUNIT2O (default=51) specifies the unit
number of the OUTPUT2 file.
PARAMeter name Case Control Data Block Name Descriptions

Eigenvectors in the global coordinate
OUG DISPLAC OUGV1
system
LAMA Eigenvalue summary
POSTU Default = -1
See PARAM, POST, 0.
POSTEXT Default=YES
Under PARAM,POST,-1 and -2, the following data blocks are also
written to the.OP2 file specified by PARAM,OUNIT2. If these data
blocks are not required, then specify PARAM,POSTEXT,NO.
Data Block
Description
Name
7 FRL Frequency response list
PARAM
BHH Modal damping matrix
KHH Modal stiffness matrix
BGPDT Basic grid point definition table
PVT0 User parameter value table
Data Block
Description
Name
CASECC Case Control table
EQEXIN(S) Equivalence external to internal grid ID table
CLAMA Complex eigenvalue table
OEDE1 Element energy loss output table
OEKE1 Element kinetic energy output table
OUGV2 Displacement output table in SORT2
PSDF Power spectral density table
OGPWG Grid point weight generator output table
TOL Time output list
PSDFH Power spectral density table for modal coordinates
DSCM2 Design sensitivity coefficient matrix
DSCMCOL Design sensitivity parameters table
PREFDB Default = 1.0

See ACOUT.
PRGPST Default = YES.

Controls the printout of singularities. See AUTOSPC.
PRINT Default = YES

PARAM,PRINT,NO suppresses the automatic printing of the flutter
summary in flutter analysis.
PROUT Default = -1
PARAM,PROUT,-1 suppresses execution and printout from the
ELTPRT module. PARAM,PROUT,-1 prints a list of all elements 7
sorted on EID and summary tables giving the range of element PARAM
identification numbers for each element type.
PRPA, PRPJ Default = 1.0E37

PRPA and PRPJ control the printout of intermediate load matrices

for diagnostic purposes during superelement assembly. If the value
of PRPA (or PRPJ) is positive, all terms larger in magnitude than
the value are printed. If the value of PRPA (or PRPJ) is negative,
all terms smaller in magnitude than the value are printed. The
default value requests no printout. PARAM,IRES,1 must be present
for these parameters to be effective. The PA matrix contains the
internal loads transmitted to the downstream superelement. The
PJ matrix contains external loads applied on the superelement;
that is, it has the same content as the data produced by the Case
Control command OLOAD. All of this data may be obtained on
restart using the SELR Case Control command option. A related
parameter is lRES.
PRTMAXIM Default = NO
PRTMAXIM controls the printout of the maximums of applied loads,
single-point forces of constraint, multipoint forces of constraint,
and displacements. The printouts are titled “MAXIMUM APPLIED
LOADS”, “MAXIMUM SPCFORCES”, “MAXIMUM MPCFORCES”,
and “MAXIMUM DISPLACEMENTS”.
PRTRESLT Default = YES

PRTRESLT controls the printout of the resultants of applied loads,
single-point forces of constraint, and multipoint forces of constraint.
The printouts are titled “OLOAD RESULTANTS”, “SPCFORCE
RESULTANTS”, and “MPCFORCE RESULTANTS”.
PVALINIT Default = 1
Starting p-value in a p-adaptive analysis restart.
Q Default = 0.0
Q specifies the dynamic pressure. Q must be specified in aeroelastic
response analysis (SOLs 146), and the default value will cause a
User Fatal Message.
7 RANREAL Default=0
PARAM Specifies the data format for the Random module. Set to 0 for
complex data and 1 for real data.
RESLTOPT Default=8
RESLTOPT’s default value provides component-level force summary

output for model checkout (PARAM, CHECKOUT, YES), loads
generation (OLOAD output), and SPC and MPC forces. Setting
RESLTOPT to a value of 1 produces abbreviated output formats
only.
RESVALT Default=NO
RESVALT determines if residual vector modes contribution to the
dynamic physical response is taken into consideration or not.
RESVALT= YES
Residual vector modes contribution to the dynamic physical

response is not taken into consideration.
RESVALT=NO (Default)
Residual vector modes contribution to the dynamic physical

response is taken into consideration.
RESVALT is considered only if RESVEC=YES is selected.
RESVEC Default = NO
By default, residual vectors are not computed. If you want residual
vectors due to:
1. applied loads (LOAD or LOADSET Case Control commands) then

specify PARAM,RESVEC,YES.
2. inertial loads (unit acceleration of mass) then specify

PARAM,RESVINER,YES.
3. unit loads, then specify USETi,U6 entries at the desired dofs and
PARAM,RESVEC,YES.
If the model is unrestrained, you will need to supply SUPORTi

entries.
Related parameters are:
Default
7
PARAM name
Value
Description PARAM
RESVEC NO Augment static shapes due to applied loads.
RESVINER Augment static shapes due to inertial loads

NO
(unit acceleration of mass).
RESVSO Reorthogonalize static shapes with mode

YES shapes. If the stiffness is well-conditioned, this
is not required.
RESVSE NO Print strain energy of the static shapes.
RESVSLI YES Remove linearly dependent shapes.
RESVINER Default = NO
See related parameter RESVEC.
RESVPGF Default = 1.E-6

This parameter is used to filter out small terms in the residual
vectors. The default is 1.E-6, meaning that terms in the residual
vectors whose absolute values are smaller than 1.E-6 will get
filtered out before they are used. To eliminate filtering of residual
vectors, you can set RESVPGF to 0.0.
RESVSE Default = NO
RESVSLI Default = YES
RESVSO Default = YES

RMSINT Default = LINEAR for the trapezoidal approximation.

RMSINT specifies the interpolation method for numerical
integration when computing both RMS (Root Mean Square) and N0
(Number of Zero Crossings or Mean Frequency) from PSDF (Power
Spectral Density Function).
RMSINT = LINEAR requests the trapezoidal approximation, which

is the existing NX Nastran approach.
7 RMSINT = LOGLOG requests the Log-Log interpolation.
PARAM
RMXTRAN Default = NO
This parameter is used in conjuction with the RMAXMIN case

control to allow the user to specify whether transient results
are output along with the computed RMAXMIN results. If
RMXTRAN=NO (the default value), transient results are not output
if RMAXMIN is activated. IF RMXTRAN=YES, transient results
will be output according to the DISPLACEMENT, STRESS, and
FORCE case control entries.
ROTCSV No default.
Defines the unit number of a the comma-separated Excel file to

which Campbell’s diagram results from a rotor dynamics solution
will be written. Requires:
ASSIGN OUTPUT4 = ‘filename,CSV’, Unit=unit_number, FORM=FORMATTED.
ROTGPF No default.
Defines the unit number of a GAROS post-processing file to which
Campbell’s diagram results from a rotor dynamics solution will be
written. Requires:
ASSIGN OUTPUT4 = ‘filename.gpf’, UNIT = unit_number, FORM = FORMATTED
RPOSTS1 Default = 0
Specifies the output format for random results. Set to 0 for SORT2
and 1 for SORT1.
RSATT Default = NO
This parameter is used to indicate that if static loads or U3 USET
bulk entries are present, SOL 103 will compute attachment modes.
RSCON Default = NO
This parameter is used to indicate that if U2 USET bulk entries are
present, SOL 103 will compute constraint modes.
RSOPT Default = 0
This parameter is used to indicate that the extra data blocks 7
associated with I-DEAS Response Analysis and UGS NX Response PARAM
Simulation will be written to the OP2 file. A value of 1 will enable
the computation and writing of the extra data blocks. Param, POST,
-2 must also be set.
RSPECTRA Default = -1
RSPECTRA = 0 requests that response spectra be calculated for

transient analysis. See “User Interface for Response Spectra
Generation” in the NX Nastran Advanced Dynamic Analysis User’s
Guide. Response spectra will be calculated for any superelements or
the residual structure for which other output requests are present
in the same run. Any punch data produced is sent to the standard
NX Nastran PUNCH file. Related parameters are TABID and
RSPRINT.
RSPRINT Default = 0
RSPRlNT controls the printout of tabulated values of response

spectra. RSPRINT = -1 suppresses the printout. The related
parameter is RSPECTRA.
S1, S1G, Default = -1

S1M
PARAM,S1i,+1 requests the sorting and/or filtering of the element
stresses selected on the DTI,INDTA entry. Stresses in the element
coordinate systems (S1), at grid points (S1G), and/or in material
coordinate systems (S1M) based on the parameters BlGER,
NUMOUT, SRTOPT, and SRTELTYP may be requested. The S1G
and S1M options also require the presence of PARAM,CURV,1.
Coordinate
Parameter Quantity Location Elements
System
S1≥0 Stresses Element Element centers CQUAD4,
CQUAD8,
CTRIA3,
CTRIA6
S1M≥0 Stresses Material Element centers CQUAD4,
CTRIA3
7 S1G≥0 Stresses Material Grid points to CQUAD4,
PARAM which elements
connect CTRIA3
NUMOUT, in conjunction with BIGER, controls the amount of

stress output.
1. NUMOUT = +N requests that N element stresses be printed

(or punched) for each element type.
2. NUMOUT=0 outputs all elements in a group when one or

more exceeds BIGER. Some of the elements will have stresses
smaller than BIGER. This is conceptually the same as
describing an element set in case control, and limiting output
in this manner. Stress files obtained with element group
filtering may be used for xy plotting and other postprocessor
options with DMAP alters. By contrast, the stress file when
NUMOUT = -2 is more discontinuous, and may not be used
for xy plotting.
3. NUMOUT = 0 does not sort but filters according to BIGER

by element group. In static analysis, an element group is
defined as all case control selected elements for a given load
case for SORT1 output. For SORT2 output, an element group
is defined as the data for a given element type for all load
cases. In transient analysis, an element group is defined as
all case control selected elements at a given time for SORT1
output. For SORT2 output an element group is defined as
the data for a given element at all time steps. The element
group option applies only to output types described above for
PARAM,S1. This option is not available with output types
selected by PARAMs S1G and S1M.
4. NUMOUT = -1 requests that stresses be sorted and only

those stresses with an absolute value that is greater than
BlGER will be output.
5. NUMOUT = -2 (the default) does not sort but filters according

to BIGER. Related parameters include BIGER, NOELOF,
NOELOP, and NOGPF.
BIGER controls the elements for which stresses will be printed. 7

Elements with stresses that are smaller in absolute value than PARAM
BlGER will not be output. The quantity tested is element type
dependent. Related parameters include CURV, NUMOUT, S1,
S1G, and S1M. SRTOPT controls the scanning option to be
performed.
SRTOPT Value Description
0 Filter/sort on maximum magnitude.

1 Filter/sort on minimum magnitude.
2 Filter/sort on maximum algebraic value.
3 Filter/sort on minimum algebraic value.
SRTELTYP controls the element type to be processed, as described

in the following table.
SRTELTYP
Description
Value
0 All element types will be processed.
> 0 Only element type SRTELTYP will be processed.
NUMOUT1 and BlGER1 serve the same function as NUMOUT

and BIGER except that they apply only to composite element
stresses and do not require PARAM,S1i,=1.
NUMOUT2 and BIGER2 serve the same function as NUMOUT

and BIGER except that they apply only to composite element
failure indices and do not require PARAM,S1i,=1.
S1AG, S1AM Default = -1

See CURV.
SCRSPEC Default = -1 (SOLs 103 and 115 only)
7
PARAM
SCRSPEC=0 requests that structural response be calculated for

response spectra input in normal modes analysis. See “Response
Spectrum Application” in the NX Nastran Advanced Dynamic
Analysis User’s Guide for a discussion of this capability. The scaled
response calculations are made for elements and grid points of
the residual structure only. The responses are summed with the
ABS, SRSS, NRL, or NRLO convention, depending on the value of
PARAM,OPTION. If the SRSS, NRL, or NRLO options are used,
close natural frequencies will be summed by the ABS convention,
where close natural frequencies meet the inequality
fi+1 < CLOSE · fi
Both PARAM,OPTlON and PARAM,CLOSE may be set in any

subcase, allowing summation by several conventions in a single run.
In MSC.Nastran Version 70, the NRL option was modified slightly

to correspond to the NAVSEA-0908-LP-000-3010 specification.
NRLO provides the V69 NRL.
SDRPOPT Default = SDRP

SDPROPT controls the storage of the principal stresses and strains
in the stress and strain tables (OES1 and OSTR1 data blocks) in
p-version analysis. By default, the principal stresses and strains
are stored in the stress and strain tables to support postprocessing.
PARAM,SDRPOPT,OFP requests that the principal stresses and
strains are not stored in the tables. This can result in a significant
reduction in disk space usage.
SEMAP Default = SEMAP
SEMAPOPT Default = 42
SEMAPPRT Default = 3
7
PARAM
The superelement map (SEMAP table) contains several lists

useful for determining how the program has partitioned
superelement models. It is printed automatically each time this
table is generated. It consists of three major parts:
The Grid Point Map contains a list of each grid

point, its interior superelement placement, and
the SElD of all grid points connected directly to it
GPM by elements. Three tables follow that summarize
the connectivity between superelements sorted
on grid point sequence, SElD, and the number of
connections.
The Individual Superelement Map lists the interior
grid points, exterior grid and scalar points, elements,
ISM
and time and storage space estimates for each
superelement.
The Superelement Definition Table contains the
SEID of every superelement in the model, the
SDT
processing order, and a pictorial representation of
the superelement tree.
SEMAP, SEMAPOPT, and SEMAPPRT are used to control the

amount of output that is printed and other special features. The
possible values for SEMAP are shown in the following table.
SEMAP
Output and Application
Value
SEMAP ISM, SDT. The lengthy GPM is suppressed.

(Default) This is the appropriate value for use after
the model is stable and only minor changes
are to be made.
SEMAPALL GPM, ISM, SDT. All tables are printed.

7 This value is useful on the initial debug
PARAM run of a model and when making extensive
modeling changes.
SEMAPCON Only the summary tables of the GPM and

the estimation data is output. This is a
useful value when iterating to an economic
partitioning scheme for large, complex

models.
SEMAPEST Only the estimation data is printed. This is

useful when evaluating several alternative
partitioning schemes.
SEMAPPUN No output is printed. The exterior grid

points of the superelement with a SEID
that is input on SEMAPOPT are placed on
a CSUPER entry image on the PUNCH file,
allowing the superelement to be used as
an external superelement. If SEMAPOPT
> 0, the superelement entry is given an
SSID of SEMAPOPT. If SEMAPOPT < 0,
the exterior points listed are those of the
residual structure, but the CSUPER entry
is given an SSID of |SEMAPOPT|.
Other special features are available with parameters SEMAPOPT

and SEMAPPRT. They are fully described under parameters
OPT1 and OPT2 in the description of the TABPRT module in the
NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide.
If the default value of SEMAP is used, the other two parameters

may be used to further refine this output, as described in NX
Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide under the TABPRT module
description. The printing of the SEMAP table can be avoided by
the use of PARAM,SEMAPPRT,-1.
SENSUOO Default = NO
By default, in dynamic sensitivity analysis in SOL 200,
displacements at the o-set due to pseudo-loads do not include any
effect due to inertia and damping. If PARAM,SENSUOO,YES
is specified then these effects will be computed in a quasi-static
manner and included in the sensitivity analysis. 7
PARAM
SEP1XOVR Default = 0
The old and new location of moved shell grid points are printed
if SEP1XOVR = 16 when the RSSCON shell-to-solid element
connector is used. By default, the moved shell grid points are not
printed, SEP1XOVR = 0. See the description of PARAM,TOLRSC
for more details.
SEQOUT Default = 0
See OLDSEQ .
SERST Default = AUTO (structured solutions only)

By default, in the structured solutions, all restarts are considered
automatic (see “Restarts”in the NX Nastran User’s Guide). If
none of the following Case Control commands are entered, then
SEALL=ALL is the default action: SEMG, SELG, SEKR, SELR,
SELA, SEMA, SEMR, and SEALL.
The user may wish to partition the analysis into several runs, in
which case the above commands may be used in the same manner
they are used in the unstructured solutions. By default, the restart
will proceed in automatic fashion for each command, regenerating
only that data that is affected by modifications in the Bulk Data
and Case Control or changes in upstream superelements. If the
user wishes to overwrite the data, even if it is not affected by
modifications to the data, then PARAM,SERST,MANUAL must
be entered.
With PARAM,SERST,AUTO or MANUAL, all superelements will

be processed through Phase 0 (see “Superelement Analysis” in the
NX Nastran User’s Guide). This phase includes execution of the
sequencer module (SEQP), initial superelement processing (SEP1),
and initial geometry processing (GP1 and GP2) modules, which can
result in significant CPU overhead. If this overhead is not desired,
then PARAM,SERST,SEMI will limit Phase 0 and Phase 1 to only
those superelements specified on the SEMG, SELG, SEKR, SELR,
SELA, SEMA, SEMR, and SEALL Case Control commands. If none
of these commands is entered, then execution will skip Phase 0
and 1.
7
PARAM In the modal solution sequences (SOLs 110, 111, 112, 145, 146,
and 200), the modes of the residual structure are automatically
computed in Phase 2 if any SE-type command (e.g., SEMG=n)
is requested for the residual structure. If PARAM,SERST,SEMI
and no SE-type command is specified for the residual structure,
then, by default, its modes will not be recomputed. This logic is
intended for restarts from SOL 103 into one of the modal solutions.
If, however, the modes have not already been computed or need to
be recomputed, then PARAM,SERST,RSMDS must be specified to
force the calculation of the residual structure modes.
If PARAM,SERST,SEDR is specified, then Phases 0, 1, and 2 will

be skipped. This option is intended for data recovery (Phase 3)
runs only.
The options of SEMI, RSMDS, and SEDR are intended for models
that are defined on more than one database; i.e., superelements
are defined on separate databases (multiple MASTER DBsets) and
processed in separate runs. Also, with this technique, databases are
attached with the DBLOCATE File Management statement rather
than the RESTART File Management statement. In general, these
options are not recommended because they disable the automatic
restart capability, which compromises the database integrity to the
same degree as in the unstructured solution sequences.
SESDAMP Default = NO
Modal damping is calculated for superelements if
PARAM,SESDAMP,YES is specified. An SDAMPING Case
Control command that selects a TABDMP1 Bulk Data entry
must also be specified in the desired superelement’s subcase.
By default, modal damping is added to viscous damping (B). If
you insert PARAM,KDAMP,-1 (or PARAM,KDAMPFL,-1 for fluid
superelements) then modal damping will be added to structural
damping (K4).
SESEF Default = -1 (SOLs 103 and 115 only)

If SESEF = 0 in superelement normal modes analysis, the fraction
of total strain energy for a superelement in each of the system’s
modes is output in the vector SESEFA for tip superelements and
in SESEFG for nontip superelements. If SESEF = 1, strain energy
fractions are output, and expansion of the eigenvectors from a-set
size to g-set is branched over for tip superelements. If SESEF = -1
(the default value), no strain energy fractions are computed.
Output requests must be present in order for strain energy fractions 7

to be calculated. If SESEF = 1, there will be no other output results PARAM
for tip superelements.
SHIFT1 Default=-1.234
This sets the negative shift used when computing massless

mechanism constraint modes. For a very stiff model (1000. hz for
the first flexible mode), consider using a larger value.
SIGMA Default = 0.0

The radiant heat flux is proportional to SIGMA · (Tgrid + TABS)4,
where SIGMA is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant, Tgrid is the
temperature at a grid point, and TABS is the scale factor for
absolute temperature and may be 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 in SI units is 5.67 × 10−8
watts/m2K4. The default value causes radiant heat effects to be
discarded.
SKPAMP Default = 0
For SOLs 145, 146, and 200, SKPAMP = -1 suppresses all unsteady
aerodynamic calculations. The automatic restart of the structured
solution sequences performs a similar function without this
parameter. Specifying it ensures suppression of the calculations,
regardless of the determination of the automatic restart.
SKPLOAD Default = 1 (SOL 4 only)

In SOL 4 only, SKPLOAD controls the calculation of loads as an
efficiency feature. If the loads of the present subcase are the same
as the previous subcase, set SKPLOAD = -1. The default causes
recalculation of loads, even if they do not change.
SKPMTRX Default = 1 (SOL 4 only)

In SOL 4 only, SKPMTRX controls matrix reduction and
decomposition processing. If the matrix of the present subcase is the
same as the previous case (sometimes called right-side iterations),
set SKPMTRX = -1. Use of this parameter results in a lower
solution cost per iteration, but will usually require more iterations
for convergence.
SLOOPID Default = 0 (SOL 129 and 159 only)

7 In a nonlinear transient analysis (SOLs 129 and 159) restart,
PARAM
SLOOPID identifies the initial conditioning previous nonlinear
analysis run (SOLs 106 and 153 respectively). Setting SLOOPlD
greater than 0 will cause SOLs 129 and 159 to start from the static
deformed position.
SM Default = NO
PARAM,SM,YES may be specified in SOLs 1 and 3 to improve

performance by eliminating the CPU costs associated with matrix
reduction. PARAM,SM,YES is available only in SOLs 1 and 3. The
following should be noted:
1. ASETi, OMITi, QSETi, BSETi, CSETi and SUPORTi entries

are ignored.
2. Inertia relief is not supported.
3. A diagnostic message warning of negative factor diagonals will

be printed and may be safely ignored.
4. If NORM=MAX on the EIGRL entry, then the generalized mass

and stiffness may be different from those computed under
PARAM,SM,NO.
5. It is recommended that the iterative solver method (ITER=YES

on the NASTRAN statement) not be used in conjunction with
PARAM,SM,YES if there are one or two-dimensional elements;
e.g., CBAR, CQUAD4 etc., in the model.
SMALLQ Default = 1.0E-10

By default, NX Nastran does not remove unused q-set
degrees-of-freedom from the solution set. If you are performing
residual structure qms you should set this parameter to 0.0 so that
the unused q-set degrees-of-freedom are removed.
SNORM Default = 20.0

SNORM > 0.0 requests the generation of unique grid point normals
for adjacent shell elements (see Figure 7-1). Unique grid point
normals are generated for the CQUAD4, CTRIA3, CQUADR, and
CTRIAR elements. The grid point normal is the average of the local
normals from all adjacent shell elements including CQUAD8 and
CTRIA6 elements. If grid point normals are present, they are used
in all element calculations of the CQUAD4, CTRIA3, CQUADR,
and CTRIAR elements. 7
PARAM
SNORM Tolerance in Degrees
Unique grid point normals are generated if each angle
between the grid point normal and each local normal of
> 0.0 the adjacent shell elements is smaller than SNORM.
SNORM Bulk Data entries overwrite a generated
normal.
The generation of grid point normals is turned off. The

= 0.0 user can define normals with the SNORM Bulk Data
entry.
Grid point normals are not generated. SNORM Bulk
< 0.0
Data entries are ignored.
Figure 7-1. Unique Grid Point Normal for Adjacent Shell

Elements
SNORMPRT Default = -1
PARAM,SNORMPRT,>0 writes the grid point normals of the model
in the basic coordinate system to the.f06 and/or.pch files.
SNORMPRT Switch to Print Out Normals

≤ 0 No output.
1 Print out to the punch file (.pch).
2 Print out to the print file (.f06).
3 Print out to the punch (.pch) and print file (.f06).
SOFTEXIT Default = NO
In SOL 200, if soft convergence is achieved during optimization,
7 before completing the maximum number of design iterations, the
PARAM user may request an exit with PARAM,SOFTEXIT,YES.
SOLID Default = 0
SOLID also allows several models to be stored in the same graphics

database created by PARAM,POST,0.
SPCFOPT Default = 0 (SOL 4 only)

SPCFOFT specifies how the SPCFORCES are computed in SOL 4:
-1 = pre-MSC.Nastran Version 68
0=consistent (default)
-1 = same as 0. MPC forces will be printed with the MATGPR

module.
SPCGEN Default = 0
SPCGEN requests the creation of SPCi Bulk Data entries from the
identified singularities. See AUTOSPC.
SRCOMPS Default = NO
SRCOMPS controls the computation and printout of ply strength

ratios. If SRCOMPS = YES, ply strength ratios are output for
composite elements that have failure indices requested.
SRTELTYP Default = 0
See S1, S1G, S1M.
SRTOPT Default = 0
See S1, S1G, S1M.
SSG3 Default = 0 (SOL 4 only)

SSG3 controls restarts in a loop for geometric nonlinear analysis
(SOL 4). If it is desired to skip operations in the loop prior to FBS
(for example, restart after, the CPU time limit has been exceeded),
set SSG3 = -1.
START Default = 0
See OLDSEQ .
7
PARAM
STIME Default = 0.0 (SOLs 129 and 159 only)
In SOLs 129 and 159 restarts from previous SOLs 129 and 159 runs,
the user provides tN , where tN is the last time step of the subcase to
be continued with a new or changed subcase in the new run. Thus,
the loading and printout will start from tN as though the original
run contained the new subcase data.
STRUCTMP Default = 0
See FLUIDMP.
SUBCASID Default = 0
PARAM,SUBCASID,n where n is greater than zero, specifies
that the restart proceeds from SUBCASE n in nonlinear static
analysis, SOL 106. SUBCASID is an alternative to SUBID and is
recommended over SUBID which indicates the subcase sequence
number.
SUBID Default = 0 (SOL 4)
Default = 1 (SOLs 106 and 153)

In SOL 106, by default, the restart proceeds from the last LOOPID
in the last subcase. SUBID may be used to specify an earlier
subcase by specifying the sequential number (for SElD = 0) of
the subcase. In SOLs 106 and 153, PARAM,LOOPID may also be
specified for an earlier LOOPID. SUBCASID is an alternative to
SUBID and is recommended over SUBID. In SOL 4, SUBID is the
subcase identification number (on the SUBCASE command from a
previous SOL 4 run) used for an initial guess.
SUBSKP Default = 0 (SOL 4 only)

SUBSKP controls the skipping of subcases in geometric nonlinear
analysis. SUBSKP is used on restart to skip completed subcases, or
to delete static (first) or differential (second) subcases. The number
of subcases to be skipped is input (not the subcase ID number). The
default action causes all previous results to be deleted, which is
equivalent to a cold start.
SUPER Default = 0 (nonsuperelement sequences)
Default = -1 (superelement sequences)

See OLDSEQ .
7 TABID Default = 2
PARAM
TABID controls the punch output for response spectra. A related
parameter is RSPECTRA.
TABS Default = 0.0

TABS is used to convert units of the temperature input (°F or °C) to

the absolute temperature (°R or °K). Specify:
PARAM,TABS,273.16 When Celsius is used

PARAM,TABS,459.69 When Fahrenheit is used
Refer to the Bulk Data entry, “CREEP” for a creep analysis with
SOLs 106 or 153. Refer to PARAM,SlGMA for heat transfer analysis.
TESTSE Default = 1.0x1036 (SOL 4 only)

TESTSE is used to control iterations within subcases for SOL 4
(Geometric Nonlinear Static Analysis). For the first two subcases
the output is skipped if the strain energy is greater than TESTSE.
For the subsequent subcases the solution iterates within the subcase
until the incremental strain energy is less than TESTSE.
TESTNEG Default = –1 in SOL 4
Default = –2 for Newton’s method in SOLs 106 and 153
Default = 1 for Arc-length method in SOLs 106 and 153

In nonlinear static analysis, this parameter specifies the action to
take when negative terms are encountered on the factor diagonal
of matrix decomposition. Negative terms indicate that the
differential stiffness has introduced a structural instability. The
instability may be real (structural buckling) or mathematical (the
current iteration appears unstable, but a stable solution exists).
TESTNEG Results
-1 Stop if negative terms occur.
1 or 0 Continue if negative terms occur.
If negative terms exist, do not use differential
-2
stiffness.
2 Do not use differential stiffness.
TINY Default = 1.E-3

7
PARAM
Any elements with strain energy that is less than a TINY
percentage of the total strain energy for any superelement will not
be printed or made available for postprocessing. TINY may also be
used to suppress the printing of small numbers in the constraint
check matrix [Emh] described in “Geometry Processing in SubDMAP
PHASEO” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
TOLRSC Default = 0.05

When the RSSCON shell-to-solid element connector is used, the
connecting grid points of the shell element are moved on to the solid
face if the grid points are close enough. The tolerable distance of the
shell grid point to the solid edge or face is ε ·h where h is the height
of the solid edge; see the sample figure below. The relative tolerance
is user modifiable using the parameter.
PARAM,TOLRSC, ε
The default for the relative tolerance is ε = 0.05. Rigid body

invariance is satisfied with double-precision accuracy if the shell
grid points are adjusted.
TSTATIC Default = -1 (SOLs 129 and 159 only)

If TSTATlC = 1, a static solution may be obtained while ignoring
inertial and damping forces. This option is available only with the
adaptive time-stepping method (see METHOD = “ADAPT” on the
Bulk Data entry, TSTEPNL).
UNSYMF Default = No
In SOL 106, nonlinear statics, PARAM,UNSYMF,YES is required to
include damping effects in the calculation of complex eigenvalues.
See PARAM,NMLOOP.
UPDTBSH Default = NO
UPDTBSH controls the update of boundary shapes generated by
auxiliary boundary model analysis in SOL 200. By default, the
auxiliary boundary models and shapes are generated only once
at the initial design cycle and will not be updated in subsequent
cycles even if the shape of the primary model is changing.
PARAM,UPDTBSH,YES requests that the auxiliary models and
shapes are updated and reanalyzed at every cycle.
USETPRT Default = -1
7 USETSEL Default = 0
PARAM
USETPRT controls the tabular printout of the degree-of-freedom

sets. See “Degree-of-Freedom Sets”.
Sequence Print USETPRT

None None(default) -1
Internal Row sort only 0
Column sort only 1
Row and Column
2
sort
External Row sort only 10
Column sort only 11
Row and Column
12
sort
The degrees-of-freedom can be listed in ascending order according

to their internal or external sequence number, but not both.
The external sequence number is the grid, scalar, or extra point
identification number. The internal sequence number is the number
assigned after resequencing (see PARAM,OLDSEQ).
The row sort is not recommended in p-version analysis because

large integers are generated for hierarchical grid point identification
numbers and they will be truncated.
For a given sequence there are two types of tables that may be
printed: row sort and column sort. For row sort, a table is printed
for each set selected by USETSEL. Here is an example of row sort
(USETPRT=0 or 10):
For column sort, a single table is printed for the following sets:
SB, SG, L, A, F, N, G, R, O, S, M, E. Here is an example of column
sort (USETPRT = 1 or 11):
7
PARAM
USETSEL specifies the sets which will be printed in the row sort
(USETPRT = 0 or 10). In order to select specific sets to be printed,
you must sum their corresponding decimal equivalent numbers.
For example, sets A, L, and R are selected with USETSEL = 128
+ 256 + 8 = 392. For column sort, a single table is printed for the
following sets: SB, SG, L, A, F, N, G, R, O, S, M, E. Here is an
example of column sort (USETPRT = 1 or 11):
USETSEL Sets Printed

-1 All sets as defined in “Degree-of-Freedom Sets”.
Mutually exclusive sets only; i.e., sets M, SB, SG,
0
O, Q, R, C, B, E, and A.
USETSTRi Input-character-default=’ ‘
USETSTR1 through USETSTR4 specifies the sets that will be
printed by the specification of parameters USETPRT and USETSEL.
Any set in Degree-of-Freedom Sets may be specified. A “:” is used as
a separator. In the following example, the m-set (degrees-of-freedom
eliminated by multipoint constraints) and s-set (degrees-of-freedom
eliminated by single point constraints) are specified.
Example: PARAM,USETSTR1,M:S
VMOPT Default = 0
If VMOPT = 1, then the virtual mass will be included in the mass
7 matrix at the same time as all other mass elements. In other words,
PARAM the component modes will reflect the virtual mass. By default,
virtual mass is included after the component modes are computed.
VREF Default = 1.0

In modal flutter analysis, the velocities are divided by VREF to
convert units or to compute flutter indices.
VUELJUMP Default = 1000
VUGJUMP Default = 1000

This specifies the separation in identification numbers for display
elements and grid points generated in p-version analysis. The
defaults are sufficient for a 9 9 9 display element mesh.
Identification numbers for display elements and grid points start

with 10001001 and 201001001, respectively. For example, by default
the identification numbers for the display elements of the first
p-element will be numbered 100001001 through 100002000 and the
second p-element 100002001 through 100003000, etc.
VUBEAM Default = VUBEAM

VUHEXA Default = VUHEXA
VUPENTA Default = VUPENTA
VUQUAD4 Default = VUQUAD4
VUTETRA Default = VUTETRA
VUTRIA3 Default = VUTRIA3
These parameters are used in p-version analysis to specify
the names of the display elements in the data recovery output
tables such as those created by the VUGRID Case Control
command and PARAM,POST. They should be used if your
postprocessor does not recognize display elements. For example,
PARAM,VUHEXA,CHEXA renames the display element VUHEXA
to “CHEXA” in the output files.
WTMASS Default = 1.0

The terms of the structural mass matrix are multiplied by the value
of WTMASS when they are generated. In coupled fluid-structure
analysis WTMASS is applied to the structural portion of the
model only. WTMASS applies to MFLUID entries but it is not
recommended for use in hydroelastic problems.
W3, W4,
W3FL,W4FL
Default = 0.0
7
PARAM
The damping matrix for transient analysis is assembled from the

equation:
In coupled fluid-structure analysis, W3 and W4 are applied to

the structural portion of the model and W3FL and W4FL to the
fluid portion of the model. The default values of 0.0 for W3, W4,
W3FL, and W4FL cause the [K1dd] and [K4dd] terms to be ignored
in the damping matrix, regardless of the presence of the PARAM,
G or GFL or [K4dd]. [K1dd] is the stiffness. [K4dd] is the structural
damping and is created when GE is specified on the MATi entries.
[K1dd] is the stiffness. The units of W3, W4, W3FL, and W4FL are
radians per unit time.
In SOLs 129 and 159, W4 may vary between subcases. However,

the linear portion of the model uses only the W4 value from the first
subcase and the values in the subsequent subcases are applied to
the nonlinear portion of the model.
XFLAG Default = 0
By default (XFLAG = 0), when temperature loads and element
deformations are present, the element strain energy for the linear
elements is calculated using the following equation:
where u is the deformation, Ke is the element stiffness and Pet is

the element load vector for temperature differences and element
deformations. If XFLAG is set to 2, the element strain energy for
linear elements is calculated using the following equation:
7 The latter formula is the same strain energy calculation used for
PARAM nonlinear elements.
Parameter Applicability Tables 673
7.2 Parameter Applicability Tables

Table 7-1 lists parameter applicability to the structured solution sequences (SOLs
101 through 112). Table 7-2 lists parameter applicability to the structured solution
sequences (SOLs 114 through 120). Table 7-3 lists parameter applicability to the
unstructured solution sequences (SOLs 1 through 16). The following nomenclature
is used
B Must be specified in the Bulk Data Section only

E May be specified in either the Bulk Data and/or Case Control Section
Table 7-1. PARAMeter Names in the Structured SOLs

Structured Solution Numbers (101 through 112)
PARAMeterName
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
ACOUT B E E E E E E
ACSYM B B
ADPCON E
ADSTAT B B
AESDISC
AESMAXIT
AESMETH
AESRNDM
AESTOL
ALPHA1 B B B B B B
ALPHA2 B B B B B B
ALTRED B B
ALTSHAPE B B B B B B B B
ASCOUP B B B B B B B B B B
ASING E E E E E E E E E E
AUNITS
7
PARAM
AUTOADJ
AUTOMPC B B B B B B B B B B
AUTOSEEL E E E E E E E E E E
AUTOSPC E E E E E E E E E E
674 Parameter Applicability Tables

PARAMeterName
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
AUTOSPCR E
BAILOUT E E E E E E E E E E
BETA
BIGER E E E
BIGER1 E E E
BIGER2 E E E
BUCKLE E
CB1, CB2 E E E E E E E E E E
CDIF
CHECKOUT E E E E E E E E E E
CK1, CK2, CK3 E E E E E E E E E E
CK41, CK42 E E E E E E E E E E
CLOSE B
CM1, CM2 E E E E E E E E E E
COMPMATT B
CONFAC B B B B B B B B B B
COUPMASS E E E E E E E E E E
CP1, CP2 E E E E E E E
CURV E E E
CURVPLOT E E E E
DBALL E E E E E E E E E E
DBCCONV E E E E E E E E E E
DBCDIAG E E E E E E E E E E
7 DBCOVWRT E E E E E E E E E E
PARAM
DBDICT B B B B B B B B B B
DBDRPRJ B B B B B B B B B B
DBDRVER B B B B B B B B B B
DBUP E E E E E E E E E E

PARAMeterName
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
DBDN E E E E E E E E E E
DBRCV E E E E E E E E E E
DDRMM B B
DESPCH
DESPCH1
DFREQ B B
DOPT E E E
DPEPS
DSNOKD B
DSZERO B B B
DYNSPCF E E E E E E E
EIGD B
EPPRT E E E E E E E E E E
EPZERO E E E E E E E E E E
ERROR E E E E E E E E E E
EST E E E E E E E E E E
EXTDR B B B B B B B B
EXTDROUT B B B B B B B B
EXTDRUNT B B B B B B B B
EXTOUT B B B B B B B B B B
EXTRCV E E E E E E E E E E
EXTUNIT B B B B B B B B B B
FACTOR B B B B B B B B B B
FIXEDB E E 7
FKSYMFAC E
PARAM
FLUIDMP E
FLUIDSE B B B B B B B
FOLLOWK E E E E E E E E E

PARAMeterName
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
FRQDEPO B B
G B B B B B B
GEOMU E E E E E E E E E E
GFL B B B B B B
GPECT E E E E E E E E E E
GRDPNT E E E E E E E E E E
GUSTAERO
HEATSTAT B
HFREQ B B B
HFREQFL B B B
IFP E E E E E E E E E E
IFTM B
INP4FMT E E E E E E E E E E
INREL = -1 E E
INREL = -2 E
IRES E E E E E E E
ITAPE B B B
IUNIT B B B
KDAMP B B B
KDAMPFL B B B
KDIAG E
K6ROT E E E E E E E E E E
LANGLE B
7 LFREQ B B B
PARAM
LFREQFL B B B
LGDISP E
LMODES E B B B
LMODESFL B B B

PARAMeterName
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
LOADU E E E E E E E E E E
LOOPID E
MACH
MAXLP
MAXRATIO E E E E E E E E E E
MESH B
MINIGOA B B B B B B B B B B
MODACC B B
MODEL B B B B B B B B B B
MPCX B B B B B B B B B B
NASPRT
NDAMP
NEWSET B
NINTPTS E E E
NLAYERS E
NLHTLS E
NMLOOP E E E E E E E
NOCOMPS E E E E
NOELOF E E E
NOELOP E E E
NOFISR E E E E
NOGPF E E E
NOMSGSTR E E E
NONCUP B 7
PARAM
NQSET E E E E E E E
NLTOL E
NUMOUT E E E
NUMOUT1 E E E

PARAMeterName
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
NUMOUT2 E E E
OCMP E E E E
OEE E E E E
OEF E E E E E E E E E E
OEFX E E E E E E E E E E
OES E E E E E E E E E E
OESE E E E E E E E E E E
OESX E E E E E E E E E E
OG E E E E
OGEOM E E E E E E E E E E
OGPF E E E E
OGPS E E E E E
OLDSEQ B B B B B B B B B B
OMAXR E E E E E E E E E E
OP2FMT E E E E E E E E E E
OP4FMT E E E E E E E E E E
OPG E E E E E E E
OPGEOM
OPGTKG
OPPHIB
OPPHIPA
OPTEXIT
OPTION B
7 OQG E E E E E E E E E E
PARAM
ORBEPS B
OSWELM B B B B B B B B B B
OSWPPT B B B B B B B B B B
OUG E E E E E E E E E E

PARAMeterName
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
OUGCORD E E E E E E E E E E
OUMU E
OUNIT1 E E E E E E E E E E
OUNIT2 E E E E E E E E E E
OUTOPT E E E E
PANELMP E
PATVER E E E E E E E E E E
PDRMSG E E E E E E E E E E
PEDGEP E E E E E E E E
PLTMSG E E E E E E E E E E
POST E E E E E E E E E E
POSTEXT E E E E E E E E E E
POSTU E E E E E E E E E E
PREFDB E E E E
PRGPST E E E E E E E E E E
PRINT
PROUT E E E E E E E E E E
PRPA E E
PRPJ E E E E E E
PRTCSTM E E E E E E E E E E
PRTEQXIN E E E E E E E E E E
PRTGPDT E E E E E E E E E E
PRTGPL E E E E E E E E E E
PRTGPTT E E E E E E E E E E 7
PARAM
PRTMAXIM E E E E E E E E E
PRTMGG E E E E E E E E E E
PRTPG E E E E E E E E E E
PRTRESLT E E E E E E E E E

PARAMeterName
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
PVALINIT B B B B B B B B
RANREAL B B
RESLTOP E E E E E E E E E E
RESVALT B B
RESVEC E E E E E E E E
RESVINER E E E E E E E E
RESVPGF E E E E E E E E
RESVSE E E E E E E E E
RESVSLI E E E E E E E E
RESVSO E E E E E E E E
RMSINT B B
RMXTRAN B
ROTCSV B
ROTGPF B
RPOSTS1 B B
RSPECTRA E E
RSPRINT E E
S1 E E E E E E
S1A E E E E
S1AG E E E E
S1AM E E E E
S1G E E E E
7 S1M E E E E
PARAM
SCRSPEC B
SEMAP B B B B B B B B B B
SEMAPOPT B B B B B B B B B B
SEMAPPRT B B B B B B B B B B

PARAMeterName
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
SENSUOO
SEP1XOVR B B B B B B B B B B
SEQOUT B B B B B B B B B B
SERST B B B B B B B B B B
SESDAMP E E E E E E E
SESEF E
SIGMA
SKPAMP
SLOOPID
SMALLQ B B B B B B B B B B
SNORM B B B B B B B B B B
SNORMPRT B B B B B B B B B B
SOFTEXIT
SOLID B B B B B B B B B B
SPCGEN E E E E E E E E E E
SRTELTYP E E E
SRTOPT E E E
START B B B B B B B B B B
STIME
STRUCTMP E
SUBCASID E
SUBID E
SUPER B B B B B B B B B B
TABID E E 7
PARAM
TABS
TESTNEG E
TINY E E E
TOLRSC B B B B B B B B B B

PARAMeterName
101 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
TSTATIC
UNSYMF B
UPDTBSH
USETPRT E E E E E E E E E E
USETSEL E E E E E E E E E E
VMOPT E E E E E E E E E
VREF B B
VUBEAM E E E E E E E E
VUELJUMP E E E E E E E E
VUGJUMP E E E E E E E E
VUHEXA E E E E E E E E
VUPENTA E E E E E E E E
VUQUAD4 E E E E E E E E
VUTETRA E E E E E E E E
WTMASS E E E E E E E E E E
W3 E E
W3FL E E
W4 E E
W4FL E E
XFLAG E E
7 PARAMeter
PARAM 601
Name 114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
ACOUT E
ACSYM B

PARAMeter 601
Name 114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
ADPCON E E E
ADSTAT
AESDISC B B
AESMAXIT B B
AESMETH B B
AESRNDM B B
AESTOL B B
ALPHA1 B B B B B B B B
ALPHA2 B B B B B B B B
ALTRED B
ALTSHAPE B
ASCOUP B B B B B B B B B B B B
ASING E E E E E E E E E E E E
AUNITS B B
AUTOADJ B
AUTOMPC B B B B B B B B
AUTOSEEL E E E E E E E E E E E E
AUTOSPC E E E E E E E E E E E E
AUTOSPCR E
BAILOUT E E E E E E E E E E E E
BETA E E
BIGER E E E E E E E
BIGER1 E E E E E E E
7
PARAM
BIGER2 E E E E E E E
BUCKLE
CB1, CB2 E E E E E E E E E E E E
CDIF E

PARAMeter 601
Name 114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
CHECKOUT E E E E E E E E E E E E
CK1, CK2, CK3 E E E E E E E E E E E E
CK41, CK42 E E E E E E E E E E E E
CLOSE B B
CM1, CM2 E E E E E E E E E E E E
COMPMATT
CONFAC B B B B B B B B B B B B
COUPMASS E E E E E E E E E E E E
CP1, CP2 E E E E E E E E E E
CURV E E E E E E E
CURVPLOT E E E E E E
DBALL E E E E E E E E E E E
DBCCONV E E E E E E E E E E E
DBCDIAG E E E E E E E E E E E
DBCOVWRT E E E E E E E E E E E
DBDICT B B B B B B B B B B B
DBDRPRJ B B B B B B B B B B B
DBDRVER B B B B B B B B B B B
DBUP E E E E E E E E E E E
DBDN E E E E E E E E E E E
DBRCV E E E E E E E E E E E
DDRMM B E
7 DESPCH E
PARAM
DESPCH1 E
DFREQ B B B
DOPT E E E E E E
DPEPS B

PARAMeter 601
Name 114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
DPREONLY B
DSNOKD B
DSZERO B
DYNSPCF E E E E E E
EIGD
EPPRT E E E E E E E E E E E
EPZERO E E E E E E E E E E E
ERROR E E E E E E E E E E E
EST E E E E E E E E E E E
EXTDR B
EXTDROUT B
EXTDRUNT B
EXTOUT B B B B B B B B B B B
EXTRCV E E E E E E E E E E E
EXTUNIT B B B B B B B B B B B
FACTOR B B B B B B B B B B B
FIXEDB E E
FKSYMFAC
FLUIDMP E
FLUIDSE B B
FOLLOWK E E E E
FRQDEPO B B
G B E B B B B
7
PARAM
GEOMU E E E E E E E E E E E
GFL B B
GPECT E E E E E E E E E E E
GRDPNT E E E E E E E E E E E

PARAMeter 601
Name 114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
GUSTAERO B B B
HEATSTAT
HFREQ B B B
HFREQFL B B
IFP E E E E E E E E E E E
IFTM B
INP4FMT E E E E E E E E E E E E E
INREL = -1 B
INREL = -2
IRES E E E E E E E E E
ITAPE B B
IUNIT B B
KDAMP B B
KDAMPFL B B
KDIAG E
K6ROT E E E E E E E E E E E
LANGLE B B B
LFREQ B B B
LFREQFL B B
LGDISP E E E B
LGSTRN B
LMODES B B E B
7 LMODESFL B B
PARAM
LOADU E E E E E E E E
LOOPID E E E
MACH B B B
MAXLP E E

PARAMeter 601
Name 114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
MAXRATIO E E E E E E E E E E E
MESH B B B
MINIGOA B B B B B B B B B B B
MODACC B B
MODEL B B B B B B B B B B B
MPCX B B B B B B B B B B B
NASPRT B
NDAMP E E
NEWSET
NINTPTS E E E E E E
NLAYERS E
NLHTLS E
NMLOOP
NOCOMPS E E E E E E
NOELOF E E E E E E
NOELOP E E E E E E
NOFISR E E E E E E
NOGPF E E E E E E
NOMSGSTR E E E E E E
NONCUP B
NQSET E E E E E E E E
NLTOL E
NUMOUT E E E E E E
7
PARAM
NUMOUT1 E E E E E E
NUMOUT2 E E E E E E
OCMP E E E E
OEE E E E E

PARAMeter 601
Name 114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
OEF E E E E E E E E E E E
OEFX E E E E E E E E E E E
OES E E E E E E E E E E E
OESE E E E E E E E E E E E
OESX E E E E E E E E E E E
OG E E E E E E
OGEOM E E E E E E E E E E E
OGPF E E E E E
OGPS E E E E E
OLDSEQ B B B B B B B B B B B
OMAXR E E E E E E E E E E E
OP2FMT E E E E E E E E E E E E E
OPG E E E E E E E
OPGEOM B B B B
OPGTKG B B B B
OPPHIB B B B
OPPHIPA B B B
OPTEXIT B
OPTION B B
OQG E E E E E E E E E E E
ORBEPS
7 OSWELM B B B B B B B B B B
PARAM
OSWPPT B B B B B B B B B B
OUG E E E E E E E E E E E
OUGCORD E E E E E E E E E E E
OUMU E E E

PARAMeter 601
Name 114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
OUNIT1 E E E E E E E E E E E
OUNIT2 E E E E E E E E E E E
OUTOPT E E E E E E
PANELMP E
PATVER E E E E E E E E E E E
PDRMSG E E E E E E E E E E E
PEDGEP E
PLTMSG E E E E E E E E E E E
POST E E E E E E E E E E E B
POSTEXT E E E E E E E E E E E E
POSTU E E E E E E E E E E E
PREFDB E
PRGPST E E E E E E E E E E E
PRINT B B
PROUT E E E E E E E E E E E
PRPA E E E
PRPJ E E E E E E E
PRTCSTM E E E E E E E E E E E
PRTEQXIN E E E E E E E E E E E
PRTGPDT E E E E E E E E E E E
PRTGPL E E E E E E E E E E E
PRTGPTT E E E E E E E E E E E
PRTMAXIM E E E E E E E E E E E
7
PARAM
PRTMGG E E E E E E E E E E E
PRTPG E E E E E E E E E E E
PRTRESLT E E E E E E E E E E E
PVALINIT B B

PARAMeter 601
Name 114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
Q B B B B
RANREAL
RESLTOP E E E E E E E E E E E E
RESVALT
RESVEC E E E E
RESVINER E E E E
RESVPGF E E E E
RESVSE E E E E
RESVSLI E E E E
RESVSO E E E E
RMSINT
RMXTRAN
ROTCSV
ROTGPF
RPOSTS1
RSPECTRA
RSPRINT
S1 E E E E E E
S1A E E E E E E
S1AG E E E E E E
S1AM E E E E E E
S1G E E E E E E
7 S1M E E E E E E
PARAM
SCRSPEC B B
SEMAP B B B B B B B B B B B
SEMAPOPT B B B B B B B B B B B
SEMAPPRT B B B B B B B B B B B

PARAMeter 601
Name 114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
SENSUOO B
SEP1XOVR B B B B B B B B B B B
SEQOUT B B B B B B B B B B B
SERST B B B B B B B B B B B
SESDAMP E E E E E E
SESEF E E
SIGMA B
SKPAMP B B B B
SLOOPID E
SMALLQ B B B B B B B B B B B
SNORM B B B B B B B B B B B
SNORMPRT B B B B B B B B B B B
SOFTEXIT B
SOLID B B B B B B B B B B B
SPCGEN E E E E E E E E E E E
SRTELTYP E E E E E E
SRTOPT E E E E E E
START B B B B B B B B B B
STIME E E
STRUCTMP E
SUBCASID
SUBID E
SUPER B B B B B B B B B B B
7
PARAM
TABID
TABS E E E
TESTNEG E
TINY E E E E E E

PARAMeter 601
Name 114 115 116 118 129 144 145 146 153 159 187 200 &
701
TOLRSC B B B B B B B B B B B
TSTATIC E E
UNSYMF
UPDTBSH E
USETPRT E E E E E E E E E E E
USETSEL E E E E E E E E E E E
VMOPT E E E E E E E E E E E
VREF B B
VUBEAM E
VUELJUMP E
VUGJUMP E
VUHEXA E
VUPENTA E
VUQUAD4 E
VUTETRA E
WTMASS E E E E E E E E E E E
W3 B E B
W3FL B
W4 B E B
W4FL B
XFLAG E E E
7
PARAM Table 7-3. PARAMeter Names in the Unstructured SOLs
PARAMeterName
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
ALPHA1 B B B B B B
Table 7-3. PARAMeter Names in the Unstructured SOLs

PARAMeterName
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
ALPHA2 B B B B B B
ASING B B B B B B B B B B
AUTOSPC B B B B B B B B B B B B B
BAILOUT B B B B B B B B B B B B
BIGER B B B B B B
BIGER1 B B B B B B
BIGER2 B B B B B B
CB1, CB2 B B B B B B B B B B B B
CK1, CK2, CK3 B B B B B B B B B B B B
CK41, CK42 B B B B B B B B B B B B
CM1, CM2 B B B B B B B B B B B B
COMPMATT
COUPMASS B B B B B B B B B B B B B
CP1, CP2 B B B B B B B B B B
CURV B B E B B B B
CURVPLOT B B E B B B B
DBALL B
DBCCONV B B B B B B B B B B B B
DBCDIAG B B B B B B B B B B B B
DBCOVWRT B B B B B B B B B B B B
DBDICT B
DBDN B
DBDRPRJ B
DBDRVER B 7
PARAM
DBRCV B
DBUP B
DDRMM B B
DFREQ B B

PARAMeterName
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
DOPT B B E B B B
EPPRT B B E B B B B B B B B B B
EPZERO B B B B B B B B B B B B B
EST B B B B B B B B B B B B B
FACTOR B B B B B B B B B B B B B
G B B B B B B
GEOMU B B B B B B B B B B B B
GPECT B B B B B B B B B B B B B
GRDPNT B B B B B B B B B B B B B
HFREQ B B B
IFP B
INP4FMT E E E E E E E E E E E E E
IRES B B B B B
KDAMP E E E
KDIAG E
K6ROT B B E B B B B B B B B B E
LFREQ B B B
LMODES B B B
LOADU B B B B B B B B B B B B
MAXRATIO B B E B B B B B B B B B B
MESH B
MODEL B B B B B B B B B B B B B
MPCX B B B B B B B B B B B B B
7 NINTPTS B B E B B B B
PARAM
NOCOMPS B B B B B B B
NOELOF B B B B B B
NOELOP B B B B B B
NOFISR B B B B B B B

PARAMeterName
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
NOGPF B B B B B B
NUMOUT B B E B B B B
NUMOUT1 B B E B B B B
NUMOUT2 B B E B B B B
OCMP B B B B B B
OEE B B B B B B
OEF B B B B B B B B B B B B
OEFX B B B B B B B B B B B B
OES B B B B B B B B B B B B
OESX B B B B B B B B B B B B
OG B B E B B B B
OGEOM B B B B B B B B B B B B
OGPF B B B B B B
OGPS B B B B B B B
OLDSEQ B B B B B B B B B B B B
OMACHPR B B B B B B B B B B B B
OMAXR B B B B B B B B B B B B
OPG B B B B B B B B B B B B
OQG B B B B B B B B B B B B
OUG B B B B B B B B B B B B
OUGCORD B B B B B B B B B B B B
OUMU B B 7
PARAM
OUNIT1 B B
OUNIT2 B B B B B B B B B B B B
OUTOPT E
OUTPUT B

PARAMeterName
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
PATVER B B B B B B B B B B B B
PDRMSG B
PLOT B
POST B B B B B B B B B B B B
POSTU B B B B B B B B B B B B
PRGPST B B B B B B B B B B B B B
PROUT B B B B B B B B B B B B B
RMXTRAN B
ROTCSV
ROTGPF
RSPECTRA B B
RSPRINT B B
SEQOUT B B B B B B B B B B B B
SKPLOAD E
SKPMTRX E
SM B B
SNORM B B B B B B B B B B B B B
SNORMPRT B B B B B B B B B B B B B
SOLID B B B B B B B B B B B B B
SPCFOPT B
SPCGEN B B B B B B B B B B B B B
SRTELTYP B B E B B B B
SRTOPT B B E B B B B
7 SSG3 B
PARAM
START B B B B B B B B B B B B B
SUBID B
SUBSKP B
SUPER B B B B B B B B B B B B B

PARAMeterName
1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
S1 B B E B B B
S1A B B E B B B
S1AG B B E B B B
S1AM B B E B B B
S1G B B E B B B
S1M B B E B B B
TABID B B
TABS
TESTNEG E
TESTSE E
TINY B B B B B B B B B B B B B
USETPRT B B B B B B B B B B B B B
USETSEL B B B B B B B B B B B B B
VMOPT B B B B B B B B B B B B B
WTMASS B B B B B B B B B B B B B
W3 B B
W4 B B
XFLAG E E E
7
PARAM
7
PARAM
Chapter 8
CODES
8 Item Codes
• Element Stress (or Strain) Item Codes
• Element Force Item Codes
• Fluid Virtual Mass Pressure Item Codes
• Slideline Contact Item Codes
• Element Strain Energy Item Codes

700
Item codes are integer numbers assigned to specific output quantities such as the
8 third translational component of displacement, the major principal stress at Z1 in
CODES a CQUAD4 element, or the torque in a CBAR element. Item codes are specified on
the following input statements:
• DRESP1 entry for Design Sensitivity and Optimization (SOL 200).
• X-Y Plotting commands. See “Plotting” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
• DSCONS entry for Original Design Sensitivity (DSA).
• DTI,INDTA entry for stress sorting.
The following tables provide item codes for:
• Element Stress or Strain.
• Element Force.
• Fluid Virtual Mass Pressure.
• Heat Transfer Flux.
• Slideline Contact Output.
• Element Strain Energy
The following superscripts appear in the tables and indicate:
1. Data for components marked with the symbol (1) are included in the data block
MES output from module DRMS1. See NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s
Guide.
2. Composite Element Stresses and Failure Indices. See “Overview of Laminated

Composite Materials”in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
Element Stress (or Strain) Item Codes 701
8.1 Element Stress (or Strain) Item Codes 8

All item codes refer to stresses (or strains) unless otherwise denoted. CODES
If output is magnitude/phase, the magnitude replaces the real part, and the phase
replaces the imaginary part. Strain item codes are equivalent to stress item codes.
However, strain is computed for only some elements. See “Element Summary –
Small Strain Elements” in the NX Nastran Element Library.
Element Name Real Stresses or Strains Complex Stresses or Strains

(Code)
Item Code Item Item Code Item Real/Mag. or
Imag./ Phase
CAXIF2 ( 21 Radial axis 21 Radial axis RM
47) 31 Axial axis 31 Axial axis RM

41 Tangential edge 41 Tangential edge RM
51 Circumferential 51 Circumferential RM
edge edge
61 Radial axis IP
71 Axial axis IP
81 Tangential edge IP
91 Circumferential IP
edge
702 Element Stress (or Strain) Item Codes
8 Element Name
(Code)
Real Stresses or Strains
Item Code Item
Complex Stresses or Strains
Item Code Item Real/Mag. or
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CAXlF3 21 Radial centroid 21 Radial centroid RM
(48) 31 Circumferential 31 Circumferential RM

centroid centroid
41 Axial centroid 41 Axial centroid RM
1 1
edge 1 edge 1
2 2
edge 2 edge 2
3 3
edge 3 edge 3
111 Radial centroid IP
centroid
131 Axial centroid IP
1
edge 1
2
edge 2
3
edge 3
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CAXIF4 21 Radial centroid 21 Radial centroid RM
(49) 31 Circumferential 31 Circumferential RM

centroid centroid
41 Axial centroid 41 Axial centroid RM
1 1
edge 1 edge 1
2 2
edge 2 edge 2
3 3
edge 3 edge 3
4 4
edge 4 edge 4
centroid
15 Axialcentroid IP
1
edge 1
2
edge 2
3
edge 3
4
edge 4
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CBAR 21 End A-Point C 21 End A-Point C RM
(34) 31 End A-Point D 31 End A-Point D RM

41 End A-Point E 41 End A-Point E RM
51 End A-Point F 51 End A-Point F RM
61 Axial 61 Axial RM
7 End A maximum 71 End A-Point C lP
8 End A minimum 81 End A-Point D IP
9 Safety margin in 91 End A-Point E IP
tension
101 End B-Point C 101 End A-Point F IP
111 End B-Point D 111 Axial IP
121 End B-Point E 121 End B-Point C RM
131 End B-Point F 131 End B-Point D RM
14 End B maximum 141 End B-Point E RM
15 End B minimum 151 End B-Point F RM
16 Safety margin in 161 End B-Point C IP
compression
171 End B-Point D IP
181 End B-Point E IP
191 End B-Point F IP
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CBAR 2 Station 2 Station RM
Distance/Length Distance/Length
(100)
3 Point C 3 Point C RM
Intermediate 4 Point D 4 Point D RM
Stations
5 Point E 5 Point E RM
6 Point F 6 Point F RM
7 Axial 7 Axial RM
8 Maximum 8 Maximum RM
9 Minimum 9 Minimum RM
10 Margin of Safety 10 Point C IP
(Item codes above 11 Point D IP

are given for End 12 Point E IP
A. For codes 2
through 10 at 13 Point F IP
intermediate 14 Axial IP
stations add
(K-1)*9 where 15 Maximum IP
K is the station 16 Minimum
number, and for
codes at End B, (Item codes above
K=number of are given for End
stations plus 1.) A. For codes 2
through 16 at
intermediate
stations add
(K-1)*9 where
K is the station
number, and for
codes at End B,
K=number of
stations plus 1.)
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CBEAM 2 External grid 2 External grid
point ID point ID
(2)
3 Station 3 Station
Linear distance/length distance/length
41 Long. Stress at 41 Long. Stress at RM
Point C Point C
Point D Point D
Point E Point E
Point D Point F
8 Maximum stress 81 Long. Stress at IP
Point C
9 Minimum stress 91 Long. Stress at IP
Point D
10 Safety margin in 101 Long. Stress at IP
tension Point E
compression Point F
(Item codes are (Item codes are

given for End given for End A.
AEnd A. Addition Addition of the
of the quantity quantity (K-1)10
(K-1)10 to the to the item code
item code points points to the
to the same same information
information for for other stations,
other stations, where K is the
where K is the station number.
station number. K=11 for End B
K=11 for End B and 2 through 10
and 2 through10 for intermediate
for intermediate stations.)
stations.)
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CBEAM 2 External grid Not applicable
point ID
(94)
3 C (Character)
Nonlinear 4 Long. Stress at
point C
5 Equivalent stress
6 Total strain
7 Effective plastic
strain
8 Effective creep
strain (Item
codes 3 through
8 are repeated
for points D, E,
and F. Then the
entire record
(from 2 through
N) is repeated
for End B of the
element.)
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CBEND 2 External grid 2 External grid
point ID point ID
(69)
3 Circumferential 3 Circumferential
angle angle
Point C Point C
Point D Point D
Point E Point E
Point F Point F
8 Maximum stress 81 Long. Stress at IP
Point C
9 Minimum stress 91 Long. Stress at IP
Point D
tension Point E
compression Point F
(Item codes are (Item codes are

given for End given for End
A. Item codes A. Item codes
12 through 21 12 through 21
point to the same point to the same
information for information for
end B.) End B.)
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CBUSH 2 Translation-x 2 Translation-x R
(102) 3 Translation-y 3 Translation-y R

4 Translation-z 4 Translation-z R
5 Rotation-x 5 Rotation-x R
6 Rotation-y 6 Rotation-y R
7 Rotation-z 7 Rotation-z R
8 Translation-x I
9 Translation-y I
10 Translation-z I
11 Rotation-x I
12 Rotation-y I
13 Rotation-z I
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CBUSH1D 1 Element ID
(40) 2 Axial force

3 Axial
displacement
4 Axial velocity Not applicable
5 Axial stress
6 Axial strain
7
8
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CCONEAX 2 Harmonic or Not applicable
point angle
(35)
3 Z1=Fiber
Distance 1
41 Normal v at Z1
51 Normal u at Z1
61 Shear uv at Z1
7 Shear angle at Z1
8 Major principal
at Z1
9 Minor principal
at Z1
10 Maximum shear
at Z1
11 Z2= Fiber
Distance 2
121 Normal v at Z2
131 Normal u at Z2
141 Shear uv at Z2
15 Shear angle at Z2
16 Major principal
at Z2
17 Minor principal
at Z2
18 Maximum shear
at Z2
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CDUM3 21 S1 21 S1 RM
thru 31 S2 31 S2 RM
41 S3 41 S3 RM
CDUM9
51 S4 51 S4 RM
(55-61)
61 S5 61 S5 RM
71 S6 71 S6 RM
81 S7 81 S7 RM
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CELAS1 21 Stress 21 Stress RM
(11) 31 Stress IP
(12) 31 Stress IP
(13) 31 Stress IP
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CGAP 2 Normal x Not applicable
(86) 3 Shear y
4 Shear z
5 Axial u
6 Shear v
7 Shear w
8 Slip v
9 Slip w
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CHEXA 2 Stress coordinate 2 Stress coordinate
system system
(67)
3 Coordinate type 3 Coordinate type
Linear (Character) (Character)
4 Number of active 4 Number of active
points points
5 External grid ID 5 External grid ID
(0=center) (0=center)
61 Normal x 61 Normal x RM
71 Shear xy 71 Normal y RM
8 First principal 81 Normal z RM
9 First principal x 91 Shear xy RM
cosine
10 Second principal 101 Shear yz RM
x cosine
11 Third principal x 111 Shear zx RM
cosine
12 Mean pressure 121 Normal x lP
13 von Mises or 131 Normal y IP
octahedral shear
stress
141 Normal y 141 Normal z IP
151 Shear yz 151 Shear xy IP
16 Second principal 161 Shear yz IP
17 First principal y 171 Shear zx IP
cosine
18 Second principal 18-121 Repeat items 5
y cosine through 17 for 8
corners
19 Third principal y
cosine
201 Normal z
211 Shear zx
22 Third principal
23 First principal z
cosine
24 Second principal
z cosine
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
25 Third principal z
cosine
26-193 Rpeat items 5
through 25 for 8
corners
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CHEXA 2 Grid/Gauss
(93) 3 External grid ID
Nonlinear (0=center) Not applicable

4 Stress-X
5 Stress-Y
6 Stress-Z
7 Stress-XY
8 Stress-YZ
9 Stress-ZX
10 Equivalent stress
11 Effective plastic
strain
12 Effective creep
strain
13 Strain-X
14 Strain-Y
15 Strain-Z
16 Strain-XY
17 Strain-YZ
18 Strain-ZX
19-146 Repeat items 3
through 18 for 8
corners
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CHEXAFD 2 Grid/Gauss
(202) 3 Grid/Gauss ID Not applicable

(0=center)
Nonlinear Finite 4 Cauchy stress-X
Deformation
with 8 grid points 5 Cauchy stress-Y
6 Cauchy stress-Z
7 Cauchy
stress-XY
8 Cauchy stress-YZ
9 Cauchy stress-ZX
10 Pressure
11 Volumetric strain
J-1
12 Logarithmic
strain-X
13 Logarithmic
strain-Y
14 Logarithmic
strain-Z
15 Logarithmic
strain-XY
16 Logarithmic
strain-YZ
17 Logarithmic
strain-ZX
through 17 for 7
Gauss/grid points
CHEXAFD 2-17 Same as
CHEXAFD (202)
(207) Not applicable
Nonlinear Finite through 17 for 26
Deformation Gauss points
with 20 grid
points
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CONROD 21 Axial stress 21 Axial stress RM
(10) 3 Axial safety 31 Axial stress IP

margin
Linear 41 Torsional stress 41 Torsional stress RM
5 Torsional safety 51 Torsional stress IP
margin
CONROD 2 Axial stress
(92) 3 Equivalent stress Not applicable

4 Total strain
Nonlinear
5 Effective plastic
strain
6 Effective creep
strain
7 Linear torsional
stress
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CPENTA 2 Stress coordinate 2 Stress coordinate
system system
(68)
points points
cosine
x cosine
cosine
12 Mean pressure 121 Normal x IP
Octahedral shear
stress
cosine
18 Second principal 18-95 Rpeat items 5
y cosine through 17 for 6
corners
cosine
201 Normal z
211 Shear zx
22 Third principal
cosine
24 Second principal
z cosine
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
cosine
through 25 for 6
corners
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CPENTA 2 Grid/Gauss Not applicable
Nonlinear (0=center)
4 Normal x stress
5 Normal y stress
6 Normal z stress
7 Shear xy stress
8 Shear yz stress
9 Shear zx stress
strain
12 Effective creep
strain
13 Normal x strain
14 Normal y strain
15 Normal z strain
16 Shear xy strain
17 Shear yz strain
18 Shear zx strain
through 18 for 6
corners
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CPENTAFD 2-17 Same as
CHEXAFD (201)
(204)
18-92 Rpeat items 3 Not applicable
with 6 grid points
CPENTAFD 2-17 Same as
CHEXAFD (201)
(209)
18-317 Rpeat items 3 Not applicable
with 15 grid
points
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CQUAD4 2 Z1=Fiber 2 Z1=Fiber
Distance 1 Distance 1
(33)
Linear
31 Normal x at Z1 31 Normal x at Z1 RM
41 Normal y at Z1 41 Normal x at Z1 IP
51 Shear xy at Z1 51 Normal y at Z1 RM
6 Shear angle at Z1 61 Normal y at Z1 IP
7 Major principal 71 Shear xy at Z1 RM
at Z1
8 Minor principal 81 Shear xy at Z1 IP
at Z1
9 von Mises or 9 Z2=Fiber
maximum shear distance 2
at Z1
10 Z2=Fiber 101 Normal x at Z2 RM
distance 2
111 Normal x at Z2 111 Normal x at Z2 IP
121 Normal y at Z2 121 Normal y at Z2 RM
131 Shear xy at Z2 131 Normal y at Z2 IP
14 Shear angle at Z2 14 Shear xy at Z2 RM
15 Major principal 15 Shear xy at Z2 IP
at Z2
16 Minor principal
at Z2
17 von Mises or
maximum shear
at Z2
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CQUAD4 2 Z1=Fiber Not applicable
Distance 1 (Plane
(90) stress only)
Nonlinear 3 Stress-X (at Z1, if

plane stress)
4 Stress-Y (at Z1, if
plane stress)
5 Stress-Z (Plane
strain only)
6 Stress-XY (at Z1,
if plane stress)
7 Equivalent stress
(at Z1, if plane
stress)
8 Plastic strain
(at Z1, if plane
stress)
9 Creep strain
(at Z1, if plane
stress)
10 Strain-X (at Z1,
if plane stress)
11 Strain-Y (at Z1,
if plane stress)
12 Strain-Z (plane
strain only)
13 Strain-XY (at Z1,
if plane stress)
14-25 Items 2 through
13 repeated for
fiber distance
Z2 (plane stress
only)
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CQUAD42 2 Lamina Number Not applicable
(95) 3 Normal-1
4 Normal-2
Composite
5 Shear-12
6 Shear-1Z
7 Shear-2Z
8 Shear angle
9 Major principal
10 Minor principal
11 Maximum shear
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CQUAD4 1 EID 1 EID
(144) 2 CEN/ 2 CEN/

3 4 3 4
CORNER Output
4 Z1-Fiber distance 4 Z1-Fiber distance
6 Normal y at Z1 6 Normal x at Z1 IP
8 Shear angle at Z1 8 Normal y at Z1 IP
at Z1
at Z1
11 von Mises or 11 Z2-Fiber distance
maximum shear
at Z1
12 Z2-Fiber distance 12 Normal x at Z2 RM
16 Shear angle at Z2 16 Shear xy at Z2 RM
at Z2
18 Minor principal 18 Grid 1
at Z2
19 von Mises or 19-32 Same as 4
maximum shear through 17 for
at Z2 corner 1
20 Grid 1 33 Grid 2
21-36 Same as items 34-47 Same as items
4 through19 for 4 through 17 for
corner 1 corner 2
37 Grid 2 48 Grid 3
4 through19 for 4 through 17 for
corner 2 corner 3
54 Grid 3 63 Grid 4
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
4 through 19 for 4 through 17 for
corner 3 corner 4
71 Grid 4
72-87 Same as items
4 through 19 for
corner 4
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CQUAD8 51 Normal x at Z1 51 Normal x at Z1 RM
(64) 61 Normal y at Z1 61 Normal x at Z1 IP

8 O Shear angle at 81 Normal y at Z1 IP
Z1
at Z1
at Z1
11 von Mises or 121 Normal x at Z2 RM
maximum shear
at Z1
16 Q Shear angle at 161 Shear xy at Z2 RM
Z2
at Z2
18 Minor principal 20-32 Same as items
at Z2 5 through 17 for
corner 1
19 von Mises or
maximum shear
at Z2
19 von Mises or 35-47 Same as items
maximum shear 5 through 17 for
at Z2 corner 2
22-36 Same as items Same as items
corner 1 corner 2
50-62 Same as items
5 through 17 for
corner 3
39-53 Same as items Same as items
corner 2 corner 3
corner 3 corner 4
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
73-87 Same as items
5 through 19 for
corner 4
CQUAD82 Same as Same as
CQUAD4(95) CQUAD4(95)
(96)
Composite
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CQUADFD 2 Grid/Gauss Not applicable
(201) 3 Grid/Gauss ID
(0=center)
Nonlinear Finite 4 Cauchy stress-X
Deformation
6 Cauchy stress-Z
7 Cauchy
stress-XY
8 Pressure
9 Volumetric strain
J-1
10 Logarithmic
strain-X
11 Logarithmic
strain-Y
13 Logarithmic
strain-XY
13 repeated for 3
Gauss points
CQUADFD 2-13 Same as Not applicable
CQUADFD (201)
(208)
with 8 or 9 grid
points
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CQUADR Same as Same as
(82)
CQUADR (new Same as Same as
formulation) CQUAD4(33) CQUAD4(33)
(228)
Element Output
CQUADR (new Same as Same as
formulation) CQUAD4(95) CQUAD4(95)
(232)
Composite
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CQUADXFD 2 Grid/Gauss Not applicable
(214) 3 Gauss ID
4 Cauchy stress-X
Nonlinear Finite
(radial)
Deformation
(axial)
6 Cauchy stress-Z
(circumferential)
7 Cauchy stress-XY
8 Pressure
9 Volumetric strain J-1

10 Logarithmic strain-X
(radial)
11 Logarithmic strain-Y
(axial)
12 Logarithmic strain-Z
(circumferential)
13 Logarithmic
strain-XY
14-46 Rpeat items 3 through
13 for remaining 3
Gauss points
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CQUADXFD 2-13 Same as QUADXFD Not applicable
(214)
(215) 14-101
Repeat items 3
Nonlinear Finite through 13 for
Deformation remaining 8 Gauss
with 8 or 9 grid points
points
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CROD Same as Same as
CONROD(10) CONROD(10)
(1)
Linear
CROD Same as Not applicable
CONROD(92)
(89)
Nonlinear
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CSHEAR 2 Maximum shear 2 Maximum shear RM
(4) 31 Average shear 3 Maximum shear lP

4 Safety margin 41 Average shear RM
51 Average shear IP
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CSLOT3 2 Radial centroid 2 Radial centroid RM
(50) 3 Axial centroid 3 Axial centroid RM

1 1
2 2
3 3
8 Axialcentroid IP
1
2
3
CSLOT4 2 Radial centroid 2 Radial centroid RM
(51) 3 Axial centroid 3 Axial centroid RM

1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
9 Axial centroid IP
10 Tangential edge lP
1
2
3
4
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CTETRA 2 Stress coordinate 2 Stress coordinate
system system
(39)
points points
cosine
x cosine
cosine
12 Mean pressure 121 Normal x IP
octahedral shear
stress
cosine
18 Second principal 18-69 Rpeat items 5
y cosine through 17 for
four corners
cosine
201 Normal z
211 Shear zx
22 Third principal
cosine
24 Second principal
z cosine
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
cosine
through 25 for
four corners
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CTETRA 2 Grid/Gauss Not applicable

(0=center)
Nonlinear 4 Stress-X
5 Stress-Y
6 Stress-Z
7 Stress-XY
8 Stress-YZ
9 Stress-ZX
strain
12 Effective creep
strain
13 Strain-X
14 Strain-Y
15 Strain-Z
16 Strain-XY
17 Strain-YZ
18 Strain-ZX
19-82 Rpeat items 3
through 18 for
four corners
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CTETRAFD 2-17 Same as Not applicable
CHEXAFD (202)
(205)
Nonlinear Finite
Deformation
with 4 grid points
CTETRAFD 2-17 Same as Not applicable
CHEXAFD (202)
(210)
with 10 grid
points
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CTRIA3 Same as Same as
(74)
(97)
Composite
CTRIA3 Same as Not applicable
CQUAD4(90)
(88)
Nonlinear
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CTRIA6 51 Normal x at Z1 51 Normal x at Z1 RM
(75) 61 Normal y at Z1 61 Normal x at Z1 IP

Linear
8 Q shear angle at 81 Normal y at Z1 lP
Z1
at Z1
10 Minor principal 101 Shear xy at Z1 lP
at Z1
11 von Mises or 121 Normal x at Z2 RM
maximum shear
at Z1
16 Q shear angle at 161 Shear xy at Z2 RM
Z2
at Z2
18 Minor principal 20-32 Same as items
at Z2 5 through 17 for
corner 1
19 von Mises
ormaximum
35-47 Same as items
shear at Z2
5 through 17 for
22-36 Same as items corner 2
5 through 19 for
50-62 Same as items
corner 1
5 through 17 for
5 through 19 for
corner 2
56-70 Same as items
5 through 19 for
corner 3
(98)
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CTRIAFD 2-13 Same as Not applicable
CQUADFD(201)
(206)
Nonlinear
Deformation
with 3 grid points
CTRIAFD 2-13 Same as Not applicable
CQUADFD (201)
(211)
Nonlinear Finite 12 repeated for 2
with 6 grid points
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CTRlAR Same as Same as
CTRlA6(75) CTRlA6(75)
(70)
CTRlAR (new Same as Same as
formulation) CTRIA3(74) CTRIA3(74)
(227)
Element Output
CTRlAR(new Same as Same as
formulation) CTRIA3(97) CTRIA3(97)
(233)
Composite
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CTRIAX6 31 Radial 31 Radial RM
(53) 41 Azimuthal 41 Radial IP

51 Axial 51 Azimuthal RM
61 Shear stress 61 Azimuthal lP
7 Maximum 7 Axial RM
principal
8 Maximum shear 8 Axial lP
9 von Mises or 9 Shear RM
octahedral
11-17 Same as items 10 Shear IP
3 through 9 for
12-19 Same as items
corner 1
3 through 10 for
19-25 Same as Items corner 1
3 through 9 for
21-28 Same as items
corner 2
3 through 10 for
3 through 9 for
30-37 Same as items
corner 3
3 through 10 for
corner 3
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CTRIAXFD 2-13 Same as Not applicable
CQUADXFD
(212) (214)
Nonlinear Finite
Deformation
with 3 grid points
CTRIAXFD 2-13 Same as
CQUADXFD
(213) (214)
Nonlinear Finite 14-35 Repeat items 3 Not applicable

Deformation through 13 for 2
with 6 grid points Gauss points
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
CTUBE Same as Same as
CONROD (10) CONROD(10)
(3)
Linear
CTUBE Same as Not applicable
CONROD(92)
(87)
Nonlinear
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
VUHEXA 1 VU element ID *
10 + device code
(145)
2 Parent p-element
VUPENTA ID
3 VU grid ID for
(146) corner 1
VUTETRA 4 Normal x 4 Normal x RM
5 Normal y 5 Normal y RM
(147)
6 Normal z 6 Normal z RM
for HEXAp,
PENTAp, 7 Shear xy 7 Shear xy RM
TETRAp if 8 Shear yz 8 Shear yz RM
SDRPOPT=SDRP
(with principals) 9 Shear zx 9 Shear zx RM
10 First principal 10 Normal x IP
11 Second principal 11 Normal y IP
12 Third principal 12 Normal z IP
13 Mean pressure 13 Shear xy IP
14 von Mises/ 14 Shear yz IP
Octahedral
15 Shear zx IP
15-26 Repeat items 16-28 Repeat items
3-14 for corner 2 3-15 for corner 2
3-14 for corner 3-15 for corner
5 (VUPENTA, 5 (VUPENTA,
VUHEXA) VUHEXA)
VUHEXA) VUHEXA)
(VUHEXA) (VUHEXA)
(VUHEXA) (VUHEXA)
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
VUHEXA 1 VU element ID *
10 + device code
(145)
2 Parent p-element
VUPENTA ID
3 VU grid ID for
(146) corner 1
VUTETRA 4 Normal x 4 Normal x RM
5 Normal y 5 Normal y RM
(147)
6 Normal z 6 Normal z RM
for HEXAp,
PENTAp, 7 Shear xy 7 Shear xy RM
TETRAp if 8 Shear yz 8 Shear yz RM
SDRPOPT=OFP
(no principals) 9 Shear zx 9 Shear zx RM
10 Normal x IP
11 Normal y IP
12 Normal z IP
13 Shear xy IP
14 Shear yz IP
15 Shear zx IP
10-16 Repeat items 3-9 16-28 Repeat items
for corner 2 3-15 for corner 2
VUHEXA) VUHEXA)
VUHEXA) VUHEXA)
(VUHEXA) (VUHEXA)
(VUHEXA) (VUHEXA)
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
VUQUAD 1 VU element ID *
10 + device code
(189)
2 Parent
VUTRIA p-element ID
3 CID coordinate
(190) system ID
for QUADpand 4 ICORD
TRIAp if STRAIN flat/curved etc.
= FIBER; 4th char. 5 THETA material
of ICORD = X Y, Z angle
(local coordinate
6 ITYPE strcur=0,
system); and
fiber=1
SDRPORT = SDRP
(with principals) 7 VU grid ID for
corner 1
8 Z1 fiber distance
9 Z2 fiber distance
12 Shear xy at Z1 12 Shear xy at Z1 RM
13 Shear Angle at 13 0.0 RM
Z1
14 Major principal 14 0.0 RM
at Z1
15 Minor principal 15 0.0 RM
at Z1
16 von Mises/Max. 16 Normal x at Z2 RM
Shear at Z1
17 Normal x at Z2 17 Normal y at Z2 RM
18 Normal y at Z2 18 Shear xy at Z2 RM
19 Shear xy at Z2 19 0.0 RM
20 Shear Angle at 20 0.0 RM
Z2
21 Major principal 21 0.0 RM
at Z2
22 Minor principal 22 Normal x at Z1 IP
at Z2
23 von Mises/Max. 23 Normal y at Z1 IP
Shear at Z2
24 Shear xy at Z1 IP
25 0.0 IP
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
26 0.0 IP
27 0.0 IP
28 Normal x at Z2 IP
29 Normal y at Z2 IP
31 0.0 IP
32 0.0 IP
33 0.0 IP
(VUQUAD) (VUQUAD)
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
10 + device code
(189)
2 Parent
VUTRIA p-element ID
3 CID coordinate
(190) system ID
for QUADp and 4 ICORD
= FIBER; if 4th 5 THETA material
char. of ICORD angle
= X Y, Z (local
6 ITYPE strcur=0,
coordinate system);
fiber=1
and SDRPOPT =
OFP (no principals) 7 VU grid ID for
corner 1
8 Z1 fiber distance
9 Z2 fiber distance
13 0.0 13 0.0 RM
14 0.0 14 0.0 RM
15 0.0 15 0.0 RM
16 0.0 16 Normal x at Z2 RM
17 Normal x at Z2 17 Normal y at Z2 RM
18 Normal y at Z2 18 Shear xy at Z2 RM
19 Shear xy at Z2 19 0.0 RM
20 0.0 20 0.0 RM
21 0.0 21 0.0 RM
22 0.0 22 Normal x at Z1 IP
23 0.0 23 Normal y at Z1 IP
25 0.0 IP
26 0.0 IP
27 0.0 IP
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
31 0.0 IP
32 0.0 IP
33 0.0 IP
(VUQUAD) (VUQUAD)
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
10 + device code
(189)
2 Parent p-element
VUTRIA ID
3 CID coordinate
(190) system ID
= FIBER and 5 THETA material
4th char. of angle
ICORD = F(fixed
6 ITYPE strcur=0,
coordinate
fiber=1
system)
7 VU grid ID for
corner 1
8 Z1 fiber distance
9 Z2 fiber distance
13 Shear yz at Z1 13 Shear yz at Z1 RM
14 Shear zx at Z1 14 Shear zx at Z1 RM
15 Normal z at Z1 15 Normal z at Z1 RM
19 Shear yz at Z2 19 Shear yz at Z2 RM
20 Shear zx at Z2 20 Shear zx at Z2 RM
21 Normal z at Z2 21 Normal z at Z2 RM
22 0.0 22 Normal x at Z1 IP
23 0.0 23 Normal y at Z1 IP
25 Shear yz at Z1 IP
26 Shear zx at Z1 IP
27 Normal z at Z1 IP
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
31 Shear yz at Z2 IP
32 Shear zx at Z2 IP
33 Normal z at Z2 IP
(VUQUAD) (VUQUAD)
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
10 + device code
(189)
2 Parent p-element
VUTRIA ID
3 CID coordinate
(190) system ID
= STRCUR and 5 THETA material
4th char. of angle
ICORD = X Y, Z
6 ITYPE strcur=0,
(local coordinate
fiber=1
system)
7 VU grid ID for
corner 1
8 0.0
9 0.0
10 Membrane 10 Membrane RM
Strain x Strain x
Strain y Strain y
Strain xy Strain xy
13 0.0 13 0.0 RM
14 0.0 14 0.0 RM
15 0.0 15 0.0 RM
16 Bending 16 Bending RM
Curvature x Curvature x
Curvature y Curvature y
Curvature xy Curvature xy
19 Shear yz 19 Shear yz RM
20 Shear zx 20 Shear zx RM
21 0.0 21 0.0 RM
22 0.0 22 Membrane IP
Strain x
Strain y
24 Membrane lP
Strain xy
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
25 0.0 IP
26 0.0 IP
27 0.0 IP
28 Bending IP
Curvature x
29 Bending IP
Curvature y
30 Bending IP
Curvature xy
31 Shear yz IP
32 Shear zx IP
33 0.0 IP
(VUQUAD) (VUQUAD)
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
VUQUAD 1 VU element ID
*10 + device code
(189)
2 Parent p-element
VUTRIA ID
3 CID coordinate
(190) system ID
= STRCUR and 5 THETA material
4th char. of angle
ICORD = F
6 ITYPE strcur=0,
(fixed coordinate
fiber=1
system)
7 VU grid ID for
corner 1
8 0.0
9 0.0
Strain x Strain x
Strain y Strain y
Strain xy Strain xy
Strain yz Strain yz
Strain zx Strain zx
Strain z Strain z
Curvature x Curvature x
Curvature y Curvature y
Curvature xy Curvature xy
Curvature yz Curvature yz
Curvature zx Curvature zx
Curvature z Curvature z
8 Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
CODES
Imag./ Phase
Strain x
Strain y
24 Membrane IP
Strain xy
25 Membrane IP
Strain yz
26 Membrane IP
Strain zx
27 Membrane IP
Strain z
28 Bending lP
Curvature x
29 Bending IP
Curvature y
30 Bending IP
Curvature xy
31 Bending lP
Curvature yz
32 Bending IP
Curvature zx
33 Bending IP
Curvature z
(VUQUAD) (VUQUAD)
Element Name
(Code)
Item Code Item
8
CODES
Imag./ Phase
VUBEAM 1 VU element ID *
10 + device code
(191)
2 Parent p-element
for BEAMp ID
3 CID coordinate
system ID
4 ICORD (not
used)
5 VU grid ID for
end 1
6 x/L position
7 Y-coordinate of
output point C
8 Z-coordinate of
output point C
9 W-coordinate of
output point C
10 Normal x at C 10 Normal x at C RM
11 Shear xy at C 11 Shear xy at C RM
12 Shear zx at C 12 Shear zx at C RM
13 Normal x at C IP
14 Shear xy at C IP
15 Shear zx at C IP
7-12 for output 7-15 for output
point D point D
point E point E
point F point F
31 Max longitudinal
32 Min longitudinal
5-32 for end 2 5-42 for end 2
762 Element Force Item Codes
8 8.2 Element Force Item Codes

CODES All items are element forces (or moments) unless otherwise indicated.
Real Element Forces Complex Element Forces

Element Name
Code Item Item Real/Mag. or
Item Item
Code Code Imag/ Phase
CBAR 21 Bending End A plane 1 21 Bending End A plane 1 RM
(34) 31 Bending End A plane 2 31 Bending End A plane 2 RM

41 Bending End B plane 1 41 Bending End B plane 1 RM
51 Bending End B plane 2 51 Bending End B plane 2 RM
61 Shear plane 1 61 Shear plane 1 RM
81 Axial force 81 Axial force RM
91 Torque 91 Torque RM
101 Bending End A plane 1 IP
111 Bending End A plane 2 IP
121 Bending End B plane 1 IP
131 Bending End B plane 2 IP
141 Shear plane 1 IP
151 Shear plane 2 IP
161 Axial force lP
171 Torque IP
Element Force Item Codes 763
Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Complex Element Forces
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
CBAR 2 Station Distance/ Length 2 Station Distance/ Length
(100) 3 Bending Moment Plane 1 3 Bending Moment Plane 1

4 Bending Moment Plane 2 4 Bending Moment Plane 2
5 Shear Force Plane 1 5 Shear Force Plane 1
6 Shear Force Plane 2 6 Shear Force Plane 2
7 Axial 7 Axial
8 Item codes are given for 8 Torque
End A. Addition of the
quantity (K-1) * 7 to the
item code points to the
same information for other
stations, where K is the
station number. K=8 for
End B and 2 through 7 for
intermediate stations.
9 Bending Moment Plane 1
10 Bending Moment Plane 2
11 Shear Force Plane 1
12 Shear Force Plane 2
13 Axial
14 Torque
(Item codes above are

given for End A. For
codes 2 through 14 at
intermediate stations add
(K-1) * 13 and K is the
station number, and for
codes at End B, K+number
of stations plus 1.)
8 Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
CODES Item Item
CBEAM 2 External grid point ID 2 External grid point ID
(2) 3 Station distance/length 3 Station distance/length

41 Bending moment plane 1 41 Bending moment plane 1 RM
61 Web shear plane 1 61 Web shear plane 1 RM
71 Web shear plane 2 71 Web shear plane 2 RM
91 Total torque 91 Total torque RM
101 Warping torque 101 Warping torque RM
(Item codes are given for 111 Bending moment plane 1 IP
quantity (K-1) 9 to the
End B and 2 through 10
for intermediate stations.)
121 Bending moment plane 2 IP

131 Web shear plane 1 lP
141 Web shear plane 2 IP
151 Axial force IP
161 Total torque IP
171 Warping torque lP
(Item codes are given for
quantity (K-1) 16 to the
End B and 2 through 10 for
intermediate stations.)
Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
CBEND 2 External grid point ID 2 External grid point ID
(69) 31 Bending moment plane 1 31 Bending moment plane 1 RM

81 Torque 81 Torque RM
(Item codes are given 91 Bending moment plane 1 IP

for End A. Item codes 9 101 Bending moment plane 2 IP
through 15 point to the
same information for End 111 Shear plane 1 IP
B.) 121 Shear plane 2 IP
131 Axial force lP
141 Torque IP
(Item codes are given for

End A. Item codes 15
through 27 point to the
same information for End
B.)
8 Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
CODES Item Item
CBUSH 2 Force-x 2 Force-x RM
(102) 3 Force-y 3 Force-y RM

4 Force-z 4 Force-z RM
5 Moment-x 5 Moment-x RM
6 Moment-y 6 Moment-y RM
7 Moment-z 7 Moment-z RM
8 Force-x IP
9 Force-y IP
10 Force-z IP
11 Moment-x IP
12 Moment-y IP
13 Moment-z IP
Element Name
Code
Real Element Forces
Item Item
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
CDAMP1 Same as CELAS1 Same as CELAS1
(20)
(21)
(22)
(23)
8 Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
CODES Item Item
CDUM3 21 F1 21 F1 RM
thru 31 F2 31 F2 RM
41 F3 41 F3 RM
CDUM9
51 F4 51 F4 RM
(55-61)
61 F5 61 F5 RM
71 F6 71 F6 RM
81 F7 81 F7 RM
91 F8 91 F8 RM
101 F9 101 F9 RM
111 F1 IP
121 F2 lP
131 F3 IP
141 F4 lP
151 F5 IP
161 F6 IP
171 F7 IP
181 F8 IP
191 F9 IP
Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
CELAS1 21 Force 21 Force RM
(11)
CELAS2 Same as CELAS1 Same as CELAS1
(12)
(13)
(14)
8 Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
CODES Item Item
CONROD 21 Axial force 21 Axial force RM
(10) 31 Torque 31 Axial force IP

41 Torque RM
51 Torque lP
Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
CQUAD4 21 Membrane force x 21 Membrane force x RM
(33) 31 Membrane force y 31 Membrane force y RM

41 Membrane force xy 41 Membrane force xy RM
Linear
51 Bending moment x 51 Bending moment x RM
61 Bending moment y 61 Bending moment y RM
71 Bending moment xy 71 Bending moment xy RM
81 Shear x 81 Shear x RM
91 Shear y 91 Shear y RM
101 Membrane force x IP
111 Membrane force y IP
121 Membrane force xy IP
131 Bending moment x IP
141 Bending moment y IP
151 Bending moment xy IP
161 Shear x IP
171 Shear y IP
8 Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
CODES Item Item
CQUAD42 2-3 Theory or blank Not applicable
(95) 4 Lamina number

5 FP (failure index for direct
Composite
stresses)
6 Failure mode for
Maximum strain theory
7 FB or -1 (failure index for
interlaminar shear-stress)
8 MAX of FP, FB or -1
9 Failure flag
Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
CQUAD4 1 EID 1 EID
(144) 2 CEN/ 2 CEN/

3 4 3 4
Corner Output
4 Membrane x 4 Membrane x RM
5 Membrane y 5 Membrane y RM
6 Membrane xy 6 Membrane xy RM
7 Bending x 7 Bending x RM
8 Bending y 8 Bending y RM
9 Bending xy 9 Bending xy RM
12 Grid 1 12 Membrane x IP
13-20 Same as 4 through 11 for 13 Membrane y IP
corner 1
14 Membrane xy IP
21 Grid 2 15 Bending x IP
22-29 Same as 4 through 11 for 16 Bending y IP
corner 2
17 Bending xy IP
30 Grid 3 18 Shear x IP
31-38 Same as 4 through 11 for 19 Shear y IP
corner 3
20 Grid 1
39 Grid 4 21-36 Same as 4 through 19 for
corner 1
40-47 Same as 4 through 11 for 37 Grid 2
corner 4
38-53 Same as 4 through 19 for
corner 2
54 Grid 3
corner 3
71 Grid 4
corner 4
8 Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
CODES Item Item
CQUAD8 41 Membrane force x 41 Membrane force x RM

Linear
13-20 Same as items 4 through 121 Membrane force x IP
11 for corner 1
22-29 Same as items 4 through 131 Membrane force y IP
11 for corner 2
31-38 Same as items 4 through 141 Membrane force xy IP
11 for corner 3
40-47 Same as items 4 through 151 Bending moment x lP
11 for corner 4
161 Bending moment y IP
181 Shear x lP
191 Shear y IP
21-36 Same as items 4 through
19 for corner 1
19 for corner 2
19 for corner 3
19 for corner 4
CQUAD82 Same as CQUAD4(95) Same as CQUAD4(95)
(96)
Composite
Element Name
Code
Real Element Forces
Item Item
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
CQUADR Same as CQUAD8(64) Same as CQUAD8(64)
(82)
(new formulation)
(228)
(new formulation)
(232)
Composite
8 Element Name
Code
Real Element Forces
Item Item
Real/Mag. or
CODES Item Item
CROD Same as CONROD(10) Same as CONROD(10)
(1)
Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
CSHEAR 21 Force 4 to 1 21 Force 4 to 1 RM
(4) 31 Force 2 to 1 31 Force 2 to 1 RM

41 Force 1 to 2 41 Force 1 to 2 RM
101 Kick force on 1 101 Force 4 to 1 IP
111 Shear 12 111 Force 2 to 1 lP
131 Shear 23 131 Force 3 to 2 IP
141 Kick force on 3 141 Force 2 to 3 lP
181 Kick force on 1 RM
191 Shear 12 RM
211 Shear 23 RM
231 Shear 34 RM
251 Shear 41 RM
261 Kick force on 1 IP
271 Shear 12 lP
291 Shear 23 IP
311 Shear 34 IP
331 Shear 41 IP
8 Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
CODES Item Item
CTRIA3 Same as CQUAD4(33) Same as CQUAD4(33)
(74)
Linear
CTRIA32 Same as CQUAD4(95) Same as CQUAD4(95)
(97)
Composite
CTRlA6 41 Membrane force x 41 Membrane force x RM

Linear
13-20 Same as items 4 through 121 Membrane force x IP
11 for corner 1
131 Membrane force y IP
22-29 Same as items 4 through 141 Membrane force xy IP
11 for corner 2
151 Bending moment x IP
31-38 Same as items 4 through 161 Bending moment y IP
11 for corner 3
181 Shear x IP
191 Shear y IP
19 for corner 1
19 for corner 2
19 for corner 3
CTRlA62 Same as CQUAD4(95) Same as CQUAD4(95)
(98)
Composite
Element Name
Code
Real Element Forces
Item Item
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
CTRIAR Same as CTRIA6(75) Same as CTRIA6(75)
(70)
(new formulation)
(227)
Element Output
(new formulation)
(233)
Composite
8 Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
CODES Item Item
CTUBE Same as CONROD(10) Same as CONROD(10)
(3)
CVlSC Not applicable Same as CONROD(10)
(24)
CWELD 2 mz bending End A plane 1 2 mz bending End A plane 1 RM
(200) 3 my bending End A plane 2 3 my bending End A plane 2 RM

4 mz bending End B plane 1 4 mz bending End B plane 1 RM
5 my bending End B plane 2 5 my bending End B plane 2 RM
6 fy shear forceplane 1 6 fy shear forceplane 1 RM
7 fz shear force plane 2 7 fz shear forceplane 2 RM
8 fx axial force 8 fx axial force RM
9 mx torque 9 mx torque RM
10 mz bending End A plane 1 IP
11 my bending End A plane 2 IP
12 mz bending End B plane 1 IP
13 my bending End B plane 2 IP
14 fy shear force plane 1 IP
15 fz shear force plane 2 IP
16 fx axial force IP
17 mx torque IP
Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
VUQUAD 1 VU element ID * 10 +
device code
(189)
2 Parent p-element ID
VUTRIA 3 CID coordinate system ID
(190) 4 ICORD flat/curved etc.
for QUADp and 5 THETA material angle

TRIAp if 4th char. 6 0.0
of ICORD = X Y, Z
(local coordinate 7 VU grid ID for corner 1
system) 8 Membrane Force x 8 Membrane Force x RM
9 Membrane Force y 9 Membrane Force y RM
10 Membrane Force xy 10 Membrane Force xy RM
11 0.0 11 0.0 RM
12 0.0 12 0.0 RM
13 0.0 13 0.0 RM
14 Bending Moment x 14 Bending Moment x RM
15 Bending Moment y 15 Bending Moment y RM
16 Bending Moment xy 16 Bending Moment xy RM
17 Shear zx 17 Shear zx RM
18 Shear yz 18 Shear yz RM
19 0.0 19 0.0 RM
20 Membrane Force x IP
21 Membrane Force y IP
22 Membrane Force xy lP
23 0.0 IP
24 0.0 IP
25 0.0 IP
26 Bending Moment x IP
27 Bending Moment y lP
28 Bending Moment xy lP
29 Shear zx lP
30 Shear yz lP
31 0.0 IP
8 Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
CODES Item Item
20-32 Repeat items 7-19 for 32-56 Repeat items 7-31 for
corner 2 corner 2
corner 3 corner 3
corner 4 (VUQUAD) corner 4 (VUQUAD)
Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
VUQUAD 1 VU element ID *10 +
device code
(189)
VUTRIA 3 CID coordinate system ID
(190) 4 ICORD flat/curved etc.
for QUADp and 5 THETA material angle

TRIAp if 4th char. 6 0.0
of ICORD = F
(fixed coordinate 7 VU grid ID for corner 1
system) 8 Membrane Force x 8 Membrane Force x RM
9 Membrane Force y 9 Membrane Force y RM
10 Membrane Force xy 10 Membrane Force xy RM
11 Membrane Force yz 11 Membrane Force yz RM
12 Membrane Force zx 12 Membrane Force zx RM
13 Membrane Force z 13 Membrane Force z RM
14 Bending Moment x 14 Bending Moment x RM
16 Bending Moment xy 16 Bending Moment xy RM
17 Bending Moment yz 17 Bending Moment yz RM
18 Bending Moment zx 18 Bending Moment zx RM
19 Bending Moment z 19 Bending Moment z RM
20 Membrane Force x IP
21 Membrane Force y IP
22 Membrane Force xy IP
23 Membrane Force yz IP
24 Membrane Force zx IP
25 Membrane Force z IP
26 Bending Moment x lP
27 Bending Moment y IP
28 Bending Moment xy IP
29 Bending Moment yz lP
30 Bending Moment zx IP
31 Bending Moment z IP
8 Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
CODES Item Item
corner 2 corner 2
corner 3 corner 3
corner 4 (VUQUAD) corner 4 (VUQUAD)
Element Name
Code Item
Real Element Forces
Item
Real/Mag. or
8
Item Item CODES
VUBEAM 1 VU element ID * 10 +
device code
(191)
for BEAMp 3 CID coordinate system ID
4 ICORD (not used)
5 VU grid ID for end 1
6 x/L position
7 Force x 7 Force x RM
8 Shear Force y 8 Shear Force y RM
9 Shear Force z 9 Shear Force z RM
10 Torsional Moment x 10 Torsional Moment x RM
12 Bending Moment z 12 Bending Moment z RM
13 Force x IP
14 Shear Force y IP
15 Shear Force z IP
16 Torsional Moment x lP
17 Bending Moment y IP
18 Bending Moment z IP
13-20 Repeat items 5-12 for end 19-32 Repeat items 5-18 for end
2 2
786 Fluid Virtual Mass Pressure Item Codes
8 8.3 Fluid Virtual Mass Pressure Item Codes

CODES Real Fluid Pressure Complex Fluid Pressure
Element Name Real/Mag. or
Code Item Code Item
Imag./Phase
Plate 2 Fluid pressure 2 Pressure RM
Family 3 Pressure IP
Element Name (Code) Code Item

Heat Transfer Elements 2 Element type
31
41 x gradient
51 y gradient
61 z gradient
7 x flux
8 y flux
9 z flux
CHBDYE 4 Applied load
(107) 5 Free convection

6 Forced convection
7 Radiation
8 Total
CHBDYG Same as Same as CHBDYE
(108) CHBDYE
CHBDYP Same as Same as CHBDYE
(109) CHBDYE
Slideline Contact Item Codes 787
8.4 Slideline Contact Item Codes 8

Real Element Data
CODES
Element Name
(Code) Item Code Item
CSLIFID 1 Slave grid point
(116) 2 Contact region identification number

3 Master grid 1
4 Master grid 2
5 Surface coordinate
6 Normal force
7 Shear force
8 Normal stress
9 Shear stress
10 Normal gap
11 Slip
12 Slip ratio (Shear force/u*normal force)
13-14 Slip code (Character)
788 Element Strain Energy Item Codes
8 8.5 Element Strain Energy Item Codes

CODES Real Element Data
Element Name
Item Code Item
Element groups A and B 2 Element strain energy
Element groups A and B 3 Percent of total energy
Element group A 4 Element strain energy density
Remarks
Element group A includes elements of CBAR, CBEAM, CBEND, CONROD,
CHEXA, CPENTA, CQUAD4, CQUADR, CROD, CSHEAR, CTETRA, CTRIA3,
CTRIA6, CTRIAR, and CTUBE. Element group B includes elements of CELAS1,
CELAS2, CELAS3, and CGAP.
Chapter
9 Degree-of-Freedom Sets
9
DOF
SETS
• Degree-of-Freedom Set Definitions
• Degree-of-Freedom Set Bulk Data Entries

790 Degree-of-Freedom Set Definitions
9.1 Degree-of-Freedom Set Definitions

Each degree-of-freedom is a member of one mutually exclusive set. Set names
have the following definitions.
Set
9 Name
Definition
DOF
SETS m degrees-of-freedom eliminated by multipoint constraints
degrees-of-freedom eliminated by single-point constraints that are
sb*
included in boundary condition changes and by the AUTOSPC feature
degrees-of-freedom eliminated by single-point constraints that are
sg*
specified on the PS field on GRID Bulk Data entries
o degrees-of-freedom omitted by structural matrix partitioning
generalized degrees-of-freedom for dynamic reduction or component
q
mode synthesis
r reference degrees-of-freedom used to determine free body motion
degrees-of-freedom that are free during component mode synthesis or
c
dynamic reduction
degrees-of-freedom fixed during component mode analysis or dynamic
b
reduction
e extra degrees-of-freedom introduced in dynamic analysis
sa permanently constrained aerodynamic degrees-of-freedom
k aerodynamic degrees-of-freedom
* Strictly speaking, sb and sg are not exclusive with respect to one another.
Degrees-of-freedom may exist in both sets simultaneously. Since these sets are
not used explicitly in the solution sequences, this need not concern the user.
However, those who use these sets in their own DMAPs should avoid redundant
specifications when using these sets for partitioning or merging operations. That
is, a degree-of-freedom should not be specified on both a PS field of a GRID entry
(sg set) and on a selected SPC entry (sb set). Redundant specifications will
cause UFM 2120 in the VEC module and behavior listed in NX Nastran DMAP
Programmer’s Guide for the UPARTN module. These sets are exclusive, however,
from the other mutually exclusive sets.
Each degree-of-freedom is also a member of one or more combined sets called

“supersets.” Supersets have the following definitions:
Degree-of-Freedom Set Definitions 791
9
DOF
SETS
Set Name Meaning
(+ indicates
union of two
sets)
s = sb + sg all degrees-of-freedom eliminated by single point constraints
the structural degrees-of-freedom remaining after the

l=b+c reference degrees-of-freedom are removed (degrees-of-freedom
left over)
the total set of physical boundary degrees-of-freedom for

t=l+r
superelements
a=t+q the set assembled in superelement analysis
d=a+e the set used in dynamic analysis by the direct method
f=a+o unconstrained (free) structural degrees-of-freedom
free structural degrees-of-freedom plus extra

fe = f + s
degrees-of-freedom
all structural degrees-of-freedom not constrained by

n=f+e
multipoint constraints
792 Degree-of-Freedom Set Definitions
Set Name Meaning
(+ indicates
union of two
sets)
9 ne = n + e
all structural degrees-of-freedom not constrained by
multipoint constraints plus extra degrees-of-freedom
DOF
SETS
all structural (grid) degrees-of-freedom including scalar
g=n+m
degrees-of-freedom
p=g+e all physical degrees-of-freedom
physical and constrained (SPCi) aerodynamic

ps = p + sa
degrees-of-freedom
pa = ps + k physical set for aerodynamics
statically independent set minus the statically determinate

(fr = o) + l
supports (fr = f − q − r)
the set free to vibrate in dynamic reduction and component

v=o+c+r
mode synthesis
The a-set and o-set are created in the following ways:

1. If only OMITi entries are present, then the o-set consists of degrees-of-freedom
listed explicitly on OMITi entries. The remaining f-set degrees-of-freedom are
placed in the b-set, which is a subset of the a-set.
2. If ASETi or QSETi entries are present, then the a-set consists of all
degrees-of-freedom listed on ASETi entries and any entries listing its subsets,
such as QSETi, SUPORTi, CSETi, and BSETi entries. Any OMITi entries are
redundant. The remaining f-set degrees-of-freedom are placed in the o-set.
3. If there are no ASETi, QSETi, or OMITi entries present but there are
SUPORTi, BSETi, or CSETi entries present, then the entire f-set is placed in
the a-set and the o-set is not created.
4. There must be at least one explicit ASETi, QSETi, or OMITi entry for the o-set
to exist, even if the ASETi, QSETi, or OMITi entry is redundant.
In dynamic analysis, additional vector sets are obtained by a modal transformation

derived from real eigenvalue analysis of the a-set. These sets are as follows:
Degree-of-Freedom Set Bulk Data Entries 793
ξo = rigid body (zero frequency) modal degrees-of-freedom

ξf = finite frequency modal degrees-of-freedom
ξi = ξo + ξf, the set of all modal degrees-of-freedom
One vector set is defined that combines physical and modal degrees-of-freedom:
9
uh = ξi + ue, the set of all modal degrees-of-freedom DOF
SETS
The membership of each degree-of-freedom can be printed by use of the Bulk Data
entries PARAM,USETPRT and PARAM,USETSEL.
9.2 Degree-of-Freedom Set Bulk Data Entries

Degrees-of-freedom are placed in sets as specified by the user on the following
Bulk Data entries:
Name Bulk Data Entry Name
MPC, MPCADD, MPCAX, POlNTAX, RBAR, RBE1, RBE2, RBE3,

m
RROD, RSPLINE, RTRPLT, GMBC, GMSPC*
SPC, SPC1, SPCADD, SPCAX, FLSYM, GMSPC*, BNDGRID,

sb
(PARAM,AUTOSPC,YES)
sg GRID, GRIDB, GRDSET (PS field)
o OMIT, OMIT1, OMITAX, GRID (SEID field), SESET
q QSET, QSET1
r SUPORT, SUPORT1, SUPAX
c CSET, CSET1
b BSET, BSET1
e EPOINT
sa CAEROi
k CAEROi
a ASET, ASET1, Superelement exterior degrees-of-freedom, CSUPEXT

794 Degree-of-Freedom Set Bulk Data Entries
* Placed in set only if constraints are not specified in the basic coordinate system.
In superelement analysis, the appropriate entry names are preceded by the letters
SE, and have a field reserved for the superelement identification number. This
identification is used because a boundary (exterior) grid point may be in one
mutually exclusive set in one superelement and in a different set in the adjoining
9 superelement. The SE-type entries are internally translated to the following types
for the referenced superelement.
DOF
SETS
Entry Type Equivalent Type
SEQSETi QSETi
SESUP SUPORT
SECSETi CSETi
SEBSETi BSETi
Chapter
10 Bulk Data Entries
• Bulk Data Entry Descriptions

10
• Format of Bulk Data Entries BULK
10
BULK
Bulk Data Entry Descriptions 797
The Bulk Data Section

The Bulk Data Section contains entries that specify model geometry, element
connectivity, element and material properties, constraints (boundary conditions),
and loads. Some entries, such as loads and constraints, are selected by an
appropriate Case Control command.
Entries are prepared in either fixed or free field format. The descriptions in this
section show only the fixed format. Entries that are used by the MSGMESH
program are not included in this guide.
10.2 Bulk Data Entry Descriptions

10
Each Bulk Data entry is described as follows: BULK
Description
A brief sentence about the function of the entry is given.
Format
The name of the entry is given in the first field. Subsequent fields are described
under the Field and Contents section. Shaded fields must be left blank. If field 10
is shaded, then no continuation entries are permitted. Character strings enclosed
in quotation marks must be specified without the quotation marks as shown in
the example.
Example
A typical example is given.
Field and Contents

Each of the fields 2 through 9 that is named in the Format section is briefly
described under Contents. The field’s type (e.g., Integer, Real, or Character),
allowable range, and default value are enclosed in parentheses. The field must be
specified by the user if no default value is given.
Remarks
The remarks in the Remarks Section are generally arranged in order of importance
and indicate such things as how the Bulk Data entry is selected in the Case Control
Section, its relationship to other entries, restrictions and recommendations on its
use, and further descriptions of the fields.
798 Format of Bulk Data Entries
10.3 Format of Bulk Data Entries
Real, Integer, and Character Input Data

NX Nastran is quite particular about the input requirements for data entry. The
three possible types of data entries are Integer, Real, and Character (sometimes
called literal, or BCD-binary coded decimal). The three types of data are described
as follows:
Integer Cannot contain a decimal point.

Real Must contain a decimal point.
10 Character Can be alphanumeric, but must always start with an alpha

character and be 8 characters or less in length.
BULK
Real numbers may be entered in a variety of ways. For example, the following are
all acceptable versions of the real number seven:
7.0 .7E1 0.7+1

.70+1 7.E+0 70.-1
Free, Small, and Large Field Formats

NX Nastran has three different field formats for input data:
Free Field Format Input data fields are separated by commas.

Small Field Format Ten fields of eight characters each.
Large Field Format Ten fields—fields containing actual data are sixteen
characters each. Large fields are used when greater
numerical accuracy is required.
The NASTRAN statement, File Management Section, Executive Control Section,

and Case Control Section use free field format. The Bulk Data Section allows the
use of any of the three formats.
NX Nastran Bulk Data contains ten fields per input data entry. The first field
contains the character name of the Bulk Data item (e.g., GRID, CBAR, MAT1,
etc.). Fields two through nine contain data input information for the Bulk Data
entry. The tenth field never contains data—it is reserved for entry continuation
information, if applicable.
Consider the format of a typical NX Nastran Bulk Data entry, the GRID entry,
which is used in NX Nastran to describe the geometry of the structural model.
Format of Bulk Data Entries 799
10
BULK
Example:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GRID 2 1.0 -2.0 3.0 136
We will now represent this example in free field, small field, and large field formats.
Free Field Format

In free field format, data fields are separated by commas. The following shows the
GRID Bulk Data entry example in free field format:
The rules for free field format are as follows:

• Free field data entries must start in column 1.
• To skip one field, use two commas in succession. To skip two fields, use three
commas in succession (and so on).
• Integer or character fields with more than eight characters cause a fatal error.
• Real numbers with more than eight characters are rounded off and lose some
precision. For example, an entry of 1.2345678+2 becomes 123.4568. If more
significant digits are needed, use the large field format.
• Free field data can’t contain embedded blanks. An example of a free field
embedded blank is shown below:
• A dollar sign terminates the entry and comments may follow.
Small Field Format
10 Small field format separates a Bulk Data entry into ten equal fields of eight
characters each:
BULK
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
<-8 <-8 <-8 <-8 <-8 <-8 <-8 <-8 <-8 <-8
Char-> Char-> Char-> Char-> Char-> Char-> Char-> Char-> Char-> Char->
The following is an example of the GRID entry in small field format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GRID 2 1.0 -2.0 3.0 136
The rules for small field format are:
• Fields 1 and 10 must be left justified.
• Fields 2 through 9 don’t need to be either right or left justified, although

aligning the data fields is good practice.
• Small field input data cannot contain any embedded blanks. An example of a
small field embedded blank is shown below:
Large Field Format

A high degree of numerical accuracy is required in some NX Nastran applications.
Large field format is used when the small field format does not provide enough
significant digits (recall that a minus sign, decimal point, and the “E” in scientific
notation count as characters).
Large field format requires (at least) two lines for each entry: the first and last
field of each line contains eight columns, and the fields in between contain 16
columns. The short field becomes two lines. Large field entries are denoted by an
asterisk (*) immediately following the character string in field 1A of the first line
and immediately preceding the character string in field 1B of the second line.
The following is an example of the GRID Bulk Data entry example in large field
format:
10
BULK
First Line: (Left half of single field)
Second Line: (Right half of single field)
Continuations
Some Bulk Data entries require more than eight fields (72 columns) of data.
Continuations are required in such cases. To do this, a parent entry (the first line)
is followed by one or more continuation entries on subsequent lines. For example,
consider the following PBAR simple beam property entry (do not worry about what
each field represents—this will be explained later):
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PBAR PID MID A I1 I2 J NSM
C1 C2 D1 D2 El E2 F1 F2
K1 K2 I12
Continuation Example:
PBAR 39 6 2.9 1.86 2.92 .48 +PB1
+PB1 0. 0. 0. 1. 1. 1. 1. 0. +PB2
10 +PB2 .86 .86
BULK
+PB1 in field 10 of the parent entry is an arbitrary (and unique) user-defined

pointer to field 1 of the second line. +PB2 in the second line points to the third
line, and so on.
Continuation fields can also be generated automatically by NX Nastran (this

approach is the recommended practice). To automatically generate a continuation,
the continuation line (or lines) must immediately follow the parent Bulk Data
entry. In addition, fields 1 and 10 of the continuation line (or lines) must be left
blank. When double-width generated continuations are not blank in field 1, but
have an “*” in column 1, NX Nastran will generate unique continuations for you.
This process is illustrated in the following example:
Input (.DAT) file:

CHEXA, 1, 10, 3, 5, 7, 1, 15,
17,
19, 13, 4, 6, 8, 2, 10,
11,
, 12, 9, 16, 18, 20, 14
Output (.F06) file:

GEAR TOOTH EXAMPLE JUNE 29, 2003 NX Nastran 06/29/2003 PAGE 3
S O R T E D B U L K D A T A E C H O
CARD
COUNT . 1 .. 2 .. 3 .. 4 .. 5 .. 6 .. 7 .. 8 .. 9 ..10 .
1- CHEXA 1 10 3 5 7 1 15 17
+000001
2- ++00000119 13 4 6 8 2 10 11
+000002
3- ++00000212 9 16 18 20 14
+000003
Continuation fields (fields one and ten) are replicated using the following
conventions:
1. Only letters of the alphabet and integers may be used. They are coded into a
base 36 number. That is, the sequence of numbers is 0,1, 2, ..., 8, 9, A, B, ...
2. The first character in field one or ten is not incremented.
3. The continuation fields are incremented by +1 regardless of the value specified

by the user.
4. The number of characters in an incremented field will not be increased.

For example, if the first field is “0", the thirty-seventh field will also be “0",
resulting in an illegal entry. A method to solve this problem would be to start
with a first field of “00". This will provide thirty-six squared unique fields.
5. At least one field in fields 2 through 8 of continuation entries must be

non-blank.
10
BULK
Replication
Replication is a limited data generation capability which may be used in a fixed or
free-field format.
1. Duplication of fields from the preceding entry is accomplished by coding the
symbol =.
2. Duplication of all trailing fields from the preceding entry is accomplished by

coding the symbol ==.
3. Incrementing a value from the previous entry is indicated by coding *x or *(x),

where x is the value of the increment. “x” should be a real number for real
fields or an integer for integer fields.
4. Repeated replication is indicated by coding =n or =(n), where n is the number

of images to be generated using the values of the increments on the preceding
entry.
5. Data items may be enclosed within parentheses or the parentheses may be

deleted.
6. If NASTRAN MESH is specified in the File Management Section, MSGMESH

includes the capabilities.
• Continuation entry fields may be incremented or decremented.
• Repeated replication is indicated by coding =(n) in field 1, where n is the

number of entry images to be generated using the values of increments
from the current or preceding replication entry.
Entered entries:
GRID,101 ,17,1 .0,10.5,,17,3456

=(4), *(1),=,*(0.2),==$
Generated entries:
GRID 101 17 1.0 10.5 17 3456
GRID 102 17 1.2 10.5 17 3456
GRID 103 17 1.4 10.5 17 3456
GRID 104 17 1.6 10.5 17 3456
GRID 105 17 1.8 10.5 17 3456
• A blank in field 1 indicates immediate continuation entry replication. The

10 default continuation entry increment is 1. Example:
BULK
BSET1,123,1,2,3,4,5,6,7
,,*7,*7,*7,*7,*7,*7,*7
=(3)
Generated entries:
BSET1 123 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 +00001

++00001 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 +00002
++00002 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 +00003
++00003 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 +00004
++00004 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 +00005
• An “=(D)” in field 1 indicates delayed continuation entry replication.

A maximum of 9 entries may be replicated as a group. The default
continuation entry increment is 10. Example:
Entered entries:
CTRIA3,10,1,1,10,11/+C1
=(D),*(1),=,=,*(1),*(1)/*(20)
+C1,,,2.0,1.0,1.0
=(2),==
Generated entries:
CTRIA3 10 1 1 10 11 +C1
+C1 2.0 1.0 1.0
CTRIA3 11 1 1 11 12 +C21
+C21 2.0 1.0 1.0
CTRIA3 12 1 1 12 13 +C41
+C41 2.0 1.0 1.0
• Parentheses are optional on replication entries and an equal sign may

replace an asterisk.
The following is an example of the use of replication, automatic

continuation field generation, and the free field format.
GRID,101 ,17,1.0,10.5,,17,3456
=,*1,=,*0.2, *(0.1), == $ COMMENTS MAY APPEAR AFTER $
=3
EIGR,13,GIV,,30.
,MASS
CBAR,1 ,1 ,101 ,102,0.,0.,1.,,+0
=,*1,=,*1,*1====*1
+0,56
*1,=$
The above free-field entries will generate the following Bulk Data in the
8-column format, as seen in the SORTED BULK DATA ECHO:
10
BULK
A “,” should always be used after the “*1” for the continuation
increment even if fixed field format is being used.
CBAR 1 1 101 102 0. 0. 1. +0

+0 56
CBAR 2 1 102 103 0. 0. 1. +1
+1 56
EIGR 13 GIV 30. +000001
++000001 MASS
GRID 101 17 1.0 10.5 17 3456
GRID 102 17 1.2 10.6 17 3456
GRID 103 17 1.4 10.7 17 3456
GRID 104 17 1.6 10.8 17 3456
GRID 105 17 1.8 10.9 17 3456
The automatically generated continuation entries start with the number 1, are
incremented by 1, and are padded with zeros and plus signs as shown above. If this
feature is used, it is the user’s responsibility not to enter continuation entries that
also use this convention. In particular, data generated on another run and then
written to the PUNCH file with the ECHO=PUNCH, will cause problems when
introduced into other data with blank continuation fields.
Bulk Data Entry Summary

This section contains a summary of all Bulk Data entries under the following
headings:
• Geometry
• Elelements
• Materials
• Constraints and Partitioning
10 • Loads
BULK
• Solution Control
• Miscellaneous
Geometry
Grid Points
GRID Defines the location of a geometric grid point, the directions of

its displacement, and its permanent single-point constraints.
GRIDB Defines the location of a geometric grid point on a fluid point
(RINGFL entry) for an axisymmetric fluid model and/or
axisymmetric structure. Also defines the boundary of the fluid.
GRDSET Defines default options for fields 3, 7, 8, and 9 of all GRID entries.
SEQGP Used to manually order the grid points and scalar points of the 10
problem. This entry is used to redefine the sequence of grid and BULK
scalar points to optimize bandwidth.
Coordinate Systems
CORDiC Cylindrical coordinate system definition.

CORDiR Rectangular coordinate system definition.
CORDiS Spherical coordinate system definition.
CORD3G Defines a general coordinate system using three rotational
angles as functions of coordinate values in the reference
coordinate system.
BEAMOR Defines default values for field 3 and fields 6 through 8 of the
CBEAM entry.
BAROR Defines default values for field 3 and fields 6 through 8 of the
CBAR entry.
Scalar Points
SPOINT Defines scalar points.

EPOINT Defines extra points for use in dynamic problems.
SEQGP Grid and scalar point number resequencing.
SEQEP Redefines the sequence of extra points to optimize bandwidth.
Fluid Points
ACMODL Defines modeling parameters for the interface between the

fluid and the structure.
GRID Defines fluid points in coupled fluid-structural analysis.
GRIDB Grid point location on RINGFL.
RINGFL Defines a circle (fluid point) in an axisymmetric fluid model.
GRIDF Defines a scalar degree-of-freedom for harmonic analysis of
a fluid.
10 GRIDS Defines a scalar degree-of-freedom with a two-dimensional

location. Used in defining pressure in slotted acoustic cavities.
BULK
FREEPT Defines the location of points on the surface of a fluid for
recovery of surface displacements in a gravity field.
PRESPT Defines the location of pressure points in the fluid for recovery
of pressure data.
FSLIST Defines the fluid points (RINGFL entry) that lie on a free
surface boundary.
SLBDY Defines a list of slot points that lie on an interface between an
axisymmetric fluid and a set of evenly spaced radial slots.
Axisymmetry
AXIC Defines the existence of an axisymmetric conical shell problem.

AXIF Defines basic parameters and the existence of an axisymmetric
fluid analysis.
FLSYM Defines the relationship between the axisymmetric fluid and
a structural boundary having symmetric constraints. The
purpose is to allow fluid boundary matrices to conform to
structural symmetry definitions.
AXSLOT Defines the harmonic index and the default values for acoustic
analysis entries.
RINGAX Defines a ring for conical shell problem.
SECTAX Defines a sector of a conical shell.
POINTAX Defines the location of a point on an axisymmetric shell ring

at which loads may be applied via the FORCE or MOMENT
entries and at which displacements may be requested. These
points are not subject to constraints via MPCAX, SPCAX, or
OMITAX entries.
Cyclic Symmetry
CYAX Lists grid points that lie on the axis of symmetry in cyclic
symmetry analysis.
CYJOIN Defines the boundary points of a segment in cyclic symmetry
problems. 10
BULK
Superelement Analysis
CSUPEXT Assigns exterior points to a superelement.

CSUPER Defines the grid or scalar point connections for identical
or mirror image superelements or superelements from
an external source. These are all known as secondary
superelements.
EXTRN Defines a boundary connection for an external superelement.
GRID Defines interior points for a superelement.
SESET Defines interior grid points for a superelement.
SEQSEP Used with the CSUPER entry to define the correspondence of
the exterior grid points between an identical or mirror-image
superelement and its primary superelement.
RELEASE Defines degrees-of-freedom for superelement exterior grid
points that are not connected to the superelement.
SEELT Reassigns superelement boundary elements to an upstream
superelement.
SEBNDRY Defines a list of grid points in a partitioned superelement
for the automatic boundary search between a specified
superelement or between all other superelements in the
model.
SEBULK Defines superelement boundary search options and a
repeated, mirrored, or collector superelement.
SECONCT Explicitly defines grid and scalar point connection procedures

for a partitioned superelement.
SEEXCLD Defines grid points that will be excluded during the
attachment of a partitioned superelement.
SELABEL Defines a label or name to be printed in the superelement
output headings.
SELOC Defines a partitioned superelement relocation by listing
three non-colinear points in the superelement and three
corresponding points not belonging to the superelement.
SEMPLN Defines a mirror plane for mirroring a partitioned
10 superelement.
BULK
SETREE Specifies superelement reduction order.
p-element and Adaptivity Analysis
FEEDGE Defines a finite element edge and associates it with a curve.

FEFACE Defines geometric information that will be used in elements,
surface definition, load definition, and boundary condition
definition.
GMCORD Defines a convective/follower coordinate system on an
FEEDGE, GMCURV, FEFACE, or GMSURF entry.
GMCURV Defines the geometric curve that will be used in element
geometry, load definition, and boundary condition definition.
GMSURF Defines geometric information that will be used in elements,
surface definition, load definition, and boundary condition
definition.
GMBNDC Defines a geometric boundary consisting of p-element edges
along a curve interface. The boundary may consist of edges of
shell, beam, or p-solid elements.
GMINTC Defines curve interface elements to connect dissimilar meshes.
PINTC Defines properties for curve interface elements (see GMINTC).
POINT Defines the edge point for a FEEDGE entry.
GMBNDS Defines a geometric boundary consisting of p-element faces

along a surface interface. The boundary may consist of faces
of p-solid or p-shell elements.
GMINTS Defines an interface element along a surface interface between
boundaries of multiple subdomains.
PINTS Defines the properties for interface elements along surface
interfaces between boundaries of multiple subdomains of
p-elements.
Aeroelastic Control Points

10
BULK
AECOMP Defines a component for use in aeroelastic monitor point
definition.
AECOMPL Defines a component for use in aeroelastic monitor point
definition as a union of other components.
MONPNT1 Defines an integrated load monitor point at a point (x,y,z) in a
user defined coordinate system.
UXVEC Specification of a vector of aerodynamic control point (extra
point) values.
Elements
Line Elements
CBAR Defines a simple beam element.

PBAR Defines the properties of a simple beam element (CBAR entry).
PBARL Defines the properties of a simple beam element (CBAR entry)
by cross-sectional dimensions.
BAROR Default for orientation and property for CBAR.
BEAMOR Default for orientation and property for CBEAM.
CBEAM Defines a beam element.
PBEAM Defines the properties of a beam element (CBEAM entry). This
element may be used to model tapered beams.
PBEAML Defines the properties of a beam element by cross-sectional

dimensions.
PBCOMP Alternate form of the PBEAM entry to define properties of a
uniform cross-sectional beam referenced by a CBEAM entry.
CBEND Connection definition for a curved beam.
PBEND Defines the properties of a curved beam, curved pipe, or elbow
element (CBEND entry).
CBUSH1D Defines the connectivity of a one-dimensional spring and
viscous damper element.
10 PBUSH1D Defines linear and nonlinear properties of a one-dimensional

spring and damper element (CBUSH1D entry).
BULK
CONROD Defines a rod element without reference to a property entry.
CROD Defines a tension-compression-torsion element.
PROD Defines the properties of a rod element (CROD entry).
CTUBE Defines a tension-compression-torsion tube element.
PTUBE Defines the properties of a thin-walled cylindrical tube element
(CTUBE entry).
CWELD Defines a weld or fastener connecting two surface patches or
points.
PWELD Defines the properties of connector (CWELD) elements.
Surface Elements
CTRIA3 Defines an isoparametric membrane-bending or plane-strain

triangular plate element.
CTRIA6 Defines a curved triangular shell element or plane-strain
elemetn with six grid points.
CTRIAR Defines an isoparametric membrane-bending triangular
plate element. However, this element does not include
membrane-bending coupling. It is a companion to the
CQUADR element.
CQUAD4 Defines an isoparametric membrane-bending or plane-strain
quadrilateral plate element.
CQUAD8 Defines a curved quadrilateral shell or plane-strain element

with eight grid points.
CQUAD Defines a plane-strain quadrilateral element with up to nine
grid points for use in fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large
rotation) hyperelastic analysis.
CQUADR Defines an isoparametric membrane and bending quadrilateral
plate element.
PLPLANE Defines the properties of a fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain
and large rotation) hyperelastic plane-strain or axisymmetric
element.
PSHELL Defines the membrane, bending, transverse shear, and 10
coupling properties of thin shell elements. BULK
PCOMP Defines the properties of an n-ply composite material laminate.

CSHEAR Defines a shear panel element.
PSHEAR Defines the properties of a shear panel (CSHEAR entry).
SNORM Defines a surface normal vector at a grid point for CQUAD4,
CQUADR, CTRIA3, and CTRIAR shell elements.
Solid Elements
CTETRA Defines the connections of the four-sided solid element with
four to ten grid points.
CPENTA Defines the connections of a five-sided solid element with six to
fifteen grid points.
CHEXA Defines the connections of the six-sided solid element with
eight to twenty grid points.
PSOLID Defines the properties of solid elements (CHEXA, CPENTA,
and CTETRA entries).
PLSOLID Defines a fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large rotation)
hyperelastic solid element.
Scalar and Bushing Elements

CELASi Connection definition for scalar spring, also property definition
for i=2 or 4.
PELAS Specifies the stiffness, damping coefficient, and stress

coefficient of a scalar elastic (spring) element (CELAS1 or
CELAS3 entry).
PELAST Defines the frequency dependent properties for a PELAS Bulk
Data entry.
GENEL Defines a general element.
CBUSH Defines a generalized spring-and-damper structural element
that may be nonlinear or frequency dependent.
PBUSH Defines the nominal property values for a generalized
spring-and-damper structural element.
10 PBUSHT Defines the frequency dependent properties or the stress
BULK
dependent properties for a generalized spring and damper
structural element.
CBUSH1D Defines the connectivity of a one-dimensional spring and
viscous damper element.
PBUSH1D Defines linear and nonlinear properties of a one-dimensional
spring and damper element (CBUSH1D entry).
Axisymmetric Elements
CCONEAX Defines a conical shell element.

PCONEAX Defines the properties of a conical shell element described on a
CCONEAX entry.
CTRIAX6 Defines an isoparametric and axisymmetric triangular cross
section ring element with midside grid points.
CTRIAX Defines an axisymmetric triangular element with up to 6 grid
points for use in fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large
rotations) hyperelastic analysis.
CQUADX Defines an axisymmetric quadrilateral element with up to nine
grid points for use in fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large
rotations) hyperelastic analysis.
p-element Interface Elements
GMINTC Defines a p-interface element along a curve.

PINTC Property definition for GMINTC.

GMINTS Defines a p-interface element along a surface.
PINTS Property definition for GMINTS.
Rigid Elements
RBAR Defines a rigid bar with six degrees-of-freedom at each end.

RBE1 Defines a rigid body connected to an arbitrary number of grid
points.
RBE2 Defines a rigid body with independent degrees-of-freedom 10
that are specified at a single grid point and with dependent BULK
degrees-of-freedom that are specified at an arbitrary number
of grid points.
RBE3 Defines the motion at a reference grid point as the weighted
average of the motions at a set of other grid points.
RROD Defines a pin-ended element that is rigid in translation.
RSPLINE Defines multipoint constraints for the interpolation of
displacements at grid points.
RSSCON Defines multipoint constraints to model clamped connections
of shell-to-solid elements.
RTRPLT Defines a rigid triangular plate.
Mass Elements
CMASSi Connection definition for scalar mass, also property definition
for i=2 or 4.
PMASS Specifies the mass value of a scalar mass element (CMASS1 or
CMASS3 entries).
CONM1 Defines a 6 x 6 symmetric mass matrix at a geometric grid point.
CONM2 Defines concentrated mass at a grid point.
Damping Elements
CDAMPi Connection definition for a scalar damper, also property

definition for i=2 or 4.
PDAMP Specifies the damping value of a scalar damper element using

defined CDAMP1 or CDAMP3 entries.
PDAMP5 Defines the damping multiplier and references the material
properties for damping. CDAMP5 is intended for heat transfer
analysis only.
PDAMPT Defines the frequency-dependent properties for a PDAMP
Bulk Data entry.
CVISC Defines a viscous damper element.
PVISC Defines properties of a one-dimensional viscous damping
element (CVISC entry).
10 CBUSH1D See line elements.
BULK
PBUSH1D See line elements.
Fluid and Acoustic Elements
CAABSF Defines a frequency-dependent acoustic absorber element in

coupled fluid-structural analysis.
PAABSF Defines the properties of a frequency-dependent acoustic
absorber element.
CHEXA Connection definition for a pentahedron element in coupled
fluid-structural analysis.
CPENTA Connection definition for a tetrahedron element in coupled
CTETRA Defines the connections of the four-sided solid element with
four to ten grid points.
PSOLID Defines the fluid properties of solid elements (CHEXA,
CPENTA, and CTETRA entries).
PANEL Selects the set of structural grid points that define one or more
panels.
CHACAB Defines the acoustic absorber element in coupled
PACABS Defines the properties of the acoustic absorber element.
CHACBR Defines the acoustic barrier element.
PACBAR Defines the properties of the acoustic barrier element.

CAXIFi Defines an axisymmetric fluid element that connects i = 2, 3,
or 4 fluid points.
CFLUIDi Defines three types of fluid elements for an axisymmetric fluid
model.
CSLOTi Defines slot element for acoustic cavity analysis.
ELIST Defines a list of structural elements for virtual fluid mass.
SET1 Defines a list of structural grid points for aerodynamic
analysis, XY-plots for SORT1 output, and the PANEL entry.
10
BULK
Heat Transfer Elements
CHBDYi Connection definition for surface element (CHBDYE,
CHBDYG, CHBDYP).
PHBDY A property entry referenced by CHBDYP entries to give
auxiliary geometric information for boundary condition surface
elements.
BDYOR Defines default values for the CHBDYP, CHBDYG, and
CHBDYE entries.
The following elastic elements may also be used as heat conduction elements.
Linear: CBAR, CROD, CONROD, CTUBE, CBEAM, CBEND.

Membrane: CTRIA3, CTRIA6, CQUAD4, CQUAD8.
Axisymmetric: CTRIAX6.
Solid: CTETRA, CHEXA, CPENTA.
Dummy Elements
ADUMi Defines attributes of the dummy elements (1 ≤ i ≤ 9).
CDUMi Defines a dummy element (1 ≤ i ≤ 9).
PDUMi Defines the properties of a dummy element (1 ≤ i ≤ 9).
Referenced by the CDUMi entry.
PLOTEL Defines a one-dimensional dummy element for use in plotting.
Contact or Gap Elements
CGAP Defines a gap or friction element.

PGAP Defines the properties of the gap element (CGAP entry).
BCONP Defines the parameters for a contact region and its properties.
BFRIC Defines frictional properties between two bodies in contact.
BLSEG Defines a curve that consists of a number of line segments via
grid numbers that may come in contact with another body.
BWIDTH Defines widths or thicknesses for line segments in 3-D or
10 2-D slideline contact defined in the corresponding BLSEG
Bulk Data entry.
BULK
Crack Tip Elements
CRAC2D Defines a two-dimensional crack tip element.

CRAC3D Defines a three-dimensional crack tip element.
PRAC2D Defines the properties and stress evaluation techniques to be
used with the CRAC2D structural element.
PRAC3D Defines the properties of the CRAC3D structural element.
Aerodynamic Elements
AEFACT Defines real numbers for aeroelastic analysis.

AELINK Defines relationships between or among AESTAT and
AESURF entries.
AELIST Defines a list of aerodynamic elements to undergo the motion
prescribed with the AESURF Bulk Data entry for static
aeroelasticity.
AESTAT Specifies rigid body motions to be used as trim variables in
static aeroelasticity.
AESURF Specifies an aerodynamic control surface as a member of the
set of aerodynamic extra points.
AESURFS Optional specification of the structural nodes associated with

an aerodynamic control surface that has been defined on an
AESURF entry.
CAERO1 Defines an aerodynamic macro element (panel) in terms of
two leading edge locations and side chords.
CAERO2 Defines aerodynamic slender body and interference elements
for Doublet-Lattice aerodynamics.
CAERO3 Defines the aerodynamic edges of a Mach Box lifting surface.
If no cranks are present, this entry defines the aerodynamic
Mach Box lifting surface.
CAERO4 Defines an aerodynamic macro element for Strip theory. 10
BULK
CAERO5 Defines an aerodynamic macro element for Piston theory.
CSSCHD Defines a scheduled control surface deflection as a function of
Mach number and angle of attack.
PAERO1 Defines associated bodies for the panels in the Doublet-Lattice
method.
PAERO2 Defines the cross-sectional properties of aerodynamic bodies.
PAERO3 Defines the number of Mach boxes in the flow direction and
the location of cranks and control surfaces of a Mach box
lifting surface.
PAERO4 Defines properties of each strip element for Strip theory.
PAERO5 Defines properties of each strip element for Piston theory.
Aerodynamic to Structure Interconnection
SET1 Defines a list of structural grid points.

SET2 Defines a list of structural grid points in terms of aerodynamic
macro elements.
SPLINE1 Defines a surface spline for interpolating motion and/or forces
for aeroelastic problems on aerodynamic geometries defined
by regular arrays of aerodynamic points.
SPLINE2 Defines a beam spline for interpolating motion and/or forces
for aeroelastic problems on aerodynamic geometries defined
by regular arrays of aerodynamic points.
SPLINE3 Defines a constraint equation for aeroelastic problems. Useful

for control surface constraints.
SPLINE4 Defines a curved surface spline for interpolating motion
and/or forces for aeroelastic problems on general aerodynamic
geometries using either the Infinite Plate, Thin Plate or Finite
Plate splining method.
SPLINE5 Defines a 1D beam spline for interpolating motion and/or
forces for aeroelastic problems on aerodynamic geometries
defined by irregular arrays of aerodynamic points.
10 Materials
BULK
Isotropic
MAT1 Defines the material properties for linear isotropic materials.

MAT4 Defines the constant or temperature-dependent thermal
material properties for conductivity, heat capacity, density,
dynamic viscosity, heat generation, reference enthalpy, and
latent heat associated with a single-phase change.
MATHP Specifies material properties for use in fully nonlinear (i.e.,
large strain and large rotation) hyperelastic analysis of
rubber-like materials (elastomers).
RADM Defines the radiation properties of a boundary element for
heat transfer analysis.
Anisotropic
MAT2 Defines the material properties for linear anisotropic

materials for two-dimensional elements.
MAT3 Defines the material properties for linear orthotropic
materials used by the CTRIAX6 element entry.
MAT5 Defines the thermal material properties for anisotropic
materials.
MAT8 Defines the material property for an orthotropic material for
isoparametric shell elements.
MAT9 Defines the material properties for linear,

temperature-independent, anisotropic materials for
solid isoparametric elements (see the PSOLID entry
description).
Temperature Dependent
MATTi Table references for temperature-dependent MATi materials.

RADMT Specifies table references for temperature dependent RADM
entry radiation boundary properties.
TEMP Defines temperature at grid points for determination of
10
BULK
thermal loading, temperature-dependent material properties,
or stress recovery.
TEMPD Defines a temperature value for all grid points of the
structural model that have not been given a temperature on a
TEMP entry.
TEMPPi Defines a temperature field for surface elements.
TEMPRB Defines a temperature field for the CBAR, CBEAM, CBEND,
CROD, CTUBE, and CONROD elements for determination of
thermal loading, temperature-dependent material properties,
or stress recovery.
TEMPAX Defines temperature sets for conical shell problems.
TABLEST Table references for temperature dependent MATS1
materials.
TABLEMi Tabular functions for generating temperature-dependent
material properties.
Stress Dependent
MATS1 Specifies stress-dependent material properties for use in

applications involving nonlinear materials.
TABLES1 Defines a tabular function for stress-dependent material
properties such as the stress-strain curve (MATS1 entry),
creep parameters (CREEP entry) and hyperelastic material
parameters (MATHP entry).
CREEP Defines creep characteristics based on experimental data or

known empirical creep law.
Fluid
AXIF Includes default values for mass density and bulk modulus.
AXSLOT Includes default values for mass denisty and bulk modulus.
BDYLIST Defines the boundary between a fluid and a structure.
CFLUIDi Includes mass density and bulk modulus.
10 CSLOTi Includes mass density and bulk modulus.
BULK
FSLIST Defines the fluid points (RINGFL entry) that lie on a free
surface boundary.
MAT10 Defines material properties for fluid elements in coupled
MFLUID Defines the properties of an incompressible fluid volume for
the purpose of generating a virtual mass matrix.
SLBDY Includes mass density at interface between fluid and radial
slots.
Constraints and Partitioning
Single Point Constraints
SPC Defines a set of single-point constraints and enforced

motion—enforced displacements in static analysis and
enforced displacements, velocities or acceleration in dynamic
analysis.
SPC1 Defines a set of single point constraints.
SPCADD Defines a single-point constraint set as a union of single-point
constraint sets defined on SPC or SPC1 entries.
SPCAX Defines a set of single-point constraints or enforced
displacements for conical shell coordinates.
SPCOFFi Defines degrees-of-freedom to be excluded from the AUTOSPC
operation.
GRID Includes single point constraint definition.

GRIDB Includes single point constraint definition.
GRDSET Includes deafult for single point constraints.
FLSYM Symmetry control for boundary in axisymmetric fluid problem.
Multipoint Constraints
MPC Defines a linear relationship for two or more

degrees-of-freedom.
MPCADD Defines a multipoint constraint set as a union of multipoint 10
constraint sets defined via MPC entries. BULK
MPCAX Defines multipoint constraints for conical shell problems.

POINTAX Defines multipoint constraints for point on conical shell.
RBAR Defines multipoint constraints for rigid bar.
RBEi Defines multipoint constraints for RBE1, RBE2, and RBE3.
RROD Defines multipoint constraints for rigid rod.
RSPLINE Defines multipoint constraints for spline element.
RTRPLT Defines multipoint constraints for rigid triangular plate.
CWELD Defines a weld or fastener connecting two surface patches
or points.
PWELD Defines the properties of connector (CWELD) elements.
Partitioning
ASET Defines degrees-of-freedom in the analysis set (a-set).

ASET1 Defines degrees-of-freedom in the analysis set (a-set).
OMIT Defines degrees-of-freedom to be excluded (o-set) from the
analysis set (a-set).
OMIT1 Defines degrees-of-freedom to be excluded (o-set) from the
OMITAX Defines degrees-of-freedom to be excluded (o-set) from the

GRID Defines interior points for a superelement.
SESET Defines interior grid points for a superelement.
CSUPEXT Assigns exterior points to a superelement.
RELEASE Defines degrees-of-freedom for superelement exterior grid
points that are not connected to the superelement.
SEELT Reassigns superelement boundary elements to an upstream
superelement.
10
BULK
Free Body Supports
SUPORTi Defines degrees-of-freedom for determinate reactions.

SUPAX Defines determinate reaction degrees-of-freedom in free
bodies for conical shell analysis.
CYSUP Defines fictitious supports for cyclic symmetry analysis.
p-element Geometry Constraints
GMBC Defines enforced displacements for GRID, FEEDGE, FEFACE,

GMCURV, and GMSURF entries.
GMSPC Defines constraints for entries.
Component Mode Boundary Conditions
BSET Defines the analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be fixed

(b-set) during component mode synthesis calculations.
BSET1 Defines the analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be fixed
(b-set) during component mode synthesis calculations.
CSET Defines the analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be free
(c-set) during component modes calculations.
CSET1 Defines the analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be free
(c-set) during component modes calculations.
QSET Defines the generalized degrees-of-freedom (q-set) to be used

for component mode synthesis.
QSET1 Defines the generalized degrees-of-freedom (q-set) to be used
for component mode synthesis.
SEBSET Defines the boundary degrees-of-freedom to be fixed (b-set)
during component mode synthesis calculations.
SEBSET1 Defines the fixed boundary points for a superelement.
SECSET Defines the boundary degrees-of-freedom to be free (c-set)
SECSET1 Defines the boundary degrees-of-freedom to be free (c-set)
10
BULK
SENQSET Defines the number of internally generated scalar points for
superelement dynamic reduction.
SEQSET Defines the generalized degrees-of-freedom of the superelement
to be used in component mode synthesis.
SEQSET1 Defines the generalized degrees-of-freedom of the superelement
to be used in component mode synthesis.
SESUP Defines the determinate reaction superelement
degrees-of-freedom in a free-body analysis.
User Sets
DEFUSET Defines the new names for degree-of-freedom sets.

SEUSET Defines a degree-of-freedom set for a superelement.
SEUSET1 Defines a degree-of-freedom set for a superelement.
USET Defines a degree-of-freedom set.
USET1 Defines a degrees-of-freedom set.
Loads
Static Loads
CLOAD Defines a static load as a linear combination of previously

calculated superelement loads defined by the LSEQ entry in
nonlinear static analysis (SOL 106 or 153).
DEFORM Defines the enforced axial deformation for one-dimensional
elements for use in statics problems.
FORCE Defines a static concentrated force at a grid point by
specifying a vector.
10
BULK FORCEi Defines a concentrated load at grid point.
GRAV Defines acceleration vectors for gravity or other acceleration
loading.
MOMENT Defines a static concentrated moment at a grid point by
specifying a scale factor and a vector that determines the
direction.
MOMENTi Defines moment at grid point.
PLOAD Defines a uniform static pressure load on a triangular or
quadrilateral surface comprised of surface elements and/or
the faces of solid elements.
PLOAD1 Defines concentrated, uniformly distributed, or linearly
distributed applied loads to the CBAR or CBEAM elements
at user-chosen points along the axis. For the CBEND
element, only distributed loads over an entire length may
be defined.
PLOAD2 Defines a uniform static pressure load applied to CQUAD4,
CSHEAR, or CTRIA3 two-dimensional elements.
PLOAD4 Defines a pressure load on a face of a CHEXA, CPENTA,
CTETRA, CTRIA3, CTRIA6, CTRIAR, CQUAD4, CQUAD8,
or CQUADR element.
PLOADX1 Defines surface traction to be used with the CQUADX,
CTRIAX, and CTRIAX6 axisymmetric element.
RFORCE Defines a static loading condition due to an angular velocity
and/or acceleration.
SPCD Defines an enforced displacement value for static analysis

and an enforced motion value (displacement, velocity or
acceleration) in dynamic analysis.
SLOAD Defines concentrated static loads on scalar or grid points.
LOAD Defines a static load as a linear combination of load sets
defined via FORCE, MOMENT, FORCE1, MOMENT1,
FORCE2, MOMENT2, PLOAD, PLOAD1, PLOAD2,
PLOAD4, PLOADX1, SLOAD, RFORCE, and GRAV entries.
TEMP Defines temperature at grid points for determination
of thermal loading, temperature-dependent material
properties, or stress recovery.
10
TEMPD Defines a temperature value for all grid points of the BULK
structural model that have not been given a temperature
on a TEMP entry.
TEMPPi Defines a temperature field for surface elements.
TEMPRB Defines a temperature field for the CBAR, CBEAM, CBEND,
CROD, CTUBE, and CONROD elements for determination
FORCEAX Defines a concentrated force on a conical shell ring.
MOMAX Defines a static concentrated moment load on a ring of a
conical shell.
PRESAX Defines the static pressure loading on a conical shell
element.
TEMPAX Defines temperature sets for conical shell problems.
LOADCYH Defines the harmonic coefficients of a static or dynamic load
for use in cyclic symmetry analysis.
LOADCYN Defines a physical static or dynamic load for use in cyclic
symmetry analysis.
LOADCYT Specifies loads as a function of azimuth angle by references
to tables that define scale factors of loads versus azimuth
angles. This entry is used only when STYPE = “AXI” on the
CYSYM entry.
Dynamic Loads
ACSRCE Defines the power versus frequency curve for a simple

acoustic source.
DAREA Defines scale (area) factors for static and dynamic loads.
In dynamic analysis, DAREA is used in conjunction with
RLOADi and TLOADi entries.
DELAY Defines the time delay term τ in the equations of the dynamic
loading function.
DPHASE Defines the phase lead term θ in the equation of the dynamic
loading function.
10
BULK RLOADi Frequency dependent excitation definition.
TLOADi Time dependent excitation definition.
NOLINi Nonlinear transient load definition.
NLRGAP Defines a nonlinear transient radial (circular) gap.
TABLEDi Tabular functions for generating dynamic loads.
DLOAD Defines a dynamic loading condition for frequency response
or transient response problems as a linear combination
of load sets defined via RLOAD1 or RLOAD2 entries for
frequency response or TLOAD1 or TLOAD2 entries for
transient response.
LOADCYH Defines the harmonic coefficients of a static or dynamic load
for use in cyclic symmetry analysis.
LOADCYN Defines a physical static or dynamic load for use in cyclic
symmetry analysis.
LSEQ Defines a sequence of static load sets.
Heat Transfer Loads
CONV Specifies a free convection boundary condition for heat

transfer analysis through connection to a surface element
(CHBDYi entry).
CONVM Specifies a forced convection boundary condition for heat
transfer analysis through connection to a surface element
(CHBDYi entry).
PCONV Specifies the free convection boundary condition properties

of a boundary condition surface element used for heat
transfer analysis.
PCONVM Specifies the forced convection boundary condition properties
of a boundary condition surface element used for heat
transfer analysis.
QVECT Defines thermal vector flux from a distant source into a
face of one or more CHBDYi boundary condition surface
elements.
QVOL Defines a rate of volumetric heat addition in a conduction
element.
10
QHBDY Defines a uniform heat flux into a set of grid points. BULK
QBDY1 Defines a uniform heat flux into CHBDYj elements.

QBDY2 Defines grid point heat flux into CHBDYj elements.
QBDY3 Defines a uniform heat flux load for a boundary surface.
RADBC Specifies a CHBDYi element face for the application of
radiation boundary conditions.
RADBND Specifies Planck’s second radiation constant and the
wavelength breakpoints used for radiation exchange
problems.
RADCAV Identifies the characteristics of each radiant enclosure.
RADLST Identifies the individual CHBDYi surface elements that
comprise the entire radiation enclosure.
RADMTX Provides the Fji = AjFji exchange factors for all the faces of a
radiation enclosure specified in the corresponding RADLST
entry.
RADSET Specifies which radiation cavities are to be included for
radiation enclosure analysis.
SLOAD Defines concentrated static loads on scalar or grid points.
TEMP Defines temperature at grid points for determination
TEMPBC Defines the temperature boundary conditions for heat

transfer analysis. This applies to steady-state and transient
conditions.
TEMPD Specifies default initial temperature at grid points.
VIEW Defines radiation cavity and shadowing for radiation view
factor calculations.
VIEW3D Defines parameters to control and/or request the Gaussian
Integration method of view factor calculation for a specified
cavity.
10 p-element Loads
BULK
GMLOAD Defines the forces and moments to be applied to a FEEDGE,
GMCURV, FEFACE, or GMSURF entry.
GMBC Defines enforced displacements for GRID, FEEDGE,
GMCURV, FEFACE, and GMSURF entries.
TEMPF Defines the thermal loading to be applied to a group of
elements.
Solution Control
Buckling Analysis
EIGB Defines data needed to perform buckling analysis.

EIGRL Defines data needed to perform real eigenvalue (vibration or
buckling) analysis with the Lanczos method.
Eigenvalue Analysis
EIGR Defines data needed to perform real eigenvalue analysis.

EIGC Defines data needed to perform complex eigenvalue analysis.
EIGRL Defines data needed to perform real eigenvalue (vibration or
buckling) analysis with the Lanczos method.
EIGP Defines poles that are used in complex eigenvalue extraction
by the Determinant method.
Cyclic Symmetry
CYSYM Defines parameters for cyclic symmetry analysis.
Frequency Response
FREQ Defines a set of frequencies to be used in the solution of

FREQi Defines a set of frequencies for problem solution.
TABDMP1 Defines modal damping as a tabular function of natural
frequency. 10
BULK
Random Response
RANDPS Defines load set power spectral density factors for use in
random analysis.
RANDT1 Defines time lag constants for use in random analysis
autocorrelation function calculation.
TABRND1 Defines power spectral density as a tabular function of
frequency for use in random analysis. This is referenced by
the RANDPS entry.
Transient Response
TIC Defines values for the initial conditions of variables used in

structural transient analysis.
TSTEP Defines time step intervals at which a solution will be
generated and output in transient analysis.
TSTEPNL Defines parametric controls and data for nonlinear transient
structural or heat transfer analysis. TSTEPNL is intended for
SOLs 129, 159, and 99.
Nonlinear Static Analysis
ITER Defines options for the iterative solver in SOLs 1, 8, 11, 66,
101, 106, 108, 111 and 153.
NLPARM Defines a set of parameters for nonlinear static analysis

iteration strategy.
NLPCI Defines a set of parameters for the arc-length incremental
solution strategies in nonlinear static analysis (SOL 106).
Original Design Sensitivity Analysis (DSA)
DSCONS Defines a design constraint in design sensitivity analysis

(original DSA).
DVAR Defines a design variable for design sensitivity analysis
10 (original DSA).
BULK
DVSET Defines a set of element properties that vary in a fixed relation
to a design variable for design sensitivity analysis (original
DSA).
Optimization (SOL 200 Only)
BNDGRID Specifies a list of grid point identification numbers on design

boundaries or surfaces for shape optimization (SOL 200).
DCONADD Defines the design constraints for a subcase as a union of
DCONSTR entries.
DCONSTR Defines design constraints.
DDVAL Defines real, discrete design variable values for discrete
variable optimization.
DEQATN Defines a design variable for design optimization.
DESVAR Defines a design variable for design optimization.
DLINK Relates one design variable to one or more other design
variables.
DOPTPRM Overrides default values of parameters used in design
optimization.
DRESP1 Defines a set of structural responses that is used in the design
either as constraints or as an objective.
DRESP2 Defines equation responses that are used in the design, either
as constraints or as an objective.
DSCREEN Defines screening data for constraint deletion.

DTABLE Defines a table of real constants that are used in equations
(see the DEQATN entry).
DVBSHAP Associates a design variable identification number to a linear
combination of boundary shape vectors from a particular
auxiliary model.
DVCREL1 Defines the relation between a connectivity property and
design variables.
DVCREL2 Defines the relation between a connectivity property and
design variables with a user-supplied equation.
DVGEOM Associates a design variable with a GMCURV or GMSURF
10
BULK
geometry definition.
DVGRID Defines the relationship between design variables and grid
point locations.
DVMREL1 Defines the relation between a material property and design
variables.
DVMREL2 Defines the relation between a material property and design
variables with a user-supplied equation.
DVPREL1 Defines the relation between an analysis model property and
design variables.
DVPREL2 Defines the relation between an analysis model property and
design variables with a user-supplied equation.
DVSHAP Defines a shape basis vector by relating a design variable
identification number (DVID) to columns of a displacement
matrix.
MODTRAK Specifies parameters for mode tracking in design optimization
(SOL 200).
Aerodynamic Matrix Generation
MKAERO1 Provides a table of Mach numbers (m) and reduced frequencies

(k) for aerodynamic matrix calculation.
MKAERO2 Provides a list of Mach numbers (m) and reduced frequencies
(k) for aerodynamic matrix calculation.
Aeroelastic Stability AnalysIs
FLFACT Used to specify density ratios, Mach numbers, reduced

frequencies, and velocities for flutter analysis.
FLUTTER Defines data needed to perform flutter analysis.
DIVERG Defines Mach numbers (m) for a divergence analysis in SOLs
144 and 200.
Aeroelastic Response Analysis
10 AEDW Defines a downwash vector associated with a particular

BULK control vector of the associated aerodynamic configuration
(AECONFIG). From this downwash vector, a force vector on
the aerodynamic grids will be defined for use in nonlinear
static aeroelastic trim.
AEFORCE Defines a vector of absolute forces (it will not be scaled by
dynamic pressure) associated with a particular control vector.
AEPARM Defines a general aerodynamic trim variable degree of
freedom (aerodynamic extra point).
AEPRESS Defines a vector of pressure/unit dynamic pressure associated
with a particular control vector.
GUST Defines a stationary vertical gust for use in aeroelastic
response analysis.
TABRNDG Defines the power spectral density (PSD) of a gust for
aeroelastic response analysis.
TRIM Specifies constraints for aeroelastic trim variables. The
SPLINE1 and SPLINE4 entries need to be here for the finite
plate spline.
Aerodynamic Parameters
AERO Gives basic aerodynamic parameters for unsteady

aerodynamics.
AEROS Defines basic parameters for static aeroelasticity.
p-element and Adaptivity Analysis
ADAPT Defines controls for p-version adaptive analysis.

PSET Describes polynomial order distribution and is selected by the
ADAPT Case Control command.
PVAL Describes polynomial order distribution and is selected by
the ADAPT Bulk Data entry.
Miscellaneous
Comments
10
BULK
$ Used to insert comments into the input file. Comment

statements may appear anywhere within the input file.
Delete
/ Removes entries on restart.
Parameters
PARAM Specifies values for parameters used in solution sequences or

user-written DMAP programs.
Direct Matrix Input
CONM1 Defines a 6x6 mass matrix at a geometric grid point.

DMI Defines matrix data blocks.
DMIG Defines direct input matrices related to grid, extra, and/or
scalar points.
DMIG,UACCEL Defines rigid body accelerations in the basic coordinate system.
DMIAX Defines axisymmetric (fluid or structure) related direct input
matrix terms.
TF Defines a dynamic transfer function.
Direct Matrix Input for Aeroelasticity
DMIJ Defines direct input matrices related to collation

degrees-of-freedom (js-set) of aerodynamic mesh points for
CAERO1, CAERO3, CAERO4 and CAERO5 and for the slender
body elements of CAERO2. These include W2GJ, FA2J and
input pressures and downwashes associated with AEPRESS
and AEDW entries.
DMIJI Defines direct input matrices related to collation
degrees-of-freedom (js-set) of aerodynamic mesh points for the
interference elements of CAERO2.
10 DMIK Defines direct input matrices related to physical (displacement)

degrees-of-freedom (ks-set) of aerodynamic grid points.
BULK
Tabular Input
DTI Defines table data blocks.

DTI,ESTDATA Provides override data for time and space estimation for
superelement processing operations.
DTI,INDTA Specifies or overrides default item codes for the sorting and
filtering of element stresses, strains, and forces.
DTI,SETREE Defines a superelement tree that determines the superelement
processing order.
DTI,SPECSEL Correlates spectra lines specified on TABLED1 entries with
damping values.
DTI,SPSEL Correlates output requests with frequency and damping
ranges.
TABDMP1 Defines modal damping as a tabular function of natural
frequency.
TABLEDi Tabular functions for generating dynamic loads.
TABLEMi Tabular functions for generating temperature-dependent
material properties.
TABLES1 Defines a tabular function for stress-dependent material
properties such as the stress-strain curve (MATS1 entry),
creep parameters (CREEP entry) and hyperelastic material
parameters (MATHP entry).
TABRND1 Defines power spectral density as a tabular function of

frequency for use in random analysis. Referenced by the
RANDPS entry.
TABLE3D Specify a function of three variables for the GMBC, GMLOAD,
and TEMPF entries only.
Output Control
BOUTPUT Defines slave nodes at which output is requested.

CBARAO Defines a series of points along the axis of a bar element
(CBAR entry) for stress and force recovery output. 10
BULK
ECHOOFF Marks the point or points in the input file to deactivate printed
echo of the Bulk Data.
ECHOON Marks the point or points in the input file to activate printed
echo of the Bulk Data.
FREEPT Surface point location for data recovery in hydroelastic
problems.
PLOTEL Defines a one-dimensional dummy element for use in plotting.
POINTAX Defines the location of a point on an axisymmetric shell ring
at which loads may be applied via the FORCE or MOMENT
entries and at which displacements may be requested.
PRESPT Defines the location of pressure points in the fluid for recovery
of pressure data in hydroelastic problems.
SET1 Defines a set of grid points.
TSTEP Specifies time step intervals for data recovery in transient
response.
TSTEPNL Specifies time step intervals for data recovery in nonlinear
transient response.
p-element Output Control
OUTPUT Output control for p-adaptive analysis.

OUTRCV Defines options for the output of displacements, stresses, and
strains of p-elements.
Solution Control
ITER Defines options for the iterative solver in SOLs 1, 8, 11, 66,
101, 106, 108, 111 and 153.
End of Input
ENDDATA Designates the end of the Bulk Data Section.
Include File
10
BULK INCLUDE Inserts an external file into the input file. The INCLUDE
statement may appear anywhere within the input data file.
$ 839
Comment
$ Comment
Format:
Example:
Remarks:
10
1. Comments are ignored by the program. BULK
840 /
Delete
/ Delete
Removes entries on restart.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
/ K1 K2
Example:
/ 4
10
BULK
Field Contents
K1 Sorted sequence number of first entry in sequence to be removed.
(Integer > 0)
K2 Sorted sequence number of last entry in sequence to be removed.
(Integer > 0; Default = K1)
Remarks:
1. This entry causes Bulk Data entries having sort sequence numbers K1 through
K2 to be removed from the Bulk Data. The sort sequence numbers appear in the
output of the previous run under the sorted Bulk Data echo.
2. If K2 is blank, only entry K1 is removed from the Bulk Data.
3. If the current execution is not a restart, the entries marked for deletion are
ignored.
4. This entry can only be used in the rigid formats and the structured solution
sequences. See Executive Control Statements”, under the SOL statement.
5. K2 may be specified as larger than the actual sequence number of the last entry.
This is convenient when deleting entries to the end of the Bulk Data Section.
Chapter
11 Bulk Data Entries A—B
11
BULK
A-B
842 ACMODL
Fluid-Structure Interface Modeling Parameters
ACMODL Fluid-Structure Interface Modeling Parameters
Defines modeling parameters for the interface between the fluid and the structure.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ACMODL INTER INFOR FSET SSET FSTOL
Example:
ACMODL 0.002
Fields:
Field Contents
11 INTER Type of interface between the fluid and the structure. See Remark 1
BULK (Character=“IDENT” or “DIFF”; Default=“DIFF”).
A-B
INFOR Indicates whether FSET and SSET are to be used to define
the fluid-structure interface. (Character=“ALL” or “NONE”,
Default=“NONE”)
FSET Identification number of a SET1 entry that contains a list of fluid
grid points on the interface. See Remark 2 (Integer > 0 or blank).
SSET Identification number of a SET1 entry that contains a list of
structural grid points on the interface. See Remark 2 (Integer >
0 or blank).
FSTOL Tolerance, in units of length, used in determining the fluid-structure
interface. (Real > 0.0; Default=0.001)
Remarks:
1. Only one ACMODL entry is allowed. If this entry is not present, then the
program will assume INTER=“DIFF” and FSTOL=0.001.
2. If INFOR=“ALL”, then both FSET and SSET must be specified and matching is
checked at only those grid points referenced by FSET and SSET.
3. See “Fluid-Structure Interface” of the NX Nastran User’s Guide for a description

of the methods used in determining the fluid-structure interface.
ACMODL 843
Fluid-Structure Interface Modeling Parameters
4. The points referenced by FSET and SSET must lie exactly on the fluid-structure
interface. A fatal message is issued if: (a) INTER=“IDENT” and a point in SSET
or FSET does not have a corresponding and coincident point in FSET or SSET,
respectively, or (b) INTER=“DIFF” and any point in SSET or FSET does not lie
on the interface.
5. If fluid-element faces are defined on both sides of a structural surface, then

INTER=“IDENT” must be specified.
11
BULK
A-B
844 ACSRCE
Acoustic Source Specification
ACSRCE Acoustic Source Specification
Defines the power versus frequency curve for a simple acoustic source.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ACSRCE SID DAREA DELAY DPHASE TC RHO B
Example:
ACSRCE 103 11 12 1.0 15.0
Fields:
11 Field Contents
BULK SID Load set identification number. (Integer > 0)
A-B
DAREA Identification number of a DAREA entry. (Integer > 0)
DELAY Identification number of a DELAY entry. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
DPHASE Identification number of a DPHASE entry. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
TC Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines power versus
frequency. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
RHO Density of the fluid. (Real > 0.0)

B Bulk modulus of the fluid. (Real > 0.0)
Remarks:
1. Acoustic sources must be selected in the Case Control Section with DLOAD=SID.
2. For additional remarks, see the RLOAD1 entry description.
3. SID must be unique for all ACSRSE, RLOADi, and TLOADi entries.
4. The referenced DAREA, DELAY, and DPHASE entries must specify fluid points
only.
5. Equations produced are as follows:

ACSRCE 845
Acoustic Source Specification
11
BULK
A-B
846 ADAPT
Version Adaptivity Control
ADAPT Version Adaptivity Control
Defines controls for p-version adaptive analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ADAPT SID ADGEN MAXITERPSTRTID PMINID PMAXID
PART=name1, option1=value1, option2=value2, etc., PART=name2
option1=value1, option2=value2, etc., PART=name3, etc.
Example:
ADAPT 127 3 23 45
PART=LOWSTR, ELSET=11, TYPE=UNIP, SIGTOL=22
PART=HISTR, ELSET=111, ERREST=2, EPSTOL=.002
11
BULK Fields:
A-B
Field Contents
SID Adapt entry ID selected in Case Control by ADAPT command.
(Integer > 0; Default=none)
ADGEN ID of the first PVAL entry generated in the adaptive process. See
Remark 14 (Integer > PSTRTID, PMINID, PMAXID; Default=1000).
MAXITER Number of analyses performed before the adaptive process is
stopped. (Integer > 0; Default=3)
PSTRTID ID of PVAL entry describing the starting p-order distribution.
(Integer > 0; Default=none)
PMINID ID of PVAL entry describing the minimum p-order distribution. See
Remark 10 (Integer > 0, Default=PSTRTID).
PMAXID ID of PVAL entry describing the maximum p-order distribution. See
Remark 10 (Integer > 0; Default=PSTRTID).
optioni Assigns a value to an option described later. See Remark 16.
=valuei
PART Part name of the elements defined in ELSET and controlled by
TYPE, ERREST, ERRTOL, SIGTOL, and EPSTOL. (Character;
Default=MODEL)
ADAPT 847
Field Contents
ELSET ID of the SET command under theSETS DEFINITION command.
See Remark 7 (Integer > 0; Default=999999).
TYPE p-order adjustment. See Remark 3 (Character or Integer > 0;
Default=EBEP).
ERREST Error estimator activation flag. See Remark 2 (Integer ≥ 0;
Default=1).
ERRTOL Error tolerance. Required if MAXITER is not specified. (0.0 < Real <
1.0; Default=0.01)
SIGTOL Stress tolerance. If the von Mises stress at the center of the element
is below this value, the element will not participate in the error
analysis. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default=0.0)
EPSTOL Strain tolerance. If the von Mises strain at the center of the element
is below this value, the element will not participate in the error
analysis. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default=1.0E-8) 11
BULK
A-B
Remarks:
1. Only one ADAPT entry may be specified. On the continuation entries, no

commas can appear in columns 1 through 8 and the data in fields 2 through 9
must be specified in columns 9 through 72.
2. The error estimator is activated by ERREST=1 and is based on strain energy

density sensitivity and stress discontinuity in neighboring elements. ERREST=0
means no error estimation will be performed on the PART.
3. The types of p-order adjustment are given below.
Type Description
EBEP The p-order will increase only in the elements that are required
by the error analysis.
UNIP If any element in the group has an error larger than the
tolerance, all elements will be increased by one order in each
direction.
NOCH The p-order of the group does not change during the iterations.
848 ADAPT
Type Description
LIST The PVAL distribution specified as PSTRTID is used for the
first iteration. The user is required to provide PVAL entries
with IDs starting with ADGEN, and these p-distributions will
be used in the following iterations.
4. If a PVAL ID is not specified for PSTRTID, PMINID, or PMAXID, then this is

equivalent to no change at the last PVAL ID found for the element.
5. The elements specified in the SET could overlap. In this case, the highest p1,
highest p2, highest p3 (the polynomial order of the elements in three directions)
determined by the error estimator will be used.
6. n restart, PMINID and PMAXID must not refer to any PVAL identification
number that was generated in the previous run(s). Also, PARAM,PVALINIT
must specify the desired PVAL identification number from which to restart.
11 7. If an element in the SET does not have a PVAL for PSTRTID or PMINID or
PMAXID, it will be excluded from the adaptivity process.
BULK
A-B
8. SET=999999 is a reserved set that includes all elements.
9. The user can specify as many PARTs as needed.
10. Each finite element has to have a unique PVAL for PSTRTID, PMINID,
PMAXID. Any overlap of the PVAL specification will result in a warning message
and the use of the PVAL with the highest pi field (highest p2 if same p1 and
highest p3 if same p1 and p2) and the lowest CID value.
11. The p-distribution for an element specified by the PVAL entry referenced by
PMAXID must be larger than the distribution specified by the PSTRTID, which
must be larger than the distribution specified by the PMINID. A warning
message will be issued if these conditions are not met, and the data is reset.
12. The solution vector of all the elements listed in the SET entries for all loads and
boundary conditions will be used in the error estimation. New p values are
generated for all the elements.
13. When ERREST = 0, no error analysis is performed. The p-value of the elements
in the set are increased uniformly starting from p-values specified on the
PVAL entry referenced by PSTRTID up to values specified on the PVAL entry
referenced by PMAXID.
14. The intermediate PVAL entries generated will have an ID starting with ADGEN;
thus, ADGEN must be larger than PSTRTID, PMINID, and PMAXID.
ADAPT 849
15. The displacement and stress output can be requested by a DATAREC Case
Control command.
16. Each optioni=valuei must be specified on the same entry. In other words, optioni
and valuei may not be specified on two separate continuation entries.
11
BULK
A-B
850 ADUMi
Dummy Element Attributes
ADUMi Dummy Element Attributes
Defines attributes of the dummy elements (1 ≤ i ≤ 9).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ADUMi NG NC NP ND ELNM
Example:
ADUM2 8 2 1 3 CTRIM6
Fields:
Field Contents
11 NG Number of grid points connected by a DUMi dummy element.

(Integer > 0)
BULK
A-B NC Number of additional fields (Ai) on the CDUMi connection entry.
(Integer ≥ 0)
NP Number of additional fields (Ai) on the PDUMi property entry. (24
≥ Integer ≥ 0)
ND Number of displacement components at each grid point used in
the generation of the differential stiffness matrix. Zero implies no
differential stiffness. (Integer 3 or 6)
ELNM The name of the element connection and property entry. In the
example above, the connection entry is named “CTRIM6” and the
property entry is named “PTRIM6”.
AECOMP 851
Component for an Integrated Load Monitor Point
AECOMP Component for an Integrated Load Monitor Point
Defines a component for use in aeroelastic monitor point definition.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AECOMP NAME LISTTYPE LISTID1 LISTID2 LISTID3 LISTID4 LISTID5 LISTID6
LISTID7 -etc.-
Example:
AECOMP WING AELIST 1001 1002
Fields:
Field Contents
NAME A character string of up to eight characters identifying the
11
BULK
component. (Character) A-B
LISTTYPE One of CAERO or AELIST for aerodynamic components and SET1
for structural components. Aerodynamic components are defined
on the aerodynamic ks-set mesh while the structural components
are defined on the g-set mesh. See Remarks 2 and 3.
LISTIDi The identification number of either SET1, AELIST or CAEROi
entries that define the set of grid points that comprise the
component. See Remarks 2 and 3.
Remarks:
1. The identification name must be unique among all AECOMP and AECOMPL
entries.
2. If the component is defined on the structure, the LISTIDs must refer to SET1
entry(ies) that define the list of associated GRID points. For the AELIST
or CAERO option, the LISTID’s must refer to AELIST or CAERO i entries,
respectively. Note that for DLM models (CAERO1/2), the set of points defined
by the AELIST are the box identification numbers. For example, if the control
surface’s grids are desired, the same AELIST used for the AESURF can
be referred to here. An AECOMP component must be defined as either an
aerodynamic mesh component or a structural component. The two mesh classes
cannot be combined into a single component.
852 AECOMP
3. The AECOMPL entry can be used to combine AECOMP entries into new
components. When combining components, the structural and aerodynamic
classes must be kept separate.
11
BULK
A-B
AECOMPL 853
AECOMPL Component for an Integrated Load Monitor Point
Defines a component for use in aeroelastic monitor point definition as a union of

other components.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AECOMPL NAME LABEL1 LABEL2 LABEL3 LABEL4 LABEL5 LABEL6 LABEL7
LABEL8 -etc.-
Example:
AECOMPL HORIZ STAB ELEV BALANCE
Fields:
Field Contents 11
BULK
NAME A character string of up to eight characters identifying the component. A-B
(Character)
LABELi A string of 8 characters referring to the names of other components
defined by either AECOMP or other AECOMPL entries.
Remarks:
1. The identification name must be unique among all AECOMP and AECOMPL
entries.
2. The AECOMPL entry can be used to combine AECOMP entries into new
components. When combining components, the structural and aerodynamic
classes must be kept separate.
854 AEDW
Parametric Normal Wash Loading for Aerodynamics
AEDW Parametric Normal Wash Loading for Aerodynamics
Defines a downwash vector associated with a particular control vector of the

associated aerodynamic configuration (AECONFIG). From this downwash vector, a
force vector on the aerodynamic grids will be defined for use in nonlinear static
aeroelastic trim.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AEDW MACH SYMXZ SYMXY UXID DMIJ DMIJI
Example:
AEDW 0.90 SYMM ASYMM 101 ALP1
Fields:
11
BULK Field Contents
A-B
MACH The Mach number for this force. See Remark 2 (Real ≥ 0.0,
≠ 1.0).
SYMXZ,SYMXY The symmetry of this force vector. One of SYMM, ASYMM or
ANTI (Character).
UXID The identification number of a UXVEC entry that defines the
control parameter vector associated with this downwash vector.
DMIJ The name of a DMI or DMIJ entry that defines the downwash.
DMIJI The name of a DMIJI entry that defines the CAERO2
interference element downwashes.
Remarks:
1. AEDW, AEFORCE and AEPRESS are associated with the current AECONFIG
using either Case Control (if in the main Bulk Data Section) or using the BEGIN
AECONFIG=<config> if in a partition of the Bulk Data.
2. The DMIJ field refers to either a DMI or a DMIJ entry. The DMIJI is only
applicable to CAERO2 and is only required if nonzero downwash (j-set) input is
needed on the interference body elements.
3. Mach numbers > 1.0 require that the supersonic aerodynamic option be available.
AEFACT 855
Aerodynamic Lists
AEFACT Aerodynamic Lists
Defines real numbers for aeroelastic analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AEFACT SID D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7
D8 D9 -etc.-
Example:
AEFACT 97 .3 .7 1.0
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Set identification number. (Unique Integer > 0)
11
BULK
Di Number. (Real) A-B
Remarks:
1. AEFACT entries must be selected by a CAEROi or PAEROi entry.
2. Embedded blank fields are not allowed.
3. To specify division points, there must be one more division point than the
number of divisions.
4. When referenced by the CAERO3 entry, AEFACT defines the aerodynamic grid
points. The ID number of the first point defined by each AEFACT entry is
the value of the CAERO3 ID that selected the AEFACT entry. The ID of each
following point defined on the AEFACT is incremented by 1.
856 AEFORCE
Parametric Force for Aerodynamics
AEFORCE Parametric Force for Aerodynamics
Defines a vector of absolute forces (it will not be scaled by dynamic pressure)
associated with a particular control vector. This force vector may be defined on either
the aerodynamic mesh (ks-set) or the structural mesh (g-set). The force vector will be
used in nonlinear static aeroelastic trim.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AEFORCE MACH SYMXZ SYMXY UXID MESH FORCE DMIK
Example:
AEFORCE 0.90 SYMM ASYMM 101 AERO BETA
Fields:
11 Field Contents
BULK
MACH The Mach number for this force. See Remark 2 (Real ≥ 0.0,
A-B
≠ 1.0).
SYMXZ, SYMXY The symmetry of this force vector. One of SYMM, ASYMM or
ANTI (Character).
MESH One of AERO or STRUCT that declares whether the force
vector is defined on the aerodynamic ks-set mesh or the
structural g-set mesh. See Remark 3.
FORCE The ID of a FORCE/MOMENT set that defines the vector. See
Remark 3 (Integer > 0 if MESH=STRUCT).
DMIK The name of a DMIK entry that defines the aerodynamic force
vector. See Remark 3 (Character; required if MESH=AERO).
Remarks:
1. AEDW, AEFORCE and AEPRESS are associated with the current AECONFIG.
3. If the vector is defined on the structure, normal FORCEi and MOMENTi data
are used. They will be subject to normal reduction to the solution set. For the
AEFORCE 857
Parametric Force for Aerodynamics
AERO mesh option, the DMIK Bulk Data are used. Any forces associated with
the permanently SPC’d degrees-of-freedom (which are dependent on the type of
aerodynamic model being used) will be ignored.
11
BULK
A-B
858 AELINK
Links Aeroelastic Variables
AELINK Links Aeroelastic Variables
Defines relationships between or among AESTAT and AESURF entries, such that:
uD = dependent variable
and
u Ii = independent variable
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 AELINK ID LABLD LABL1 C1 LABL2 C2 LABL3 C3
BULK LABL4 C4 -etc.-
A-B
Example:
AELINK 10 INBDA OTBDA -2.0
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Trim set identification number. (Integer > 0)
LABLD Character string to identify the dependent aerodynamic variable.
(Character)
LABLi Character string to identify the i-th independent aerodynamic
variable. (Character)
Ci Linking coefficient for the i-th variable. (Real)
Remarks:
1. The AELINK entry (or entries) is selected by the TRIM=ID in Case Control.
2. This entry constrains the dependent variable to be a linear combination of the

independent variables.
AELINK 859
Links Aeroelastic Variables
3. LABLD data must be unique for a given ID (i.e., the variable cannot be
constrained twice).
4. LABLD and LABLi data refer to AESURF or AESTAT Bulk Data entries.
11
BULK
A-B
860 AELIST
Aerodynamic Elements List
AELIST Aerodynamic Elements List
Defines a list of aerodynamic elements to undergo the motion prescribed with the
AESURF Bulk Data entry for static aeroelasticity.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AELIST SID E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7
E8 -etc.-
Example:
AELIST 75 1001 THRU 1075 1101 THRU 1109 1201

1202
11 Fields:
BULK Field Contents
A-B
SID Set identification number. (Integer > 0)
Ei List of aerodynamic boxes generated by CAERO1 entries to define a
surface. (Integer > 0 or “THRU”)
Remarks:
1. These entries are referenced by the AESURF entry.
2. When the “THRU” option is used, all intermediate grid points must exist. The
word “THRU” may not appear in field 3 or 9 (2 or 9 for continuations).
3. Intervening blank fields are not allowed.

AEPARM 861
General Controller for Use in Trim
AEPARM General Controller for Use in Trim
Defines a general aerodynamic trim variable degree-of-freedom (aerodynamic extra

point). The forces associated with this controller will be derived from AEDW,
AEFORCE and AEPRESS input data.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AEPARM ID LABEL UNITS
Example:
AEPARM 5 THRUST LBS
Fields:
Field Contents 11
BULK
ID Controller identification number. (Integer > 0)
A-B
LABEL Controller name. See Remark 1 (Character).
UNITS Label used to describe the units of the controller values. (Character)
Remarks:
1. Controller LABELs that comprise the unique set relative to all the
AESURF, AESTAT and AEPARM entries will define the set of trim variable
degrees-of-freedom for the aeroelastic model.
2. Unit labels are optional and are only used to label outputs. No units will be
associated with the controller if left blank.
862 AEPRESS
Parametric Pressure Loading for Aerodynamics
AEPRESS Parametric Pressure Loading for Aerodynamics
Defines a vector of pressure/unit dynamic pressure associated with a particular

control vector. From this pressure vector, a force vector on the aerodynamic grids will
be defined for use in nonlinear static aeroelastic trim.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AEPRESS MACH SYMXZ SYMXY UXID DMIJ DMIJI
Example:
AEPRESS 0.90 SYMM ASYMM 101 ALP1
Fields:
11 Field Contents
BULK
MACH The Mach number for this force. See Remark 2. (Real ≥ 0.0, ≠
A-B
1.0)
SYMXZ, SYMXY The symmetry of this force vector. One of SYMM, ASYMM or
ANTI (Character).
DMIJ The name of a DMI or DMIJ entry that defines the pressure
per unit dynamic pressure.
DMIJI The name of a DMIJI entry that defines the CAERO2
interference element downwashes.
Remarks:
1. AEDW, AEFORCE, and AEPRESS are associated with the current AECONFIG
using Case Control.
3. The DMIJ field refers to either a DMI or a DMIJ entry. The DMIJI is only
applicable to CAERO2 and is only required if nonzero downwash (j-set) input is
needed on the interference body elements.
AERO 863
Aerodynamic Physical Data
AERO Aerodynamic Physical Data
Gives basic aerodynamic parameters for unsteady aerodynamics.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AERO ACSID VELOCITY REFC RHOREF SYMXZ SYMXY
Example:
AERO 3 1.3+4 100. 1.-5 1 -1
Fields:
Field Contents
ACSID Aerodynamic coordinate system identification. See Remark 2.
(Integer ≥ 0; Default is the basic coordinate system.) 11
VELOCITY Velocity for aerodynamic force data recovery and to calculate the BULK
BOV parameter. See Remark 5. (Real) A-B
REFC Reference length for reduced frequency. (Real)

RHOREF Reference density. (Real)
SYMXZ The symmetry key for the aero coordinate x-z plane. See Remark
6 (Integer=+1 for symmetry, 0 for no symmetry, and -1 for
antisymmetry; Default=0).
SYMXY The symmetry key for the aero coordinate x-y plane that can be
used to simulate ground effect. (Integer=-1 for symmetry, 0 for no
symmetry, and +1 for antisymmetry; Default=0)
Remarks:
1. This entry is required for aerodynamic problems. Only one AERO entry is
allowed.
2. The ACSID must be a rectangular coordinate system. Flow is in the positive

x-direction.
3. Set SYMXY=-1 to simulate ground effect.
4. PARAM,WTMASS does not affect aerodynamic matrices. RHOREF must be

input in mass units.
864 AERO
5. VELOCITY is used only in aeroelastic response analysis, and it must be equal

to V on the GUST Bulk Data entry.
6. The symmetry fields on this entry are only used if neither of the Case Control
commands (AESYMXY, AESYMXZ) are supplied. If either Case Control
command is supplied, even the defaults from Case will override these Bulk Data
entries. The Case Control symmetry is the preferred means of declaring the flow
and geometric symmetry for aeroelastic analysis.
11
BULK
A-B
AEROS 865
Static Aeroelasticity Physical Data
AEROS Static Aeroelasticity Physical Data
Defines basic parameters for static aeroelasticity.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AEROS ACSID RCSID REFC REFB REFS SYMXZ SYMXY
Example:
AEROS 10 20 10. 100. 1000. 1
Fields:
Field Contents
ACSID Aerodynamic coordinate system identification. See Remark 2.
(Integer ≥ 0; Default is the basic coordinate system).
11
BULK
RCSID Reference coordinate system identification for rigid body motions. A-B
(Integer ≥ 0; Default is the basic coordinate system.)
REFC Reference chord length. (Real > 0.0)
REFB Reference span. (Real > 0.0)
REFS Reference wing area. (Real > 0.0)
SYMXZ The symmetry key for the aero coordinate x-z plane. See Remark
6. (Integer=+1 for symmetry, 0 for no symmetry, and -1 for
antisymmetry; Default=0).
SYMXY The symmetry key for the aero coordinate x-y plane that can be used
to simulate ground effects. (Integer=+1 for antisymmetry, 0 for no
symmetry, and -1 for symmetry; Default=0)
Remarks:
1. This entry is required for static aeroelasticity problems. Only one AEROS
entry is allowed.
2. The ACSID must be a rectangular coordinate system. Flow is in the positive

x-direction (T1).
866 AEROS
Static Aeroelasticity Physical Data
3. The RCSID must be a rectangular coordinate system. All AESTAT

degrees-of-freedom defining trim variables will be defined in this coordinate
system.
4. REFB should be full span, even on half-span models.
5. REFS should be half area on half-span models.
6. The symmetry fields on this entry are only used if neither of the Case Control
commands (AESYMXY, AESYMXZ) are supplied. If either Case Control
command is supplied, even the defaults from Case will override these Bulk Data
entries. The Case Control symmetry is the preferred means of declaring the flow
and geometric symmetry for aeroelastic analysis.
11
BULK
A-B
AESTAT 867
Static Aeroelasticity Trim Variables
AESTAT Static Aeroelasticity Trim Variables
Specifies rigid body motions to be used as trim variables in static aeroelasticity.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AESTAT ID LABEL
Example:
AESTAT 5001 ANGLEA
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Identification number of an aerodynamic trim variable
degree-of-freedom. See Remark 1. (Integer > 0). 11
BULK
LABEL An alphanumeric string of up to eight characters used to identify the A-B
degree-of-freedom. See Remark 1 (Character).
Remarks:
1. The degrees-of-freedom defined with this entry represent rigid body motion in
the reference coordinate system defined on the AEROS entry. The standard
labels that define the various rigid body motions are given below.
Table 11-1. Standard Labels Defining Rigid Body Motions

Degree-of-Freedom
LABEL Description
Motion
ANGLEA ur (R2) Angle of Attack
SIDES ur (R3) Angle of Sideslip
ROLL (R1) Roll Rate
PITCH (R2) Pitch Rate
YAW ur (R3) Yaw Rate
URDD1 ür (T1) Longitudinal (See Remark 3.)
URDD2 ür (T2) Lateral
URDD3 ür (T3) Vertical
URDD4 ür (R1) Roll
868 AESTAT
Static Aeroelasticity Trim Variables
Table 11-1. Standard Labels Defining Rigid Body Motions

Degree-of-Freedom
LABEL Description
Motion
URDD5 ür (R2) Pitch
URDD6 ür (R3) Yaw
These reserved names may be defined on the AEPARM entry instead. See the
AEPARM, AEPRESS, and AEFORCE entries.
2. The degrees-of-freedom defined with this entry are variables in the static
aeroelastic trim solution, unless they are constrained by referencing them with a
TRIM Bulk Data entry.
3. If a label other than those above is specified, then the user must either generate
the corresponding forces with an AELINK or via a DMI Bulk Data entry along
with a DMAP alter that includes the DMIIN module and additional statements
11 to merge into the appropriate matrices. Or, using AEPARM and AEDW,
AEPRESS, and/or AEFORCE, you can accomplish this purpose without the
BULK
need for any alters.
A-B
AESURF 869
Aerodynamic Control Surface
AESURF Aerodynamic Control Surface
Specifies an aerodynamic control surface as a member of the set of aerodynamic extra

points. The forces associated with this controller will be derived from rigid rotation
of the aerodynamic model about the hinge line(s) and from AEDW, AEFORCE and
AEPRESS input data. The mass properties of the control surface can be specified
using an AESURFS entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AESURF ID LABEL CID1 ALID1 CID2 ALID2 EFF LDW
CREFC CREFS PLLIM PULIM HMLLIM HMULIM TQLLIM TQULIM
Example:
AESURF 6001 ELEV 100 100 200 200

10.0 180.0 -1.4E4 1.2E4 20 30
11
BULK
Fields: A-B
Field Contents
ID Controller identification number. (Integer > 0)
LABEL Controller name, see Remark 1 (Character).
CIDi Identification number of a rectangular coordinate system
with a y-axis that defines the hinge line of the control surface
component. (Integer > 0)
ALIDi Identification of an AELIST Bulk Data entry that identifies
all aerodynamic elements that make up the control surface
component. (Integer > 0)
EFF Control surface effectiveness. See Remark 4 (Real ≠ 0.0;
Default=1.0).
LDW Linear downwash flag. See Remark 2 (Character, one of LDW
or NOLDW; Default=LDW).
CREFC Reference chord length for the control surface. (Real > 0.0;
Default=1.0)
CREFS Reference surface area for the control surface. (Real > 0.0;
Default=1.0)
870 AESURF
Aerodynamic Control Surface
Field Contents
PLLIM, PULIM Lower and upper deflection limits for the control surface in
radians. (Real; Default=± π/2)
HMLLIM, Lower and upper hinge moment limits for the control surface
HMULIM in force-length units. (Real, Default=no limit)
TQLLIM, Set identification numbers of TABLEDi entries that provide
TQULIM the lower and upper deflection limits for the control surface as
a function of the dynamic pressure. (Integer > 0, Default=no
limit)
Remarks:
1. The IDs on AESURF, AESTAT, and AEPARM entries are ignored. AESURFS
can be used to define mass properties of the control surface.
11 2. The degrees-of-freedom defined on this entry represent a rigid body rotation of

the control surface components about their hinge lines. In the default LDW
BULK
(Linear DownWash) case, the downwash due to a unit perturbation of the control
A-B
surface will be computed as part of the database. In the NOLDW case, the user
must prescribe the controller’s effects by direct definition of the induced forces
using the AEPRESS, AEDW and/or AEFORCE entries.
3. Either one or two control surface components may be defined.
4. If EFF is specified, then the forces produced by this surface are modified by EFF
(e.g., to achieve a 40% reduction, specify EFF=0.60).
5. The continuation is not required.
6. The CREFC and CREFS values are only used in computing the nondimensional
hinge moment coefficients.
7. Position limits may be specified using either PiLIM or TQiLIM, but not both.
8. Position and hinge moment limits are not required.

AESURFS 871
Structural Grids on an Aerodynamic Control Surface
AESURFS Structural Grids on an Aerodynamic Control Surface
Optional specification of the structural nodes associated with an aerodynamic control

surface that has been defined on an AESURF entry. The mass associated with
these structural nodes define the control surface moment(s) of inertia about the
hinge line(s).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AESURFS ID LABEL LIST1 LIST2
Example:
AESURFS 6001 ELEV 6002 6003
Fields:
11
Field Contents BULK
A-B
ID Controller identification number. See Remark 1 (Integer > 0).
LABEL Controller name. See Remark 1 (Character).
LISTi Identification number of a SET1 entry that lists the structural grid
points that are associated with this component of this control surface.
(Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. The LABEL on the AESURFS entry must match one on an AESURF entry.
The ID is ignored.
2. The mass of the GRID points listed on the SETi entries is used to compute the
mass moment of inertia of the control surface about its i’th hinge line. The
presence of these data will allow the hinge moments to include the inertial forces
in the computations. These data are optional, and, if omitted, result in hinge
moments which include only the applied, aeroelastically corrected, forces.
3. These data will be associated with a structural superelement by grid list or

partitioned SUPER=<seid> if the AESURFS is defined in the main bulk data
section.
872 ASET
Degrees-of-freedom for the a-set
ASET Degrees-of-freedom for the a-set
Defines degrees-of-freedom in the analysis set (a-set).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ASET ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3 ID4 C4
Example:
ASET 16 2 23 3516 1 4
Fields:
Field Contents
11 IDi Grid or scalar point identification number. (Integer > 0)

BULK Ci Component numbers. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points, or any
A-B unique combinations of the Integers 1 through 6 for grid points
with no embedded blanks.)
Remarks:
1. Degrees-of-freedom specified on this entry form members of the mutually

exclusive a-set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually
exclusive sets. See “Degree-of-Freedom Sets” for a list of these entries.
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).
3. In nonlinear analysis, all degrees-of-freedom attached to nonlinear elements

must be placed in the a-set. In other words, if the ASET or ASET1 entry, is
specified then all nonlinear degrees-of-freedom must be specified on the ASET
or ASET1 entry.
ASET1 873
Degrees-of-freedom for the a-set, Alternate Form of ASET Entry
ASET1 Degrees-of-freedom for the a-set, Alternate Form of ASET Entry
Defines degrees-of-freedom in the analysis set (a-set).

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ASET1 C ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4 ID5 ID6 ID7
ID8 ID9 ID10 -etc.-
Example:
ASET1 345 2 1 3 10 9 6 5
7 8
Alternate Format and Example:

ASET1 C ID1 “THRU” ID2
11
ASET1 123456 7 THRU 109 BULK
A-B
Fields:
Field Contents
C Component number. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points, or any
unique combinations of the Integers 1 through 6 for grid points with
no embedded blanks.)
IDi Grid or scalar point identification numbers. (Integer > 0; for THRU
option, ID1 < ID2)
Remarks:
1. Degrees-of-freedom specified on this entry form members of the a-set that are
exclusive from other sets defined by Bulk Data entries. See “Degree-of-Freedom
Sets” for a list of these entries.
3. If the alternate format is used, all points in the sequence ID1 through ID2 are
not required to exist, but there must be at least one degree-of-freedom in the
a-set for the model, or a fatal error will result. Any points implied in the THRU
874 ASET1
Degrees-of-freedom for the a-set, Alternate Form of ASET Entry
that do not exist will collectively produce a warning message but will otherwise
be ignored.
4. In nonlinear analysis, all degrees-of-freedom attached to nonlinear elements

must be placed in the a-set. In other words, if the ASET or ASET1 entry is
specified, then all nonlinear degrees-of-freedom must be specified on the ASET
or ASET1 entry.
11
BULK
A-B
AXIC 875
Conical Shell Problem Flag
AXIC Conical Shell Problem Flag
Defines the existence of an axisymmetric conical shell problem.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AXIC H
Example:
AXIC 15
Fields:
Field Contents
H Highest harmonic defined for the problem. (0 < Integer < 998)
11
Remarks: BULK
A-B
1. Only one AXIC entry is allowed. When the AXIC entry is present, most other
entries are not allowed. The types that are allowed with the AXIC entry are
listed below:
CCONEAX MAT1 SECTAX

DAREA MAT2 SPCADD
DELAY MATT1 SPCAX
DLOAD MOMAX SUPAX
DMI MOMENT TABDMP1
DMIG MPCADD TABLED1

DPHASE MPCAX TABLED2
EIGB NOLIN1 TABLED3
EIGC NOLIN2 TABLED4
EIGP NOLIN3 TABLEM1
EIGR NOLIN4 TABLEM2
EIGRL OMITAX TABLEM3
EPOINT PARAM TABLEM4
FORCE PCONEAX TEMPAX
876 AXIC
Conical Shell Problem Flag
FORCEAX POINTAX TF
FREQ PRESAX TIC
FREQ1 RINGAX TLOAD1
FREQ2 RFORCE TLOAD2
GRAV RLOAD1 TSTEP
LOAD RLOAD2
2. For a discussion of the conical shell element, see “Conical Shell Element
(RINGAX)” in the NX Nastran Element Library.
11
BULK
A-B
AXIF 877
Fluid Related Axisymmetric Parameters
AXIF Fluid Related Axisymmetric Parameters
Defines basic parameters and the existence of an axisymmetric fluid analysis.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AXIF CID G DRHO DB NOSYM F
N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 -etc.-
Example:
AXIF 2 32.2 0.12 2.4+5 YES
1 2 3 4 7 10
Alternate Formats and Examples of Continuation Data:

N1 “THRU” Ni
11
0 THRU 10 BULK
A-B
N1 “THRU” Ni “STEP” NS
0 THRU 9 STEP 3
AXIF 100 -386.0 0.0 NO

0 THRU 50 STEP 5
52
54 THRU 57
61 THRU 65
68 71 72 75
81 92
Fields:
Field Contents
CID Fluid coordinate system identification number. (Integer > 0)
G Value of gravity for fluid elements in the axial direction. (Real)
DRHO Default mass density for fluid elements. (Real > 0.0 or blank)
DB Default bulk modulus for fluid elements. (Real)
878 AXIF
Fluid Related Axisymmetric Parameters
Field Contents
NOSYM Request for nonsymmetric (sine) terms of series. (Character: “YES”
or “NO”)
F Flag specifying harmonics. (Blank if harmonic is specified, or Character:
“NONE.”)
Ni Harmonic numbers for the solution, represented by an increasing
sequence of integers. On continuation entries, without the “THRU”
option, blank fields are ignored. “THRU” implies all numbers including
upper and lower harmonics. (0 ≤ Integer < 100, or Character: “THRU”,
“STEP” or blank.)
NS Every NSth step of the harmonic numbers specified in the “THRU”
range is used for the solution. If field 5 is “STEP”, Ni=i*NS+N1 where i
is the number of harmonics. (Integer)
Remarks:
11
BULK 1. Only one AXIF entry is allowed.
A-B
2. CID must reference a cylindrical or spherical coordinate system.
3. Positive gravity (+G) implies that the direction of free fall is in the -Z direction of
the fluid coordinate system.
4. The DRHO value replaces blank values of RHO on the FSLIST, BDYLIST and
CFLUIDi entries.
5. The DB value replaces blank values of B on the CFLUIDi entries. If the

CFLUIDi entry is blank and DB is zero or blank, the fluid is incompressible.
6. If NOSYM=“YES”, both sine and cosine terms are specified. If NOSYM=“NO”,

only cosine terms are specified.
7. If F=“NONE”, no harmonics are specified, no fluid elements are necessary, and

no continuations may be present. In this case, AXIS=“FLUID” should not be
specified in the Case Control Section.
8. Superelements cannot be used.

AXSLOT 879
Axisymmetric Slot Analysis Parameters
AXSLOT Axisymmetric Slot Analysis Parameters
Defines the harmonic index and the default values for acoustic analysis entries.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AXSLOT RHOD BD N WD MD
Example:
AXSLOT 0.003 1.5+2 3 0.75 6
Fields:
Field Contents
RHOD Default density of fluid in units of mass/volume. (Real=0.0 or blank)
11
BD Default bulk modulus of fluid in units of force/volume ratio change. BULK
(Real > 0.0 or blank) A-B
N Harmonic index number. (Integer ≥ 0)

WD Default slot width. (Real ≥ 0.0 or blank)
MD Default number of slots. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
Remarks:
1. Only one AXSLOT entry is allowed.
2. If any of the RHO, B, and M fields on the GRID, SLBDY, CAXIFi, and CSLOTi
entries are blank, then values must be specified for the RHOD, BD and MD fields.
3. If the number of slots (M) is different in different regions of the cavity, this fact
may be indicated on the CSLOTi and SLBDY entries. If the number of slots is
zero, no matrices for CSLOTi elements are generated.
4. BD=0.0 implies the fluid is incompressible.

880 BAROR
CBAR Entry Default Values
BAROR CBAR Entry Default Values
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 39 0.6 2.9 -5.87
Alternate Format and Example
BAROR PID G0
11 BAROR 39 18
BULK
A-B
Fields:
Field Contents
Property identification number of the PBAR entry. (Integer > 0 or
PID
blank)
X1, X2, X3 Components of orientation vector , from GA, in the displacement

coordinate system at GA. (Real)
Alternate method to supply the orientation vector , using grid

G0
point G0. The direction of is from GA to G0. is then translated
to End A. (Integer > 0; G0 ≠ GA or GB)
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. For an explanation of bar element geometry, see “CBAR Element”in the NX

Nastran Element Library.
BAROR 881
CBAR Entry Default Values
4. If field 6 is an integer, then G0 is used to define the orientation vector and X2

and X3 must be blank. If field 6 is real or blank, then X1, X2, and X3 are used.
11
BULK
A-B
882 BCONP
Contact Parameters
BCONP Contact Parameters
Defines the parameters for a contact region and its properties.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BCONP ID SLAVE MASTER SFAC FRICID PTYPE CID
Example:
BCONP 95 10 15 1.0 33 1
Fields:
Field Contents
11 ID Contact region identification number. See Remark 1 (Integer > 0).
BULK
A-B SLAVE Slave region identification number. See Remark 2 (Integer > 0).
MASTER Master region identification number. See Remark 3 (Integer > 0).
SFAC Stiffness scaling factor. SFAC is used to scale the penalty values
automatically calculated by the program. See Remark 4 (Real > 0.0,
Default=1.0).
FRICID Contact friction identification number. See Remark 5 (Integer > 0 or
blank).
PTYPE Penetration type. See Remark 6.
(Integer 1 or 2, Default=1)
1: unsymmetrical (slave penetration only—Default)
2: symmetrical
CID Coordinate system identification number to define the slideline plane
vector and the slideline plane of contact. See Remark 7. (Integer > 0,
Default=0, which means the basic coordinate system.)
Remarks:
1. The ID field must be unique with respect to all other BCONP identification
numbers.
BCONP 883
Contact Parameters
2. The referenced SLAVE is the identification number in the BLSEG Bulk Data
entry. This is the slave line. The width of each slave segment must also be
defined to get proper contact stresses. See the Bulk Data entry, “BWIDTH” for
details on specifying widths.
3. The referenced MASTER is the identification number in the BLSEG Bulk Data
entry. This is the master line. For symmetrical penetration, the width of each
master segment must also be defined. See the Bulk Data entry, “BWIDTH” for
details on specifying widths.
4. SFAC may be used to scale the penalty values automatically calculated by the
program. The program calculates the penalty value as a function of the diagonal
stiffness matrix coefficients that are in the contact region. In addition to SFAC,
penalty values calculated by the program may be further scaled by the ADPCON
parameter. (See the ADPCON parameter description for more details). The
penalty value is then equal to k*SFAC*|ADPCON|, where k is a function of
the local stiffness. It should be noted that the value in SFAC applies to only
one contact region, whereas the ADPCON parameter applies to all the contact
regions in the model. 11
BULK
5. The referenced FRLCLD is the identification number of the BFRLC Bulk Data A-B
entry. The BFRLC defines the frictional properties for the contact region.
6. In an unsymmetrical contact algorithm, only slave nodes are checked for

penetration into master segments. This may result in master nodes penetrating
the slave line. However, the error depends only on the mesh discretization. In
symmetric penetration, both slave and master nodes are checked for penetration.
Thus, no distinction is made between slave and master. Symmetric penetration
may be up to thirty percent more expensive than the unsymmetric penetration.
7. In Figure 11-1, the unit vector in the Z-axis of the coordinate system defines
the slideline plane vector. The slideline plane vector is normal to the slideline
plane. Relative motions outside the slideline plane are ignored, and therefore
must be small compared to a typical master segment. In a master segment, the
direction from master node 1 to master node 2 gives the tangential direction (t).
The normal direction for a master segment is obtained by the cross product
of the slideline plane vector with the unit tangent vector (i.e., n=z x t). The
definition of the coordinate system should be such that the normal direction
must point toward the slave region. For symmetric penetration, the normals of
master segments and slave segments must face each other. This is generally
accomplished by traversing from master line to slave line in a counterclockwise
or clockwise fashion depending on whether the slideline plane vector forms a
right-hand or left-hand coordinate system with the slideline plane.
884 BCONP
Contact Parameters
Figure 11-1. A Typical Finite Element Slideline Contact Region

11
BULK
A-B
BCPROP 885
3D Contact Region Definition by Property ID (SOLs 101, 601 and 701 only)
BCPROP 3D Contact Region Definition by Property ID (SOLs 101, 601 and

701 only)
Defines a 3D contact region by property IDs of shell elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BCPROP ID IP1 IP2 IP3 IP4 IP5 IP6 IP7
IP8 IP9 IP10 -etc-
Example:
BCPROP 3 1 5 8 3 22
Fields:
Field Contents 11
BULK
ID Identification number of a contact region. See Remark 2 and 3. A-B
(Integer > 0)
IPi Property ID of shell elements. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. The continuation field is optional.
2. BCPROP is a collection of one or more shell property IDs. BCPROP defines a

contact region which may act as a source (contactor) or target.
3. The ID must be unique with respect to all other BSURFS, BSURF, and BCPROP
entries.
886 BCRPARA
Contact Region Parameters (SOLs 101, 601 and 701 only)
BCRPARA Contact Region Parameters (SOLs 101, 601 and 701 only)
Defines parameters for a contact region.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BCRPARA CRID SURF OFFSET TYPE MGP
Example:
BCRPARA 1 TOP 0.02
Fields:
Field Contents
CRID Contact region ID. (Integer > 0)
11 SURF Indicates the contact side. See Remark 1. (Character=“TOP” or
BULK “BOT”; Default=“TOP”)
A-B
OFFSET Offset distance for the contact region. See Remark 2.
(Real ≥ 0.0, Default =OFFSET value in BCTPARA entry)

TYPE Indicates whether a contact region is a rigid surface if it is used as a
target region. See Remarks 3 to 5. (Character=“RIGID”or “FLEX”,
Default=“FLEX”). This is not supported for SOL 101.
MGP Master grid point for a target contact region with TYPE=RIGID
or when the rigid-target algorithm is used. The master grid point
may be used to control the motion of a rigid surface. (Integer ≥ 0,;
Default=0) This is not supported for SOL 101.
Remarks:
1. SURF is applicable only for a single-sided contact region not attached to 3D solid
elements and is used as a target region. For a contact region attached to 3D solid
elements, the contact side is automatically determined by the program. For a
contact region used as a source region (contactor), it does not matter which is
the contact side.
2. OFFSET is only applicable when the rigid target algorithm is not selected, (i.e.,
TYPE or XTYPE=0 or 1 in the BCTPARA entry).
3. TYPE is ignored if the contact region is used as a source region.

BCRPARA 887
Contact Region Parameters (SOLs 101, 601 and 701 only)
4. TYPE is ignored if a rigid target algorithm is selected (i.e., TYPE=2 for SOL 601
or XTYPE=3 for SOL 701 in the BCTPARA entry), since any contact region used
as a target region is automatically set as rigid.
5. A rigid target surface must be defined on shell elements, i.e., using BSURF
or BCPROP.
6. A contact region is specified as a target or source region in the BCTSET entry.
11
BULK
A-B
888 BCTADD
Contact Set Combination (SOLs 601 and 701only)
BCTADD Contact Set Combination (SOLs 601 and 701only)
Defines a contact set as a union of contact sets defined on BCTSET entries.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BCTADD CSID SI S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7
S8 S9 -etc-
Example:
BCTADD 12 1 3 6 5 9
Fields:
Field Contents
11 CSID Contact set identification number. (Integer > 0)
BULK
A-B Si Identification numbers of contact sets defined via BCTSET entries.
(Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. To include several contact sets defined via BCTSET entries in a model, BCTADD
must be used to combine the contact sets. CSID in BCTADD is then selected
with the Case Control command BCSET.
2. Si must be unique and may not be the identification of this or any other BCTADD
entry.
BCTPARA 889
Contact Set Parameters (SOLs 601 and 701 only)
BCTPARA Contact Set Parameters (SOLs 601 and 701 only)
Defines parameters for a contact set.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BCTPARA CSID Param1 Value1 Param2 Value2 Param3 Value3
Param4 Value4 Param5 Value5 -etc-
Example:
BCTPARA 2 EPSN 1.0E-10 TZPENE 0.1 CSTIFF 1
Fields:
Field Contents
CSID Contact set ID. Parameters defined in this command apply to
11
BULK
contact set CSID defined by a BCTSET entry. (Integer > 0) A-B
PARAMi Name of the BCTPARA parameter. Allowable names are given in
the parameter listing below. (Character)
VALUEi Value of the parameter. See Table 11-2 for parameter listing. (Real
or Integer)
Table 11-2. BCTPARA Parameters for SOL 601
Name Description
General Parameters
TYPE Selects the type of contact algorithm. (Integer; Default=0)
0 – Constraint function algorithm is used.
1 – Segment method algorithm is used.
2 – Rigid target algorithm is used.

890 BCTPARA
Name Description
NSIDE Flags single or double-sided contact. (Integer; Default=1)
1 – Contact surfaces are single-sided.
2 – Contact surfaces are double-sided.
TBIRTH Birth time for contact set. (Real; Default=0.0)
TDEATH Death time for contact set. (Real; Default=0.0) If TDEATH ≤

TBIRTH, it is ignored.
INIPENE Flags how initial penetrations or gaps are handled. (Integer;

Default=0)
11 0 – Initial penetrations are eliminated.

BULK 1 – Initial penetrations are eliminated and the list of pentrating
A-B nodes is printed.
2 – Initial penetrations are ignored. In successive steps, each

contractor node is allowed to penetrate the target up to its initial
penetration.
3 – Initial penetrations or gaps are overridden by GAPVAL. This

option is not available for rigid target algorithm (TYPE = 2).
GAPVAL Specifies a constant gap distance between the source region

(contactor) and the target region when INIPENE = 3. Negative
GAPVAL means initial penetrations which will be eliminated.
(Real, Default = 0.0)
PDEPTH Penetration depth for single-sided contact (i.e. NSIDE=1). (Real;

Default=0.0)If PDEPTH > 0.0, then penetration is detected. When
penetration ≤ PDEPTH, and if penetration > PDEPTH, penetration
is deemed not to occur.
BCTPARA 891
Name Description
SEGNORM Indicates whether a continuous (interpolated) contact segment

normal is used for the contact surfaces. (Integer; Default=0)
0 – SEGNORM=1 if NSIDE=1, SEGNORM=-1 if NSIDE=2.
1 – Continuous segment normal is used.
-1 – Continuous segment normal is not used.
OFFTYPE Type of offset for contact regions. (Integer; Default=0)
0 – User specified offset value only for single-sided contact (i.e.,

NSIDE=1). Use offset of 0.001 for double-sided contact (i.e.,
NSIDE=2)
1 – Use specified offset value for either single- or double-sided 11

contact. BULK
A-B
2 – Half the shell thickness is used for contact regions on shell
elements and no offset is used otherwise.
OFFSET Default offset distance for contact regions. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default=0.0)
Note: For contact algorithm TYPE=0 or 1, individual offset

distances can be specified for each contact region using the
BCRPARA entry to override the default offset distance specified
here.
Standard contact algorithm (TYPE=0 or 1)
DISP Selects the displacement formulation used for this contact set.
(Integer; Default = 0)
0 – Use the formulation selected by CTDISP in NXSTRAT entry

(default)
1 – Use small displacement formulation (contact conditions are

not updated)
2 – Use large displacement formulation (contact conditions are

updated)
892 BCTPARA
Name Description
TZPENE Time to eliminate initial penetrations. (Real ≥0.0; Default=0.0) If

TZPENE=0.0 and INIPENE=0 or 1, then the initial penetrations
are eliminated in the first time step. This may cause convergence
difficulties for certain problems. By using TZPENE > 0.0, the initial
penetrations are eliminated gradually over time TZPENE.
CSTIFF Indicates whether consistent contact stiffness is used. (Integer;

Default=0)
0 – Consistent contact stiffness is not used
1 – Consistent contact stiffness is used
TIED Indicates whether contact regions in each contact pair are tied
11 together. Currently, tied contact option assumes small rotations of
BULK the contact regions. (Integer; Default=0)
A-B
0 – Not tied
1 – Tied
TIEDTOL Tolerance used to determine whether contactor nodes are tied to

the target region when TIED=1 is specified. A contactor node is
tied to its target region if the distance between them is less than
or equal to TIEDTOL. (Real; Default=0.0)
EXTFAC Factor for extending contact surfaces beyond their boundaries. The
amount of extension is given by this factor multiplied by the length
of the contact segments. (1.0E-6 ≤ Real ≤ 0.1; Default=0.001)
BCTPARA 893
Name Description
FRICMOD Type of friction model (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 13; Default=0). See Remark 1.
0 – Constant coefficient of friction specified for each contact pair,

i.e. FRICi in the BCTSET entry.
1 – Constant coefficient of friction specified by FPARA1.
2 – Friction model 1; uses FPARA1 and FPARA2.
3 – Friction model 2; uses FPARA1, FPARA2, and FPARA3.
4 – Use different static and dynamic friction coefficients; uses

FPARA1, FPARA2, and FPARA3.
5 – Friction coefficient varies with sliding velocity; uses FPARA1,

FPARA2 and FPARA3. 11
BULK
6 – Anisotropic friction model; uses FPARA1, FPARA2, FPARA3, A-B
FPARA4, and FPARA5.
7 – Friction coefficient varies with consistent contact force; uses

FPARA1 and FPARA2.
8 – Friction coefficient varies with time; uses FPARA1, FPARA2

and FPARA3.
9 – Friction coefficient varies with coordinate values; uses FPARA1,

FPARA2, FPARA3, FPARA4, and FPARA5.
12 – Modified friction model 1; uses FPARA1 and FPARA2.
13 – Modified friction model 2; uses FPARA1, FPARA2, and

FPARA3.
See Section 4.4 of the Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling

Guide for a description of friction models.
FPARA1 Friction parameter A1

894 BCTPARA
Name Description
FRICDLY Indicates whether the application of friction is delayed, i.e., friction

is applied on a node one time step after the node comes into contact.
Delay of friction application may improve the convergence of the
solution. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – No delay
1 – Delay
Constraint Function Contact Algorithm (Type=0)

11
BULK EPSN Parameter for normal constraint function, w. (Real;
A-B Default=1.0E-12)
EPST Parameter for frictional constraint function, v. (Real > 0.0;

Default=0.001)
CFACTOR1 Compliance factor. (Real; Default=0.0)
Rigid Target Algorithm (TYPE=2)
NCMOD Normal contact modulus. (Real; Default=1.0E11)
Parameters used with current rigid-target algorithm (RTALG=0 in NXSTRAT)
TFORCE The maximum tensile contact force allowed for a converged

solution. (Real ≥ 0.0, Default = 0.001)
SLIDVEL The maximum sliding velocity used in modeling sticking friction.

When the velocity is smaller than SLIDVEL, sticking is assumed;
when the velocity is larger than SLIDVEL, sliding is assumed.
(Real > 0.0, Default = 1.0E-10)
BCTPARA 895
Name Description
OCHECK Specifies whether oscillation checking is performed and when it is

done. (Integer >= 0; Default = 5)
If OCHECK=0, no oscillation checking is performed. Otherwise,

oscillation checking is performed after equilibrium iteration
OCHECK. Oscillation checking consists of two checks:
a) If a contactor node oscillates between two neighboring target

segments during the equilibrium iterations, oscillation checking
puts the contactor node into contact with the boundary edge
between the target segments.
b) In analysis with friction, if the sliding velocity of a contactor node

oscillates during the equilibrium iterations, oscillation checking
puts the contactor node into sticking contact. 11
BULK
GAPBIAS Contact is detected when the distance between the target and A-B
contactor (accounting for any offsets) is less than GAPBIAS. (Real;
Default = 0.0)
OFFDET Selects the implementation of offsets. (Integer; Default = 0) 0 –

Program chooses the implementation based upon the shape of the
target surfaces; if a target surface is flat or convex, spheres are
used, otherwise, normals are used.
1 – A sphere of radius equal to the offset is placed around each

contactor node, and contact is detected between the sphere and
the target surface.
2 – Two surfaces are constructed for each contactor surface: an

upper surface and a lower surface. These surfaces are constructed
using the offsets and the averaged contactor normals. Contact is
then detected between points on the constructed contactor surfaces
and target surface.
Parameters used with old (NX Nastran Version 4) rigid-target algorithm

(RTALG=1 in NXSTRAT) which may be removed in a future release.
896 BCTPARA
Name Description
PENETOL Penetration tolerance which gives the maximum penetration

allowed into a rigid target surface. (Real; Default=1.0E-8)
TCMOD Tangential contact modulus. (Real; Default=0.0)
RFORCE Minimum tensile contact force required to change the state of a

contact node from "node in contact" to "free node", i.e., if the normal
tensile force is greater than RFORCE, a "node in contact" becomes
a "free node". (Real; Default=0.001)
LFORCE Limit (maximum) for the sum of all contact forces for nodes
changing from the state of "node in contact" to "free node". If the
absolute value of the sum of the forces is bigger than LFORCE,
11 then the automatic time stepping (ATS) method will be activated
to subdivide the current time step into smaller time increments.
BULK
A-B (Real; Default=1.0)
RTPCHECK Specifies whether penetration is checked (in addition to checking

the tensile contact force) against the maximum allowable
penetration when the rigid-target algorithm is used. (Integer;
Default=0)
0 – Penetration is not checked. Note that with this setting there

is a possibility that the rigid target surface may penetrate the
contactor surface excessively.
1 – Penetration is checked and subdivision of the time step occurs if

the penetration exceeds (RTPMAX * maximum model length.)
2 – Penetration is checked and subdivision of time step occurs if the

penetration exceeds RTPMAX.
RTPMAX Specifies the maximum allowable penetration when the rigid target
algorithm is used. RTPMAX is either a factor of the model size or
an absolute value depending on the RTPCHECK parameter. (Real
> 0.0; Default=0.001)
BCTPARA 897
Name Description
General Parameters
XTYPE Selects the type of contact algorithm. (Integer; Default=0)
0 – Kinematic constraint algorithm is used.
1 – Penalty algorithm is used.
3 – Rigid target algorithm is used.
NSIDE Flags single or double-sided contact. (Integer; Default=1)
1 – Contact surfaces are single-sided.
2 – Contact surfaces are double-sided. 11

BULK
TBIRTH Birth time for contact set. (Real; Default=0.0) A-B
TDEATH Death time for contact set. (Real; Default=0.0) If TDEATH ≤

TBIRTH, it is ignored.
INIPENE Flags how initial penetrations are handled. (Integer; Default=0)
0 – Initial penetrations are eliminated.
1 – Initial penetrations are eliminated and the list of penetrating

nodes is printed.
2 – Initial penetrations are ignored. In successive steps, each

contactor node is allowed to penetrate the target up to its initial
penetration.
PDEPTH Penetration depth for single-sided contact (i.e. NSIDE=1). (Real;

Default=0.0)If PDEPTH > 0.0, then penetration is detected. When
penetration ≤ PDEPTH, and if penetration > PDEPTH, penetration
is deemed not to occur.
898 BCTPARA
Name Description
OFFTYPE Type of offset for contact regions. (Integer; Default=0)
0 – Use specified offset value only for single-sided contact (i.e.,

NSIDE=1). Use offset of 0.001 for double-sided contact (i.e.,
NSIDE=2).
1 – Use specified offset value for either single- or double-sided

contact.
2 – Half the shell thickness is used for contact regions on shell

elements and no offset is used otherwise.
OFFSET Default offset distance for contact regions. (Real; Default=0.0)Note:

For contact algorithm XTYPE=0 or 1, individual offset distances
11 can be specified for each contact region using the BCRPARA entry
BULK to override the default offset distance specified here.
A-B
Contact Algorithm XTYPE=0 or 1
TZPENE Time to eliminate initial penetrations. (Real=0.0; Default=0.0)If

TZPENE=0.0 and INIPENE=0 or 1, then the initial penetrations
are eliminated in the first time step. This may cause convergence
difficulties for certain problems. By using TZPENE > 0.0, the initial
penetrations are eliminated gradually over time TZPENE.
EXTFAC Factor for extending contact surfaces beyond their boundaries. The
amount of extension is given by this factor multiplied by the length
of the contact segments. (1.0E-6 ≤ Real ≤ 0.1; Default=0.001)
Penalty Contact Algorithm (XTYPE=1)
XKNCRIT Selects the criterion for evaluation of normal penalty stiffness.

(Integer; Default=0)
0 - The program calculates the normal penalty stiffness.
1 - The user specifies the normal penalty stiffness (XKN).
XKN Specifies the normal penalty stiffness to be used when XKNCRIT=1.

(Real)
BCTPARA 899
Name Description
XKTCRIT Selects the criterion for evaluation of tangential penalty stiffness.

0 - The program calculates the normal penalty stiffness
1 - The user specifies the normal penalty stiffness (XKT).
XKT Specifies the tangential penalty stiffness to be used when

XKTCRIT=1. (Real)
XDAMP Indicates whether damping is used when the penalty explicit

contact algorithm is used. (Integer; Default=0)
0 – Damping is not used, i.e., the XNDAMP parameter is ignored.
1 – Damping is used and XNDAMP is a factor of the critical

11
BULK
damping, i.e., the damping coefficient is given by XNDAMP
A-B
multiplied by the critical damping. This is the recommended choice
if damping is used.
2 – Damping is included and the damping coefficient is specified

directly by XNDAMP.
XNDAMP Specifies the relative or absolute damping coefficient (for normal

penalty stiffness) when the penalty explicit contact algorithm is
used and XDAMP=1 or 2. (Real=0.0; Default=0.1)
Rigid Target Algorithm (XTYPE=3)
Parameters used with current rigid-target algorithm (RTALG=0 in NXSTRAT)
SLIDVEL The maximum sliding velocity used in modeling sticking friction.

When the velocity is smaller than SLIDVEL, sticking is assumed;
when the velocity is larger than SLIDVEL, sliding is assumed.
(Real > 0.0, Default = 1.0E-10)
GAPBIAS Contact is detected when the distance between the target and
contactor (accounting for any offsets) is less than GAPBIAS. (Real;
Default = 0.0)
900 BCTPARA
Name Description
OFFDET Selects the implementation of offsets. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – Program chooses the implementation based upon the shape of

the target surfaces; if a target surface is flat or convex, spheres are
used, otherwise, normals are used.
1 – A sphere of radius equal to the offset is placed around each

contactor node, and contact is detected between the sphere and
the target surface.
2 – Two surfaces are constructed for each contactor surface: an

upper surface and a lower surface. These surfaces are constructed
using the offsets and the averaged contactor normals. Contact is
then detected between points on the constructed contactor surfaces
11 and target surface.
BULK
A-B Parameters used with old (v4) rigid-target algorithm (RTALG=1 in NXSTRAT)
which may be removed in a future release.
PENETOL Penetration tolerance which gives the maximum penetration

allowed into a rigid target surface. (Real; Default=1.0E-8)
TCMOD Tangential contact modulus. (Real; Default=0.0)
Remarks:
1. Multiple BCTPARA with the same CSID can be used. The parameters specified
in all BCTPARA with the same CSID will be combined and assigned to the
contact set.
2. If duplicate parameters are specified, the last parameter value will be used.
3. Field 9 on line 1 should be blank. Beginning on the continuation lines, fields 2 to

9 can be used for 4 pairs of PARAM/VALUE
BCTPARM 901
Contact Parameters (SOLs 101, 103, 111 and 112).
BCTPARM Contact Parameters (SOLs 101, 103, 111 and 112).
Control parameters for the SOL 101 contact algorithm.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BCTPARM CSID Param1 Value1 Param2 Value2 Param3 Value3
Example:
BCTPARM 1 PENN 1.0 CTOL 0.001
Fields:
Field Contents
CSID Contact set ID. Parameters defined in this command apply to
11
BULK
contact set CSID defined by a BCTSET entry. (Integer > 0) A-B
PARAMi Name of the BCTPARM parameter. Allowable names are given in
the parameter listing below. (Character)
VALUEi Value of the parameter. See Table 11-4 for the parameter listing.
(Real or Integer)
Table 11-4. BCTPARM Parameters
Name Description
PENN Penalty factor for normal direction. (Default=10.0) See Remark 2.
PENT Penalty factor for tangential direction. (Default=1.0) See Remark 2.
CTOL Contact force convergence tolerance. (Default=0.01)
MAXF Maximum number of iterations for force a loop. (Default=10)
MAXS Maximum number of iterations for a status loop. (Default=20)
NCHG Allowable number of contact changes for convergence. (Default=0)
MPER Minimum contact set percentage. (Default=100)
902 BCTPARM
Name Description
SHLTHK Shell thickness offset flag.
0 - Includes half shell thickness as surface offset. (Default)
1 - Does not include thickness offset.

RESET Flag to indicate if the contact status for a specific subcase is to start
from the final status of the previous subcase
0 - Starts from previous subcase. (Default)
1 - Starts from initial state.

AVGSTS Determines the averaging method for contact pressure/traction
results.
11 0 - The averaging of Pressure/Traction values for a contact grid

BULK will include the results from ALL contact elements attached to the
A-B grid regardless of whether they are active or inactive in the contact
problem (Default).
1 - The averaging of the Pressure/Traction values for a contact grid

will exclude those contact elements which are not active in the
contact solution and thus have a zero Pressure/Traction value.
INIPENE Use when the goal is for a pair of contact regions to be initially
touching without interference, but due to the faceted nature of finite
elements around curved geometry, some of the element faces may
have a slight gap or penetration.
0 or 1 - Contact is evaluated exactly as geometry is modeled. No

corrections will occur for gaps or penetrations (Default).
2 - Penetrations will be reset to a new initial condition in which

there is no interference.
3 - Gaps and penetrations are both reset to a new initial condition

in which there is no interference.
Remarks:
See “Understanding the Contact Control Parameters Used in

SOL 101 - BCTPARM” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide for more
information on the BCTPARM options.
BCTPARM 903
Name Description
REFINE Determines if the mesh on the source region is refined during the
contact solution.
0 - Do not refine the contact source region based on target surface

definition.
1 - Refine the contact source region based on target surface

definition (default).
INTORD Determines the number of contact evaluation points for a single
element face on the source region. The number of contact evaluation
points is dependent on the value of INTORD, and on the type of
element face. See the table in Remark 1 for specific values.
1 – The reduced number of contact evaluation points is used.
2 - Use an increased number of contact evaluation points (default).

11
BULK
3 – Use a high number of contact evaluation points. A-B
Remarks:
1. A higher number of contact evaluation points can be used to increase the

accuracy of a contact solution. Inaccuracies sometimes appear in the form
of nonuniform contact pressure and stress results. There may be a penalty
associated with using more evaluation points since the time for a contact problem
to converge may be longer. The table below shows how the number of contact
evaluation points is dependent on the element type, and how it can be adjusted
using the INTORD option. The “Face Type” column applies to shell elements,
and to the solid element with the associated face type.
Number of Contact Evaluation Points

Face Type INTORD=1 INTORD=2 INTORD=3
Linear Triangle 1 3 7
Parabolic Triangle 3 7 12
Linear Quad 1 4 9
Parabolic Quad 4 9 16
2. Penalty factors have units of 1/(length). A physical interpretation is that it is

equivalent to the axial stiffness of a rod (K=e*E*dA) with area dA, modulus E,
904 BCTPARM
and length 1/e. The defaults for the penalty factors generally work well, but in
the event that meshes have very large or very small edge lengths, adjustments
may be necessary. See the chapter Surface Contact for SOL 101 in the NX
Nastran User’s Guide for tips on adjusting penalty factors.
11
BULK
A-B
BCTSET 905
3D Contact Set Definition (SOLs 101, 103, 111, 112, 601 and 701 only)
BCTSET 3D Contact Set Definition (SOLs 101, 103, 111, 112, 601 and 701
only)
Defines contact pairs of a 3D contact set.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BCTSET CSID SID1 TID1 FRIC1 MIND1 MAXD1
SID2 TID2 FRIC2 MIND2 MAXD2
-etc-
SOL 601 & 701 Example:

BCTSET 4 3 2 0.0
1 8 0.0
SOL 101 Example: 11

BULK
BCTSET 4 3 2 0.0 0.0 0.01 A-B
1 8 0.0 -0.001 0.005
Fields:
Field Contents
CSID Contact set identification number. (Integer > 0)
SIDi Source region (contactor) identification number for contact pair i.
(Integer > 0)
TIDi Target region identification number for contact pair i. (Integer > 0)
FRICi Static coefficient of friction for contact pair i. (Real; Default=0.0)
MINDi Minimum search distance for contact. (Real) (Sol 101 only)
MAXDi Maximum search distance for contact. (Real) (Sol 101 only)
Remarks:
1. SID and TID are contact regions defined via the BCPROP, BSURF, or BSURFS
entries.
2. SIDi can be equal to TIDi to define a self-contacting pair.

906 BCTSET
3D Contact Set Definition (SOLs 101, 103, 111, 112, 601 and 701 only)
3. CSID is selected by the Case Control command BCSET. If Case Control command
BCSET is not specified, the model will not include contact.
4. For SOLs 601 and 701, if there are several contact sets in a model, the contact
sets defined by BCTSET must be combined using the BCTADD entry. Use of the
BCTADD entry is not supported in SOLs 101, 103, 111 or 112.
5. The parameters for a contact set are defined by the BCTPARA entry. The main
reason to have more than one contact set is when different parameters need
to be used for different contact sets.
6. If multiple BCTSET with the same CSID are specified, they will be combined. If
duplicate contact pairs are defined, the last one defined will be used.
11
BULK
A-B
BDYLIST 907
Fluid Boundary List
BDYLIST Fluid Boundary List
Defines the boundary between a fluid and a structure.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BDYLIST RHO IDF1 lDF2 IDF3 IDF4 IDF5 IDF6 IDF7
IDF8 -etc.-
Example:
BDYLIST .037 432 325 416 203 256 175 153

101 105 AXIS
Fields:
Field Contents
11
BULK
RHO Fluid mass density at boundary. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default is DRHO on A-B
the AXIF entry.)
IDFi Identification number of a RINGFL entry. (Integer > 0 or
Character=“AXIS” may be specified in the first and/or last field on
the entry.)
Remarks:
1. This entry is allowed only if an AXIF entry is also present.
2. Each entry defines a boundary if RHO ≠ 0.0. The order of the points must be
sequential with the fluid on the right with respect to the direction of travel.
3. The word “AXIS” defines an intersection with the polar axis of the fluid
coordinate system.
4. There is no limit to the number of BDYLIST entries specified. If the fluid density
varies along the boundary, there must be one BDYLIST entry for each interval
between fluid points.
5. The BDYLIST entry is not required and should not be used to specify a
rigid boundary where structural points are not defined. Such a boundary is
automatically implied by the omission of a BDYLIST.
908 BDYLIST
Fluid Boundary List
6. If RHO=0.0, no boundary matrix terms will be generated to connect the GRIDB

points to the fluid. See “Performing a Coupled Fluid-Structural Analysis” in the
NX Nastran User’s Guide. This option is a convenience for structural plotting
purposes. GRIDB points may be located on a fluid ring (RINGFL entry) only if
the rings are included in a BDYLIST.
11
BULK
A-B
BDYOR 909
CHBDYi Entry Default Values
BDYOR CHBDYi Entry Default Values
Defines default values for the CHBDYP, CHBDYG, and CHBDYE entries.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BDYOR TYPE IVIEWF IVIEWB RADMINF RADMIDB PID GO
CE E1 E2 E3
Example:
BDYOR AREA4 2 2 3 3 10
Fields:
Field Contents
TYPE Default surface type. See Remark 2 (Character). 11
BULK
IVIEWF Default identification number of the front VIEW entry. (Integer > A-B
0 or blank)
IVIEWB Default identification number of the back VIEW entry. (Integer >
0 or blank)
RADMIDF Default identification number of a RADM entry for the front face.
(Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
RADMIDB Default identification number of a RADM entry for the back face.
PID Default PHBDY property entry identification number. (Integer >
0 or blank)
GO Default orientation grid point. (Integer ≥ 0; Default=0)
CE Default coordinate system for defining the orientation vector.
E1, E2, E3 Default components of the orientation vector in coordinate system
CE. The origin of this vector is grid point G1 on a CHBDYP entry.
(Real or blank)
Remarks:
1. Only one BDYOR entry may be specified in the Bulk Data Section.
910 BDYOR
CHBDYi Entry Default Values
2. TYPE specifies the type of CHBDYi element surface; allowable values are:
POINT, LINE, REV, AREA3, AREA4, ELCYL, FTUBE, AREA6, AREA8, and
TUBE.
3. IVIEWF and IVIEWB are specified for view factor calculations only. (See the
VIEW entry).
4. GO is only used from BDYOR if neither GO nor the orientation vector is defined
on the CHBDYP entry and GO is > 0.
5. E1, E2, E3 is not used if GO is defined on either the BDYOR entry or the
CHBDYP entry.
11
BULK
A-B
BEAMOR 911
CBEAM Entry Default Values
BEAMOR CBEAM Entry Default Values
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 39 0.6 2.9 -5.87
BEAMOR PID G0
BEAMOR 39 86 11
BULK
Fields: A-B
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of the PBEAM or PBCOMP entry.
(Integer > 0 or blank)
X1, X2, X3 Components of the orientation vector, from GA, in the displacement
coordinate system at GA. (Real)
G0 Alternate method to supply the orientation vector , using grid point
G0. The direction of the vector is from GA to G0. is then translated
to End A. (Integer > 0; G0 ≠ GA or GB on CBEAM entry)
Remarks:
1. The contents of fields on this entry will be assumed for any CBEAM entry with
corresponding fields that are blank.
2. Only one BEAMOR entry is allowed.
3. For an explanation of beam element geometry, see the CBEAM entry description.
4. If X1 or G0 is an integer, G0 is used. If X1 or G0 is blank or real, then X1, X2, X3

is used.
912 BFRlC
Contact Friction
BFRlC Contact Friction
Defines frictional properties between two bodies in contact.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BFRIC FID FSTIF MU1
Example:
BFRIC 33 0.3
Fields:
Field Contents
11 FID Friction identification number. See Remark 1 (Integer > 0).

BULK FSTlF Frictional stiffness in stick. See Remarks 2 and 3 (Real > 0.0;
A-B Default=automatically selected by the program.)
MU1 Coefficient of static friction. (Real > 0.0)
Remarks:
1. This identification number must be unique with respect to all other friction
identification numbers. This is used in the FRICID field of the BCONP Bulk
Data entry.
2. The value of frictional stiffness requires care. A method of choosing its value
is to divide the expected frictional strength (MU1 * expected normal force) by a
reasonable value of the relative displacement that may be allowed before slip
occurs. The relative value of displacement before slip occurs must be small
compared to expected relative displacements during slip. A large stiffness value
may cause poor convergence, while too small a value may cause poor accuracy.
Frictional stiffness specified by the user is selected as the initial value. If

convergence difficulties are encountered during the analysis, the frictional
stiffness may be reduced automatically to improve convergence.
3. The stiffness matrix for frictional slip is unsymmetrical. However, the program
does not use the true unsymmetrical matrix, but uses the symmetric terms
instead. This is to avoid using the unsymmetrical solver to reduce CPU time.
BGPARM 913
Glue Parameters.
BGPARM Glue Parameters.
Control parameter for the glue contact algorithm.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BGPARM GSID Param1 Value1 Param2 Value2 –etc–
Example:
BGPARM 4 INTORD 2
Fields:
Field Contents
GSID Glue set ID. Parameters defined in this command apply to glue set
GSID defined by a BGSET entry. (Integer > 0)
11
BULK
PARAMi Name of the BGPARM parameter. Allowable names are given in the A-B
parameter listing below. (Character)
VALUEi Value of the parameter. See below for the parameter listing. (Real
or Integer)
Table 11-5. BGPARM Parameters
Name Description
ZOFFSET Determines if the shell element z-offset is included in the glue
solution.
0 - Includes the shell z-offset when determining the glue surfaces

(Default)
1 - Does not include the shell z-offset when determining the glue
surfaces (as in NXN4.1 and prior)
914 BGPARM
Glue Parameters.
Table 11-5. BGPARM Parameters
Name Description
INTORD Determines the number of glue points for a single element face on
the source region.
1 - Low order
2 - Medium order (default)
3 - High order
REFINE Determines if the mesh on the source region is refined during the
glue solution.
0 - Do not refine the glue source region based on target surface

definition.
1 - Refine the glue source region based on target surface definition

11 (default).
BULK
A-B
BGSET 915
3D Glue Contact Set Definition
BGSET 3D Glue Contact Set Definition
Defines glued contact pairs of a 3D set.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BGSET GSID SID1 TID1 SDIST1 PEN
SID2 TID2 SDIST2
-etc-
Example:
BGSET 4 1 2
4 3
Fields: 11
BULK
Field Contents A-B
GSID Glue set identification number. (Integer > 0).
SIDi Source region identification number for glue pair i. (Integer > 0)
TIDi Target region identification number for glue pair i. (Integer > 0)
SDISTi Search distance for glue surfaces (Real); (Default=100)
PEN Penalty value used in calculations. The value defined on the first line
will be used for all pairs. (Real);(Default=100)
Remarks:
1. The default search distance will glue all overlapping sections of the source and
target regions. This value can be used in special cases to control what subregions
are to be glued.
2. Penalty factors have units of 1/(length). A physical interpretation is that it is

equivalent to the axial stiffness of a rod (K=e*E*dA) with area dA, modulus
E, and length 1/e. The default penalty factor will be sufficient for most cases.
Increase it if separation of the surfaces is observed. If defined too large,
numerical problems may occur.
916 BGSET
3D Glue Contact Set Definition
3. Glue definitions are supported in all solution sequences except for SOL 144–146,
and 701. In a SOL 153 heat transfer analysis they are treated as near infinite
conductivity connections.
Remarks related to SOL 601:
1. SDISTi and PEN are not used by SOL 601. SOL 601 uses a search distance that
is equal to the largest element edge in the source and target region.
2. BGSET can only be used to glue 3D solid elements. Hence, both the source and
target regions must be defined by the BSURFS entry.
3. SID and TID must be different regions and nodes on the source region must
locate a segment on the target region. Hence, a smaller region should be made
the source region.
11
BULK
A-B
BLSEG 917
Boundary Line Segments
BLSEG Boundary Line Segments
Defines a curve that consists of a number of line segments via grid numbers that
may come in contact with another body.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BLSEG ID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
Alternate Format:
BLSEG ID G1 “THRU” G2 “BY” INC
The Continuation Entry formats may be used more than once and in any order. They
may also be used with either format above.
Continuation Entry Format 1:
-etc.-
11
G8 G9 G10 G11 BULK
A-B
G8 “THRU” G9 “BY” INC
Example:
BLSEG 15 5 THRU 21 BY 4
27 30 32 33
35 THRU 44
67 68 72 75 84 93
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Line segments identification number. See Remark 2 (Integer > 0).
Gi Grid point identification numbers on a curve in a continuous
topological order so that the normal to the segment points toward
the other curve. See Remark 3 (Integer > 0).
INC Grid point identification number increment. See Remark 3 (Integer
or blank).
918 BLSEG
Boundary Line Segments
Remarks:
1. A line segment is defined between every two consecutive grid points. Thus, the
number of line segments defined is equal to the number of grid points specified
minus 1. A corresponding BWlDTH Bulk Data entry may be required to define
the width/thickness of each line segment. If the corresponding BWlDTH is not
present, the width/thickness for each line segment is assumed to be unity.
2. The ID must be unique with respect to all other BLSEG entries. Each line
segment has a width in a 3-D slideline and a thickness in a 2-D slideline contact
to calculate contact stresses. The width/thickness of each line segment is defined
via the BWIDTH Bulk Data entry. The ID in BLSEG must be same as the ID
specified in the BWIDTH. That is, there must be a one to one correspondence
between BLSEG and BWIDTH. BWIDTH Bulk Data entry may be omitted only
if the width/thickness of each segment is unity.
3. For automatic generation of grid numbers, the default increment value is 1 if

grid numbers are increasing or -1 if grid numbers are decreasing (i.e., the user
11 need not specify BY and the increment value).
BULK
A-B 4. The normal to the segment is determined by the cross product of the slideline
plane vector (i.e., the Z direction of the coordinate system defined in the ‘ClD’ field
of the BCONP Bulk Data entry) and the tangential direction of the segment. The
tangential direction is the direction from node 1 to node 2 of the line segment.
5. A curve may be closed or open. A closed curve is specified by having the last grid
point identification number be the same as the first grid number.
BNDGRID 919
Boundary Grid Points
BNDGRID Boundary Grid Points
Specifies a list of grid point identification numbers on design boundaries or surfaces

for shape optimization (SOL 200).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BNDGRID C GP1 GP2 GP3 GP4 GP5 GP6 GP7
GP8 -etc.-
Example:
BNDGRID 123 41 42 43 44 45 46 47
49

BNDGRID C GP1 “THRU” GP2
11
BULK
BNDGRID 123 41 THRU 49 A-B
Fields:
Field Contents
C Component number (any unique combination of integers 1 through 6
with no embedded blanks). See Remark 1.
GPi Shape boundary grid point identification number. (0 < Integer <
1000000; For THRU option, GP1 < GP2)
Remarks:
1. C specifies the components for the listed grid points for which boundary motion
is prescribed.
2. Multiple BNDGRID entries may be used to specify the shape boundary grid
point identification numbers.
3. Both fixed and free shape boundary grid point identification numbers are listed
on this entry.
4. The degrees-of-freedom specified on BNDGRID entries must be sufficient to

statically constrain the model.
920 BNDGRID
Boundary Grid Points

exclusive s-set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually
11
BULK
A-B
BOLT 921
Bolt definition
BOLT Bolt definition
Selects the CBEAM or CBAR elements to be included in the bolt pre-load calculation.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BOLT BID ETYPE EID1 EID2 EID3 etc.
EID7 “THRU” EID8
-etc-
Alternate Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BOLT BID ETYPE EID1 “THRU” EID2
SOLs 101, 103, 105, 107 through 112 Example (single EID defines bolt): 11
BOLT 4 1 11 BULK
A-B
SOL 601 Example (all EIDs required to define bolt):

BOLT 4 1 11 8 2 1 20 14
15 16 28 30 33
Fields:
Field Contents
BID Bolt identification number. (Integer>0)
ETYPE Element type (Integer=1 is required in this field until other options
become available in the future).
EIDi Element identification numbers of CBEAM or CBAR elements to
include in the bolt pre-load calculation.(Integer>0), or using “THRU”
(EID7<EID8 for THRU option).
Remarks:
1. One BOLT entry is required to define each physical bolt.
2. Bolt preload is supported in SOLs 101, 103, 105, 107 through 112 and 601.
922 BOLT
Bolt definition
3. In a SOL 101, 103, 105, 107 through 112, only one EID is required to define a
bolt even if it was modeled as several elements. Any additional entries will be
ignored.
4. In a SOL 105, both the bolt preload and service load will be scaled to determine
the buckling load.
1. All CBEAM or CBAR elements representing a physical bolt must be identified in

the BOLT entry.
11
BULK
A-B
BOLTFOR 923
Preload Force on Set of Bolts
BOLTFOR Preload Force on Set of Bolts
Defines preload force on a set of bolts.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BOLTFOR SID LOAD B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6
B7 THRU B8
B9 B10 -etc-
Example:
BOLTFOR 4 1000.0 12 THRU 21
1 4 6 9 10 26 32 34
37 43 51
11
Fields: BULK
A-B
Field Contents
SID Bolt preload force set identification number. (Integer>0)
LOAD Magnitude of the preload force. (Real)

Bi Bolt identification numbers defined by bulk entry BOLT (Integer>0),
or using “THRU” (B7<B8 for THRU option).
Remarks:
1. Multiple BOLTFOR entries with the same SID can be used and the data will
be combined.
2. SID is selected by BOLTLD Case Control command.
3. Entering the same bolt id multiple times for the same SID will produce an error.
924 BOUTPUT
Output for Slideline Contact
BOUTPUT Output for Slideline Contact
Defines slave nodes at which output is requested.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BOUTPUT ID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
Alternate Format:
BOUTPUT ID G1 “THRU” G2 “BY” INC
11 G8 G9 G10 G11 -etc.-
BULK
A-B Continuation Entry Format 2:
G8 “THRU” G9 “BY” INC
Example:
BOUTPUT 15 5 THRU 21 BY 4
27 30 32 33
35 THRU 44
67 68 72 75 84 93
Format and Example Using “ALL” (No continuation entry is allowed):

BOUTPUT ID ALL
BOUTPUT 15 ALL
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Contact region identification number of a BCONP entry for which
output is desired. (Integer > 0)
Gi Slave node numbers for which output is desired. (Integer > 0)
BOUTPUT 925
Output for Slideline Contact
Field Contents
INC Grid point identification number increment. See Remark (Integer or
blank).
Remarks:
For automatic generation of grid numbers, the default increment value is 1 if grid
numbers are increasing or -1 if grid numbers are decreasing (i.e., the user need
not specify BY and the increment value).
11
BULK
A-B
926 BSET
Fixed Analysis Degrees-of-Freedom
BSET Fixed Analysis Degrees-of-Freedom
Defines analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be fixed (b-set) during component

mode synthesis calculations.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BSET ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3 ID4 C4
Example:
BSET 2 135 14 6
Fields:
Field Contents

BULK Ci Component number. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points, or any
A-B unique combinations of the integers 1 through 6 for grid points. 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.

exclusive b-set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually
exclusive sets. See the “Degree-of-Freedom Sets” for a list of these entries.
3. If PARAM,AUTOSPC is YES, then singular b-set and c-set degrees-of-freedom

will be reassigned as follows:
• If there are no o-set (omitted) degrees-of-freedom, then singular b-set and
c-set degrees-of-freedom are reassigned to the s-set.
• If there are o-set (omitted) degrees-of-freedom, then singular c-set

degrees-of-freedom are reassigned to the b-set. Singular b-set
degrees-of-freedom are not reassigned.
BSET1 927
Fixed Analysis Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of BSET Entry
BSET1 Fixed Analysis Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of BSET Entry
Defines analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be fixed (b-set) during component

mode synthesis calculations.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BSET1 C ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4 ID5 ID6 ID7
ID8 ID9 ID10 -etc.-
Example:
BSET1 2 135 14 6 23 24 25 26
122 127

BSET1 C ID1 “THRU” ID2
11
BULK
BSET1 3 6 THRU 32 A-B
Fields:
Field Contents
C Component numbers. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points, or
any unique combinations of the integers 1 through 6 for grid points
IDi Grid or scalar point identification numbers. (Integer > 0; For “THRU”
option, ID1< ID2)
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.

928 BSET1
Fixed Analysis Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of BSET Entry



11
BULK
A-B
BSURF 929
3D Contact Region Definition by Shell Elements (SOLs 101, 601 and 701)
BSURF 3D Contact Region Definition by Shell Elements (SOLs 101, 601 and
701)
Defines a 3D contact region by shell element IDs.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BSURF ID EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5 EID6 EID7
EID8 EID9 EID10 -etc-
Alternate Format:
BSURF ID EID1 THRU EID2 BY INC

11
BULK
A-B
EID8 EID9 EID10 EID11 -etc.-
EID8 “THRU” EID9 “BY” INC
Example:
BSURF 15 5 THRU 21 BY 4
27 30 32 33
35 THRU 44
67 68 70 85 92
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Identification number of a contact region. See Remarks 2 and 3.
(Integer > 0)
EIDi Element identification numbers of shell elements. (Integer > 0)
INC Identification number increment. See Remark 4 (Integer or blank).
930 BSURF
3D Contact Region Definition by Shell Elements (SOLs 101, 601 and 701)
Remarks:
2. BSURF is a collection of one or more shell elements. BSURF defines a contact

which may act as a contact source (contactor) or target.
entries.
4. For automatic generation of element ids, the default increment value is 1 if

element numbers are increasing or -1 if element numbers are decreasing (i.e.,
the user need not specify BY and the increment value).
11
BULK
A-B
BSURFS 931
3D Contact Region Definition by Solid Elements (SOL 101, 601 and 701 only)
BSURFS 3D Contact Region Definition by Solid Elements (SOL 101, 601

and 701 only)
Defines a 3D contact region by the faces of the CHEXA, CPENTA or CTETRA

elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BSURFS ID EID1 G1 G2 G3
EID2 G1 G2 G3 EID3 G1 G2 G3
-etc-
Example:
BSURFS 7 10 15 16 20
15 16 17 21 20 17 18 22
11 19 20 24 16 20 21 25
11
BULK
21 21 22 26
A-B
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Identification number of a contact region. See Remarks 2 and 3.
(Integer > 0)
EIDi Element identification numbers of solid elements. (Integer > 0)
G1 - G3 Identification numbers of 3 corner grid points on the face (triangular
or quadrilateral) of the solid element. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
2. BSURFS is a collection of one or more element faces on solid elements. BSURFS

defines a contact region which may act as a contact source (contactor) or target.
entries.
932 BWIDTH
Boundary Line Segment Width or Thickness
BWIDTH Boundary Line Segment Width or Thickness
Defines widths or thicknesses for line segments in 3-D or 2-D slideline contact
defined in the corresponding BLSEG Bulk Data entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BWIDTH ID W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 W6 W7
Alternate Format:
BWIDTH ID W1 “THRU” W2 “BY” INC
11 Continuation Entry Format 1:
BULK
A-B W8 W9 W10 W11 -etc.-
W8 “THRU” W9 “BY” INC
Example:
BWIDTH 15 2.0 THRU 5.0 BY 1.0

2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
35. THRU 44.
1.5 3.4 7.6 0.4 0.7
Fields:
Field Contents
ID BLSEG entry identification number. (Integer > 0)
Wi Width values for the corresponding line segments defined in the
BLSEG entry. See Remark 1 (Real > 0.0).
INC Width value increment. See Remark 2 (Real or blank).
BWIDTH 933
Remarks:
1. BWIDTH may be omitted if the width of each segment defined in the BLSEG
entry is unity. The number of widths to be specified is equal to the number of
segments defined in the corresponding BLSEG entry.
2. The default value for INC is 1.0 if the width is increasing or -1.0 if the width is
decreasing. That is, the user need not specify BY and the increment value. If the
number of widths specified is less than the number of segments defined in the
corresponding BLSEG entry, the width for the remaining segments is assumed
to be equal to the last width specified.
3. If there is only one grid point in the corresponding BLSEG entry, there is no
contributory area associated with the grid point. To compute correct contact
stresses, an area may be associated with a single grid point by specifying the
area in field W1.
11
BULK
A-B
934 BWIDTH
11
BULK
A-B
Chapter
12 Bulk Data Entries CA—CM
12
BULK
CA-CM
936 CAABSF
Frequency-Dependent Acoustic Absorber Element
CAABSF Frequency-Dependent Acoustic Absorber Element
Defines a frequency-dependent acoustic absorber element in coupled fluid-structural

analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CAABSF EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4
Example:
CAABSF 44 38 1 10 20
Fields:
Field Contents
EID Element identification number. (Integer > 0)
PID Property identification number that matches a PAABSF entry.
(Integer > 0; Default = EID)
Gi Grid point identification number of fluid connection points. (Integer
12 ≥ 0 or blank)
BULK
CA-CM Remarks:
1. Element identification numbers should be unique with respect to all other

element identification numbers.
2. If only G1 is specified then a point impedance is assumed. If G1 and G2 are

specified then a line impedance is assumed. If G1, G2, and G3 are specified, then
an impedance is associated with the area of the triangular face. If G1 through
G4 are specified, then an impedance is associated with the quadrilateral face.
See Figure 12-1.
3. The CAABSF element must connect entirely to fluid points on the fluid-structure
boundary.
CAABSF 937
Frequency-Dependent Acoustic Absorber Element
Figure 12-1. Four Types of CAABSF Elements
12
BULK
CA-CM
938 CAERO1
Aerodynamic Panel Element Connection
CAERO1 Aerodynamic Panel Element Connection
Defines an aerodynamic macro element (panel) in terms of two leading edge

locations and side chords. This is used for the Doublet-Lattice theory for subsonic
aerodynamics and the ZONA51 theory for supersonic aerodynamics.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CAERO1 EID PID CP NSPAN NCHORD LSPAN LCHORD IGID
X1 Y1 Z1 X12 X4 Y4 Z4 X43
Example:
CAERO1 1000 1 3 2 1
0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.2 1.0 0.0 0.8
Fields:
Field Contents

12 PID Property identification number of a PAERO1 entry; used
BULK to specify associated bodies. Required even if there are no
CA-CM associated bodies. (Integer > 0)
CP Coordinate system for locating points 1 and 4. (Integer ≥ 0;

Default = 0)
NSPAN Number of spanwise boxes; if a positive value is given, NSPAN

equal divisions are assumed. If zero or blank, a list of division
points is given by LSPAN, field 7. (Integer ≥ 0)
NCHORD Number of chordwise boxes; if a positive value is given NCHORD,

equal divisions are assumed; if zero or blank, a list of division
points is given at LCHORD, field 8. (Integer ≥ 0)
LSPAN ID of an AEFACT data entry containing a list of division points

for spanwise boxes. Used only if the NSPAN field 5 is zero or
blank. (Integer > 0)
CAERO1 939
Field Contents
LCHORD ID of an AEFACT data entry containing a list of division points

for chordwise boxes. Used only if the NCHORD, field 6, is zero
or blank. (Integer > 0)
IGID Interference group identification; aerodynamic elements with

different IGIDs are uncoupled. (Integer > 0) See remark 8 for
restriction.
X1, Y1, Z1 Location of points 1 and 4 in coordinate system CP. (Real)

X4, Y4, Z4
X12, X43 Edge chord lengths in aerodynamic coordinate system. (Real ≥

0.0, but not both zero.)
Remarks:
1. The boxes and corner point nodes are numbered sequentially, beginning with
EID. The user should be careful to ensure that all box and corner point node
numbers are unique. There can be overlapping ID’s between the structural
and aerodynamic model, but post processors may not be able to display any
results. Also, non-unique corner ID’s are allowed, but most post processor do not
support this capability. 12
BULK
2. The number of division points is one greater than the number of boxes. Thus, if CA-CM
NSPAN=3, the division points are 0.0, 0.333, 0.667, 1.000. If the user supplies
division points, the first and last points need not be 0.0 and 1.0 (in which case
the corners of the panel would not be at the reference points).
3. A triangular element is formed if X12 or X43=0.0.
4. The element coordinate system is right-handed as shown in Figure 12-2.
5. The continuation is required.
6. It is recommended that NCHORD or LCHORD be chosen such that the typical

box chord length Δ x satisfies the condition Δx < 0.08V/f. Recent studies indicate
that .02 V/f is needed to get converged stability derivatives. Where V is the
minimum velocity and f, in hertz, is the maximum frequency to be analyzed (see
the NX Nastran Aeroelastic Analysis User’s Guide).
940 CAERO1
7. This entry can be used for two different aerodynamic theories: Doublet-Lattice
for subsonic and ZONA51 for supersonic. The proper theory is selected based on
the specification of Mach number on the MKAEROi or TRIM entry.
Figure 12-2. Element Coordinate System for Aerodynamic Panel

12
BULK 8. CAERO1 and CAERO2 panels should be defined in an IGID increasing order.
CA-CM For example, if you have a CAERO1 or CAER02 card with EID1 and ... IGID1,
and another with EID2 and ... IGID2, IGID2 must be greater than IGID1,
independent of whether EID1 < or > EID2. Failure to follow this restriction will
create an erroneous pressure distribution resulting in incorrect flutter results.
CAERO2 941
Aerodynamic Body Connection
CAERO2 Aerodynamic Body Connection
Defines aerodynamic slender body and interference elements for Doublet-Lattice

aerodynamics.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CAERO2 EID PID CP NSB NINT LSB LINT IGID
X1 Y1 Z1 X12
Example:
CAERO2 1500 2 100 4 99 1
-1.0 100. -30. 175.
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PAERO2 entry. (Integer > 0)
CP Coordinate system for locating point 1. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0)

12
BULK
CA-CM
NSB Number of slender body elements. If NSB > 0, then NSB equal
divisions are assumed; if zero or blank, specify a list of divisions in
LSB. (Integer ≥ 0)
NINT Number of interference elements. If NINT > 0, then NINT equal

divisions are assumed; if zero or blank, specify a list of divisions in
LINT. (Integer ≥ 0)
LSB ID of an AEFACT Bulk Data entry for slender body division points;
used only if NSB is zero or blank. (Integer ≥ 0)
LINT ID of an AEFACT data entry containing a list of division points for

interference elements; used only if NINT is zero or blank. (Integer
≥ 0)
IGID Interference group identification. Aerodynamic elements with

different IGIDs are uncoupled. (Integer ≥ 0) See remark 8 for
restriction.
942 CAERO2
Field Contents
X1, Y1, Z1 Location of point 1 in coordinate system CP. (Real)
X12 Length of body in the x-direction of the aerodynamic coordinate

system. (Real ≥ 0)
Remarks:
1. Point 1 is the leading point of the body.
2. All CAERO1 (panels) and CAERO2 (bodies) in the same group (IGID) will have
aerodynamic interaction.
3. At least one interference element is required for the aerodynamic body specified
by this entry.
4. The beams and connection points are numbered sequentially beginning with
EID. The user should be careful to ensure that all aero elements and connection
point IDs are unique. Overlapping IDs between structure and aerodynamic
models are allowed, but will prevent results visualization in most post processors.
Old rules regarding numbering among Z, ZY, Y bodies and CAERO1 no longer
apply: arbitrary ordering is allowed.
12 5. At least two slender body elements are required for each aerodynamic body.
BULK
CA-CM 6. Interference elements are only intended for use with panels.
7. Determining the size of the j-set (i.e., the number of aerodynamic elements) is
essential to input D1JE and D2JE matrices. Use the following expressions for
locating the proper row in the two matrices:
J = Number of boxes = + Number of I-elements, z

= + 2*(Number of I-elements, zy)
= + Number of I-elements, y
= + Number of S-elements, z
= + 2*(Number of S-elements, zy)
= + Number of S-elements, y
where I-elements denote interference and S-elements denote slender body.
8. CAERO1 and CAERO2 panels should be defined in an IGID increasing order.

For example, if you have a CAERO1 or CAER02 card with EID1 and ... IGID1,
CAERO2 943
and another with EID2 and ... IGID2, IGID2 must be greater than IGID1,
independent of whether EID1 < or > EID2. Failure to follow this restriction will
create an erroneous pressure distribution resulting in incorrect flutter results.
12
BULK
CA-CM
944 CAERO3
Aerodynamic Panel Element Configuration
CAERO3 Aerodynamic Panel Element Configuration
Defines the aerodynamic edges of a Mach Box lifting surface. If no cranks are
present, this entry defines the aerodynamic Mach Box lifting surface.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CAERO3 EID PID CP LISTW LISTC1 LISTC2
X1 Y1 Z1 X12 X4 Y4 Z4 X43
Example:
CAERO3 2000 2001 0 22 33
1.0 0.0 0.0 100. 17. 130. 0. 100.
Fields:
Field Contents
12 PID Property identification number of a PAERO3 entry. (Integer > 0)

BULK CP Coordinate system for locating points 1 and 4. (Integer ≥ 0; Default
CA-CM = 0)
LISTW Identification number of an AEFACT entry that lists (x,y) pairs for
structural interpolation of the wing. (Integer > 0)
LISTC1, Identification number of AEFACT entries that list (x,y) pairs for
LISTC2 control surfaces, if they exist. (Integer ≥ 0)
X1, Y1, Location of points 1 and 4 in coordinate system CP. (Real)

Z1, X4,
Y4, Z4
X12, X43 Edge chord lengths in the aerodynamic coordinate system. (Real ≥
0, X12 ≠ 0)
Remarks:
1. EID must be unique with respect to all other element identification numbers.
CAERO3 945
2. The (x,y) pairs on LISTW, LISTC1 and LISTC2 AEFACT entries are in the
aero element coordinate system (see Figure 12-3). The (x,y) pairs define a set
of aerodynamic grid points that are independent of the Mach number and are
selected by the user to be representative of the planform and motions of interest.
The (x,y) pairs must be sufficient in number and distribution such that: the
surface spline provides an accurate interpolation between them and the Mach
Box centers that are variously located on the planform as a function of Mach
number. A complete description of the Mach Box Method is given in the NX
Nastran Aeroelastic Analysis User’s Guide.
3. The (x,y) pairs are numbered sequentially, beginning with EID for LISTW, then
LISTC1, and finally for LISTC2. On SPLINEi entries, the box numbers (BOX1
and BOX2 on SPLINE1, ID1 and ID2 on SPLINE2, and UKID on SPLINE3)
refer to the (x,y) pair sequence number appropriate for the surface (primary, or
first or second control) being splined.
4. If cranks and/or control surfaces exist, their locations are given on the PAERO3
entry.
5. The numbering system and coordinate system are shown below:
12
BULK
CA-CM
Figure 12-3. CAERO3 Element Configuration
Planform Corners Control

1 Leading edge, inboard 7 Hinge line, inboard
2 Trailing edge, inboard 8 On inboard edge (usually at trailing edge)
3 Trailing edge, outboard 9 Hinge line, outboard
4 Leading edge, outboard 10 On outboard edge (usually at trailing edge)
946 CAERO3
Cranks Control (if two)

5 Leading edge 9 Hinge line, inboard
6 Trailing edge 10 On inboard edge (usually at trailing edge)
11 Hinge line, outboard
12 On outboard edge (usually at trailing edge)
12
BULK
CA-CM
CAERO4 947
Aerodynamic Macro-Strip Element Connection
CAERO4 Aerodynamic Macro-Strip Element Connection
Defines an aerodynamic macro element for Strip theory.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CAERO4 EID PID CP NSPAN LSPAN
X1 Y1 Z1 X12 X4 Y4 Z4 X43
Example:
CAERO4 6000 6001 100 315
0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.2 1.0 0.0 0.8
Fields:
Field Contents
CP Coordinate system for locating points 1 and 4. (Integer ≥ 0; Default 12

= 0) BULK
CA-CM
NSPAN Number of strips; if a positive value is given, NSPAN equal strips
are assumed. If zero or blank, LSPAN must be specified. (Integer
≥ 0)
LSPAN ID of an AEFACT entry containing a list of division points for strips.

Used only if NSPAN is zero or blank. (Integer > 0)

Z1, X4,
Y4, Z4
X12, X43 Edge chord lengths in aerodynamic coordinate system. (Real ≥ 0.0,
and not both zero.)
948 CAERO4
Aerodynamic Macro-Strip Element Connection
Remarks:
1. The strips are numbered sequentially, beginning with EID. The user must
ensure that all strip numbers are unique and greater than structural grid,
scalar, and extra point IDs.
2. The number of division points is one greater than the number of boxes. Thus,
if NSPAN = 3, the division points are 0.0, 0.333, 0.667, and 1.000. If the user
supplies division points, the first and last points need not be 0.0 and 1.0 (in
which case the corners of the panel would not be at the reference points).
3. A triangular element is formed if X12 or X43 = 0.
12
BULK
CA-CM
Figure 12-4. CAERO4 Element Connection

CAERO5 949
CAERO5 Aerodynamic Panel Element Configuration
Defines an aerodynamic macro element for Piston theory.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CAERO5 EID PID CP NSPAN LSPAN NTHRY NTHICK
X1 Y1 Z1 X12 X4 Y4 Z4 X43
Example:
CAERO5 6000 6001 100 315 0 0
0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.2 1.0 0. 0.8
Fields:
Field Contents
CP Coordinate system for locating points 1 and 4. (Integer ≥ 0; Default 12

= 0) BULK
CA-CM
NSPAN Number of strips. If a positive value is given, equal strips are
assumed. If zero or blank, then LSPAN must be specified. (Integer)
LSPAN ID of an AEFACT entry containing a list of division points for strips.

Used only if NSPAN is zero or blank. (Integer > 0)
950 CAERO5
Field Contents
NTHRY Parameter to select Piston or van Dyke’s theory. (Integer = 0, 1, or

2; Default = 0)
Blank - Piston theory is used to compute and
or 1
1 = van Dyke’s theory is used to compute and with no sweep

correction (sec = 1.0).
2 = van Dyke’s theory is used to compute and with a sweep

correction based on the actual .
NTHICK Parameter to select thickness integrals input. (Integer ≥ 0; Default

= 0)
0 or Blank - Thickness integrals are computed internally.
>0 - Thickness integrals are input directly and are the ID number of
an AEFACT entry that lists the I and/or J integrals.

12 Z1, X4,
Y4, Z4
BULK
CA-CM X12, X43 Edge chord lengths in aerodynamic coordinate system. (Real ≥ 0;
X12 and X43 cannot both be zero.)
CAERO5 951
Figure 12-5. CAERO5 Element Configuration

Remarks:
1. The strips are numbered sequentially, beginning with EID. The user must 12
ensure that all strip numbers are unique and different from structural grid IDs. BULK
CA-CM
2. The number of division points is one greater than the number of boxes. Thus, if
NSPAN=3, the division points are 0.0, 0.333, 0.667, 1.000. If the user supplies
division points, the first and last points need not be 0.0 and 1.0 (in which case
the corners of the panel would not be at the reference points).
3. A triangular element is formed if X12 or X43 = 0.0.
4. = m/ (m2 − sec2 )1/2
= [m4 (γ + 1) − 4 sec2 (m2 − sec2 ) ] / [4(m2 − sec2 )2]

where:
m = Mach number
γ = Specific heat ratio
= Leading edge sweep angle
952 CAERO5
When sec = 0.0, Piston theory coefficients are obtained (NTHRY = 1).
When sec = 1.0, van Dyke coefficients are obtained (NTHRY = blank or 0).
When sec ≠ 0.0 or ≠ 1.0, sweep corrections are included (NTHRY = 2).
5. I and J thickness integral definitions:
12
BULK
CA-CM
CAERO5 953
12
BULK
CA-CM
Figure 12-6. CAERO5 I and J Thickness Integral Definitions

954 CAXIFi
Fluid Element Connections
CAXIFi Fluid Element Connections
Defines an axisymmetric fluid element that connects i = 2, 3, or 4 fluid points.

Formats:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CAXIF2 EID IDF1 IDF2 RHO B
CAXIF3 EID IDF1 IDF2 IDF3 RHO B
CAXIF4 EID IDF1 IDF2 IDF3 IDF4 RHO B
Example:
CAXIF2 11 23 25 0.25E-3
CAXIF3 105 31 32 33 6.47E-3
CAXIF4 524 421 425 424 422 0.5E-3 2.5+3
Fields:
Field Contents
12 IDFi Identification numbers of connected GRIDF points. (Integer > 0)

BULK
RHO Fluid density in mass units. (Real > 0.0 or blank)
CA-CM
B Fluid bulk modulus. (Real ≥ 0.0 or blank)
Remarks:
1. CAXIFi is allowed only if an AXSLOT entry is also present.
2. The element identification number (EID) must be unique with respect to all
other fluid or structural elements.
3. If RHO or B is blank, then the corresponding RHOD and BD fields must be

specified on the AXSLOT entry.
4. Plot elements are generated for these elements. Because each plot element
connects two points, one is generated for the CAXIF2 element, three are
generated for the CAXIF3 element, and four plot elements are generated for the
CAXIF4 element. In the last case, the elements connect the pairs of points (1-2),
(2-3), (3-4), and (4-1).
CAXIFi 955
5. If B = 0.0, the fluid is incompressible.
12
BULK
CA-CM
956 CBAR
Simple Beam Element Connection
CBAR Simple Beam Element Connection
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
Example:
CBAR 2 39 7 3 0.6 18. 26.
513

CBAR EID PID GA GB G0
CBAR 2 39 7 6 105
513
12
BULK
Fields:
CA-CM
Field Contents
EID Unique element identification number. (Integer > 0)
PID Property identification number of a PBAR or PBARL entry.

(Integer > 0 or blank; Default = EID unless BAROR has a
nonzero entry in field 3.)
GA, GB Grid point identification numbers of connection points.

(Integer > 0; GA ≠ GB)
X1, X2, X3 Components of orientation vector
, from GA, in the displacement coordinate system at GA.

(Real)
CBAR 957
Field Contents
G0 Alternate method to supply the orientation vector
using grid point G0. The direction of is from GA to G0.

is then translated to End A. (Integer > 0; G0 ≠ GA or GB)
PA, PB Pin flags for bar ends A and B, respectively. 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 12-7).
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. (Up to 5 of the unique
integers 1 through 6 anywhere in the field with no embedded
blanks; Integer > 0.)
W1A, W2A, W3A, Components of offset vectors

W1B, W2B, W3B
and , respectively (see Figure 12-7) in displacement
coordinate systems at points GA and GB, respectively. See
Remark 7 (Real; Default = 0.0)
12
BULK
See the BEAMOR entry for default options for field 3 and fields 6 through 8.
CA-CM
Remarks:

2. Figure 12-7 and Figure 12-8 define bar element geometry with and without
offsets.
958 CBAR
Figure 12-7. CBAR Element Geometry with Offsets
12
BULK
CA-CM
Figure 12-8. CBAR Element Geometry without Offsets
3. Figure 8-10 and Figure 8-11 define the elemental force and moment sign
convention.
CBAR 959
Figure 12-9. CBAR Element Internal Forces and Moments (x-y Plane)
Figure 12-10. CBAR Element Internal Forces and Moments (x-z Plane)
12
BULK
CA-CM
4. The continuation may be omitted if there are no pin flags or offsets.
5. For the case where field 9 is blank and not provided by the BAROR entry, if an
integer is specified in field 6, then G0 is used; if field 6 is blank or real, then
X1, X2, X3 is used.
6. See “Overview of Coordinate Systems in NX Nastran” in the NX Nastran User’s

Guide for a definition of coordinate system terminology.
7. Offset vectors are treated like rigid elements and are therefore subject to the
same limitations.
• Offset vectors are not affected by thermal loads.
• The specification of offset vectors is not recommended in solution sequences

that compute differential stiffness because the offset vector remains parallel
to its original orientation. (Differential stiffness is computed in buckling
analysis provided in SOLs 5, 16, 105, and 200 and also in nonlinear analysis
provided in SOLs 106, 129, 153, and 159 with PARAM,LGDISP,1.)
960 CBAR
1. W1A, W2A, W3A, W1B, W2B, and W3B are ignored.
2. CBAR defines the same element as CBEAM for SOL 601 and 701.
3. Result output for this element is requested using Case Control command
STRESS. However, element forces instead of stresses are output for CBAR (and
CBEAM) elements.
12
BULK
CA-CM
CBARAO 961
Auxiliary Output Points Along Bar Element Axis (CBAR Entry)
CBARAO Auxiliary Output Points Along Bar Element Axis (CBAR Entry)
Defines a series of points along the axis of a bar element (CBAR 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 1065 FR 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

CBARAO EID SCALE NPTS X1 DELTAX
CBARAO 1065 FR 4 0.2 0.2
Fields:
Field Contents
12
EID Element identification of a CBAR entry. (Integer > 0) BULK
CA-CM
SCALE Defines scale of Xi values. (Character = “LE” or “FR”)
Xi Series of locations along element axis for stress and force data
recovery. (Real > 0)
DELTAX Incremental distance along element axis. (Real)
NPTS Number of stress recovery points, not including the end points.
(Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. This entry defines intermediate locations on the axis of selected CBAR elements
for additional data recovery. The values of Xi are actual distances along the
length if SCALE = “LE”. If SCALE = “FR”, the values of Xi are ratios of actual
distances to the bar length. A PLOAD1 Bulk Data entry for the CBAR element
in question must be present to obtain intermediate data recovery.
962 CBARAO
Auxiliary Output Points Along Bar Element Axis (CBAR Entry)
2. When the alternate format is used, a series of locations Xi = X[i-1]+DELTAX, i =

1, 2, ..., NPTS is generated.
3. If a CBARAO or PLOAD1 entry is specified 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 end points of
the beam will always be output. This output format will be used for all beam
and bar elements.
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 it is not necessary that the user define additional points.
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. The end points must 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.
12
BULK
CA-CM
CBEAM 963
Beam Element Connection
CBEAM Beam Element Connection
Defines a beam element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CBEAM EID PID GA GB X1 X2 X3 BIT
SA SB
Example:
CBEAM 2 39 7 13 8.2 6.1 -5.6
513 3.0
8 5

CBEAM EID PID GA GB G0 BIT
SA SB
12
BULK
CBEAM 2 39 7 13 105 CA-CM
513
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of PBEAM, PBCOMP or

PBEAML entry. (Integer > 0; Default=EID)
GA, GB Grid point identification numbers of connection points.

(Integer > 0; GA ≠ GB)
X1, X2, X3
Components of orientation vector , from GA, in the
displacement coordinate system at GA. (Real)
964 CBEAM
Field Contents
G0
Alternate method to supply the orientation vector using
grid point G0. Direction of is from GA to G0. is then
transferred to end A. (Integer > 0; G0 ≠ GA or GB)
BIT Built-in twist of the cross-sectional axes about the beam axis
at end B relative to end A. For beam p-elements only. (Real,
default = 0.0)
PA, PB Pin flags for beam ends A and B, respectively; used to

remove connections between the grid point and selected
degrees-of-freedom of the beam. The degrees-of-freedom are
defined in the element’s coordinate system and the pin flags
are applied at the offset ends of the beam (see Figure 12-11).
The beam must have stiffness associated with the PA and
PB degrees-of-freedom to be released by the pin flags. For
example, if PA = 4, the PBEAM entry must have a nonzero
value for J, the torsional stiffness. Pin flags are not allowed
for beam p-elements. (Up to five of the unique integers 1
through 6 with no embedded blanks.)
W1A, W2A, W3A, Components of offset vectors, measured in the displacement

12 W1B, W2B, W3B coordinate systems at grid points A and B, from the grid
BULK points to the end points of the axis of shear center. See
CA-CM Remark 7 (Real; Default = 0.0)
SA, SB Scalar or grid point identification numbers for the ends A

and B, respectively. The degrees-of-freedom at these points
are the warping variables dθ/dx. SA and SB cannot be
specified for beam p-elements. (Integers > 0 or blank)
See the BEAMOR entry for default options for field 3 and fields 6 through 8.
Remarks:

2. For an additional explanation of the beam element, see “CBEAM Element” in

the NX Nastran Element Library. Figures 12-11 through 12-11 show CBEAM
element geometry, forces and moments.
CBEAM 965
Figure 12-11. CBEAM Element Geometry System (Non p-adaptive)
12
BULK
CA-CM
Figure 12-12. CBEAM Element Geometry System (p-adaptive)

966 CBEAM
Figure 12-13. 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.
12 4. G0 cannot be located at GA or GB.
BULK
CA-CM
5. The rules for the continuations entries are:
• Both continuations may be omitted if there are no pin flags, offsets, or
warping variables.
• If the second continuation is used, then the first continuation must be

included, even if all fields are blank.
• If the second continuation is omitted, torsional stiffness due to warping of

the cross section will not be considered.
6. If warping is allowed (SA and SB > 0), then SA and SB must be defined
with SPOINT or GRID entries. If GRID entries are used, the warping
degree-of-freedom is attached to the first (T1) component.
same limitations.
CBEAM 967

analysis provided in SOLs 5, 16, 105, and 200).
• The specification of offset vectors is not permitted in SOLs 106, 129, 153,
and 159 with PARAM,LGDISP,1.
8. If the CBEAM element is referenced by a PSET or PVAL entry, then a p-version

formulation is used and the element can have curved edges.
• By default, the edge of the element is considered straight unless the

element is a p-element and the edge is associated to curved geometry with a
FEEDGE entry.
• If a curved edge of a p-element is shared by an h-element without midside

nodes, the geometry of the edge is ignored and considered to be straight.
Edges with midside nodes cannot be shared by p-elements.
• For the beam p-element, components of the offset vectors parallel to the
beam axis (FEEDGE) will be ignored.
1. BIT, W1A, W2A, W3A, W1B, W2B, W3B, SA, and SB are ignored.
12
2. CBEAM defines the same element as CBAR for SOLs 601 and 701. BULK
CA-CM
3. Result output for this element is requested using Case Control command
STRESS. However, element forces instead of stresses are output for CBEAM
(and CBAR) elements.
968 CBEND
Curved Beam or Pipe Element Connection
CBEND Curved Beam or Pipe Element Connection
Defines a curved beam, curved pipe, or elbow element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CBEND EID PID GA GB X1 X2 X3 GEOM
Example:
CBEND 32 39 17 19 6.2 5.1 -1.2

CBEND EID PID GA GB G0 GEOM
CBEND 32 39 17 19 106
Fields:
Field Contents
12
BULK EID Unique element identification number. (Integer > 0)
CA-CM
PID Property identification number of a PBEND entry. (Integer > 0;
Default = EID)
GA, GB Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integer

> 0; GA ≠ GB)
X1, X2, X3 Components of orientation vector
, from GA, in the displacement coordinate system at GA. (Real)
G0 Alternate method to supply the orientation vector
using grid point G0. Direction of is from GA to G0. is then

translated to end A. (Integer > 0; G0 ≠ GA or GB)
GEOM Flag to select specification of the bend element. See Remark 3 (1

< Integer < 4)
CBEND 969
Remarks:
1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element
2. For an additional explanation of the CBEND element, see the PBEND entry
description. Figure 12-14 and Figure 12-15 define the element coordinate system
and internal forces and moments.
12
BULK
CA-CM
Figure 12-14. CBEND Element Coordinate System
Figure 12-15. CBEND Element Internal Forces and Moments

970 CBEND
3. The options for element connection to GA, GB using GEOM are shown below.
Table 12-1. GEOM Options

Configuration GEOM Description
The center of curvature lies on the line AO (or its extension) or vector
.
1
The tangent of centroid arc at end A is parallel to line AO or vector
. Point O (or vector ) and the arc must be on the same side
2
of the chord .
The bend radius (RB) is specified on the PBEND entry: Points A, B,
and O (or vector ) define a plane parallel or coincident with the
3 plane of the element arc. Point O (or vector ) lies on the opposite
side of line AB from the center of the curvature.
THETAB is specified on the PBEND entry. Points A, B, and O (or

12 vector ) define a plane parallel or coincident with the plane of the
BULK
CA-CM element arc. Point O (or vector ) lies on the opposite side of line
4 AB from the center of curvature.
CBUSH 971
Generalized Spring-and-Damper Connection
CBUSH Generalized Spring-and-Damper Connection
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 GO/X1 X2 X3 CID
S OCID S1 S2 S3
Example 1:
Noncoincident grid points.

CBUSH 39 6 1 100 75
Example 2:
GB not specified.
CBUSH 39 6 1 0
Example 3:
12
Coincident grid points (GA=GB). BULK
CBUSH
CA-CM
39 6 1 100 6
Example 4:
Noncoincident grid points with fields 6 through 9 blank and a spring-damper offset.
CBUSH 39 6 1 600
0.25 10 0. 10. 10.
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PBUSH entry. (Integer > 0;

Default = EID)
972 CBUSH
Field Contents
GA, GB Grid point identification number of connection points. See Remark

6 (Integer > 0)
Xi Components of orientation vector
GO Alternate method to supply vector
using grid point GO. Direction of is from GA to GO. is then

transferred to end A. See Remark 3. (Integer > 0)
CID Element coordinate system identification. A 0 means the basic

coordinate system. If CID is blank, then the element coordinate
system is determined from GO or Xi. See Figure 12-16 and Remark
3. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
S Location of spring damper. See Figure 12-16. (0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0;

Default = 0.5)
OCID Coordinate system identification of spring-damper offset. See

Remark 9. (Integer ≥ -1; Default = -1, which means the offset point
12 lies on the line between GA and GB according to Figure 12-16.)
BULK
CA-CM S1, S2, S3 Components of spring-damper offset in the OCID coordinate system
if OCID ≥ 0. See Figure 12-17 and Remark 9.. (Real)
Remarks:

2. Figure 12-16 shows the bush element geometry.
3. CID ≥ 0 overrides GO and Xi. 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. For cylindrical or
spherical coordinate systems, if GA falls on the z-axis used to define them, it is
recommended that another CID be selected to define the element x-axis.
CBUSH 973
4. For noncoincident grids (GA ≠ GB), when GO or X1, X2, X3 is given and no CID
is specified, the line AB is the element x-axis and the orientation vector lies
in the x-y plane (similar to the CBEAM element).
5. For noncoincident grids (GA ≠ GB), if neither GO or X1, X2, X3 is specified and
no CID is specified, then the line AB is the element x-axis. This option is valid
only when K1 (or B1) or K4 (or B4) or both are specified on the PBUSH entry
(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.
6. If GA and GB are coincident, or if GB is blank, then CID must be specified.
7. If PID references a PBUSHT entry, then the CBUSH element may only be
defined in the residual structure and cannot be attached to any omitted
degrees-of-freedom.
8. Element impedance output is computed in the CID coordinate system. The

impedances in this system are uncoupled.
9. 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.
12
BULK
CA-CM
Figure 12-16. CBUSH Element

974 CBUSH
Figure 12-17. Definition of Offset S1, S2, S3
10. When CID ≥ 0, the element x-axis is set as in Remark 2. This means that the
element force is always computed as Ke. (UB − UA); if UA > UB, a compressive
force will result. This is unlike the GO or Xi options, where relative positive
12 elongation is tension and relative negative elongation is compression.
BULK
CA-CM
CBUSH1D 975
Rod Type Spring-and-Damper Connection
CBUSH1D Rod Type Spring-and-Damper Connection
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 35 102 108 112
Fields:
Field Contents Default Values
EID Element identification number. Required
PID Property identification number of a EID

PBUSH1D entry. (Integer > 0).
GA Grid point id of first grid. Required
GB Grid point id of second grid Blank

12
BULK
CID Coordinate system id. (Integer ≥ 0) Blank CA-CM
Remarks:
1. For noncoincident grids GA ≠ GB and if CID is blank, the line GA to GB is the

element axis. In geometric nonlinear analysis, the element axis (line GA to GB)
follows the deformation of grids GA and GB. See Figure 12-18.
2. If CID ≥ 0 is specified, the x-axis of the CID coordinate system is the element axis.
In geometric nonlinear analysis, the element axis (x-axis of CID) remains fixed.
3. 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.
976 CBUSH1D
Rod Type Spring-and-Damper Connection
Figure 12-18. Spring and Damper Element
12
BULK
CA-CM
CCONEAX 977
Axisymmetric Shell Element Connection
CCONEAX Axisymmetric Shell Element Connection
Defines a conical shell element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CCONEAX EID PID RA RB
Example:
CCONEAX 1 2 3 4
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PCONEAX entry. (Integer >

0; Default = EID)
RA Identification number of a RINGAX entry. (Integer > 0; RA ≠ RB)
RB Identification number of a RINGAX entry. (Integer > 0; RA ≠ RB)

12
BULK
CA-CM
Remarks:
1. This element has limited capabilities. See “Conical Shell Element (RINGAX)”
in the NX Nastran Element Library.
2. This entry is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
3. In order to reference this entry on a SET Case Control command, the ID must be
modified by
where n is the harmonic number plus one and IDn is the value specified on
the SET entry.
978 CDAMP1
Scalar Damper Connection
CDAMP1 Scalar Damper Connection
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 0 23 2
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PDAMP property entry. (Integer

> 0; Default = EID)
G1, G2 Geometric grid point identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
12 C1, C2 Component number. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6; 0 or up to six unique integers,

1 through 6 may be specified in the field with no embedded blanks.
BULK
CA-CM 0 applies to scalar points and 1 through 6 apply to grid points.)
Remarks:
1. Scalar points may be used for G1 and/or G2, in which case the corresponding
C1 and/or C2 must be zero or blank. Zero or 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 with a displacement that is constrained to zero.

3. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2), must be distinct.
4. For a discussion of the scalar elements, see “Overview of 0D (Scalar) Elements”

5. When CDAMP1 is used in heat transfer analysis, it generates a lumped heat

capacity.
CDAMP1 979
Scalar Damper Connection
6. A scalar point specified on this entry need not be defined on an SPOINT entry.
7. If Gi refers to a grid point then Ci refers to degrees-of-freedom(s) in the

displacement coordinate system specified by CD on the GRID entry.
G1 and G2 must be grid points, i.e., they cannot be scalar points.
12
BULK
CA-CM
980 CDAMP2
Scalar Damper Property and Connection
CDAMP2 Scalar Damper Property and Connection
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
Fields:
Field Contents
B Value of the scalar damper. (Real)
C1, C2 Component number. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6; 0 or up to six unique integers,

12 1 through 6 may be specified in the field with no embedded blanks.
BULK 0 applies to scalar points and 1 through 6 apply to grid points.)
CA-CM
Remarks:

3. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2), must be distinct.


capacity.
CDAMP2 981
Scalar Damper Property and Connection

G1 and G2 must be grid points, i.e., they cannot be scalar points.
12
BULK
CA-CM
982 CDAMP3
Scalar Damper Connection to Scalar Points Only
CDAMP3 Scalar Damper Connection to Scalar Points Only
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 16 978 24 36
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PDAMP entry. (Integer > 0;

Default = EID)
S1, S2 Scalar point identification numbers. (Integer ≥ 0; S1 ≠ S2)

12
BULK Remarks:
CA-CM
1. S1 or S2 may be blank or zero, indicating a constrained coordinate.

3. Only one scalar damper element may be defined on a single entry.


capacity.
CDAMP4 983
Scalar Damper Property and Connection to Scalar Points Only
CDAMP4 Scalar Damper Property and Connection to Scalar Points Only
Defines a scalar damper element that is connected only to scalar points, 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 -2.6 4 9
Fields:
Field Contents
B Scalar damper value. (Real)

12
Remarks: BULK
CA-CM

3. Only one scalar damper element may be defined on a single entry.

5. If this entry is used in heat transfer analysis, it generates a lumped heat capacity.
984 CDAMP5
Scalar Damper with Material Property
CDAMP5 Scalar Damper with Material Property
Defines a damping element that refers to a material property entry and connection to
grid or scalar points. This element is intended for heat transfer analysis only.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CDAMP5 EID PID G1 G2
Example:
CDAMP5 1 4 10 20
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Identification number of a PDAMP5 property entry. (Integer > 0;

Default = EID)
12 G1, G2 Grid or scalar point identification numbers. (Integer ≥ 0 and G1 ≠

G2)
BULK
CA-CM
Remarks:
1. G1 or G2 may be blank or zero indicating a constraint.

3. CDAMP5 generates a lumped heat capacity in heat transfer analysis.
4. A scalar point specified on CDAMP5 need not be defined on an SPOINT entry.

CDUMi 985
Dummy Element Connection
CDUMi Dummy Element Connection
Defines a dummy element (1 ≤ i ≤ 9)
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CDUMi EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 -etc.-
A1 A2 -etc.-
Example:
CDUM2 114 108 2 5 6 8 11
2.4 3.E4 2 50
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PDUMi entry. See Remark 2.

(Integer > 0)
12
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integer > 0, BULK
G1 ≠ G2 ... ≠ GN) CA-CM
Ai Additional fields. (Real or Integer)
Remarks:
1. The user must write the associated element subroutines for matrix generation,
stress recovery, etc., and perform a link edit to replace the dummy routines.
2. If no property entry is required, PID may contain the material identification

number.
3. Additional entries are defined in the user-written element routines.
4. CDUM1 is replaced by the CTRIAX6 element. If CDUM1 is used, User Fatal

Message 307 will be issued.
986 CELAS1
Scalar Spring Connection
CELAS1 Scalar Spring Connection
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 2 6 8 1
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PELAS entry. (Integer > 0;

Default = EID)
12 C1, C2 Component number. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6; blank or zero if scalar point)

BULK
CA-CM
Remarks:
If only scalar points and/or ground are involved, it is more efficient to use the
CELAS3 entry.

3. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2) must be distinct.

CELAS1 987
Scalar Spring Connection
6. If Gi refers to a grid point, then Ci refers to degrees-of-freedom(s) in the

1. G1 and G2 must be grid points, i.e., they cannot be scalar points.
2. In SOL 701, this spring element is not considered in the critical time step size
calculation because it has no mass.
12
BULK
CA-CM
988 CELAS2
Scalar Spring Property and Connection
CELAS2 Scalar Spring Property and Connection
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 28 6.2+3 32 19 4
Fields:
Field Contents
K Stiffness of the scalar spring. (Real)
G1, G2 Geometric grid point or scalar identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
C1, C2 Component number. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6; blank or zero if scalar point)

12 GE Damping coefficient. See Remarks 6 and 8 (Real).
BULK
CA-CM
S Stress coefficient. (Real)
Remarks:
CELAS4 entry.

3. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2) must be distinct.

CELAS2 989
Scalar Spring Property and Connection
6. If PARAM,W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient analysis. See

“Parameters”.
7. If Gi refers to a grid point, then Ci refers to degrees-of-freedom in the

8. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/Co
by 2.0.
9. For this particular element, the effect of any PARAM G type damping is also
considered in the force recovery.
2. GE is ignored.
3. In SOL 701, this spring element is not considered in the critical time step size
calculation because it has no mass.
12
BULK
CA-CM
990 CELAS3
Scalar Spring Connection to Scalar Points Only
CELAS3 Scalar Spring Connection to Scalar Points Only
Defines a scalar spring element that connects only to scalar points.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CELAS3 EID PID S1 S2
Example:
CELAS3 19 2 14 15
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PELAS entry. (Integer > 0;

Default = EID)

12
BULK Remarks:
CA-CM

3. Only one scalar spring element may be defined on a single entry.

CELAS4 991
Scalar Spring Property and Connection to Scalar Points Only
CELAS4 Scalar Spring Property and Connection to Scalar Points Only
Defines a scalar spring element that is connected only to scalar points, without
reference to a property entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CELAS4 EID K S1 S2
Example:
CELAS4 42 6.2-3 2
Fields:
Field Contents
K Stiffness of the scalar spring. (Real)

12
Remarks: BULK
CA-CM
1. S1 or S2, but not both, may be blank or zero indicating a constrained coordinate.

3. A structural damping coefficient is not available with CELAS4. The value of g

is assumed to be 0.0.
4. No stress coefficient is available with CELAS4.
5. Only one scalar spring element may be defined on a single entry.

992 CFLUIDi
CFLUIDi Fluid Element Connections
Defines three types of fluid elements for an axisymmetric fluid model.
Formats:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CFLUID2 EID IDF1 IDF2 RHO B
CFLUID3 EID IDF1 IDF2 IDF3 RHO B
CFLUID4 EID IDF1 IDF2 IDF3 IDF4 RHO B
Example:
CFLUID2 100 11 14 .025 0.0
CFLUID3 110 15 13 12 1.2
CFLUID4 120 11 15 12 14
Fields:
Field Contents

12
BULK IDFi Identification number of a RINGFL entry. (Integer > 0; IDF1 ≠ IDF2
CA-CM ≠ IDF3 ≠ IDF4; all IDFi < 500000)
RHO Mass density. (Real > 0.0; Default is the value of DRHO on the
AXIF entry.)
B Bulk modulus, pressure per volume ratio. (Real; Default is the value
of DB on the AXIF entry.)
Remarks:
1. CFLUIDi is allowed only if an AXIF entry is also present.
2. The element identification number must be unique with respect to all other
fluid, scalar, and structural elements.
3. The volume defined by IDFi is a body of revolution about the polar axis of the
fluid coordinate system defined by AXIF. CFLUID2 defines a thick disk with
IDF1 and IDF2 defining the outer corners as shown in Figure 12-19.
CFLUIDi 993
Figure 12-19. CFLUIDi Examples
4. All interior angles must be less than 180°.
5. The order of connected RINGFL points is arbitrary.

12
6. If B = 0.0, the fluid is incompressible. BULK
CA-CM
994 CGAP
Gap Element Connection
CGAP Gap Element Connection
Defines a gap or friction element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CGAP EID PID GA GB X1 X2 X3 CID
Example:
CGAP 17 2 110 112 5.2 0.3 -6.1

CGAP EID PID GA GB GO CID
CGAP 17 2 110 112 13
Fields:
Field Contents
12 EID Element identification number. (Integer > 0)
BULK
CA-CM PID Property identification number of a PGAP entry. (Integer > 0;
Default = EID)
GA, GB Connected grid points at ends A and B. (Integers > 0; GA ≠ GB)
X1, X2, X3 Components of the orientation vector
GO Alternate method to supply the orientation vector
using grid point GO. Direction of is from GA to GO. (Integer > 0)
CID Element coordinate system identification number. CID must

be specified if GA and GB are coincident (distance from GA to
GB<10−4). See Remark 6. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
CGAP 995
Remarks:
1. The CGAP element is treated as a nonlinear gap element when used in the
nonlinear solution sequences 106, 129, 153, and 159, in which the gap conditions
update as the nonlinear solution iterates.
For SOL 101 with linear contact defined (BCSET card exists), CGAP elements
are treated as linear contact elements if the system cell (412) OLDGAPS is set
to 0 (default). (See the chapter on surface contact in the NX Nastran User’s
Guide for more information.)
If linear contact is defined for SOL 101, and the system cell OLDGAPS is set to
1, the CGAP will be treated the same as a linear spring element (as described
below).
For SOL 101 without linear contact defined, and for all other solution sequences,
the CGAP will be treated the same as a linear spring element, and remains
linear with the initial stiffness. This stiffness depends on the value for the initial
gap opening (U0 field in the PGAP entry).
2. The gap element coordinate system is defined by one of two following methods:
• 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 will be ignored in this case.
12
• If the CID field is blank and the grid points GA and GB are not coincident BULK
(distance from A to B ≥ 10−4), then the line AB is the element x-axis and the CA-CM
orientation vector lies in the x-y plane (like the CBEAM element).
3. The element coordinate system does not rotate as a result of deflections.
4. Initial gap openings are specified on the PGAP entry and not derived from 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. 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
for this element.
7. See PARAM,CDITER for an alternative approach.

996 CGAP
1. CGAP is simulated with a nonlinear spring element in SOLs 601 and 701, i.e.,
the transverse properties of this element are ignored. Please see SOL 601 and
701 remarks in the PGAP entry.
2. X1, X2, and X3 are ignored.
12
BULK
CA-CM
Figure 12-20. CGAP Element Coordinate System

CHACAB 997
Acoustic Absorber Element Connection
CHACAB Acoustic Absorber Element Connection
Defines the acoustic absorber element in coupled fluid-structural analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CHACAB EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12
G17 G18 G19 G20
Example:
CHACAB 95 12 1 2 5 7 8 9
24 23
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PACABS entry. (Integer > 0) 12

BULK
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integer ≥ CA-CM
0 or blank)
Remarks:

2. Grid points G1 through G4 must be given in consecutive order about one

quadrilateral face. G5 through G8 must be on the opposite face with G5 opposite
G1, G6 opposite G2, etc.
3. The edge points, G9 to G20 are optional. Any or all of them may be deleted. If
the ID of any edge connection point is left blank or set to zero (as for G9 and G10
in the example), the equations of the element are adjusted to give correct results
for the reduced number of connections. Corner grid points cannot be deleted.
4. The second continuation is optional.

998 CHACAB
Acoustic Absorber Element Connection
5. It is recommended that the edge points be located within the middle third of
the edge.
6. The face consisting of grid points G1 through G4 and G9 through G12 is assumed
to be in contact with the structure.
12
BULK
CA-CM Figure 12-21. CHACAB Element Connection
7. The mass is lumped to the face formed by grid points G5 through G8 and G17
through G20 and defined to be in contact with the fluid. The opposite face has no
mass contribution due to the absorber element. Also, the face in contact with the
fluid has only translational stiffness in the direction normal to the face.
CHACBR 999
Acoustic Barrier Element Connection
CHACBR Acoustic Barrier Element Connection
Defines the acoustic barrier element.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CHACBR EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12
G17 G18 G19 G20
Example:
CHACBR 95 12 1 2 5 7 8 9
24 23
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PACBAR entry. (Integer > 0)
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integer > 0)

12
BULK
CA-CM
Remarks:


quadrilateral face. G5 through G8 must be on the opposite face with G5 opposite
3. The edge points, G9 to G20, are optional. Any or all of them may be deleted. If
the ID of any edge connection point is left blank or set to zero (as for G9 and G10
in the example), the equations of the element are adjusted to give correct results
for the reduced number of connections. Corner grid points cannot be deleted.
the edge.
1000 CHACBR
Acoustic Barrier Element Connection
6. The face consisting of grids G1 through G4 and G9 through G12 is assumed to be

the backing that corresponds to MBACK on the PACBAR entry.
7. The face consisting of grid points G5 through G8 and G17 through G20 is
assumed to be the septum that corresponds to MSEPTM on the PACBAR entry.
12
BULK
CA-CM Figure 12-22. CHACBR Element Connection
8. The face in contact with the fluid is defined to be the face formed by grid points
G5 through G8 and G17 through G20 and has only translational stiffness in the
direction normal to the face.
CHBDYE 1001
Geometric Surface Element Definition (Element Form)
CHBDYE Geometric Surface Element Definition (Element Form)
Defines a boundary condition surface element with reference to a heat conduction

element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CHBDYE EID EID2 SIDE IVIEWF IVIEWB RADMIDFRADMIDB
Example:
CHBDYE 2 10 1 3 3 2 2
Fields:
Field Contents
EID Surface element identification number for a specific side of a

particular element. See Remarks 1 and 9. (Unique Integer > 0
among all elements)
EID2 A heat conduction element identification number. (Integer > 0)
SIDE A consistent element side identification number. See Remark 6. (1

12
BULK
≤ Integer ≤ 6)
CA-CM
IVIEWF A VIEW entry identification number for the front face of the surface
element. (Integer > 0, see Remark 2 for the default.)
IVIEWB A VIEW entry identification number for the back face of the surface
element. (Integer > 0, see Remark 2 for the default.)
RADMIDF RADM identification number for the front face of surface element.
(Integer ≥ 0, see Remark 2 for the default.)
RADMIDB RADM identification number for the back face of the surface
element. (Integer ≥ 0, see Remark 2 for the default.)
Remarks:
1. EID is a unique elemental ID associated with a particular surface element.

EID2 identifies the general heat conduction element being considered for this
surface element.
1002 CHBDYE
2. The defaults for IVIEWF, IVIEWB, RADMIDF, and RADMIDB may be specified
on the BDYOR entry. If a particular field is blank both on the CHBDYE entry
and the BDYOR entry, then the default is zero.
3. For the front face of shell elements, the right-hand rule is used as one progresses
around the element surface from G1 to G2 to ... Gn. For the edges of shell
elements or the ends of line elements, an outward normal is used to define the
front surface.
4. If the surface element is to be used in the calculation of view factors, it must

have an associated VIEW entry.
5. All conduction elements to which any boundary condition is to be applied must

be individually identified with the application of one of the surface element
entries: CHBDYE, CHBDYG, or CHBDYP.
6. Side conventions for solid elements.

The sides of the solid elements are numbered consecutively according to the
order of the grid point numbers on the solid element entry. The sides of solid
elements are either quadrilaterals or triangles. For each element type, tabulate
the grid points (gp) at the corners of each side.
Table 12-2. 8-node or 20-node CHEXA
12 side gp gp gp gp
BULK 1 4 3 2 1
CA-CM
2 1 2 6 5
3 2 3 7 6
4 3 4 8 7
5 4 1 5 8
6 5 6 7 8
Table 12-3. CPENTA

side gp gp gp gp
1 3 2 1
2 1 2 5 4
3 2 3 6 5
4 3 1 4 6
5 4 5 6
CHBDYE 1003
Table 12-4. CTETRA

side gp gp gp
1 3 2 1
2 1 2 4
3 2 3 4
4 3 1 4
7. Side conventions for shell elements.

Side 1 of shell elements (top) are of an AREA type, and additional sides (2
through a maximum of 5 for a QUAD) are of LINE type. (See “CHBDYG” for
surface type definition.)
Area Type Sides –The first side is that given by the right-hand rule on the shell
elements grid points.
Line Type Sides –The second side (first line) proceeds from grid point 1 to grid
point 2 of the shell element, and the remaining lines are numbered consecutively.
The thickness of the line is that of the shell element, and the normal to the line is
outward from the shell element in the plane of the shell. Note that any midside
nodes are ignored in this specification.
8. Side conventions for line elements.

12
LINE elements have one linear side (side 1) with geometry that is the same as BULK
that of the element and two POINT-type sides corresponding to the two points CA-CM
bounding the linear element (first grid point-side 2; second grid point-side 3).
The TUBE-type element has two linear sides of type TUBE. The first side
represents the outside with diameters equal to that of the outside of the tube.
The second side represents the inside with diameters equal to that of the inside
of the tube.
Point Sides – Point sides may be used with any linear element. The direction
of the outward normals of these points is in line with the element axis, but
pointing away from the element. The area assigned to these POINT-type sides is
consistent with the element geometry.
Rev Sides –The CTRIAX6 element has associated with it three REV sides.
The first side is associated with Grid Points G1, G2, and G3. The positive face
identification normals point away from the element.
9. Application of boundary conditions to CHBDYE is referenced through the EID.

Boundary conditions can reference either the front or back face of the CHBDYE
by specifying +EID or -EID respectively. Correspondingly, the back face is minus
1004 CHBDYE
the normal vector of the front face. Similarly, IVIEWF and RADMIDF are
associated with +EID and IVIEWB and RADMIDB with -EID. For radiation
problems, if the RADMIDF or RADMIDB is zero, default radiant properties
assume perfect black body behavior.
12
BULK
CA-CM
CHBDYG 1005
Geometric Surface Element Definition (Grid Form)
CHBDYG Geometric Surface Element Definition (Grid Form)
Defines a boundary condition surface element without reference to a property entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CHBDYG EID TYPE IVIEWF IVIEWB RADMIDF RADMIDB
G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8
Example:
CHBDYG 2 AREA4 3 3 2 2
100 103 102 101
Fields:
Field Contents
EID Surface element identification number. (Unique Integer > 0 among

all elemental entries)
TYPE Surface type. See Remark 3. (Character) 12

BULK
IVIEWF A VIEW entry identification number for the front face. (Integer > 0; CA-CM
see Remark 2 for the default.)
IVIEWB A VIEW entry identification number for the back face. (Integer > 0;
see Remark 2 for the default.)
RADMIDF RADM identification number for front face of the surface element.
(Integer > 0; see Remark 2 for the default.)
RADMIDB RADM identification number for the back face ofthe surface element.
(Integer ≥ 0; see Remark 2 for the default.)
Gi Grid point IDs of grids bounding the surface. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. EID is a unique ID associated with a particular surface element as defined by

the grid points.
1006 CHBDYG
2. The defaults for TYPE, IVIEWF, IVIEWB, RADMIDF, and RADMIDB may be
specified on the BDYOR entry. If a particular field is blank on both the CHBDYG
entry and the BDYOR entry, then the default is zero.
3. TYPE specifies the kind of element surface; allowed types are: REV, AREA3,
AREA4, AREA6, and AREA8. See Figure 12-23, Figure 12-24, and Figure 12-25.
• TYPE = REV
The “REV” type has two primary grid points that must lie in the x-z plane
of the basic coordinate system with x > 0. 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. Automatic view factor calculations with VIEW data are not
supported for the REV option.
12
BULK Figure 12-23. Normal Vector for CHBDYG Element of Type “REV”
CA-CM
The unit normal lies in the x-z plane, and is given by
is the unit vector in the y direction.
• 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.
CHBDYG 1007
12
Figure 12-24. TYPE Examples BULK
CA-CM
Figure 12-25. Normal Vector for CHBDYG Element of Types “AREAi”

The unit normal vector is given by
1008 CHBDYG
(G3 is used for triangles, and G4 is used for quadrilaterals.)
4. For defining the front face, the right-hand rule is used on the sequence G1 to G2
to ... Gn of grid points.


be individually identified with one of the surface element entries: CHBDYE,
CHBDYG, or CHBDYP.
7. See Remark 9 of CHBDYE for application of boundary conditions using CHBDYG

entries and a discussion of front and back faces.
12
BULK
CA-CM
CHBDYP 1009
Geometric Surface Element Definition (Property Form)
CHBDYP Geometric Surface Element Definition (Property Form)
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 IVIEWF IVIEWB G1 G2 G0
RADMIDF RADMIDB GMID CE E1 E2 E3
Example:
CHBDYP 2 5 POINT 2 2 101 500
3 3 0.0 0.0 1.0
Fields:
Field Contents
EID Surface element identification number. (Unique Integer > 0 among

all element identification numbers)
PID PHBDY property entry identification numbers. (Integer > 0)

12
TYPE Surface type. See Remark 3. (Character). BULK
CA-CM
IVIEWF VIEW entry identification number for the front face. (Integer > 0 or
blank)
IVIEWB VIEW entry identification number for the back face. (Integer > 0 or
blank)
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of grids bounding the surface.

(Integer > 0)
GO Orientation grid point. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0)
RADMIDF RADM entry identification number for the front face. (Integer ≥
0 or blank)
RADMIDB RADM entry identification number for the back face. (Integer ≥
0 or blank)
1010 CHBDYP
Field Contents
GMID Grid point identification number of a midside node if it is used with

the line type surface element.
CE Coordinate system for defining orientation vector. (Integer ≥ 0;

Default = 0)
Ei Components of the orientation vector in coordinate system CE. The

origin of the orientation vector is grid point G1. (Real or blank)
Remarks:
1. EID is a unique ID associated with a particular surface element as defined by

the grid point(s).
2. The defaults for PID, TYPE, IVIEWF, IVIEWB, GO, RADMIDF, RADMIDB, CE,
and Ei may be specified on the BDYOR entry. If a particular field is blank on
both the CHBDYP entry and the BDYOR entry, then the default is zero.
3. TYPE specifies the kind of element surface; the allowed types are: “POINT,”
“LINE,” “ELCYL,” “FTUBE,” and “TUBE.” For TYPE = “FTUBE” and TYPE =
“TUBE,” the geometric orientation is completely determined by G1 and G2; the
GO, CE, E1, E2, and E3 fields are ignored.
12 • TYPE = “POINT”
BULK
CA-CM TYPE = “POINT” has one primary grid point, requires a property entry, and
the normal vector Vi must be specified if thermal flux is to be used.
Figure 12-26. Normal Vector for CHBDYP Element of Type “POINT”

(See Remarks 4 and 5.)
The unit normal vector is given by
where
CHBDYP 1011
is specified in the Ei field and given in the basic system at the referenced
grid point. See Remarks 4 and 5 for the determination of .
• TYPE = “LINE,” “FTUBE,” or “TUBE”
The TYPE = “LINE” type has two primary grid points, requires a property
entry, and the vector is required. TYPE = “FTUBE” and TYPE = “TUBE”
are similar to TYPE = “LINE” except they can have linear taper with
no automatic view factor calculations. GMID is an option for the TYPE
= “LINE” surface element only and is ignored for TYPE = “FTUBE” and
“TUBE”.
Figure 12-27. Normal Vector for CHBDYP Element with

TYPE=“LINE”,TYPE=“FTUBE”, or TYPE=“TUBE”(See Remarks 4
and 5.) 12
BULK
The unit normal lies in the plane and , is perpendicular to , and CA-CM
is given by:
• TYPE = “ELCYL”
TYPE = “ELCYL” (elliptic cylinder) has two connected primary grid points
and requires a property entry. The vector must be nonzero. Automatic view
factor calculations are not available.
1012 CHBDYP
Figure 12-28. Normal Vector for CHBDYP Element of

TYPE=“ELCYL”(See Remarks 4 and 5.)
The same logic is used to determine as for TYPE = LINE. The “radius” R1
is in the direction, and R2 is the perpendicular to and (see fields 7

and 8 of the PHBDY entry).
4. For TYPE = “POINT,” TYPE = “LINE,” and TYPE = “ELCYL,” geometric

orientation is required. The required information is sought in the following order:
• If GO > 0 is found on the CHBDYP entry, it is used.
12
BULK • Otherwise, if a nonblank CE is found on the CHBDYP continuation entry,
CA-CM this CE and the corresponding vectors E1, E2, and E3 are used.
• If neither of the aboveis found, the same information is sought in the same
way from the BDYOR entry.
• If none of the above apply, a warning message is issued.
5. The geometric orientation can be defined by either GO or the vector E1, E2, E3.
• If GO > zero:
For a TYPE = “POINT” surface, the normal to the front face is the vector
from G1 to GO. For the TYPE = “LINE” 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. For a TYPE = “ELCYL” surface the first axis of the
ellipse lies on the G1, G2, GO plane, and the second axis is normal to this
plane. For TYPE = “FTUBE” or “TUBE” surface, no orientation is required,
and GO is superfluous.
• If GO is zero:
CHBDYP 1013
For a TYPE = “POINT” surface, the normal to the front face is the orientation
vector. For the TYPE = “LINE” 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. For a TYPE = “ELCYL”
surface, the first axis of the ellipse lies on the G1, G2, orientation vector
plane, and the second axis is normal to this plane.
6. The continuation entry is optional.


be individually identified with the application of one of the following surface
element entries: CHBDYE, CHBDYG, or CHBDYP.
12
BULK
CA-CM
1014 CHEXA
Six-Sided Solid Element Connection
CHEXA Six-Sided Solid Element Connection
Defines the connections of the six-sided 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 G16 G17 G18 G19 G20
Example:
CHEXA 71 4 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 0 0 30 31 53 54
55 56 57 58 59 60
Fields:
Field Contents Type Default
EID Element identification number. Integer > 0 Required

12 PID Property identification number of Integer > 0 Required
BULK
CA-CM aPSOLID or PLSOLID entry.
Gi Grid point identification numbers of Integer ≥ 0 or Required

connection points. blank
CHEXA 1015
Figure 12-29. CHEXA Element Connection
Remarks:


12
BULK
quadrilateral face. G5 through G8 must be on the opposite face with G5 opposite CA-CM
3. The edge points G9 to G20 are optional. Any or all of them may be deleted. If
the ID of any edge connection point is left blank or set to zero (as for G9 and
G10 in the input example), the equations of the element are adjusted to give
correct results for the reduced number of connections. Corner grid points cannot
be deleted. The element is an isoparametric element (with shear correction)
in all cases.
4. Components of stress are output in the material coordinate system except for
hyperelastic elements, which are output in the basic coordinate system. The
material coordinate system is defined on the PSOLID entry.
6. For nonhyperelastic elements, 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.
1016 CHEXA
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.
(Mathematically speaking, the coordinate system is computed in such a way that
if the R, S, and T vectors are described in the element coordinate system a 3 x 3
positive-definite symmetric matrix would be produced.)
12
BULK
CA-CM
Figure 12-30. CHEXA Element R, S, and T Vectors
the edge.
8. For hyperelastic elements, the plot codes are specified under the CHEXAFD
element name in “Item Codes”.
9. If a CHEXA element is referenced by a PSET or PVAL entry, then a p-version


nodes, the geometry of the edge is ignored and set straight.
CHEXA 1017
• Elements with midside nodes cannot be p-elements and edges with midside
nodes cannot be shared by p-elements.
10. By default, all twelve edges of the element are considered straight unless:
• For p-elements there is an FEEDGE or FEFACE entry that contains the two
grids of any edge of this element. In this case, the geometry of the edge is
used in the element.
• For h-elements, any of G9 through G20 are specified.
1. For SOL 601, only elements with 8 or 20 grid points are allowed, i.e., either all
edge points G9 to G20 are specified or no edge points are specified. For SOL 701,
only elements with 8 grid points are allowed.
2. For SOL 601, 20-node CHEXA elements may be converted to 27-node CHEXA
elements (6 additional nodes on the centroid of the six faces and 1 additional
node at the centroid of the element) by specifying ELCV=1 in the NXSTRAT
entry. 27-node CHEXA elements are especially effective in the analysis of
incompressible media and inelastic materials, e.g., rubber-like materials,
elasto-plastic materials, and materials with Poisson’s ratio close to 0.5. 27-node
CHEXA elements also perform better than 20-node elements in contact analysis.
12
BULK
CA-CM
1018 CLOAD
Static Load Combination for Superelement Loads (Superposition)
CLOAD Static Load Combination for Superelement Loads (Superposition)
Defines a static load as a linear combination of previously calculated superelement

loads defined by the LSEQ entry in nonlinear static analysis (SOL 106 or 153).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CLOAD CID S S1 IDV1 S2 IDV2 S3 IDV3
S4 IDV4 -etc.-
Example:
CLOAD 25 1.0 25.0 10 -1.0 101 2.2-1 604
-62.0 62
Fields:
Field Contents
CID Combination identification number. (Integer > 0)
S Scale factor. (Real)

12 Si Scale factors. (Real)
BULK
CA-CM
IDVi Identification numbers of load vectors (DAREA of a selected LSEQ
entry) calculated for a superelement loads entry. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. The CLOAD entry must be selected in the residual solution subcases of the Case
Control with CLOAD = CID and must be used if loads are applied to upstream
superelements in SOL 106 or 153.
2. The load vector defined is given by
3. The IDVi field refers to a previously calculated load vector for the superelement
via the LSEQ approach. That is, a LOADSET keyword must have been selected
in Case Control that in turn refers to one or more LSEQ entries in the Bulk Data
CLOAD 1019
Static Load Combination for Superelement Loads (Superposition)
Section. The IDVi refers to the DAREA of such LSEQ entries. For more details,
see the “LSEQ” and the “LOADSET”.
4. In the CID or IDV fields, a CLOAD entry may not reference an identification
number defined by another CLOAD entry.
12
BULK
CA-CM
1020 CMASS1
Scalar Mass Connection
CMASS1 Scalar Mass Connection
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 32 6 2 1
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PMASS entry. (Integer > 0;
Default = EID)
G1, G2 Geometric grid or scalar point identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
12 C1, C2 Component number. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6; blank or zero if scalar point)

BULK
CA-CM
Remarks:
CMASS3 entry.

3. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2) must not be coincident.

CMASS1 1021
Scalar Mass Connection

7. Scalar elements input coupled mass matrices when the second pair of fields is
entered. When uncoupled point masses are desired input only the first pair of
fields. When a coupled mass matrix is requested the submatrix added has M
on the diagonal, and -M on the off-diagonal. The element is not checked for
internal constraints, which is the user’s responsibility if desired. There are
instances where elements with internal constraints are desired, although not
frequently. To identify the presence of internal constraints caused by coupled
mass, inspect GPWG output, OLOAD output due to GRAV loads, and rigid body
modes of free structures. Some forms of coupled mass will cause coupling of rigid
body translational mass terms in GPWG output, and poor rigid body modes
in modal analysis.
2. If G1 and G2 are specified, CMASS1 models a mass between G1 and G2 in SOL

601. Note that this is different from how it is treated in other solution sequences.
Please see the Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide.
12
BULK
CA-CM
1022 CMASS2
Scalar Mass Property and Connection
CMASS2 Scalar Mass Property and Connection
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 32 9.25 6 1
Fields:
Field Contents
M Value of the scalar mass. (Real)
G1, G2 Geometric grid or scalar point identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
C1, C2 Component number. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6; blank or zero if scalar point.)
12
BULK Remarks:
CA-CM
CMASS4 entry.

3. The two connection points (G1, C1) and (G2, C2) must be distinct. Except in
unusual circumstances, one of them will be a grounded terminal with blank
entries for Gi and Ci.

CMASS2 1023
Scalar Mass Property and Connection

7. See Remark 7 for “CMASS1”.
2. If G1 and G2 are specified, CMASS1 models a mass between G1 and G2 in SOL

601. Note that this is different from how it is treated in other solution sequences.
Please see the Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide.
12
BULK
CA-CM
1024 CMASS3
Scalar Mass Connection to Scalar Points Only
CMASS3 Scalar Mass Connection to Scalar Points Only
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 S2
Example:
CMASS3 13 42 62
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PMASS entry. (Integer > 0;
Default = EID)
12 Remarks:
BULK
CA-CM 1. S1 or S2 may be blank or zero, indicating a constrained coordinate.

3. Only one scalar mass element may be defined on a single entry.

CMASS4 1025
Scalar Mass Property and Connection to Scalar Points Only
CMASS4 Scalar Mass Property and Connection to Scalar Points Only
Defines a scalar mass element that is connected only to scalar points, without
reference to a property entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CMASS4 EID M S1 S2
Example:
CMASS4 23 14.92 23
Fields:
Field Contents
M Scalar mass value. (Real)
Remarks: 12
BULK
1. S1 or S2 may be blank or zero, indicating a constrained coordinate. This is the CA-CM
usual case.

3. Only one scalar mass element may be defined on a single entry.

1026 CMASS4
Scalar Mass Property and Connection to Scalar Points Only
12
BULK
CA-CM
Chapter
13 Bulk Data Entries CO—CY
13
BULK
CO-CY
1028 CONM1
Concentrated Mass Element Connection, General Form
CONM1 Concentrated Mass Element Connection, General Form
Defines a 6 x 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 2 22 2 2.9 6.3
4.8 28.6
28.6 28.6
Fields:
Field Contents
G Grid point identification number. (Integer > 0)
CID Coordinate system identification number for the mass matrix.
(Integer ≥ 0)
Mij Mass matrix values. (Real)
13
BULK Remarks:
CO-CY
1. For a less general means of defining concentrated mass at grid points, see the
CONM2 entry description.

1. Only the diagonal terms of the mass matrix Mii (1 ≤ i ≤ 6) are used.
2. CID is ignored, i.e., mass components Mii are assumed to be in the displacement
coordinate system of grid point G.
CONM2 1029
Concentrated Mass Element Connection, Rigid Body Form
CONM2 Concentrated Mass Element Connection, Rigid Body Form
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 2 15 6 49.7
16.2 16.2 7.8
Fields:
Field Contents
CID Coordinate system identification number. For CID of -1 see X1, X2,
X3 below. (Integer ≥ -1; Default = 0)
M Mass value. (Real)
X1, X2, X3 Offset distances from the grid point to the center of gravity of the
mass in the coordinate system defined in field 4, unless CID = -1, in
which case X1, X2, X3 are the coordinates, not offsets, of the center
of gravity of the mass in the basic coordinate system. (Real)
13
BULK
lij Mass moments of inertia measured at the mass center of gravity CO-CY
in the coordinate system defined by field 4. If CID = -1, the basic
coordinate system is implied. (For I11, I22, and I33; Real ≥ 0.0; for
I21, I31, and I32; Real)
Remarks:

2. For a more general means of defining concentrated mass at grid points, see
the CONM1 entry description.
1030 CONM2
3. The continuation is optional.
4. If CID = -1, offsets are internally computed as the difference between the grid
point location and X1, X2, X3. The grid point locations may be defined in a
nonbasic coordinate system. In this case, the values of Iij must be in a coordinate
system that parallels the basic coordinate system.
5. The form of the inertia matrix about its center of gravity is taken as:
where
M = ∫ρdV
I11 = ∫ρ(x22 + x32)dV
I22 = ∫ρ(x12 + x32)dV
I33 = ∫ρ(x12 + x22)dV
I21 = ∫ρ(x1x2)dV
I31 = ∫ρ(x1x3)dV
13
BULK I32 = ∫ρ(x2x3)dV
CO-CY
and
x1, x2, x3 are components of distance from the center of gravity in the coordinate
system defined in field 4.
The negative signs for the off-diagonal terms are supplied automatically. A
warning message is issued if the inertia matrix is nonpositive definite, since this
may cause fatal errors in dynamic analysis modules.
6. If CID ≥ 0, then X1, X2, and X3 are defined by a local Cartesian system, even if
CID references a spherical or cylindrical coordinate system. This is similar to
the manner in which displacement coordinate systems are defined.
CONM2 1031
7. See “Overview of Coordinate Systems in NX Nastran” in the NX Nastran User’s

1. X1, X2, and X3 are ignored, i.e., the center of gravity of the mass is assumed
to be at the grid point.
2. CID is ignored, i.e., mass moments of inertia components Iii (1 ≤ i ≤ 3) are

assumed to be in the displacement coordinate system of grid point G.
3. I21, I31, and I32 are ignored. The displacement coordinate system for grid point
G should coincide with the principal axes of the concentrated mass.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1032 CONROD
Rod Element Property and Connection
CONROD Rod Element Property and Connection
Defines a rod 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 2 16 17 4 2.69
Fields:
Field Contents
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integer >

0; G1 ≠ G2)
MID Material identification number. (Integer > 0)
A Area of the rod. (Real)
J Torsional constant. (Real)
C Coefficient for torsional stress determination. (Real)
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit length. (Real)
13 Remarks:
BULK
CO-CY
2. For structural problems, MID must reference a MAT1 material entry.
3. For heat transfer problems, MID must reference a MAT4 or MAT5 material entry.
1. J, C, and NSM are ignored.
2. CONROD defines a truss element with no torsional stiffness, i.e., only axial
force is transmitted by the element.
CONROD 1033
Rod Element Property and Connection
Figure 13-1. CONROD Element Forces and Moments
13
BULK
CO-CY
1034 CONV
Heat Boundary Element Free Convection Entry
CONV Heat Boundary Element Free Convection Entry
Specifies a free convection boundary condition for heat transfer analysis through
connection to a surface element (CHBDYi entry).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CONV EID PCONID FLMND CNTRLND TA1 TA2 TA3 TA4
TA5 TA6 TA7 TA8
Example:
CONV 2 101 3 201 301
Fields:
Field Contents
EID CHBDYG, CHBDYE, or CHBDYP surface element identification

number. (Integer > 0)
PCONID Convection property identification number of a PCONV entry.

(Integer > 0)
FLMND Point for film convection fluid property temperature. (Integer ≥ 0;

Default = 0)
CNTRLND Control point for free convection boundary condition. (Integer ≥ 0;

Default = 0)
13 TAi Ambient points used for convection. (Integer > 0 for TA1 and Integer
BULK
CO-CY ≥ 0 for TA2 through TA8; Default for TA2 through TA8 is TA1.)
Remarks:
1. The basic exchange relationship can be expressed in one of the following forms:
• q = H · (T − TAMB)EXPF(T − TAMB), CNTRLND = 0
• q = (H · uCNTRLND)(T − TAMB)EXPF(T − TAMB), CNTRLND ≠ 0
• q = H(TEXPF − TAMBEXPF), CNTRLND = 0
• q = (H · uCNTRLND)(TEXPF − TAMBEXPF), CNTRLND ≠ 0

CONV 1035
Heat Boundary Element Free Convection Entry
EXPF is specified on the PCONV entry.

(See “PCONV” for additional clarification of forms.)
2. The continuation entry is not required.
3. CONV is used with an CHBDYi (CHBDYG, CHBDYE, or CHBDYP) entry

having the same EID.
4. The temperature of the film convection point provides the look up temperature
to determine the convection film coefficient. If FLMND=0, the reference
temperature has several options. It can be the average of surface and ambient
temperatures, the surface temperature, or the ambient temperature, as defined
in the FORM field of the PCONV Bulk Data entry.
5. If only one ambient point is specified then all the ambient points are assumed
to have the same temperature. If midside ambient points are missing, the
temperature of these points is assumed to be the average of the connecting
corner points.
6. See the Bulk Data entry, “PCONV” , for an explanation of the mathematical
relationships involved in free convection and the reference temperature for
convection film coefficient.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1036 CONVM
Heat Boundary Element Forced Convection Entry
CONVM Heat Boundary Element Forced Convection Entry
Specifies a forced convection boundary condition for heat transfer analysis through
connection to a surface element (CHBDYi entry).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CONVM EID PCONID FLMND CNTMDOT TA1 TA2
Example:
CONVM 101 1 201 301 20 21
Fields:
Field Contents
EID CHBDYP element identification number. (Integer > 0)
PCONID Convection property identification number of a PCONVM entry.

(Integer > 0)
FLMND Point used for fluid film temperature. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0)
CNTMDOT Control point used for controlling mass flow. (Integer > 0)
TA1, TA2 Ambient points used for convection. (Integer > 0 for TA1 and Integer
≥ 0 for TA2; Default for TA2 is TA1.)
13 Remarks:
BULK
CO-CY
1. CONVM is used with an CHBDYP entry of type FTUBE having the same EID.
2. The temperature of the fluid film point may be specified to determine the
material properties for the fluid. If FLMND = 0, the reference temperature has
several options. It can be the average of surface and ambient temperatures, the
surface temperatures, or the ambient temperature, as defined in the FORM
field of the PCONVM Bulk Data entry.
3. CNTMDOT must be set to the desired mass flow rate (mdot) to effect the
advection of energy downstream at an mdot · Cp · T rate. In addition to the effect
that mdot has on the transfer of thermal energy in the streamwise direction, this
control point value is also used in computing the tube Reynolds number and
CONVM 1037
Heat Boundary Element Forced Convection Entry
subsequently the forced convection heat transfer coefficient if requested. This

enables the fluid stream to exchange heat with its surroundings.
4. If only the first ambient point is specified, then the second ambient point is
assumed to have the same temperature.
5. See the Bulk Data entry, “PCONVM” , for an explanation of the mathematical
relationships available for forced convection and the reference temperature
for fluid material properties.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1038 CORD1C
Cylindrical Coordinate System Definition, Form 1
CORD1C Cylindrical Coordinate System Definition, Form 1
Defines a cylindrical coordinate system using three grid points.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CORD1C CIDA G1A G2A G3A CIDB G1B G2B G3B
Example:
CORD1C 3 16 32 19
Fields:
Field Contents
CIDA, Coordinate system identification number. (Integer > 0)
CIDB
GiA, GiB Grid point identification numbers. (Integer > 0; G1A ≠ G2A ≠ G3A;
G1B ≠ G2B ≠ G3B;)
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-2. CORD1C Definition

CORD1C 1039
Remarks:
1. Coordinate system identification numbers on all CORD1R, CORD1C, CORD1S,

CORD2R, CORD2C, CORD2S and CORD3G entries must be unique.
2. One or two coordinate systems may be defined on a single entry.
3. GiA and GiB must be defined in coordinate systems with definitions that do 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 azimuthal origin.
The three grid points GiA (or GiB) must be non-colinear and not coincident.
4. The location of a grid point (P in Figure 13-2) 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. It is recommended that points on the z-axis not have their displacement

directions defined in this coordinate system. See the discussion of cylindrical
coordinate systems in “Overview of Coordinate Systems in NX Nastran” in the
NX Nastran User’s Guide.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1040 CORD1R
Rectangular Coordinate System Definition, Form 1
CORD1R Rectangular Coordinate System Definition, Form 1
Defines a rectangular coordinate system using three grid points.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CORD1R CIDA G1A G2A G3A CIDB G1B G2B G3B
Example:
CORD1R 3 16 32 19
Fields:
Field Contents
CIDA, Coordinate system identification number. (Integer > 0)

CIDB
GiA, GiB Grid point identification numbers. (Integer > 0; G1A ≠ G2A ≠ G3A
and G1B ≠ G2B ≠ G3B)
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-3. CORD1R Definition

CORD1R 1041
Remarks:

3. GiA and GiB must be defined in coordinate systems with definitions that do 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 x-z plane. The three grid points
GiA (or GiB) must be noncolinear and not coincident.
by (X, Y, Z).
5. The displacement coordinate directions at P are shown above by (ux, uu, uz).
13
BULK
CO-CY
1042 CORD1S
Spherical Coordinate System Definition, Form 1
CORD1S Spherical Coordinate System Definition, Form 1
Defines a spherical coordinate system by reference to three grid points.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CORD1S CIDA G1A G2A G3A CIDB G1B G2B G3B
Example:
CORD1S 3 16 32 19
Fields:
Field Contents
CIDA, CIDB Coordinate system identification numbers. (Integer > 0)
GiA, GiB Grid point identification numbers. (Integer > 0; G1A ≠ G2A ≠ G3A
and G1B ≠ G2B ≠ G3B)
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-4. CORD1S Definition

CORD1S 1043
Remarks:

3. GiA and GiB must be defined in coordinate systems with a definition that 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 azimuthal origin.
The three grid points GiA (or GiB) must be noncolinear and not coincident.
by (R, θ, φ) where θ and φ are measured in degrees.

as shown above by (ur, uθ, uφ).

directions defined in this coordinate system. See the discussion of spherical
13
BULK
CO-CY
1044 CORD2C
CORD2C Cylindrical Coordinate System Definition, Form 2
Defines a cylindrical coordinate system using 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 3 17 -2.9 1.0 0.0 3.6 0.0 1.0
5.2 1.0 -2.9
Fields:
Field Contents
CID Coordinate system identification number. (Integer > 0)
RID Identification number of a coordinate system that is defined

independently from this coordinate system. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0
is the basic coordinate system.)
Ai, Bi, Ci Coordinates of three points in coordinate system defined in field

3. (Real)
13
BULK
CO-CY
CORD2C 1045
Figure 13-5. CORD2C Definition
Remarks:

2. The three points [(A1, A2, A3), (B1, B2, B3), (C1, C2, C3)] must be unique and
noncolinear. Non-colinearity is checked by the geometry processor. The first
point defines the origin. The second point defines the direction of the z-axis. The
third lies in the plane of the azimuthal origin. The reference coordinate system
must be independently defined.
3. The continuation entry is required. 13

BULK
4. If RID is zero or blank, the basic coordinate system is used. CO-CY
by (R, θ, Z), where θ is measured in degrees.

as shown above by ur, uθ, uz).

directions defined in this coordinate system. See the discussion of cylindrical
1046 CORD2C
8. If any CORD2C, CORD2R, or CORD2S entry is changed or added on restart,

then a complete re-analysis is performed. Therefore, CORD2C, CORD2R, or
CORD2S changes or additions are not recommended on restart.
13
BULK
CO-CY
CORD2R 1047
CORD2R Rectangular Coordinate System Definition, Form 2
Defines a rectangular coordinate system using 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 3 17 -2.9 1.0 0.0 3.6 0.0 1.0
5.2 1.0 -2.9
Fields:
Field Contents

independently from this coordinate system. (Integer ≥ 0; Default =
0, which is the basic coordinate system.)

3. (Real)
13
BULK
CO-CY
1048 CORD2R
Figure 13-6. CORD2R Definition
Remarks:

CORD2R, CORD2C, CORD2S, and CORD3G entries must be unique.
noncolinear. Noncolinearity is checked by the geometry processor. The first point
defines the origin. The second defines the direction of the z-axis. The third point
defines a vector which, with the z-axis, defines the x-z plane. The reference
coordinate system must be independently defined.
3. The continuation entry is required.
13 4. If RID is zero or blank, the basic coordinate system is used.

BULK
CO-CY 5. The location of a grid point (P in the Figure 13-6) in this coordinate system is
given by (X, Y, Z).
6. The displacement coordinate directions at P are shown by (ux, uy, uz).

CORD2S 1049
CORD2S Spherical Coordinate System Definition, Form 2
Defines a spherical coordinate system using 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 3 17 -2.9 1.0 0.0 3.6 0.0 1.0
5.2 1.0 -2.9
Fields:
Field Contents

independently from this coordinate system. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0
is the basic coordinate system.)

3. (Real)
13
BULK
CO-CY
1050 CORD2S
Figure 13-7. CORD2S Definition

Remarks:

CORD2R, CORD2C, CORD2S, and CORD3G entries must all be unique.
noncolinear. Noncolinearity is checked by the geometry processor. The first point
defines the origin. The second point defines the direction of the z-axis. The
third lies in the plane of the azimuthal origin. The reference coordinate system
must be independently defined.
13 4. If RID is zero or blank, the basic coordinate system is used.

BULK
CO-CY 5. The location of a grid point (P in Figure 13-7) 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 shown above by (ur, uθ, uφ).

directions defined in this coordinate system. See the discussion of spherical

CORD3G 1051
General Coordinate System
CORD3G General Coordinate System
Defines a general coordinate system using three rotational angles as functions of

coordinate values in the reference coordinate system. The CORD3G entry is used
with the MAT9 entry to orient material principal axes for 3-D composite analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CORD3G CID METHOD FORM THETAID1THETAID2THETAID3CIDREF
Example:
CORD3G 100 E313 EQN 110 111 112 0
Fields:
Field Contents
CID Coordinate system identification number. See Remark 1. (Integer

> 0)
METHOD E313 or S321 for Euler angle rotation in 313 sequence or space-fixed
rotation in 321 sequence. See Remark 2. (Character; Default =
“E313”)
FORM Specifies the Bulk Data entry which defines angles. FORM = “EQN”
for DEQATN entry or FORM = “TABLE” for TABLE3D entry.
(Character; Default = “EQN”)
THETAID Identification number for DEQATN or TABLE3D Bulk Data entry

which defines the three angles (in radians) measured from reference
13
BULK
coordinates to the general material coordinate system. See Remark
CO-CY
3. (Integer > 0)
CIDREF Identification number for the coordinate system from which the
orientation of the general coordinate system is defined. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. CID must be unique with respect to all other coordinate systems. CID cannot be
referenced on GRID entries.
2. Three Euler angles specify the rotation of the CORD3G coordinate axes (xyz)
with respect to the local Cartesian coordinate axes (XYZ) in CIDREF as follows:
1052 CORD3G
General Coordinate System
first rotate about Z-axis by q1, next rotate about rotated x-axis by q2, and then
rotate about rotated z-axis by q3. On the other hand, the space-fixed rotations
in 321 sequence specify all the rotations about the fixed coordinate axes: first
rotate about Z by q1, next about Y by q2, then about X by q3.
3. The three rotations define a coordinate transformation which transforms position

vectors in the reference coordinate system into the general coordinate system.
13
BULK
CO-CY
CPENTA 1053
Five-Sided Solid Element Connection
CPENTA Five-Sided Solid Element Connection
Defines the connections of a five-sided 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 8 120 125
130
Fields:
PID Property identification number of a PSOLID Integer > 0 Required

or PLSOLID entry.
Gi Identification numbers of connected grid Integer ≥ 0 Required

points. or blank
13
BULK
CO-CY
1054 CPENTA
Figure 13-8. CPENTA Element Connection
Remarks:
1. Element ID numbers must be unique with respect to all other element ID

numbers.
2. The topology of the diagram must be preserved; i.e., G1, G2, and G3 define a
triangular face, G1, G10, and G4 are on the same edge, etc.
3. The edge grid points, G7 to G15, are optional. Any or all of them may be deleted.
In the example shown, G10, G11, and G12 have been deleted. The continuations
are not required if all edge grid points are deleted.
13 hyperelastic elements, which are output in the basic coordinate system.
BULK
CO-CY 5. For nonhyperelastic elements the element coordinate system for the CPENTA
element is derived accordingly. The origin of the coordinate system is located at
the midpoint of the straight line connecting the points G1 and G4. The Z axis
points toward the triangle G4-G5-G6 and is oriented somewhere between the
line joining the centroids of the triangular faces and a line perpendicular to the
midplane. The midplane contains the midpoints of the straight lines between
the triangular faces. The X and Y axes are perpendicular to the Z axis and point
in a direction toward, but not necessarily intersecting, the edges G2 through
G5 and G3 through G6, respectively.
CPENTA 1055
Figure 13-9. CPENTA Element Coordinate System
6. It is recommended that the edge grid points be located within the middle third of
the edge.
7. For hyperelastic elements, the plot codes are specified under the CPENTAFD
element name in “Item Codes” .
8. If a CPENTA element is referenced on a PSET or PVAL entry, then a p-version

13
• If a curved edge of a p-element is shared by an h-element without midside BULK
nodes, the geometry of the edge is ignored and set straight. CO-CY
9. By default, all of the nine edges of the element are considered straight unless:
• For p-elements there is an FEEDGE or FEFACE entry that contains the two
grids of any edge of this element. In this case, the geometry of the edge is
used in the element.
• For h-elements any of G7 through G15 are specified.

1056 CPENTA
2. For SOL 601, when ELCV=1 is specified in NXSTRAT (see Remark 2 (SOL 601)
in the CHEXA entry), 15-node CPENTA elements will be converted to 21-node
elements (5 additional nodes on the centroid of the five faces and 1 additional
node at the centroid of the element).
13
BULK
CO-CY
CQUAD 1057
Fully Nonlinear Plane Strain Element
CQUAD Fully Nonlinear Plane Strain Element
Defines a plane strain quadrilateral element with up to nine grid points for use in
fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large rotation) hyperelastic analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CQUAD EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 G9
Example:
CQUAD 111 203 31 74 75 32
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PLPLANE entry. (Integer > 0)
G1, G2, Identification numbers of connected corner grid points. Required

G3, G4 data for all four grid points. (Unique Integers > 0)
G5, G6, Identification numbers of connected edge grid points. Optional data
G7, G8 for any or all four grid points. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
G9 Identification number of center grid point. Optional. (Integer ≥ 0 or

blank)
13
BULK
Remarks:
CO-CY
element IDs of any kind.
2. Grid points G1 to G9 must be numbered as shown and must lie on a plane.
the edge.
4. Plot codes are specified under the CQUADFD element name in “Item Codes” .
5. Stresses and strains are output in the coordinate system identified by the CID
field of the PLPLANE entry.
1058 CQUAD
Fully Nonlinear Plane Strain Element
1. Only elements with 4, 8, or 9 grid points are allowed.
2. Stresses and strains are output in the basic coordinate system, i.e., CID field of
the PLPLANE entry is assumed to be 0.
3. 8-node elements may be converted to 9-node elements (with 1 additional node at

the centroid of the element) by specifying ELCV=1 in the NXSTRAT entry. The
9-node element is more effective in the analysis of incompressible rubber-like
materials.
Figure 13-10. CQUAD Element Coordinate System
13
BULK
CO-CY
CQUAD4 1059
Quadrilateral Plate Element Connection
CQUAD4 Quadrilateral Plate Element Connection
Defines an isoparametric membrane-bending or plane strain quadrilateral plate

element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CQUAD4 THETA
EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 ZOFFS
or MCID
TFLAG T1 T2 T3 T4
Example:
CQUAD4 111 203 31 74 75 32 2.6 0.3
1 1.77 2.04 2.09 1.80
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PSHELL, PCOMP, or PLPLANE

entry. (Integer > 0; Default = EID)
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integers >

0, all unique.)
THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. THETA is ignored

for hyperelastic elements. See Figure 13-12. (Real; Default = 0.0) 13
BULK
MCID Material coordinate system identification number. The x-axis of the
CO-CY
material coordinate system is determined by projecting the x-axis of
the MCID coordinate system (defined by the CORDij entry or zero
for the basic coordinate system) onto the surface of the element.
MCID is ignored for hyperelastic elements. (Integer ≥ 0; If blank,
then THETA = 0.0 is assumed.)
1060 CQUAD4
Figure 13-11. MCID Coordinate System Definition
ZOFFS Offset from the surface of grid points to the element reference plane.
ZOFFS is ignored for hyperelastic elements. See Remark 6. (Real)
TFLAG Integer Flag which specifies how Ti is used to define membrane
thickness of element. (0, 1, or blank)
Ti Membrane thickness of element at grid points G1 through G4 if
TFLAG=0 or blank. If TFLAG=1, membrane thickness becomes a
product of Ti and the thickness on the PSHELL card. Ti is ignored for
hyperelastic elements. (Real ≥ 0.0 or blank, not all zero. See Remark
4. for the default.)
13 Remarks:
BULK
CO-CY 1. Element identification numbers should be unique with respect to all other
2. Grid points G1 through G4 must be ordered consecutively around the perimeter

of the element.
4. The continuation is optional. If it is not supplied, then T1 through T4 will be set

equal to the value of T on the PSHELL entry.
CQUAD4 1061
Figure 13-12. CQUAD4 Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems
5. The reference coordinate system for the output of stress, strain and element force
depends on the element type.
• For CQUAD4 elements which are not p-elements and not hyperelastic, the
reference coordinate system for output is the element coordinate system.
• For CQUAD4 elements referenced by a PSET or PVAL entry, the stresses,

strains and element forces are output in the local tangent plane of the
element. The local tangents are oriented in a user defined direction which is
uniform across a set of elements. By default, the local tangent x-direction is
oriented in the positive x-direction of the basic coordinate system. See the
Bulk Data entry, “OUTRCV” for user defined output coordinate systems. 13
BULK
• For hyperelastic elements, the stress and strain are output according to CO-CY
CID on the PLPLANE entry.
6. Elements may be offset from the connection points by means of ZOFFS. Other
data, such as material matrices and stress fiber locations, are given relative
to the reference plane. A positive value of ZOFFS implies that the element
reference plane is offset a distance of ZOFFS along the positive z-axis of the
element coordinate system. If the ZOFFS field is used, then both the MID1
and the MID2 fields must be specified on the PSHELL entry referenced by PID
on the CQUAD4 entry.
The specification of offset vectors gives erroneous results in solution sequences
that compute differential stiffness: linear buckling analysis provided in SOLs 5,
1062 CQUAD4
16, 105 and 200, and geometric nonlinear analysis provided in SOLs 106, 129,
153, and 159 with PARAM,LGDISP,1.
7. For finite deformation hyperelastic analysis, the plot codes are given by the
CQUADFD element name in “Item Codes”.
8. If a CQUAD4 element is referenced by a PSET or PVAL entry, then a p-version

• If a curved edge of a p-element is shared by an h-element CQUAD4, the

geometry of the edge is ignored and set straight.
9. By default, all four edges of the element are considered straight unless the
element is a p-element and the edge is associated to curved geometry with a
FEEDGE or FEFACE entry.
1. ZOFFS is ignored.
2. Incompatible modes are used for this element if it is used as a shell element.
Incompatible modes may be turned off by specifying ICMODE=0 in the
NXSTRAT entry. For modeling shell elements, CQUAD4 is most effective.
3. Incompatible modes are not used for this element if it used as a plane strain
element (SOL 601 only). The use of CQUAD or CQUAD8 to model 9-node or
8-node plane strain elements is recommended.
13
BULK
CO-CY
CQUAD8 1063
Curved Quadrilateral Shell Element Connection
CQUAD8 Curved Quadrilateral Shell Element Connection
Defines a curved quadrilateral shell or plane strain element with eight grid points.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CQUAD8 EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
THETA
G7 G8 T1 T2 T3 T4 ZOFFS
or MCID
TFLAG
Example:
CQUAD8 207 3 31 33 73 71 32 51
53 72 0.125 0.025 0.030 .025 30. .03
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PSHELL, PCOMP, or PLPLANE

entry. (Integer > 0)

G5, G6,
G7, G8
Identification numbers of connected edge grid points. Optional data
for any or all four grid points. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
13
BULK
Ti Membrane thickness of element at grid points G1 through G4 if CO-CY
product of Ti and the thickness on the PSHELL card. Ti is ignored
for hyperelastic elements. (Real ≥ 0.0 or blank, not all zero. See
Remark 4 for the default.)
THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. See Figure 13-13.

THETA is ignored for hyperelastic elements. (Real; Default = 0.0)
1064 CQUAD8
Field Contents

for the basic coordinate system) onto the surface of the element (see
Remark 3). MCID is ignored for hyperelastic elements. (Integer ≥
0; If blank, then THETA = 0.0 is assumed.)
See Remark 6 ZOFFS is ignored for hyperelastic elements. (Real)
Remarks:

2. Grid points G1 to G8 must be numbered as shown in Figure 13-13.
3. The orientation of the material property coordinate system is defined locally at

each interior integration point by THETA, which is the angle between xmaterial
and the line of constant xi. THETA is calculated by projecting the x-axis of the
MCID coordinate system onto the surface of the element. Since the shape of a
CQUAD8 can vary from one integration point to the next, the direction of xi can
also vary, causing the resulting material coordinate definition to vary. When
using orthotropic or anisotropic materials which depend on consistent material
coordinate directions, it is recommended to use the QUAD4 element.
13
BULK 4. T1, T2, T3 and T4 are optional. If they are not supplied, they will be set equal to
CO-CY the value of T on the PSHELL entry.
5. 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 program may
fail with a divide-by-zero error, or the calculated stresses will be meaningless.
6. Elements may be offset from the connection points by means of the ZOFFS field.
Other data, such as material matrices and stress fiber locations, are given
relative to the reference plane. A positive value of ZOFFS implies that the
element reference plane is offset a distance of ZOFFS along the positive z-axis of
the element coordinate system. If the ZOFFS field is used, then both the MID1
and MID2 fields must be specified on the PSHELL entry referenced by PID.
CQUAD8 1065

with linear buckling analysis, SOLs 5, 16, 105 and 200.
7. If all midside grid points are deleted, then the element will be excessively stiff
and the transverse shear forces incorrect. A User Warning Message is printed,
and a CQUAD4 element is recommended instead. If the element is hyperelastic,
then it is processed identically to the hyperelastic CQUAD4 element.
8. For a description of the element coordinate system, see “Plate and Shell
Elements” in the NX Nastran Element Library. Stresses and strains are output
in the local coordinate system identified by xl and yl in Figure 13-13. However,
for hyperelastic elements, the stress and strain are output in the coordinate
system identified by the CID field on the PLPLANE entry.
9. For hyperelastic elements the plot codes are specified under the CQUADFD
1. Only elements with 4 or 8 grid points are allowed, i.e., either G5 to G8 are all
specified or none are specified.
3. 8-node elements may be converted to 9-node elements (with 1 additional node

at the centroid of the element) by specifying ELCV=1 in the NXSTRAT entry.
As a plane strain element, the 9-node element is more effective in the analysis
of incompressible media and inelastic materials, e.g., rubber-like materials,
elasto-plastic materials, and materials with Poisson’s ratio close to 0.5. As a
shell element, the 9-node element is also more effective than the 8-node shell,
e.g., support of large strain.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1066 CQUAD8
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-13. CQUAD8 Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems
where
is tangent to η at Gi
CQUAD8 1067
is tangent to ξ at Gi
is formed by bisection of and
and are perpendicular
yl is formed by bisection of and
xl is perpendicular to yl
13
BULK
CO-CY
1068 CQUADR
CQUADR Quadrilateral Plate Element Connection
Defines an isoparametric membrane and bending quadrilateral plate element. This

element is less sensitive to initial distortion and extreme values of Poisson’s ratio
than the CQUAD4 element. It is a companion to the CTRIAR element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CQUADR THETA
EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 ZOFFS
or MCID
TFLAG T1 T2 T3 T4
Example:
CQUADR 82 203 31 74 75 32 2.6
1.77 2.04 2.09 1.80
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PSHELL or PCOMP entry. See

Remark 10 (Integer > 0; Default = EID).
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integers

> 0, all unique)
13 THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. See Figure 13-15.

(Real; Default = 0)
BULK
CO-CY
(Integer ≥ 0; If blank, then THETA = 0.0 is assumed.)
See Remark 6. (Real)
CQUADR 1069

thickness of element (0, 1, or blank).
Remark 4. for the default.)
Remarks: 13
BULK
1. Element identification numbers should be unique with respect to all other CO-CY
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 180°.

5. Stresses and strains are output in the element coordinate system at the centroid
unless the CORNER or CUBIC entry is specified on the STRESS case control
1070 CQUADR
card. Specifying CORNER or CUBIC will result in stresses at grid points G1

through G4.
6. Elements may be offset from the connection points by means of ZOFFS. Other
data, such as material matrices and stress fiber locations, are given relative
to the reference plane. A positive value of ZOFFS implies that the element
reference plane is offset a distance of ZOFFS along the positive z-axis of the
element coordinate system. If the ZOFFS field is used, then the MID1 and MID2
fields must be specified on the PSHELL entry referenced by PID.
7. The rotational degrees-of-freedom normal to the element are active in the

element formulation and must not be constrained unless at a boundary.
Inaccurate results will be obtained if they are constrained.
8. For a static analysis, this element provides better answers for nonrectangular
elements than the CQUAD4 element. It has not been fully implemented for
other types of analysis such as nonlinear. See “Element Summary – Small Strain
Elements” in the NXNastran Element Library for a list of supported capabilities.
9. The CTRIAR element is the triangular companion to the CQUADR element and
should be used instead of CTRlA3 or CTRlA6.
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-15. CQUADR Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems
10. It is recommended that the CQUADR element be used to model flat surfaces only.
CQUADR 1071
1. ZOFFs is ignored.
2. CQUADR can only be used in linear analysis. It is recommended that CQUAD4

be used instead of CQUADR in SOL 601 analysis.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1072 CQUADX
Fully Nonlinear Axisymmetric Element
CQUADX Fully Nonlinear Axisymmetric Element
Defines an axisymmetric quadrilateral element with up to nine grid points for use in
fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large rotations) hyperelastic analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CQUADX EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 G9
Example:
CQUADX 111 203 31 74 75 32
Fields:
Field Contents

G5, G6, Identification numbers of connected edge grid points. Optional data
G7, G8 for any or all four grid points. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
G9 Identification number of center grid point. Optional. (Integer ≥ 0 or

blank)
13
BULK
Remarks:
CO-CY
2. Gi must be numbered as shown in Figure 13-16.
the edge.
4. Plot codes are specified under the CQUADXFD element name in “Item Codes”.
5. All Gi must lie on the x-y plane of the basic coordinate system. Stress and strain
are output in the basic coordinate system.
CQUADX 1073
6. A concentrated load (e.g., FORCE entry) at Gi is divided by 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, then the magnitude specified on the static load entry must result in:
1. Only elements with 4, 8 or 9 grid points are allowed.

materials.
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-16. CQUADX Element Coordinate System

1074 CRAC2D
Two-Dimensional Crack Tip Element
CRAC2D Two-Dimensional Crack Tip Element
Defines a two-dimensional crack tip element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CRAC2D EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 G13 G14
G15 G16 G17 G18
Example:
CRAC2D 114 108 2 5 6 8 7 11
12 14 16 17 20 22
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PRAC2D entry. (Integer > 0)
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integer ≥ 0,

G11 through G18 may be blank.)
13 Remarks:
BULK
1. The following is a dummy element and requires the presence of one Bulk Data
CO-CY
entry of the form:
ADUM8 18 0 5 0 CRAC2D
2. The element should be planar. Significant deviations will produce fatal errors.
3. Grid points G1 through G10 are required while grid points G11 through G18 are
optional for the quadrilateral form of the element.
4. The stresses and stress intensity factors are calculated assuming that G2 and
G10 are coincident. Deviations from this will produce erroneous results.
CRAC2D 1075
5. For the symmetric half-crack option, grid points G1 through G7 are required
while grid points G11 through G14 are optional. Grid points G8 through G10
and G15 through G18 must not be present for this option.
6. The ordering conventions for the full-crack and half-crack options are shown
in Figure 13-17.
7. The stress output is interpreted as described in “Two-Dimensional Crack Tip

Element (CRAC2D)” in the NX Nastran Element Library.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1076 CRAC2D
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-17. CRAC2D Element Connection for Full and Symmetric Options
CRAC3D 1077
Three-Dimensional Crack Tip Element
CRAC3D Three-Dimensional Crack Tip Element
Defines a three-dimensional crack tip element.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CRAC3D EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 G13 G14
G15 G16 G17 G18 G19 G20 G21 G22
G23 G24 G25 G26 G27 G28 G29 G30
G31 G32 G33 G34 G35 G36 G37 G38
G39 G40 G41 G42 G43 G44 G45 G46
G47 G48 G49 G50 G51 G52 G53 G54
G55 G56 G57 G58 G59 G60 G61 G62
G63 G64
Example:
CRAC3D 113 101 2 5 7 8 4 10
11 14 15 17 3 6 9
12 16 102 105 107 108
104 110 111 114 115 117 103
106 109 112 116 202 205
207 208 204 210 211 214 215 217
225 226
13
Fields: BULK
CO-CY
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PRAC3D entry. (Integer > 0)
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integer ≥ 0)
Remarks:
1. The following is a dummy element and requires the presence of one Bulk Data
entry of the form:
1078 CRAC3D
ADUM9 64 0 6 0 CRAC3D

3. This element, including grid point numbering conventions, is shown in Figure

13-18 and Figure 13-19. grid points G1 through G10, and G19 through G28
are required; midside and surface grid points G11 through G18, G29 through
G36, and G37 through G64 are optional. Either all or none of grid points G37
through G46 should be present. A fatal error message will be issued for partial
connectivity.
4. For the symmetric half-crack option grid points G1 through G7, and G19 through
G25 are required, whereas grid points G11 through G14, G29 through G32, and
G37 through G42 are optional. Grid points G8 through G10, G15 through G18,
G26 through G28, G33 through G36, G43 through G46, G51 through G55, and
G60 through G64 should not be specified to invoke this option.
5. It is recommended that both the faces (formed by grid points G1 through G18
and grid points G19 through G36) and the midplane (formed by grid points G37
through G46) be planar. It is also recommended that midside grid points G37
through G46 be located within the middle third of the edges.
6. The midside nodes on both the faces should be defined in pairs. For example,
if grid point G11 is not defined, then grid point G29 should not be defined and
vice versa.
7. The stresses and stress intensity factors are calculated with the assumptions
that grid points G2 and G10, G20 and G28, and G38 and G46 are coincident.
Deviation from this condition will produce erroneous results.
13
BULK 8. The stress output is interpreted as described in “Three-Dimensional Crack Tip
CO-CY Element (CRAC3D)” in the NX Nastran Element Library.
CRAC3D 1079
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-18. CRAC3D Solid Crack Tip Element with Required Connection
Points Only
1080 CRAC3D
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-19. CRAC2D Solid Crack Tip Element with All Connection Points
CREEP 1081
Creep Characteristics
CREEP Creep Characteristics
Defines creep characteristics based on experimental data or known empirical creep

law. This entry will be activated if a MAT1, MAT2, or MAT9 entry with the same
MID is used and the NLPARM entry is prepared for creep analysis (except for
SOL 601). The creep formulation is principally suited for isotropic materials and,
in general, when used with anisotropic materials may produce incorrect results.
However, slightly anisotropic materials may produce acceptable results.
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 8 1100. CRLAW
121 6.985-6 2.444 7.032-4 0.1072 6.73-9 0.1479 3.0
Fields:
Field Contents
MID Material identification number of a MAT1, MAT2, or MAT9 entry.

(Integer > 0)
T0 Reference temperature at which creep characteristics are defined.

See Remark 2 (Real; Default = 0.0).
EXP Temperature-dependent term, e(−ΔH/(R·T0)), in the creep rate

13
BULK
expression. See Remark 2 (0.0 < Real ≤ 1.0; Default = 1.0E-9). CO-CY
FORM Form of the input data defining creep characteristics. (Character:
“CRLAW” for empirical creep law, or “TABLE” for tabular input data
of creep model parameters.)
TIDKP, Identification number of a TABLES1 entry, which defines the creep

TIDCP, model parameters Kp(σ), Cp(σ), and Cs(σ), respectively. See Remarks
TIDCS 3 through 5 (Integer > 0).
THRESH Threshold limit for creep process. Threshold stress under which
creep does not occur is computed as THRESH multiplied by Young’s
modulus. (0.0 < Real < 1.0E-3; Default = 1.0E-5)
1082 CREEP
Field Contents
TYPE Identification number of the empirical creep law type. See Remark 1
(Integer: 111, 112, 121, 122, 211, 212, 221, 222, or 300).
a through Coefficients of the empirical creep law specified in TYPE.

g Continuation should not be specified if FORM = “TABLE”. See
Remark 1 (Real).
Remarks:
Two classes of empirical creep law are available:
• Creep Law Class 1
• Creep Law Class 2
1. Creep Law Class 1
The first creep law class is expressed as:
Equation 13-1.
Parameters A(σ), R(σ), and K(σ) are specified in the following form, as
recommended by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory:
13 Parameter Function 1 Digit Function 2 Digit

BULK
CO-CY A(σ) aσb i=1 aebσ i=2
R(σ) cedσ j=1 cσd j=2
K(σ) e · [sinh(fσ)]g k=1 eefσ 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) = aσb, R(σ)
= cσd, and K(σ) = eefσ.
Creep law Class 2
The second creep law class (TYPE=300) is expressed as:
CREEP 1083
Equation 13-2.
where the values of b and d must be defined as follows:
and
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.
2. 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.)
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 within the subcase.
13
From the thermodynamic consideration, the creep rate is expressed as: BULK
CO-CY
Equation 13-3.
where:
HΔ = energy of activation
R = gas constant (= 1.98 cal/mole ° )

1084 CREEP
T = absolute temperature (° )
= strain/sec per activation
If the creep characteristics are defined at temperature T0, the creep rate at
temperature T is corrected by a factor
Equation 13-4.
where:
= corrected creep rate
= creep rate at T0
13 = correction factor
BULK
CO-CY
3. if the creep model parameters Kp, Cp, and Cs are to be specified with FORM =
“TABLE”, then TABLES1 entries (with IDs that appear in TIDXX fields) must
be provided in the Bulk Data Section. In this case, the continuation should
not be specified.
4. Creep model parameters Kp, Cp, and Cs represent parameters of the uniaxial
rheological model as shown in Figure 13-20.
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.
CREEP 1085
Figure 13-20. CREEP Parameter Idealization
Creep model parameters, as shown in Figure 13-21 through Figure 13-23 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 (TABLE LOOK-UP RESULTS
IN NEGATIVE VALUE OF CREEP MODEL PARAMETER IN ELEMENT
ID=****) will be issued.
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-21. Kp Versus σ Example for CREEP

1086 CREEP
Figure 13-22. Cp Versus σ Example for CREEP
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-23. Cs Versus σ Example for CREEP
5. Creep analysis requires an initial static solution at t = 0, which can be obtained

by specifying a subcase that requests an NLPARM entry with DT = 0.0.
1. MID is restricted to the material identification number of a MAT1 entry. CREEP

and MAT1 entries model an elastic-creep material with only elastic strain and
creep strain effects.
CREEP 1087
2. Only FORM=CRLAW is allowed.
3. T0, EXP, TIDKP, TIDCP, TIDCS, and THRESH are ignored.
4. Only TYPE=300 and TYPE=222 are supported.
5. NLPARM is not used by SOL 601. Incremental time intervals for SOL 601 creep
analysis are determined by the TSTEP entry.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1088 CROD
Rod Element Connection
CROD Rod Element Connection
Defines a tension-compression-torsion element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CROD EID PID G1 G2
Example:
CROD 12 13 21 23
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PROD entry. (Integer > 0;

Default = EID)

0; G1 ≠ G2)
Remarks:

13 2. See “CONROD” for alternative method of rod definition.
BULK
CO-CY
3. Only one element may be defined on a single entry.
CROD defines a truss element with no torsional stiffness, i.e., only axial force is
transmitted by the element.
CROD 1089
Rod Element Connection
Figure 13-24. CROD Element Internal Forces and Moments
13
BULK
CO-CY
1090 CSET
Free Boundary Degree-of-Freedom
CSET Free Boundary Degree-of-Freedom
Defines analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be free (c-set) during component

modes calculations.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CSET ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3 ID4 C4
Example:
CSET 124 1 5 23 6 16
Fields:
Field Contents
IDi Grid or scalar point identification number. (Integer > 0)
Ci Component numbers. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points, or

any unique combination of the integers 1 through 6 for grid points
Remarks:
1. If there are no CSETi or BSETi entries present, all a-set degrees-of-freedom are
considered fixed during component modes analysis. If there are only BSETi
13 entries present, any a-set degrees-of-freedom not listed are placed in the free
BULK boundary set (c-set). If there are both BSETi and CSETi entries present, the
CO-CY c-set degrees-of-freedom are defined by the CSETi entries, and any remaining
a-set points are placed in the b-set.

exclusive c-set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually
3. If PARAM,AUTOSPC is YES then singular b-set and c-set degrees-of-freedom


CSET 1091

13
BULK
CO-CY
1092 CSET1
Free Boundary Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of CSET Entry
CSET1 Free Boundary Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of CSET Entry
Defines analysis set (a-set) degrees-of-freedom to be free (c-set) during component

modes calculations.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CSET1 C ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4 ID5 ID6 ID7
ID8 ID9 -etc.-
Example:
CSET1 124 1 5 7 6 9 12 122
127
Alternate Formats and Example:

CSET1 C ID1 “THRU” ID2
CSET1 3 6 THRU 32
CSET1 “ALL”
CSET1 ALL
Fields:
Field Contents
C Component number. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points, or any

13 unique combination of the Integers 1 through 6 for grid points with
BULK no embedded blanks.)
CO-CY
IDi Grid or scalar point identification number. (Integer > 0; For THRU
option, ID1 < ID2)
Remarks:
1. If there are no CSETi or BSETi entries present, all a-set degrees-of-freedom are
considered fixed during component modes 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.
CSET1 1093
Free Boundary Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of CSET Entry

exclusive c-set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually
3. If PARAM,AUTOSPC is YES then singular b-set and c-set degrees-of-freedom



13
BULK
CO-CY
1094 CSHEAR
Shear Panel Element Connection
CSHEAR Shear Panel Element Connection
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 3 6 1 5 3 7
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PSHEAR entry. (Integer > 0;

Default = EID)
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integer > 0;

G1 ≠ G2 ≠ G3 ≠ G4)
Remarks:

13 2. Grid points G1 through G4 must be ordered consecutively around the perimeter
BULK
CO-CY of the element.

CSHEAR 1095
Shear Panel Element Connection
Figure 13-25. CSHEAR Element Connection and Coordinate System
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-26. CSHEAR Element Corner Forces and Shear Flows

1096 CSLOT3
Three Point Slot Element Connection
CSLOT3 Three Point Slot Element Connection
Defines an element connecting three points that solves the wave equation in two
dimensions. Used in the acoustic cavity analysis for the definition of evenly spaced
radial slots.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CSLOT3 EID IDS1 IDS2 IDS3 RHO B M
Example:
CSLOT3 100 1 3 2 3.0-3 6
Fields:
Field Contents
IDSi Identification number of connected GRIDS points. (Integer > 0)
RHO Fluid density in mass units. (Real > 0.0; Default is the value of
RHOD on the AXSLOT entry.)
B Fluid bulk modulus. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default is the value of BD on the

AXSLOT entry.)
M Number of slots in circumferential direction. (Integer ≥ 0; Default

is the value of MD on the AXSLOT entry.)
13
BULK Remarks:
CO-CY
1. CSLOT3 is allowed only if an AXSLOT entry is also present.
2. This element identification number (EID) must be unique with respect to all
3. If RHO, B, or M are blank, then the RHOD, BD, or MD fields on the AXSLOT
entry must be specified.
4. This element generates three plot elements, connecting points IDS1 to IDS2,
IDS2 to IDS3, and IDS3 to IDS1.
5. If B=0.0, then the slot is considered to be an incompressible fluid.

CSLOT3 1097
Three Point Slot Element Connection
6. If M=0, then no matrices for CSLOT3 elements are generated.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1098 CSLOT4
Four Point Slot Element Connection
CSLOT4 Four Point Slot Element Connection
Defines an element connecting four points that solves the wave equation in two
dimensions. Used in acoustic cavity analysis for the definition of evenly spaced radial
slots.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CSLOT4 EID IDS1 IDS2 IDS3 IDS4 RHO B M
Example:
CSLOT4 101 1 3 2 4 6.2+4 3
Fields:
Field Contents
IDSi Identification number of connected GRIDS points. (Integer > 0)
RHO Fluid density in mass units. (Real > 0.0; Default is the value of
RHOD on the AXSLOT entry.)
B Fluid bulk modulus. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default is the value of BD on the

AXSLOT entry.)
M Number of slots in circumferential direction. (Integer ≥ 0; Default

is the value of MD on the AXSLOT entry.)
13
BULK Remarks:
CO-CY
1. This entry is allowed only if an AXSLOT entry is also present.
2. This element identification number (EID) must be unique with respect to all
3. If RHO, B, or M are blank, then the RHOD, BD, or MD fields on the AXSLOT
entry must be specified.
4. This element generates four plot elements connecting points IDS1 to IDS2, IDS2
to IDS3, IDS3 to IDS4, and IDS4 to IDS1.
5. If B = 0.0, then the slot is considered to be an incompressible fluid.

CSLOT4 1099
Four Point Slot Element Connection
6. If M = 0, then no matrices for CSLOT4 elements are generated.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1100 CSSCHD
Aerodynamic Control Surface Schedule Input
CSSCHD Aerodynamic Control Surface Schedule Input
Defines a scheduled control surface deflection as a function of Mach number and

angle of attack.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CSSCHD SlD AESID LALPHA LMACH LSCHD
Example:
CSSCHD 5 ELEV 12 15 25
Fields:
Field Contents
AESID ID of an AESURF Bulk Data entry to which the schedule is being

attached.
LALPHA ID of an AEFACT Bulk Data entry containing a list of angles of

attack (in radians) at which schedule information is provided.
(Integer > 0, Default = no angle information provided.)
LMACH ID of an AEFACT Bulk Data entry containing a list of Mach numbers

at which schedule information is provided. (Integer > 0, default =
no Mach information provided.)
13 LSCHD ID of an AEFACT Bulk Data entry which contains the scheduling
BULK information. See Remarks 4 and 5 (Integer > 0, no Default).
CO-CY
Remarks:
1. Control system schedules must be selected with the Case Control command
CSSCHD = SID.
2. The AESID cannot appear on an AELINK or TRIM Bulk Data entry for the
same subcase.
3. The control surface deflection is computed using a linear interpolation for the
Mach number provided on the associated TRIM entry and the angle of attack
derived as part of the trim calculation.
CSSCHD 1101
Aerodynamic Control Surface Schedule Input
4. The LSCHD data are provided as a list of deflections (in radians) as a function of
Mach numbers and angles of attack. If there are NMACH Mach numbers and
NALPHA angles of attack, the first NALPHA deflections are for the first Mach
number, the next NALPHA are for the second Mach number, and so on, until the
last NALPHA deflections are for the final Mach number.
5. if LALPHA is blank, LSCHD contains NMACH deflections to define the Mach

schedule. If LMACH is blank, LSCHD contains NALPHA deflections to define
the angle of attack schedule.
6. LALPHA and LMACH cannot be simultaneously blank. If LALPHA or LMACH

are not blank, at least two values of angle of attack or Mach number must be
defined in order to perform interpolation.
7. If the Mach number or angle of attack is outside the range specified by the
tabulated values, the value at the table end is used. That is, data are not
extrapolated.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1102 CSUPER
Secondary Superelement Connection
CSUPER Secondary Superelement Connection
Defines the grid or scalar point connections for identical or mirror image
superelements or superelements from an external source. These are all known as
secondary superelements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CSUPER SSlD PSID GP1 GP2 GP3 GP4 GP5 GP6
GP7 GP8 -etc.-
Example:
CSUPER 120003 21 3 6 4 10
Fields:
Field Contents
SSID Coded identification number for secondary superelement. See

Remark 1. (Integer > 0)
PSID Identification number for referenced primary superelement. See

Remark 2. (Integer > 0 or blank)
GPi Grid or scalar point identification numbers of the exterior points of

the secondary superelement. See Remark 3. (Integer > 0)
13 Remarks:
BULK
CO-CY 1. The value of SSID is written in the form XXX0000 + n, where n is the referenced
secondary superelement identification number and n must be less than 10000
and XXX is a displacement component sign reversal code as follows:
The sign reversal code specifies the displacement component(s) normal to the
plane of the mirror through which the reflection is to be made
Blank No reversal for identical superelement. If PSID is preceded by

or 0 a minus sign and there is no xxx code on SSID, then a z-reversal
mirror is generated.
CSUPER 1103
Secondary Superelement Connection
1 x-reversal
2 y-reversal Mirror Images
3 z-reversal}
12 x and y-reversal
23 y and z-reversal Identical Images
31 z and x-reversal}
123 x, y, and
Mirror Images
z-reversal
2. If PSID = 0 or blank, the superelement boundary matrices are obtained from an

external source (such as a database or external file). See also PARAM, EXTOUT.
If PSID ≠ 0, the secondary superelement is identical to, or is a mirror image

of, a primary superelement.
3. For identical or mirror image superelements, the grid point IDs, GPi, may appear
in any order. However, if they are not in the same order as the external GRIDs
of the primary superelement, then the SEQSEP entry is also required. In case
of external superelements, the GRID IDs must be in the order that the terms
in the associated matrices occur in.
4. Image superelements and their primaries must be congruent. The identical or

mirror image superelement must have the same number of exterior grid points
as its primary superelement. The exterior grid points of the image superelement
must have the same relative location to each other as do the corresponding
points of the primary superelement. The global coordinate directions of each 13
exterior grid point of the image superelement must have the same relative BULK
alignment as those of the corresponding grid points of the primary superelement. CO-CY
If congruency is not satisfied because of round-off, then the tolerance may be
adjusted with PARAM,CONFAC or DIAG 37.
5. For superelements from an external source, please refer to PARAMS

EXTDR,EXTDROUT, EXTDRUNT, EXTOUT,, and EXTUNIT.
1104 CSUPEXT
Superelement Exterior Point Definition
CSUPEXT Superelement Exterior Point Definition
Assigns exterior points to a superelement.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CSUPEXT SEID GP1 GP2 GP3 GP4 GP5 GP6 GP7
Example:
CSUPEXT 2 147 562 937

CSUPEXT SEID GP1 “THRU” GP2
CSUPEXT 5 12006 THRU 12050
Fields:
Field Contents
SEID Identification number of a primary superelement. (Integer > 0)
GPi Grid or scalar point identification number in the downstream

superelement or residual structure. (Integer > 0 or “THRU”; for
“THRU” option, GP1 < GP2)
13 Remarks:
BULK
CO-CY
1. Grid or scalar points are connected (that is, are exterior) to a superelement
only if they are connected by structural, rigid, or plot elements. MPC entries
are not regarded as elements. This entry is a means of providing connectivity
for this purpose.
2. Open sets are allowed with the “THRU” option.
3. Scalar points may be interior to the residual structure (SEID = 0) only.
4. This entry may be applied only to the primary superelements. The CSUPER
entry is used for secondary superelements (identical image, mirror image, and
external superelements).
CTETRA 1105
Four-Sided Solid Element Connection
CTETRA Four-Sided Solid Element Connection
Defines the connections of the four-sided 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 16 8 27
Fields:
Field Contents
EID Element identification number. (Integer > 0; Required)
PID Property identification number of a PSOLID or PLSOLID entry.

(Integer > 0)
Gi Identification numbers of connected grid points. (Integer > 0 or

blank)
13
BULK
CO-CY
1106 CTETRA
Figure 13-27. CTETRA Element Connection
Remarks:
1. Element ID numbers must be unique with respect to all other element ID

numbers.
2. 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.
3. The edge points, G5 to G10, are optional. Any or all of them may be deleted. If
13 the ID of any edge connection point is left blank or set to zero, the equations
of the element are adjusted to give correct results for the reduced number
BULK
of connections. Corner grid points cannot be deleted. The element is an
CO-CY
isoparametric element in all cases.
hyperelastic elements, which are output in the basic coordinate system.
5. For nonhyperelastic elements, the element coordinate system is derived from the
three vectors R, S, and T, which join the midpoints of opposite edges.
R vector joins midpoints of edges G1-G2 and G3-G4.

S vector joins midpoints of edges G1-G3 and G2-G4.
T vector joins midpoints of edges G1-G4 and G2-G3.
CTETRA 1107
The origin of the coordinate system is located at G1. The element coordinate
system is chosen as close as possible to the R, S, and T vectors and points in
the same general direction. (Mathematically speaking, the coordinate system
is computed in such a way that, if the R, S, and T vectors are described in the
element coordinate system, a 3x3 positive definite symmetric matrix would be
produced.)
Figure 13-28. CTETRA Element R, S, and T Vectors
the edge.
7. For hyperelastic elements, the plot codes are specified under the CTETRAFD
13
BULK
8. If a CTETRA element is referenced by a PSET or PVAL entry, then p-version
CO-CY
nodes, the geometry of the edge is ignored and set straight.
9. By default, all of the six edges of the element are considered straight unless:
• For p-elements, there is an FEEDGE or FEFACE entry that contains the
two grids of any edge of this element. In this case, the geometry of the edge
is used in the element.
1108 CTETRA
• For h-elements, any of G5 through G10 are specified.
2. For SOL 601, when ELCV=1 is specified in NXSTRAT (see Remark 2 (SOL 601)
in the CHEXA entry), 10-node CTETRA elements will be converted to 11-node
elements (with 1 additional node at the centroid of the element).
13
BULK
CO-CY
CTRIA3 1109
Triangular Plate Element Connection
CTRIA3 Triangular Plate Element Connection
Defines an isoparametric membrane-bending or plane strain triangular plate

element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CTRIA3 THETA
EID PID G1 G2 G3 ZOFFS
or MCID
TFLAG T1 T2 T3
Example:
CTRIA3 111 203 31 74 75 3.0 0.98
1.77 2.04 2.09
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PSHELL, PCOMP or PLPLANE

entry. (Integer > 0; Default = EID)
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integers

> 0, all unique)

for hyperelastic elements. (Real; Default = 0.0) 13
BULK
CO-CY
MCID is ignored for hyperelastic elements. (Integer ≥ 0; if blank,
1110 CTRIA3
See Remark 3. ZOFFS is ignored for hyperelastic elements. (Real)

thickness of element (0, 1, or blank).

13 for hyperelastic elements. (Real ≥ 0.0 or blank, not all zero. See
BULK Remark 2 for default.)
CO-CY
Remarks:


CTRIA3 1111
element reference plane is offset a distance of ZOFFS along the positive Z-axis of
The specification of offset vectors gives wrong results in solution sequences that
compute differential stiffness: linear buckling analysis provided in SOLs 5,
16, 105 and 200, and geometric nonlinear analysis provided in SOLs 106, 129,
153, and 159 with PARAM,LGDISP,1.
Figure 13-30. CTRIA3 Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems
4. The reference coordinate system for the output of stress, strain and element force
depends on the element type.
• For CTRIA3 elements, which are not p-elements and not hyperelastic, the
reference coordinate system for output is the element coordinate system.
• For CTRIA3 elements referenced by a PSET of PVAL entry, the stresses,

strains and element forces are output in the local tangent plane of the
element. The local tangents are oriented in a user defined direction which is
uniform across a set of elements. By default, the local tangent x-direction is
oriented in the positive x-direction of the basic coordinate system.
13
BULK
CO-CY
• For hyperelastic elements, the stress and strain are output according to
CID on the PLPLANE entry.
5. For hyperelastic elements, the plot codes are specified under the CTRIAFD
6. SYSTEM(218), alias T3SKEW, allows the user to control the minimum vertex
angle for TRIA3 elements at which USER WARNING MESSAGE 5491 is issued.
The default value is 10.0 degrees.
7. If a CTRIA3 element is referenced by a PSET or PVAL entry, then a p-version

1112 CTRIA3
• If a curved edge of a p-element is shared by an h-element CTRIA3, the

geometry of the edge is ignored and set straight.
8. By default, all of the three edges of the element are considered straight unless
the element is a p-element and the edges are associated to curved geometry with
FEEDGE or FEFACE Bulk Data entries.
ZOFFS is ignored.
13
BULK
CO-CY
CTRIA6 1113
Curved Triangular Shell Element Connection
CTRIA6 Curved Triangular Shell Element Connection
Defines a curved triangular shell element or plane strain with six grid points.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CTRIA6 EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
THETA
ZOFFS T1 T2 T3 TFLAG
or MCID
Example:
CTRIA6 302 3 31 33 71 32 51 52
45 .03 .020 .025 .025
Fields:
Field Contents
EID Element Identification number. (Integer > 0)
PID Property identification number of PSHELL, PCOMP, or PLPLANE

G1, G2, Identification numbers of connected corner grid points. (Unique

G3 Integers > 0)
G4, G5, Identification number of connected edge grid points. Optional data
G6 for any or all three points. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)

13
BULK
for hyperelastic elements. (Real; Default = 0.0)
CO-CY
MCID is ignored for hyperelastic elements. (Integer ≥ 0; if blank,
1114 CTRIA6
ZOFFS Offset from the surface of grid points to the element reference plane;
see Remark 6. ZOFFS is ignored for hyperelastic elements. (Real)


13 product of Ti and the thickness on the PSHELL card. Ti is ignored
BULK
CO-CY Remark 4 for default.)
Remarks:

element IDs.
2. Grid points G1 through G6 must be numbered as shown in Figure 13-32.
3. The orientation of the material property coordinate system is defined locally at

each interior integration point by THETA, which is the angle between xmaterial
and the line of constant η.
CTRIA6 1115
4. T1, T2, and T3 are optional. If not supplied, they will be set equal to the value of
T on the PSHELL entry.
5. It is recommended that the midside grid points be located within the middle
third of the edge.

with linear buckling analysis, SOLs 5, 16, 105 and 200.
7. If all midside grid points are deleted, then the element will be excessively stiff
and the transverse shear forces will be incorrect. A User Warning Message
is printed. A CTRIA3 element entry is recommended instead. If the element
is hyperelastic, then the element is processed identically to the hyperelastic
CTRIA3 element.
8. For a description of the element coordinate system, see “Plate and Shell
Elements” in the NX Nastran Element Library. Stresses and strains are output
in the local coordinate system identified by xl andyl in Figure 13-32. For
hyperelastic elements, stresses and strains are output in the coordinate system
defined by the CID field on the PLPLANE entry.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1116 CTRIA6
Figure 13-32. CTRIA6 Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems
9. For hyperelastic elements, the plot codes are specified under the CTRIAFD

13 1. Only elements with 3 or 6 grid points are allowed.
BULK
CO-CY
3. When used as a plane strain element, ELCV=1 in the NXSTRAT entry will
convert a 6-node triangular element to a 7-node triangular element (with 1
additional node at the centroid of the element).
CTRIAR 1117
CTRIAR Triangular Plate Element Connection
Defines an isoparametric membrane-bending triangular plate element. It is a

companion to the CQUADR element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CTRIAR THETA
EID PID G1 G2 G3 ZOFFS
or MCID
TFLAG T1 T2 T3
Example:
CTRIAR 111 203 31 74 75 3.0
1.77 2.04 2.09
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PSHELL or PCOMP entry.

(Integer > 0; Default = EID)
G1, G2, Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integers

G3 > 0, all unique)
THETA Material property orientation angle in degrees. (Real; Default = 0.0)
13
BULK
See Remark 6. (Real)
CO-CY
(Integer ≥ 0; if blank, then THETA = 0.0 is assumed.)
1118 CTRIAR


Remark 2 for the default.)
13
BULK
CO-CY Remarks:


3. Stresses and strains are output in the element coordinate system at the centroid
unless the CORNER or CUBIC entry is specified on the STRESS card. Specifying
CORNER or CUBIC will result in stresses at grid points G1 through G4.
CTRIAR 1119
4. The rotational degrees-of-freedom 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.
5. This element is intended as a companion to the CQUADR element. It has not

been fully implemented for other types of analysis such as nonlinear. See
“Element Summary – Small Strain Elements” in the NX Nastran Element
Library for a list of supported capabilities.
2. CTRIAR can only be used in linear analysis. It is recommended that CTRIA3 be

used instead of CTRIAR in SOL 601 analysis.
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-34. CTRIAR Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems
1120 CTRIAX
CTRIAX Fully Nonlinear Axisymmetric Element
Defines an axisymmetric triangular element with up to 6 grid points for use in fully
nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large rotations) hyperelastic analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CTRIAX EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
Example:
CTRIAX 111 203 31 74 75
Fields:
Field Contents
G1, G2, G3 Identification numbers of connected corner grid points. Required
data for all three grid points. (Unique Integers > 0)
G4, G5, G6 Identification numbers of connected edge grid points. Optional data
for any or all three grid points. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
Remarks:
13 1. Element identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other element
IDs of any kind.
BULK
CO-CY
2. Gi must be numbered as shown in Figure 13-35.
the edge.
4. The plot codes are specified under the CTRIAXFD element name in “Item Codes”.
5. The grid points of the axisymmetric element must lie on the x-y plane of the basic
coordinate system. Stress and strain are output in the basic coordinate system.
6. A concentrated load (e.g., FORCE entry) at Gi is divided by the radius to Gi and

then applied as a force per unit circumferential length. For example, in order to
CTRIAX 1121
apply a load of 100 N/m on the circumference at G1, which is located at a radius
of 0.5 m, the magnitude specified on the static load entry must result in:
1. Only elements with 3 or 6 grid points are allowed.

materials.
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-35. CTRIAX Element Coordinate System

1122 CTRIAX6
Axisymmetric Triangular Element Connection
CTRIAX6 Axisymmetric Triangular Element Connection
Defines an isoparametric and axisymmetric triangular cross section ring 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
TH
Example:
CTRIAX6 22 999 10 11 12 21 22 32
9.0
Fields:
Field Contents
Gi Grid point identification numbers of connected points. (unique

Integers > 0, or blank for deleted nodes)
TH Material property orientation angle in degrees. (Real; Default = 0.0)
13 Remarks:
BULK
CO-CY 1. 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. Corner grid points G1,
G3, and G5 must be present. Any or all edge grid points G2, G4, or G6 may be
deleted. Note that the alternate corner-edge grid point pattern is different from
the convention used on the CTRIA6 element.
2. For structural problems, the MID may refer to a MAT1 or MAT3 entry.
3. The continuation is optional.
4. Material properties (if defined on a MAT3 entry) and stresses are given in the
(rm, zm) coordinate system shown in Figure 13-37.
CTRIAX6 1123
Axisymmetric Triangular Element Connection
5. 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:
Figure 13-36. CTRIAX6 Element Idealization
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-37. CTRIAX6 Element Geometry and Coordinate Systems

1124 CTUBE
Tube Element Connection
CTUBE Tube Element Connection
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 12 13 21 23
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PTUBE entry. (Integer > 0;

Default = EID)

0; G1 ≠ G2)
Remarks:

13 2. Only one tube element may be defined on a single entry.
BULK
CO-CY
CVISC 1125
Viscous Damper Connection
CVISC Viscous Damper Connection
Defines a viscous damper element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CVISC EID PID G1 G2
Example:
CVISC 21 6327 29 31
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number of a PVISC entry. (Integer > 0;

Default = EID)

0; G1 ≠ G2)
Remarks:

2. Only one viscous damper element may be defined on a single entry.

13
BULK
CO-CY
1126 CWELD
Weld or Fastener Element Connection
CWELD Weld or Fastener Element Connection
Defines a weld or fastener connecting two surface patches or points.
Format 1:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CWELD EWID PWID GS “GRIDID” GA GB SPTYP
GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7 GA8
GB1 GB2 GB3 GB4 GB5 GB6 GB7 GB8
Example:
CWELD 7 29 233 GRIDID QT
15 28 31 35 46 51 55 60
3 5 8

CWELD EWID PWID GS “ELEMID”
SHIDA SHIDB
CWELD EWID PWID “ALIGN” GA GB
CWELD 3 28 354 ELEMID

15 16
13 CWELD
BULK 7 29 ALIGN 103 259
CO-CY
Fields:
Field Contents
EWID CWELD element identification number. See Remark 1. (Integer > 0)
PWID Property identification number of a PWELD entry. (Integer > 0)
GS Identification number of a grid point which defines the location of

the connector. Required for “GRIDID” and “ELEMID”. See Remark
2. (Integer > 0)
CWELD 1127
Field Contents
“GRIDID” Character string indicating that the connection is defined with grid
identification numbers GAi and GBi, respectively. See Remark 3.
(Character; No default)
GA, GB Grid identification numbers of piercing points on surface A and

surface B, respectively. See Remark 4. (Integer > 0 or blank)
SPTYP String indicating types of surface patches A and B. SPTYP=”QQ”,

“TT”, “QT”, “TQ”, “Q” or “T”. Indicates quadrilateral (“Q”) or
triangular (“T”) surface patch. See Remark 5. (Character; Required
for “GRIDID”)
GAi Grid identification numbers of the first surface patch. GA1 to GA3
are required. See Remark 6. (Integer > 0)
GBi Grid identification numbers of the second surface patch. See Remark
6. (Integer > 0)
“ELEMID” Character string indicating that the connection is defined with shell
element ids SHIDA and SHIDB. See Remark 7. (Character; No
default)
GA, GB Grid identification numbers of piercing points on surface A and

surface B, respectively. See Remark 4. (Integer > 0 or blank)
SHIDA Element identification number of the first shell element. (Integer > 0;
required for “ELEMID”)
SHIDB Element identification number of the second shell element. (Integer

> 0)
“ALIGN” Character string indicating that the connection is defined between

13
BULK
two shell vertex grid points. See Remark 8. (Character; No default) CO-CY
GA Vertex grid identification number of the first shell. (Integer > 0)
GB Vertex grid identification number of the second shell. (Integer > 0)
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. See Figure
13-38 through Figure 13-40.
1128 CWELD
Figure 13-38. Patch-to-Patch Connection Defined with Format GRIDID or

ELEMID
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-39. Point-to-Patch Connection Defined with Format GRIDID or

ELEMID
CWELD 1129
Figure 13-40. Point-to-Point Connection Defined with Format ALIGN
2. 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
the format (field 5) is “ALIGN”.
3. The format “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.
4. The input of the piercing points GA and GB is optional for format “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. Internal ids are generated for GA and
GB starting with an offset specified on PARAM, OSWPPT. If GA and GB are 13
specified, their locations may be corrected so that they lie on surface patch A and BULK
B, respectively. The length of the connector is the distance from GA to GB. CO-CY
5. SPTYP defines the type of surface patches to be connected. SPTYP is required for
the “GRIDID” format to identify quadrilateral or triangular patches. Allowable
combinations are:
SPTYP Description
Connects a quadrilateral surface patch A (Q4 to Q8) with a
QQ
quadrilateral surface patch B (Q4 to Q8).
Connects a quadrilateral surface patch A (Q4 to Q8) with a
QT
triangular surface patch B (T3 to T6).
1130 CWELD
SPTYP Description
Connects a triangular surface patch A (T3 to T6) with a triangular
TT
surface patch B (T3 to T6).
Connects a triangular surface patch A (T3 to T6) with a
TQ
quadrilateral surface patch B (Q4 to Q8).
Connects the shell vertex grid GS with a quadrilateral surface
Q
patch A (Q4 to Q8) if surface patch B is not specified
Connects the shell vertex grid GS with a triangular surface patch
T
A (T3 to T6) if surface patch B is not specified
6. GAi are required for the “GRIDID” format. At least 3 and at most 8 grid IDs
may be specified for GAi and GBi, respectively. Triangular and quadrilateral
element definition sequences apply for the order of GAi and GBi, see Figure
13-41. Missing midside nodes are allowed.
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-41. Quadrilateral and Triangular Surface Patches Defined
withFormat GRIDID
7. The “ELEMID” format 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.
8. The “ALIGN” format 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.
CWELD 1131
9. Forces and moments are output in the element coordinate system. The element
x-axis is in the direction of GA to GB, see Figure 13-42. 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-
and y-axis. The output of the forces and moments including the sign convention
is the same as in the CBAR element.
fx — Axial force
fy — Shear force, plane 1
fz — Shear force, plane 2
mx — Torque
MyA — Bending moment end A, plane 2
MyB — Bending moment end B, plane 2
MzA— Bending moment end A, plane 1
MzB— Bending moment end B, plane 1
13
BULK
CO-CY
Figure 13-42. Element Coordinate System and Sign Convention of Element
Forces
1132 CYAX
Grid Points on Axis of Symmetry
CYAX Grid Points on Axis of Symmetry
Lists grid points that lie on the axis of symmetry in cyclic symmetry analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CYAX G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8
G9 G10 -etc.-
Example:
CYAX 27 152 THRU 160 192 11
Fields:
Field Contents
Gi A list of grid points on the axis of symmetry. (Integer > 0 or
Character “THRU”)
Remarks:
1. The displacement coordinate system (see CD field on theGRID entry) for a grid
point lying on the axis of symmetry must be a rectangular system with the
z-component of motion aligned with the axis of symmetry. The positive axis of
symmetry is defined so that the azimuthal angle from positive side 1 to side 2 of
a segment is in the same direction as the angle from T1 to T2 for the axis point.
This is consistent with the left- or right-hand rule.
13 2. If the dihedral symmetry option (STYPE = “DIH” on the CYSYM entry) is
BULK
CO-CY selected, the y-axis must be perpendicular to side 1.
3. Grid points lying on the axis of symmetry may be constrained by SPCs but not
by MPCs. If the number of segments is three or more, SPCs must be applied
to both components 1 and 2 or to neither, and SPCs must be applied to both
components 4 and 5 or to neither in order to satisfy symmetry. In addition, the
degrees-of-freedom (not constrained by SPCs, if any) at these grid points must be
in the analysis set (a-set). If all degrees-of-freedom of grid points on the axis of
symmetry are constrained by SPCs (including heat transfer, where there is only
one degree-of-freedom), the grid point should not be listed on the CYAX entry.
4. Grid points lying on the axis of symmetry must not be defined on side 1 or on
side 2 by means of a CYJOIN entry.
CYAX 1133
Grid Points on Axis of Symmetry
5. The word “THRU” must not appear in fields 2 or 9.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1134 CYJOIN
Cyclic Symmetry Boundary Points
CYJOIN Cyclic Symmetry Boundary Points
Defines the boundary points of a segment in cyclic symmetry problems.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CYJOIN SIDE C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 G9 -etc.-
Example:
CYJOIN 1 T2 7 9 16 THRU 33 64
72 THRU 89
Fields:
Field Contents
SIDE Side identification. (Integer 1 or 2)
C Type of coordinate system used on boundaries of dihedral or

axisymmetry problems. See Remark 3. (Character: “T1”, “T2”, “T3”,
“R”, “C”, “S”)
Gi Grid or scalar point identification numbers. (Integer > 0 or

Character “THRU”)
13 Remarks:
BULK
1. CYJOIN entries are used only for cyclic symmetry problems. The CYSYM entry
CO-CY
must be used to specify rotational, dihedral, or axisymmetry.
2. For rotational or axisymmetry problems, there must be one logical entry for
SIDE = 1 and one for SIDE = 2. The two lists specify grid points to be connected;
therefore, both lists must have the same length.
3. For dihedral problems, side 1 refers to the boundary between segments and side
2 refers to the middle of a segment. For dihedral and/or AXI type of symmetry,
the grid point degree-of-freedom that is normal to the boundary must be specified
in field 3 as “T1”, “T2”, or “T3”. (“R”, rectangular, and “C”, cylindrical, are the
same as “T2”while “S”, spherical, is the same as “T3”). For scalar and extra
points with one degree-of-freedom, these should be specified as blank, “T2”, or
CYJOIN 1135
Cyclic Symmetry Boundary Points
“T3” if they are to have the same sign, and “T1”, if the two connected points are
to be opposite in sign.
4. All components of displacement at boundary points are connected to adjacent

segments except those constrained by SPCi, MPC, or OMITi entries.
5. The points on the axis of symmetry of the model, defined in the CYAX entry must
not be defined as a side 1 or side 2 point by means of this entry.
6. The word “THRU” may not appear in fields 4 or 9 of the parent entry and fields 2
or 9 of the continuation entries.
7. All grid points that are implicitly or explicitly referenced must be defined.
8. For rotational and axisymmetry problems, the displacement coordinate systems

must be consistent between sides 1 and 2. This is best satisfied by the use of a
spherical or cylindrical coordinate system.
13
BULK
CO-CY
1136 CYSUP
Fictitious Supports for Cyclic Symmetry
CYSUP Fictitious Supports for Cyclic Symmetry
Defines fictitious supports for cyclic symmetry analysis.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CYSUP GID C
Example:
CYSUP 16 1245
Fields:
Field Contents
GID Grid point identification number. (Integer > 0)
C Component numbers. (Any unique combination of the Integers 1

Remarks:
1. Components of motion defined on this entry may not appear on SPC, SPC1,
OMIT, OMIT1 entries, or in rigid elements or multipoint constraints as
dependent degrees-of-freedom.
2. Supports are applied at the grid point identified in field 2 to prevent rigid body
motions in static analysis, or to define rigid body modes in eigenvalue analysis.
13 All degrees-of-freedom should be at a single grid point. In other words, there can
BULK only be one such supported grid point in the model. The supports are applied
CO-CY only to the cyclic components of order k=0 or k=1. In order to satisfy conditions
of symmetry, certain restrictions are placed on the location of the grid point and
the orientation of its displacement coordinate system, as shown in the following
table:
Symmetry
Option (STYPE
ROT ROT DIH DIH DIH
on the CYSYM
entry)
Number of
2 ≥3 1 2 ≥3
Segments, N
CYSUP 1137
Fictitious Supports for Cyclic Symmetry
Location of See Note See Note Side 1 Side 1 Side 1

Grid Point c. d.
Special See Notes See Note None See Note See

Restrictions on a. and e. b. a. Note b.
Displacement
Coordinate
System
a. T3 axis must be parallel to axis of symmetry.
b. b. The displacement coordinate system at the referenced grid point

must be cylindrical with the z-axis along the axis of symmetry.
c. Any location except on side 2.
d. Any location except on the axis of symmetry or on side 2.
e. If the grid point is on the axis of symmetry, the displacement

coordinate system must be rectangular.
3. If the number of segments, N, is 1 (in the case of DIH symmetry) or 2 (in the
case of ROT or AXI symmetry), it is important that the rotational components
referenced in field 3 be elastically connected to the structure. If N ≥ 2 (in the
case of DIH symmetry) or N ≥ 3 (in the case of ROT or AXI symmetry), it is not
important, because in this case the supports for rigid body rotation are actually
applied to translational motions.
4. if N ≥ 3, supports will be applied to both the 1 and 2 (inplane-translational)

components, if either is referenced, and to both the 4 and 5 (out-of-plane
rotational) components, if either is referenced. If component 6 is supported,
13
BULK
component 2 should not appear on OMIT or OMIT1 entries. CO-CY
5. The restrictions noted in Remarks 2 and 4 are related to symmetry

requirements. For N ≥ 3, symmetry requires that the supports be symmetrical
(or antisymmetrical), with respect to any plane passing through the axis of
symmetry. For the DIH options, N = 1 and N = 2, symmetry requires that the
supports be symmetrical (or antisymmetrical) with respect to the plane(s) of
symmetry. For the ROT option, N = 2, symmetry requires that a support be
either parallel or perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.
6. GID must be a grid point and not a scalar point.

1138 CYSYM
Cyclic Symmetry Parameters
CYSYM Cyclic Symmetry Parameters
Defines parameters for cyclic symmetry analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CYSYM NSEG STYPE
Example:
CYSYM 6 ROT
Fields:
Field Contents
NSEG Number of segments. (Integer > 0)
STYPE Symmetry type. (Character: “ROT”, “DIH”, or “AXI”)
Remarks:
1. STYPE = “AXI” is a special case of STYPE = “ROT” used to model axisymmetric

structures.
2. If STYPE = “AXI”, then all grid points must lie on side 1, side 2, or the axis.
Also, plate elements with midside grid points may not be defined. See “Cyclic
Symmetry” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
13
BULK
CO-CY
Chapter
14 Bulk Data Entries D—E
14
BULK
D-E
1140 DAREA
Load Scale Factor
DAREA Load Scale Factor
Defines scale (area) factors for static and dynamic loads. In dynamic analysis,
DAREA is used in conjunction with RLOADi and TLOADi entries.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DAREA SID P1 C1 A1 P2 C2 A2
Example:
DAREA 3 6 2 8.2 15 1 10.1
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Identification number. (Integer>0)
Pi Grid, extra, or scalar point identification number. (Integer>0)
Ci Component number. (Integer 1 through 6 for grid point; blank or 0

for extra or scalar point)
Ai Scale (area) factor. (Real)
Remarks:
1. One or two scale factors may be defined on a single entry.
2. Refer to RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1, TLOAD2, or ACSRCE entries for the

formulas that define the scale factor Ai in dynamic analysis.
3. Component numbers refer to the displacement coordinate system.
4. In dynamic analysis, DAREA entries may be used with LSEQ Bulk Data entries
14 if LOADSET is specified in Case Control. The LSEQ and static load entries will
be used to internally generate DAREA entries.
BULK
D-E
5. If DAREA is referenced by a GUST entry, Pi must be defined. However, it is only
used if selected through a DLOAD Case Control command. WG from the GUST
entry is used instead of Ai when requested via a GUST entry.
6. All DAREA entries corresponding to all grid and scalar points are automatically
converted internally by the program to equivalent FORCE/MOMENT/SLOAD
DAREA 1141
Load Scale Factor
entries (as appropriate) if there are no LSEQ Bulk Data entries. The DAREA
entries can only be used in static analysis if there are no LSEQ Bulk Data entries.
7. In superelement analysis, DAREA may be used to specify loads not only on

the interior points of the residual, but also on the interior points of upstream
superelements if there are no LSEQ Bulk Data entries.
14
BULK
D-E
1142 DCONADD
Design Constraint Set Combination
DCONADD Design Constraint Set Combination
Defines the design constraints for a subcase as a union of 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:
DCONADD 10 4 12
Fields:
Field Contents
DCID Design constraint set identification number. (Integer>0)
DCi DCONSTR entry identification number. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. The DCONADD entry is selected by a DESSUB or DESGLB Case Control

command.
2. All DCi must be unique from other DCi.
14
BULK
D-E
DCONSTR 1143
Design Constraints
DCONSTR Design Constraints
Defines design constraints.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DCONSTR DCID RID LALLOW UALLOW LOWFQ HIGHFQ
Example:
DCONSTR 10 4 1.25
Fields:
Field Contents
DCID Design constraint set identification number. (Integer>0)
RID DRESPi entry identification number. (Integer>0)
LALLOW Lower bound on the response quantity. (Real, Default = -1.0E20)
See also Remarks 8 and 9 on DRESP1 Bulk Data entry.
UALLOW Upper bound on the response quantity. (Real, Default = 1.0E20)
See also Remarks 8 and 9 on DRESP1 Bulk Data entry.
LOWFQ Low end of frequency range in Hertz. See Remark 8. (Real ≥ 0.0,
Default = 0.0)
HIGHFQ High end of frequency range in Hertz (Real ≥ LOWFQ, Default =

1.0E+20). See Remark 8.
Remarks:
1. The DCONSTR entry may be selected in the Case Control section by the
DESSUB or DESGLB command. 14
BULK
2. DCID may be referenced by the DCONADD Bulk Data entry. D-E
3. For a given DCID, the associated RID can be referenced only once.
4. The units of LALLOW and UALLOW must be consistent with the referenced
response defined on the DRESPi entry. If RID refers to an “EIGN” response, then
the imposed bounds must be expressed in units of eigenvalue, (radian/time)2. If
1144 DCONSTR
Design Constraints
RID refers to a “FREQ” response, then the imposed bounds must be expressed
in cycles/time.
5. LALLOW and UALLOW are unrelated to the stress limits specified on the
MATi entry.
6. Constraints are computed as follows:
GSCAL is specified on the DOPTPRM entry. (Default = 0.001)
7. As Remark 6. indicates, small values of UALLOW and LALLOW require special

processing and should be avoided. Bounds of exactly zero are particularly
troublesome. This can be avoided by using a DRESP2 entry that offsets the
constrained response from zero.
8. LOWFQ and HIGHFQ fields are functional only for RTYPE with ‘FR’ prefix, e.g.,
FRDISP. The bounds provided in LALLOW and UALLOW are applicable to a
response only when the value of forcing frequency of the response falls between
the LOWFQ and HIGHFQ. If the ATTB field of the DRESP1 entry is not blank,
LOWFQ and HIGHFQ are ignored.
14
BULK
D-E
DDVAL 1145
Discrete Design Variable Values
DDVAL Discrete Design Variable Values
Define real, discrete design variable values for discrete variable optimization.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DDVAL ID DVAL1 DVAL2 DVAL3 DVAL4 DVAL5 DVAL6 DVAL7
Alternate Format:
DDVAL ID DVAL1 “THRU” DVAL “BY” INC
DVAL8 DVAL9 DVAL10 DVAL11 -etc.-
Continuation Entry Format 2::

DVAL8 “THRU” DVAL9 “BY” INC
Example:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DDVAL 110 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.4
07 thru 1.0 by 0.05
1.5 2.0
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Unique discrete value set identification number. (Integer>0)
DVALi Discrete values. (Real, or “THRU” or “BY”)

14
BULK
INC Discrete value increment. (Real) D-E
Remarks:
1. DDVAL entries must be referenced by a DESVAR entry in the DDVAL field

(field 8).
1146 DDVAL
Discrete Design Variable Values
2. Trailing fields on a DDVAL record can be left blank if the next record is of type
DVALi “THRU” DVALj “BY” INC. Also fields 7 - 9 must be blank when the type
DVALi “THRU” DVALj “BY” INC is used in fields 2 - 6 and fields 8 - 9 must be
blank when the type DVALi “THRU” DVALj “BY” INC is used in fields 3 - 7 for
the first record. Embedded blanks are not permitted in other cases.
3. The DVALi sequence can be random.
4. The format DVALi “THRU” DVALj “BY” INC defines a list of discrete values, e.g.,
DVALi, DVALi+INC, DVALIi+2.0*INC, ..., DVALj. The last discrete DVALj is
always included, even if the range is not evenly divisible by INC.
14
BULK
D-E
DEFORM 1147
Static Element Deformation
DEFORM Static Element Deformation
Defines enforced axial deformation for one-dimensional elements for use in statics
problems.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DEFORM SID EID1 D1 EID2 D2 EID3 D3
Example:
DEFORM 1 535 .05 536 -.10
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Deformation set identification number. (Integer>0)
EIDi Element number. (Integer>0)
Di Deformation. (Real; positive value represents elongation.)
Remarks:
1. The referenced element must be one-dimensional (CROD, CONROD, CTUBE,

CBAR, CBEAM).
2. Deformation sets must be selected in the Case Control Section with DEFORM =
SID.
3. One to three enforced element deformations may be defined on a single entry.
4. The DEFORM entry, when called by the DEFORM Case Control command,
is applicable to linear static, inertia relief, differential stiffness, and buckling
(Solutions 101, 105, 114, and 200) and will produce fatal messages in other
14
BULK
solution sequences. Use SPCD to apply enforced displacements in solution D-E
sequences for which DEFORM does not apply.
1148 DEFUSET
Degree-of-Freedom Set Name Definition
DEFUSET Degree-of-Freedom Set Name Definition
Defines new names for degree-of-freedom sets.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DEFUSET OLD1 NEW1 OLD2 NEW2 OLD3 NEW3 OLD4 NEW4
Example:
DEFUSET U2 X U4 Y U3 Z
Fields:
Field Contents
OLDi Default set name. (One to four characters)
NEWi New set name. (One to four characters)
Remarks:
1. From one to four set names may be specified on a single entry.
2. OLDi must refer to any of the set names given in “Degree-of-Freedom Sets”. It is
recommended that OLDi refer only to the set names U1 through U6. If sets PA
or PS are referenced, a user fatal message is issued.
3. All NEWi names must be unique with respect to all other set names.
4. The DEFUSET entry is optional since default set names exist for all
displacement sets.
5. The DEFUSET entry must be present in the Bulk Data Section in all restarts.
14
BULK
D-E
DELAY 1149
Dynamic Load Time Delay
DELAY Dynamic Load Time Delay
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 5 21 6 4.25 7 6 8.1
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Identification number of the DELAY entry. (Integer>0)
Ci Component number. (Integer 1 through 6 for grid point, blank or 0

for extra point or scalar point.)
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 specified on a RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1, TLOAD2, or

ACSRCE entry. See those entry descriptions for the formulas that define the
manner in which the time delay τ is used.
3. A DAREA and/or LSEQ entry should be used to define a load at Pi and Ci.
4. In superelement analysis, DELAY entries may only be applied to loads on points

14
BULK
in the residual structure.
D-E
1150 DEQATN
Design Equation Definition
DEQATN Design Equation Definition
Defines one or more equations for use in design sensitivity or p-element analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DEQATN EQID EQUATION
EQUATION (Cont.)
Example:
DEQATN 14 F1 (A, B, C, D, R) = A + B · C − (D ** 3 + 10.0) + sin (PI (1 · R))

+ A**2/ (B − C) ; F = A + B − F1 · D
Fields:
Field Contents
EQID Unique equation identification number. (Integer>0)
EQUATION Equation(s). See Remarks. (Character)
Remarks:
1. EQUATION is a single equation or a set of nested equations and is specified in

fields 3 through 9 on the first entry and may be continued on fields 2 through 9
on the continuation entries. On the continuation entries, no commas can appear
in columns 1 through 8. All data in fields 2 through 9 must be specified in
columns 9 through 72. The large-field format is not allowed.
A single equation has the following format:

variable-1 (x1, x2, ..., xn)=expression-1
14 A set of nested equations is separated by semicolons and has the format:

BULK
D-E
DEQATN 1151
Expression-i is a collection of constants, real variables, and real functions,

separated by operators, and must produce a single real value. (x1, x2, ...,
xn) is the list of all the variable names (except variable-i) that appear in all
expressions. Variable-i may be used in subsequent expressions. The last
equation, variable-m=expression-m, provides the value that is returned to the
Bulk Data entry that references EQID; e.g., DRESP2. The example above
represents the following mathematical equations:
where SIN and PI are intrinsic functions. See Remark 4.
2. EQUATION may contain embedded blanks. EQUATION must contain less than
32,000 nonblank characters. If more characters are required for use with a
DRESP2 entry, the DRESP2 can be divided into two or more DRESP2 entries
with a master DRESP2 referencing subsequent DRESP2s.
3. The syntax of the expressions follows FORTRAN language standards. The

allowable arithmetic operations are shown in Table 14-1 in the order of execution
precedence. Parenthesis are used to change the order of precedence. Operations
within parentheses are performed first with the usual order of precedence being
maintained within the parentheses.
Table 14-1. DEQATN Entry Operators

Sample
Operator Operation Interpreted As
Expressions
Negative or Positive
-, + immediately preceded X * * -Y X * * (-Y)
by exponentiation
* * Exponentiation -X * * Y (-X * * Y)
-, + Negative or Positive -X-Y (-X)-Y
*, / Multiplication or Division X * Y-Z (X * Y)-Z 14
+, - Addition or Subtraction X+Y X+Y BULK
D-E
4. The expressions may contain intrinsic functions. Table 14-2 contains the format
and descriptions of functions that may appear in the expressions. The use of
functions that may be discontinuous must be used with caution because they can
cause discontinuous derivatives. These are ABS, DIM, MAX, MIN, and MOD. For
examples and further details see the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide.
1152 DEQATN
Table 14-2. DEQATN Entry Functions
Format Description Mathematical Expressions

ABS(x) absolute value |x|
ACOS(x) arccosine cos-1 x
ACOSH(x) hyperbolic cosh-1 x

arccosine
ASIN(x) arcsine sin-1 x
ASINH(x) hyperbolic sinh-1 x

arcsine
ATAN(x) arctangent tan-1 x
ATAN2(x,y) arctangent of tan-1 (x/y)

quotient
ATANH(x) hyperbolic tanh-1 x
arctangent
ATANH2(x,y) hyperbolic tanh-1 (x/y)
arctangent of
quotient
AVG(X1, X2, average
.., Xn)
COS(x) cosine cos x
COSH(x) hyperbolic cosh x

cosine
DB(P, PREF) sound
pressure in
14 decibel
BULK DBA(P, PREF, sound
D-E F) pressure
in decibel
(perceived)
DIM(x,y) positive x-MIN(x,y)
difference
DEQATN 1153

EXP(x) exponential ex
INVDB(DB, inverse Db
PREF)
INVDBA(DBA, inverse Dba

PREF, F)
LOG(x) natural loge x

logarithm
LOG10(x) common log10 x
logarithm
LOGX(x,y) base x logx y
logarithm
MAX(x1, x2, ..) maximum maximum of x1, etc.
MIN(x1, x2, ...) minimum minimum of x1, etc.
MOD(x,y) remainder x − y · (INT (x / y))
(modulo)
PI(x) multiples of pi x·π
(π)
RSS(X1, ..., square root
Xn) of sum of
squares
SIN(x) sine sin x
SINH(x) hyperbolic sinh x 14

sine BULK
D-E
SQRT(x) square root
1154 DEQATN

SSQ(X1, ..., sum of
Xn) squares
SUM(X1, ..., summation

Xn)
TAN(x) tangent tan x
TANH(x) hyperbolic tanh x

tangent
X1, X2, .., Xn,P = structure responses or acoustic pressure
PREF = reference pressure
F = forcing frequency
DB = acoustic pressure in Decibel
DBA = perceived acoustic pressure in Decibel
Ta1 =
Ta2 =
14 K1 = 2.242882e+16
BULK
D-E
K3 = 1.562339
P1 = 20.598997
P2 = 107.65265
DEQATN 1155
P3 = 737.86223
P4 = 12194.22
5. If the DEQATN entry is referenced by the:

• DVPREL2 entry, then Xi represents the DVIDj and LABLk fields.
• DRESP2 entry, then Xi represents the DVIDj, LABLk, NRm, Gp, DPIPq,
DCICr, DMIMs, DPI2Pt, DCI2Cu, DMI2Mv, and NRRw fields in that order.
• GMLOAD, GMBC, or TEMPF entries, then

X1 represents x in the basic coordinate system,
X2 represents y in the basic coordinate system, and
X3 represents z in the basic coordinate system.
• GMCURV entry, then

X1 represents line parameter u.
• GMSURF entry, then

X1 represents surface parameter u and
X2 represents surface parameter v.
6. If the DEQATN entry is referenced by the GMLOAD, GMBC, TEMPF, GMCURV,

or GMSURF entries and your computer has a short word length (e.g., 32
bits/word), then EQUATION is processed with double precision and constants
may be specified in double precision; e.g., 1.2D0. If your machine has a long word
length (e.g., 64 bits/word) then EQUATION is processed in single precision and
constants must be specified in single precision; e.g., 1.2.
7. The DMAP logical operators NOT, AND, OR, XOR, and XQV cannot be used
as Xi names.
8. Input errors on the DEQATN entry often result in poor messages. Substituting a
“[” for a parenthesis or violating the restriction against large field format are
examples. Known messages are UFM 215, SFM 233 and UFM 5199. If any of
14
BULK
these messages are encountered then, review the DEQATN entry input. D-E
9. Intrinsic functions MAX and MIN are limited to <100 arguments. If more
arguments are desired, the functions may be concatenated.
10. Arithmetic is carried out using the type of the input data. For example, in the
expression:
1156 DEQATN
X = A**(1/2)
both values in the exponent are integers so that the value returned for the
exponent is calculated using integer arithmetic or 1/2 = 0. In this case 1/2 should
be replaced by (.5).
14
BULK
D-E
DESVAR 1157
Design Variable
DESVAR Design Variable
Defines a design variable for design optimization.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DESVAR ID LABEL XINIT XLB XUB DELXV DDVAL
Example:
DESVAR 2 BARA1 35.0 10. 100. 0.2
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Unique design variable identification number. (Integer>0)
LABEL User-supplied name for printing purposes. (Character)
XINIT Initial value. (Real, XLB ≤ XINIT ≤ XUB)
XLB Lower bound. (Real, Default = -1.0E+20)
XUB Upper bound. (Real, Default = +1.0E+20)
DELXV Fractional change allowed for the design variable during
approximate optimization. (Real>0.0; for Default see Remark 2. )
DDVAL ID of a DDVAL entry that provides a set of allowable discrete values.
(Blank or Integer>0; Default=blank for continuous design variables.
See Remark 3. )
Remarks:
1. DELXV can be used to control the change in the design variable during one
optimization cycle.
2. If DELXV is blank, the default is taken from the specification of the DELX
14
BULK
parameter on the DOPTPRM entry. If DELX is not specified, then the default D-E
is 1.0.
3. If the design variable is to be discrete (Integer>0 in DDVAL field), and if either of

the XLB and/or XUB bounds are 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.
1158 DIVERG
Divergence Analysis Data
DIVERG Divergence Analysis Data
Defines Mach numbers (m) for a divergence analysis in SOLs 144 and 200.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DIVERG SID NROOT M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6
M7 M8 -etc.-
Example:
DIVERG 70 2 .5 .8 .9
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Unique set identifier. (Integer>0)
NROOT Number of divergence roots that are to be output and their
eigenvectors printed. (Integer; Default = 1)
Mi Mach number. (Real ≥ 0.0)
Remarks:
1. The DIVERG entry is referenced in Case Control by “DIVERG = SID”.
2. The NROOT lowest divergence dynamic pressures are printed. If there are fewer
than NROOT pressures, all available dynamic pressures are printed.
3. Mi values must be distinct.
4. A blank Mach number field terminates the input.

14
BULK
D-E
DLINK 1159
Multiple Design Variable Linking
DLINK Multiple Design Variable Linking
Relates one design variable to one or more other design variables.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DLINK ID DDVID C0 CMULT IDV1 C1 IDV2 C2
IDV3 C3 -etc.-
Example:
DLINK 10 2 0.1 0.33 2 2.0 6 -1.0
8 7.0
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Unique identification number. (Integer>0)
DDVID Dependent design variable identification number. (Integer>0)
C0 Constant term. (Real; Default = 0.0)
CMULT Constant multiplier. (Real; Default = 1.0)
IDVi Independent design variable identification number. (Integer>0)
Ci Coefficient i corresponding to IDVi. (Real)
Remarks:
1. DLINK defines the relationship
14
BULK
D-E
2. This capability provides a means of linking physical design variables such as
element thicknesses to nonphysical design variables such as the coefficients of
interpolating functions.
3. CMULT provides a simple means of scaling the Ci. For example if Ci = 1/7, 2/7,
4/7, etc. is desired, then CMULT = 1/7 and Ci = 1, 2, 4, etc., may be input.
1160 DLINK
Multiple Design Variable Linking
4. An independent IDVi must not occur on the same DLINK entry more than once.
5. ID is for user reference only.
6. If a design variable is specified as dependent on one DLINK entry, then it cannot

be specified as independent on another DLINK entry.
14
BULK
D-E
DLOAD 1161
Dynamic Load Combination or Superposition
DLOAD Dynamic Load Combination or Superposition
Defines a dynamic loading condition for frequency response or transient response

problems as a linear combination of load sets defined via RLOAD1 or RLOAD2
entries for frequency response or TLOAD1 or TLOAD2 entries for transient response.
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 17 1.0 2.0 6 -2.0 7 2.0 8

-2.0 9
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Load set identification number. (Integer>0)
Si Scale factors. (Real)
Li Load set identification numbers of RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1,
TLOAD2, and ACSRC entries. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. Dynamic load sets must be selected in the Case Control section with DLOAD =
SID.
2. The load vector being defined by this entry is given by

14
BULK
D-E
3. Each Li must be unique from any other Li on the same entry.
4. SID must be unique from all TLOADi and RLOADi entries.

1162 DLOAD
Dynamic Load Combination or Superposition
5. Nonlinear transient load sets (NOLINi entries) may not be specified on DLOAD
entries. NOLINi entries are selected separately in the Case Control section by
the NONLINEAR command.
6. A DLOAD entry may not reference a set identification number defined by

another DLOAD entry.
7. TLOAD1 and TLOAD2 loads may be combined only through the use of the
DLOAD entry.
8. RLOAD1 and RLOAD2 loads may be combined only through the use of the
DLOAD entry.
1. DLOAD may be used in a nonlinear static or transient analysis to combine

time-dependent loads.
2. Li can only be the load set identification numbers of TLOAD1 entries.
3. Both LOAD and DLOAD can be used in the same analysis to define some loads
with constant magnitude and some time-dependent loads.
14
BULK
D-E
DMI 1163
Direct Matrix Input
DMI Direct Matrix Input
Defines matrix data blocks. Generates a matrix of the following form:
where the elements Xij may be real (Xij = Aij) or complex (Xij = Aij + iBij). 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
DMI NAME “0” FORM TIN TOUT M N
Column Entry Format for Real Matrices:

DMI NAME J I1 A(I1,J) A(I1+1,J) -etc.- I2
A(I2,J) -etc.-
Column Entry Format for Complex Matrices:

DMI NAME J I1 A(I1,J) B(I1,J) A(I1+1,J) B(I1+1,J) -etc.-
I2 A(I2,J) B(I2,J) -etc.-
Example of a Real Matrix:

DMI BBB 0 2 1 1 4 2
DMI BBB 1 1 1. 3. 5.
DMI BBB 2 2 6. 4 8. 14
BULK
D-E
1164 DMI
Direct Matrix Input
Example of a Complex Matrix:

DMI QQQ 0 2 3 3 4 2
DMI QQQ 1 1 1.0 2.0 3.0 0.0 3
5.0 6.0
DMI QQQ 2 2 6.0 7.0 4 8.0 9.0
Fields:
Field Contents
NAME Name of the matrix. See Remark 1. NAME is used to reference

the data block in the DMAP sequence. (One to eight alphanumeric
characters, the first of which must be alphabetic.)
FORM Form of matrix. (Integer)
1 = Square matrix (not symmetric)
2 = General rectangular matrix
3 = Diagonal matrix (M=number of rows, N = 1)
4 = Lower triangular factor
5 = Upper triangular factor
6 = Symmetric matrix
8 = Identity matrix (M=number of rows, N = M)
14 TIN Type of matrix being input. (Integer)

BULK
D-E 1 = Real, single precision (one field used per element)
2 = Real, double precision (one field used per element)
3 = Complex, single precision (two fields used per element)
4 = Complex, double precision (two fields used per element)

DMI 1165
Direct Matrix Input
Field Contents
TOUT Type of matrix being output. (Integer)
0 = Set by precision cell
1 = Real, single precision
2 = Real, double precision
3 = Complex, single precision
4 = Complex, double precision
M Number of rows in NAME. (Integer>0)
N Number of columns in NAME. Except for FORM 3 and 8. (Integer>0)
“0” Indicates the header entry.
J Column number of NAME. (Integer>0)
I1, I2, etc. Row number of NAME, which indicates the beginning of a group of
nonzero elements in the column. See Remark 13. (Integer>0)
A(Ix,J) Real part of the element (see TIN). (Real)
B(Ix,J) Imaginary part of the element (see TIN). (Real)
Remarks:
1. In order to use the DMI feature, the user must write a DMAP, or make
alterations to a solution sequence that includes the DMIIN module. See the NX
Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide. All rules governing the use of data blocks
in DMAP sequences apply.
2. The total number of DMIs and DTIs may not exceed 1000.
3. Field 3 of the header entry must contain an integer of zero (0). 14

BULK
4. For symmetric matrices, the entire matrix must be input. D-E
5. Only nonzero terms need be entered.
6. Leading and trailing zeros in a column do not have to be entered. However, a

blank field between nonzero fields on this entry is not equivalent to a zero. If
1166 DMI
Direct Matrix Input
a zero input is required, the appropriate type zero must be entered (i.e., 0.0
or 0.0D0).
7. Complex input must have both the real and imaginary parts entered if either
part is nonzero; i.e., the zero component must be input explicitly.
8. If A(Ix,J) is followed by “THRU” in the next field and an integer row number
“IX” after the THRU, then A(lx,J) will be repeated in each row through IX. The
“THRU” must follow an element value. For example, the entries for a real matrix
RRR would appear as follows:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DMI NAME J I1 A(I1,J) I1 A(I2,J)
DMI RRR 1 2 1.0 THRU 10 12 2.0
These entries will cause the first column of the matrix RRR to have a zero in row
1, the values 1.0 in rows 2 through 10, a zero in row 11, and 2.0 in row 12.
9. Each column must be a single logical entry. The terms in each column must be
specified in increasing row number order.
10. The “FORM” options 4, 5, and 8 are nonstandard forms and may be used only in
conjunction with the modules indicated in Table 14-3.
Table 14-3. DMI FORM Options

Modules
FORM Matrix Description
ADD FBS MATPRN MPYAD
4 Lower Triangular Factor X X
5 Upper Triangular Factor X X
8 Identity X X X X
11. Form 3 matrices are converted to Form 6 matrices, which may be used by any
module.
14 12. Form 7 matrices may not be defined on this entry.
BULK
D-E
13. I1 must be specified. I2, etc. are not required if their matrix elements follow the
preceding element in the next row of the matrix. For example, in the column
entry for column 1 of QQQ, neither I2 nor I3 is specified.
14. The DMIG entry is more convenient for matrices with rows and columns that are
referenced by grid or scalar point degrees-of-freedom.
DMIAX 1167
Direct Matrix Input for Axisymmetric Analysis
DMIAX Direct Matrix Input for Axisymmetric Analysis
Defines axisymmetric (fluid or structure) related direct input matrix terms.

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.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DMlAX NAME “0" IFO TIN TOUT
Column Entry Format:

DMlAX NAME GJ CJ NJ
G1 C1 N1 A1 B1
G2 C2 -etc.-
Example:
DMIAX B2PP 0 1 34
DMIAX B2PP 32
1027 3 4.25+6 2.27+3
Fields:
Field Contents
NAME Name of the matrix. See Remark 2. (One to eight alphanumeric

characters, the first of which is alphabetic.)
IFO Form of matrix. (Integer)
1 = Square matrix
2 = General rectangular matrix 14

BULK
6 = Symmetric matrix D-E
TIN Type of matrix being input. (Integer)
1 = Real, single precision (one field used per element)
3 = Complex, single precision. (two fields are used per element)

1168 DMIAX
Direct Matrix Input for Axisymmetric Analysis
Field Contents
TOUT Type of matrix that will be created: (Integer)
GJ, Gi Grid, scalar, RINGFL fluid point, PRESPT pressure point, FREEPT
free surface displacement, or extra point identification number.
(Integer>0)
CJ, Ci Component number for a GJ or Gi grid point (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6; Blank

or zero if GJ or Gi is a scalar, fluid, or extra point.)
NJ, Ni Harmonic number of a RINGFL point. Must be blank if a point type

other than RINGFL is used. A negative number implies the “sine”
series; a positive number implies the “cosine” series. (Integer)
Ai, Bi Real and imaginary parts of matrix element; row (Gi, Ci, Ni) column
(GJ, CJ, NJ). If the matrix is real (TIN = 1), then Bi must be blank.
Remarks:
2. Matrices defined on this entry may be used in dynamics by selection with the
Case Control commands K2PP = NAME, B2PP = NAME, or M2PP = NAME for
[K2pp], [B2pp], or [M2pp], respectively. See “Dynamic Reduction and Component
Mode Synthesis in SubDMAP SEMR3” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide.
3. Field 3 or the header entry must contain an integer 0.
14 4. For symmetric matrices, either the upper or the lower triangle terms may be
BULK specified, but not both.
D-E
DMIG 1169
Direct Matrix Input at Points
DMIG Direct Matrix Input at Points
Defines 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. A column entry
is required for each column with nonzero elements.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DMIG NAME “0" IFO TIN TOUT POLAR NCOL

DMIG NAME GJ CJ G1 C1 A1 B1
G2 C2 A2 B2 -etc.-
Example:
DMIG STIF 0 1 3 4
DMIG STIF 27 1 2 3 3.+5 3.+3
2 4 2.5+10 0. 50 1.0 0.
Fields:
Field Contents

IFO Form of matrix input. IFO = 6 must be specified for matrices

selected by the K2GG, M2GG, B2GG, and K42GG Case Control
commands. (Integer)
1 = Square
9 or 2 = Rectangular 14
BULK
6 = Symmetric D-E
1170 DMIG
Field Contents
1 = Real, single precision (One field is used per element.)
2 = Real, double precision (One field is used per element.)
3 = Complex, single precision (Two fields are used per element.)
4 = Complex, double precision (Two fields are used per element.)
TOUT Type of matrix that will be created: (Integer)
0 = Set by precision system cell (Default)
POLAR Input format of Ai, Bi. (Integer=blank or 0 indicates real, imaginary

format; Integer>0 indicates amplitude, phase format.)
NCOL Number of columns in a rectangular matrix. Used only for IFO = 9.

See Remarks 5. and 6. (Integer>0)
GJ Grid, scalar or extra point identification number for a column index.

(Integer>0)
CJ Component number for a grid point GJ. (0<Integer ≤ 6; blank or zero

if GJ is a scalar or extra point.)
Gi Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number for a row index.

(Integer>0)
Ci Component number for Gi for a grid point. (0<CJ ≤ 6 ; blank or zero

14 if Gi is a scalar or extra point.)
BULK
D-E Ai, Bi Real and imaginary (or amplitude and phase) parts of a matrix
element. If the matrix is real (TIN = 1 or 2), then Bi must be blank.
(Real)
DMIG 1171
Remarks:
1. Matrices defined on this entry may be used in dynamics by selection in the

Case Control with K2PP = NAME, or B2PP = NAME, or M2PP = NAME for
[Kpp], [Bpp], or [Mpp], respectively. Matrices may also be selected for all solution
sequences with K2GG = NAME, or B2GG = NAME, or M2GG = NAME, or
K42GG = NAME. The g-set matrices are added to the structural matrices
before constraints are applied, while p-set matrices are added in dynamics after
constraints are applied. Load matrices may be selected by P2G = NAME for
dynamic and superelement analyses.
2. The header entry containing IFO, TIN and TOUT is required. Each nonnull
column is started with a GJ, CJ pair. The entries for each row of that column
follows. Only nonzero terms need be entered. The terms may be input in
arbitrary order. A GJ, CJ pair may be entered more than once, but input of an
element of the matrix more than once will produce a fatal message.
3. Field 3 of the header entry must contain an integer 0.
4. For symmetric matrices (IFO = 6), a given off-diagonal element may be input
either below or above the diagonal. While upper and lower triangle terms may
be mixed, a fatal message will be issued if an element is input both below and
above the diagonal.
5. The recommended format for rectangular matrices requires the use of NCOL
and IFO = 9. The number of columns in the matrix is NCOL. (The number of
rows in all DMIG matrices is always either p-set or g-set size, depending on the
context.) The GJ term is used for the column index. The CJ term is ignored.
6. If NCOL is not used for rectangular matrices, two different conventions are
available:
• If IFO = 9, GJ and CJ will determine the sorted sequence, but will otherwise
be ignored; a rectangular matrix will be generated with the columns
submitted being in the 1 to N positions, where N is the number of logical
entries submitted (not counting the header entry).
• If IFO = 2, the number of columns of the rectangular matrix will be equal

to the index of the highest numbered non-null column (in internal sort).
14
BULK
Trailing null columns of the g- or p-size matrix will be truncated. D-E
7. The matrix names must be unique among all DMIGs.
8. TIN should be set consistent with the number of decimal digits required to read
the input data adequately. For a single-precision specification on a short-word
machine, the input will be truncated after about eight decimal digits, even when
1172 DMIG
more digits are present in a double-field format. If more digits are needed, a
double precision specification should be used instead. However, note that a
double precision specification requires a “D” type exponent even for terms that do
not need an exponent. For example, unity may be input as 1.0 in single precision,
but the longer form 1.0D0 is required for double precision.
9. On long-word machines, almost all matrix calculations are performed in single

precision and on short-word machines, in double precision. It is recommended
that DMIG matrices also follow these conventions for a balance of efficiency
and reliability. The recommended value for TOUT is 0, which instructs the
program to inspect the system cell that measures the machine precision at run
time and sets the precision of the matrix to the same value. TOUT = 0 allows
the same DMIG input to be used on any machine. If TOUT is contrary to the
machine type specified (for example, a TOUT of 1 on a short-word machine),
unreliable results may occur.
10. If any DMIG entry is changed or added on restart then a complete re-analysis is
performed. Therefore, DMIG entry changes or additions are not recommended
on restart.
14
BULK
D-E
DMIG,UACCEL 1173
Direct Matrix Input of Enforced Static Acceleration
DMIG,UACCEL Direct Matrix Input of Enforced Static Acceleration
Defines rigid body accelerations in the basic coordinate system.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DMIG UACCEL “0" “9" TIN NCOL
DMIG UACCEL L G1 C1 X1
G2 C2 X2 G3 C3 X3
Example:
DMIG UACCEL 0 9 1 4
DMIG UACCEL 2 2 3 386.4
Fields:
Field Contents
TIN Type of matrix being input. (Integer 1 or 2)
1 = Real, single precision. (one field is used per element)2 = Real,

double precision. (one field is used per element)
NCOL Number of columns. See Remark 2. (Integer>0; Default is the

number of columns specified)
L Load sequence number. (Integer>0)
Gi Grid point identification number of a single reference point.

(Integer>0)
Ci Component number for Gi in the basic coordinate system. See

14
BULK
Remark 4. (0<Integer ≤ 6)
D-E
Xi Value of enforced acceleration term in the basic coordinate system.
(Real)
1174 DMIG,UACCEL
Direct Matrix Input of Enforced Static Acceleration
Remarks:
1. DMIG,UACCEL is an optional entry when PARAM,INREL,-1 is specified in

SOLs 101 or 200. If DMIG,UACCEL is present, the loads applied to the structure
are the sum of the conventional applied loads plus the inertia loads resulting
from the rigid body accelerations defined on this entry. If it is not present,
conventional inertia relief calculations are performed.
2. The load sequence number interpretation depends on the value of the NCOL
field. The recommended method is to set it equal to the number of loading
conditions. The load sequence number L is then the sequence number of the
subcase to which the applied acceleration will be applied.
3. The grid point identification number listed on Gi defines a single grid point on
the model where loads will be applied to cause the enforced acceleration state.
Gi must also appear on a SUPORT Bulk Data entry and a PARAM,GRDPNT
entry. In superelement analysis, it must be a residual structure point exterior
to all superelements.
4. The Xi value is the enforced acceleration at grid point Gi. The translation and
rotation components are in consistent units and will be applied in the basic
coordinate system regardless of the displacement coordinate system specified for
Gi (CD field on GRID entry).
6. See the NX Nastran User’s Guide for the theoretical basis of inertia relief with
superelements.
7. If any DMIG entry is changed or added on restart then a complete re-analysis is

performed. Therefore, DMIG entry changes or additions are not recommended
on restart.
14
BULK
D-E
DMIJ 1175
Direct Matrix Input at js-Set of the Aerodynamic Mesh
DMIJ Direct Matrix Input at js-Set of the Aerodynamic Mesh
Defines direct input matrices related to collation degrees of freedom (js-set) of

aerodynamic mesh points for CAERO1, CAERO3, CAERO4 and CAERO5 and for
the slender body elements of CAERO2. These include W2GJ, FA2J and input
pressures and downwashes associated with AEPRESS and AEDW entries. The
matrix is described by a single header entry and one or more column entries. A
column entry is required for each column with nonzero elements. For entering data
for the interference elements of a CAERO2, use DMIJI or DMI.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DMIJ NAME “0” IFO TIN TOUT POLAR NCOL

DMIJ NAME GJ CJ G1 C1 A1 B1
G2 C2 A2 B2 -etc.-
Example:
DMIJ ALPH1 0 9 2 0 1
DMIJ ALPH1 1 1 1 1 .1
2 1 .1
Fields:
Field Contents

IFO Form of matrix being input. (Integer)
1 = Square 14
BULK
9 or 2 = Rectangular D-E
6 = Symmetric
1176 DMIJ
Field Contents
1 = Real, single precision (one field s used per element)
2 = Real, double precision (one field used per element)
TOUT Type of matrix being created: (Integer)
POLAR Input format of Ai, Bi. (Integer = blank or 0 indicates real, imaginary
format. Integer>0 indicates magnitude, phase format.)

(Integer>0)

(Integer>0)
CJ Component number for grid point GJ. (0<Integer ≤ 6; blank or zero


(Integer>0)
Ci Component number for Gi for a grid point. (0<CJ ≤6; blank or zero
BULK
(Real)
DMIJ 1177
Remarks:
1. Matrices defined on this entry are referenced in static aeroelastic analysis by

reference on AEDW and/or AEPRESS entries. In that paradigm, a single column
is required. Also, DMIJ may also be used for the W2GJ and FA2J entries.
Again, a single column is required. If both DMI and DMIJ are specified for
W2GJ or FA2J, the DMI entry will be used. DMI may NOT be used for AEDW
and AEPRESS.
2. The js-set DOFs for each aerodynamic theory are limited to the six-DOF
paradigm (3 translations and 3 rotations). However, particular DOFs are
permanently SPC’d based on the theory’s ability to support those degrees of
freedom. Unlike the DMIG entry, DMIJ data will be partitioned to the j-set,
not reduced. No warnings are issued about truncated data.The j-set DOFs for
each aerodynamic element/grid are highly method dependent. The following
data define the known set, but the j-set definition is somewhat arbitrary in the
general (external aerodynamics) paradigm.
COMP
Entry Type
1 2 3 5 6
CAERO1 X
CAERO2-Y X
CAERO2-Z X
CAERO2-ZY X X
then follow. Only nonzero terms need be entered. The terms may be input in
arbitrary order. A GJ, CJ pair may be entered more than once, but the input of
an element of the matrix more than once results in a fatal message.
5. For symmetric matrices (very rare in the j-set) (IFO=6), a given off-diagonal 14
element may be input either below or above the diagonal. While upper and lower BULK
triangle terms may be mixed, a fatal message will be issued if an element is D-E
input both above and below the diagonal.
rows in all DMIJ matrices is always the js-set size—the union of the j-set and
1178 DMIJ
the permanently SPC’d partition.) The GJ term is used for the column index.
the CJ term is ignored.
available:

to the index of the highest numbered nonnull column (in internal sort).
Training null columns of the js-size matrix will be truncated.
8. The matrix names must be unique among all DMIJ.
9. TIN should be consistent with the number of decimal digits required to read
the input data adequately. For a single precision specification on a short word
more digits are present in a double field format. If more digits are needed, a
double precision specification should be used instead. However, not that a double
precision specification requires a “D” type exponent even for terms that do not
need an exponent. For example, unity may be input as 1.0 in single precision,
10. On long word machines, almost all matrix calculations are performed in single
precision and, on short word machines, in double precision. It is recommended
that DMIJ matrices also follow these conventions for a balance of efficiency and
reliability. The recommended value for TOUT is 0, which instructs the program
to inspect the system cell that measures the machine precision at run time and
sets the precision of the matrix to the same value. TOUT = 0 allows the same
DMIJ input to be used on any machine. If TOUT is contrary to the machine type
specified, unreliable results may occur.
11. If any DMIJ entry is changed or added on restart then a complete reanalysis is
14 performed. Therefore, DMIJ entry changes or additions are not recommended on
restart.
BULK
D-E
DMIJI 1179
Direct Matrix Input at js-Set of the Interference Body
DMIJI Direct Matrix Input at js-Set of the Interference Body
Defines direct input matrices related to collation degrees of freedom (js-set) of

aerodynamic mesh points for the interference elements of CAERO2. These include
W2GJ, FA2J and input pressures and downwashes associated with AEPRESS and
AEDW entries. The matrix is described by a single header entry and one or more
column entries. A column entry is required for each column with nonzero elements.
For entering data for the slender elements of a CAERO2 or a CAERO1, 3, 4 or 5
use DMIJ or DMI.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DMIJI NAME “0” IFO TIN TOUT POLAR NCOL

DMIJ NAME GJ CJ G1 C1 A1 B1
G2 C2 A2 B2 -etc.-
Example:
DMIJI ALPH1 0 9 2 0 1
DMIJI ALPH1 1 1 1 1 .1
2 1 .1
Fields:
Field Contents

1 = Square 14
BULK
9 or 2 = Rectangular D-E
6 = Symmetric
1180 DMIJI
Field Contents
1 = Real, single precision (one field is used per element)
2 = Real, double precision (one field is used per element)
TOUT Type of matrix being created. (Integer)
format. Integer>0 indicated magnitude, phase format.)
NCOL Number of columns in a rectangular matrix. Used only for IFO =

9. (Integer>0)

(Integer>0)


(Integer>0)
Ci Component number for Gi for a grid point. (0<CJ ≤ 6; blank or zero

BULK
(Real)
DMIJI 1181
Remarks:

reference on AEDW and/or AEPRESS entries. In that paradigm, a single column
is required. DMI may NOT be used for AEDW and AEPRESS.
2. The js-set DOFs for each aerodynamic theory are limited to the six-DOF
freedom. Unlike the DMIG entry, DMIJI data will be partitioned to the j-set,
not reduced. No warnings are issued about truncated data. The j-set DOFs for
COMP
Entry Type
1 2 3 5 6
CAERO2-Y X
CAERO2-Z X
CAERO2-ZY X X
5. For symmetric matrices (very rare in the j-set!) (IFO=6), a given off-diagonal
element may be input either below or above the diagonal. While upper and lower
triangle terms may be mixed, a fatal message will be issued if an element is
input both above and below the diagonal.
14
BULK
D-E
rows in all DMIJI matrices is always the js-set size—the union of the j-set and
the permanently SPC’d partition.) The GJ term is used for the column index.
The CJ term is ignored.
available:
1182 DMIJI

Trailing null columns of the js-size matrix will be truncated.
8. The matrix names must be unique among all DMIJI.
double precision specification should be used instead. However, note that a
double precision specification requires a “D” type exponent even for terms that do
not need an exponent. For example, unity may be input as 1.0 in single precision,
that DMIJ matrices also follow these conventions for a balance of efficiency and
DMIJI input to be used on any machine. If TOUT is contrary to the machine
type specified, unreliable results may occur.
11. If any DMIJ entry is changed or added on restart then a complete reanalysis is
performed. Therefore, DMIJ entry changes or additions are not recommended on
restart.
14
BULK
D-E
DMIK 1183
Direct Matrix Input at ks-Set of the Aerodynamic Mesh
DMIK Direct Matrix Input at ks-Set of the Aerodynamic Mesh
Defines direct input matrices related to physical (displacement) degrees of freedom

(ks-set) of aerodynamic grid points. These include WKK, WTFACT and input forces
associated with AEFORCE entries. The matrix is described by a single header entry
and one or more column entries. A column entry is required for each column with
nonzero elements.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DMIK NAME “0” IFO TIN TOUT POLAR NCOL

DMIK NAME GJ CJ G1 C1 A1 B1
G2 C2 A2 B2 -etc.-
Example:
DMIK ALPH1 0 9 2 0 1
DMIK ALPH1 1 1 1 1 1.0
2 1 1.0
Fields:
Field Contents

1 = Square
9 or 2 = Rectangular 14
BULK
6 = Symmetric D-E
1184 DMIK
Field Contents
1 = Real, single precision (One field is used per element)
2 = Real, double precision (One field is used per element)
3 = Complex, single precision (Two fields are used per element)
4 = Complex, double precision (Two fields are used per element)
TOUT Type of matrix being created: (Integer)
format. Integer>0 indicated magnitude, phase format.)

(Integer>0)
GJ Grid, scalar or extra point identification number for column index.

(Integer>0)

Gi Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number for row index.

(Integer>0)
Ci Component number for Gi for a grid point. (0<CJ ≤ 6; blank or zero if Gi

14 is a scalar or extra point.)
BULK
D-E Ai, Bi Real and imaginary (or amplitude and phase) parts of a matrix element.
If the matrix is real (TIN = 1 or 2), then Bi must be blank. (Real)
DMIK 1185
Remarks:

reference on AEFORCE entries. In that paradigm, a single column is required.
Also, DMIK may also be used for the WKK and WTFACT entries. If both DMI
and DMIK are specified for WKK or WTFACT, the DMI entry will be used. DMI
may NOT be used for AEFORCE.
2. The ks-set DOFs for each aerodynamic theory are limited to the six-DOF
freedom. Unlike the DMIG entry, DMIK data will be partitioned to the k-set,
not reduced. No warnings are issued about truncated data. The k-set DOFs for
COMP
Entry Type
1 2 3 5 6
CAERO1 X X
CAERO2-Y X X
CAERO2-Z X X
CAERO2-ZY X X X X
5. For symmetric matrices (IFO=6), a given off-diagonal element may be input

either below or above the diagonal. While upper and lower triangle terms may
be mixed, a fatal message will be issued if an element is input both above and
14
BULK
below the diagonal. D-E
rows in all DMIK matrices is always the ks-set size—the union of the k-set and
the permanently SPC’d partition). The GJ term is used for the column index.
The CJ term is ignored.
1186 DMIK
available:

Training null columns of the js-size matrix will be truncated.
8. The matrix names must be unique among all DMIK
double precision specification should be used instead. However, not that a double
precision specification requires a “D” type exponent even for terms that do not
need an exponent. For example, unity may be input as 1.0 in single precision,
that DMIK matrices also follow these conventions for a balance of efficiency and
DMIK input to be used on any machine. If TOUT is contrary to the machine type
specified, unreliable results may occur.
11. If any DMIK entry is changed or added on restart then a complete reanalysis is
performed. Therefore, DMIK entry changes or additions are not recommended
on restart.
14
BULK
D-E
DOPTPRM 1187
Design Optimization Parameters
DOPTPRM Design Optimization Parameters
Overrides default values of parameters used in design optimization.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DOPTPRM PARAM1 VAL1 PARAM2 VAL2 PARAM3 VAL3 PARAM4 VAL4
PARAM5 VAL5 -etc.-
Example:
DOPTPRM IPRINT 5 DESMAX 10
Fields:
Field Contents
PARAMi Name of the design optimization parameter. Allowable names are
given in Table 14-4. (Character)
VALi Value of the parameter. (Real or Integer) See Table 14-4.
Remarks:
1. Only one DOPTPRM entry is allowed in the Bulk Data Section.
Table 14-4. PARAMi Names and Descriptions
Name Description , Type, and Default Value
Approximation method to be used. 1 = Direct Linearization;

2=Mixed Method based on response type; 3 = Convex
APRCOD
Linearization. APRCOD = 1 is recommended for shape
optimization problems. (Integer 1, 2, or 3; Default = 2) 14
BULK
Relative criterion to detect convergence. If the relative change D-E
in objective between two optimization cycles is less than
CONV1
CONV1, then optimization is terminated. (Real>0.0; Default =
0.001)
1188 DOPTPRM
Absolute criterion to detect convergence. If the absolute

change in objective between two optimization cycles is less
CONV2
than CONV2, then optimization is terminated. (Real>0.0;
Default = 1.0E-20)
Relative convergence criterion on design variables. (Real>0.0;

CONVDV
Default = 0.001)
Relative convergence criterion on properties. (Real>0.0;

CONVPR
Default = 0.001)
Constraint tolerance. Constraint is considered active if current

CT
value is greater than CT. (Real<0.0; Default = -0.03)
Constraint is considered violated if current value is greater

CTMIN
than CTMIN.(Real>0.0; Default = 0.003)
Maximum absolute change in objective between ITRMOP

consecutive iterations (see ITRMOP) to indicate convergence
DABOBJ
at optimizer level. F0 is the initial objective function value.
(Real>0.0; Default = MAX[0.001*ABS(F0), 0.0001])
Relative finite difference move parameter. (Real>0.0; Default

DELB
= 0.0001)
Maximum relative change in objective between ITRMOP

DELOBJ consecutive iterations to indicate convergence at optimizer
level. (Real>0.0; Default = 0.001)
Fractional change allowed in each property during any

DELP optimization design cycle. This provides constraints on
property moves. (Real>0.0; Default = 0.2)
14
BULK Fractional change allowed in each design variable during any
DELX
D-E optimization cycle. (Real>0.0; Default = 1.0)
DESMAX Maximum number of design cycles (not including FSD cycle) to

be performed. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 5)
DOPTPRM 1189
DISCOD Discrete Processing Method: (Integer 1, 2, 3 or 4; Default = 1)
1: Design of Experiments
2: Conservative Discrete Design
3: Rounding up to the nearest design variable
4: Rounded off to the nearest design variable
DISBEG Design cycle ID for discrete variable processing initiation.

Discrete variable processing analysis is carried out for every
design cycle after DISBEG. (Integer>=0, default = 0=the last
design cycle)
DOBJ1 Relative change in objective attempted on the first optimization

iteration. Used to estimate initial move in the one-dimensional
search. Updated as the optimization progresses. (Real>0.0;
Default = 0.1)
DOBJ2 Absolute change in objective attempted on the first

optimization iteration. (Real>0.0; Default = 0.2*(F0))
DPMIN Minimum move limit imposed. (Real>0.0; Default = 0.01)
DX1 Maximum relative change in a design variable attempted

on the first optimization iteration. Used to estimate the
initial move in the one dimensional search. Updated as the
optimization progresses. (Real>0.0; Default = 0.01)
DX2 Absolute change in a design variable attempted on the first

optimization iteration. (Real>0.0; Default = 0.2*MAX[X(I)])
DXMIN Minimum design variable move limit (Real>0.0; Default =

0.05).
14
BULK
D-E
FSDALP Relaxation parameter applied in Fully Stressed Design (Real,
0.0<FSDMAX ≤ 1.0, Default = 0.9)
FSDMAX Specifies the number of Fully Stressed Design Cycles that are
to be performed (Integer, Default = 0)
1190 DOPTPRM
GMAX Maximum constraint violation allowed at the converged

optimum. (Real>0.0; Default = 0.005)
GSCAL Constraint normalization factor. See Remarks under the

DSCREEN and DCONSTR entries. (Real>0.0; Default = 0.001)
IGMAX If IGMAX = 0, only gradients of active and violated constraints

are calculated. If IGMAX>0, up to NCOLA gradients
are calculated including active, violated, and near active
constraints. (Integer>0; Default = 0)
IPRINT Print control during approximate optimization phase.
Increasing values represent increasing levels of optimizer

information. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 7; Default = 0)
0 no output (Default)
1 internal optimization parameters, initial information, and

results
2 same as 1, plus objective function and design variables at

each iterations
3 same as 2, plus constraint values and identification of critical

constraints
4 same as 3, plus gradients
5 same as 4, plus search direction
6 same as 5, plus scaling factors and miscellaneous search

information
14 7 same as 6, plus one dimensional search information

BULK
IPRNT1 If IPRNT1 = 1, print scaling factors for design variable vector.
D-E
(Integer 0 or 1; Default = 0)
DOPTPRM 1191
IPRNT2 If IPRNT2 = 1, print miscellaneous search information. If

IPRNT2 = 2, turn on print during one-dimensional search
process. (Warning: This may lead to excessive output.) (Integer
0, 1, or 2; Default = 0)
ISCAL Design variables are rescaled every ISCAL iterations. Set

ISCAL = -1 to turn off scaling. (Integer; Default=NDV (number
of design variables))
ITMAX Maximum number of iterations allowed at optimizer level

during each design cycle. (Integer; Default = 40)
ITRMOP Number of consecutive iterations for which convergence

criteria must be satisfied to indicate convergence at the
optimizer level. (Integer; Default = 2)
ITRMST Number of consecutive iterations for which convergence

criteria must be met at the optimizer level to indicate
convergence in the Sequential Linear Programming Method.
(Integer>0; Default = 2)
IWRITE FORTRAN unit for print during approximate optimization

phase. Default value for IWRITE is set to the FORTRAN
unit for standard output. (Integer>0, Default=6 or value of
SYSTEM(2).)
JTMAX Maximum number of iterations allowed at the optimizer level

for the Sequential Linear Programming Method. This is the
number of linearized subproblems solved. (Integer≥0; Default
= 20)
JPRINT Sequential Linear Programming subproblem print. If

JPRINT>0, IPRINT is turned on during the approximate 14
linear subproblem. (Default = 0) BULK
D-E
JWRITE If JWRITE>0, file number on which iteration history will be
written. (Integer>0; Default = 0)
1192 DOPTPRM
METHOD Optimization Method: (Integer 1, 2*, or 3*; Default = 1)
1: Modified Method of Feasible Directions. (Default)
2*: Sequential Linear Programming
3*: Sequential Quadratic Programming

*For UGS-ADS, all selections will automatically revert to 1 for
NX Nastran version 5.0. See the NX Nastran V5.0 Release
Guide for specification of UGS-ADS as the optimizer of choice.
Also see system cell 425 in the NASTRAN Statement section of
this publication.
P1 Print control items specified for P2. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0)

Initial results are always printed prior to the first approximate
optimization. If an optimization task is performed, final
results are always printed for the final analysis unless
PARAM,SOFTEXIT,YES is specified. These two sets of print
are not controllable.n: Print at every n-th design cycle.
P2 Items to be printed according to P1: (Integer; Default = 1)0: No

print.1: Print objective and design variables. (Default)2: Print
properties.4: Print constraints.8: Print responses.10: Print
weight as a function of a material ID (note that this is not a
design quantity so that only inputs to the approximate design
are available).n: Sum of desired items. For example, P2 = 10
means print properties and responses.
PLVIOL Flag for handling of property limit violation. By default, the job
will terminate with a user fatal message if the property derived
from design model (DVPRELi, DVMRELi, DVCRELi) exceeds
the property limits. Setting PLVIOL to a non-zero number
14 will cause the program to issue a user warning message by
BULK ignoring the property limits violation and proceed with the
D-E analysis. (Integer; Default=0)
DOPTPRM 1193
PTOL Maximum tolerance on differences allowed between the

property values on property entries and the property values
calculated from the design variable values on the DESVAR
entry (through DVPRELi relations). PTOL is provided to
trap ill-posed design models. (The minimum tolerance may
be specified on user parameter DPEPS. See “Parameters” )
(Real>0.0; Default = 1.0E+35)
STPSCL Scaling factor for shape finite difference step sizes, to be

applied to all shape design variables. (Real>0.0; Default = 1.0)
14
BULK
D-E
1194 DPHASE
Dynamic Load Phase Lead
DPHASE Dynamic Load Phase Lead
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 4 21 6 2.1 8 6 7.2
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Identification number of DPHASE entry. (Integer>0)
Ci Component number. (Integers 1 through 6 for grid points; zero or

blank for extra or scalar points)
THi Phase lead θ in degrees. (Real)
Remarks:
1. One or two dynamic load phase lead terms may be defined on a single entry.
2. SID must be referenced on a RLOADi entry. Refer to the RLOAD1 or RLOAD2

entry 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.
14 4. In superelement analysis, DPHASE entries may only be applied to loads on

points in the residual structure.
BULK
D-E
DRESP1 1195
Design Sensitivity Response Quantities
DRESP1 Design Sensitivity Response Quantities
Defines a set of structural responses that is used in the design either as constraints
or as an objective.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DRESP1 ID LABEL RTYPE PTYPE REGION ATTA ATTB ATT1
ATT2 -etc.-
DRESP1 1 DX1 STRESS PROD 2 3 102

103
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Unique entry identifier. (Integer>0)
LABEL User-defined label. (Character)
RTYPE Response type. See Table 14-5. (Character)
PTYPE Element flag (PTYPE = “ELEM”) or property entry name. Used

with element type responses (stress, strain, force, etc.) to identify
the property type, since property entry IDs are not unique across
property types. (Character: “ELEM”, “PBAR”, “PSHELL”, etc.)
REGION Region identifier for constraint screening. See Remark 10. for
defaults. (Integer>0)
ATTA, Response attributes. See Table 14-5. (Integer>0 or Real or blank)

ATTB, ATTi
14
BULK
D-E
1196 DRESP1
Table 14-5. Design Sensitivity Response Attributes
Response Response Attributes

Type ATTB (Integer>0 or
(RTYPE) ATTA (Integer>0) ATTI (Integer>0)
Real>0.0)
WEIGHT Row Number Column Number SEIDi or All or blank
(1 ≤ ROW ≤ 6) (1 ≤ COL ≤ 6)
See Remark 25.
VOLUME Blank Blank SEIDi or ALL
EIGN Normal Modes Mode Approximation Code See Blank

Number Remark 19.
CEIG Complex Eigenvalue ALPHA or OMEGA Blank

Mode Number (Default=ALPHA)
(Integer>0)
FREQ Normal Modes Mode Approximation Code See Blank

Number Remark 19.
See Remark 18.
LAMA Buckling Mode Approximation Code See Blank

Number Remark 19.
DISP Displacement Blank Grid ID

Component
STRAIN Strain Item Code Blank Property entry (PID)
ESE Strain Energy Item Blank Property entry (PID)

Code
See Remark 21.
STRESS Stress Item Code Blank Property entry (PID)
FORCE Force Item Code Blank Property entry (PID)
SPCFORCE SPC Force Component Blank Grid ID
CSTRAIN Strain Item Code LAMINA Number Property entry (PID)
14 (Integer; Default = 1)
BULK CSTRESS Stress Item Code LAMINA Number Property entry (PID)
D-E
CFAILURE Failure Criterion Item LAMINA Number Property entry (PID)

Code
DRESP1 1197

Real>0.0)
FRACCL Acceleration Frequency Value (Blank, Grid ID

Component Real>0.0 or Character) See
Remarks 15 and 20.
FRDISP Displacement Frequency Value (Blank, Grid ID

Component Real>0.0 or Character) See
Remarks 15 and 20.
PRES Acoustic Pressure Frequency Value (Real>0.0) Grid ID

Component See Remark 15.
FRFORC Force Item Code Frequency Value (Blank or Property entry (PID)
Real>0.0) See Remark 15 .
FRSPCF SPC Force Component Frequency Value (Blank, Grid ID

Real>0.0 or Character) See
See Remarks 8 and 9. Remarks 15 and 20.
FRSTRE Stress Item Code Frequency Value. (Blank or Property entry (PID)
Real>0.0) See Remark 15 .
FRVELO Velocity Component Frequency Value. (Blank, Grid ID

Real>0.0 or Character) See
See Remarks 8 and 9. Remarks 15 and 20.
RMSDISP Displacement RANDPS ID Grid ID

Component
RMSVELO Velocity Component RANDPS ID Grid ID
RMSACCL Acceleration RANDPS ID Grid ID

Component
TDISP Displacement Time Value (Blank, Real, or Grid ID

Component Character) See Remarks 16
and 20.
TVELO Velocity Component Time Value (Blank, Real, or Grid ID 14

Character) See Remarks 16 BULK
and 20. D-E
TACCL Acceleration Time Value (Blank, Real, or Grid ID
Component Character) See Remarks 16
and 20.
1198 DRESP1

Real>0.0)
TSPCF SPC Force Component Time Value. (Blank, Real, Grid ID

or Character) See Remarks
16 and 20.
TSTRE Stress Item Code Time Value. (Blank or Property entry (PID)
Real>0.0) See Remark 16.
TFORC Force Item Code Time Value. (Blank or Property entry (PID)
Real>0.0) See Remark 16.
TRIM AESTAT or AESURF Blank Blank

Entry ID
STABDER AESTAT or AESURF Restraint Flag. (Integer 0 Component

Entry ID or 1) See Remark 13.
FLUTTER Blank Blank See Remark 14.
Remarks:
1. Stress, strain, and force item codes can be found in “Item Codes”. For stress or
strain item codes that have dual meanings, such as von Mises or maximum
shear, the option specified in the Case Control Section will be used; i.e.,
STRESS(VONM) or STRESS(MAXS).
2. RTYPE = “CSTRESS”, “CSTRAIN”, and “CFAILURE” are used only with the
PCOMP entry. “CSTRESS” and “CSTRAIN” item codes are described under
Table 1 (Element Stress/Strain Item Codes) in “Item Codes”. “CFAILURE”
item codes are described under Table 2 (Element Force Item Codes) in “Item
Codes”. Only force item codes that refer to failure indices of direct stress and
interlaminar shear stress are valid.
The CFAILURE response type requires the following specifications on the

applicable entries:
14
BULK • Failure theory in the FT field on PCOMP entry.
D-E
• Allowable bonding shear stress in the SB field on PCOMP entry.
• Stress limits in the ST, SC, and SS fields on all MATi entries.
DRESP1 1199
3. ATTB is used only for responses of composite laminae, dynamics, complex

eigenvalue, and stability derivatives. For other responses, this field must be
blank.
4. All grids associated with a DRESP1 entry are considered to be in the same
region for screening purposes. Only up to NSTR displacement constraints
(see DSCREEN entry) per group per load case will be retained in the design
optimization phase.
5. DRESP1 identification numbers must be unique with respect to DRESP2

6. If PTYPE = “ELEM”, the ATTi correspond to element identification numbers.
7. If RTYPE = “DISP”, “TDISP”, “TVELO”, “TACCL”, “TSPCF”, “TFORC” or

“TSTRE”, multiple component numbers (any unique combination of the digits 1
through 6 with no embedded blanks) may be specified on a single entry. Multiple
response components may not be used on any other response types.
8. If RTYPE = “FRDISP”, “FRVELO”, “FRACCL”, “FRSPCF”, “FRFORC” or

“FRSTRE”, only one component number may be specified in the ATTA field.
Numbers 1 through 6 correspond to real (or magnitude) components and 7
through 12 imaginary (or phase) components. If more than one component for
the same grid is desired, then a separate entry is required.
Note that, in case the response is used for a constraint, the choice of response
computation format (real/imaginary vs. magnitude/phase) will affect constraint
values. See also Remark 9.
9. Real/imaginary representation is the default for complex response types.

Magnitude/phase representation must be requested by the corresponding Case
Control command; e.g., DlSP(PHASE) = ALL.
10. REGION is used for constraint screening. The NSTR field on DSCREEN entries
gives the maximum number of constraints retained for each region per load case.
IF RTYPE = “WEIGHT”, “VOLUME”, “LAMA”, “EIGN” or “FREQ”, no REGION

identification number should be specified. For all other responses, if the REGION 14
field is left blank, the default specified in Table 14-6 is used. Usually, the default BULK
value is appropriate. D-E
If the REGION field is not blank, all the responses on this entry as well as all
responses on other DRESP1 entries that have the same RTYPE and REGION
identification number will be grouped into the same region.
1200 DRESP1
Table 14-6. Default Regions for Design Sensitivity Response Types
Response Type Default Region
WEIGHT No region
VOLUME No region
LAMA No region
EIGN No region
FREQ No region
DISP One region per DRESP1 entry
FRDISP One region per DRESP1 entry
PRES One region per DRESP1 entry
SPCFORCE One region per DRESP1 entry
FRVELO One region per DRESP1 entry
FRACCL One region per DRESP1 entry
FRSPCF One region per DRESP1 entry
TDISP One region per DRESP1 entry
TVELO One region per DRESP1 entry
TACCL One region per DRESP1 entry
TSPCF One region per DRESP1 entry
FLUTTER One region per DRESP1 entry
OTHER One region per PROPERTY entry. If PTYPE = “ELEM”, then

one region per DRESP1 entry
11. REGION is valid only among the same type of responses. Responses of different
types will never be grouped into the same region, even if they are assigned the
same REGION identification number by the user.
14 12. If RTYPE = “WEIGHT” or “VOLUME”, field ATTi = “ALL” implies total
BULK
D-E weight/volume of all superelements except external superelements.
13. RTYPE = “STABDER” identifies a stability derivative response. ATTB is the

restraint flag for the stability derivative. ATTB = 0 means unrestrained, and
ATTB = 1 means restrained. For example, ATTA = 4000, ATTB = 0, and ATT1
= 3 reference the unrestrained Cz derivative for the AESTAT (or AESURF)
entry ID = 4000.
DRESP1 1201
14. RTYPE = “FLUTTER” identifies a set of damping responses. The set is specified
by ATTi:
ATT1 = Identification number of a SET1 entry that specifies a set of modes.

ATT2 = Identification number of an FLFACT entry that specifies a list of
densities.
ATT3 = Identification number of an FLFACT entry that specifies a list of Mach
numbers.
ATT4 = Identification number of an FLFACT entry that specifies a list of
velocities.
If the flutter analysis is type PKNL, it is necessary to put PKNL in the PTYPE
field of this entry.
15. For RTYPE = “FRDISP”, “FRVELO”, “FRACCL”, “FRSPCF”, “FRFORC”, and

“FRSTRE”, a real value for ATTB specifies a frequency value in cycles per unit
time. If ATTB is specified, then the responses are evaluated at the closest
frequency selected by the OFREQ command. The default for ATTB is all
frequencies selected by the OFREQ command. See Remark 20. for additional
ATTB options.
16. For RTYPE = “TDISP”, “TVELO”, “TACCL”, “TSPCF”, “TFORC”, and “TSTRE”,
ATTB specifies a time value. If ATTB is specified, then the responses are
evaluated at the closest time selected by the OTIME command. The default for
ATTB is all time steps selected by the OTIME command.
17. Intermediate station responses on CBAR elements due to PLOAD1 and/or

CBARAO entries may not be defined on the DRESP1 entry.
18. RTYPE = “EIGN” refers to normal modes response in terms of eigenvalue

(radian/time)**2 while RTYPE = “FREQ” refers to normal modes response in
terms of natural frequency or units of cycles per unit time.
19. For RTYPE = LAMA, EIGN or FREQ, the response approximation used for
optimization can be individually selected using the ATTB field. (Approximation
Code = 1 = direct linearization, = 2 = Inverse Linearization). 14
BULK
20. Character input for ATTB is available for RTYPE of FRDISP, FRVELO, D-E
FRACCL, FRSPCF, TDISP, TVELO, TACCL, and TSPCF. The character input
represents a mathematical function and the options for character input are
SUM, AVG, SSQ, RSS, MAX and MIN. The expression of mathematical function
is shown as follows:
1202 DRESP1
MAX (X1, X2, ..., Xn) = Largest value among Xi (i=1 to n)

MIN (X1, X2, ..., Xn) = Smallest value among Xi (i=1 to n)
where Xi is the response for a forcing frequency. For example
DRESP1,10,DX1,FRSTRE,ELEM,,3,AVG,10
yields a response which is equal to the average stress for element 10. The average
is done by first adding up the component 3 stress of element 10 for all forcing
frequencies (all time steps for transient response), and then dividing by the
number of forcing frequencies. Note that the response computed is considered as
type 2 response. Therefore, if referenced on a DRESP2, the ID of such DRESP1
(ATTB with character input) must be listed following DRESP2 keyword.
21. Element strain energy item codes can be found in “Element Strain Energy Item
Codes” . Only element strain energy and element strain energy density can be
referenced on a DRESP1 entry.
14 22. For RTYPE=CEIG, the allowable character inputs are ALPHA and OMEGA
with ALPHA being the default.
BULK
D-E
23. For RTYPE=RMSDISP, RMSVELO, or RMSACCL the ATTB specifies the
appropriate RANDPS ID.
24. Input other than 1 or 7 of ATTA field, acoustic pressure component, for PRES
response type will be reset to 1 (if less than 7) or 7 (if greater than 7 and less
than 13).
DRESP1 1203
25. Design response weight is obtained from Grid Point Weight Generator for a
reference point GRDPNT (see parameter GRDPNT). If GRDPNT is either not
defined, equal to zero, or not a defined grid point, the reference point is taken as
the origin of the basic coordinate system. Fields ATTA and ATTB refer to the
row and column numbers of the rigid body weight matrix, which is partitioned as
follows:
The default values of ATTA and ATTB are 3, which specifies weight in the Z
direction. Field ATT1 = “ALL” implies total weight of all superelements except
external superelements. SEIDi refers to a superelement identification number.
SEIDi= “0” refers to the residual superelement. The default of ATT1 is blank
which is equivalent to “ALL”.
14
BULK
D-E
1204 DRESP2
Design Sensitivity Equation Response Quantities
DRESP2 Design Sensitivity Equation Response Quantities
Defines equation responses that are used in the design, either as constraints or as
an objective.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DRESP2 EQID or
ID LABEL REGION
FUNC
“DESVAR” DVID1 DVID2 DVID3 DVID4 DVID5 DVID6 DVID7
DVID8 -etc.-
“DTABLE” LABL1 LABL2 LABL3 LABL4 LABL5 LABL6 LABL7
LABL8 -etc.-
“DRESP1” NR1 NR2 NR3 NR4 NR5 NR6 NR7
NR8 -etc.-
“DNODE” G1 C1 G2 C2 G3 C3
G4 C4 etc.
“DVPREL1” DPIP1 DPIP2 DPIP3 DPIP4 DPIP5 DPIP6 DPIP7
DPIP8 DPIP9 -etc.-
“DVCREL1” DCIC1 DCIC2 DCIC3 DCIC4 DCIC5 DCIC6 DCIC7
DCIC8 DCIC9 -etc.-
“DVMREL1” DMIM1 DMIM2 DMIM3 DMIM4 DMIM5 DMIM6 DMIM7
DMIM8 DMIM9 -etc.-
“DVPREL2” DPI2P1 DPI2P2 DPI2P3 DPI2P4 DPI2P5 DPI2P6 DPI2P7
DPI2P8 DPI2P9 -etc.-
“DVCREL2” DCI2C1 DCI2C2 DCI2C3 DCI2C4 DCI2C5 DCI2C6 DCI2C7
DCI2C8 DCI2C9 -etc.-
“DVMREL2” DMI2M1 DMI2M2 DMI2M3 DMI2M4 DMI2M5 DMI2M6 DMI2M7
DMI2M8 DMI2M9 -etc.-
“DRESP2” NRR1 NRR2 NRR3 NRR4 NRR5 NRR6 NRR7
14 NRR8 -etc.-
BULK
D-E
Example:
DRESP2 1 LBUCK 5 3
DESVAR 101 3 4 5 1 205 209
201
DRESP2 1205
DTABLE PI YM L
DRESP1 14 1 4 22 6 33 2
DNODE 14 1 4 1 22 3
2 1 43 1
DVPREL1 101 102
DVCREL1 201 202
DVMREL1 301
DVPREL2 401 402
DVCREL2 501
DVMREL2 601 602 603
DRESP2 50 51
Fields:
Field Contents
LABEL User-defined label. (Character)
EQID DEQATN entry identification number. (Integer>0)
FUNC Function to be applied to the arguments. See Remark 8. (Character)
REGION Region identifier for constraint screening. See Remark 5. (Integer>0)
“DESVAR” Flag indicating DESVAR entry identification numbers. (Character)
DVIDi DESVAR entry identification number. (Integer>0)
“DTABLE” Flag indicating that the labels for the constants in a DTABLE entry
follow. (Character)
LABLj Label for a constant in the DTABLE entry. (Character)
“DRESP1” Flag indicating DRESP1 entry identification numbers. (Character)

14
NRk DRESP1 entry identification number. (Integer>0) BULK
D-E
“DNODE” Flag indicating grid point and component identification numbers.
(Character)
Gm Identification number for any grid point in the model. (Integer>0)

1206 DRESP2
Field Contents
Cm Component number of grid point Gm. (1 ≤ Integer ≤ 3)
DVPREL1 Flag indicating DVPREL1 entry identification number. (Character)
DPIPi DVPREL1 entry identification number. (Integer>0)
DVCREL1 Flag indicating DVCREL1 entry identification number. (Character)
DCICi DVCREL1 entry identification number. (Integer>0)
DVMREL1 Flag indicating DVPREL2 entry identification number. (Character)
DMIMi DVMREL1 entry identification number. (Integer>0)
DVPREL2 Flag indicating DVPREL2 entry identification number. (Character)
DPI2Pi DVPREL2 entry identification number. (Integer>0)
DVCREL2 Flag indicating DVCREL2 entry identification number. (Character)
DCI2Ci DVCREL2 entry identification number. (Integer>0)
DVMREL2 Flag indicating DVMREL2 entry identification number. (Character)
DMI2Mi DVMREL2 entry identification number. (Integer>0)
DRESP2 Flag indicating other DRESP2 entry identification number.

(Character)
NRRk DRESP2 entry identification number. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. DRESP2 entries may only reference DESVAR, DTABLE, DRESP1, DNODE,

DVPREL1, DVCREL1, DVMREL1, DVPREL2, DVCREL2, and DVMREL2
entries. They may also reference other DRESP2 entries. However, a DRESP2
entry cannot reference itself directly or recursively.
14 2. Referenced DRESP1 entries cannot span analysis types or superelements.
BULK
D-E
3. DRESP2 entries must have unique identification numbers with respect to
DRESP1 entries.
4. The “DESVAR”, “DTABLE”, “DNODE”, “DVPREL1”, “DVCREL1” and

“DVMREL1”, “DVPREL2”, DVCREL2”, “DVMREL2”, and “DRESP2” flags in
field 2 must appear in the order given above. Any of these words, along with the
DRESP2 1207
identification numbers associated with them, may be omitted if they are not
involved in this DRESP2 relationship. However, at least one of these ten types of
arguments must exist.
5. The REGION field follows the same rules as for the DRESP1 entries. DRESP1
and DRESP2 responses will never be contained in the same region, even if they
are assigned the same REGION identification number. The default is to put all
responses referenced by one DRESP2 entry in the same region.
6. The variables identified by DVIDi, LABLj, NRk, the Gm, Cm pairs, DPIPi,
DCICm, DMIMn, DPI2Po, DCI2Cp, DMI2Mq, and NRRu are assigned (in that
order) to the variable names (x1, x2, x3, etc.) specified in the left-hand side of the
first equation on the DEQATN entry referenced by EQID. In the example below,
DESVARs 101 and 3 are assigned to arguments A and B.DTABLEs PI and

YM are assigned to arguments C and D.Grid 14, Component 1 is assigned to
argument R.
DRESP2 1 LBUCK 5 3
DESVAR 101 3
DTABLE PI YM
DNODE 14 1
DEQATN 5 F1(A, B, C, D, R)=A+B*C-(D**3+10.0)+sin(C*R)
7. (Gm, Cm) can refer to any grid component and is no longer limited to a designed
grid component.
8. The FUNC attributes can be used in place of the EQID and supports the
functions shown in the following table:
Function Description
AVG Average of the arguments
SSQ Sum of the squares of the arguments
RSS Square root of the sum of the squares of the arguments
14
BULK
MAX The largest value of the argument list D-E
MIN The smallest value of the argument list
When EQID has character input, the DEQATN entry is no longer needed. The
functions are applied to all arguments on the DRESP2 regardless of the type.
1208 DRESP2
9. The number of arguments of a DEQATN can be more than the number of values
defined on the DRESP2 if the DRESP1s referenced have RTYPE with ‘FR’ prefix.
Arguments are still positional. The extra arguments in the DEQATN must
appear at the end of the argument list. The discrepancy is resolved internally
with the forcing frequency(ies) associated with DRESP1s. An example is shown
as follows:
DRESP1 10 FDISP1 FRDISP 1 10. 1001
DRESP1 20 FDISP2 FRDISP 1 20. 1001
DRESP2 30 AVGFD 100
DRESP1 10 20
DEQATN 100 AVG(D1,D2,F1,F2) = (D1/F1+D2/F2)*0.5
In the above example, the DEQATN has two more additional terms than have
been defined on the DRESP2. The first additional term is the forcing frequency
(in hertz) of the first DRESP1 ID on the DRESP2. The second additional term
is the forcing frequency of second DRESP1 ID in the list. When all DRESP1s
involved have the same frequency, the user is not required to name all the
additional terms in the argument list of DEQATN.
14
BULK
D-E
DSCONS 1209
Design Constraint
DSCONS Design Constraint
Defines a design constraint in design sensitivity analysis (original DSA). See the NX
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DSCONS DSCID LABEL TYPE ID COMP LIMIT OPT LAMNO
Example:
DSCONS 21 G101DX DISP 4 1 .06 MAX 6
Fields:
Field Contents
DSCID Design constraint identification number. Must be unique for aIl

DSCONS entries. (Integer>0)
LABEL Label assigned to the constraint in the output. (Character)
TYPE Type of constraint. (Character):
DISP = Displacement
STRESS = Element stress
FORCE = Element force
CSTR = Lamina stress in elements for composites
CFOR = Failure index for a lamina in element for composites
LAMA = Eigenvalue or buckling load factor
FREQ = Frequency
14
ID Identification number of constraint; i.e., grid ID, element ID, or BULK
mode number. (Integer>0) D-E
COMP Component/item to be constrained. COMP is not used for buckling

and normal modes. (Integer ≥ 0)
1210 DSCONS
Design Constraint
Field Contents
For grid points, use 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, which correspond to T1, T2,

T3, R1, R2, and R3, respectively.
For scalar points, a value of 0, 1, or blank may be used.
For elements, refer to “Item Codes” for tables of element stress

and force item codes.
LIMIT Value of limit. (Real; Default = 0.0)
OPT Constraint (ψ) equation option. (Character: “MAX” or “MIN”;

Default is “MAX”).
If OPT is MAX, then:
If OPT is MIN, then:
LAMNO Layer number in the laminate for which the constraint is

applicable. (Integer, Default = 1)
Remarks:
1. DSCONS entries must be selected with the SET2 Case Control command.
14 2. DSCONS is used only for design sensitivity and not for optimization.
BULK
3. DSCONS is used only in design sensitivity analysis (original DSA), described in
D-E
DSCREEN 1211
Design Constraint Screening Data
DSCREEN Design Constraint Screening Data
Defines screening data for constraint deletion.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DSCREEN RTYPE TRS NSTR
Example:
DSCREEN STRESS -0.7 2
Fields:
Field Contents
RTYPE Response type for which the screening criteria apply. See Table 14-7
and Remark 3. (Character)
TRS Truncation threshold. (Real; Default = -0.5)
NSTR Maximum number of constraints to be retained per region per load

case. See Remark 3. (Integer>0; Default = 20)
Remarks:
1. Displacement and displacement derivative constraints associated with one

particular load case are grouped by the specification of DRESP1 entries. From
each group, a maximum of NSTR constraints are retained per load case.
Table 14-7. Default Region Specifications for RTYPE
Default Region Default Region

RTYPE RTYPE
Specification Specification
DISP DRESP1 FRVELO DRESP1

14
STRESS Property ID FRACCL DRESP1 BULK
Property ID Property ID
D-E
STRAIN FRSTRE
ESE Property ID FRFORC Property ID
FORCE Property ID FRSPC DRESP1
SPCFORCE DRESP1 TACCL DRESP1

1212 DSCREEN
Design Constraint Screening Data
Table 14-7. Default Region Specifications for RTYPE
Default Region Default Region

RTYPE RTYPE
Specification Specification
EQUA DRESP2 TDISP DRESP1
CSTRESS Property ID TVELO DRESP1
CSTRAIN Property ID TSTRE Property ID
CFAILURE Property ID TFORC Property ID
FLUTTER DRESP1 TSPC DRESP1
FRDISP DRESP1
2. Stress-strain constraints are grouped by the property; i.e., all elements belonging
to the set of PIDs specified under ATTi on a DRESPi entry are regarded as
belonging to the same region. In superelement sensitivity analysis, if the
property (PID) is defined in more than one superelement, then separate regions
are defined. A particular stress constraint specification may be applied to many
elements in a region generating many stress constraints, but only up to NSTR
constraints per load case will be retained.
3. If RTYPE = “WEIGHT”, “VOLUME”, “EIGN”, “FREQ”, “LAMA”, “TRIM”, or

“STABDER” then NSTR is unlimited and must be left blank. TRS is available
for all response types.
4. If a certain type of constraint exists but no corresponding DSCREEN entry

is specified, all the screening criteria used for this type of constraint will be
furnished by the default values.
5. Constraints can be retained only if they are greater than TRS. See the Remarks
under the “DCONSTR” entry for a definition of constraint value.
6. Constraint screening is applied to each superelement.
14
BULK
D-E
DTABLE 1213
Table Constants
DTABLE Table Constants
Defines a table of real constants that are used in equations (see DEQATN entry).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DTABLE LABL1 VALU1 LABL2 VALU2 LABL3 VALU3 LABL4 VALU4
LABL5 VALU5 LABL6 VALU6 -etc.-
Example:
DTABLE PI 3.142 H 10.1 E 1.0E6 T 0.1

G 5.5E5 B 100.
Fields:
Field Contents
LABLi Label for the constant. (Character)
VALUi Value of the constant. (Real)
Remarks:
1. Only one DTABLE entry may be specified in the Bulk Data Section.
2. LABLi are referenced by the LABi on the DVPREL2 or DRESP2 entries.
14
BULK
D-E
1214 DTI
Direct Table Input
DTI Direct Table Input
Defines table data blocks.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DTI NAME “0" T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6
V01 V02 -etc.-
DTI NAME IREC V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6
V7 V8 V9 V10 -etc.- “ENDREC”
Example: (The first logical entry is the header entry.)

DTI XXX 0 3 4 4096 1 0
1.2 2.3
DTI XXX 1 2.0 -6 ABC 6.000 -1 2
4 -6.2 2.9 1 DEF -1 ENDREC
Fields:
Field Contents
NAME Any character string that will be used in the DMAP sequence to
reference the data block. See Remark 1. (Character; the first
character must be alphabetic.)
Ti Trailer values. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 32767)
IREC Record number. (Integer>0)
V0i, Vi Value. (Integer, Real, Character or blank)
“ENDREC” Flags the end of the string of values (V0i or Vi) that constitute record
IREC. (Character)
14 Remarks:
BULK
D-E
1. The user defines the data block and therefore must write a DMAP (or ALTER
a solution sequence), which includes the DTIIN modules, in order to use the
DTI feature. See the NX Nastran DMAP Programmer’s Guide. All of the rules
governing the use of data blocks in DMAP sequences apply.
2. All fields following ENDREC must be blank.

DTI 1215
Direct Table Input
3. The entry using IREC = 0 is called the header entry and is an optional entry.
The values T1 through T6 go to a special record called the trailer. Other values
on the optional continuation go to the header record. If the header entry or the
trailer is not specified, T1 through T6 = 32767. On this entry, “ENDREC” may be
used only if there is at least one continuation.
4. In addition to the optional header entry, there must be one logical entry for each
record in the table. Null records require no entries.
5. “ENDREC” is used to input blank values at the end of a record. If “ENDREC” is

not specified, the string for a record ends with the last nonblank field.
6. The maximum number of DMI and DTI data blocks is 1000.
7. If Ti is not an integer, a machine-dependent error will be issued that may be

difficult to interpret.
14
BULK
D-E
1216 DTI,ESTDATA
Superelement Estimation Data Overrides
DTI,ESTDATA Superelement Estimation Data Overrides
Provides override data for time and space estimation for superelement processing
operations.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DTI ESTDATA “0"
kd1 vd1 kd2 vd2 -etc.-
The next entries are repeated for any superelement for which estimate data overrides
are desired. IREC must be incremented by 1.
DTI ESTDATA IREC SEFLAG SEID k1 v1 k2 v2

k3 v3 -etc.-
Example:
DTI ESTDATA 0
NOMASS -1
DTI ESTDATA 1 SE 10 C1 5.5 C3 4.5
C7 7.3
Fields:
Field Contents
kdi Keyword for estimation parameter. (Character from Table 14-8.)
vdi Value assigned to the estimation parameter kdi. (The type given
in Table 14-8.)
14 IREC Record number beginning with 1. (Integer>0)

BULK
SEFLAG SEFLAG = “SE” or “SEID” indicates the next field containing a
D-E
superelement identification number. (Character)
SEID Superelement identification number. (Integer>0)
ki Keyword for override of estimation parameter for indicated

superelement. (Character from Table 14-8.)
DTI,ESTDATA 1217
Field Contents
vi Value for keyword ki. (Type depends on ki as shown in the Table

14-8 .)
Table 14-8. DTI,ESTDATA Input Parameter Descriptions

Input Parameters
Meaning and Comments
Keyword Type Default Value Math Symbol
CRMS* Real -1.0 C Number of active columns in [Koo].
FCRMS* Real 0.10 If FCRMS ≤ 0.0, FCRMS is used (c/o).
Average number of degrees-of-freedom per
C1 Real 6.0 c1
grid point in o-set.
Average number of connections per grid
C3 Real 8.0 c3
point.
C4 Real 0.15 c4 I/O time (seconds) per block transferred.
Average number of effective
C5 Real 6.0 c5 degrees-of-freedom per grid point in
a-set.
C6 Real 1.2 c6 Total CPU factor.
Number of equivalent KGG data blocks for
C7 Real 6.0 c7
space estimation.
If WF ≤ 0.0 then use available working
WF Real -1.0 W
storage in units of single-precision words.
If NOMASS ≠ 1 then exclude mass terms
NOMASS Integer 1
from estimates.
TSEX Real 0.5 (min) Threshold limit for CPU.
SSEX Real 50.0(blocks) Threshold limit for space.
TWALLX Real 5.0 (min) Threshold limit for wall time.
Machine Buffsize.
BUFSIZ Integer B
Buffsize
Arithmetic time for the multiply/add loop.
MachineLoop
ML Real M See the NX Nastran Installation and
Time
Operations Guide. 14
MachineI/O l/O count/CPU equivalence BULK
CONIO Integer D-E
ratio
PREC Integer 1 or 2 Machine Word Length (1 = long, 2 = short).
NLOADS Integer 1 NL Number of loading conditions
SETYPE Character “T” Superelement type (T = Tip)
CMAX Real -1.0 Cmax Maximum bandwidth
1218 DTI,ESTDATA
Parameters Obtained from SEMAP
NGI Number of interior grid points.

NPE Number of exterior grid points.
NS Number of scalar points
NE Number of elements.
Derived Parameters
O=C1 · NG1 Size of o-set.
A=C5(NPE − NS) + NS Size of a-set.
T = BUFFSIZE/PREC Number of matrix terms in a buffer.
Estimation Equations
For each superelement, estimates of CPU time and disk space are made using the
following equations.
Table 14-9. Equations Used for CPU Time and Disk Space Estimate
Printout Math
Equations
Symbol Symbol
TD T1 T1 = 1/2 · M · O · C2
TFBS T2 T2 = 2 · M · C · O · a
TMAA T3 T3 = M · O · a2 (set to 0.0 if NOMASS ≠ +1)
TSE TSE TSE = C6(T1 + T2 + T3)
SLOO
S1
14
BULK
SGO
D-E S2
SKGG
S3
DTI,ESTDATA 1219
Table 14-9. Equations Used for CPU Time and Disk Space Estimate
Printout Math
Equations
Symbol Symbol
SSE SSE SSE = S1 + S2 + c7 · S3
PASSES
p
BKSTRN Blocks Transferred = BT = 2 · p · S1 + S2 + p · S2 (Last

BT
term omitted if NOMASS ≠ +1)
TWALL TW Wall Time = TW = TSE + c4 · BT
Remarks:
1. In the superelement solution sequences, this data is stored automatically.
2. The header record continuation entries are optional if no global override data is
to be specified. In this case, the complete header entry is optional.
• Active column data can come from one of several places. The value for
CRMS is determined as follows:
• RMS from the entry when IREC>0 and field 4 is “SE”.
• RMS from entries with IREC = 0.
• Computed bandwidth when PARAM,OLDSEQ is specified.
• If FCRMS is specified when IREC>0 and field 4 is “SE”, then CRMS =

FCRMS · O.
• If FCRMS is specified when IREC = 0, then CRMS = FCRMS · O.
• CRMS = 0.1 · O. 14
BULK
3. If CMAX is not specified, then it is defaulted to CRMS. D-E
4. In the example above, mass terms are excluded for all superelements and new
values are given for parameters C1, C3, and C7 for Superelement 10 only.
5. The estimates for TSEX, SSEX, and TWALLX are not printed unless at least
one estimate exceeds the threshold.
1220 DTI,INDTA
Stress, Strain and/or Force Sort/Filter Item Code Override
DTI,INDTA Stress, Strain and/or Force Sort/Filter Item Code Override
Specifies or overrides default item codes for the sorting and filtering of element
stresses, strains, and forces.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DTI INDTA “0"
To specify/override items for a sort of stress quantities:

DTI INDTA “1" B1 C1 B2 C2 “ENDREC”
To specify/override items for a sort of force quantities:

DTI INDTA “2" B1 C1 B2 C2 “ENDREC”
Example:
DTI INDTA 0
To specify/override items for a sort of stress quantities:

DTI INDTA 1 64 18 75 18 ENDREC
To specify/override items for a sort of force quantities:

DTI INDTA 2 34 2 2 4 ENDREC
Fields:
Field Contents
Bi Element type identification number. See the table in “Item Codes”
for allowable values. (Integer>0)
14 Ci Item code identification number for the stress, strain, or force quantity
on which the sort or filter is to be performed. See the table in the “Item
BULK
Codes” for allowable values. (Integer)
D-E
Remarks:
1. This table is recognized only in SOLs 1, 3, 5, 14, 15, 16, 101, 103, 105, 106, 108,
109, 111, 112, 114, 115, 144, 153, and for stress quantities only. One or more of
the user parameters S1, S1G, or S1M must be specified with a value greater then
DTI,INDTA 1221
or equal to zero in order to request sorting and/or filtering. See user parameter
S1 in “Parameters” . In order to sort force or strain quantities, a DMAP Alter is
required.
2. If the Ci value is -1, the element type will be suppressed on the output file. An
example of this feature could be as follows: If an element type is to be sorted on
two different values and output twice, this can be accomplished by two calls to
the STRSORT module with two unique DTI tables. However, other element
types will be printed twice. This additional print can be suppressed by setting
their sort codes to -1.
3. Table 14-10 lists the elements currently that are sortable. In addition, the
element type identification number, the default stress output quantity, and the
associated stress code identification numbers are provided. If this entry is not
specified, then the stresses are sorted based on the default quantity given in
Table 14-10.
The following should be noted:
• The element type identification number is used internally by the program to

differentiate element types.
• The stress code identification number is merely the word number in the
standard printed output for the stress quantity of interest. For example, the
thirteenth word of stress output for the CHEXA element is the octahedral
shear stress. For this element type, the element identification number
and the grid point ID each count as a separate word. Stress codes for the
elements are tabulated in “Item Codes” .
• By default, stress sorting for the membrane and plate elements will be
performed on the Hencky-von Mises stress. For maximum shear stress, the
STRESS (MAXS) Case Control command should be specified.
Table 14-10. Sortable Elements

Default Stress Output Quantity and Identification Number
Element Type
Element Stress Code ID
ID Number
CBAR
Quantity
Maximum stress at end B
Number 14
34 14 BULK
CBEAM 2 Maximum stress at end B 108 D-E
CBEND 69 Maximum stress at end B 20
CONROD 10 Axial stress 2
CELAS1 11 Stress 2
CELAS2 12 Stress 2
1222 DTI,INDTA
Table 14-10. Sortable Elements

Default Stress Output Quantity and Identification Number
Element Type
Element Stress Code ID
ID Number Quantity
Number
CELAS3 13 Stress 2
CHEXA 67 Hencky-von Mises or Octahedral stress 13
CQUAD4 Maximum shear or Hencky-von Mises stress
33 17
at Z2
CQUAD4* Maximum shear or Hencky-von Mises stress
144 19
at Z2
CQUAD8 Maximum shear or Hencky-von Mises stress
64 19
at Z2
CQUADR Maximum shear or Hencky-von Mises stress
82 19
at Z2
CPENTA 68 Octahedral stress 13
CROD 1 Axial stress 2
CSHEAR 4 No default —
CTETRA 39 No default —
CTRIA3 Maximum shear or Hencky-von Mises stress
74 17
at Z2
CTRIA6 Maximum shear or Hencky-von Mises stress
75 19
at Z2
CTRIAR Maximum shear or Hencky-von Mises stress
70 19
at Z2
CTRIAX6 53 No default —
CTUBE 3 Axial stress 2
* CORNER output
14
BULK
D-E
DTI,SETREE 1223
Superelement Tree Definition
DTI,SETREE Superelement Tree Definition
Defines a superelement tree that determines the superelement processing order.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DTI SETREE “1" SEUP1 SEDOWN1 SEUP2 SEDOWN2 SEUP3 SEDOWN3
SEUP4 SEDOWN4 SEUP5 SEDOWN5 -etc.-
Example:
DTI SETREE 1 1 14 2 14 3 14
4 14 14 0
Fields:
Field Contents
SEUPi Identification number of the superelement upstream from
SEDOWNi. (Integer>0)
SEDOWNi Identification number of the superelement into which SEUPi is
assembled. (Integer ≥ 0)
Remarks:
1. SETREE entries or the DTI,SETREE entry are required for multi-level

superelement configurations.
2. If an DTI,SETREE entry is provided, then SETREE entries are not required.
3. If both SETREE entries and a DTI,SETREE entry exist, then the DTI,SETREE
entry will be ignored.
4. Superelements not referenced on the SETREE or DTI,SETREE entry will have

the residual structure as their downstream superelement. 14
BULK
5. If this entry is not present, the superelement tree and the processing order D-E
are determined automatically.
6. A superelement identification may appear only once in a SEUPi field.
7. On restart, if a superelement identification does not appear in a SEUPi field, its

matrices will not be assembled, even though they may be present in the database.
1224 DTI,SETREE
Superelement Tree Definition
8. See the NX Nastran Superelement User’s Guide for a description of

user-designated trees.
9. This entry is stored in the database automatically. Once stored, the Bulk Data
entry may be removed from the input file.
10. In the example above, the following superelement tree is defined:
Figure 14-1. Sample Superelement Tree
14
BULK
D-E
DTI,SPECSEL 1225
Response Spectra Input Correlation Table
DTI,SPECSEL Response Spectra Input Correlation Table
Correlates spectra lines specified on TABLED1 entries with damping values.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DTI SPECSEL RECNO TYPE TIDl DAMP1 TID2 DAMP2
TID3 DAMP3 TID4 DAMP4 TID5 DAMP5 -etc.-
Example:
DTI SPECSEL 1 A 1 .02 2 .04
3 .06
DTI SPECSEL 3 V 4 .01
Fields:
Field Contents
RECNO Spectrum number. (Integer>0)
TYPE Type of spectrum. (Character: “A” for acceleration, “V” for velocity,
or “D” for displacement.)
TIDi TABLED1 entry identification number. (Integer>0)
DAMPi Damping value assigned to TIDi. (Real)
Remarks:
1. The RECNO is the number of the spectrum defined by this entry. It is referenced
on DLOAD Bulk Data entries.
2. The TIDi, DAMPi pairs list the TABLEDl entry, which defines a line of the
spectrum and the damping value assigned to it. The damping value is in the
units of fraction of critical damping.
14
BULK
D-E
3. This entry is placed in the database automatically. Once stored, the Bulk Data
entry may be removed from the input file.
1226 DTI,SPSEL
Response Spectra Generation Correlation Table
DTI,SPSEL Response Spectra Generation Correlation Table
Correlates output requests with frequency and damping ranges.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DTI SPSEL RECNO DAMPL FREQL G1 G2 G3 G4
G5 G6 G7 -etc.-
Example:
DTI SPSEL 1 2 1 11 12
DTI SPSEL 2 4 3 1 7 11 12
13 14
Fields:
Field Contents
DAMPL Identification number of the FREQ, FREQ1, or FREQ2 Bulk Data

entry that specifies the list of damping values. (Integer>0)
FREQL Identification number of the FREQi Bulk Data entry that specifies
the list of frequencies. (Integer>0)
Gi Grid point number where response spectra will be calculated.

(Integer>0)
RECNO Record number of spectra to be generated. (Sequential integer

beginning with 1.)
Remarks:
1. This table is used in SOLs 9, 12, 109, and 112.

14
BULK
2. Damping values are in the units of fraction of critical damping.
D-E
3. Output of response spectra requires the use of the
XYPLOT...SPECTRA(RECNO)/Gi... command, where Gi is
restricted to the grid points listed on the (RECNO) record of this entry.
4. See the NX Nastran User’s Guide for example problems using this feature.
DTI,SPSEL 1227
Response Spectra Generation Correlation Table
5. The SPSEL table is stored in the database automatically in SOLs 109 and 112.
Once stored, the Bulk Data entry may be removed from the input file.
14
BULK
D-E
1228 DTI,UNITS
Specifies the system of units when creating an ADAMS MNF or RecurDyn RFI.
DTI,UNITS Specifies the system of units when creating an ADAMS MNF

or RecurDyn RFI.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DTI UNITS “1” MASS FORCE LENGTH TIME
Example:
DTI UNITS 1 KG N M S
Fields:
Field Contents
MASS Defines the mass units in a MNF or RFI.
Acceptable mass inputs are:
KG - kilogram
LBM – pound-mass
SLUG – slug
GRAM – gram
OZM – ounce-mass
KLBM – kilo pound-mass (1000.lbm)
MGG – megagram
FORCE Defines the force units in a MNF or RFI
Acceptable force inputs are:
N – Newton LBF – pound-force

14 KGF – kilograms-force
BULK
D-E OZF – ounce-force
DYNE – dyne
KN – kilonewton
KLBF – kilo pound-force (1000.lbf)

DTI,UNITS 1229
Field Contents
LENGTH Defines the length units in a MNF or RFI
Acceptable length inputs are:
KM – kilometer
M – meter
CM – centimeter
MM – millimeter
MI – mile
FT – foot
IN – inch
TIME Defines the time units in a MNF or RFI
Acceptable time inputs are:
H – hour
MIN - minute
S – second
MS – millisecond
Remarks:
1. Since DTI,UNITS determines all units for the MNF and RFI, the units defined in
in the output to these files. For example, if the model mass is kilograms, force in
ensuring that NX Nastran works with the consistent set of kg, N, and m. The
units written to the MNF or RFI would be: “DTI,UNITS,1,KG,N,M,S”.
14
BULK
D-E
1230 DVAR
Design Variable
DVAR Design Variable
Defines a design variable for design sensitivity analysis (original DSA).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVAR BID LABEL DELTAB VID1 VID2 VID3 VID4 VID5
VID6 -etc.-
Example:
DVAR 10 LFDOOR .01 2 4 5 6 9
10
Fields:
Field Contents
BID Design variable identification number. Must be unique for all DVAR.
(Integer>0)
LABEL Label used to describe variable in output. (Character)
DELTAB The change in the dimensionless design variable B to be used in the
calculation of the design sensitivity coefficients. (Real; Default = 0.02)
VIDi Identification number of DVSET entry. (Integer)
Remarks:
1. DVAR entries must be selected by the SENSITY and SET2 Case Control
commands.
2. The DVAR entry is used only in design sensitivity analysis (original DSA).
14
BULK
D-E
DVBSHAP 1231
Design Variable to Boundary Shapes
DVBSHAP Design Variable to Boundary Shapes
Associates a design variable identification number to a linear combination of

boundary shape vectors from a particular auxiliary model.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVBSHAP DVID AUXMOD COL1 SF1 COL2 SF2 COL3 SF3
Example:
DVBSHAP 4 1 1 1.6
Fields:
Field Contents
DVID Design variable identification number of a DESVAR entry.
(Integer>0)
AUXMOD Auxiliary model identification number. (Integer>0)
COLi Load sequence identification number from AUXMODEL Case
Control command. (Integer>0)
SFi Scaling factor for load sequence identification number. (Real; Default
= 1.0)
Remarks:
1. Design variable DVID must be defined on a DESVAR entry.
2. Multiple references to the same DVID and/or COLi will result in the vector
addition of the referenced boundary shape vectors.
3. Multiple DVBSHAP entries may be specified. 14

BULK
D-E
1232 DVCREL1
Design Variable to Connectivity Property Relation
DVCREL1 Design Variable to Connectivity Property Relation
Defines the relation between a connectivity property and design variables.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVCREL1 ID TYPE EID CPNAME CPMIN CPMAX C0
DVID1 COEF1 DVID2 COEF2 DVID3 COEF3 -etc.-
Example:
DVCREL1 5 CQUAD4 1 ZOFFS 1.0

1 1.0
Fields:
Field Contents
TYPE Name of an element connectivity entry, such as “CBAR”, CQUAD4”,

etc. (Character; case sensitive)
EID Element Identification number. (Integer>0)
CPNAME Name of connectivity property, such as “X1”, X2”, “X3”, “ZOFFS”, etc.
(Character)
CPMIN Minimum value allowed for this property. If CPNAME references a

connectivity property that can only be positive, then the default value
of CPMIN is 1.0E-20. Otherwise, it is -1.0E35. (Real)
CPMAX Maximum value allowed for this property. (Real; Default =1.0E+20)
C0 Constant term of relation. (Real; Default = 0.0)

14 DVIDi DESVAR entry identification number. (Integer>0)
BULK
D-E COEFi Coefficient of linear relation. (Real)
Remarks:
1. The relationship between the connectivity property and design variables is

given by:
DVCREL1 1233
3. The fifth field of the entry, CPNAME, only accepts string characters. These string
values must be the same as those given in the connectivity entry descriptions in
this Guide. For example, if the plate offset is to be designed (CQUAD4, CTRIA3,
etc), ZOFFS (case insensitive) must be specified on the CPNAME field.
14
BULK
D-E
1234 DVCREL2
DVCREL2 Design Variable to Connectivity Property Relation
Defines the relation between a connectivity property and design variables with a
user-supplied equation.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVCREL2 ID TYPE EID CPNAME CPMIN CPMAX EQID
“DESVAR” DVID1 DVID2 DVID3 -etc.-
“DTABLE” LABL1 LABL2 LABL3 -etc.-
Example:
DVCREL2 1 CBAR 100 X1 0.05 1.0 100

DESVAR 1001
DTABLE X10
Fields:
Field Contents
TYPE Name of an element connectivity entry, such as “CBAR”, CQUAD4”,

etc. (Character)
EID Element Identification number. (Integer>0)
CPNAME Name of connectivity property, such “X1”, X2”, “X3”, “ZOFFS”, etc.
(Character)
CPMIN Minimum value allowed for this property. If CPNAME references

a connectivity property that can only be positive, then the default
value of CPMIN is 1.0E-20. Otherwise, it is -1.0E35. (Real)
14 CPMAX Maximum value allowed for this property. (Real; Default =1.0E+20)
BULK
D-E
“DESVAR” DESVAR flag. Indicates that the IDs of DESVAR entries follow.
(Character)

DVCREL2 1235
Field Contents
COEFi Coefficient of linear relation. (Real)
“DTABLE” DTABLE flag. Indicates that the LABLs for the constants in a
DTABLE entry follow. This field may be omitted if there are no
constants involved in this relation. (Character)
LABLi Label for a constant on the DTABLE entry. (Character)
Remarks:
1. The variable identified by DVIDi and LABLi correspond to variable names (x1,
x2, etc.) listed in the left-hand side of the first equation on the DEQATN entry
identified by EQID. The variable names x1 through xN (where N = m + n) are
assigned in the order DVID1, DVID2, ..., DVIDm, LABL1, LABL2, ..., LABLn.
2. If both “DESVAR” and “DTABLE” are specified in field 2, “DESVAR” must

appear first.
3. The fifth field of the entry, CPNAME, only accepts string characters. These string
values must be the same as those given in the connectivity entry descriptions in
this Guide. For example, if the plate offset is to be designed (CQUAD4, CTRIA3,
etc.), ZOFFS (case insensitive) must be specified on the CPNAME field.
14
BULK
D-E
1236 DVGEOM
Design Variable to Geometry Relation
DVGEOM Design Variable to Geometry Relation
Associates a design variable with a GMCURV or GMSURF geometry definition.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVGEOM DVID ENTITY ID IDPRTB
Example:
DVGEOM 4 GMCURV 100 101
Fields:
Field Contents
DVID DESVAR entry identification number. (Integer>0)
ENTITY Designed entity (GMCURV or GMSURF). (Character)
ID Identification number of the parent entity specified by ENTITY.

(Integer>0)
IDPRTB Identification number of the perturbed entity specified by ENTITY.

(Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. DVID must be defined on a DESVAR entry.
14
BULK
D-E
DVGRID 1237
Design Variable to Grid Point Relation
DVGRID Design Variable to Grid Point Relation
Defines the relationship between design variables and grid point locations.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVGRID DVID GID CID COEFF N1 N2 N3
Example:
DVGRID 3 108 5 0.2 0.5 0.3 1.0
Fields:
Field Contents
DVID DESVAR entry identification number. (Integer>0)
GID Grid point (GRID) or geometric point (POINT) identification number.

(Integer>0)
CID Coordinate system identification number. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0)
COEFF Multiplier of the vector defined by Ni. (Real; Default = 0.0)
Ni Components of the vector measured in the coordinate system defined

by CID. (Real; at least one Ni ≠ 0.0)
Remarks:
1. A CID of zero or blank (the default) references the basic coordinate system.
2. Multiple references to the same grid ID and design variable result in vectorial
addition of the participation vectors defined by CID, COEFF, and Ni. There is
no restriction on the number of DVGRID entries that may reference a given
grid (GID) or design variable (DVID). 14
BULK
3. The coordinate update equation is given as
D-E
where {g}i is the location of the i-th grid, [gxgygz]T.

1238 DVGRID
Design Variable to Grid Point Relation
The vector {N} = [NxNyNz]T is determined from CID and Ni. Note that it is a
change in a design variable from its initial value X0, and not the absolute value
of the design variable itself, that represents a change in a grid point location,
{g}i − {g}0i.
4. The DVGRID entry defines the participation coefficients (basis vectors) of each
design variable for each of the coordinates affected by the design process in
the relationship
5. DVGRID entries that reference grid points on MPCs or RSSCON entries produce
incorrect sensitivities. Often the sensitivities are 0.0 which may result in a
warning message indicating zero gradients which may be followed by UFM 6499.
Other rigid elements produce correct results.
14
BULK
D-E
DVMREL1 1239
Design Variable to Material Relation
DVMREL1 Design Variable to Material Relation
Defines the relation between a material property and design variables.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVMREL1 ID TYPE MID MPNAME MPMIN MPMAX C0
DVID1 COEF1 DVID2 COEF2 DVID3 COEF3 -etc.-
Example:
DVMREL1 5 MAT1 1 RHO 0.05 1.0

1 1.0
Fields:
Field Contents
TYPE Name of a material property entry, such as “MAT1”, MAT2”, etc.

(Character)
MID Material Identification number. (Integer>0)
MPNAME Name of material property, such “E”, “RHO”, etc. (Character)
MPMIN Minimum value allowed for this property. If MPNAME references a

material property that can only be positive, then the default value
for MPMIN is 1.0E-20. Otherwise, it is -1.0E35. (Real)
MPMAX Maximum value allowed for this property. (Real; Default = 1.0E+20)
C0 Constant term of relation. (Real, Default = 0.0)

14
COEFi Coefficient of linear relation. (Real) BULK
D-E
Remarks:
1. The relationship between the material property and design variables is given by:
1240 DVMREL1
3. The fifth field of the entry, MPNAME, only accepts string characters. It must
refer to the same name as appears in the “Bulk Data Entries” for various
material properties. For example, if the isotropic material density is to be design,
RHO (case insensitive) must be specified on the MPNAME field.
14
BULK
D-E
DVMREL2 1241
DVMREL2 Design Variable to Material Relation
Defines the relation between a material property and design variables with a
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVMREL2 ID TYPE MID MPNAME MPMIN MPMAX EQID
DESVAR DVID1 DVID2 DVID3 -etc.-
DTABLE LABL1 LABL2 LABL3 -etc.-
Example:
DVMREL2 5 MAT1 1 E 0.05 1.0 100

DESVAR 1 2
DTABLE E0
Fields:
Field Contents
TYPE Name of a material property entry, such as “MAT1”, MAT2”, etc.

(Character)
MID Material Identification number. (Integer>0)
MPNAME Name of material property, such “E”, “RHO”, etc. (Character)
MPMIN Minimum value allowed for this property. If MPNAME references a

material property that can only be positive, then the default value
for MPMIN is 1.0E-20. Otherwise, it is -1.0E35. (Real)
MPMAX Maximum value allowed for this property. (Real; Default = 1.0E+20)
14
EQID DEQATN entry identification number. (Integer>0) BULK
D-E
DESVAR DESVAR flag. Indicates that the IDs of DESVAR entries follow.
(Character)

1242 DVMREL2
Field Contents
DTABLE DTABLE flag. Indicates that the LABLs for the constants in a
LABLi Label for a constant on the DTABLE entry. (Character)
Remarks:
1. The variables identified by DVIDi and LABLi correspond to variable names (x1,
identified by EQID. The variable names x1 through xN (where N = m + n) are
assigned in the order DVID1, DVID2, ..., DVIDm, LABL1, LABL2, ..., LABLn.

appear first.
3. The fifth field of the entry, MPNAME, only accepts string characters. It must
refer to the same name as appears in the “Bulk Data Entries” for various material
properties. For example, if Young’s modulus is to be defined as a function of
design variables, E (case insensitive) must be specified in the MPNAME field.
14
BULK
D-E
DVPREL1 1243
Design Variable to Property Relation
DVPREL1 Design Variable to Property Relation
Defines the relation between an analysis model property and design variables.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVPREL1 ID TYPE PID PNAME/FID PMIN PMAX C0
DVID1 COEF1 DVID2 COEF2 DVID3 -etc.-
Example:
DVPREL1 12 PBAR 612 6 0.2 3.0

4 0.25 20 20.0 5 0.3
Fields:
Field Contents
TYPE Name of a property entry, such as “PBAR”, “PBEAM”, etc.

(Character)
PID Property entry identification number. (Integer>0)
PNAME/FlD Property name, such as “T”, “A”, or field position of the property
entry, or word position in the element property table of the
analysis model. (Character or Integer ≠ 0)
PMIN Minimum value allowed for this property. If FID references a

stress recovery location, then the default value for PMIN is -1.0
+ 35. PMIN must be explicitly set to a negative number for
properties that may be less than zero (for example, field ZO on the
PCOMP entry). (Real; Default = 1.0E-20)
PMAX Maximum value allowed for this property. (Real; Default =

14
BULK
1.0E+20) D-E
C0 Constant term of relation. (Real; Default = 0.0)
COEFi Coefficient of linear relation. (Real)

1244 DVPREL1
Remarks:
1. The relationship between the analysis model property and design variables is
given by:
3. PTYPE = “PBEND” is not supported. PTYPE=“PBARL” or “PBEAML” is not

supported with the FID option.
4. FID may be either a positive or a negative number. However, for

PTYPE=“PBEAM” or “PBUSH”, FID must be negative. If FID>0, it identifies
the field position on a property entry. If FID<0, it identifies the word position
of an entry in the element property table. For example, to specify the area of a
PBAR, either FID = +4 or FID = -3 can be used. In general, use of PNAME
is recommended.
5. Designing PBEAML or PBEAM requires specification of both property name and

station. Table 14-11 shows several examples.
Table 14-11.
PTYPE Property Name END A END B i-th Station
PBEAML DMI1 DIM1 or DIM1(A) DIM1(B) DIM1(i)
PBEAM A A or A(A) A(B) A(i)
Only stations that are input on a PBEAM or PBEAML entry can be referenced
by a DVPREL1. For example, using an END B property name on a DVPREL1
entry when the referenced PBEAM is a constant section is not allowed.
14
BULK
D-E
DVPREL2 1245
DVPREL2 Design Variable to Property Relation
Defines the relation between an analysis model property and design variables with a
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVPREL2 ID TYPE PID PNAME/FID PMIN PMAX EQID
“DESVAR” DVID1 DVID2 DVID3 -etc.-
“DTABLE” LABL1 LABL2 LABL3 -etc.-
Example:
DVPREL2 13 PBAR 712 5 0.2 4
DESVAR 4 11 13 5
DTABLE PI YM
Fields:
Field Contents
TYPE Name of a property entry, such as PBAR, PBEAM, etc. (Character)
PID Property entry identification number. (Integer>0)
PNAME/FID Property name, such as “T”, “A”, or field position of the property
entry, or word position in the element property table of the
analysis model. (Character or Integer ≠ 0)
PMIN Minimum value allowed for this property. If FID references a

stress recovery location field, then the default value for PMIN is
-1.0+35. PMIN must be explicitly set to a negative number for
properties that may be less than zero (for example, field ZO on the
PCOMP entry). (Real; Default = 1.E-20) 14
BULK
PMAX Maximum value allowed for this property. (Real; Default =
D-E
1.0E20)
“DESVAR” DESVAR flag. Indicates that the IDs of DESVAR entries follow.
(Character)
1246 DVPREL2
Field Contents
“DTABLE” DTABLE flag. Indicates that the LABLs for the constants in a
LABLi Label for a constant on the DTABLE entry. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. The variables identified by DVIDi and LABLi correspond to variable names (x1,
identified by EQID. The variable names x1 through xN (where N = m+n) are
assigned in the order DVID1, DVID2, ..., DVIDn, LABL1, LABL2, ..., LABLm.

appear first.
3. FID may be either a positive or a negative number. However, for

PTYPE=“PBEAM” or “PBUSH”, FID must be negative. If FID>0, it identifies the
field position on a property entry. If FID<0, it identifies the word position of an
entry in EPT. For example, to specify the area of a PBAR, either FID = +4 or FID
= -3 may be used. In general, use of PNAME is recommended.
4. PTYPE = “PBEND” is not supported. PTYPE=”PBARL” or “PBEAML” is not

supported with the FID option.
5. Designing PBEAM requires specification of both property name and station.

Table 14-12 shows one example.
Table 14-12.
PTYPE Property Name END A END B i-th Station
PBEAM A A or A(A) A(B) A(i)
14
BULK
D-E Only stations that are input on a PBEAM entry can be referenced by a
DVPREL2. For example, using an END B property name on a DVPREL2 entry
when the referenced PBEAM is a constant section is not allowed.
DVSET 1247
Design Variable Set Property
DVSET Design Variable Set Property
Defines a set of element properties that vary in a fixed relation to a design variable
for design sensitivity analysis (original DSA).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVSET VID TYPE FIELD PREF ALPHA PIDl PID2 PID3
PID4 PID5 -etc.-
Example:
DVSET 21 PSHELL 4 .20 1. 99 101 110
111 122

DVSET VID TYPE FIELD PREF ALPHA PID “THRU” PID2
DVSET 21 PSHELL 4 .20 1. 101 THRU 105
DVSET VID TYPE FIELD MIDV PIDl PID2 PID3

DVSET 21 PSHELL 3 134 87 101
Fields:
Field Contents
VID Identification number. (Integer>0)
TYPE Type of element property entry, e.g., “PSHELL”. See Remark 8.

(Character)
PIDi Property entry identification number. (Integer>0)

14
FIELD Word number on the element property entry to be varied. The field BULK
number for the n-th continuation property entries is 10 · n+ FL, D-E
where FL is the field number of the continuation entry. See Remark
7. (Integer>2)
PREF Reference value for element property. See Remark 3. (Real ≠ 0.0 or
blank)
1248 DVSET
Design Variable Set Property
Field Contents
MIDV Material identification of the material property after a design change

of DELTAB (See the “DVAR” entry). Note that FIELD must specify
a material ID field on the property entry. (Integer>0)
ALPHA Exponent, alpha, of the actual element property versus the design
variable. (Real ≠ 0.0; Default = 1.0)
Remarks:
1. DVSET is used only in design sensitivity analysis (original DSA). DVSET entries
are selected by DVAR Bulk Data entries.
2. There is no restriction on the number of DVSET entries that may reference

a given VID.
3. If PREF is blank, the corresponding value on the property entry will be used.
PREF must be specified when the basic property value is 0.0.
4. The form of PREF is
5. The form of MIDV is
6. MIDV material states correspond to a design variable at B = (1.0 + ΔB).
7. For the CBEAM and CBEND elements, FIELD is a negative integer and
corresponds to the word number in the EPT section of the EST table preceded
14 by a minus sign.
BULK
D-E 8. Since the DVSET entry references only property entries (“Pxxx”), only elements
with property entries may be used as design variables. Elements such as
CONRODs and CONM2s are therefore excluded. However, these elements may
be designated as design constraints if they have force or stress output.
DVSHAP 1249
Design Variable to Basis Vector(s)
DVSHAP Design Variable to Basis Vector(s)
Defines a shape basis vector by relating a design variable identification number

(DVID) to columns of a displacement matrix.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DVSHAP DVID COL1 SF1 COL2 SF2 COL3 SF3
Example:
DVSHAP 2 1 2.0 4 1.0
Fields:
Field Contents
DVID Design variable identification number on the DESVAR entry.

(Integer>0)
COLi Column number of the displacement matrix. See Remark 2. (1 ≤

Integer ≤ maximum column number in the displacement matrix.)
SFi Scaling factor applied to the COLi-th column of the displacement

matrix. (Real; Default = 1.0)
Remarks:
1. DVID must be defined on a DESVAR entry.
2. COLi must be a valid column number in the displacement matrix.
3. Multiple references to the same DVID and/or COLi will result in a linear
combination of displacement vectors. In the example above, the shape basis
vector is a linear combination of the fourth column and twice the second column. 14
BULK
4. The displacement matrix must have been created by NX Nastran and be D-E
available on a database, which is attached via the DBLOCATE FMS statement
shown below:
ASSIGN DISPMAT=’ physical filename of MASTER DBset ’
DBLOCATE DATABLK=(UG/UGD,GEOM1/GEOM1D,GEOM2/GEOM2D) ,
LOGICAL=DISPMAT
1250 EBDADD
Element Birth/Death Set Combination (SOLs 601 and 701)
EBDADD Element Birth/Death Set Combination (SOLs 601 and 701)
Defines an element birth/death set as a union of element birth/death sets defined on

EBDSET entries.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EBDADD BDID BD1 BD2 -etc-
Example:
EBDADD 10 1 2 3
Fields:
Field Contents
BDID Element birth/death set identification number. (Integer > 0)
BDi Identification numbers of element birth/death sets defined via

EBDSET entries. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. To include several element birth/death sets defined via EBDSET entries in a

model, EBDADD must be used to combine the element birth/death sets. BDID in
EBDADD is then selected with the Case Control command EBDSET.
2. BDi must be unique and may not be the identification of this or any other
EBDADD entry.
14
BULK
D-E
EBDSET 1251
Element Birth/Death Set Definition (SOLs 601 and 701)
EBDSET Element Birth/Death Set Definition (SOLs 601 and 701)
Defines element birth and death times for a set of elements.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EBDSET BDID TBIRTH TDEATH EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5
Continuation Format 1:
EID6 EID7 EID8 -etc-
Continuation Format 2 (“THRU” option is only available on a continuation line):

EID6 “THRU” EID7 “BY” INC
Example:
EBDSET 3 0.2 0.5 101 201 300 400 450
25 THRU 33
Fields:
Field Contents
BDID Element birth/death set identification number. See Remark 2.

(Integer > 0)
TBIRTH Element birth time. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
TDEATH Element death time. (Real > TBIRTH; Default = 1.0E+20)
EIDi Element identification numbers. See Remark 3. (Integer > 0)
Remarks: 14
BULK
1. The continuation line is optional. D-E
2. The “THRU” option is only available on a continuation line.
3. BDID may be selected by Case Control command EBDSET. If other element

birth/death sets are defined, the EBDADD entry must be used to combine all
the EBDSET entries.
1252 EBDSET
Element Birth/Death Set Definition (SOLs 601 and 701)
4. Element birth/death may be used with all elements, i.e., with all elements
defined with CROD, CONROD, CBAR, CBEAM, CQUAD, CQUAD4, CQUAD8,
CQUADR, CQUADX, CTRIA3, CTRIA6, CTRIAR, CTRIAX, CHEXA, CPENTA,
CTETRA, CELAS1, CELAS2, CDAMP1, CDAMP2, CMASS1, CMASS2, CGAP,
or CBUSH1D entry.
14
BULK
D-E
ECHOOFF 1253
Deactivate Printed Echo
ECHOOFF Deactivate Printed Echo
Marks the point or points in the input file to deactivate printed echo of the Bulk Data.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ECHOOFF
Example:
ECHOOFF
Remarks:
1. This entry may also be used in the Executive Control and Case Control Sections.
It is described in the “Case Control Commands”.
2. The companion to this entry is the ECHOON entry.
14
BULK
D-E
1254 ECHOON
Activate Printed Echo
ECHOON Activate Printed Echo
Marks the point or points in the input file to activate printed echo of the Bulk Data.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ECHOON
Example:
ECHOON
Remarks:
1. This entry may also be used in the Executive Control and Case Control Sections.
It is described in “Case Control Commands”.
2. The companion to this entry is the ECHOOFF entry.
14
BULK
D-E
EIGB 1255
Buckling Analysis Set
EIGB Buckling Analysis Set
Defines data needed to perform buckling analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EIGB SID METHOD L1 L2 NEP NDP NDN
NORM G C
Example:
EIGB 13 INV 0.1 2.5 2 1 1
MAX
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Set identification number. (Unique Integer>0)
METHOD Method of eigenvalue extraction. (Character: “INV” for inverse

power method or “SINV” for enhanced inverse power method.)
L1, L2 Eigenvalue range of interest. (Real, L1<L2)
NEP Estimate of number of roots in positive range not used for METHOD
= “SINV”. (Integer>0)
NDP, Desired number of positive and negative roots. (Integer>0; Default =

NDN 3*NEP)
NORM Method for normalizing eigenvectors. (Character: “MAX” or

“POINT”; Default = “MAX”)
MAX - Normalize eigenvectors to the unit value of the largest

component in the analysis set. (Default).
14
BULK
POINT - Normalize eigenvectors to the unit value of the component D-E
defined in G and C fields. The value for NORM defaults to MAX if
the defined component is zero.
G Grid or scalar point identification number. Required only if NORM

= “POINT”. (Integer>0)
1256 EIGB
Buckling Analysis Set
Field Contents
C Component number. Required only if NORM=“POINT” and G is a

geometric grid point. (1 ≤ Integer ≤ 6)
Remarks:
1. The EIGB entry must be selected with the Case Control command METHOD =
SID.
2. 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. The continuation entry is optional. If the continuation is not specified, than

NORM = “MAX” normalization is performed.
4. See The Nastran Theoretical Manual for a discussion of convergence criteria.
5. If NORM = “MAX”, components that are not in the analysis set may have values
larger than unity.
6. The SINV method is an enhanced version of the INV method. It uses Sturm
sequence techniques to ensure that all roots in the range have been found. It is
generally more reliable and more efficient than the INV method.
7. Convergence is achieved at 10−6.
14
BULK
D-E
EIGC 1257
Complex Eigenvalue Extraction Data
EIGC Complex Eigenvalue Extraction Data
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 E ND0
The following continuation is repeated for each desired search region. (J = 1 to n,

where n is the number of search regions.)
ALPHAAJ OMEGAAJ ALPHABJ OMEGABJ LJ NEJ NDJ
Alternate Format for Continuation Entry for Block Complex Lanczos:

ALPHAAJ OMEGAAJ MBLKSZ IBLKSZ KSTEPS NJi
Alternate Format for Continuation Entry for ISRR:

ALPHACJ OMEGACJ ISRRFLG NJi
Example:
EIGC 14 CLAN
+5.6 4
-5.5 3
EIGC 15 ISRR
-1.0 0.0 3 4
EIGC 16 HESS 6
Fields:
Field Contents
14
BULK
D-E
METHOD Method of complex eigenvalue extraction. (Character: “INV,”

“HESS,” “CLAN” or “ISRR”)
INV Inverse power.

1258 EIGC
Field Contents
HESS Upper Hessenberg. See Remark 2.
CLAN Complex Lanczos. See Remark 10.
ISRR Iterative Schur-Rayleigh-Ritz. See Remark 3.
NORM Method for normalizing eigenvectors. See Remark 9. (Character:

“MAX” or “POINT”; Default = “MAX”) and “Normalization Options”
in the NX Nastran Numerical Methods User’s Guide
MAX Normalize the component having 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 value
for the imaginary part. The value for NORM
defaults to “MAX” if the magnitude of the defined
component is zero. “POINT” is available only for
METHOD = “DET”.
G Grid or scalar point identification number. Required if and only if

NORM = “POINT”. (Integer>0)
C Component number. Required if and only if NORM = “POINT” and

G is a geometric grid point. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6)
E Convergence criterion. (Real ≥ 0.0. Default values are: 10-4 for

METHOD = “INV”, 10-15 for METHOD = “HESS”, E is machine
dependent for METHOD = “CLAN”.)
MBLKSZ Maximum block size. See Remark 13. (Default = 7, Real ≥ 0.0)
IBLKSZ Initial block size. (Default = See Remark 14, Real ≥ 0.0)
KSTEPS Frequency of solve. (Default = 5, Integer>0)
14 ISRRFLG Used only for ISRR (See remark 15. )

BULK
D-E ALPHACJ Used only for ISRR (See remark 15. )
OMEGACJ Used only for ISRR (See remark 15. )

EIGC 1259
Table 14-13. Relationship Between METHOD Field and Other Fields
METHOD Field
Field
HESS INV CLAN ISRR
NDj (Integer>0) Desired number of Desired number Desired number Desired number of
eigenvectors. (No of roots and of roots and eigenvectors. (No
default) eigenvectors eigenvectors to default)
in j-th search be extracted at j-th
region.(Default = shift point. (No
3*NEj) default)
ALPHAAj End point Aj of j-th shift Fields have

OMEGAAj Real j-th search region point.(Default = 0.0) alternate meaning
and imaginary in complex plane. (See remark 15. )
Not used
parts of Aj in (Default = 0.0)
radians/time
(Real).
ALPHABj End point Bj of

OMEGABj Real j-th search region
and imaginary in complex plane. See alternate
Not used Not used
parts of Bj in (Default = 0.0) definition below.
radians/time
(Real).
Lj (Real>0.0) Width of j-th search

See alternate
Not used region. (Default Not used
definition below.
= 1.0)
NEj (Integer>0) Estimated number of

Not used roots in j-th search Not used Not used
region. (Default = 0)
MBLKSZ Not used Maximum Block Not used

SizeDefault = 7
Not used
For block CLAN
only
IBLCKSZ Not used Initial Block Not used

SizeDefault = 2
For block CLAN Not used
only
14
BULK
D-E
1260 EIGC
Figure 14-2. Sample Search Regions

Remarks:
1. The EIGC entry must be selected in the Case Control Section with the command
CMETHOD = SID. Methods of solution are also controlled by SYSTEM(108) on
the NASTRAN statements (described in “nastran Command and NASTRAN
Statement” ).
SYSTEM(108) Specification
QZ HESS method or CLAN block Lanczos, as selected by
0
EIGC entry or equivalent PARAM input. Default value.
Force Householder QR (Hessenberg with spill, mass matrix
1(default)
must be nonsingular)
14 2 Force old single vector complex Lanczos

BULK 4 Force new block complex Lanczos
D-E
8 Debugging output for Lanczos methods
16 Turn off block reduction in block complex Lanczos
32 Turn off block augmentation in block complex Lanczos
64 Turn off full orthogonality in block complex Lanczos
EIGC 1261
SYSTEM(108) Specification
Turn off preprocessing of initial vectors in block complex
128
Lanczos
Force LR method (Hessenberg, no spill, mass matrix must
256
be invertible)
512 Force QZ method
Use semi-algebraic sort on imaginary part of roots
65536
(pre-V70.6 sort)
The word “force” above implies that the method selected by the system cell will
be used even when another method has been selected on an EIGC entry. Sums
of these values will produce two or more actions at once, when feasible. As the
numbers get larger, the function is more developer-oriented than user-oriented.
2. The “HESS” method is generally more reliable and economical for small and
moderate-size problems. It computes all eigenvalues and ND eigenvectors.
3. The “ISRR” method works well on sparse matrices, confines the search region to
a circle centered on the origin of the complex plane, and provides some reliability
that all modes within the circle have been found.
4. The EIGC entry may or may not require continuations as noted below.
• For the “HESS” method, continuations are not required; and their contents
are ignored when present, except for ND1. However, it is recommended that
continuations are not used.
• For the “CLAN” method when the continuation entry is not used a shift is
calculated automatically. When a shift is input on the first continuation
entry it is used as the initial shift. Only one shift is used. Data on other
continuation entries is ignored.
• For METHOD = “INV”, each continuation defines a rectangular search

region. Any number of regions may be used and they may overlap. Roots in 14
overlapping regions will not be extracted more than once. BULK
D-E
• For METHOD = “ISRR” continuation, see Remark 15.
• For all methods, if no continuation is present, then ND0 must be specified on

the first entry. If a continuation is present, then NDj must be specified on
the continuation and not on the first entry.
1262 EIGC
5. The units of ALPHAAJ, OMEGAAJ, ALPHABJ, and OMEGABJ are radians

per unit time.
6. See The NASTRAN Theoretical Manual for a discussion of convergence criteria

and the search procedure with the INV method.
7. DIAG 12 prints diagnostics for the inverse power method, the complex Lanczos
method, the QZ HESS method and the ISRR method.
8. If METHOD = “HESS” and the LR or QR methods (non-default methods) are

selected by system cell 108 the mass matrix must be nonsingular. The method
does not require nonsingular mass matrix.
9. The normalized eigenvectors may be output with the SDISPLACEMENT and/or

DISPLACEMENT Case Control commands.
10. When using METHOD = CLAN, the following should be noted. The modern
CLAN method (default for METHOD entry of CLAN) has been enhanced to
include a block complex Lanczos approach. This method is more reliable and
will not accept inaccurate roots which the old method had a tendency to do.
Thus, given the same input, the new method may often accept fewer roots. For
continuity the old method has been maintained and may be selected by setting
SYSTEM(108).
11. The SVD method is provided for DMAP applications. If used in solution 107 or
110, and mass or damping terms are present, a user fatal exit is taken. The SVD
operation decomposes the input stiffness matrix K into the factors U, S, and V. U
and V are collections of vectors of orthogonal functions. S is a rectangular matrix
with terms on the diagonal of its left partition. The factors satisfy the equation
K = U*S*V’, where “ ’ ” implies complex conjugate transpose. The ND1 value has
a meaning for the SVD functions which differs from eigensolution.
ND1 OUTPUT
>0 All vectors of U and V are output.
=0 U and V are returned in a purged state.
14
BULK S is returned as a square matrix whose number of
D-E columns is equal to the minimum number of rows or
columns of the input matrix. U and V are truncated to
<0 be commensurate with S. This is a method to reduce
the costs of solving very rectangular input matrices by
providing a partial solution for the most interesting
vectors.
EIGC 1263
12. For DMAP applications there are input parameters, not present in the solution
sequences, that may be used to replace the function of the EIGC and CMETHOD
entries.
13. The MBLKSZ and IBKLSZ parameters are integers in concept, but must be
input at real numbers (that is, with a decimal point). They represent maximum
sizes, and may be reduced internally for small size problems.
14. The initial block size (IBKLSZ) default is as follows:
If N<1000, IBKLSZ = 1.
If N<50,000, IBKLSZ = 2.
If N<100,000, IBKLSZ = 4.
15. Using the METHOD=ISRR alternate continuation card, field 7 (ISRRFLG) can
be used to define the following instructions;
ISRRFLG Instruction
Reserves fields 2 (ALPHACJ) and 3 (OMEGACJ) for a user
supplied shift. Shift does not redefine search region, only
1
used during decomposition to avoid a singularity. The use
of the shift is recommended for better performance.
2 Forces the out-of-core path in the code.
4 Overrides system cell 405.
Forces balanced iteration for real unsymmetrical problems
8
only.
Forces generation of starting vectors for quadratic problems
from the values found for the linear case when damping
16
is ignored. In all other cases, the starting vectors are
randomly generated.
M * 32 Forces the maximum size of the subspace to M vectors.
14
BULK
The above ISRRFLG values may be added to obtain a combination of settings. For D-E
example ISRRFLG = 323 would indicate options “1”, “2” and a maximum subspace of
10 vectors (1 + 2 + (10*32) = 323).
Alternate EIGC Bulk Data Entry
The following alternate format is valid for all methods except inverse power:
1264 EIGC
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EIGC SID METHOD NORM G C E ND0
KEYWORD1=<value> KEYWORD2=<value> KEYWORD3=<value>
where KEYWORD may be any of the parameters from the original entry except
SID, as well as:
NDj Number of desired roots at shift j. (Integer>0).

SHIFTRj The real part of shift j. (Real)
SHIFTIj The imaginary part of shift j. (Real)
KSTEPSj Block tridiagonal solution frequency at shift j; (only block
Lanczos).(Integer>0)
MBLKSZj Maximum block size at shift j; (only block Lanczos). (Integer>0)
IBLKSZj Initial block size at shift j; (only block Lanczos). (Integer>0)
In the parameters above, the value of j ranges from 1 to 10.
Example:
EIGC 1 CLAN
eps=1.E-12, nd1=12, shiftr1=0, shifti1=2.4E2
EIGC 2 HESS
ND1=10
EIGC 3 CLAN
shiftr1=0.0, shifti1=20., nd1=5, iblksz1=2, mblksz1=5
14
BULK
D-E Remarks about alternate entry options:
1. The first of the keyword-driven continuation entry must be blank.
2. If any of the parameters METHOD, NORM, G, C, EPS, or ND1 are specified

on the continuation entry, the corresponding field on the original entry must
be blank.
EIGC 1265
3. A maximum of 10 shifts may be specified.
14
BULK
D-E
1266 EIGP
Poles in Complex Plane
EIGP Poles in Complex Plane
Defines poles that are used in complex eigenvalue extraction by the Determinant
method.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EIGP SID ALPHA1 OMEGA1 M1 ALPHA2 OMEGA2 M2
Example:
EIGP 15 -5.2 0.0 2 6.3 5.5 3
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Set identification number. (Integer>0)
ALPHAi, OMEGAi Coordinates of point in complex plane. (Real)
Mi Multiplicity of complex root at pole defined by point at
ALPHAi and OMEGAi. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. The EIGP entry defines poles in the complex plane that are used with an
associated EIGC entry having the same set number.
2. The units of ALPHAi and OMEGAi are radians per unit time.
3. Poles are used only in the determinant method. (METHOD = “DET” on the
EIGC entry).
4. One or two poles may be defined on a single entry.

14
BULK 5. See The NASTRAN Theoretical Manual.
D-E
EIGR 1267
Real Eigenvalue Extraction Data
EIGR Real Eigenvalue Extraction Data
Defines data needed to perform real eigenvalue analysis.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EIGR SID METHOD F1 F2 NE ND
NORM G C
Example:
EIGR 13 LAN 12
Fields:
Field Contents
METHOD Method of eigenvalue extraction. (Character)
Modern Methods:
LAN Lanczos Method
AHOU Automatic selection of HOU or MHOU method. See

Remark 13.
Obsolete Methods:
INV Inverse Power method.
SINV Inverse Power method with enhancements.
GIV Givens method of tridiagonalization.
MGIV Modified Givens method. 14

BULK
HOU Householder method of tridiagonalization. D-E
MHOU Modified Householder method.
AGIV Automatic selection of METHOD = “GIV” or “MGIV”.

See Remark 13.
1268 EIGR
Field Contents
NORM Method for normalizing eigenvectors. (Character: “MASS,” “MAX,”

or “POINT”; Default = “MASS”)
MASS Normalize to unit value of the generalized mass.

(Default)
MAX Normalize to unit value of the largest component in the

analysis set.
POINT Normalize to a positive or negative unit value of the

component defined in fields 3 and 4 (defaults to “MASS”
if defined component is zero).
G Grid or scalar point identification number. Required only if NORM

= “POINT”. (Integer>0)
C Component number. Required only if NORM = “POINT” and G is a

geometric grid point. (1 ≤ Integer ≤ 6)
Table 14-14. Relationship Between METHOD Field and Other Fields for
Obsolete Methods
METHOD Field
Field
INV or SINV GIV, MGIV, HOU, or MHOU
F1, F2 Frequency range of interest. F1 must be Frequency range of interest. If ND is not

input. If METHOD = “SINV” and ND, is blank, F1 and F2 are ignored. If ND is
blank, then F2 must be input. (Real ≥ 0.0) blank, eigenvectors are found with natural
frequencies that lie in the range between F1
and F2. (Real ≥ 0.0; F1<F2)
NE Estimate of number of roots in range Not used.

(Required for METHOD = “INV”). Not
used by “SINV” method. (Integer>0)
ND Desired number of roots. If this field is Desired number of eigenvectors. If ND is zero,

14 blank and METHOD = “SINV”, then all
roots between F1 and F2 are searched and
the number of eigenvectors is determined from
F1 and F2. If all three are blank, then ND is
BULK
the limit is 600 roots. (Integer>0, Default automatically set to one more than the number
D-E is 3 ≠ NE for METHOD = “INV” only.) of degrees-of-freedom listed on SUPORTi
entries. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0)
EIGR 1269
Remarks:
1. The EIGR entry must be selected with the Case Control command METHOD =
SID.
2. See “Real Eigenvalue Analysis ” in the NX Nastran Basic Dynamic Analysis

User’s Guide for a discussion of method selection.
3. The units of F1 and F2 are cycles per unit time.
4. The continuation entry is optional. If the continuation entry is not specified,

then mass normalization is performed.
5. The contemporary methods are LAN and AHOU. The other methods are in a
maintenance-only status, with no enhancements planned for them. They may be
eliminated in a future release.
6. The LAN method is the most general-purpose method, and may be used on
both small- and large-size problems. It takes advantage of sparsity of input
matrices, leading to greater efficiency on large-size problems. Because Lanczos
performance is tuned for medium to large problems, this has caused difficulties
with very small problems. Thus, by default, on problems with fewer than 20
degrees-of-freedom when the LAN method is selected, the method is switched
to AHOU. The criteria for automatic switching is controlled by SYSTEM(359)
on the NASTRAN entry. The NE, G, and C fields are ignored for the LAN
method. The NORM field may be set to MASS (the default value) or NORM. The
conventions used when both the Fi and ND fields are specified are described in
Table 1 of the EIGRL entry description. The EIGRL entry is an alternate method
to select the LAN method. It has several other input options for special cases.
When both and EIGRL and EIGR have the same SID and that SID is selected by
a METHOD command the EIGRL entry takes precedence.
7. The AHOU method is competitive with the LAN method when there are small,
dense matrices and many eigenvectors are required. This most commonly occurs
when static or dynamic reduction is performed. The AHOU method does not take
advantage of matrix sparsity, so that computation cost rises with the cube of the
number of DOFs. The AHOU method responds to all permitted values for all the
other fields except NE, which is ignored. 14
BULK
8. All methods require a positive semi-definite (psd) mass matrix for stable
D-E
solutions. The mass matrix may be tested for this condition for all methods
of solution by setting SYSTEM(303). A value of “-4” should be sufficient to
identify problem matrices. A fatal error exit is taken when it is not met. All NX
Nastran metric elements are designed to produce psd mass matrices. CMASSi
elements, DMIG matrices selected by the M2GG command, and matrices input
via INPUTT4 are special methods that allow addition of non-psd terms by use of
1270 EIGR
non-metric element input. If none of this type of special input is present and the
fatal error exit is taken you may have encountered an error in a metric element.
Contact a Technical Support representative for corrective action in this case.
9. The LAN and AHOU methods allow singular but psd mass matrices.
10. The tridiagonal methods include the xGIV and xHOU methods, where “x” is
described in the following comments. All tridiagonal methods compute all
eigenvalues, and the number of eigenvectors specified by the Fi and Nd fields, as
described in Table 14-14 above.
11. If “x” is blank (for example, the HOU method is selected) the mass matrix must
be non-singular.
12. If “x” is M (for example, the MHOU method is selected) the mass matrix may
be singular. A modified, shifted problem is solved in an inverse basis with
this method. Some precision in the solution and longer computation time is
exchanged for a more stable solution.
13. If “x” is A (for example, the AHOU method is selected) an attempt is made
to solve the problem without shifting, in the interest of cost reduction and
maximum precision. If the mass matrix is determined to be poorly conditioned
for inversion the basis is automatically shifted with the modified method.
14. If NORM = “MAX”, components that are not in the analysis set may have values
larger than unity.
15. MAX normalization is not supported when using the gdmodes parallel solution
option. It will result in incorrectly scaled eigenvectors.
16. If NORM = “POINT”, the selected component should be in the analysis set (a-set).
(The program uses NORM = “MAX” when it is not in the analysis set.) The
displacement value at the selected component will be positive or negative unity.
17. The “SINV” method is an enhanced version of the “INV” method. It uses Sturm
sequence number techniques to make it more likely that all roots in the range
14 have been found. It is generally more reliable and more efficient than the “INV”
method.
BULK
D-E
18. For the “INV” and “SINV” methods, convergence is achieved at 10−6.
Convergence is tested by other criteria for the other methods.
19. For the “SINV” method only, if F2 is blank, the first shift will be made at F1, and
only one eigensolution above F1 will be calculated. If there are no modes below
F1, it is likely that the first mode will be calculated. If there are modes below F1
EIGR 1271
(including rigid body modes defined by SUPORT entries), a mode higher than
the first mode above F1 may be calculated.
20. When F1, F2, and ND are all zero or blank, ND is reset to 1. A User Warning
Message is produced for this condition, which is interpreted as likely to be due to
an inadvertent omission by the user.
14
BULK
D-E
1272 EIGRL
Real Eigenvalue Extraction Data, Lanczos Method
EIGRL Real Eigenvalue Extraction Data, Lanczos Method
Defines data needed to perform real eigenvalue (vibration or buckling) analysis

with the Lanczos method.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EIGRL SID V1 V2 ND MSGLVL MAXSET SHFSCL NORM
option_1 = value_1 option_2 = value_2, etc.
Example:
EIGRL 1 0.1 3.2 10
NORM=MAX NUMS=2
Fields:
Field Contents
V1, V2 For vibration analysis: frequency range of interest. For buckling

analysis: eigenvalue range of interest. See Remark 5. (Real or
blank, −5 × 1016 ≤ V1 <V2 ≤ 5. × 1016)
ND Number of roots desired. See Remark 5. (Integer>0 or blank)
MSGLVL Diagnostic level. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 4; Default = 0)
MAXSET Number of vectors in block or set. Default is machine dependent.

See Remark 15.
SHFSCL Estimate of the first flexible mode natural frequency. See Remark
11. (Real or blank)
14 NORM Method for normalizing eigenvectors (Character: “MASS” or “MAX”)

BULK MASS Normalize to unit value of the generalized mass. Not
D-E available for buckling analysis. (Default for normal
modes analysis.)
EIGRL 1273
Field Contents
MAX Normalize to unit value of the largest displacement in

the analysis set. Displacements not in the analysis
set may be larger than unity. (Default for buckling
analysis.)
ALPH Specifies a constant for the calculation of frequencies (Fi) at the

upper boundary segments for the parallel method based on the
following formula. See Remark 14. (Integer>0.0; Default = 1.0):
NUMS Number of frequency segments for the parallel method. (Integer>0;

Default = 1) See Remark 14.
Fi Frequency at the upper boundary of the i-th segment. See Remark

14. (Real or blank; V1<F1<F2<... F15<F2)
option_i = Assigns a value to the fields above except for SID. ALPH, NUMS,
value_i and Fi must be specified in this format. V1, V2, ND, MSGLVL,
MAXSET, SHFSCL, and NORM may be specified in this format as
long as their corresponding field is blank in the parent entry.
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. 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.
14
BULK
D-E
4. MAX normalization is not supported when using the gdmodes parallel solution
option. It will result in incorrectly scaled eigenvectors.
5. The roots are found in order of increasing magnitude; that is, those closest to
zero are found first. The number and type of roots to be found can be determined
from Table 14-15.
1274 EIGRL
Table 14-15. Number and Type of Roots Found with EIGRL Entry
V1 V2 ND Number and Type of Roots Found

V1 V2 ND Lowest ND or all in range, whichever is smaller.
V1 V2 blank All in range
V1 blank ND Lowest ND in range [V1,+∞]
V1 blank blank Lowest root in range [V1,+∞]
blank blank ND Lowest ND roots in [-∞,+∞]
blank blank blank Lowest root. See Remark 11.
blank V2 ND Lowest ND roots below V2
blank V2 blank All below V2
6. 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.
7. Eigenvalues are sorted on order of magnitude for output. An eigenvector is

found for each eigenvalue.
8. MSGLVL controls the amount of diagnostic output during the eigenvalue

extraction process. The default value of zero suppresses all diagnostic output. A
value of one prints eigenvalues accepted at each shift. Higher values result in
increasing levels of diagnostic output.
9. MAXSET is used to limit the maximum block size. It is otherwise set by the
region size or by ND with a maximum size of 15. It may also be reset if there is
insufficient memory available. The default value is recommended.
14 10. In vibration analysis, if V1 is blank, all roots less than zero are calculated. Small
negative roots are usually computational zeroes which indicate rigid body modes.
BULK
Finite negative roots are an indication of modeling problems. If V1 is set to zero,
D-E
negative eigenvalues are not calculated.
11. A specification for SHFSCL may improve performance, especially when large
mass techniques are used in enforced motion analysis. Large mass techniques
can cause a large gap between the rigid body and flexible frequencies. If this field
is blank, a value for SHFSCL is estimated automatically.
EIGRL 1275
12. On occasion, it may be necessary to compute more roots than requested to

ensure that all roots in the range have been found. However, this method will
not output the additional roots.
13. NASTRAN SYSTEM(146) provides options for I/O in sparse method only:
Table 14-16. SYSTEM(146) Options
SYSTEM(146) Description
Increase memory reserved for sparse method by
2
approximately 100%.
3
approximately 300%.
4
approximately 400%.
14. For the distributed parallel method, the frequency range between V1 and V2
may be subdivided into segments that can then be analyzed in parallel. V1 and
V2 must be specified for the parallel method. NUMS must be specified greater
than 1 to take advantage of the parallel method. NUMS may also be specified
on the NUMSEG keyword or the NUMSEG NASTRAN statement. Currently,
NUMSEG must equal the number of processors and by default NUMSEG is
set to the number of processors requested by the DMP keyword. If both are
specified, then NUMS takes precedence.
The upper frequencies of each segment may be generated automatically by
ALPH or specified directly in Fi. If both are specified, then Fi takes precedence
over ALPH as long as they are consistent. ALPH if multiplied by 100 may also
be specified on FRQSEQ keyword of the NASTRAN statement.
15. Increasing MAXSET may improve performance for large problems where a
large number of eigenvalues are being found. The default is 7 on all machines.
SYSTEM(263) may be set in an rcfile to effectively modify the default; however
the setting on the EIGRL entry always takes precedence.
16. SYSTEM(196), keyword SCRSAVE, controls reuse of scratch files when segment
14
BULK
logic is invoked. SYSTEM(196) is useful only when multiple frequency segments
D-E
are requested on a Lanczos run. (Multiple frequency segments can be requested
via the NUMS field in the EIGRL entry and by SYSTEM(197).) Each frequency
segment requires a minimum of three scratch files. When multiple frequency
segments are used on a single processor computer then each frequency segment
is solved serially. In this case, it makes sense to let segment #2 use the scratch
files which were used by segment #1 since work for segment #1 has been
1276 EIGRL
completed (otherwise it wouldn’t be working on #2). Similarly, when work for

segment #2 is finished, segment #3 should be able to use #2’s scratch files.
SYSTEM(196)=1 allows such file reuse and is considered a safe default on
Version 70 and later systems.
17. The new buckling shift logic in Version 70.5 tends to shift to 1.0 first. The logic
may have difficulty finding the lowest ND roots if a problem requests a small
number of roots (ND) when there are thousands of roots below 1. In this case
either the loading should be scaled, SHFSCL specified, or a smaller frequency
range requested.
18. Because Lanczos performance is tuned for medium to large problems, this has
caused difficulties with very small problems. Thus, by default, on problems
with fewer than 20 degrees-of-freedom when the LAN method is selected, the
method is switched to AHOU. The criteria for automatic switching is controlled
by SYSTEM(359) on the NASTRAN entry.
14
BULK
D-E
ELIST 1277
Element List
ELIST Element List
Defines a list of structural 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 3 51 -62 68 THRU 102 122
Fields:
Field Contents
LID Identification number of list. (Integer>0)
Ei Identification number of a structural element. See Remark 1. for
the meaning of the negative sign. The string “THRU” may be used
to indicate that all existing elements between those referenced in
the preceding and succeeding fields are in the list. (Integer ≠ 0 or
“THRU”)
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’s 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. If the “THRU” option is used,
then immediately preceding and succeeding elements must have the same sign.
2. Large open “THRUs” should be avoided. 14

BULK
3. The word “THRUs” must not appear in field 2 or 9 on the parent entry or on D-E
any continuations.
1278 ENDDATA
Bulk Data Delimiter
ENDDATA Bulk Data Delimiter
Designates the end of the Bulk Data Section.
Format:
ENDDATA
Remarks:
1. ENDDATA is optional.
14
BULK
D-E
EPOINT 1279
Extra Point List
EPOINT Extra Point List
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 3 18 1 4 16 2
EPOINT ID1 “THRU” ID2

EPOINT 17 THRU 43
Fields:
Field Contents
IDi Extra point identification number. (1000000>Integer>0; for “THRU”
option, ID1<ID2).
Remarks:
1. All extra point identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other
structural, scalar, and fluid points for direct methods of solution. For modal
methods, they must be larger than the number of eigenvectors retained for
analysis.
2. EPOINT is used to define coordinates used in transfer function definitions (see

the TF and DMIG entries).
3. If the alternate format is used, extra points ID1 through ID2 are also defined
to be extra points. 14
BULK
4. See the NX Nastran Advanced Dynamic Analysis User’s Guide for a discussion of D-E
extra points.
1280 EXTRN
Partitioned External Superelement Connection
EXTRN Partitioned External Superelement Connection
Defines a boundary connection for an external superelement.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EXTRN GID1 C1 GID2 C2 GID3 C3 GID4 C4
-etc.- GID6 “THRU” GID7 C6 -etc.-
Example:
EXTRN 1001 123 1120 123456 1201 123
Fields:
Field Contents
GIDi Grid identification number to which the exterior superelement
matrices will be connected.
Ci Component numbers. (Integer 0, blank, or 1 for scalar points;
Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded blanks for grids.)
Remarks:
1. EXTRN can only be specified in partitioned Bulk Data Sections and is ignored in
the main Bulk Data Section.
2. Connection grids must be specified in the partitioned Bulk Data Section

following BEGIN SUPER = SEID.
3. “THRU” may be specified only in fields 3, 5, or 7.
4. Pairs of blank fields may be entered to allow easier modification of the EXTRN
14 entry.
BULK
D-E
Chapter 15
BULK
15 Bulk Data Entries F—L F-L

1282 FEEDGE
Finite Element Edge Definition
15 FEEDGE Finite Element Edge Definition

BULK
F-L
Defines a finite element edge and associates it with a curve.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FEEDGE EDGEID GRID1 GRID2 CIDBC GEOMIN ID1 ID2
Example:
FEEDGE 101 123 547 GMCURV 12
Fields:
EDGEID Unique identification number. Integer Required

>0
GRIDi Identification number of end GRIDs Integer Required

definingthis edge. >0
CIDBC Identification number of the coordinate Integer

systemin which constraints specified on ≥0
GMBC and GMSPC entries are defined. See
Remark 1.
GEOMIN Type of entry referenced by IDi; “GMCURV”or Character POINT

“POINT”. See Remark 2.
IDi Identification number of a POINT or Integer

GMCURV entry. See Remarks 2, 3, and 4. ≥0
Remarks:
1. If CIDBC is not blank then it overrides the CIDBC specified on the GMSURF or
FEFACE entries for this particular edge. A fatal message will be issued when
more than one CIDBC is associated with any entity.
2. The Bulk Data entries referenced by ID1 and ID2 depends on the GEOMIN field:
GEOMIN ID1 ID2

POINT POINT POINT
FEEDGE 1283
GEOMIN ID1 ID2 15

GMCURV GMCURV not applicable BULK
F-L
3. When GEOMIN = “GMCURV”

• FEEDGE associates the finite element model and the geometric information.
• GRID1 and GRID2 are the end points of the edge, and the edge is on the
CURVID curve. A locally parametric cubic curve is fit to the geometric curve
such that the two have the same tangent at GRIDi (C1 continuous).
Figure 15-1. Specifying Geometry Using GEOMIN=GMCURV Method
4. When GEOMIN = “POINT”

• The edge passes through the points defined on the POINT entries referenced
by ID1 and ID2.
• The shape of the edge is selected as follows:
ID1 ID2 Shape of the FEEDGE

Blank or 0 Blank or 0 Linear
>0 Blank or 0 Quadratic
>0 >0 Cubic
Blank or 0 >0 Not allowed
1284 FEEDGE
15
BULK
F-L
Figure 15-2. Specifying Geometry Using GEOMIN=POINT Method
5. A local coordinate system can be associated with an edge using the GMCORD
entry.
6. The hierarchy set to resolve the conflicts arising in the Global System input data
is described in the “GMBC” entry description.
FEFACE 1285
Finite Element Face Definition
FEFACE Finite Element Face Definition 15

BULK
F-L
Defines geometric information that will be used in elements, surface definition, load
definition, and boundary condition definition.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FEFACE FACEID GRID1 GRID2 GRID3 GRID4 CIDBC SURFID
Example:
FEFACE 101 123 547 243 295 12
Fields:
FACEID Unique identification number. See Remark Integer > Required

1. 0
GRIDi Identification number of end GRIDsdefining Integer > Required

a triangular or quadrilateral face. See 0
Remark 2.
CIDBC Identification number of the coordinate Integer ≥ Remark

system in which constraints specified on 0 3.
GMBC and GMSPC entries are defined.
See Remark 3.
SURFID Alternate method used to specify the Integer ≥ 0

geometry of the edges of the face. See 0
Remarks 4 and 5.
Remarks:
1. An FEFACE entry is required if any of the following situations exist:

• The geometry of the surface defined by SURFID is to be used by a finite
element;
• CIDBC is specified for a face or surface; or
• If loads or constraints or enforced boundary conditions are applied to a

surface.
1286 FEFACE
Finite Element Face Definition
15 2. The shape (geometry) of the face is defined by the shape of the edges. The points
BULK defined by GRIDi must be specified in either a clockwise or counterclockwise
F-L order.
3. If CIDBC is not blank, then it overrides the CIDBC specified on the GMSURF
entry for this particular face. A fatal message will be issued when more than one
CIDBC is associated with any entity.
4. When SURFID is blank or 0, the edges will be considered linear unless there is
an FEEDGE entry for the given edge.
5. When SURFID > 0,

• FEFACE associates the finite element model and the geometric information
specified on the GMSURF entry.
• GRIDi defines a finite element face (clockwise or counter clockwise in order)

that is on the SURFID surface.
• For the edges of this face, which are not defined by an FEEDGE entry, locally
parametric cubic curves are fit to the geometric surface such that the two
have the same tangent at GRIDi (C1 continuous).
6. Whenever a given edge of a face is common to two or more surfaces (i.e., lies on
the intersecting curve), then the user must supply GMCURV and FEEDGE
entries in order to resolve the conflict in the input geometry. A fatal message is
issued if an edge is not uniquely defined.
Figure 15-3. Face Edge Common to Two Surfaces
7. The hierarchy set to resolve the conflicts arising in the Global System input data
is described in the “GMBC” entry description.
FLFACT 1287
FLFACT Aerodynamic Physical Data 15

BULK
F-L
Used to specify density ratios, Mach numbers, reduced frequencies, and velocities
for flutter analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FLFACT SID F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7
F8 F9 -etc.-
Example:
FLFACT 97 .3 .7 3.5

FLFACT SID F1 “THRU” FNF NF FMID
FLFACT 201 .200 THRU .100 11 .133333
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Set identification number. (Unique Integer > 0)
Fi Aerodynamic factor. (Real)
FNF Final aerodynamic factor. (Real)
NF Number of aerodynamic factors. (Integer > 0)
FMID Intermediate aerodynamic factors. See Remark 4. (Real)
Remarks:
1. Only the factors selected by a FLUTTER entry will be used.
2. Embedded blank fields are not allowed in the first format above.
3. The factors must be specified in the order in which they are to be used within
the looping of flutter analysis.
4. FMID must lie between F1 and FNF; otherwise, FMID will be set to (F1+FNF)/2.
then
1288 FLFACT
15
BULK
F-L
where i = 1, 2, ..., NF
The use of FMID (middle factor selection) allows unequal spacing of the factors.
gives equal values to increments of the reciprocal of Fi.
5. If method = PK and this entry specifies velocities, then the velocities must be
non-zero. Input of negative values produces eigenvector results at a velocity
equal to the positive value of the input. Input of positive values provide
eigenvalues results without eigenvectors.
FLSYM 1289
Axisymmetric Symmetry Control
FLSYM Axisymmetric Symmetry Control 15

BULK
F-L
Defines the relationship between the axisymmetric fluid and a structural boundary
having symmetric constraints. The purpose is to allow fluid boundary matrices to
conform to structural symmetry definitions.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FLSYM M S1 S2
Example:
FLSYM 12 S A
Fields:
Field Contents
M Number of symmetric sections of structural boundary around the

circumference of the fluid being modeled by the set of structural
elements. (Even Integers ≥ 2)
S1, S2 Description of boundary constraints used on the structure at the first

and second planes of symmetry. (Character: “S” means symmetric,
“A” means antisymmetric.)
Remarks:
2. Only one FLSYM entry is allowed.
3. This entry is not required if there are no planes of symmetry.
4. First plane of symmetry is assumed to be at φ = 0. Second plane of symmetry is

assumed to be at φ = 360° / M.
5. Symmetric and antisymmetric constraints for the structure must, in addition, be

provided by the user.
6. The solution is performed for those harmonic indices listed on the AXIF entry
that are compatible with the symmetry conditions.
1290 FLSYM
Axisymmetric Symmetry Control
15 7. For example, if FLSYM is used to model a quarter section of structure at the

BULK boundary, M = 4. If the boundary constraints are “SS”, the compatible cosine
F-L harmonics are 0, 2, 4, ..., etc. If “SA” is used, the compatible cosine harmonics
are 1, 3, 5, ..., etc.
FLUTTER 1291
Aerodynamic Flutter Data
FLUTTER Aerodynamic Flutter Data 15

BULK
F-L
Defines data needed to perform flutter analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FLUTTER SID METHOD DENS MACH RFREQ IMETH NVALUE EPS
Example:
FLUTTER 19 K 119 219 319 S 5 1.-4
Fields:
Field Contents
METHOD Flutter analysis method. (Character: “K” for K-method, “PK” for
PK method, “PKNL” for PK method with no looping, “KE” for the
K-method restricted for efficiency.)
DENS Identification number of an FLFACT entry specifying density ratios

to be used in flutter analysis. (Integer > 0)
MACH Identification number of an FLFACT entry specifying Mach numbers

(m) to be used in flutter analysis. (Integer > 0)
RFREQ Identification number of an FLFACT entry specifying reduced

(or VEL) frequencies (k) to be used in flutter analysis; for the PK and PKNL
method, the velocities FLFACT entry is specified in this field.
(Integer > 0)
IMETH Choice of interpolation method for aerodynamic matrix interpolation.

Used in the “K” and “KE” methods only. See Remark 6. (Character:
“L” = linear, “S” = surface; Default = “L”.)
NVALUE Number of eigenvalues beginning with the first eigenvalue for

output and plots. [Integer > 0; Default is the number of modal
degrees-of-freedom (uh)]
EPS Convergence parameter for k. Used in the PK and PKNL methods

only. See Remark 4. (Real > 0.0; Default = 10−3)
1292 FLUTTER
Aerodynamic Flutter Data
15 Remarks:
BULK
F-L 1. The FLUTTER entry must be selected with the Case Control command
METHOD = SID.
2. The density is given by DENS · RHOREF, where RHOREF is the reference

value specified on the AERO entry and DENS is the density ratio specified on
the FLFACT entry.
3. The reduced frequency is given by k = (REFC · ω/2 · V), where REFC is given on
the AERO entry, ω is the circular frequency, and V is the velocity. If k= 0.0, as
specified on the FLFACT entry, then only the K-method may be specified and
the Inverse Power method of eigenvalue extraction (INV on the EIGC entry)
must be used. Aeroelastic divergence analysis is more appropriately performed
using the PK-method or PKNL method.
4. An eigenvalue is accepted in the PK and PKNL methods when:
5. When the PK or PKNL method is selected, physical displacements will only be

generated for the velocities on the FLFACT that are specified as negative values
of the requested velocity. Also, structural damping as specified on the GE field of
MATi entries is ignored.
6. If IMETH = “L”, a linear interpolation is performed on reduced frequencies at

the Mach numbers specified on the FLFACT entry using the MKAEROi entry
Mach number that is closest to the FLFACT entry Mach number. For IMETH
= “S”, a surface interpolation is performed across Mach numbers and reduced
frequencies. For METHOD = “PK” or “PKNL”, linear interpolation is always
performed.
7. For the “K”, “KE” and “PK” methods, all combinations of the FLFACT entry are
analyzed. For the “PKNL” method, only ordered pairs are analyzed; i.e., (M1, V1),
(M2, V2)...(Mn, Vn). For the PKNL method, equal number of densities, Mach
numbers and velocities must be specified.
8. Only the “PK” and “PKNL” methods are supported for design sensitivity and
optimization.
FORCE 1293
Static Force
FORCE Static Force 15

BULK
F-L
Defines a static concentrated force 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 2 5 6 2.9 0.0 1.0 0.0
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Load set identification number. (Integer > 0)
F Scale factor. (Real)
Ni Components of a vector measured in coordinate system defined by

CID. (Real; at least one Ni ≠ 0.0.)
Remarks:
1. The static force applied to grid point G is given by
where is the vector defined in fields 6, 7 and 8. The magnitude of is equal to

F times the magnitude of .
2. In the static solution sequences, the load set ID must be selected by the Case
Control command LOAD = SID. In the dynamic solution sequences, SID must be
referenced in the LID field of an LSEQ entry, which in turn must be selected by
the Case Control command LOADSET.
3. A CID of zero or blank (the default) references the basic coordinate system.
4. For scalar points see SLOAD.

1294 FORCE
Static Force
15 Remarks related to SOLs 601 and 701:

BULK
F-L 1. To apply a force with constant magnitude, SID is selected by Case Control
command LOAD = SID for both static and transient analyses.
2. To apply a time-dependent force, SID is referenced by the field EXCITEID =

SID in the TLOAD1 entry. Time-dependent loads are selected by Case Control
command DLOAD.
FORCE1 1295
Static Force, Alternate Form 1
FORCE1 Static Force, Alternate Form 1 15

BULK
F-L
Defines a static concentrated force at a grid point by specification of a magnitude 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 6 13 -2.93 16 13
Fields:
Field Contents
F Magnitude of the force. (Real)
G1, G2 Grid point identification numbers. (Integer > 0; G1 and G2 may

not be coincident.)
Remarks:
1. The static force applied to grid point G is given by
where is a unit vector parallel to a vector from G1 to G2.
Control command LOAD=SID. In the dynamic solution sequences, SID must be
3. The follower force effects due to loads from this entry are included in the
stiffness in all linear solution sequences that calculate a differential stiffness.
The solution sequences are SOLs 103, 105, 107 to 112, 115 and 116 (see also the
parameter FOLLOWK.). In addition, follower force effects are included in the
force balance in the nonlinear static and nonlinear transient dynamic solution
1296 FORCE1
15 sequences, SOLs 106, 129, 153, and 159, if geometric nonlinear effects are
BULK turned on with PARAM,LGDISP,1. The follower force stiffness is included in the
F-L nonlinear static solution sequences (SOLs 106 and 153) but not in the nonlinear
transient dynamic solution sequences (SOLs 129 and 159).
1. If G1=G or G2=G, the force is a follower force in large displacement analysis

(i.e., PARAM,LGDISP,1). Otherwise, the direction of the force is defined by the
original positions of G1 and G2 and does not change even for large displacement
analysis.
2. To apply a force with constant magnitude, SID is selected by Case Control

command LOAD = SID for both static and transient analysis.

command DLOAD.
FORCE2 1297
FORCE2 Static Force, Alternate Form 2 15

BULK
F-L
Defines a static concentrated force at a grid point by specification of a magnitude and
four grid points that determine the direction.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FORCE2 SID G F G1 G2 G3 G4
Example:
FORCE2 6 13 -2.93 16 13 17 13
Fields:
Field Contents
F Magnitude of the force. (Real)
Gi Grid point identification numbers. (Integer > 0; G1 and G2 may not

be coincident; G3 and G4 cannot be coincident.)
Remarks:
1. The direction of the force is parallel to the cross product of vectors from G1 to
G2 and G3 to G4.
parameter FOLLOWK). In addition, follower force effects are included in the
sequences, SOLs 106, 129, 153, and 159, if geometric nonlinear effects are
turned on with PARAM,LGDISP,1. The follower force stiffness is included in the
1298 FORCE2
15 nonlinear static solution sequences (SOLs 106 and 153) but not in the nonlinear
BULK transient dynamic solution sequences (SOLs 129 and 159).
F-L
1. The direction of the force is defined by the original positions of G1 to G4 and

does not change during the analysis.
2. To apply a force with constant magnitude, SID is selected by Case Control


command DLOAD.
FORCEAX 1299
Conical Shell Static Force
FORCEAX Conical Shell Static Force 15

BULK
F-L
Defines a static concentrated force on a conical shell ring.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FORCEAX SID RID HID S FR FP FZ
Example:
FORCEAX 1 2 3 2.0 0.1 0.2 0.3
Fields:
Field Contents
RID RINGAX entry identification number. (Integer > 0)
HID Harmonic identification number or a sequence of harmonics. See

Remark 5. (Integer ≥ 0)
S Scale factor for the force. (Real)
FR, FP, FZ Force components in r, φ, z directions. (Real)
Remarks:
1. FORCEAX is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
2. Axisymmetric shell loads must be selected with the Case Control command
LOAD = SID.
3. A separate entry is needed for the definition of the force associated with each
harmonic.
4. For a discussion of the conical shell problem, see “Conical Shell Element
5. If a sequence of harmonics is to be placed in HID, the form is as follows:

“Sn1Tn2” where n1 is the start of the sequence and n2 is the end of the sequence
(e.g., for harmonics 0 through 10, the field would contain “S0T10”).
1300 FREEPT
Fluid Free Surface Point
15 FREEPT Fluid Free Surface Point

BULK
F-L
Defines the location of points on the surface of a fluid for recovery of surface
displacements in a gravity field.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FREEPT IDF IDP1 PHI1 IDP2 PHI2 IDP3 PHI3
Example:
FREEPT 3 301 22.5 302 90.0 303 370.0
Fields:
Field Contents
IDF RINGFL entry identification number. (Integer > 0)
IDPi Free surface point identification number. (Integer > 0)
PHIi Azimuthal position on fluid point (RINGFL entry) in the fluid

coordinate system. (Real)
Remarks:
1. FREEPT is allowed only if an AXIF entry is also present.
2. All free surface point identification numbers must be unique with respect to
other scalar, structural, and fluid points.
3. The free surface points are used for the identification of output data only.
4. Three points may be defined on a single entry.
5. The referenced fluid point (IDF) must be included in a free surface list (FSLIST
entry).
6. Output requests for velocity and acceleration can be made at these points.
FREQ 1301
Frequency List
FREQ Frequency List 15

BULK
F-L
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 3 2.98 3.05 17.9 21.3 25.6 28.8 31.2
29.2 22.4 19.3
Fields:
Field Contents
Fi Frequency value in units of cycles per unit time. (Real ≥ 0.0)
Remarks:
1. Frequency sets must be selected with the Case Control command FREQUENCY
= SID.
2. All FREQi entries with the same frequency set identification numbers will
be used. Duplicate frequencies will be ignored. fN and fN−1 are considered
duplicated if
where DFREQ is a user parameter, with a default of 10−5. fMAX and fMIN are the
maximum and minimum excitation frequencies of the combined FREQi entries.
3. In modal analysis, solutions for modal DOFs from rigid body modes at zero
excitation frequencies may be discarded. Solutions for nonzero modes are
retained.
1302 FREQ1
Frequency List, Alternate Form 1
15 FREQ1 Frequency List, Alternate Form 1

BULK
F-L
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 6 2.9 0.5 13
Fields:
Field Contents
F1 First frequency in set. (Real ≥ 0.0)
DF Frequency increment. (Real > 0.0)
NDF Number of frequency increments. (Integer > 0; Default = 1)
Remarks:
1. FREQ1 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
where i = 1 to (NDF = 1).
duplicated if
FREQ1 1303
15
BULK
F-L
retained.
1304 FREQ2

BULK
F-L
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 8.0 6
Fields:
Field Contents
F1 First frequency. (Real > 0.0)
F2 Last frequency. (Real > 0.0, F2 > F1)
NF Number of logarithmic intervals. (Integer > 0; Default = 1)
Remarks:
= SID.
2. The units for F1 and F2 are cycles per unit time.
where
and i = 1, 2, ..., (NF+1)

FREQ2 1305
In the example above, the list of frequencies will be 1.0, 1.4142, 2.0, 2.8284, 4.0, 15
5.6569 and 8.0 cycles per unit time. BULK
F-L
duplicated if
retained.
1306 FREQ3
Frequency List, Alternate 3
15 FREQ3 Frequency List, Alternate 3

BULK
F-L
Defines a set of excitation frequencies for modal frequency-response solutions by
specifying number of excitation 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 6 20.0 200.0 LINEAR 10 2.0
Fields:
Field Contents
F1 Lower bound of modal frequency range in cycles per unit time. (Real
≥ 0.0 for TYPE = LINEAR and Real = 0.0 for TYPE = LOG)
F2 Upper bound of modal frequency range in cycles per unit time. (Real
> 0.0, F2 ≥ F1, Default = F1)
TYPE LINEAR or LOG. Specifies linear or logarithmic interpolation

between frequencies. (Character; Default = “LINEAR”)
NEF Number of excitation frequencies within each subrange including

the end points. 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. (Integer > 1, Default = 10)
CLUSTER Specifies clustering of the excitation frequency near the end points
of the range. See Remark 6. (Real > 0.0; Default = 1.0)
Remarks:
1. FREQ3 applies only to modal frequency-response solutions (SOLs 11, 111, 146,
and 200) and is ignored in direct frequency response solutions.
= SID.
FREQ3 1307
3. In the example above, there will be 10 frequencies in the interval between 15

each set of modes within the bounds 20 and 2000, plus 10 frequencies between BULK
20 and the lowest mode in the range, plus 10 frequencies between the highest F-L
mode in the range and 2000.
4. Since the forcing frequencies are near structural resonances, it is important that
some amount of damping be specified.
5. All FREQi entries with the same set identification numbers will be used.
Duplicate frequencies will be ignored. fN and fN−1 are considered duplicated if
where DFREQ is a user parameter, with a default of 10−5. fMAX an fMIN are the
6. CLUSTER is used to obtain better resolution near the modal frequencies where
the response varies the most. CLUSTER > 1.0 provides closer spacing of
excitation frequency 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 the frequency range is between 10 and 20, NEF = 11, TYPE =
“LINEAR”; then, the excitation frequencies for various values of CLUSTER
would be as shown in Table 15-1.
where
ξ = −1 + 2(k−1)/ (NEF−1) is a parametric coordinate between -1 and 1
k = varies from 1 to NEF (k = 1, 2, ..., NEF)
= is the lower limit of the frequency subrange
= is the upper limit o the subrange
= is the k-th excitation frequency
= is the frequency, or the logarithm of the frequency, depending on

the value specified for TYPE
1308 FREQ3
15
BULK Table 15-1. CLUSTER Usage Example
F-L CLUSTER
Excitation
Frequency ξ c=0.25 c-0.50 c-1.0 c-2.0 c-4.0
Number
Excitation Frequencies in Hertz
1 -1.0 10.00 10.0 10.0 10.00 10.00
2 -0.8 12.95 11.8 11.0 10.53 10.27
3 -0.6 14.35 13.2 12.0 11.13 10.60
4 -0.4 14.87 14.2 13.0 11.84 11.02
5 -0.2 14.99 14.8 14.0 12.76 11.66
6 0.0 15.00 15.0 15.0 15.00 15.00
7 0.2 15.01 15.2 16.0 17.24 18.34
8 0.4 15.13 15.8 17.0 18.16 18.98
9 0.6 15.65 16.8 18.0 18.87 19.40
10 0.8 17.05 18.2 19.0 19.47 19.73
11 1.0 20.00 20.0 20.0 20.00 20.00
7. In design optimization (SOL 200), the excitation frequencies are derived from
the natural frequencies computed at each design cycle.
retained.
FREQ4 1309
FREQ4 Frequency List, Alternate Form 4 15

BULK
F-L
Defines a set of frequencies used in the solution of modal frequency-response
problems by specifying the amount of “spread” around each natural frequency and
the number of equally spaced excitation frequencies within the spread.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FREQ4 SID F1 F2 FSPD NFM
Example:
FREQ4 6 20.0 200.0 0.30 21
Fields:
Field Contents
F1 Lower bound of frequency range in cycles per unit time. (Real ≥

0.0, Default = 0.0)
F2 Upper bound of frequency range in cycles per unit time. (Real >
0.0, F2 > F1, Default = 1.0E20)
FSPD Frequency spread, +/- the fractional amount specified for each mode
which occurs in the frequency range F1 to F2. (1.0 > Real > 0.0,
Default = 0.10)
NFM Number of evenly spaced frequencies per “spread” mode. (Integer >
0; Default = 3; If NFM is even, NFM + 1 will be used.)
Remarks:
and 200) and is ignored in direct frequency-response solutions.
2. FREQ4 entries must be selected with the Case Control command

FREQUENCY=SID.
3. There will be NFM excitation frequencies between (1−FSPD) fN and (1+FSPD)

fN, for each natural frequency in the range F1 to F2.
1310 FREQ4
15 4. In the example above there will be 21 equally spaced frequencies across a

BULK frequency band of 0.7 · fN to 1.3 · fN for each natural frequency that occurs
F-L between 20 and 2000. See Figure 15-4 for the definition of frequency spread.
Figure 15-4. Frequency Spread Definition
Excitation frequencies may be based on natural frequencies that are not within
the range (F1 and F2) as long as the calculated excitation frequencies are
within the range. Similarly, an excitation frequency calculated based on natural
frequencies within the range (F1 through F2) may be excluded if it falls outside
the range.
5. The frequency spread can be used also to define the half-power bandwidth.
The half-power bandwidth is given by 2 · ξ · fN, where ξ is the damping ratio.
Therefore, if FSPD is specified equal to the damping ratio for the mode, NFM
specifies the number of excitation frequency within the half-power bandwidth.
See Figure 15-5 for the definition of half-power bandwidth.
FREQ4 1311
15
BULK
F-L
Figure 15-5. Half-Power Bandwidth Definition
where DFREQ is a user parameter with a default of 10−5. The values fMAX and
fMIN are the maximum and minimum excitation frequencies of the combined
FREQi entries.
retained.
1312 FREQ5

BULK
F-L
Defines a set of frequencies used in the solution of modal frequency-response
problems by specification of a frequency range and fractions of the natural
frequencies within that range.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FREQ5 SID F1 F2 FR1 FR2 FR3 FR4 FR5
FR6 FR7 -etc.-
Example:
FREQ5 6 20.0 200.0 1.0 0.6 0.8 0.9 0.95
1.05 1.1 1.2
Fields:
Field Contents
F1 Lower bound of frequency range in cycles per unit time. (Real ≥

0.0; Default = 0.0)
F2 Upper bound of frequency range in cycles per unit time. (Real >
0.0, F2 > F1, Default = 1.0E20)
FRi Fractions of the natural frequencies in the range F1 to F2. (Real >
0.0)
Remarks:
and 200) and is ignored in direct frequency response solutions.
2. FREQ5 entries must be selected with the Case Control command

FREQUENCY=SID.

FREQ5 1313
where fNi are the natural frequencies in the range F1 through F2. 15
BULK
4. In the example above, the list of frequencies will be 0.6, 0.8, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, F-L
1.05, 1.1, and 1.2 times each natural frequency between 20 and 2000. If this
computation results in excitation frequencies less then F1 and greater than F2,
those computed excitation frequencies are ignored.
Excitation frequencies may be based on natural frequencies that are not within
the range (F1 and F2) as long as the calculated excitation frequencies are
within the range. Similarly, an excitation frequency calculated based on natural
frequencies within the range (F1 through F2) may be excluded if it falls outside
the range.
where DFREQ is a user parameter with a default of 10−5. The values fMAX and
fMIN are the maximum and minimum excitation frequencies of the combined
FREQi entries.
retained.
1314 FSLIST
Free Surface List
15 FSLIST Free Surface List

BULK
F-L
Defines the fluid points (RINGFL entry) that lie on a free surface boundary.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FSLIST RHO IDF1 IDF2 IDF3 IDF4 IDF5 IDF6 IDF7
IDF8 IDF9 -etc.-
Example:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FSLIST 1.0-4 1 3 5 4 2 7 6
8 9 10 11 AXIS
Fields:
Field Contents
RHO Mass density at the surface. (Real > 0.0; the default is taken from
DRHO on the AXIF entry.
IDFi Identification number of RINGFL entry. (Integer > 0 or Character =

“AXIS” in first and/or last field only).
Remarks:
2. The order of the points must be sequential with the fluid on the right with
respect to the direction of travel.
3. The word “AXIS” defines an intersection with the polar axis of the fluid
coordinate system.
4. If the fluid density varies along the boundary, there must be one FSLIST entry
for each interval between fluid points.
.
GENEL 1315
General Element
GENEL General Element 15

BULK
F-L
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 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 629 1 1 13 4 42 0
24 2
UD 6 2 33 0
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
Fields:
Field Contents

1316 GENEL
General Element
15 Field Contents
BULK
F-L Uli, Identification numbers of coordinates in the UI or UD list, in
CliUDj, sequence corresponding to the [K], [Z], and [S] matrices. UIi and
CDj UDi are grid point numbers, and CIi and CDj are the component
numbers. If a scalar point is given, the component number is zero.
(Integer ≥ 0)
KZij Values of the [K] or [Z] matrix ordered by columns from the diagonal,
according to the UI list. (Real)
Sij Values of the [S] matrix ordered by rows according to the UD list.
(Real)
“UD”, “K”, Character strings that indicate the start of data belonging to the UD
“Z”, and list or the [K], [Z], or [S] matrices.
“S”
Remarks:
1. The stiffness approach:
The flexibility approach:
where
{ui} = [ui1, ui2, ..., uim]T

{ud} = [ud1, ud2, ..., udn]T
GENEL 1317
General Element
15
BULK
F-L
[KZ] =
[S] =
The required input is the {ui} list and the lower triangular portion of [K] or [Z].
Additional input may 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}. See “General Element Capability (GENEL)” in the NX Nastran
Element Library.
2. When the stiffness matrix K is input, the number of significant digits should be
the same for all terms.
3. Double-field format may be used for input of K or Z.
4. The DMIG entry or the INPUTT4 module offer alternative methods for inputting
large matrices.
5. The general element entry in the example above defines the following:
[ui] = [1–1, 13–4, 42, 24–2]T

{ud} = [6–2, 33]T
where i-j means the j-th component of grid point i. Points 42 and 33 are scalar
points.
1318 GENEL
General Element
15
BULK
F-L
GMBC 1319
General Enforced Displacement Definition
GMBC General Enforced Displacement Definition 15

BULK
F-L
Defines enforced displacements for GRID, FEEDGE, GMCURV, FEFACE, and
GMSURF entries.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMBC LID SPCID C ENTITY ID METHOD FIELD1 FIELD2
FIELD3 FIELD4 -etc.-
Example:
GMBC 127 1 2 GMCURV 1 QUAD 1. 2.
1.0
Fields:
LID LOAD set identification number. See Integer ≥ 0 Required

Remark 2.
SPCID SPC set identification number. See Integer > 0 Required

Remark 2.
C Component number in the output 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 Required

coordinate system (global). See
Remarks 3 and 4.
ENTITY Entity that the enforced Character Required

displacementis applied to (Specify
GRID, FEEDGE, GMCURV,
FEFACE, or GMSURF).See
Remarks.
ID ID of the entity selected above. See Integer > 0 Required

Remarks.
METHOD Method used to supply the Character Remark

data (EQUATION or TABLE,
CONSTANT, LINEAR, QUAD,
CUBIC). See Remarks.
1320 GMBC
15 Field Contents Type Default

BULK
F-L FIELDi Enforced displacement data. See Integer or Real Required
Remarks.
Remarks:
1. GMBC is the recommended entry for specifying boundary conditions and must
be selected with Case Control command SPC = SPCID.
2. LID and SPCID refer to Case Control commands for specifying loads and
boundary conditions. Whenever there are several nonzero enforced motion
vectors supplied, the most efficient processing of the data (single decomposition
of the stiffness matrix) is accomplished by specifying both LID and SPCID.
LID Result
Generate SPC entries with zero displacements and SPCD entries
> 0
with non-zero displacements.
0 Generate SPC entries with non-zero displacements only
3. The components of motion specified by C (field 4) of all degrees-of-freedom in

the output coordinate system (Global System) associated with an entity will be
constrained.
4. If C = 0 is specified then the degrees-of-freedom will be taken out of the

constraint set. In this case the method field is not required.
5. The component is a single integer (1 or 2 or 3 etc.). Use multiple GMBC entries

to enforce constraints on multiple components.
6. If METHOD = “EQUATION”, “TABLE”, or “CONSTANT” then FIELD1 is:
METHOD FIELD1 Type

EQUATION ID of a DEQATN entry defining the Integer > 0
displacement value as a function of location
TABLE ID of a TABLE3D entry defining the Integer > 0
displacement value as a function of location
CONSTANT Value of enforced displacement Real
7. When METHOD = CONSTANT, a constant displacement is specified for the

FEEDGE, GMCURV, FEFACE, and GMSURF entities.
GMBC 1321
8. If ENTITY = “FEEDGE” the METHOD field can be used to specify, linear, 15

quadratic, and cubic displacements. FIELD1 and FIELD2 correspond to GRID1 BULK
and GRID2 on the FEEDGE entry. The values in FIELD3 and FIELD4 are: F-L
Applying Linear, Quadratic, and Cubic Displacements to an FEEDGE

METHOD FIELD3 FIELD4
LINEAR blank blank
QUAD Value at 1/2 chord length blank
CUBIC Value at 1/3 chord length Value at 2/3 chord length
9. If ENTITY = “FEFACE” the METHOD field specifies linear or quadratic

displacements. The values of FIELDi are location specific:
• Quadrilateral FEFACE
FIELD1 through FIELD5 through Displacement

METHOD FIELD9
FIELD4 FIELD8 function
Value at GRID1,
LINEAR blank blank Linear
2, 3, 4
Value at GRID1, Value at mid Value at
QUAD 2, 3, 4 side of EDGE1, middleof Quadratic
2, 3, 4 FEFACE
• Triangular FEFACE
FIELD1 through Displacement

METHOD FIELD4 through FIELD6
FIELD3 function
LINEAR Value at GRID1, 2, 3 blank Linear
Value at GRID1, 2, 3 Value at mid side of
QUAD Quadratic
EDGE1, 2, 3
10. In general, the hierarchy set to resolve the conflicts arising in the enforced
displacement input data is: GRIDs followed by FEEDGEs followed by GMCURVs
followed by FEFACEs followed by GMSURFs. This means that:
• In general the program does not allow the user to supply multiple values of
enforced displacements for the same component (C).
• Displacement values specified for each component of a given GMSURF entry

are applied to the same component of all GRID, FEEDGE, and FEFACE
degrees-of-freedom that lie within the GMSURF.
• Displacement values specified for each component of different GMSURF

entries are averaged and applied to the same component of all GRID,
1322 GMBC
15 FEEDGE degrees-of-freedom that are shared by (that are common to) the
BULK multiple GMSURFs.
F-L
• Displacement values specified for a given FEFACE entry are applied to
all GRID, FEEDGE, and FEFACE degrees-of-freedom that lie within
the FEFACE. This data overrides the data that is specified for all the
components of the given GRID, FEEDGE and FEFACE degrees-of-freedom
that lie within the FEFACE by using GMSURF entries.
• Displacement values specified for each component of different FEFACE

entries are averaged and applied to the same component of all GRID,
FEEDGE degrees-of-freedom that are shared by (that are common to) the
multiple FEFACEs. This data overrides the data that is specified for all the
components of the given FEEDGE and GRIDs by using GMSURF entries.
• Displacement values specified for each component of a given GMCURV

entry are applied to the same component of all GRID, FEEDGE,
degrees-of-freedom that lie within the GMCURV. This data overrides the
data for all the components that are specified for the given FEEDGE and
GRIDs by using GMSURF or FEFACE entries.
• Displacement values specified for each component of different GMCURV

entries are averaged and applied to the same component of all GRID
degrees-of-freedom that are shared by (that are common to) the multiple
GMCURVs. This data overrides the data for all the components that are
specified for the given GRIDs by using GMSURF or FEFACE entries.
• Displacement values specified for each component of a given FEEDGE

entry are applied to the same component of all GRID, FEEDGE,
degrees-of-freedom that lie within the FEEDGE. This data overrides the
data for all the components that is specified for the given FEEDGE and
GRIDs by using GMCURV or FEFACE or GMSURF entries.
• Displacement values specified for each component of different FEEDGE

entries are averaged and applied to the same component of all GRID
degrees-of-freedom that are shared by (that are common to) the multiple
FEEDGEs. This data overrides the data for all the components that are
specified for the given GRIDs by using GMCURV or FEFACE or GMSURF
entries.
• Grids have the highest priority, i.e., any value/property specified using a
GRID entry overrides all other information associated with that GRID. If
multiple entries are used for a given GRID, e.g., multiple SPCs, then the
existing rules govern (SPCs are combined, FORCE is added, SPCDs for the
same component are not allowed).
GMBC 1323
• It is important to recall that these displacements are assumed to be in 15

the Global Coordinate System and that the interconsistency of the output BULK
coordinate systems of the various GRIDs, FEEDGEs, FEFACEs is not F-L
checked.
• If an entity is specified on both a GMBC and GMSPC entry then the GMSPC
specification will be ignored.
11. For the example in Figure 15-6,
Figure 15-6. Use of Multiple Surface and Curves
• The enforced displacement for GRID 100000 can be specified using SPCD,
GMBC referring to an FEEDGE, GMBC referring to a GMCURV, GMBC
referring to a FEFACE, and GMBC referring to a GMSURF. Table 15-2
describes the outcome of using these different methods:
1324 GMBC
15
BULK Table 15-2. Enforced Displacement Used for GRID 10000
F-L
When Specified
Action
Using
Overrides all other information supplied for all
SPCD
components.
Overrides information supplied for all components
Single GMBC
using GMBC(GMCURV) GMBC(FEFACE),
(FEEDGE)
GMBC(GMSURF) entries.
Values are averaged on a component basis. The
Multiple GMBC resulting value overrides information supplied
(FEEDGE) for all components using GMBC(GMCURV)
GMBC(FEFACE), GMBC(GMSURF) entries.
Single GMBC Overrides information supplied for all components
(GMCURV) using GMBC(FEFACE), GMBC(GMSURF) entries.
(GMCURV) for all components using GMBC(FEFACE),
(FEFACE) using GMBC(GMSURF) entries.
Multiple GMBC
resulting value overrides information supplied for all
(FEFACE)
components using GMBC(GMSURF) entries.
Single GMBC Values are applied.
(GMSURF)
Multiple GMBC Values are averaged on a component basis.
(GMSURF)
• The enforced displacement for GRID DOFs and edge DOFs belonging to
FEEDGE 10000 can be specified using GMBC referring to an FEEDGE,
GMBC referring to a GMCURV, GMBC referring to a FEFACE, and GMBC
referring to a GMSURF. Table 15-3 describes the outcome of using these
different methods:
GMBC 1325
15
Table 15-3. Enforced Displacement Used for FEEDGE 10000 BULK
F-L
When Specified
Action
Using
Overrides information supplied for all components
Single GMBC
using GMBC(GMCURV), GMBC(FEFACE),
(FEEDGE)
(FEEDGE) for all components using GMBC(GMCURV),
GMBC(FEFACE), GMBC(GMSURF) entries.
(GMCURV) for all components using GMBC(FEFACE),
Multiple GMBC
resulting value overrides information supplied for all
(FEFACE)
components using GMBC(GMSURF) entries.
(GMSURF)
(GMSURF)
• The enforced displacement for the GRID DOFs and edge DOFs belonging
to GMCURV 1000 can be specified using GMBC referring to a GMCURV,
GMBC referring to a FEFACE, and GMBC referring to a GMSURF. Table
15-4 describes the outcome of using these different methods:
Table 15-4. Enforced Displacement Used for GMCURV 1000
When Specified
Action
Using
1326 GMBC
15
BULK Table 15-4. Enforced Displacement Used for GMCURV 1000
F-L
When Specified
Action
Using
Multiple GMBC
resulting value overrides information supplied for
(FEFACE)
all components using GMBC(GMSURF) entries.
(GMSURF)
(GMSURF)
• The enforced displacement for the GRID DOFs, the edge DOFs, and the face
DOFs belonging to FEFACE 300 can be specified using GMBC referring to
a FEFACE and GMBC referring to a GMSURF. Table 15-5 describes the
outcome of using these different methods:
Table 15-5. Enforced Displacement Used for FEFACE 300
When Specified
Action
Using
(GMSURF)
GMBNDC 1327
Geometric Boundary - Curve
GMBNDC Geometric Boundary - Curve 15

BULK
F-L
Defines a geometric boundary consisting of p-element edges along a curve interface.
The boundary may consist of edges of shell, beam, or p-solid elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMBNDC BID GRIDI GRIDF
ENTITY ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4 ID5 ID6 ID7
ID8 -etc.-
Example:
GMBNDC 1 101 106
GMCURV 1
GMBNDC 1 101 106

FEEDGE 11 12 13 14 15
GMBNDC 1 101 106

GRID 102 103 104 105
Fields:
Field Contents
BID Boundary identification number to be referenced by a GMINTC

GRIDI Initial grid identification number for boundary. (Integer > 0)
GRIDF Final grid identification number for boundary. (Integer > 0)
ENTITY Entity type for defining boundary. (Character)
IDi Entity identification numbers for boundary of subdomain. (Integer

> 0)
Remarks:
1. All boundary identification numbers must be unique.
2. GRIDI and GRIDF define the end points of the boundary.

1328 GMBNDC
Geometric Boundary - Curve
15 3. For each boundary, one of the entity types GMCURV, FEEDGE, or GRID is
BULK required.
F-L
4. For the GMCURV entity type, if there are multiple paths on the GMCURV from
the GRIDI to the GRIDF, such as two segments of a circle, the FEEDGE or GRID
method must be used instead to uniquely define the path.
5. For the GRID entity type, the entities should be listed in order from the GRIDI
to the GRIDF. The GRIDI and GRIDF need not be repeated in the IDi list.
6. If more than one boundary references the same GMCURV entry with the same
GRIDI and GRIDF, then the FEEDGE or GRID entity type must be used instead
for each to uniquely identify the boundaries.
7. Multiple continuation entries may be specified for additional entity identification

numbers, IDi.
Figure 15-7. Geometric Boundary Definition
8. Interface elements may generate high or negative matrix/factor diagonal ratios.

If there are no other modelling errors, these messages may be ignored and
PARAM,BAILOUT,-1 may be used to continue the run.
GMBNDS 1329
Geometric Boundary - Surface
GMBNDS Geometric Boundary - Surface 15

BULK
F-L
Defines a geometric boundary consisting of p-element faces along a surface interface.
The boundary may consist of faces of p-solid or p-shell elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMBNDS BID
ENTITY ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4 ID5 ID6 ID7
ID8 -etc.-
Example:
GMBNDS 1
GMSURF 1
GMBNDS 1
FEFACE 11 12 13 14 15 16
GMBNDS 1 101
GRID 102 103 105 106 107 108 110
111
Fields:
BID Boundary identification number. Integer > 0 Required
ENTITY Entity type for defining boundary. Character Required
IDi Entity ID i for boundary Integer > 0 Optional
Remarks:
1. All BIDs must be unique.
2. For each boundary, one of the entity types GMSURF, FEFACE, or GRID is
required.
3. For the GMSURF entity type, all the faces referencing the GMSURF will be
included in the boundary.
1330 GMBNDS
Geometric Boundary - Surface
15 4. If more than one boundary references the same GMSURF, then the FEFACE
BULK or GRID entity type must be used instead for each to uniquely identify the
F-L boundaries.
5. Multiple continuation entries may be used without repeating the ENTITY field.
Figure 15-8. Surface Boundary Definition
6. Interface elements may generate high or negative matrix/factor diagonal ratios.

If there are no other modelling errors, these messages may be ignored and
PARAM,BAILOUT,-1 may be used to continue the run.
GMCORD 1331
Convective/Follower Coordinate System Definition
GMCORD Convective/Follower Coordinate System Definition 15

BULK
F-L
Defines a convective/follower coordinate system on an FEEDGE, GMCURV, FEFACE,
or GMSURF entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMCORD CID ENTITY ID1 ID2
Example:
GMCORD 101 GMCURV 26 44
Fields:
CID Coordinate system identification number, Integer Required

unique with respect to all CORDij entries. >0
ENTITY Type of Bulk Data entry that is used to define Character Required
the coordinate system. See Remark 3.
ID1, ID2 Entity identification numbers. See Remark Integer Required

3. >0
Remarks:
1. GMCORD defines a (convective) coordinate system associated with an entity.

This type of coordinate system can be used to apply loads and boundary
conditions only.
2. GMCORD can only be specified for p-version elements.
3. The Bulk Data entries referenced by ID1 and ID2 depends on ENTITY.
ENTITY ID1 ID2

FEEDGE FEEDGE entry ID FEFACE entry ID
GMCURV GMCURV entry ID GMSURF entry ID
FEFACE FEFACE entry ID Blank
GMSURF GMSURF entry ID Blank
1332 GMCORD
Convective/Follower Coordinate System Definition
15 • For ENTITY = “FEEDGE” normal is defined by the FEFACE.

BULK
F-L • For ENTITY = “GMCURV” normal is defined by the GMSURF.
GMCURV 1333
Curve Definition
GMCURV Curve Definition 15

BULK
F-L
Defines geometric curve that will be used in element geometry, load definition, and
boundary condition definition.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMCURV CURVID GROUP CIDIN CIDBC
Evaluator Specific Data and Format
Example:
GMCURV 101 FENDER
RPC POINT
0.0, 2.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0,1.0
0.0, 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
Fields:
CURVID Unique identification number. See Integer > 0 Required

Remarks 1 and 2.
GROUP Group of curves/surfaces that thiscurve Character Required

belongs to. See Remarks 4 through 8.
CIDIN Coordinate system identification Integer ≥ 0 0

number used in defining the geometry
of the curve. The coordinate system
must be rectangular.
CIDBC Identification number of the coordinate Integer ≥ 0 0

system in which constraints specified on
Remarks:
1. GMCURV is used to calculate geometric information only. The edges of the finite
elements that are connected to the curve will be parametric cubic curves that are
calculated from the more complex curve geometry.
1334 GMCURV
Curve Definition
15 2. On the continuation entries, no commas can appear in columns 1 through 8 and

BULK the data in fields 2 through 9 must be specified in columns 9 through 72.
F-L
3. The continuation entries are passed directly to the geometry evaluator indicated
by the GROUP parameter.
4. The GROUP parameter is initialized by an CONNECT GEOMEVAL statement

in the FMS section. This command specifies the evaluator that will be used
for this curve.
5. Two reserved names, MSCGRP0 and MSCGRP1, are provided for the GROUP
parameter. These need not be explicitly initialized on the CONNECT FMS
statement.
6. If the GROUP parameter is specified as MSCGRP0, the rational parametric

cubic (MSCRPC) geometry evaluator is used for this curve. In this case the
evaluator specific data in lines 2 through 4 of this Bulk Data entry should be
provided as given below. Spaces or a comma character may be used to delimit
each value. However, a comma must not be specified in the first field.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RPC REPRES
XW(1) XW(2) XW(3) XW(4) YW(1) YW(2) YW(3) YW(4)
ZW(1) ZW(2) ZW(3) ZW(4) W(1) W(2) W(3) W(4)
RPC Rational Parametric Cubic Curve. Character Required
REPRES Representation of the curve Character Required

(“ALGEBRAIC”, “POINT”, “BEZIER”).
XW(1) Data used to define the curve. Real Required

through
W(4)
• A rational parametric curve (RPC) is defined as

GMCURV 1335
Curve Definition
15
BULK
F-L
• For REPRES = “ALGEBRAIC”, the parametric curve is defined by the

algebraic coefficients (a, b, c, d) for a rational cubic equation.
Expressed in matrix form:
for the Bulk Data input as algebraic coefficients
where XW(i), YW(i), ZW(i), andW(i) are the algebraic coefficients for each of
the independent equations xw(t), yw(t), zw(t), and w(t).
1336 GMCURV
Curve Definition
15 and
BULK
F-L
• For REPRES = “BEZIER”, the curve parametric is defined by four rational

Bezier control points (V1, V2, V3, and V4) expressed in matrix form
where Bezier constants are
for Bulk Data defined as Bezier control points

GMCURV 1337
Curve Definition
15
BULK
F-L
where XW(i), YW(i), ZW(i), and W(i) correspond to Vi,

and
• For REPRES = “POINT”, the parametric curve is defined by four uniformly

spaced rational points that are all on the curve similarly expressed in
matrix form:
1338 GMCURV
Curve Definition
15
BULK
F-L
for the Bulk Data input are uniformly spaced rational points
GMCURV 1339
Curve Definition
15
BULK
F-L
and
7. If the GROUP parameter is specified as MSCGRP1, the generic equation

(MSCEQN) geometry evaluator is used for this curve. In this case the evaluator
specific data in lines 2 through 3 of this Bulk Data entry should be provided as
given below. Spaces or a comma character may be used to delimit each value.
However, the comma character should not be used in the first “field”.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EQUATION MINU MAXU IDX IDY IDZ IDDXU IDDYU
IDDZU IDDXU2 IDDYU2 IDDZU2
EQUATION EQUATION method is to be used Character
MINU, MAXU Range of the curve parameter u. If Real 0.0,1.0

MAXU is found less than MINU,
the range is assumed to be [-∞,
+∞].
IDX, IDY, IDZ ID of DEQATN entries providing Integer > 0 Required

equations for the X,Y,Z coordinates
of the curve in terms of the curve
parameter u.
IDDXU, ID of DEQATN entries providing Integer ≥ 0 0

IDDYU, equations for the first derivatives
IDDZU of X,Y,Z functions with respect to
the curve parameter u. If a value
of 0 is used, the derivatives are
computed numerically.
1340 GMCURV
Curve Definition

BULK
F-L IDDXU2, ID of DEQATN entries providing Integer > 0 0
IDDYU2, equations for the second
IDDZU2 derivatives of X,Y,Z functions with
respect to the curve parameter
u. If a value of 0 is used, the
second derivatives are computed
numerically.
8. When a user-supplied geometry evaluator is selected for this curve (through the
CONNECT GEOMEVAL FMS command) the continuation entries will not be
interpreted. In this case an image of this entry is passed on to the evaluator
modules provided by the user. Depending on the configuration, these modules
could either be linked in with NX Nastran or connected with NX Nastran during
execution. If these modules are not accessible, a User Fatal Message will be
issued. For example, if in the FMS Section, the following command is given:
• CONNECT GEOMEVAL FENDER,CATIA,’/u/kiz/data’, Version = 68 as of

1/3/94
• and the GMCURV Bulk Data entry is provided as follows:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMCURV 102 FENDER
Sweep /u/kiz 2.5 arc 2.7 66
• In this case, “Sweep /u/kiz 2.5 arc 2.7 66" is passed to the geometry evaluator
supplied by the user, and it is expected that the user supplied routines to
interpret and use this record.
GMINTC 1341
Geometric Interface – Curve
GMINTC Geometric Interface – Curve 15

BULK
F-L
Defines an interface element along a curve interface between boundaries of multiple
subdomains. Typically, the boundaries will consist of edges of p-shell subdomains but
also may consist of p-beam subdomains or edges of p-solid subdomains.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMINTC EID PID ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4 ID5 ID6
Example:
GMINTC 1001 1 1 2
Fields:
Field Contents
EID Element identification number. (Integer>0)
PID Property identification number of a PINTC property entry.

(Integer>0)
IDi Boundary identification number of a GMBNDC entry. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. All element identification numbers must be unique.
2. For the curve interface it is recommended that only two boundaries be specified.
3. All of the end points for each boundary IDi should be coincident, and may not
refer to the same grid point. The two end points of a particular boundary may
not refer to the same grid, because there would be multiple directions. The
boundaries of each of the subdomains should also be coincident, because no
geometrical adjustment is performed.
4. Connecting curve boundaries of solid p-elements is not recommended because of

the possibility of stress singularities.
1342 GMINTC
Geometric Interface – Curve
15
BULK
F-L
Figure 15-9. Geometric Interface Element Definition (Exploded View)
5. Because of the structure of the interface matrices, the sparse solver (default)
should be used for linear statics, and the Lanczos eigensolver should be used for
normal modes. In addition, for normal modes, SYSTEM(166) = 4 should be set
for models where the shell normal rotations are parallel on the boundaries.
GMINTS 1343
Geometric Interface – Surface
GMINTS Geometric Interface – Surface 15

BULK
F-L
Defines an interface element along a surface interface between boundaries of
multiple subdomains. Typically, the boundaries will consist of faces of p-solid
subdomains, but also may consist of p-shell subdomains.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMINTS EID PID ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4
Example:
GMINTS 1001 1 1 2
Fields:
PID Property identification number. Integer > 0 Required
IDi Boundary IDi of subdomain Integer > 0 Required
Remarks:
1. All EIDs must be unique.
2. The PID refers to a PINTS Bulk Data entry.
3. The boundary IDi of each subdomain must be defined on a GMBNDS Bulk Data
entry.
4. For the surface interface, more than two boundaries are possible, but should
be used carefully.
5. The perimeters of each boundary i should be coincident. In addition, the

boundaries of each of the subdomains should also be coincident, because no
geometrical adjustment is performed.
1344 GMINTS
Geometric Interface – Surface
15
BULK
F-L
Figure 15-10. Geometric Interface Element Definition (Exploded View)

GMLOAD 1345
General Load Definition
GMLOAD General Load Definition 15

BULK
F-L
Define the forces and moments to be applied to a FEEDGE, GMCURV, FEFACE,
or GMSURF entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMLOAD LID CID N1 N2 N3 ENTITY ID METHOD
FIELD1 FIELD2 FIELD3 FIELD4 -etc.-
Example:
GMLOAD 105 11 1.2 1. 1. 1
7.5 1.9
Fields:
LID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required
CID Coordinate system in which the load is Integer ≥ -1 0

supplied. See Remark 2.
Ni Direction of the force vector or axis of Real 0., 0., 1.

rotation of the moment. See Remark 3.
ENTITY Entity that is being loaded (FEEDGE, Character Required

GMCURV, FEFACE, GMSURF).
ID ID of the entity selected by ENTITY. Integer ≥ 0 Required
METHOD Method used to specify forces Character Required

(EQUATION, TABLE, CONSTANT,
LINEAR, QUAD, CUBIC) or moments
(MEQUA, MTABLE, MCONST,
MLINEAR, MQUAD, MCUBIC). See
Remarks 4 through 6.
FIELDi Load magnitude data. See Remarks 4 Real

through 8. orInteger
1346 GMLOAD
15 Remarks:
BULK
F-L 1. GMLOAD is the only method of applying forces and moments to any FEEDGE,
FEFACE, GMCURV, or GMSURF in the model.
2. If CID=-1, the coordinate system on the edge or face is a local system based on
the FEEDGE or FEFACE definition. (Note that an edge only has the tangent
direction uniquely defined.)
3. If N1=N2=N3=0., the normal direction to the face is assumed, with the positive
sense dependent on the FEFACE definition. No load will be applied for edges.
4. For both an FEEDGE and FEFACE, the METHOD field can be used to specify
equation, table or constant load density. The value of FIELD1 is method-specific:
Applying Equation, Table or Constant Load Density
METHOD FIELD1
ID of a DEQATN entry defining the load density as a function of

EQUATION, MEQUA
location.
ID of a TABLE3D entry defining the load density as a function of

TABLE, MTABLE
location.
CONSTANT, MCONST Value of load density.
5. For an FEEDGE, the METHOD field can be used to specify linear, quadratic or
cubic load density. The values of FIELDi are method-specific:
Applying Linear, Quadratic or Cubic Load Density to an FEEDGE
Load
METHOD FIELD1 FIELD2 FIELD3 FIELD4
Density
LINEAR, Value at Value at

blank blank Linear
MLINEAR GRID 1 GRID 2
QUAD, Value at Value at Value at 1/2 edge

blank Quadratic
MQUAD GRID 1 GRID 2 length
CUBIC, Value at Value at Value at 1/3 edge Value at 2/3 edge

Cubic
MCUBIC GRID 1 GRID 2 length length
6. For an FEFACE, the METHOD field can be used to specify linear or quadratic
load density. The edges of the face are defined in the order of the grids entered
(e.g., edge 1 is between the first and second grid etc.). The values of FIELDi are
method-specific:
GMLOAD 1347
Applying Linear and Quadratic Load Density to a Quadrilateral FEFACE 15

FIELD1 through Load
BULK
METHOD FIELD5 through FIELD8 FIELD9 F-L
FIELD4 Density
LINEAR, Value at GRID 1,

blank blank Linear
MLINEAR 2, 3, 4
QUAD, Value at GRID 1, Value at midside of Value at middle of

Quadratic
MQUAD 2, 3, 4 EDGE 1,2,3,4 FEFACE
Applying Linear and Quadratic Load Density to a Triangular FEFACE
METHOD FIELD1 through FIELD3 FIELD4 through FIELD6 Load Density
LINEAR, Value at GRID 1, 2, 3

blank Linear
MLINEAR
Value at GRID 1, 2, 3 Value at midside of EDGE

QUAD, MQUAD Quadratic
1, 2, 3
7. The proper units must be specified for the value of FIELDi.
Units of FIELDi for Different ENTITY Fields
ENTITY Units
FEEDGE Load/Length
GMCURV Load/Length
FEFACE Load/Area
GMSURF Load/Area
8. The load density applied to the edge or face is given by the product of the
specified density with the direction vector.
9. The shell p-elements do not have stiffness in the direction of the normal rotation.
Any component of moment applied in that direction will be ignored.
10. In general, a hierarchy is set to resolve the conflicts arising in the input data:
• Information provided on multiple GMSURF and FEFACE entries are added

for all GRID, FEEDGE, and FEFACE degrees-of-freedom.
• Information provided on multiple GMCURV and FEEDGE entries are added

for all GRID and FEEDGE degrees-of-freedom.
• Loads are summed over all entities.

1348 GMSPC
General Constraint Definition
15 GMSPC General Constraint Definition

BULK
F-L
Defines constraints for entities.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMSPC SID C ENTITY ID
Example:
GMSPC 12 1 FEEDGE 109
Fields:
SID SPC set identification number. Integer > 0 Required
C Component number in the global 0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 0

coordinate system.
ENTITY Entity that the enforced displacement Character Required

is applied to (Specify GRID, FEEDGE,
GMCURV, FEFACE, or GMSURF).
See Remark 4.
ID ID of the entity selected above. Integer > 0 Required
Remarks:
1. The components of motion specified by C (field 3) of all degrees-of-freedom

associated with an entity will be constrained.
2. If C = 0 is specified then the degrees-of-freedom will be taken out of the

constraint set.
3. The component C has to be a single integer (1 or 2 or 3, etc.). Use multiple

GMSPC entries for constraining multiple components.
4. In general, the hierarchy set to resolve the conflicts arising in the enforced
displacement input data is the same as for the constraints. See “GMBC” for a
description of the hierarchy.
GMSURF 1349
Surface Definition
GMSURF Surface Definition 15

BULK
F-L
Defines geometric information that will be used in elements, surface definition, load
definition, and boundary condition definition.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMSURF SURFID GROUP CIDIN CIDBC
Evaluator Specific Data and Format
Example:
GMSURF 101 MSCGRP0
RPC, POINT
0.0, 2.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0,1.0
0.0, 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
Fields:
SURFID Surface Identification number. See Integer > 0 Required

Remark 2.
GROUP Group of curves/surfaces that this surface Character Required

belongs to. See Remarks 5 through 9.
CIDIN Coordinate system identification number Integer ≥ 0 0

used in defining the geometry of the
curve. The coordinate system must be
rectangular.
CIDBC Identification number of the coordinate Integer ≥ 0 0

system in which constraints specified on
Remarks:
1. All SURFIDs must be unique.
2. A GMSURF entry is required if:

• the geometry of the surface defined by this entry is to be used by an element.
1350 GMSURF
Surface Definition
15 • output (global) coordinate system is assigned to a GMSURF.

BULK
F-L • permanent constraints are specified for a GMSURF.
• loads are applied to a GMSURF.
• enforced boundary conditions are applied to a GMSURF.
3. GMSURF is used to calculate geometric information only. The edges of the finite
elements that are connected to the surface will be parametric cubic curves that
are calculated from the more complex surface geometry.
4. On the continuation entries, no commas can appear in columns 1 through 8 and

the data in fields 2 through 9 must be specified in columns 9 through 72.
5. The continuation entries are passed directly to the geometry evaluator indicated
by the GROUP parameter.
6. The GROUP value is initialized by an CONNECT GEOMEVAL command in the

FMS section. This command specifies the evaluator that will be used for this
surface.
7. Two reserved names, MSCGRP0 and MSCGRP1, are provided for the GROUP
parameter. These need not be explicitly initialized in the FMS Section.
8. If the GROUP parameter is specified as MSCGRP0, the rational parametric cubic

(MSCRPC) geometry evaluator is used for this surface. In this case the evaluator
specific data in lines 2 through 9 of this Bulk Data entry should be provided as
given on the following page. Spaces or a comma character may be used to delimit
each value. However, the comma character should not be used in the first field.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMSURF SURFID MSCGRP0 CIDIN CIDOUT
RPC REPRES
XW(1) XW(2) XW(3) XW(4) XW(5) XW(6) XW(7) XW(8)
XW(9) XW(10) XW(11) XW(12) XW(13) XW(14) XW(15) XW(16)
YW(1) YW(2) YW(3) YW(4) YW(5) YW(6) YW(7) YW(8)
YW(9) YW(10) YW(11) YW(12) YW(13) YW(14) YW(15) YW(16)
ZW(1) ZW(2) ZW(3) ZW(4) ZW(5) ZW(6) ZW(7) ZW(8)
ZW(9) ZW(10) ZW(11) ZW(12) ZW(13) ZW(14) ZW(15) ZW(16)
W(1) W(2) W(3) W(4) W(5) W(6) W(7) W(8)
W(9) W(10) W(11) W(12) W(13) W(14) W(15) W(16)
GMSURF 1351
Surface Definition
Field Contents Type Default 15

BULK
RPC Rational Parametric Cubic Surface. Character Required F-L
REPRES Representation of the curve, Character Required

(ALGEBRAIC, POINT, BEZIER).
XW(1) Data used to define the surface. Real Required

through
XW(16)
• A rational parametric surface is defined as
• For REPRES = “ALGEBRAIC”, the rational parametric surface is defined by

the algebraic coefficient for rational cubic equations.
• Expressed as a tensor product

1352 GMSURF
Surface Definition
15 for the Bulk Data input in algebraic form

BULK
F-L
and similarly for yw(u, v), , zw(u, v), and w(u, v).
and
where XW(i), YW(i), ZW(i), and W(i) are the algebraic coefficients for the
independent equations xw(u, v), yw(u, v), zw(u, v), and w(u, v).
• For REPRES = “BEZIER”, the surface is defined by 16 rational Bezier

control points V11 through V44.
and
GMSURF 1353
Surface Definition
15
BULK
F-L
where Bi,4u and Bj,4v are the Bernstein polynomials for curves of degree 3.
For Bulk Data input defined as Bezier control points
where XW(1) through XW(16) are ordered to conform to the two-dimensional

array for Vij; that is, XW(4 · (i−1) + j) corresponds to xw(u, v) for Vij. For
example, XW(7) corresponds to V23.
yw(u, v); zw(u, v); and w(u, v) are solved in a similar fashion.
and
• When the point representation is used, the surface is defined by 16 uniformly

spaced rational points lying on the surface.
1354 GMSURF
Surface Definition
15
BULK
F-L
where XW(1) through XW(16) are ordered to contain to the two-dimensional

mapping above for Vij; that is, XW(4 · (i − 1) + j) corresponds to xw(u, v) for
Vij. For example, XW(7) corresponds to V23.
9. If the GROUP parameter is specified as MSCGRP1, the generic equation

(MSCEQN) geometry evaluator is used for this surface. In this case the evaluator
specific data should be on the continuation entries. Spaces or a comma character
may be used to delimit each value. However, a comma must not be specified
in the first field.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EQUATION MINU MAXU MINV MAXV IDX IDY IDZ
IDDXU IDDYU IDDZU IDDXV IDDYV IDDZV IDDXU2 IDDYU2
IDDZU2 IDDXV2 IDDYV2 IDDZV2 IDDXUV IDDYUV IDDZUV
EQUATION EQUATION method is to be Character

used.
MINU, MAXU Range of the first parameter Real 0.0,1.0

describing the surface. If MAXU
is found less than MINU, the
range for U is assumed to be
[-∞,+∞].
GMSURF 1355
Surface Definition

BULK
MINV, MAXV Range of the second parameter Real 0.0,1.0 F-L
describing the surface. If MAXV
is found less than MINV, the
range is assumed to be [-∞,+∞].
IDX, IDY, IDZ ID of DEQATN entries Integer > 0 Required

providing equations for the
X,Y,Z coordinate of the surface
in terms of two parameters u
and v.
IDDXU, IDDYU, ID of DEQATN entries Integer ≥ 0 0

IDDZU providing equations for the first
derivatives of X,Y,Z functions
with respect to the first surface
parameter u. If a value of 0
is used, the derivatives are
IDDXV, IDDYV, ID of an DEQATN entry Integer ≥ 0 0

IDDZV describing the first derivatives
of X, Y, Z functions with respect
to the first surface parameter
v. If a value of 0 is used,
the derivatives are computed
numerically.
IDDXU2, ID of an DEQATN entry Integer ≥ 0 0

IDDYU2, describing the second
IDDZU2 derivatives of X,Y,Z functions
with respect to the first surface
parameter u. If a value of 0
is used, the derivatives are
IDDXV2, ID of an DEQATN entry Integer ≥ 0 0

IDDYV2, describing the second
IDDZV2 derivatives of X,Y,Z functions
with respect to the second
surface parameter v. If a value
1356 GMSURF
Surface Definition

BULK
F-L IDDXUV, ID of an DEQATN entry Integer ≥ 0 0
IDDYUV, describing the mixed second
IDDZUV derivatives of X,Y,Z functions
with respect to the surface
parameters u, and v. If a value
10. When an external geometry evaluator class is selected for this group (which
is the case when the CONNECT GEOMEVAL statement selects an external
geometry evaluator for the specified group), the data in Fields 1 to n will not be
interpreted. In this case an image of this entry is passed on to the evaluator
modules provided by the user for the specific geometric package that being
used. These modules are connected with NX Nastran during execution. If these
modules are not provided, a User Fatal Message will be issued. For example, if
in the FMS Section, the following command is given:
• CONNECT GEOMEVAL FENDER,CATIA,’/u/kiz/data’, Version=68 as of

1/3/94
• then the GMSURF entry could use that geometry data base as follows:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GMSURF 765 FENDER
Extrude /u/kiz 2.5 arc 2.7 66
• In this case, “Extrude u/kiz 2.5 arc 2.7 66" is passed to the geometry
evaluator supplied by the user, and it is expected that the user-supplied
routines interpret and use this record.
GRAV 1357
Acceleration or Gravity Load
GRAV Acceleration or Gravity Load 15

BULK
F-L
Defines acceleration vectors for gravity or other acceleration loading.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GRAV SID CID A N1 N2 N3 MB
Example:
GRAV 1 3 32.2 0.0 0.0 -1.0
Fields:
Field Contents
A Acceleration vector scale factor. (Real)
Ni Acceleration vector components measured in coordinate system CID.

(Real; at least one Ni ≠ 0.0)
MB Indicates whether the CID coordinate system is defined in the main

Bulk Data Section (MB = -1) or the partitioned superelement Bulk
Data Section (MB = 0). Coordinate systems referenced in the main
Bulk Data Section are considered stationary with respect to the
assembly basic coordinate system. See Remark 10. (Integer; Default
= 0)
Remarks:
1. The acceleration vector is defined by
, where
is the vector defined by (N1, N2, N3). The magnitude of is equal to A

times the magnitude of . The static loads generated by this entry are in the
direction of .
2. A CID of zero references the basic coordinate system.

1358 GRAV
Acceleration or Gravity Load
15 3. Acceleration or gravity loads may be combined with “simple loads” (e.g., FORCE,
BULK MOMENT) only by specification on a LOAD entry. That is, the SID on a GRAV
F-L entry may not be the same as that on a simple load entry.
Control command LOAD = SID. In the dynamic solution sequences, SID must be
5. At most nine GRAV entries can be selected in a given run either by Case Control
or the LOAD Bulk Data entry. Multiples or reflections of a given acceleration or
gravity load can be economically accomplished by use of the LOAD Bulk Data
entry.
6. In cyclic symmetry solution sequences, the T3 axis of the coordinate system

referenced in field 3 must be parallel to the axis of symmetry. In dihedral cyclic
symmetry (where STYPE = “DIH” on the CYSYM entry), the T1 axis must, in
addition, be parallel to Side 1 of segment 1R of the model.
7. For image superelements, the coordinate system must be rotated if the image is
rotated relative to its primary superelement.
8. Acceleration or gravity loads do not include effects due to mass on scalar points.
9. The RFORCE entry may be used to specify rotational accelerations.
10. The coordinate systems in the main Bulk Data Section are defined relative to the
assembly basic coordinate system which is fixed. This feature is useful when a
superelement defined by a partitioned Bulk Data Section is rotated or mirrored
and the gravity load is more conveniently defined in terms of coordinates which
are fixed.
1. MB is ignored.
2. To apply an acceleration or gravity load with constant magnitude, SID is selected

by Case Control command LOAD = SID for both static and transient analyses.
3. To apply a time-dependent acceleration or gravity load, SID is referenced by the

field EXCITEID = SID in the TLOAD1 entry. Time-dependent loads are selected
by Case Control command DLOAD.
GRDSET 1359
GRID Entry Defaults
GRDSET GRID Entry Defaults 15

BULK
F-L
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 16 32 3456
Fields:
Field Contents
CP Identification number of coordinate system in which the location of

the grid points are defined. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
CD Identification number of coordinate system in which the

displacements, degrees-of-freedom, constraints, and solution vectors
of the grid point are defined. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
PS Permanent single-point constraints on the grid point. (Any

combination of Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded blanks, or
blank.)
SEID Superelement identification number. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
Remarks:
1. The contents of fields 3, 7, 8, or 9 of this entry are assumed for the corresponding
fields of any GRID entry whose field 3, 7, 8, and 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. If no permanent single-point constraints are desired, one of the
coordinate systems is basic, or the grid is assigned to the residual structure
then the default may be overridden on the GRID entry by making one of fields
3, 7, 8, or 9 zero (rather than blank). Only one GRDSET entry may appear in
the Bulk Data Section.
2. The primary purpose of this entry is to minimize the burden of preparing

data for problems with a large amount of repetition (e.g., two-dimensional
pinned-joint problems).
1360 GRDSET
GRID Entry Defaults
15 3. At least one of the fields CP, CD, PS, or SEID must be specified.
BULK
F-L
GRID 1361
Grid Point
GRID Grid Point 15

BULK
F-L
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 2 3 1.0 -2.0 3.0 316
Fields:
Field Contents
lD Grid point identification number. (0 < Integer < 100000000)
CP Identification number of coordinate system in which the location of

the grid point is defined. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank*)
X1, X2, X3 Location of the grid point in coordinate system CP. (Real; Default =
0.0)
CD Identification number of coordinate system in which the

displacements, degrees-of-freedom, constraints, and solution vectors
are defined at the grid point. (Integer ≥ -1 or blank *)
PS Permanent single-point constraints associated with the grid point.

(Any of the Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded blanks, or
blank*.)
SEID Superelement identification number. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0)
* See the GRDSET entry for default options for the CP, CD, PS, and SEID fields.
Remarks:
1. All grid point identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other
structural, scalar, and fluid points.
2. The meaning of X1, X2, and X3 depends on the type of coordinate system CP as
follows (see the CORDij entry descriptions):
1362 GRID
Grid Point
15 Type X1 X2 X3
BULK Rectangular X Y Z
F-L Cylindrical θ(degrees) Z
R
Spherical R θ(degrees) φ(degrees)
See “Overview of Coordinate Systems in NX Nastran” in the NX Nastran User’s

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. See the chapter
“Understanding Coordinate Systems” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide for more
details.
4. The SEID field can be overridden by use of the SESET entry.
5. If CD = -1, then this defines a fluid grid point in coupled fluid-structural analysis
(see “Performing a Coupled Fluid-Structural Analysis” in the NX Nastran User’s
Guide). This type of point may only connect the CAABSF, CHACBR, CHACAB,
CHEXA, CPENTA, and CTETRA elements to define fluid elements.
6. A zero (or blank if the GRDSET entry is not specified) in the CP and CD fields
refers to the basic coordinate system.
7. In p-version analysis, the hierarchy set to resolve the conflicts arising in the
global system input data is described under Remark 10 of the GMBC entry
description.
8. CID can reference GMCORD type coordinate systems only when the GRID is
connected to p-version elements.
1. SEID is ignored.
2. The use of GRDSET entry for default options for the CP, CD, and PS fields is
not supported.
GRIDB 1363
Axisymmetric Grid Point
GRIDB Axisymmetric Grid Point 15

BULK
F-L
Defines the location of a geometric grid point on a fluid point (RINGFL entry) for an
axisymmetric fluid model and/or axisymmetric structure. Also defines the boundary
of the fluid.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GRIDB ID PHI CD PS IDF
Example:
GRIDB 30 30.0 3 345 20
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Grid point identification number. (0 < Integer < 1000000)
PHI Azimuthal position of the fluid in degrees. (Real)
CD Identification number of the coordinate system in which the

displacements are defined at the grid point. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
PS Permanent single-point constraints associated with grid point. (Any

combination of the Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded blanks,
or blank.)
IDF Identification number of a RINGFL entry. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. GRIDB is allowed only if an AXIF entry is also present. The AXIF entry must
define a fluid coordinate system.
2. All GRIDB identification numbers must be unique with respect to other scalar,
structural, and fluid points.
3. The referenced RINGFL entry must be present and be included in a boundary

list (BDYLIST entry).
4. If no harmonic numbers on the AXIF entry are specified, no fluid elements are
necessary.
1364 GRIDB
Axisymmetric Grid Point
15 5. The collection of all CD coordinate systems defined on all GRID and GRIDB
BULK entries is called the global coordinate system.
F-L
6. Fields 3, 4, and 6 are ignored, which facilitates the conversion of GRID entries to
GRIDB entries. Note that the fields are the same except for fields 1 and 9 when a
cylindrical coordinate system is used.
GRIDF 1365
Fluid Point
GRIDF Fluid Point 15

BULK
F-L
Defines a scalar degree-of-freedom for harmonic analysis of a fluid.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GRIDF ID R Z
Example:
GRIDF 23 2.5 -7.3
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Identification number of axisymmetric fluid point. (0 < Integer <

1000000)
R Radial location of point in basic coordinate system. (Real > 0.0)
Z Axial location of point in basic coordinate system. (Real)
Remarks:
2. ID must be unique with respect to all other scalar, structural, and fluid points.
3. Grid points on slot boundaries are defined on GRIDS entries. Do not also define
them on GRIDF entries.
4. For plotting purposes, the R location corresponds to the basic X coordinate. The
Z location corresponds to the basic Y coordinate. Pressures will be plotted as
displacements in the basic Z direction.
5. Load and constraint conditions are applied as if GRIDF were a scalar point.
Positive loads correspond to inward flow. A single-point constraint causes zero
pressure at the point.
1366 GRIDS
Slot Surface Point
15 GRIDS Slot Surface Point

BULK
F-L
Defines a scalar degree-of-freedom with a two-dimensional location. Used in defining
pressure in slotted acoustic cavities.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GRIDS ID R Z W IDF
Example:
GRIDS 25 2.5 -7.3 0.5
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Identification number of the slot point. (Integer > 0)
R Radial location of point in basic coordinate system. (Real ≠ 0.0)
Z Axial location of point in basic coordinate system. (Real)
W Slot width or thickness at the GRIDS point. (Real ≥ 0.0 or blank)
IDF Identification number to define a GRIDF point. (Integer > 0 or blank)
Remarks:
2. ID (and IDF if present) must be unique with respect to all other scalar,
structural, and fluid points.
3. If W is blank, the default value on the AXSLOT entry will be used.
4. The IDF number is referenced on the CAXIFi entry for central cavity fluid
elements next to the interface. The IDF number is entered only if the grid point
is on an interface. In this case, the IDF should also be defined on a GRIDF entry.
5. If IDF is nonzero, then R must be greater than zero.
6. For plotting purposes, the R location corresponds to the basic X coordinate. The
Z location corresponds to the basic Y coordinate. The slot width, W, corresponds
to the basic Z coordinate. The pressure will be plotted in the basic Z direction.
GRIDS 1367
Slot Surface Point
7. Load and constraint conditions are applied as if the GRIDS is a scalar point. 15
Positive loads correspond to inward flow. A single-point constraint causes zero BULK
pressure at the point. F-L
1368 GUST
Aerodynamic Gust Load Description
15 GUST Aerodynamic Gust Load Description

BULK
F-L
Defines a stationary vertical gust for use in aeroelastic response analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GUST SID DLOAD WG X0 V
Example:
GUST 133 61 1.0 0. 1.+4
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Gust set identification number. (Integer > 0)
DLOAD Set identification number of a TLOADi or RLOADi entry that defines

the time or frequency dependence. (Integer > 0)
WG Scale factor (gust velocity/forward velocity) for gust velocity. (Real ≠

0.0)
X0 Streamwise location in the aerodynamic coordinate system of the

gust reference point. (Real)
V Velocity of vehicle. See Remark 5. (Real > 0.0)
Remarks:
1. The GUST entry must be selected with the Case Control command GUST = SID.
2. The gust angle is in the +z direction of the aerodynamic coordinate system.

The value is
where T is the tabular function.
3. In random analysis, a unit gust velocity (WG = 1/velocity) is suggested. The

actual rms value is entered on the TABRNDG entry.
4. X0 and V may not change between subcases under one execution.

GUST 1369
Aerodynamic Gust Load Description
5. V must be equal to VELOCITY on the AERO Bulk Data entry. 15

BULK
F-L
1370 INCLUDE
15 INCLUDE Insert External File

BULK
F-L
Format:
Describer:
requirements. It is recommended that the filename be enclosed by
single right-hand quotation marks.
Example:
called MYBULK.DATA:
SOL 101
CEND
LOAD = 100
BEGIN BULK
INCLUDE ’MYBULK.DATA’
ENDDATA
Remarks:
ITER 1371
Iterative Solver Options
ITER Iterative Solver Options 15

BULK
F-L
Defines options for the global iterative solver in SOLs 1, 8, 11, 66, 101, 106, 108, 111,
153 and the element iterative solver in SOLS 1 and 101.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ITER SID
OPTION1VALUE1 OPTION2VALUE2 -etc.-
Example:
ITER 100
ITSEPS=1.0E0-7, MSGFLG=YES, PRECOND=BICWELL, IPAD=3
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Set identification number. (Integer > 0).
PRECOND Preconditioner option for global and element iterative solution.

(Global default = “BIC” for real analysis, “BICCMPLX” for complex
analysis and “PBDJ” for p-version analysis. Element default is to
leave option blank) See Remark 3.
Global preconditioner options:
J Jacobi
JS Jacobi with diagonal scaling.
C Incomplete Cholesky.
CS Incomplete Cholesky with diagonal scaling.
RIC Reduced incomplete Cholesky.
RICS Reduced incomplete Cholesky with diagonal scaling.
PBCJ p-version block Cholesky/Jacobi.
PBDJ p-version block Direct/Jacobi.
PBDC p-version block Direct/Cholesky.

1372 ITER
15 Field Contents
BULK
F-L BIC Block incomplete Cholesky for real problems.
BICCMPLX Block incomplete Cholesky for complex problems.
USER User given preconditioning. For direct frequency

response (SOL 108): a decomposition will be done
for 1st frequency and the factor will be used for all
subsequent frequencies as a preconditioner with the
iterative solver. Other solutions require a DMAP
alter. Please refer to the NX Nastran Numerical
Methods User’s Guide description of the SOLVIT
module.
Element preconditioner options:
blank Standard preconditioning option for element

iterative solver (default)
PRIMAL Optional preconditioning option for element iterative

solver. This option may produce faster convergence
for models which contain a large number of elements
with bad aspect ratios.
CONV Convergence criterion. (Character; Default = “AREX”)
Global iterative solution:
AR ||r||/||b|| where r is the residual vector of

current iteration and b is the initial load vector;
internal criterion.
GE Alternative convergence criterion using geometric

progression and the differences between two
consecutive solution updates; internal criterion.
AREX Same criterion as AR but with the additional

consideration of the external convergence criterion.
See Remark 2. (Default).
GEEX Same criterion as GE but with the additional

consideration of the external convergence criterion.
See Remark 2.
Element iterative solution:

ITER 1373
Field Contents 15
BULK
AR For relative reduction in the residual 2-norm. F-L
GE For relative reduction in the residual preconditioned

norm.
AREX For one of the other or energy norm of error. Also

each must fall below a looser stopping threshold
(Default).
GEEX For relative reduction in the residual infinity norm.
MSGFLG Message flag. (Character; Default = “NO”)
YES Messages will be printed for each iteration.
NO Only minimal messages will be printed from the

iterative solver (Default).
ITSEPS User-given convergence parameter epsilon. (Real>0.0;

Default=1.0E-6) (Default=1.0E-8 when the element iterative solver
is used.) See remark 5 for information on setting ITSEPS with the
element iterative solver.
ITSMAX Maximum number of iterations. (Integer > 0; Default = N/4 where N

is the number of rows in the matrix)
IPAD Padding value for RIC, RICS, BIC, and BICCMPLX preconditioning
in global iterative solutions. (Integer > 0)
Default = 0 for PRECOND = “RIC” or “RICS”
Default = 2 for PRECOND = “BIC” for purely three-dimensional

models and three for two-dimensional and mixed
element models. IPAD may be reset automatically
by the program to the best value.
Default = 5 for PRECOND = “BICCMPLX”.
IEXT Extraction level in reduced incomplete Cholesky preconditioning

in global iterative solution. Block structuring method in block
incomplete Cholesky preconditioning in global iterative solution.
(Integer = 0 thought 7; Default = 0)
0 Uses USET/SIL tables (Default).

1374 ITER
15 Field Contents
BULK
F-L 1-7 The default value of 0 is recommended for all
problems. The values 1 - 7 use a heuristic algorithm
with a maximum block size equal to IEXT. Although
setting IEXT to a value other than 0 could lead to
slightly improved performance or reduced disk space
use, it should be considered exploratory without the
expectation of a benefit.
PREFONLY Specifies early termination of the global iterative solver. (Integer = 0

or -1; Default = 0)
0 Runs to completion (Default).
-1 Terminates after preface giving resource estimates.
ZPIVOT Used to adjust the singularity tolerance during the preconditioner

phase of an element iterative solution. (Real, Default=1.0E-10)
Remarks:
1. The global iterative solver is requested by specifying ITER = YES on the

NASTRAN statement. To request the element iterative solver, specify
ELEMITER = YES in addition to ITER = YES. The ITER Bulk Data entry
is optional and only required to override the defaults specified above. The
ITER Bulk Data entry must be selected by the SMETHOD = SID Case Control
command.
2. The external epsilon is computed as follows:
where r is the final residual vector, x is the final solution vector and b is the
initial load vector (r, x) indicates the inner product of r and x and (b, x) indicates
the inner product of b and x.
3. Prior to Version 70.5 of MSC.Nastran, the user had the burden of choosing
BICWELL for well conditioned problems and BICILL for ill-conditioned
problems. NX Nastran now determines this automatically. Thus BICWELL and
BICILL are now equivalent to BIC. See “Preconditioning Methods” in the NX
Nastran Numerical Methods User’s Guide for more information on these options.
ITER 1375
4. The restrictions for the element iterative solver are as follows; only available 15
in solution types 1 and 101, does not support superelements, does not support BULK
CQUAD8 and TRIA6 elements, CQUAD4 and TRIA3 supported only if K6ROT F-L
is defined (results obtained will be the same as if the parameter snorm =
0.0 was entered), DMIG is not supported, inertia relief is not supported,
surface-to-surface contact is not supported.
5. When using the element iterative solver, the convergence tolerance (ITSEPS
option) is used to control when the solution terminates. The equation to be
solved is:
Kx=b,
let the residual r=b-K(x0)
where x0 is the current solution
The solution stops iterating when the minimum of the following four error
measures is below the specified value:
• the relative reduction in the 2–Norm of the residual (the 2–Norm of r divided
by the 2–Norm of b)
• The relative reduction in the preconditioned norm of the residual
• the relative reduction in the infinity norm of the residual
• the estimated energy norm of the error
For each error measure, the software also applies a looser tolerance than the
tolerance you define here.
This table shows typical results obtained for convergence tolerances:
Convergence Tolerance Typical Results

Most displacement within 1% accuracy.
1e-5
Unreliable stresses.
All displacements within 1% accuracy.
1e-6
Some stresses off 10–20%.
1e-7 Some stresses off as much as 5%.
All stresses (even the small values)
1e-8
within 1%.
1376 LOAD
Static Load Combination (Superposition)
15 LOAD Static Load Combination (Superposition)

BULK
F-L
Defines a static load as a linear combination of load sets defined via FORCE,
MOMENT, FORCE1, MOMENT1, FORCE2, MOMENT2, PLOAD, PLOAD1,
PLOAD2, PLOAD4, PLOADX1, SLOAD, RFORCE, and GRAV 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 101 -0.5 1.0 3 6.2 4
Fields:
Field Contents
S Overall scale factor. (Real)
Si Scale factor on Li. (Real)
Li Load set identification numbers defined on entry types listed above.

(Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. The load vector {P} is defined by
2. Load set IDs (Li) must be unique.
3. This entry must be used if acceleration loads (GRAV entry) are to be used with
any of the other types.
LOAD 1377
Static Load Combination (Superposition)
referenced in the LID field of an LSEQ entry, which in turn must be selected by 15
the Case Control command LOADSET. BULK
F-L
5. A LOAD entry may not reference a set identification number defined by another
LOAD entry.
1. LOAD may be used in a static or transient analysis to combine loads with

constant magnitude.
2. Both LOAD and DLOAD can be used in the same analysis to define some loads
with constant magnitude and some time-dependent loads.
1378 LOADCYH
Harmonic Load Input for Cyclic Symmetry
15 LOADCYH Harmonic Load Input for Cyclic Symmetry

BULK
F-L
Defines the harmonic coefficients of a static or dynamic load for use in cyclic
symmetry analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LOADCYH SID S HID HTYPE S1 L1 S2 L2
Example:
LOADCYH 10 1.0 7 C 0.5 15
Fields:
Field Contents
S Scale Factor. (Real)
HID Harmonic. See Remark 6. (Integer or blank)
HTYPE Harmonic type. (Character: “C”, “S”, “CSTAR” “SSTAR”, “GRAV”,

“RFORCE”, or blank).
Si Scale factor on Li. (Real)
Li Load set identification number. See Remark 10. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. The LOADCYH entry is selected with the Case Control command LOAD = SID.
2. If HTYPE is blank, the load will be applied to all applicable types in the problem.
3. If HTYPE is “GRAV” or “RFORCE”, GRAV or RFORCE entry loading will be

used. Harmonic loads for appropriate available harmonics will be generated
automatically in these cases.
4. L1 and L2 may reference LOAD entries. However, the LOAD entry in such a
case must not reference load sets defined via RFORCE and/or GRAV entries.
5. If L1 refers to a set ID defined by an SPCD entry, the same ID must not reference
any nonzero loading specified by the other Bulk Data loading entries given via
LOADCYH 1379
Harmonic Load Input for Cyclic Symmetry
FORCE, MOMENT, FORCE1, MOMENT1, FORCE2, MOMENT2, PLOAD, 15

PLOAD1, PLOAD2, PLOAD4, PLOADX, and SLOAD entries. In other words, an BULK
enforced deformation loading via the SPCD entry is specified by a load set ID L1 F-L
or L2 and a zero magnitude loading via a load (such as FORCE) with the same ID.
6. If HTYPE is “GRAV” or “RFORCE”, the entry in HID will be ignored and

therefore may be blank. S2 and L2 must be blank for this case.
7. Load set IDs L1 or L2 may not be referenced by load set ID L1 or L2 of

LOADCYN entries.
8. If HTYPE = “C”, “S”, “CSTAR”, or “SSTAR”, the load on component (HTYPE) of

harmonic (HID) is L = S(S1 · L1 + S2 · L2).
9. S must be nonzero. In addition, either S1 or S2 must be nonzero.
10. L1 and L2 may reference any of the static or dynamic loading entries including
GRAV and RFORCE.
1380 LOADCYN
Physical Load Input for Cyclic Symmetry
15 LOADCYN Physical Load Input for Cyclic Symmetry

BULK
F-L
Defines a physical static or dynamic load for use in cyclic symmetry analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LOADCYN SID S SEGID SEGTYPE S1 L1 S2 L2
Example:
LOADCYN 10 1.0 1 R 0.5 17
Fields:
Field Contents
S Scale Factor. (Real)
SEGID Segment identification number. (Integer)
SEGTYPE Segment type. (Character: “R”, “L”, or blank)
Si Scale Factors. (Real)
Li Load set ID numbers. See Remark 8. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. The LOADCYN entry is selected by the LOAD Case Control command.
2. If SEGTYPE is blank, both R and L segments will be used in DIH-type symmetry.
3. L1 and L2 may reference LOAD entries. However, the LOAD entry in such a
case must not reference load sets defined via RFORCE and/or GRAV entries.
4. If L1 refers to a set ID defined by SPCD loading entry, the same ID must not
reference any nonzero loading specified by the other Bulk Data loading entries
given via FORCE, MOMENT, FORCE1, MOMENT1, FORCE2, MOMENT2,
PLOAD, PLOAD1, PLOAD2, PLOAD4, PLOADX1, and SLOAD entries. In other
words, an enforced deformation loading via the SPCD entry is specified by a
load set ID L1 or L2 and a zero magnitude loading via a load (such as FORCE)
with the same ID.
LOADCYN 1381
Physical Load Input for Cyclic Symmetry
5. Load set IDs L1 or L2 may not be referenced by load set ID L1 or L2 of 15

LOADCYH entries. BULK
F-L
6. The load on the segment (or half-segment) is L = S(S1 · L1 + S2 · L2).
7. S must be nonzero. In addition, either S1 or S2 must be nonzero.
8. L1 and L2 may reference any of the static or dynamic loading entries except
GRAV and RFORCE.
1382 LOADCYT
Table Load Input for Cyclic Symmetry
15 LOADCYT Table Load Input for Cyclic Symmetry

BULK
F-L
Specifies loads as a function of azimuth angle by references to tables that define
scale factors of loads versus azimuth angles. This entry is used only when STYPE
= “AXI” on the CYSYM entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LOADCYT SID TABLEID1 LOADSET1 METHOD1 TABLEID2LOADSET2 METHOD2
Example:
LOADCYT 10 19 27 21 26 1
Fields:
Field Contents
TABLEIDi Table ID for table load input for load set Li. See Remark 3. (Integer
> 0)
LOADSETi Load set Li. (Integer > 0)
METHODi Method of interpolation. See Remark 5. (Integer: 0 or 1, Default = 0)
0 interpolate the load with the Fourier coefficients specified

in the table up to the specified number of harmonics.
(Default)
1 interpolate the magnitude of the load at corresponding

grid points in all segments.
Remarks:
1. The LOADCYT entry is selected by the LOAD Case Control command.
2. The load set ID given in fields 4 or 7 of this entry may refer to FORCE, MOMENT,
PLOAD, PLOAD2, PLOAD4, SPCD, TEMP, or TEMPP1 Bulk Data entries.
3. Either TABLED1 or TABLED2 type tabular data of azimuth angle (Xi) versus
scale factors (Yi) may be used. The azimuth angle values must be in degrees.
LOADCYT 1383
Table Load Input for Cyclic Symmetry
4. The scale factors given in the tables referenced by TABLEDi entries will be 15
applied only to the magnitudes of the loads defined by LOADSET IDs given in BULK
fields 4 or 7. F-L
5. For grid point loading entries, (like FORCE, MOMENT, SPCD, and TEMP Bulk
Data entries) METHODi = 1 option should be used. For element loading entries
(like PLOAD, PLOAD2, PLOAD4, and TEMPP1 Bulk Data entries) either
METHODi = 0 or METHODi = 1 option can be used. In particular, if harmonic
output of element stresses under temperature loading via TEMPP1 Bulk Data
entry, METHODi = 0 option should be used to specify TEMPP1 load set.
1384 LSEQ
Static Load Set Definition
15 LSEQ Static Load Set Definition

BULK
F-L
Defines a sequence of static load sets.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LSEQ SID EXCITEID LID TID
Example:
LSEQ 100 200 1000 1001
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Set identification of the set of LSEQ entries. See Remark 5. (Integer
> 0)
EXCITEID The EXCITEID set identification assigned to this static load vector.
See Remark 5. (Integer > 0)
LID Load set identification number of a set of static load entries such as
those referenced by the LOAD Case Control command. (Integer >
0 or blank)
TID Temperature set identification of a set of thermal load entries such

as those referenced by the TEMP(LOAD) Case Control command.
Remarks:
1. LSEQ will not be used unless selected in the Case Control Section with the
LOADSET command.
2. The number of static load vectors created for each superelement depends upon
the type of analysis. In static analysis, the number of vectors created is equal
to the number of unique EXCITEID IDs on all LSEQ entries in the Bulk Data;
in dynamic analysis, the number of vectors created is equal to the number
of unique EXCITEID IDs on all RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1, TLOAD2 and
ACSRCE entries in the Bulk Data.
LSEQ 1385
3. EXCITEID may be referenced by CLOAD, RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1, and 15

TLOAD2 entries in order to apply the static load in nonlinear, static and BULK
dynamic analysis. F-L
4. Element data recovery for thermal loads is not currently implemented in

dynamics.
5. The SID-EXCITEID number pair must be unique with respect to similar pairs
on all other LSEQ entries in the Bulk Data.
6. In a nonsuperelement analysis, LID and TID cannot both be blank. In

superelement analysis, they may both be blank as long as static loads are
prescribed in the upstream superelements.
7. It is no longer necessary to employ LOADSET/LSEQ data to specify static

loading data for use in dynamic analysis. In the absence of LSEQ Bulk Data
entries, all static loads whose load set IDs match the EXCITEID IDs on all
RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1, TLOAD2 and ACSRCE entries in the Bulk Data
are automatically processed.
1386 LSEQ
15
BULK
F-L
Chapter
16 Bulk Data Entries M—N

16
BULK
M-N
1388 MAT1
Isotropic Material Property Definition
MAT1 Isotropic Material Property Definition
Defines the material properties for linear isotropic materials.

Format:
16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BULK MAT1 MID E G NU RHO A TREF GE

M-N ST SC SS MCSID
Example:
MAT1 17 3.+7 0.33 4.28 6.5-6 5.37+2 0.23
20.+4 15.+4 12.+4 1003
Fields:
Field Contents
E Young’s modulus. (Real ≥ 0.0 or blank)
G Shear modulus. (Real ≥ 0.0 or blank)
NU Poisson’s ratio. (-1.0 < Real ≤ 0.5 or blank)
RHO Mass density. See Remark 5. (Real)
A Thermal expansion coefficient. (Real)
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads, or

a temperature-dependent thermal expansion coefficient. See
Remarks 9 and 10. (Real; Default = 0.0 if A is specified.)
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks 8, 9, and

4. (Real)
ST, SC, SS Stress limits for tension, compression, and shear are optionally
supplied, used only to compute margins of safety in certain
elements; and have no effect on the computational procedures.
See Parameters for more information. (Real ≥ 0.0 or blank)
MCSID Material coordinate system identification number. Used only for

PARAM,CURV processing. See Parameters for more information.
MAT1 1389
Remarks:
1. The material identification number must be unique for all MAT1, MAT2, MAT3,
and MAT9 entries.
2. The following rules apply when E, G, or NU are blank.

• E and G may not both be blank. 16
BULK
• If NU and E, or NU and G, are both blank, then both are set to 0.0. M-N
• If only one E, G, or NU is blank, then it will be computed from the

equation: E = 2 · (1 + NU) · G. If this is not desired, then the MAT2 entry
is recommended. If E, G, or NU are made temperature dependent by the
MATT1 entry, then the equation is applied to the initial values only.
Note: These rules are always validated at the beginning of the solution,
even when a MATS1 entry is used.
3. If values are specified for all of the properties E, G, and NU, then it is
recommended that the following relationship be satisfied:
If this relationship is not desired, then the MAT2 entry is recommended.

It should also be noted that some of the properties are not applied in the
stiffness formulation of certain elements as indicated in Table 16-1. Therefore,
it is recommended that only the applicable properties be specified for a given
element.
Table 16-1. Material Property Usage Versus Element Types
Element Entry E NU G
CROD
Extension and Torsion Transverse
CBEAM Not Used
Bending Shear
CBAR
CQUADi
Membrane, including In-plane Shear,
CTRIAi Transverse Shear
and Bending
CCONEAX
1390 MAT1
Table 16-1. Material Property Usage Versus Element Types
Element Entry E NU G
CSHEAR Not Used Shear
16 CRAC2D All Terms Not Used

BULK
M-N CHEXA
CPENTA
All Terms Not Used
CTETRA
CRAC3D
CTRIAX6 Radial, Axial,

All Coupled Ratios Shear
Circumferential
4. MAT1 materials may be made temperature-dependent by use of the MATT1

entry. In SOL 106, linear and nonlinear elastic material properties in the
residual structure will be updated as prescribed under the TEMPERATURE
Case Control command.
5. The mass density RHO will be used to compute mass for all structural elements
automatically.
6. 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 (see Parameters
for more information).
7. MCSID must be nonzero if PARAM,CURV is specified to calculate stresses or

strains at grid points on plate and shell elements only.
8. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/Co,
by 2.0.
9. TREF and GE are ignored if the MAT1 entry is referenced by a PCOMP entry.
10. TREF is used in two different ways:
• In nonlinear static analysis (SOL 106), TREF is used only for the calculation
of a temperature-dependent thermal expansion coefficient. The reference
temperature for the calculation of thermal loads is obtained from the
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) set selection.
MAT1 1391
16
BULK
M-N
Figure 16-1. Use of TREF in Calculation of Thermal Loads

εT = A(T) · (T−TREF)−A(T0) · (T0−TREF)
where Tis requested by the TEMPERATURE(LOAD) command and T0 is
requested by the TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) command.
a. A is a secant quantity.
b. TREF is obtained from the same source as the other material

properties; e.g., ASTM, etc.
c. If A(T) constant, then εT = A · (T−T0)
– In all SOLs except 106, TREF is used only as the

reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads.
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) may be used for this purpose,
but TREF must be blank.
d. If PARAM,W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient

analysis. See Parameters.
1. GE, ST, SC, SS, and MCSID are ignored.
2. RHO is always used as mass density regardless of PARAM,WTMASS entry.

1392 MAT1
3. TREF is used only used when MAT1 is made temperature dependent by use of
the MATT1 entry.
4. For CQUADi and CTRIAi elements, the transverse shear modulus is equal to
the in-plane shear modulus.
16 5. E and NU may not be both blank.

BULK
M-N
MAT2 1393
Shell Element Anisotropic Material Property Definition
MAT2 Shell Element Anisotropic Material Property Definition
Defines the material properties for linear anisotropic materials for two-dimensional
elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
16
BULK
MAT2 MID G11 G12 G13 G22 G23 G33 RHO M-N
A1 A2 A3 TREF GE ST SC SS
MCSID
Example:
MAT2 13 6.2+3 6.2+3 5.1+3 0.056
6.5-6 6.5-6 -500.0 0.002 20.+5
1003
Fields:
Field Contents
MID Material identification number. See Remark 13. (Integer > 0)
Gij The material property matrix. (Real)
RHO Mass density. (Real)
Ai Thermal expansion coefficient vector. (Real)
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads, or a

temperature-dependent thermal expansion coefficient. See Remarks
10 and 11. (Real or blank)
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks 7, 10 and

12. (Real)
ST, SC, SS Stress limits for tension, compression, and shear are optionally
supplied (these are used only to compute margins of safety in certain
elements) and have no effect on the computational procedures. (Real
or blank)
MCSID Material coordinate system identification number. Used only for

PARAM, CURV processing. See Parameters for more information.
1394 MAT2
Remarks:
1. The material identification numbers must be unique for all MAT1, MAT2, MAT3,
and MAT9 entries.
2. MAT2 materials may be made temperature dependent by use of the MATT2

16 entry. In SOL 106, linear and nonlinear elastic material properties in the
BULK
M-N
3. The mass density, RHO, will be used to automatically compute mass for all
structural elements.
4. The convention for the Gij in fields 3 through 8 are represented by the matrix
relationship
5. If this entry is referenced by the MID3 field (transverse shear) on the PSHELL,
then G13, G23, and G33 must be blank. See The NASTRAN Theoretical Manual.
6. MCSID must be nonzero if PARAM,CURV is specified to extrapolate element

centroid stresses or strains to grid points on plate and shell elements only.
CQUAD4 element corner stresses are not supported by PARAM,CURV.
by 2.0.
8. If the MAT2 entry is referenced by the PCOMP entry, the transverse shear
flexibility for the referenced lamina is zero.
9. Unlike the MAT1 entry, data from the MAT2 entry is used directly without
adjustment of equivalent E, G, or NU values.
10. TREF and GE are ignored if this entry is referenced by a PCOMP entry.

MAT2 1395
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) set selection. See Remark 10 in the MAT1

description.
• In all SOLs except 106, TREF is used only as the reference temperature for
the calculation of thermal loads. TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) may be used
for this purpose, but TREF must be blank.
16
12. If PARAM,W4 is not specified, GE is ignored in transient analysis. See BULK
“Parameters ”. M-N
13. PCOMP entries generate MAT2 entries equal to 100000000 plus the PCOMP
PID. Explicitly specified MAT2 IDs must not conflict with internally generated
MAT2 IDs. Furthermore, if MID is greater than 400,000,000 then A1, A2, and
A3 are a special format. They are [G4] · [alpha4] not [alpha4]. If MIDs larger
than 99999999 are used, PARAM,NOCOMPS,-1 must be specified to obtain
stress output.
1. MAT2 defines an orthotropic material for SOLs 601 and 701with properties
calculated from G11, G12, G22, and G33. See Section 3.2.2 of the Advanced
Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide.
2. G13, G23, A3, GE, ST, SC, SS, and MCSID are ignored.
3. A1, A2, and TREF are used only when MAT2 is made temperature dependent
by use of the MATT2 entry.
1396 MAT3
CTRIAX6 Material Property Definition
MAT3 CTRIAX6 Material Property Definition
Defines the material properties for linear orthotropic materials used by the CTRIAX6
element entry.
Format:
16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BULK
M-N MAT3 MID EX ETH EZ NUXTH NUTHZ NUZX RHO
GZX AX ATH AZ TREF GE
Example:
MAT3 23 1.0+7 1.1+7 1.2+7 .3 .25 .27 1.0-5
2.5+6 1.0-4 1.0-4 1.1-4 68.5 .23
Fields:
Field Contents
EX, ETH, EZ Young’s moduli in the x, θ, and z directions, respectively.

(Real > 0.0)
NUXTH, NUTHZ, Poisson’s ratios (coupled strain ratios in the xθ, zθ, and zx
NUZX directions, respectively). (Real)
GZX Shear modulus. (Real > 0.0)
AX, ATH, AZ Thermal expansion coefficients. (Real)
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal

loads or a temperature-dependent thermal expansion
coefficient. See Remark 10. (Real or blank)
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks 9

and 11. (Real)
Remarks:
1. The material identification number must be unique with respect to the collection
of all MAT1, MAT2, MAT3, and MAT9 entries.
MAT3 1397
2. MAT3 materials may be made temperature dependent by use of the MATT3

entry. In SOL 106, linear and nonlinear elastic material properties in the
3. All seven of the numbers EX, ETH, EZ, NUXTH, NUTHZ, NUZX, and GZX
must be present. 16
BULK
4. A warning message will be issued if any value of NUXTH or NUTHZ has an M-N
absolute value greater than 1.0.
5. MAT3 materials may only be referenced by the CTRIAX6 entry.
6. The mass density RHO will be used to automatically compute mass for the
CTRIAX6 element.
7. The x-axis lies along the material axis (see Figure 13-37 in the CTRIAX6 entry).
The θ-axis lies in the azimuthal direction. The z-axis is normal to both.
8. The strain-stress relationship is
Note that
1398 MAT3
by 2.0.
10. TREF is used for two different purposes:
16 of a temperature-dependent thermal expansion coefficient. The reference
BULK
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) set selection. See Remark 10 under the MAT1
M-N
description.
for this purpose, but TREF must be blank.

“Parameters ”.
MAT4 1399
Heat Transfer Material Properties, Isotropic
MAT4 Heat Transfer Material Properties, Isotropic
Defines the constant or temperature-dependent thermal material properties for

conductivity, heat capacity, density, dynamic viscosity, heat generation, reference
enthalpy, and latent heat associated with a single-phase change.
Format: 16
BULK
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 M-N
MAT4 MID K CP r H m HGEN REFENTH
TCH TDELTA QLAT
Example:
MAT4 1 204. .900 2700.
Fields:
Field Contents
K Thermal conductivity. (Blank or Real > 0.0)
CP Heat capacity per unit mass at constant pressure (specific heat).

(Blank or Real ≥ 0.0)
ρ Density. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 1.0)
H Free convection heat transfer coefficient. (Real or blank)
m Dynamic viscosity. See Remark 2. (Real > 0.0 or blank)
HGEN Heat generation capability used with QVOL entries. (Real ≥ 0.0;
Default = 1.0)
REFENTH Reference enthalpy. (Real or blank)
TCH Lower temperature limit at which phase change region is to occur.

(Real or blank)
TDELTA Total temperature change range within which a phase change is

to occur. (Real ≥ 0.0 or blank)
QLAT Latent heat of fusion per unit mass associated with the phase
change. (Real > 0.0 or blank)
1400 MAT4
Heat Transfer Material Properties, Isotropic
Remarks:
1. The MID must be unique with respect to all other MAT4 and MAT5 entries.
MAT4 may specify material properties for any conduction elements as well as
properties for a forced convection fluid (see CONVM). MAT4 also provides the
heat transfer coefficient for free convection (see CONV).
16 2. For a forced convection fluid, μ must be specified.
BULK
M-N
3. 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.
4. Properties specified on the MAT4 entry may be defined as temperature

dependent by use of the MATT4 entry.
MAT5 1401
Thermal Material Property Definition
MAT5 Thermal Material Property Definition
Defines the thermal material properties for anisotropic materials.

Format:
MAT5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16
MID KXX KXY KXZ KYY KYZ KZZ CP BULK
RHO HGEN M-N
Example:
MAT5 24 .092 .083 0.20 0.2
2.00
Fields:
Field Contents
Kij Thermal conductivity. (Real)
CP Heat capacity per unit mass. (Real ≥ 0.0 or blank)
RHO Density. (Real > 0.0; Default = 1.0)
HGEN Heat generation capability used with QVOL entries. (Real ≥ 0.0;
Default = 1.0)
Remarks:
1. The thermal conductivity matrix has the following form:
2. The material identification number may be the same as a MAT1, MAT2, or

MAT3 entry but must be unique with respect to other MAT4 or MAT5 entries.

entry.
1402 MAT5
Thermal Material Property Definition
4. When used for axisymmetric analysis (CTRIAX6), material properties are

represented where:
KXX = radial conductivity component

KYY = axial conductivity component
16
BULK
M-N
MAT8 1403
Shell Element Orthotropic Material Property Definition
MAT8 Shell Element Orthotropic Material Property Definition
Defines the material property for an orthotropic material for isoparametric shell
elements.
Format:
16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 BULK
MAT8 MID E1 E2 NU12 G12 G1Z G2Z RHO M-N
A1 A2 TREF Xt Xc Yt Yc S
GE F12 STRN
Example:
MAT8 171 30.+6 1.+6 0.3 2.+6 3.+6 1.5+6 0.056
28.-6 1.5-6 155.0 1.+4 1.5+4 2.+2 8.+2 1.+3
1.-4 1.0
Fields:
Field Contents
MID Material identification number. Referenced on a PSHELL or

PCOMP entry only. (0 < Integer < 1000000000)
E1 Modulus of elasticity in longitudinal direction, also defined as the

fiber direction or 1-direction. (Real ≠ 0.0)
E2 Modulus of elasticity in lateral direction, also defined as the matrix

direction or 2-direction. (Real ≠ 0.0)
NU12 Poisson’s ratio (ε2/ε1 for uniaxial loading in 1-direction). Note that
ν21=ε1/ε2 for uniaxial loading in 2-direction is related to ν12, E1, and
E2 by the relation ν12E2=ν21E1. (Real)
G12 In-plane shear modulus. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
G1Z Transverse shear modulus for shear in 1-Z plane. (Real > 0.0;
Default implies infinite shear modulus.)
G2Z Transverse shear modulus for shear in 2-Z plane. (Real > 0.0;
Default implies infinite shear modulus.)

1404 MAT8
Field Contents
Ai Thermal expansion coefficient in i-direction. (Real)
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads, or a

temperature-dependent thermal expansion coefficient. See Remarks
16 4 and 5. (Real or blank)
BULK
Xt, Xc Allowable stresses or strains in tension and compression,
M-N
respectively, in the longitudinal direction. Required if failure index
is desired. See the FT field on the PCOMP entry. (Real > 0.0; Default
value for Xc is Xt.)
Yt, Yc Allowable stresses or strains in tension and compression,

respectively, in the lateral direction. Required if failure index is
desired. (Real > 0.0; Default value for Yc is Yt.)
S Allowable stress or strain for in-plane shear. See the FT field on

the PCOMP entry. (Real > 0.0)
GE Structural damping coefficient. See Remarks 4 and 6. (Real)
F12 Interaction term in the tensor polynomial theory of Tsai-Wu.

Required if failure index by Tsai-Wu theory is desired and if value
of F12 is different from 0.0. See the FT field on the PCOMP entry.
(Real)
STRN For the maximum strain theory only (see STRN in PCOMP entry).
Indicates whether Xt, Xc, Yt, Yc, and S are stress or strain
allowables. [Real = 1.0 for strain allowables; blank (Default) for
stress allowables.]
Remarks:
1. If G1Z and G2Z values are specified as zero or blank, then transverse shear
flexibility calculations will not be performed, which is equivalent to zero shear
flexibility (i.e., infinite shear stiffness).
2. An approximate value for G1Z and G2Z is the in-plane shear modulus G12.
If test data are not available to accurately determine G1Z and G2Z for the
material and transverse shear calculations are deemed essential; the value of
G12 may be supplied for G1Z and G2Z. In SOL 106, linear and nonlinear elastic
material properties in the residual structure will be updated as prescribed in the
TEMPERATURE Case Control command.
MAT8 1405
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. TREF and GE are ignored if this entry is referenced by a PCOMP entry.
5. TREF is used in two different ways: 16

BULK
M-N
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) set selection. See Remark 10. in the MAT1
description.
for this purpose, but TREF must then be blank.

“Parameters ”.
1. A1, A2, TREF, Xt, Xc, Yt, Yc, S, GE, F12, and STRN are ignored.
1406 MAT9
Solid Element Anisotropic Material Property Definition
MAT9 Solid Element Anisotropic Material Property Definition
Defines the material properties for linear, temperature-independent, anisotropic

materials for solid isoparametric elements (see PSOLID entry description).
Format:
16
BULK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
M-N 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
Example:
MAT9 17 6.2+3 6.2+3
6.2+3
5.1+3 5.1+3 5.1+3 3.2 6.5-6
6.5-6 125. .003
Fields:
Field Contents
Gij Elements of the 6 × 6 symmetric material property matrix in the

material coordinate system. (Real)
Ai Thermal expansion coefficient. (Real)
TREF Reference temperature for the calculation thermal loads, or a

temperature-dependent thermal expansion coefficient. See Remark
7. (Real or blank)
GE Structural element damping coefficient. See Remarks 6 and 8. (Real)
Remarks:
and MAT9 entries.
MAT9 1407

entry. In nonlinear static analysis (e.g., SOL 106), linear and nonlinear elastic
material properties in the residual structure will be updated as prescribed under
the TEMPERATURE Case Control command.
3. The mass density RHO will be used to compute mass in a structural dynamics
problem automatically. 16
BULK
4. The third continuation entry is optional. M-N
5. The subscripts 1 through 6 refer to x, y, z, xy, yz, and zx of the material
coordinate system (see the CORDM field on the PSOLID entry description). The
stress-strain relationship is
6. The damping coefficient GE is given by

• In nonlinear static analysis (e.g., SOL 106), TREF is used only for the
calculation of a temperature-dependent thermal expansion coefficient. The
reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads is obtained from
the TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) set selection. See Remark 10 in the MAT1
description.
• In all solutions except nonlinear static analysis, TREF is used only

as the reference temperature for the calculation of thermal loads.
TEMPERATURE(INITIAL) may be used for this purpose, but TREF must
then be blank.

“Parameters ”.
1408 MAT9
1. MAT9 defines an orthotropic material for SOLs 601 and 701 with properties
calculated from G11, G12, G13, G22, G23, G33, G44, G44, G55, and G66. See
Section 3.2.2 of the Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide.
16 2. G14, G15, G16, G24, G25, G26, G34, G35, G36, G45, G46, G56, A4, A5, A6, and
GE are ignored.
BULK
M-N
3. A1, A2, A3, and TREF are used only when MAT9 is made temperature dependent
by use of the MATT9 entry.
MAT10 1409
Fluid Material Property Definition
MAT10 Fluid Material Property Definition
Defines material properties for fluid elements in coupled fluid-structural analysis.

Format:
MAT10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16
MID BULK RHO C GE BULK
M-N
Example:
MAT10 103 0.656 0.011
Fields:
Field Contents
BULK Bulk modulus. (Real > 0.0)
RHO Mass density. (Real > 0.0)
C Speed of sound. (Real > 0.0)
GE Fluid element damping coefficient. (Real)
Remarks:
1. MAT10 is referenced, with MID, by the PSOLID entry only.
MAT9, and MAT10 entries.
3. The mass density RHO will be used to compute the mass automatically.
4. BULK, RHO, and C are related by
Two out of the three must be specified, and the other will be calculated according
to this equation.
5. To obtain the damping coefficient GE, multiply the critical damping ratio C/Co,
by 2.0.
1410 MAT10
Fluid Material Property Definition
6. If PARAM,W4FL is not specified, GE is ignored in transient analysis. See

“Parameters ”.
16
BULK
M-N
MATG 1411
Gasket Material Properties (SOL 601 only)
MATG Gasket Material Properties (SOL 601 only)
Defines the material properties for gasket materials.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16
MATG MID IDMEM BEHAV TABLD TABLU1 TABLU2 TABLU3 TABLU4 BULK
M-N
TABLU5 TABLU6 TABLU7 TABLU8 TABLU9 TABLU10 YPRS EPL
GPL
Example:
MATG 3 1 0 101 102 103 104
350 2000
1270
Fields:
Field Contents
IDMEM ID of MAT1 providing material behavior for the membrane (in-plane)

direction. (Integer > 0)
BEHAV Behavior type. Currently not used. (Integer)
TABLD Identification number of a TABLES1 entry providing the main

loading curve of the gasket (pressure vs. closure). (Integer > 0)
TABLUi Identification number of a TABLES1 entry providing the unloading

curve(s) of the gasket (pressure vs. closure). At least one unloading
curve must be specified. Leave fields blank for tables that are not
required. See Remark 3. (Integer > 0)
YPRESS Initial yield pressure. See Remark 5. (Real >0.0)
EPL Tensile modulus (pressure per unit length). (Real > 0.0)
GPL Transverse shear modulus (force per unit area). (Real > 0.0)
1412 MATG
Gasket Material Properties (SOL 601 only)
Remarks:
1. MATG can only be used with CHEXA elements with 8 grid points or CPENTA
elements with 6 grid points. There should be only one layer of element elements
in the direction of the gasket thickness.
16 2. MATG defines the compressive behavior in the thickness direction. The

thickness direction is automatically determined by the program as the direction
BULK
with one element. The in-plane linear behavior is defined by the MAT1 entry
M-N
referenced by IDMEM.
3. All unloading curves must have the same number of points as the elastic portion
of the loading curve (i.e., up to the initial yield pressure). The first point must be
defined at pressure=0.0 and the last point must coincide with a yield point on
the loading curve. Not all yield points require unloading curves. The unloading
behavior at intermediate points is interpolated from adjacent curves. See Figure
16-2.
4. MID, IDMEM, TABLD, TABLU1, YPRS, EPL, and GPL must be specified.
5. The initial yield stress must match a point on the loading curve of TABLED.
6. Closure (strain) is defined as the change in gasket thickness divided by the

original gasket thickness.
Figure 16-2. Pressure-Closure Relationship for a Gasket Material

MATHE 1413
Hyperelastic Material Properties (SOLs 601 and 701 only)
MATHE Hyperelastic Material Properties (SOLs 601 and 701 only)
Specifies hyperelastic (rubber-like) material properties for advanced nonlinear

analysis.
Format 1 (default): Generalized Mooney-Rivlin model (Model = Mooney)

16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 BULK
MATHE MID Model K RHO TEXP M-N
C10 C01
C20 C11 C02
C30 C21 C12 C03
Format 2: Ogden model or Hyperfoam model (Model = Ogden or foam)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATHE MID Model K RHO TEXP
MU1 ALPHA1 BETA1
MU2 ALPHA2 BETA2 MU3 ALPHA3 BETA3
Format 3: Arruda-Boyce model (Model = Aboyce)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATHE MID Model K RHO TEXP
NKT N
Fields:
Field Contents
MID Material identification number (Integer > 0)

1414 MATHE
Field Contents
Model Hyperelastic material model type (Character; Default = Mooney)
Mooney: Generalized Mooney-Rivlin model
Ogden: Ogden model

16
BULK Foam: Hyperfoam model
M-N
Aboyce: Arruda-Boyce model
K Specifies a bulk modulus. Not used in hyperfoam material. See

Remark 7. (Real > 0.0; Default = automatically set for nearly
incompressible condition).
RHO Mass density in reference configuration. (Real; Default = 0.0)
Texp Coefficient of thermal expansion. See Remark 8. (Real; Default =

0.0)
Cij Material constants related to distortional deformation for

generalized Monney-Rivlin model. See Remark 3. (Real; Default =
1.0 for C10 and C01, = 0.0 for other constants).
Muk Coefficients μk of the strain energy function for Ogden or hyperfoam

material. See Remarks 4 and 5. (Real; Default = 0.0)
Alphak Coefficients αk of the strain energy function for Ogden or hyperfoam

material. See Remarks 4 and 5. (Real; Default = 0.0)
Betak Coefficients βk of the strain energy function for hyperfoam material.

These fields are unused for the Ogden model. See Remark 5. (Real;
Default = 0.0)
NKT Material constant for Arruda-Boyce strain energy model. See

Remark 6. (Real > 0; Default = 1.0)
N Material constant representing the number of statistical links of the

chain for Arruda-Boyce model. See Remark 6. (Real > 0; Default =
1.0)
Remarks:
1. Model = Foam or Aboyce is not supported for SOL 701.
2. Minimum input lines: 1 for Mooney or Aboyce, 2 for Ogden or foam.

MATHE 1415
3. The generalized Mooney-Rivlin strain energy function may be expressed as

follows:
16
BULK
with M-N
is the deviatoric stretch ratio defined as
,
and K and J are the bulk modulus and volume ratio, respectively.
For small strains, the shear modulus G is realted to the Mooney-Rivlin constants
by G = 2(C10+C01).
The model reduces to a Mooney-Rivlin material with only two constants (C10
and C01), and to a Neo-Hookean material with one constant (C10).
4. For the Ogden material model, the strain energy function is
where the μk and αk are material constants.
is the deviatoric stretch ratio defined as
,
and K and J are the bulk modulus and volume ratio, respectively. A two-term
Ogden model can be made equivalent to a simple Mooney-Rivlin model by
choosing μ1=2C10, α1=2, μ2=2C01, α2=−2.
For small strains, the shear modulus G is related to the Ogden constants by
1416 MATHE
16 5. For the hyperfoam material model, the strain energy function is

BULK
M-N
where the μk, αk and βk are material constants, and J is the volume ratio.
For small strains, the shear modulus G and bulk modulus K are related to the
hyperfoam constants by
These moduli must be greater than zero, hence we note that βk should be greater
than -1/3.
When all of the βk are equal to each other, then β is related to the Poisson’s
ratio by
6. For the Arruda-Boyce model, the strain energy function is
with
MATHE 1417
where Nkt is a material constant and N is a material parameter representing the

number of statistical links of the material chain. K and J are the bulk modulus
and volume ratio, respectively.
For small strains, the shear modulus G is equal to Nkt.
7. Although the conventional Mooney-Rivlin, Ogden and Arruda-Boyce materials

are fully incompresssible, the Mooney-Rivlin, Ogden and Arruda-Boyce material
16
BULK
models in SOL 601/701 are compressible. Nearly incompressible materials may
M-N
be simulated with a large value of K.
The default value of K is chosen so that the small-strain Poisson’s ratio is 0.499.
For the Mooney-Rivlin material, K=1000(C10+C01); for the Ogden material,
;
for the Arruda-Boyce material, K=500Nkt.
8. The thermal strain is computed by εth=α (T−T0) where T0 is an initial

temperature. εth is an engineering strain, thus, if the material is free to expand,
where L(t) is the final length and L(0) is the initial length.
1418 MATHP
Hyperelastic Material Properties
MATHP Hyperelastic Material Properties
Specifies material properties for use in fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large
rotation) hyperelastic analysis of rubber-like materials (elastomers).
Format:
16
BULK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
M-N 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
Fields:
Field Contents
MID Identification number of a MATHP entry. (Integer > 0; No Default)
Aij Material constants related to distortional deformation. (Real;

Default = 0.0)
Di Material constants related to volumetric deformation. [Real ≥ 0;

Default for D1 is 103 · (A10+A01); Default for D2 through D5 is 0.0.]
RHO Mass density in original configuration. (Real; Default = 0.0)
AV Coefficient of volumetric thermal expansion. (Real; Default = 0.0)
TREF Reference temperature. See “MAT1 ”. (Real; Default = 0.0)
GE Structural damping element coefficient. (Real; Default = 0.0)
NA Order of the distortional strain energy polynomial function. (0 <

Integer ≤ 5; Default = 1)
ND Order of the volumetric strain energy polynomial function. (0 <

Integer ≤ 5; Default = 1)
MATHP 1419
Field Contents
TAB1 Table identification number of a TABLES1 entry that contains

simple tension/compression data to be used in the estimation of the
material constants Aij. xi values in the TABLES1 entry must be
stretch ratios l/l0 and yi values must be values of the engineering
stress F/A0. Stresses are negative for compression and positive 16
for tension. If this convention is not followed the job may fail to BULK
converge or issue a traceback. (Integer > 0 or blank) M-N

equibiaxial tension data to be used in the estimation of the material
constants Aij. xi values in the TABLES1 entry must be stretch ratios
l/l0. yi values must be values of the engineering stress F/A0. l is the
current length, F is the current force, A0 is the cross-sectional area.
In the case of pressure of a spherical membrane, the engineering
stress is given by Pr0λ2/2t0 where P=current value of the pressure
and r0, t0=initial radius and thickness. (Integer > 0 or blank)

simple shear data to be used in the estimation of 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
shear stress F/A0 ·. (Integer > 0 or blank)
TAB4 Table identification number of a TABLES1 entry that contains pure

shear data to be used in the estimation of the material constants Aij.
xi and yi values in the TABLES1 entry must be stretch ratios λ1=l/l0
and values of the nominal stress F/A0.l is the current length, F is
the current force, l0 and A0 are the initial length and cross-sectional
area, respectively in the 1-direction. (Integer > 0 or blank)
TABD Table identification number of a TABLES1 entry that contains pure

volumetric compression data to be used in the estimation of the
material constants Di. xi values in the TABLES1 entry must be
values of the volume ratio J=λ3 where λ=l/l0 is the stretch ratio
in all three directions; yi values must be values of the pressure,
assumed positive in compression. (Integer > 0 or blank)
Remarks:
1. The generalized Mooney-Rivlin strain energy function may be expressed as

follows:
1420 MATHP
16
BULK
M-N where and are the first and second distortional strain invariants,
respectively; J=det F is the determinant of the deformation gradient; and 2D1=K
and 2(A10 + A01)=G at small strains, in which K is the bulk modulus and G is
the shear 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. Conventional Mooney-Rivlin and Neo-Hookean materials are fully

incompressible. Full incompressibility is not presently available but may be
simulated with a large enough value of D1. A value of D1 higher than 103 · (A10
+ A01) is, however, not recommended.
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 estimating the material constants.
5. See “Hyperelastic Material” in the NX Nastran Basic Nonlinear Analysis User’s

Guide for further details.
1. Only A10, A01, D1, A20, A11, A02, A30, A21, A12, A03, and RHO parameters
are considered for Mooney-Rivlin material model, i.e., NA≤3, ND=1. TABi and
TABD may be used to obtain these parameters.
MATS1 1421
Material Stress Dependence
MATS1 Material Stress Dependence
Specifies stress-dependent material properties for use in applications involving

nonlinear materials. This entry is used if a MAT1, MAT2, or MAT9 entry is specified
with the same MID in a nonlinear solution sequence (SOLs 106 and 129).
Format: 16
BULK
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 M-N
MATS1 MID TID TYPE H YF HR LIMIT1 LIMIT2
Example:
MATS1 17 28 PLASTIC 0.0 1 1 2.+4
Fields:
Field Contents
MID Identification number of a MAT1, MAT2, or MAT9 entry. (Integer

> 0)
TID Identification number of a TABLES1 or TABLEST entry. If H is

given, then this field must be blank. See Remark 3. (Integer ≥ 0 or
blank)
TYPE Type of material nonlinearity. See Remarks. (Character:

“NLELAST” for nonlinear elastic or “PLASTIC” for elastoplastic.)
H Work hardening slope (slope of stress versus plastic strain) in units

of stress. For elastic-perfectly plastic cases, H = 0.0. 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. (Real)
YF Yield function criterion, selected by one of the following values

(Integer):
1 = von Mises (Default)
2 = Tresca
3 = Mohr-Coulomb
4 = Drucker-Prager
1422 MATS1
Field Contents
HR Hardening Rule, selected by one of the following values (Integer):
1 = Isotropic (Default)
2 = Kinematic
16
BULK 3 = Combined isotropic and kinematic hardening
M-N
LIMIT1 Initial yield point. See Table 16-2. (Real)
LIMIT2 Internal friction angle, measured in degrees, for the Mohr-Coulomb

and Drucker-Prager yield criteria. See Table 16-2. (0.0 ≤ Real < 45.0)
Table 16-2. Yield Functions Versus LIMIT1 and LIMIT2
Yield Function (YF) LIMIT1 LIMIT2

von Mises (1)or Tresca Initial Yield Stress in Not used
(2) Tension, Y1
Mohr-Coulomb (3)or 2*Cohesion, 2c (in units of Angle of Internal Friction
Drucker-Prager (4) stress) φ (in degrees)
Remarks:
1. If TYPE = “NLELAST”, then MID may refer to a MAT1 entry only. Also, the
stress-strain data given in the TABLES1 entry will be used to determine the
stress for a given value of strain. The values H, YF, HR, LIMIT1, and LIMIT2
will not be used in this case.
Thermoelastic analysis with temperature-dependent material properties

is available for linear and nonlinear elastic isotropic materials (TYPE
= “NLELAST”) and linear elastic anisotropic materials. Four options of
constitutive relations exist. The relations appear in Table 16-3 along with the
required Bulk Data entries.
Table 16-3. Constitutive Relations and Required Material Property

Entries
Constitutive Relation Required Bulk Data Entries

{σ}=[Ge(T)] {ε} MATi and MATTi where i=1, 2, or 9
MATS1 1423
Table 16-3. Constitutive Relations and Required Material Property

Entries
Constitutive Relation Required Bulk Data Entries

MAT1, MATT1, MATS1, and TABLES1
16
BULK
M-N
MAT1, MATS1, TABLEST, and
TABLES1
MAT1, MATT1, MATS1, TABLEST,

and TABLES1
In Table 16-3 {σ} and {ε} are the stress and strain vectors, [Ge] the elasticity
matrix, 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
where E is the elastic modulus and ET=dY/dε is the slope of the uniaxial
stress-strain curve in the plastic region. See Figure 16-3.
1424 MATS1
16
BULK
M-N
Figure 16-3. 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 16-4):
• If TYPE = “PLASTIC”, the true stress-logarithmic strain curve must be

defined in the first quadrant. The first point must be at the origin (X1 =
0, Y2 = 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 value of E. Also, TID may not
reference a TABLEST entry.
• If TYPE = “NLELAST”, the full stress-strain 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, Y = 0.0) and the compression
properties will be assumed identical to tension properties.
MATS1 1425
16
BULK
M-N
Figure 16-4. Stress-Strain Curve Definition When TID Is Specified in

Field 3
1. MID is restricted to the identification number of a MAT1 entry.
2. LIMIT2 is ignored. LIMIT1 is only used if TID is blank and H is specified, i.e.,
for a bilinear plastic material.
3. Only YF = 1 (von Mises yield criterion) is supported.
4. If HR = 3, a mixed hardening factor of 0.5 is used. HR = 3 may only be used with

a bilinear plastic material, i.e. TID must be blank.
5. TID can reference a TABLEST entry for TYPE = “PLASTIC” but not for TYPE =
“NLELAST”.
6. TYPE = “NLELAST” can only be used with the CROD element. The nonlinear
elastic material does not support temperature-dependent properties. Hence,
Table 16-3 does not apply.
1426 MATS1
7. If TYPE = “NLELAST”, the full stress-strain curve (tension and compression)

must be specified.
8. If the slope of the line joining the origin and second point in TABLES1 (for TYPE
= “PLASTIC” and given TID) is not equal to the value of E in MAT1 entry, the
strain value at the second point will be adjusted accordingly.
16
BULK 9. If TYPE = “PLASTIC”, all tangent modulii ETi must satisfy the following:
M-N
• HR = 1: 0 ≤ ETi < E
• HR = 2: 0.0001 * E < ETi < E
• HR = 3: 0.0001 * E < ET < E

MATT1 1427
Isotropic Material Temperature Dependence
MATT1 Isotropic Material Temperature Dependence
Specifies temperature-dependent material properties on MAT1 entry fields via

TABLEMi entries.
Format:
16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 BULK
MATT1 MID T(E) T(G) T(NU) T(RHO) T(A) T(GE) M-N
T(ST) T(SC) T(SS)
Example:
MATT1 17 32 15
52
Fields:
Field Contents
MID Material property identification number that matches the

identification number on MAT1 entry. (Integer > 0)
T(E) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the Young’s modulus.

T(G) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the shear modulus.

T(NU) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the Poisson’s ratio.

T(RHO) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the mass density.

T(A) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the thermal

expansion coefficient. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(GE) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the damping

coefficient. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(ST) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the tension stress

limit. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
1428 MATT1
Isotropic Material Temperature Dependence
Field Contents
T(SC) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the tension

compression limit. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(SS) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the tension shear

16 limit. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
BULK
M-N
Remarks:
1. Fields 3, 4, etc., of this entry correspond, field-by-field, 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 32, A is modified by
TABLEMi 15, and ST is modified by TABLEMi 52. Blank or zero entries mean
that there is no temperature dependence of the fields on the MAT1 entry.
2. 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.
3. Table references must be present for each item that is temperature dependent.
For example, it is not sufficient to give table references only for fields 3 and
4 (Young’s modulus and shear modulus) if Poisson’s ratio is temperature
dependent.
1. Temperature-dependent property is supported only for E, NU, and A, i.e. T(RHO)

is ignored.
2. As GE, ST, SC, and SS are not supported in MAT1, T(GE), T(ST), T(SC), and
T(SS) are also not supported in MATT1
3. Only TABLEM1 entry may be used to define the temperature dependent

properties.
4. The TABLEM1 entries must all have the same number of temperature points
with the same temperature values. The maximum number of temperature
points is restricted to 16.
MATT2 1429
Anisotropic Material Temperature Dependence
MATT2 Anisotropic Material Temperature Dependence

TABLEMj entries.
Format:
16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 BULK
MATT2 MID T(G11) T(G12) T(G13) T(G22) T(G23) T(G33) T(RHO) M-N
T(A1) T(A2) T(A3) T(GE) T(ST) T(SC) T(SS)
Example:
MATT2 17 32 15
62
Fields:
Field Contents

identification number on a MAT2 entry. (Integer > 0)
T(Gij) Identification number of a TABLEMk entry for the terms in the

material property matrix. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(RHO) Identification number of a TABLEMk entry for the mass density.

T(Ai) Identification number of a TABLEMk entry for the thermal

expansion coefficient. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(GE) Identification number of a TABLEMk entry for the damping

T(ST) Identification number of a TABLEMk entry for the tension stress

T(SC) Identification number of a TABLEMk entry for the tension

compression limit. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(SS) Identification number of a TABLEMk entry for the tension shear

1430 MATT2
Anisotropic Material Temperature Dependence
Remarks:
1. Fields 3, 4, etc., of this entry correspond, field by field, to fields 3, 4, etc., of the
entry is replaced or modified by the table referenced in the corresponding field
of this entry. In the example shown, G11 is modified by TABLEMk 32, G33 is
16 modified by TABLEMk 15, and A1 is modified by TABLEMk 62. If Ri is zero or
blank, then there is no temperature dependence of the field on the MAT2 entry.
BULK
M-N
2. Any quantity modified by this entry must have a value on the MAT2 entry.
Remarks related to SOLs 601 to 701:
1. T(G11), T(G12), T(G22), T(G33), T(A1), and T(A2) are used to define a
temperature-dependent orthotropic material. Note that T(RHO) is ignored, i.e.
no temperature dependence for density.
2. As G13, G23, A3, GE, ST, SC, and SS are not supported in MAT2, T(G13),
T(G23), T(A3), T(GE), T(ST), T(SC), and T(SS) are also not supported in MATT2.

properties.
5. The temperature range specified in TABLEM1 should be as close as possible to

the range of temperature loads in the model. For example, if the temperature
load in the model ranges from 100.0 to 200.0, the temperature range in the
TABLEM1 entries should be about 100.0 to 200.0 and not 0.0 to 1000.0.
MATT3 1431
CTRIAX6 Material Temperature Dependence
MATT3 CTRIAX6 Material Temperature Dependence

TABLEMi entries that are temperature dependent. Applies to the CTRIAX6 element
only.
Format: 16
BULK
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 M-N
MATT3 MID T(EX) T(ETH) T(EZ) T(NUXTH) T(NUTHZ) T(NUZX) T(RHO)
T(GZX) T(AX) T(ATH) T(AZ) T(GE)
Example:
MATT3 23 32 15
62
Fields:
Field Contents

T(EX), Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the Young’s modulus

T(ETH), in the x, θ, and z directions. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(EZ)
T(GZX) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the shear modulus.

T(NUXTH), Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the Poisson’s ratio in

T(NUTHZ), the xθ, zθ, and zx directions. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(NUZX)
T(RHO) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the mass density.

T(AX), Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the thermal expansion

T(ATH), coefficients in the x, θ, and z directions. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(AZ)
T(GE) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for the damping

1432 MATT3
CTRIAX6 Material Temperature Dependence
Remarks:
MAT3 entry referenced in field 2. The value recorded in a particular field of the
MAT3 entry is replaced or modified by the table referenced in the corresponding
field of this entry. In the example shown, EX is modified by TABLEMi 32, EZ is
16 modified by TABLEMi 15, and GZX is modified by TABLEMi 62. If Ri is zero or
blank, then there is no temperature dependence of the field on the MAT3 entry.
BULK
M-N
MATT4 1433
Thermal Material Temperature Dependence
MATT4 Thermal Material Temperature Dependence
Specifies table references for temperature-dependent MAT4 material properties.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16
MATT4 MID T(K) T(CP) T(H) T(μ) T(HGEN) BULK
M-N
Example(s):
MATT4 2 10 11
Fields:
Field Contents
MID Identification number of a MAT4 entry that is temperature

dependent. (Integer > 0)
T(K) Identification number of a TABLEMj entry that gives the

temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity. (Integer ≥ 0 or
blank)
T(CP) Identification number of a TABLEMj entry that gives the

temperature dependence of the thermal heat capacity. (Integer ≥
0 or blank)
T(H) Identification number of a TABLEMj entry that gives the

temperature dependence of the free convection heat transfer
T(μ) Identification number of a TABLEMj entry that gives the

temperature dependence of the dynamic viscosity. (Integer ≥ 0 or
blank)
T(HGEN) Identification number of a TABLEMj entry that gives the

temperature dependence of the internal heat generation property
for QVOL. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
Remarks:
1. The basic quantities on the MAT4 entry are always multiplied by the
corresponding tabular function referenced by the MATT4 entry.
1434 MATT4
Thermal Material Temperature Dependence
2. If the fields are blank or zero, then there is no temperature dependence of the
referenced quantity on the MAT4 entry.
16
BULK
M-N
MATT5 1435
Thermal Anisotropic Material Temperature Dependence
MATT5 Thermal Anisotropic Material Temperature Dependence

TABLEMi entries.
Format:
16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 BULK
MATT5 MID T(KXX) T(KXY) T(KXZ) T(KYY) T(KYZ) T(KZZ) T(CP) M-N
T(HGEN)
Example:
MATT5 24 73
Fields:
Field Contents
MID Identification number of a MAT5 entry that is to be temperature

dependent. (Integer > 0)
T(Kij) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry. The TABLEMi entry

specifies temperature dependence of the matrix term. (Integer ≥
0 or blank)
T(CP) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry that specifies the

temperature dependence of the thermal heat capacity. (Integer ≥
0 or blank)
T(HGEN) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry that gives the

temperature dependence of the internal heat generation property
for the QVOL entry. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
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 dependence of the
referenced quantity on the basic MAT5 entry.
1436 MATT8
Shell Orthotropic Material Temperature Dependence
MATT8 Shell Orthotropic Material Temperature Dependence

TABLEMi entries.
Format:
16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BULK
MATT8 MID T(E1) T(E2) T(NU12) T(G12) T(G1Z) T(G2Z) T(RHO)
M-N
T(A1) T(A2) T(Xt) T(Xc) T(Yt) T(Yc) T(S)
T(GE) T(F12)
Example:
MATT8 20 10
11
Fields:
Field Contents

T(E1) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for Young’s modulus

T(E2) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for Young’s modulus

T(NU12) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for Poisson’s ratio 12.

T(G12) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for shear modulus 12.

T(G1Z) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for transverse shear

modulus 1Z. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(G2Z) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for transverse shear

modulus 2Z. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(RHO) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for mass density.

MATT8 1437
Shell Orthotropic Material Temperature Dependence
Field Contents
T(A1) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for thermal expansion

coefficient 1. See Remark 3. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(A2) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for thermal expansion

coefficient 2. See Remark 3. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank) 16
BULK
T(Xt) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for tension stress/strain
M-N
limit 1. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(Xc) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for compression

stress/strain limit1. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(Yt) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for tension stress/strain

limit 2. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(Yc) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for compression

stress/strain limit 2. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(S) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for shear stress/strain

T(GE) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for structural damping

T(F12) Identification number of a TABLEMi entry for Tsai-Wu interaction

term. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
Remarks:
1. Fields 3,4, etc., of this entry correspond, field-by-field, to fields 3,4, etc., of the
entry is replaced or modified by the table referenced in the corresponding
field of this entry. In the example shown, E1 is modified by TABLEMi 10 and
A1 is modified by TABLEMi 11. Blank or zero entries mean that there is no
temperature dependence of the fields on the MAT8 entry.
2. Any quantity modified by this entry must have a value on the MAT8 entry
1438 MATT9
Solid Element Anisotropic Material Temperature Dependence.
MATT9 Solid Element Anisotropic Material Temperature Dependence.

TABLEMk entries.
Format:
16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BULK
M-N 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 17 32 18 17
12
5 10
Fields:
Field Contents

T(Gij) Identification number of a TABLEMk entry for the terms in the

material property matrix. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(RHO) Identification number of a TABLEMk entry for the mass density.

T(Ai) Identification number of a TABLEMk entry for the thermal

expansion coefficients. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(GE) Identification number of a TABLEMk entry for the damping

Remarks:
MAT9 entry referenced in field 2. The value recorded in a particular field of the
MAT9 entry is replaced or modified by the table referenced in the corresponding
field of this entry. In the example shown, G11 is modified by TABLEMj 32, G14
MATT9 1439
Solid Element Anisotropic Material Temperature Dependence.
is modified by TABLEMj 18, etc. If the fields are zero or blank, then there is no
temperature dependence of the fields on the MAT9 entry.
3. The continuation entries are optional.

16
Remarks related to SOLs 601 and 701: BULK
M-N
1. T(G11), T(G12), T(G13), T(G22), T(G23), T(G33), T(G44), T(G55), T(G66), T(A1),
T(A2), and T(A3) are used to define a temperature-dependent orthotropic
material. Note that T(RHO) is ignored, i.e. no temperature dependence for
density.
2. As G14, G15, G16, G24, G25, G26, G34, G35, G36, G45, G46, G56, A4, A5, A6,
and GE are not supported in MAT9, T(G14), T(G15), T(G16), T(G24), T(G25),
T(G26), T(G34), T(G35), T(G36), T(G45), T(G46), T(G56), T(A4), T(A5), T(A6),
and T(GE) are also not supported in MATT9.

properties.
5. The temperature range specified in TABLEM1 should be as close as possible to

the range of temperature loads in the model. For example, if the temperature
load in the model ranges from 100.0 to 200.0, the temperature range in the
TABLEM1 entries should be about 100.0 to 200.0 and not 0.0 to 1000.0.
1440 MFLUID
Fluid Volume Properties
MFLUID Fluid Volume Properties
Defines the properties of an incompressible fluid volume for the purpose of generating
a virtual mass matrix.
Format:
16
BULK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
M-N MFLUID SID CID ZFS RHO ELIST1 ELIST2 PLANE1 PLANE2
RMAX FMEXACT
Example:
MFLUID 3 2 15.73 1006. 3 4 S N
100.
Fields:
Field Contents
CID Identification number of rectangular coordinate system used to

specify the orientation of the free surface (normal to X3) and of
planes of symmetry, if any. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
ZFS Intercept of the free surface on the X3 axis of the coordinate system
referenced by CID. If X3 > ZFS then there is no fluid. See Remark 3.
(Real; Default means that the free surface is located at an infinitely
large positive value of X3)
RHO Density of the fluid. (Real)
ELIST1 Identification number of an ELIST entry that lists the IDs of

two-dimensional elements that can be wetted on one side by the
fluid. Only those elements connected to at least one grid point below
ZFS are wetted by the fluid. See Remarks 3 and 5. (Integer ≥ 0)
ELIST2 Identification number of an ELIST entry that lists the IDs of

two-dimensional elements that can be wetted on both sides by the
fluid. Only those elements connected to at least one grid point below
ZFS are wetted by the fluid. (Integer ≥ 0; ELIST1 + ELIST2 > 0)
MFLUID 1441
Field Contents
PLANE1, Planes of symmetry, antisymmetry, or no symmetry. “S” means

PLANE2 that plane 1, which is the plane containing the X1 and X3 axes of
CID, is a plane of symmetry. “A” means that plane 1 is a plane of
antisymmetry. “N” means that it is neither. See Remark 5. Plane 2
uses “S”, “A”, or “N” for the X2 and X3 plane. (Character: “S”, “A”, 16
or “N”) BULK
M-N
RMAX Characteristic length. Interactions between elements with
separation that is greater than RMAX will be neglected. (Real > 0.0;
Default = 1.0E 10)
FMEXACT Exact integration is used if the distance between two elements is

less than FMEXACT times the square root of the area of the larger
element. Otherwise, center point integration is used by default.
(Real; Default = 1.0E 15)
Remarks:
1. The MFLUID entry must be selected with the Case Control command MFLUID
= SID.
2. Several MFLUID entries corresponding to different fluid volumes can be used

simultaneously.
3. The wetted side of an element in ELIST1 is determined by the presence or

absence of a minus sign preceding the element’s 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.
4. The fluid volume may be finite (interior) or infinite (exterior). The volume may
be bounded by a free surface and one or two planes of structural symmetry.
If structural symmetry is used, the structure must have the symmetric or
antisymmetric boundary corresponding to the selection in fields 8 and 9. Interior
fluids must have ELIST1 data and a free surface or plane of antisymmetry.
5. The planes of symmetry and/or antisymmetry defined in fields 8 and 9 must be

planes of symmetry for the entire analysis. The user may apply appropriate
structural boundary conditions at all grid points lying in these planes.
6. The current list of elements that may be placed in ELIST1 and ELIST2 include
CTRIA3 and CQUAD4.
1442 MFLUID
8. If there is ELIST1 data and no free surface nor plane of antisymmetry, the
program assumes a special form of external fluid. These special external fluids
must have a CID (field 3) such that the origin of the fluid coordinate system is
near the center of the enclosed volume, since the singularity for volume change
16 will be placed at the origin. Special external fluids are supported only in SOLs
BULK 63, 67 through 72, 103, and 107 through 112. If used in conventional solution
M-N sequences, System Fatal Message 3001 results for file 205.
9. See the parameter VMOPT.. VMOPT controls when the virtual mass is included
in the mass matrix.
MKAERO1 1443
Mach Number - Frequency Table
MKAERO1 Mach Number - Frequency Table
Provides a table of Mach numbers (m) and reduced frequencies (k) for aerodynamic
matrix calculation.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
16
BULK
MKAERO1 m1 m2 m3 m4 m5 m6 m7 m8 M-N
k1 k2 k3 k4 k5 k6 k7 k8
Example:
MKAERO1 .1 .7
.3 .6 1.0
Fields:
Field Contents
mi List of from 1 to 8 Mach numbers. (Real ≥ 0.0)
kj List of from 1 to 8 reduced frequencies. (Real > 0.0)
Remarks:
1. Blank fields end the list, and thus cannot be used for 0.0.
2. All combinations of (mi, kj) will be used.
4. Multiple MKAERO1 entries are permitted.
5. For the lifting surface theories (Doublet-Lattice and Mach Box), the maximum
value of kj should be less than one quarter of the number of boxes on a
representative chord (i.e.,
where is the reference chord and Δx is a typical box chord length).
6. In SOL 146, the program selects only one value of mi to use in computing
the dynamic response solution and, by default, the lowest value is selected.
1444 MKAERO1
The PARAM,MACH,m entry may be specified to select a different value. If

PARAM,MACH,m is specified, then the value of mi closest to m will be selected.
7. The very low nonzero value of kj required for aeroelastic divergence analysis of
restrained vehicles with the K- and KE-methods of flutter analysis must be
included on this entry.
16
BULK
M-N
MKAERO2 1445
MKAERO2 Mach Number - Frequency Table
Provides a list of Mach numbers (m) and reduced frequencies (k) for aerodynamic
matrix calculation.
Format:
16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 BULK
MKAERO2 m1 k1 m2 k2 m3 k3 m4 k4 M-N
Example:
MKAERO2 .10 .30 .10 .60 .70 .30 .70 1.0
Fields:
Field Contents
mi Mach numbers. (Real ≥ 0.0)
ki Reduced frequencies. (Real > 0.0)
Remarks:
1. MKAERO2 will cause the aerodynamic matrices to be computed for the given
sets of parameter pairs. Embedded blank pairs are skipped.
2. No continuation entries are allowed, but multiple MKAERO2 entries are

permitted.
3. In SOL 146, the program selects only one value of mi to use in computing
the dynamic response solution and, by default, the lowest value is selected.
The PARAM,MACH,m entry may be specified to select a different value. If
PARAM,MACH,m is specified, then the value of mi closest to m will be selected.
4. The very low nonzero value of ki required for aeroelastic divergence analysis of
restrained vehicles with the K- and KE-methods of flutter analysis must be
included on this entry.
1446 MODTRAK
Mode Tracking Parameters
MODTRAK Mode Tracking Parameters
Specifies parameters for mode tracking in design optimization (SOL 200).

Format:
16 1
MODTRAK
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BULK SID LOWRNG HIGHRNG MTFILTER
M-N
Example:
MODTRAK 100 1 26 0.80
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Set identification number that is selected in the Case Control

Section with the MODTRAK command. See Remark 1. (Integer;
No Default)
LOWRNG Lowest mode number in range to search. See Remark 2. (Integer

≥ 0, Default = 0. If nonzero, LOWRNG < HIGHRNG.)
HIGHRNG Highest mode number in range to search. See Remark (Integer

> 0, Default = number of eigenvalues extracted. If nonzero,
LOWRNG < HIGHRNG.)
MTFILTER Filtering parameter used in mode cross-orthogonality check. See

Remark 3. (Real, Default = 0.9)
Remarks:
1. Only the designed modes for the subcase will be tracked. A designed mode is
one that is used in the design model (in connection with either objective or
constraints) and, therefore, identified on a DRESP1 entry.
2. The range of modes LOWRNG through HIGHRNG, inclusive, will be used to

track the designed modes. If LOWRNG and HIGHRNG are both blank, then all
computed modes will be used to search for the designed modes. Since large
numbers of computed modes will result in higher computational costs, limiting
the search range with LOWRNG and HIGHRNG is recommended.
3. Modes are considered to correlate if their mass normalized cross orthogonalities

are greater than MTFILTER.
MOMAX 1447
Conical Shell Static Moment
MOMAX Conical Shell Static Moment
Defines a static concentrated moment load on a ring of a conical shell.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16
MOMAX SID RID HID S MR MP MZ BULK
M-N
Example:
MOMAX 1 2 3 1.0 0.1 0.2 0.3
Fields:
Field Contents
RID Ring identification number. See the RINGAX entry. (Integer > 0)
HID Harmonic identification number or a sequence of harmonics.

See Remark 5. (Integer ≥ 0 or Character)
MR, MP, MZ Moment components in the r, φ, z directions. (Real)
Remarks:
1. MOMAX is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
2. Load sets must be selected with the Case Control command LOAD=SID.
3. A separate entry is needed for the definition of the moment associated with
each harmonic.
5. If a sequence of harmonics is to be placed in HID, the form is as follows:

“Sn1Tn2”, where n1 is the start of the sequence and n2 is the end of the sequence;
i.e., for harmonics 0 through 10, the field would contain “S0T10”.
1448 MOMENT
Static Moment
MOMENT Static Moment
Defines a static concentrated moment at a grid point by specifying a scale factor and
a vector that determines the direction.
Format:
16
BULK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
M-N MOMENT SID G CID M N1 N2 N3
Example:
MOMENT 2 5 6 2.9 0.0 1.0 0.0
Fields:
Field Contents
G Grid point identification number at which the moment is applied.
(Integer > 0)
CID Coordinate system identification number. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
M Scale factor. (Real)
Ni Components of the vector measured in the coordinate system defined
by CID. (Real; at least one Ni ≠ 0.0)
Remarks:
1. The static moment applied to grid point G is given by
where
is the vector defined by (N1, N2, N3).
The magnitude of is equal to M times the magnitude of .
2. In the static solution sequences, the load set ID (SID) is selected by the Case
Control command, LOAD. In the dynamic solution sequences, SID must be
MOMENT 1449
Static Moment
3. A CID of zero or blank references the basic coordinate system.
4. For scalar points see SLOAD.

16
Remarks related to SOLs 601 and 701: BULK
M-N
1. To apply a moment with constant magnitude, SID is selected by Case Control
2. To apply a time-dependent moment, SID is referenced by the field EXCITEID =

command DLOAD.
1450 MOMENT1
Static Moment, Alternate Form 1
MOMENT1 Static Moment, Alternate Form 1
Defines a static concentrated moment at a grid point by specifying a magnitude and

two grid points that determine the direction.
Format:
16
BULK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
M-N MOMENT1 SID G M G1 G2
Example:
MOMENT1 6 13 -2.93 16 13
Fields:
Field Contents

(Integer > 0)
M Magnitude of moment. (Real)
G1, G2
Grid point identification numbers used to define the unit vector .
(Integer > 0; G1 and G2 cannot be coincident.)
Remarks:
1. The static concentrated moment applied to grid point G is given by
where
is a unit vector parallel to a vector from G1 to G2.
Control command LOAD. In the dynamic solution sequences, SID must be
MOMENT1 1451
parameter “FOLLOWK” ). In addition, follower force effects are included in the
turned on with PARAM,LGDISP,1. The follower force stiffness is included in the 16
nonlinear static solution sequences (SOLs 106 and 153) but not in the nonlinear BULK
transient dynamic solution sequences (SOLs 129 and 159). M-N
1. If G1=G or G2=G, the moment is a follower moment in large displacement

analysis (i.e., PARAM,LGDISP,1). Otherwise, the direction of the moment is
defined by the original positions of G1 and G2 and does not change even for
large displacement analysis.

command LOAD = SID for both static and transient analysis.

command DLOAD.
1452 MOMENT2
MOMENT2 Static Moment, Alternate Form 2
Defines a static concentrated moment at a grid point by specification of a magnitude

and four grid points that determine the direction.
Format:
16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BULK
M-N MOMENT2 SID G M G1 G2 G3 G4
Example:
MOMENT2 6 13 -2.93 16 13 17 13
Fields:
Field Contents

(Integer > 0)
M Magnitude of moment. (Real)
Gi Grid point identification numbers used to determine the unit vector

. (Integer > 0; G1 and G2 cannot be coincident; G3 and G4 cannot
be coincident.)
Remarks:
1. The static concentrated moment applied to grid point G is given by
where
is the unit vector parallel to the cross product of the vectors from G1 to G2,
and G3 to G4.
MOMENT2 1453
turned on with PARAM,LGDISP,1. The follower force stiffness is included in the 16
nonlinear static solution sequences (SOLs 106 and 153) but not in the nonlinear BULK
transient dynamic solution sequences (SOLs 129 and 159). M-N
1. The direction of the moment is defined by the original positions of G1 to G4 and

does not change during the analysis.


command DLOAD.
1454 MONPNT1
Integrated Load Monitor Point
MONPNT1 Integrated Load Monitor Point
Defines an integrated load monitor point at a point (x,y,z) in a user defined coordinate
system. The integrated loads about this point over the associated nodes will be
computed and printed for statics, dynamics and static aeroelastic trim analyses and
16 form integrated loads on the nonlinear static aeroelastic database.
BULK Format:
M-N
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MONPNT1 NAME LABEL
AXES COMP CID X Y Z
Example:
MONPNT1 WING155 Wing Integrated Load to Butline 155
34 WING 0.0 155.0 15.0
Fields:
Field Contents
NAME A character string of up to eight characters Identifying the monitor

point (Character)
LABEL A string comprising no more than 56 characters (fields 3 through 9) that

identifies and labels the monitor point.
AXES Component axes about which to sum. (Any unique combination of the
integers 1 thru 6 with no embedded blanks.)
COMP The name of an AECOMP or AECOMPL entry that defines the set of
grid points over which the monitor point is defined.
CID The identification number of a coordinate system in which the (x,y,z)

ordinates are defined.
X,Y,Z The coordinates in the CID coordinate system about which the forces
are to be summed (Default = 0.0).
Remarks:
1. The Identification NAME must be unique among all MONPNTi entries.

MONPNT1 1455
Integrated Load Monitor Point
2. The LABEL is a 56 character string that should be unique among all MONPTi
(the string is case insensitive). It is used as additional label information in the
printed output.
16
BULK
M-N
1456 MPC
Multipoint Constraint
MPC Multipoint Constraint
Defines a multipoint constraint equation of the form
16
BULK
M-N
where uj represents degree-of-freedom Cj at grid or scalar 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 3 28 3 6.2 2 4.29
1 4 -2.91
Fields:
Field Contents
Gj Identification number of grid or scalar point. (Integer > 0)
Cj Component number. (Any one of the Integers 1 through 6 for grid

points; blank or zero for scalar points.)
Aj Coefficient. (Real; Default = 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. A dependent degree-of-freedom assigned by one
MPC entry cannot be assigned dependent by another MPC entry or by a rigid
element.
MPC 1457
Multipoint Constraint
3. Forces of multipoint constraint may be recovered in all solution sequences,

except SOL 129, with the MPCFORCE Case Control command.
4. The m-set degrees-of-freedom specified on this entry may not be specified on

other entries that define mutually exclusive sets. See “Degree-of-Freedom Sets”
for a list of these entries.
16
5. By default, the grid point connectivity created by the MPC, MPCADD, and BULK
MPCAX entries is not considered during resequencing, (see the description M-N
of parameter “OLDSEQ” ). In order to consider the connectivity during
resequencing, SID must be specified on the PARAM,MPCX entry. Using the
example above, specify PARAM,MPCX,3.
1. No output of forces of multipoint constraint may be requested.
2. Multipoint constraints are only approximately satisfied in SOL 701, since

imposing the constraints exactly results in a non-diagonal mass matrix.
3. A dependent degree-of-freedom may not be assigned as independent by another

rigid element or by a multipoint constraint. An error message will be issued in
such a case.
1458 MPCADD
Multipoint Constraint Set Combination
MPCADD Multipoint Constraint Set Combination
Defines a multipoint constraint set as a union of multipoint constraint sets defined

via MPC entries.
Format:
16
BULK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
M-N MPCADD SID S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7
S8 S9 -etc.-
Example:
MPCADD 101 2 3 1 6 4
Fields:
Field Contents
Sj Set identification numbers of multipoint constraint sets defined via

MPC entries. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
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.
4. By default, the grid point connectivity created by the MPC, MPCADD, and
MPCAX entries is not considered during resequencing, (see “OLDSEQ” for
more information). In order to consider the connectivity during resequencing,
SID must be specified on the PARAM,MPCX entry. Using the example above,
specify PARAM,MPCX,101.
MPCAX 1459
Conical Shell Multipoint Constraint
MPCAX Conical Shell Multipoint Constraint
Defines a multipoint constraint equation of the form
16
BULK
M-N
for conical shell coordinates, where uj represents the degree-of-freedom Cj at ring
RIDj and harmonic HIDj.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MPCAX SID RID1 HID1 C1 A1
RID2 HID2 C2 A2 -etc.-
Example:
MPCAX 32 17 6 1 1.0
23 4 2 -6.8
Fields:
Field Contents
RIDj Ring identification number. (Integer > 0)
HIDj Harmonic identification number. (Integer > 0)
Cj Component number. (1 ≤ Integer ≤ 6)
Aj Coefficient. (Real; Default = 0.0 except A1 must be nonzero.)
Remarks:
1. MPCAX is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
2. The first degree-of-freedom in the sequence is assumed to be the dependent

degree-of-freedom. A dependent degree-of-freedom assigned by one MPCAX
entry cannot be assigned dependent by another MPCAX entry.
1460 MPCAX
Conical Shell Multipoint Constraint
MPC = SID.
4. Dependent degrees-of-freedom appearing on MPCAX entries may not appear on

OMITAX, SPCAX, or SUPAX entries.
16 5. For a discussion of the conical shell problem, see “Conical Shell Element
BULK (RINGAX)” in the NX Nastran Element Library.
M-N
6. By default, the grid point connectivity created by the MPC, MPCADD, and
MPCAX entries is not considered during resequencing, (see “OLDSEQ” for
more information). In order to consider the connectivity during resequencing,
SID must be specified on the PARAM,MPCX entry. Using the example above,
specify PARAM,MPCX,32.
NLPARM 1461
Parameters for Nonlinear Static Analysis Control
NLPARM Parameters for Nonlinear Static Analysis Control
Defines a set of parameters for nonlinear static analysis iteration strategy.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16
NLPARM BULK
ID NINC DT KMETHOD KSTEP MAXITER CONV INTOUT
M-N
EPSU EPSP EPSW MAXDIV MAXQN MAXLS FSTRESS LSTOL
MAXBIS MAXR RTOLB
Example:
NLPARM 15 5 ITER
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Identification number. (Integer > 0)
NINC Number of increments. See Remark 16. (0 < Integer < 1000;
Default=10)
DT Incremental time interval for creep analysis. See Remark 3. (Real ≥

0.0; Default = 0.0 for no creep.)
KMETHOD Method for controlling stiffness updates. See Remark 4. (Character

= “AUTO”, “ITER”, or “SEMI”; Default = “AUTO”.)
KSTEP Number of iterations before the stiffness update for ITER method.
See Remark 5. (Integer ≥ 1; Default = 5)
MAXITER Limit on number of iterations for each load increment. See Remark
6. (Integer > 0; Default = 25)
CONV Flags to select convergence criteria. See Remark 7. (Character =

“U”, “P”, “W”, or any combination; Default = “PW”.)
INTOUT Intermediate output flag. See Remark 8. (Character = “YES”, “NO”,

or “ALL”; Default = NO)
EPSU Error tolerance for displacement (U) criterion. See Remark 16. (Real
> 0.0; Default = 1.0E-2;)
1462 NLPARM
Field Contents
EPSP Error tolerance for load (P) criterion. See Remark 16. (Real > 0.0;
Usual default = 1.0E-2)
EPSW Error tolerance for work (W) criterion. See Remark 16. (Real > 0.0;
16 Usual default = 1.0E-2)
BULK
MAXDIV Limit on probable divergence conditions per iteration before the
M-N
solution is assumed to diverge. See Remark 9. (Integer ≠ 0; Default
= 3)
MAXQN Maximum number of quasi-Newton correction vectors to be saved on

the database. See Remark 10. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = MAXITER)
MAXLS Maximum number of line searches allowed for each iteration. See
Remark 11. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 4)
FSTRESS Fraction of effective stress used to limit the subincrement

size in the material routines. See Remark 12. (0.0 < Real < 1.0;
Default = 0.2)
LSTOL Line search tolerance. See Remark 11. (0.01 < Real < 0.9; Default =
0.5)
MAXBIS Maximum number of bisections allowed for each load increment. See
Remark 13. (-10 ≤ MAXBIS ≤ 10; Default = 5)
MAXR Maximum ratio for the adjusted arc-length increment relative to the
initial value. See Remark 14. (1.0 ≤ MAXR ≤ 40.0; Default = 20.0)
RTOLB Maximum value of incremental rotation (in degrees) allowed per

iteration to activate bisection. See Remark 15. (Real > 2.0; Default
= 20.0)
Remarks:
1. The NLPARM entry is selected by the Case Control command NLPARM = ID.
Each solution subcase requires an NLPARM command.
2. In cases of static analysis (DT = 0.0) using Newton methods, 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 static analysis (DT = 0.0) using
arc-length methods, NINC is used to determine the initial arc-length for the
NLPARM 1463
subcase, and the number of load subdivisions will not be equal to NINC. In cases
of creep analysis (DT > 0.0), NINC is the number of time step increments.
3. The unit of DT must be consistent with the unit used on the CREEP entry
that defines the creep characteristics. Total creep time for the subcase is DT
multiplied by the value in the field NINC; i.e., DT*NINC.
16
4. The stiffness update strategy is selected in the KMETHOD field. BULK
M-N
• If the AUTO option is selected, 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)
estimated number of iterations to converge exceeds MAXITER, (ii) estimated
time required for convergence with current stiffness exceeds the estimated
time required for convergence with updated stiffness, and (iii) solution
diverges. See Remarks 9 and 13. and for diverging solutions.
• 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 option.
• 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, 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, the load increment is
bisected and the analysis is repeated. If the load increment cannot be bisected
(i.e., MAXBIS is attained or MAXBIS = 0) and MAXDIV is positive, the best
attainable solution is computed and the analysis is continued to the next load
increment. If MAXDIV is negative, the analysis is terminated.
7. The test flags (U = displacement error, P = load equilibrium error, and W = 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. See the NX Nastran Handbook for Nonlinear Analysis for
more details on convergence criteria.
1464 NLPARM
8. INTOUT controls the output requests for displacements, element forces and
stresses, etc. YES or ALL must be specified in order to be able to perform a
subsequent restart from the middle of a subcase.
INTOUT Output Processed
16 YES For every computed load increment.

BULK NO For the last load of the subcase.
M-N
ALL For every computed and user-specified load increment.
• For the Newton family of iteration methods (i.e., when no NLPCI command
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 command 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 (Ei), i.e.,
Depending on the divergence rate, the number of diverging iteration (NDIV) is

incremented as follows:
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 or MAXBIS is zero), the stiffness is updated based on the previous
iteration and the analysis is continued. If the solution diverges again in the
same load increment while MAXDIV is positive, the best solution is computed
and the analysis is continued to the next load increment. If MAXDIV is negative,
the analysis is terminated on the second divergence.
NLPARM 1465
10. The BFGS update is performed if MAXQN > 0. As many as MAXQN

quasi-Newton vectors can be accumulated. The BFGS update with these QN
vectors provides a secant modulus in the search direction. If MAXQN is reached,
no additional ON vectors will be accumulated. Accumulated QN vectors are
purged when the stiffness is updated and the accumulation is resumed.
11. The line search is performed as required, if MAXLS > 0. In the line search, the 16
displacement increment is scaled to minimize the energy error. The line search BULK
is not performed if the absolute value of the relative energy error is less than M-N
the value specified in LSTOL.
12. The number of subincrements in the material routines (elastoplastic and creep)
is determined so that the subincrement size is approximately
(equivalent stress).
FSTRESS is also used to establish a tolerance for error correction in the

elastoplastic material; i.e.,
If the limit is exceeded at the converging state, the program will exit with a fatal
message. Otherwise, the stress state is adjusted to the current yield surface.
13. The number of bisections for a load increment/arc-length is limited to the

absolute value of MAXBIS. Different actions are taken when the solution
diverges depending on the sign of MAXBIS. If MAXBIS is positive, the stiffness
is updated on the first divergence, and the load is bisected on the second
divergence. If MAXBIS is negative, the load is bisected every time the solution
diverges until the limit on bisection is reached. If the solution does not converge
after |MAXBIS| bisections, the analysis is continued or terminated depending
on the sign of MAXDIV. See Remark 9.
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;
i.e.,
where Δln is the arc-length at step n and Δlo 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.
1466 NLPARM
15. The bisection is activated if the incremental rotation for any degree-of-freedom
(Δθx, Δθy, or Δθz) exceeds the value specified by RTOLB. This bisection strategy
is based on the incremental rotation and controlled by MAXBIS.
16. Default tolerance sets are determined based on model type and desired accuracy.
Accuracy is under user control and can be specified on the PARAM, NLTOL
16 entry. NLTOL’s value is used only if the CONV, EPSU, EPSP and EPSW fields
BULK are blank, and if NINC is set to a value of 10 or larger. Otherwise, the NLTOL
M-N selection will be overridden. The tables below list tolerances according to
NLTOL selections:
Table 16-4. Default Tolerances for Static Nonlinear SOL 106 Models
Without Gaps, Contact or Heat Transfer
NLTOL Designation CONV EPSU EPSP EPSW
0 Very high PW _______ 1.0E-3 1.0E-7
1 High PW _______ 1.0E-2 1.0E-3
2 Engineering PW _______ 1.0E-2 1.0E-2
3 Prelim Design PW _______ 1.0E-1 1.0E-1
None Engineering PW _______ 1.0E-2 1.0E-2
Table 16-5. Default Tolerances for Static Nonlinear SOL 106 Models
With Gaps or Contact (Enter NLTOL Values of 0 or 2 Only or Omit the
Parameter)
0 Very high PW _______ 1.0E-3 1.0E-7
2 Engineering PW _______ 1.0E-3 1.0E-5
None Engineering PW _______ 1.0E-3 1.0E-5
Table 16-6. Default Tolerances for Static Nonlinear SOL 106 or 153
Models With Heat Transfer (Enter NLTOL Value of 0 Only or Omit the
Parameter)
0 Very high PW _______ 1.0E-3 1.0E-7
None Very high PW _______ 1.0E-3 1.0E-7
NLPCI 1467
Parameters for Arc-Length Methods in Nonlinear Static Analysis
NLPCI Parameters for Arc-Length Methods in Nonlinear Static Analysis
Defines a set of parameters for the arc-length incremental solution strategies in

nonlinear static analysis (SOL 106). This entry will be used if a subcase contains an
NLPARM command (NLPARM = ID).
Format: 16
BULK
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
M-N
NLPCI ID TYPE MINALR MAXALR SCALE DESITER MXINC
Example:
NLPCI 10 CRIS 1.0 1.0 12 10
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Identification number of an associated NLPARM entry. (Integer > 0)
TYPE Constraint type. See Remark 2. (Character: “CRIS”, “RIKS”, or

“MRIKS”; Default = “CRIS”)
MINALR Minimum allowable arc-length adjustment ratio between increments

for the adaptive arc-length method. See Remarks 3 and 4. (0.0 <
Real ≤ 1.0; Default = 0.25)
MAXALR Maximum allowable arc-length adjustment ratio between

increments for the adaptive arc-length method. See Remarks 3 and
4. (Real ≥ 1.0; Default = 4.0)
SCALE Scale factor (w) for controlling the loading contribution in the
arc-length constraint. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
DESITER Desired number of iterations for convergence to be used for the

adaptive arc-length adjustment. See Remarks 3 and 4. (Integer
> 0; Default = 12)
MXINC Maximum number of controlled increment steps allowed within a

subcase. See Remark 5. (Integer > 0; Default = 20)
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. However, for creep analysis
1468 NLPCI
(DT ≠ 0.0 in NLPARM entry), the arc-length methods cannot be activated, and
the NLPCI entry is ignored if specified. The NLPCI entry is not recommended
for heat transfer analysis in SOL 153.
2. The available constraint types are as follows:
16 TYPE = “CRIS”:
BULK
M-N
TYPE = “RIKS”:
TYPE = “MRIKS”:
where:
w = the user-specified scaling factor (SCALE)

μ = the load factor
Δl = 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:
NLPCI 1469
The arc-length adjustment is based on the convergence rate (i.e., number of

iterations required for convergence) and the change in stiffness. For constant
arc-length during analysis, use MINALR = MAXALR = 1.
16
BULK
M-N
4. The arc-length Δl 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:
5. The MXINC field is used to limit the number of controlled increment steps in
case the solution never reaches the specified load. This field is useful in limiting
the number of increments computed for a collapse analysis.
1470 NLRGAP
Nonlinear Transient Load Proportional to Gap
NLRGAP Nonlinear Transient Load Proportional to Gap
Defines a nonlinear transient radial (circular) gap.

Format:
16 1
NLRGAP
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BULK SID GA GB PLANE TABK TABG TABU RADIUS
M-N
Example:
NLRGAP 21 3 4 XY 3 10 6 1.6
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Nonlinear load set identification number. (Integer > 0)
GA Inner (e.g., shaft) grid for radial gap. (Integer > 0)
GB Outer (e.g., housing) grid for radial gap. (Integer > 0)
PLANE Radial gap orientation plane: XY, YZ, or ZX. (Character, Default =
XY.)
TABK Table ID of gap stiffness vs. time. (Integer > 0)Table ID of gap
stiffness vs. penetration. (Integer < 0)
TABG Table ID for radial gap clearance as function of time. (Integer > 0)
TABU Table ID for radial coefficient of friction as function of time. (Integer

> 0)
RADIUS Shaft radius. (Real ≥ 0.0, Default = 0.0)
Remarks:
1. NLRGAP must be selected with the Case Control command NONLINEAR = SID.
2. Multiple NLRGAP entries with the same SID are allowed.
3. The NLRGAP is not an element, but a nonlinear load similar to the NOLINi
Bulk Data entries. It computes the relative displacements of GA and GB in the
selected plane and applies appropriate nonlinear loads to simulate the radial
contact.
NLRGAP 1471
4. The degrees-of-freedom in the XY, YZ, or ZX planes (depending on the PLANE) of

GA and GB must be members of the solution set. This means the e-set for modal
formulation and the d-set for direct formulation. If RADIUS is > 0.0, then the
in-plane rotation degree-of-freedom must also be in the solution set.
5. As with the NOLINi entries, the NLRGAP is limited to use in direct transient
response solution sequences. 16
BULK
6. The XY, YZ and ZX planes are relative to the displacement coordinates systems M-N
of GA and GB. GA and GB should be coincident grids with parallel displacement
coordinate systems. NX Nastran does not check or enforce this. Wrong answers
can occur if this rule is not followed.
7. If TABK is negative, the corresponding TID on the referenced TABLEDi entry is

input positive and not negative.
8. The shaft radius is used only for the computation of friction induced torque.
9. In the underlying equations, a positive coefficient of friction is consistent with

counter-clockwise shaft rotation from axis 1 towards axis 2 (anti-clockwise). A
negative coefficient of friction is consistent with clockwise shaft rotation from
axis 2 towards axis 1 (clockwise). See Figure 16-5.
10. Nonlinear forces for the grids referenced on the NLRGAP can be output with the
NLLOAD Case Control command. See Figure 16-5 for the sign conventions.
1472 NLRGAP
16
BULK
M-N
Figure 16-5. Radial Gap Orientation and Nonlinear Load Sign Conventions
NOLIN1 1473
Nonlinear Transient Load as a Tabular Function
NOLIN1 Nonlinear Transient Load as a Tabular Function
Defines nonlinear transient forcing functions of the form
16
BULK
M-N
where uj(t) and
are the displacement and velocity at point GJ in the direction of CJ.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
NOLIN1 SID GI CI S GJ CJ TID
Example:
NOLIN1 21 3 4 2.1 3 10 6
Fields:
Field Contents
GI Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number at which nonlinear

load is to be applied. (Integer > 0)
CI Component number for GI. (0 < Integer ≤ 6; blank or zero if GI is

a scalar or extra point.)
GJ Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number. (Integer > 0)
CJ Component number for GJ according to the following table:
Type of Point Displacement Velocity

Grid 1 ≤ Integer ≤ 6 11 ≤ Integer ≤ 16
1474 NOLIN1
Nonlinear Transient Load as a Tabular Function

Scalar Blank or zero Integer = 10
Extra Blank or zero Integer = 10
TID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry. (Integer > 0)

16
BULK Remarks:
M-N
1. Nonlinear loads must be selected with the Case Control command NONLINEAR
= SID.
2. Nonlinear loads may not be referenced on DLOAD entry.
3. All degrees-of-freedom referenced on NOLIN1 entries must be members of the

solution set. This means the e-set (EPOINT entry) for modal formulation and
the d-set for direct formulation.
4. Nonlinear loads as a function of velocity (Equation 2) are denoted by components

ten greater than the actual component number; i.e., a component of 11 is
component 1 (velocity). The velocity is determined by
where Δt is the time step interval and uj,t−1 is the displacement of GJ-CJ for
the previous time step.
NOLIN2 1475
Nonlinear Transient Load as the Product of Two Variables
NOLIN2 Nonlinear Transient Load as the Product of Two Variables
16
BULK
where Xj(t) and Xk(t) can be either displacement or velocity at points GJ and GK M-N
in the directions of CJ and CK.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
NOLIN2 SID GI CI S GJ CJ GK CK
Example:
NOLIN2 14 2 1 2.9 2 1 2
Fields:
Field Contents

CI Component number for GI. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6; blank or zero if GI is

GJ, GK Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number. (Integer > 0)
CJ, CK Component number for GJ, GK according to the following table:

1476 NOLIN2
Nonlinear Transient Load as the Product of Two Variables
Remarks:
1. Nonlinear loads must be selected with the Case Control command

NONLINEAR=SID.
2. Nonlinear loads may not be referenced on a DLOAD entry.

16 3. All degrees-of-freedom referenced on NOLIN2 entries must be members of the
BULK
M-N solution set. This means the e-set for modal formulation and the d-set for direct
formulation.
4. GI-CI, GJ-CJ, and GK-CK may be the same point.
5. Nonlinear loads may be a function of displacement (X = u) or velocity .

Velocities are denoted by a component number ten greater than the actual
component number; i.e., a component of 10 is component 0 (velocity). The
velocity is determined by
where Δtis the time step interval and ut−1 is the displacement of GJ-CJ or
GK-CK for the previous time step.
NOLIN3 1477
Nonlinear Transient Load as a Positive Variable Raised to a Power
NOLIN3 Nonlinear Transient Load as a Positive Variable Raised to a Power
16
BULK
M-N
where Xj (t) may be a 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 4 102 -6.1 2 15 -3.5
Fields:
Field Contents
GI Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number at which the

nonlinear load is to be applied. (Integer > 0)
CI Component number for GI. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6; blank or zero if GI is

GJ Grid, scalar, extra point identification number. (Integer > 0)

1478 NOLIN3
Nonlinear Transient Load as a Positive Variable Raised to a Power
Field Contents
A Exponent of the forcing function. (Real)
Remarks:
16 1. Nonlinear loads must be selected with the Case Control command NONLINEAR
= SID.
BULK
M-N

solution set. This means the e-set for modal formulation and the d-set for direct
formulation.
4. Nonlinear loads may be a function of displacement (Xj=uj) or velocity (Xj=uj).

component number; e.g., a component of 16 is component 6 (velocity). The
5. Use a NOLIN4 entry for the negative range of Xj (t).

NOLIN4 1479
Nonlinear Transient Load as a Negative Variable Raised to a Power
NOLIN4 Nonlinear Transient Load as a Negative Variable Raised to a Power
16
BULK
M-N
where Xj(t) may be a 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 2 4 6 2.0 101 16.3
Fields:
Field Contents

CI Component number for GI. (0 < Integer ≤ 6; blank or zero if GI is

GJ Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number. (Integer > 0)

1480 NOLIN4
Nonlinear Transient Load as a Negative Variable Raised to a Power
Field Contents
A Exponent of forcing function. (Real)
Remarks:
16 1. Nonlinear loads must be selected with the Case Control command NONLINEAR
= SID.
BULK
M-N

solution set. This means the e-set for modal formulation and the d-set for direct
formulation.
4. Nonlinear loads may be a function of displacement (Xj=uj) or velocity Xj=uj).

component number; i.e., a component of 10 is component 0 (velocity). The
5. Use a NOLIN3 entry for the positive range of Xj(t).

NXSTRAT 1481
Strategy Parameters for SOLs 601 and 701
NXSTRAT Strategy Parameters for SOLs 601 and 701
Defines parameters for solution control and strategy in advanced nonlinear

structural analysis.
Format:
16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 BULK
NXSTRAT M-N
ID Param1 Value1 Param2 Value2 Param3 Value3
Example:
NXSTRAT 1 AUTO 1 MAXITE 30 RTOL 0.005
ATSNEXT 3
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Identification number. Currently not used. (Integer ≥ 0)
PARAMi Name of the NXSTRAT parameter. Allowable names are given in

Table 8-33. See remark 1 for parameters applicable to SOL 701.
(Character)
VALUEi Value of the parameter. See Table 8-33. (Real or integer)
NXSTRAT Parameters
Analysis Control
Name Description
SOLVER Selects the solver to use. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – Direct sparse solver
1 – Multigrid solver
2 – 3D iterative solver. This solver is effective for models with large numbers of
higher order 3D solid elements, i.e., CTETRA and CHEXA elements with mid-side
nodes.
1482 NXSTRAT
Analysis Control
Name Description
AUTO Indicates whether automatic incrementation scheme is enabled. (Integer; Default
16 = 0)
BULK 0 – No automatic incrementation scheme is used

M-N 1 – Automatic time stepping (ATS) scheme is enabled
2 – Automatic load-displacement control (LDC) scheme is enabled
3 – Total load application (TLA) scheme is enabled. Program ignores any time
step and time function specified. Instead, 50 time steps of size 0.2 are used
with a linear ramp time function (100% load at time of 10.0), and parameters
MAXITE=30, ATSSUBD=64, LSEARCH=1 and MAXDISP=0.05*(maximum model
dimension) are used.
4 – Total load application with stabilization (TLA-S) scheme is enabled. In addition

to TLA, stabilization is used, i.e., MSTAB=1, MSFAC=1.0e-10, ATSLOWS=1 and
contact damping (determined by the program) are used.
Note: TLA and TLA-S schemes include the use of the automatic time stepping
(ATS) scheme. See sections below for parameters that may be specified for each
of these schemes.
NPOSIT Indicates whether analysis continues when the system matrix is not positive
definite. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – Analysis may stop
1 – Analysis continues
Notes:
If NPOSIT=0, analysis stops unless
• AUTO > 0 is specified
• contact analysis is being performed.
It is not recommended to set NPOSIT=1 for a linear analysis.
MASSTYP Selects the type of mass matrix to be used in dynamic analysis. (Integer; Default
= 1)
0 – Lumped mass is used
1 – Consistent mass is used

NXSTRAT 1483
Analysis Options
Name Description
TINT* Integration order for the local t-direction (through thickness) of shell elements
with elasto-plastic materials. By default, 5-point Newton-Cotes is used for
single-layered shell and 3-point Newton-Cotes is used for multi-layered shell. Note 16
that 2-point Gauss integration is always used for all shell elements with elastic BULK
materials. (Integer; Default = 0). M-N
1 ≤ TINT ≤ 6 – Gauss integration method with integration order TINT
-3, -5, -7 – Newton-Cotes integration with order -TINT
ICMODE* Indicates whether incompatible modes are used for 4-node shell elements.
(Integer; Default =1 for SOL 601 and 0 for SOL 701)
0 - Incompatible modes are not used
1 - Incompatible modes are used
MSTAB Indicates whether the stiffness matrix stabilization feature is used. (Integer;
Default = 0)
0 – Matrix stabilization is not used
1 – Matrix stabilization is used
MSFAC Matrix stabilization factor. (Real; Default = 1.0E-12)
DTDELAY* Element death time delay. (Real; Default = 0.0)
When an element is too deformed and becomes “dead”, its contribution to the
overall stiffness of the structure is removed. By specifying DTDELAY > 0.0, the
contribution from the element stiffness is gradually reduced to zero over time
DTDELAY instead of being suddenly removed. This may help in the convergence
of the solution.
SDOFANG* Angle used to determine whether a shell mid-surface node is assigned 5 or 6

degrees of freedom. (Real; Default = 5.0)
DRILLKF* On shell grids where the drilling stiffness is zero, this factor is multiplied by the
maximum rotational stiffness at the grid and assigned as the drilling stiffness.
(0.0 < Real < 1.0; Default = 1.0E-4)
UPFORM* Indicates whether u/p formulation is used for elements. Note that u/p formulation
is always used for hyperelastic elements and always not used for hyperfoam
elements and elastic elements with Poisson’s ratio less than 0.48. It is also not
used for gasket elements (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – u/p formulation is not used
1 – u/p formulation is used instead of displacement-based formulation

1484 NXSTRAT
Analysis Options
Name Description
ULFORM* Indicates which large strain formulation is used for shell elements. (Integer;
16 Default = 0)
BULK 0 – Updated Lagrangian-Jaumann (ULJ) formulation is used if the old (v4)

M-N rigid-target contact algorithm (RTALG=1 in NXSTRAT) is used or SOL 701 is run.
Otherwise, Updated Lagrangian-Hencky (ULH) formulation is used.
1 – Use ULH formulation
2 – Use ULJ formulation
Note: For 3-D solid, plane strain and axisymmetric elements, ULH formulation is
always used for large strains. In restarting from SOL 601 to 701 or vice versa,
ULFORM needs to be specified such that both analyses use the same formulation.
DISPOPT Indicates whether prescribed displacements are applied to the original

configuration or the deformed configuration. This option is only applicable for a
restart analysis or when a delay (or arrival) time is specified for the prescribed
displacement. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – Applied to original configuration
1 – Applied to deformed configuration
LOADOPT* Indicates whether prescribed loads (pressure and centrifugal) are

deformation-dependent, i.e. the direction and magnitude of the load may change
due to large deformation of the structure. This option is only applicable for large
displacement analysis, i.e. PARAM,LGDISP,1 (Integer; Default = 1)
0 – Load is independent of structural deformation
1 – Load is affected by structural deformation
MAXDISP Specifies a limit for the maximum incremental displacement that is allowed for
any grid in any equilibrium iteration. This feature is generally useful for contact
analysis where rigid body motion exists in a model. A value of 0.0 means there is
no limit on displacements. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
NXSTRAT 1485
Time Integration
Name Description
TINTEG Selects the time integration method to be used for nonlinear transient analysis.
16
0 – Use the Newmark method BULK
1 – Use the ADINA composite method
M-N
ALPHA Alpha coefficient for the Newmark time integration method. (Real; Default = 0.25)
DELTA Delta coefficient for the Newmark method. (Real; Default = 0.5)
SOL 701 Time Stepping
Name Description
XSTEPo Selects time step method used in an explicit time integration analysis. (Integer;
Default = 0)
0 - Time step size is calucated by the program based on the critical time step size.
The data in the selected TSTEP bulk data entry is used to calculate the total
solution time for the analysis.
1 - The number of time steps and the time step size as specified in the selected
TSTEP bulk data entry is used.
XDTCALo Calculation of the critical time step size may be computationally expensive. This
parameter specifies that the critical time step size be re-calculated every XDTCAL
time steps. (Integer > 0, Default = 1)
XDTFACo The critical time step size is calculated based on certain assumptions. It is often
necessary, especially for nonlinear analysis, to use a time step size smaller than
the calculated critical time step size. The factor multiplied by the calculated
critical time step size gives the time step size used in the analysis. (4.0 > Real >
0.0, Default = 0.9)
XMSCALEo Specifies the factor to scale the mass (densities) of the entire model (at the
beginning of the analysis) to increase the critical time step size required for
stability when the explicit time integration scheme is used. See warning in
Remark 2. (Real = 1.0, Default = 1.0)
XDTMIN1o The minimum time step size used to determine if mass scaling will be applied to
elements (at the beginning of the analysis) whose critical time step size is smaller
than DTMIN1. The amount of mass scaling is calculated for each element so that
the critical time step size is equal to DTMIN1. See Remark 2 and warning in
Remark 3. (Real = 0.0, Default = 0.0)
1486 NXSTRAT
SOL 701 Time Stepping
Name Description
XDTMIN2o The minimum time step size used to determine whether an element will be
16 removed in an explicit time integration analysis. In explicit time integration, the

smaller an element size is, the smaller will the critical time step size be. If the
BULK critical time step size for an element is smaller than XDTMIN2, the element will
M-N be removed in the analysis. See Remark 2 and warning in Remark 3. (Real >
0.0, Default = 0.0)
Iterative Solver
Name Description
ITEMAX Maximum number of iterations allowed for the multigrid or 3D-iterative solver to
converge. (Integer > 0; Default = 1000 for multigrid solver and 200 for 3D-iterative
solver)
EPSIA Convergence tolerance EPSIA. (Real; Default = 1.0E-6)
EPSIB Convergence tolerance EPSIB. (Real; Default = 1.0E-4)
EPSII Convergence tolerance EPSII. (Real; Default = 1.0E-8)
Equilibrium Iteration and Convergence
Name Description
LSEARCH Flag to indicate the use of line searches within the iteration scheme. (Integer;
Default = 0)
0– Line search is not used
1 – Line search is used
LSLOWER Lower bound for line search. (0.0 ≤ Real < 1.0; Default = 0.001)
LSUPPER Upper bound for line search. (1.0 ≤ Real; Default = 1.0 for contact analysis and 8.0
for analysis with no contact)
NXSTRAT 1487
Equilibrium Iteration and Convergence
Name Description
PLASALG Selects the algorithm used in plasticity. (Integer; Default = 1)
1 – Algorithm 1 is used 16
BULK
2 – Algorithm 2 is used
M-N
Note: For a given time step size, if the iterations do not converge with algorithm 1
because the Jacobian determinant in the elements becomes non-positive, switching
to algorithm 2 can sometimes enable convergence.
MAXITE Maximum number of iterations within a time step. If the maximum number of
iterations is reached without achieving convergence (see CONVCRI parameter),
the program will stop unless the automatic time stepping (ATS) or load
displacement control scheme is selected (see parameter AUTO). (1 ≤ Integer ≤
999; Default = 15)
CONVCRI Convergence Criteria. (Integer; Default = 0)0 – Convergence based on energy1

– Convergence based on energy and force2 – Convergence based on energy
and displacement3 – Convergence based on force4 – Convergence based on
displacement
ETOL Relative energy tolerance. (Real; Default = 0.001 if AUTO≠2; Default = 1.0e-6 if
AUTO=2)
RTOL Relative force (and moment) tolerance (Real; Default = 0.01)
RNORM Reference force. (Real)
RMNORM Reference moment. (Real)
RCTOL Relative contact force tolerance. (Real; Default = 0.05)
DTOL Relative displacement (translation and rotation) tolerance. (Real; Default = 0.01)
DNORM Reference translation. (Real)
DMNORM Reference rotation. (Real)
STOL Line search convergence tolerance. (Real; Default = 0.5)
RCONSM Reference contact force. (Real; Default = 0.01)
ENLSTH Line search energy threshold. (Real; Default = 0.0)

1488 NXSTRAT
Automatic Time Stepping (ATS) Scheme
Name Description
ATSSUBD Number that limits the smallest time step size when the automatic time stepping
16 (ATS) scheme is used. For a time step size of DT, the program will stop if
convergence is not achieved and the next subdivided time step size is less than
BULK DT/ATSSUBD. (Integer ≥ 1; Default = 10)
M-N
ATSMXDT Factor that limits the maximum time step size when the automatic time stepping
(ATS) scheme is used. The ATS scheme may increase the time step size after
convergence is achieved. However, for a time step size of DT, the program will not
use a time step size greater than ATSMXDT * DT. (Real; Default = 3.0)
ATSNEXT Flag controls what time step size to use once convergence is reached after an
ATS subdivision. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – Automatically set by program. For contact analysis, ATSNEXT = 2, otherwise

ATSNEXT = 1.
1 – Use the time step size that gave convergence, i.e., the reduced time step that
led to convergence is used again.
2 – Return to the original time step size, i.e., the original time step size before any
subdivision took place is used.
3 – Use a time step size such that the solution time matches the original solution
time specified by the user.
ATSDFAC Division factor used calculate the sub-increment time step size. If current time
step size is DT and convergence is not achieved, the next time step size will be
DT/ATSDFAC. (Real > 1.0; Default = 2.0)
ATSLOWS Flag whether a low-speed dynamics analysis is performed instead of a static

analysis. (Integer; Default = 0)0 – Low-speed dynamics option is not activated
1 – Low-speed dynamics is performed
ATSDAMP Damping factor used in low-speed dynamics analysis. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 1.0e-4)
Load Displacement Control (LDC) Scheme
Name Description
LDCGRID Grid point id at which a displacement is prescribed for the first solution step.
(Integer > 0)
NXSTRAT 1489
Load Displacement Control (LDC) Scheme
Name Description
LDCDOF Degree of freedom for prescribed displacement at grid point LDCGRID. (1≤ Integer
≤ 6)
16
1 – X translation BULK
2 – Y translation
M-N
3 – Z translation
4 – X rotation
5 – Y rotation
6 – Z rotation
LDCDISP Prescribed displacement at grid point LDCGRID for the first solution step. (Real)
LDCIMAX Displacement convergence factor used to limit the maximum incremental

displacement during a solution step. (Real; Default = 3.0)
LDCDMAX Maximum (absolute magnitude) displacement (for the degree of freedom specified
by LDCDOF) at the grid point LDCGRID allowed during the analysis. When the
displacement reaches or exceeds LDCDMAX, the program will stop the analysis.
See Section 6.2.4 in Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide for other
criteria that determines when an LDC solution will stop. (Real)
LDCCONT Flag whether the solution is terminated when the first critical point on the
equilibrium path is reached. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – Solution stops
1 – Solution continues
LDCSUBD Maximum number of arc length subdivisions allowed. (Integer ≥ 1; Default = 10)
Total Load Application (TLA) Scheme
Name Description
TLANSTP Number of time steps to use for the solution. The step size is automatically
adjusted to obtain a total time of 10.0. (Integer > 0; Default = 50)
TLAMXIT Maximum number of equilibrium iterations allowed to achieve convergence in any

time step (subdivided or accelerated). (1 ≤ Integer ≤ 999; Default = 30)
1490 NXSTRAT
Total Load Application (TLA) Scheme
Name Description
TLAMXDF Maximum displacement factor. The maximum incremental displacement allowed
16 in any time step is equal to TLAMXDF * (maximum model dimension). TLAMXDF

= 0.0 means there is no limit on the maximum incremental displacement. (Real
BULK ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.05)
M-N
TLASTBF Stiffness matrix stabilization factor. If TLASTBF = 0.0, then the stiffness matrix
stabilization feature is not used. Applicable only to TLA-S (AUTO=4) scheme.
(Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 1.0E-10)
TLALSDF Low-speed dynamics damping factor. If TLALSDF = 0.0, then the low-speed
dynamics option is not used. Applicable only to TLA-S (AUTO=4) scheme. (Real ≥
0.0; Default = 1.0E-4)
TLALSMF Low-speed dynamics inertia factor. Applicable only to TLA-S (AUTO=4) scheme.
(0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0; Default = 1.0)
TLACTDF Contact damping factor. The amount of contact damping used in the solution is
equal to TLACTDF * (damping determined by the program). If TLACTDF = 0.0,
then contact damping is not used. Applicable only to TLA-S (AUTO=4) scheme.
(Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.001)
Contact Control
Name Description
IMPACT Impact control scheme (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – No special treatment is applied for impact problems
1 – Post impact adjustment of velocities and accelerations is applied
2 – Modified parameters are used in Newmark time integration scheme
NSUPP Number of iterations for pairing contactor node to target segment. If NSUPP >
0, during the first NSUPP iterations, the pairing target segment is recorded for
each contactor node. From iteration NSUPP+1, if a target segment in the recorded
list is repeated, it is “frozen” to be the pairing target segment for the remaining
equilibrium iterations in that time step. Specifying NSUPP > 0 may help in the
convergence for certain problems. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 99; Default = 0)
NXSTRAT 1491
Contact Control
Name Description
RTSUBD Selects the subdivision scheme used in the old (RTALG=1) implicit rigid-target
contact algorithm when the tensile contact force is too large. (Integer; Default = 0)
16
0 – Subdivision is based on the magnitude of the tensile contact force, i.e., the BULK
larger the magnitude, the smaller will be the subdivided time step size. M-N
1 – Subdivision is based on the global automatic time stepping (ATS) subdivsion
settings.
CSTYPE* Selects the type of contact segment to use. (Integer; Default = 1)
0 – Use linear contact segment
1 – Use element-based contact segment which gives better contact traction results
Note: CSTYPE = 1 is only applicable for contact algorithm TYPE = 0 or XTYPE

= 0 or 1 in BCTPARA entry.
CTDISP Selects the default displacement formulation used for contact analysis. A different
formulation may be selected for each individual contact set via BCTPARA entry.
(Integer; Default = 0 / 2)
0 or 2 – Use large displacement formulation (contact conditions are updated)

(default)
1 – Use small displacement formulation (contact conditions are not updated)
CTDISP is a global option since it applies to all contact definitions in the model.
If you would like to prevent/allow a specific contact set from updating, the DISP
option on the BCTPARA bulk entry can be used.
Note: If CTDISP = 1 is selected, the search of target segments for the contactor
nodes is performed only at the beginning of the analysis.
RTALG* Selects the rigid-target algorithm to use. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – Use the current algorithm
1 – Use the old (v4) algorithm
FRICALG Selects the friction algorithm to use. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – Use the current algorithm
1 – Use the old (v4) algorithm

1492 NXSTRAT
Contact Control
Name Description
CTDAMP Indicates whether stabilization damping is applied and how it is applied for
16 contact analysis. This feature is generally useful when rigid body motion exists in
a model. (Integer; Default = 0)
BULK
M-N 0 – No stabilization damping is applied
1 – Stabilization damping is applied at the first time step only. The specified
damping coefficients are applied and ramped down to zero by the end of the first
time step.
2 – The specified stabilization damping coefficients are applied at all time steps.
CTDAMPN Specifies the normal stabilization damping coefficient. (Real ≥ 0.0, Default = 0.0)
CTDAMPT Specifies the tangential stabilization damping coefficient. (Real ≥ 0.0, Default
= 0.0)
Restart Options
Name Description
MODEX* Indicates the mode of execution. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – Normal analysis run, i.e. not a restart analysis
1 – Restart analysis
The restart (.res) file from a previous run must exist to do a restart analysis. The
filename and location of the restart file is determined by the “dbs” keyword. By
default, dbs points to the current working directory with the prefix of the current
job name. Note that keyword scratch=no must be used when running a restart
analysis.
TSTART* Solution starting time. If MODEX=1, TSTART must equal a solution time in
which data was saved in a previous run. If TSTART = 0.0, the last time step in the
restart file is used. (Real, Default = 0.0)
IRINT* Frequency of saving the analysis results in the restart file. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – IRINT is set to 1 when implicit time integration is used and set to the number
of steps in the first time step block when explicit time integration is used.
> 0 – Restart file is overwritten every IRINT time steps
< 0 – Restart file is appended every IRINT time steps

NXSTRAT 1493
Other Parameters
Name Description
NSUBGRP* Number of sub-groups to divide large number of elements with same property ID
into. Normally, elements with same type and property ID are placed into a group.
If a group contains more than 1000 elements and NSUBGRP > 1, the elements 16
are placed into NSUBGRP sub-groups for more efficient processing. (Integer > 0; BULK
Default = 1) M-N
XTCURVE* Indicates whether the table in TABLES1 entry is extended by linear extrapolation
of the two last points. (Integer; Default = 1)
0 – Table is not extended. This option may be used to allow element rupture at
the last specified strain value.
1 – Table is extended
Note: XTCURVE is only applicable for the multilinear-plastic material model.
CVSSVAL* Indicates whether the values in TABLES1 entry are converted from engineering
stress-strain to true stress-strain. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – No conversion of stress strain value
1 – Convert engineering stress and strain values to true stress and strain values.
Note: CVSSVAL is only applicable for the multilinear-plastic material model.
ELRESCS* Indicates the coordinate system used for output of nonlinear 3D element
stress/strain results. For linear results, the coordinate system used for output is
specified by CORDM in PSOLID entry. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – Results are output in element coordinate system
1 – Results are output material coordinate system
BOLTSTP Number of steps for applying the bolt pre-load force. BOLTSTP may be used to
apply the bolt pre-load force incrementally if the solution fails to converge when
the total pre-load force is applied in one step. (Integer > 0; Default = 1)
1494 NXSTRAT
Translation Options
Name Description
ELCV Convert 8-node to 9-node quadrilateral (plane strain, axisymmetric and shell)
16 elements and 20-node to 27-node brick elements. Note that this also converts
6-node to 7-node triangular (plane strain and axisymmetric) elements and 10-node
BULK to 11-node tetrahedral elements. (Integer; Default = 0)
M-N
0 – No conversion of elements
1 – Convert elements as described above; nodal coincidence is not checked against

existing nodes and new generated nodes are always created.
2 – Convert elements as described above; nodal coincidence is checked against

existing nodes and a new node will not be created at a location if a node already
exist at that location.
EQRBAR Indicates how RBAR elements are handled. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – RBAR is simulated using rigid option in small displacement analysis and using
flexible option in large displacement analysis.
1 – RBAR is simulated using rigid option (i.e. simulated by rigid link or constraint
equations as determined by program)
2 – RBAR is simulated using flexible option (i.e. simulated by spring or beam

elements as determined by program)
3 – RBAR is simulated by spring elements
See Section 2.7 of Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide for details
on how RBAR elements are handled.
EQRBE2 Indicates how RBE2 elements are handled. (Integer; Default = 0)
0 – RBE2 is simulated using rigid option in small displacement analysis and using
flexible option in large displacement analysis.
1 – RBE2 is simulated using rigid option (i.e. simulated by rigid links or constraint
equations as determined by program)
2 – RBE2 is simulated using flexible option (i.e. simulated by spring or beam

elements as determined by program)
3 – RBE2 is simulated by spring elements
See Section 2.7 of Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide for details
on how RBE2 elements are handled.
NXSTRAT 1495
Translation Options
Name Description
SPRINGK Stiffness of spring elements that simulate RBAR or RBE2 elements. (Real,
Default = 0.0)
16
If SPRINGK = 0.0, program automatically sets SPRINGK according to the BULK
following calculations. M-N
SPRINGK = EMAX * LMODEL
where EMAX = maximum Young’s Modulus of materials in the model and

LMODEL = largest dimension of the model. If no material is specified in the
model, EMAX is set to 1.0E12.
BEAME Young’s Modulus of material assigned to beam elements that simulate RBAR or
RBE2 elements. (Real, Default = 0.0)
If BEAME = 0.0, BEAME is set to EMAX * 100.0 where EMAX = maximum

Young’s Modulus of materials in the model. If no material is specified in the model,
EMAX is set to 1.0E12.
BEAMA Circular cross section area of beam elements that simulate RBAR or RBE2
elements. (Real, Default = 0.0)
If BEAMA = 0.0, program automatically sets BEAMA according to the following

calculation:
BEAMA = (LMODEL * .01)2 where LMODEL = largest dimension of the model
RBLCRIT Critical length for determining how RBAR and RBE2 elements are simulated
when the rigid or flexible option is used to simulate RBAR (see EQRBAR) and
RBE2 (see EQRBE2). (Real, Default = 0.0)
If RBLCRIT = 0.0, then
if EQRBAR (or EQRBE2) = 1,
RBLCRIT = LMODEL * 1.0E-6
if EQRBAR (or EQRBE2) = 2,
RBLCRIT = LMODEL * 1.0E-3
Remarks:
1. Parameters applicable to SOL 701 are:
• XSTEP, XDTCAL, XDTFAC, XMSCALE, XDTMIN1 and XDTMIN2 are

only used for SOL 701. These parameters are indicated in the table with
a superscript ‘o’.
1496 NXSTRAT
• TINT, ICMODE, DTDELAY, SDOFANG, UPFORM, ULFORM, LOADOPT,

MODEX, TSTART, IRINT, NSUBGRP, ELRESCS, XTCURVE and CVSSVAL
parameters can be used for SOL 701. These parameters are indicated in the
table with a superscript‘*’.
2. XMSCALE, XDTMIN1 and XDTMIN2 may be used together. XDTMIN1 and

16 DTMIN2 are applied after XMSCALE is applied. If XDTMIN1 and XDTMIN2
BULK are both used, XDTMIN1 should be greater than XDTMIN2. If XDTMIN2 =
M-N XDTMIN1 is specified, XDTMIN1 will be ignored.
3. WARNING: Specifying XMSCALE > 1.0, XDTMIN1 > 0.0 or XDTMIN2 > 0.0
may change the model significantly. Hence, extra care should be exercised in
examining the results when any of these parameters are used.
Chapter
17 Bulk Data Entries O—P
17
BULK
O-P
1498 OMIT
Omitted Degrees-of-Freedom
OMIT Omitted Degrees-of-Freedom
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 ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3 ID4 C4
Example:
OMIT
17 16 2 23 3516 1 4
BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
Ci Component numbers. (Any unique combination of the Integers 1

through 6 with no embedded blanks for grid points; zero or blank for
scalar points.)
Remarks:
1. The degrees-of-freedom specified on this entry form members of the mutually

exclusive o-set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually
2. Up to 24 degrees-of-freedom may be specified on a single entry.
3. In many cases it may be more convenient to use OMIT1, ASET, or ASET1 entries.
4. In nonlinear analysis, degrees-of-freedom attached to nonlinear elements must

be placed in the a-set. In other words, nonlinear degrees-of-freedom must not be
specified on OMIT or OMIT1 entries.
OMIT1 1499
Omitted Degrees-of-Freedom, Alternate Form 1
OMIT1 Omitted Degrees-of-Freedom, Alternate Form 1

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 3 2 1 3 10 9 6 5 17
BULK
7 8
O-P

OMIT1 C G1 “THRU” G2
OMIT1 0 17 THRU 109
Fields:
Field Contents

through 6 with no embedded blanks for grid points; zero or blank for
scalar points.)
Gi Grid or scalar point identification number. (Integer > 0; for “THRU”

option, G1 < G2.)
Remarks:

exclusive o-set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually
2. If the alternate format is used, not all points in the range G1 through G2 have
to be defined. Undefined points will collectively produce a warning message
but will otherwise be ignored.
3. In nonlinear analysis, degrees-of-freedom attached to nonlinear elements must

be placed in the a-set. In other words, nonlinear degrees-of-freedom must not be
specified on OMIT or OMIT1 entries.
1500 OMITAX
Omitted Conical Shell Degrees-of-Freedom
OMITAX Omitted Conical Shell Degrees-of-Freedom
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
OMITAX RID1 HID1 C1 RID2 HID2 C2
Example:
OMITAX
17 2 6 3 4 7 1
BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
RIDi Ring identification number. (Integer > 0)
HIDi Harmonic identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
Ci Component number(s). (Any unique combination of the Integers 1

Remarks:
1. OMITAX is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
2. Up to 12 degrees-of-freedom may be specified on this entry.
3. Degrees-of-freedom appearing on OMITAX entries may not appear on MPCAX,

SUPAX, or SPCAX entries.
OUTPUT 1501
Output Control for Adaptive Analysis
OUTPUT Output Control for Adaptive Analysis
Output control for p-adaptive analysis.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
OUTPUT SID
ELSET=n, cmd1=(option1, option2, etc.), cmd2=(option1, etc.), etc.
ELSET=m, -etc.-
Example: 17
BULK
OUTPUT 127 O-P
ELSET=12, DISP=PRINT, STRESS=(PRINT,PUNCH), STRAIN=PUNCH
ELSET=42, STRESS=PRINT,BY=1
Fields:
SID DATAREC ID selected in Case Integer Required

Control.See Remark 1. >0
ELSET ID of SET entry containing sets of Integer 999999

elements with results that will be >0
processed. See Remark 1.
cmdi Output commands. See

below
optioni Specifies one or more of the following See Required

output options. The following options below
may be specified in any order without
regard to field boundaries.
DISP Request for calculating displacements. Character DISP = PRINT

See Remark 1a.
VELO Request for calculating velocities. See Character VELO = NONE

Remarks 1a, 7, and 8.
ACCE Request for calculating accelerations. Character ACCE = NONE

See Remarks 1a, 7, and 8.
1502 OUTPUT
STRESS Request for calculating stresses. See Character STRESS =

Remark 1a. PRINT
STRAIN Request for calculating strains. See Character STRAIN =

Remark 1a. NONE
FORCE Request to output forces/length in shell Character FORCE =

elements or forces in beam elements. NONE
ERROR Request for error estimate table. See Character ERROR =

Remark 1a. PRINT
17
BULK PVAL Request for new pval values. Character PVAL = PRINT
O-P SeeRemark 1a.
LAST Request to print results of last Character LAST = YES

analysisin an adaptive analysis. See
Remark 1b.
BY Request to print intermediate resultsin Integer BY = 0

an adaptive analysis. See Remark 1c. ≥0
FIRST Request to print results of first Character FIRST = YES

analysisin an adaptive analysis. See
Remark 1b.
Remarks:
1. ELSET = n indicates the start of a new set of commands. Commands appearing

after ELSET apply only to elements in SET n.
a. For cmdi: DISP, VELO, ACCE, STRESS, STRAIN, FORCE, ERROR,

and PVAL the allowable optioni are PRINT, PLOT, PUNCH, REAL,
IMAG, PHASE, or NONE. If more than one option is desired, enclose in
parentheses; e.g., DISP = (PRINT, PUNCH).
b. For cmdi: STRAIN, the allowable optioni are STRCUR, FIBER, PRINT,
PLOT, PUNCH, or NONE. If more than one option is desired, enclose
in parentheses; e.g., STRAIN = (FIBER, PRINT, PUNCH). The options
STRCUR and FIBER are for shell elements, they are ignored for other
elements. For STRCUR membrane strain and curvature are output, for
FIBER, strains in the fibers Z1 and Z2 are output. Z1 and Z2 are specified
on the PSHELL Bulk Data entry. The default is STRCUR. Either STRCUR
or FIBER should be specified, but not both.
OUTPUT 1503
c. For cmdi: FIRST and LAST, the allowable optioni are YES and NO. For
example, “FIRST = YES”.
d. For cmdi: BY, the allowable optioni is an integer greater than or equal to 0.
optioni specifies that cmdi will be processed at every adaptive cycle that is a
multiple of optioni.
2. Only the output (displacements, stresses, etc.) requested will be either printed or
stored for postprocessing. optioni = PRINT (for print in F06 file), PUNCH (for
print in punch file), and PLOT (for calculation to be used by postprocessing but
not printing) can be used in any combination. For example, DISP = (PRINT),
STRESS = (PRINT,PUNCH) will result in printing of displacement data in the
F06 file and printing of the stress data in both the F06 file and the punch file. 17
BULK
3. If an element is specified in more than one ELSET = n, then the union of all O-P
commands will be performed on that element.
4. SET = 999999 is a reserved set that includes all elements.
5. A command and its options must be specified entirely on the same entry.

7. VELO and ACCE output commands are only available for transient and
8. For modal transient and modal frequency analyses with the default matrix
data recovery method, requests of velocity or acceleration output must be
accompanied by the displacement request for the same set of elements (ELSET).
THe complex output formats of displacements, velocities, and accelerations are
specified by the REAL, IMAG, or PHASE option of the DISP command.
9. The REAL or IMAG option (the default) is used to request rectangular format
(real and imaginary) of complex output. Use of either REAL or IMAG yields
the same output.
10. The PHASE option is used to request polar format (magnitude and phase) of
complex output. Phase output is in degrees.
1504 OUTRCV
Output Options for p-elements
OUTRCV Output Options for p-elements
Defines options for the output of displacements, stresses, and strains of p-elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
OUTRCV SID SETID
OPTION1 OPTION2
Example:
17 OUTRCV 150 160
BULK
O-P CID=2 VIEW=3*3*9
OUTRCV 3 5
Fields:
SID Identification number. SID is Integer > 0 Required

selectedby the OUTRCV Case
Control command.
SETID Set identification number of Integer > 0 999999

a SETCase Control command
that appears after the SETS
DEFINITION or OUTPUT(POST)
command.
OPTIONi Specifies one or more of the following See CID and

options. The following options VIEW below
maybe specified in any order
withoutregard to field boundaries.
CID Specifies the output coordinate Integer ≥ 0 CID = 0

systemfor all stresses, strains, and
displacements, except displacements
at points defined by GRID entries.
CID = 0 specifies the basic coordinate
system; and CID = id specifies a
CORDij entry. See Remark 4.
OUTRCV 1505
VIEW Specifies the intervals for Three VIEW =

displacement, stress, and strain ξ * Integers 3*3*3
η * ζ is the number of subdivisions separated by
in ξ * η * ζ of the element’s output “*”
recovery parametric system. See
Remark 5.
PROJ Specifies the orientation of Character; PROJ = X

aconvective coordinate system F,X, Y, Z, -X,
forshells. PROJ = X specifies the -Y, -Z
coordinate axis in the CID system
which is projected to define the
17
BULK
x-axis of the convective coordinate O-P
system (tangent system) for shells
and beams. Ignored for solids. A
minus sign specifies the reverse
direction. See Remarks 5, and 10
and for more details.
NORMAL Specifies the positive direction of the Character; NORMAL =

outward normal for shell elements R,E, -R, -E, R
inthe CID coordinate system. For X, Y, Z, -X, -Y,
NORMAL=R, the positive direction -Z
of the outward normal is the exiting
arrow side of a radius vector from
the origin of the CID system to the
element center. For NORMAL = E,
the positive direction of the outward
normal is the z-axis of the element
coordinate system. A minus sign
specifies the reverse direction. See
Remark 10 for more details.
THETA Angle in degrees which rotates the Real THETA = 0.

convective system defined with CID
and PROJ. THETA is measured
in the tangent plane of the shell
from the projected axis (selected
in PROJ) to the x-axis of the final
output coordinate system. For shell
elements only.
1506 OUTRCV
Remarks:
1. OUTRCV is intended for p-elements only and specifies the coordinate system
and density used for displacement, stress, strain, and force output. OUTRCV is
used only for output and has no effect on the solution.

3. Sets referenced by SETID are defined on the SET command after the SETS
DEFINITION or OUTPUT(POST) command. Any p-element not referenced by
the SET = SETID Case Control command will use the defaults listed above
for CID and VIEW.
17
BULK 4. If an element is referenced by more than one OUTRCV entry then a warning
O-P message will be issued and the last OUTRCV will be applied to the element.
5. ξ * η *j represents the ξ, η and ζ, subdivisions in the solid element’s output

recovery parametric system. Both “*” delimiters are required. η is ignored for
the CPENTA and CTETRA element and ξ is ignored for the CTETRA, CQUAD4,
and CTRIA3 element.
6. The elements referenced by the SET = SETID command are labeled

in the stress output as VUHEXA, VUPENTA, VUTETRA, VUQUAD,
VUTRIA, and VUBEAM. They may be renamed via the PARAM,VUHEXA;
PARAM,VUPENTA; PARAM,VUTETRA; PARAM,VUQUAD; PARAM,VUTRIA;
and PARAM,VUBEAM entries.
7. Only one OUTRCV Case Control command is allowed. Multiple OUTRCV Bulk
Data entries with the same SID are allowed to specify multiple element sets with
different output coordinate systems.
8. The displacement output at locations defined by the GRID Bulk Data entry are
determined by the CD value located on the GRID Bulk Data entry.
9. For p-version shell elements, the default output coordinates system is the
convective coordinate system tangent to the shell mid surface. The x-axis of the
convective system is the projected x-axis of the basic system. For p-version beam
elements, the output system is the convective coordinate system tangent to the
beam axis, oriented from grid A to grid B, as specified on the CBEAM entry.
10. The PROJ and NORMAL options for shells are described below.
PROJ Defines the orientation of the output coordinate system

for stresses, strains and forces in shell elements. The
reference system for PROJ is the CID coordinate system.
OUTRCV 1507
PROJ = F Stresses, strains and forces of shells are output in the

fixed CID. This option should be used if a postprocessor
requires the results in terms of 3D vectors or tensors. For
example, stress tensors with 6 components. The option
does not produce output in the f06 file.
PROJ = X, Y, Z The x- or y- or z-axis of the CID system is projected on to
the shell tangent plane, the projected vector defines the
x-axis of the convective coordinate system for output of
stresses, strains and forces.
NORMAL Specifies the positive normal direction of the output
coordinate system for stresses, strains, and forces in shell
elements. The reference system for NORMAL is the CID 17
coordinate system. BULK
O-P
NORMAL = R The positive direction of the normal is the exiting arrow
of the position vector from the origin of the CID system
to the element center.
NORMAL = E The positive direction of the normal is the z-axis of the
element coordinate system.
NORMAL = X The positive direction of the outward normal is the
exiting arrow of the x-axis.
NORMAL = Y, Z See above.
1508 PAABSF
Frequency-Dependent Absorbers Element Property
PAABSF Frequency-Dependent Absorbers Element Property
Defines the properties of a frequency-dependent acoustic absorber element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PAABSF PID TZREID TZIMID S A B K RHOC
Example:
17 PAABSF 44 38 47
BULK
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number that matches the identification

number of the corresponding CAABSF entry. (Integer > 0)
TZREID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines the

resistance as a function of frequency. The real part of the impedance.
See Remark 1. (Integer > 0)
TZIMID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines the reactance

as a function of frequency. The imaginary part of the impedance. See
S Impedance scale factor. (Real; Default = 1.0)
A Area factor when 1 or 2 grid points are specified on the CAABSF

entry. (Real > 0.0; Default = 1.0)
B Equivalent structural damping coefficient. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
K Equivalent structural stiffness coefficient. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
RHOC Constant used in data recovery for calculating an absorption

coefficient. RHO is the media density, and C is the speed of sound in
the media. (Real; Default = 1.0)
Remarks:
1. At least one of the four fields TZREID, TZIMID, B, or K must be specified.

PAABSF 1509
Frequency-Dependent Absorbers Element Property
2. If only one grid point is specified on the CAABSF entry, then the impedance
Z(f)=ZR + iZl is the total impedance at the point. If two grids are specified,
then the impedance is the impedance per unit length. If three or four
points are specified, then the impedance is the impedance per unit area.
ZR(f)=TZREID(f)+B and Zl(f)=TZIMID(f)−K/(2πf).
3. The resistance represents a damper quantity B. The reactance represents a

quantity of the type (ωM−K/ω). The impedance is defined as where p
is the pressure and is the velocity.
4. The impedance scale factor S is used in computing element stiffness and

damping terms as:
17
BULK
O-P
5. The output for the element is specified by the STRESS Case Control command
and consists of the resistance, reactance, and absorption coefficient. The
absorption coefficient is defined as:
1510 PACABS
Acoustic Absorber Property
PACABS Acoustic Absorber Property
Defines the properties of the acoustic absorber element.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PACABS PID SYNTH TID1 TID2 TID3 TESTAR CUTFR B
K M
Example:
17 PACABS 12 1 2 3 3.5 500.0
BULK
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number. (Integer > 0)
SYNTH Request the calculation of B, K, and M from the tables TIDi below.
(Character = “YES” or “NO”; Default = “YES”)
TID1 Identification of the TABLEDi entry that defines the resistance. See
TID2 Identification of the TABLEDi entry that defines the reactance. See
TID3 Identification of the TABLEDi entry that defines the weighting

function. See Remark 2. (Integer > 0 or blank)
TESTAR Area of the test specimen. (Real > 0.0; Default = 1 .0)
CUTFR Cutoff frequency for tables referenced above. (Real > 0.0)
B, K, M Equivalent damping, stiffness and mass values per unit area. (Real
≥ 0.0)
Remarks:
1. PACABS is referenced by a CHACAB entry only.
2. If SYNTH = “YES”, then TID1 and TID2 must be supplied (TID3 is optional) and
the equivalent structural model will be derived from tables TIDi. If TID3 is
blank, then the weighting function defaults to 1.0.
PACABS 1511
Acoustic Absorber Property
3. If SYNTH = “NO”, then the equivalent structural model will be derived from
one of B, K, or M.
5. All data defined in tables TIDi must be a function of frequency in cycles/unit time.
17
BULK
O-P
1512 PACBAR
Acoustic Barrier Property
PACBAR Acoustic Barrier Property
Defines the properties of the acoustic barrier element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PACBAR PID MBACK MSEPTM FRESON KRESON
Example:
PACBAR
17 12 1.0 0.01 400.0
BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
MBACK Mass per unit area of the backing material. (Real > 0.0)
MSEPTM Mass per unit area of the septum material. (Real > 0.0)
FRESON Resonant frequency of the sandwich construction in hertz. (Real

> 0.0 or blank)
KRESON Resonant stiffness of the sandwich construction. (Real > 0.0 or blank)
Remarks:
1. PACBAR is referenced by a CHACBR entry only.
2. Either FRESON or KRESON must be specified, but not both.

PAERO1 1513
Aerodynamic Panel Property
PAERO1 Aerodynamic Panel Property
Defines associated bodies for the panels in the Doublet-Lattice method.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PAERO1 PID B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6
Example:
PAERO1 1 3
17
BULK
Fields: O-P
Field Contents
PID Property identification number referenced by a CAERO1 entry.

(Integer > 0)
Bi Identification number of CAERO2 entries for associated bodies.

Remarks:
1. The associated bodies must be in the same aerodynamic group, as specified

in the IGID field on CAERO2 entry.
2. If there are no bodies, the entry is still required (with Bi fields blank).
3. The Bi numbers above must appear on a CAERO2 entry to define these bodies
completely.
1514 PAERO2
Aerodynamic Body Properties
PAERO2 Aerodynamic Body Properties
Defines the cross-sectional properties of aerodynamic bodies.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PAERO2 PID ORIENT WIDTH AR LRSB LRIB LTH1 LTH2
THI1 THN1 THI2 THN2 THI3 THN3
Example:
17 PAERO2 2 Z 6.0 1.0 22 91 100
BULK
1 3
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
ORIENT Orientation flag. Type of motion allowed for bodies. Refers to

the aerodynamic coordinate system of ACSID. See AERO entry.
(Character = “Z”, “Y”, or “ZY”)
WIDTH Reference half-width of body and the width of the constant width
interference tube. (Real > 0.0)
AR Aspect ratio of the interference tube (height/width). (Real > 0.0)
LRSB Identification number of an AEFACT entry containing a list of

slender body half-widths at the end points of the slender body
elements. If blank, the value of WIDTH will be used. (Integer
> 0 or blank)
LRIB Identification number of an AEFACT entry containing a list of

slender body half-widths at the end points of the interference
elements. If blank, the value of WIDTH will be used. (Integer
> 0 or blank)
LTH1, LTH2 Identification number of AEFACT entries for defining θ arrays for
interference calculations. (Integer ≥ 0)
THIi, THNi The first and last interference element of a body to use the θ1
array; the others use the θ2 array. (Integer ≥ 0)
PAERO2 1515
Remarks:
1. The half-widths (given on AEFACT entries referenced in fields 6 and 7) are

specified at division points. The number of entries on an AEFACT entry used to
specify half-widths must be one greater than the number of elements.
2. The half-width at the first point (i.e., the nose) on a slender body is usually
0.0; thus, it is recommended (but not required) that the LRSB data is supplied
with a zero first value.
3. THIi and THNi are interference element numbers on a body. The first element is
one for each body.
4. A body is represented by a slender body surrounded by an interference tube. The 17

slender body creates the downwash due to the motion of the body, while the BULK
interference tube represents the effects upon panels and other bodies. O-P
Figure 17-1. Idealization of Aerodynamic Body
5. The angles θ1 and θ2 are input in degrees using the aerodynamic element
coordinate system as the reference coordinate system for defining the theta
points.
6. Distribution of the theta points need not be uniform. A theta point must be
placed a finite distance from any aerodynamic box edge; preferably the box edge
1516 PAERO2
would be equidistant from any two theta points. This aerodynamic coordinate
system is defined on the AERO Bulk Data entry.
7. For half models, the theta arrays LTH1 and LTH2 should encompass a full 360
degree range.
17
BULK
O-P
PAERO3 1517
Defines the number of Mach boxes in the flow direction and the location of cranks
and control surfaces of a Mach box lifting surface.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PAERO3 PID NBOX NCTRL X5 Y5 X6 Y6
X7 Y7 X8 Y8 X9 Y9 X10 Y10
X11 Y11 X12 Y12
17
Example: BULK
O-P
PAERO3 2001 15 1 0. 65.
78. 65. 108. 65. 82. 97.5 112. 97.5
86. 130. 116. 130.
Fields:
Field Contents
NBOX Number of Mach boxes in the flow direction. (0 < Integer < 50)
NCTRL Number of control surfaces. (Integer 0, 1, or 2)
X5 through Y12 Locations of points 5 through 12, which are in the aerodynamic
coordinate system, to define the cranks and control surface
geometry. (Real)
Remarks:
1. For an illustration of the geometry, see the CAERO3 entry description.
2. If Y5 ≤ 0.0, there is no leading edge crank. Also, if Y6 ≤ 0.0, there is no trailing

edge crank.
3. If NCTRL = 0, no continuations are required. If NCTRL = 1 or 2, then NCTRL

continuations are required.
4. Y7 ≥ Y8, Y9 ≥ Y10, and Y11 ≥ Y12.

1518 PAERO3
5. The number of Mach boxes in the spanwise direction (NSB) may be found from
the following formula:
where
β
17 =
BULK
O-P xmax = maximum chordwise direction
ymax = maximum spanwise direction
NBOX = initial number of boxes specified in field 3
The number of Mach boxes in the streamwise direction may then be computed
from:
The number of chordwise boxes specified by the user (NBOX ≥ 50) will be replaced
by a floating point number (usually slightly higher than NBOX). The method
contracts the mesh equally in both dimensions until a box edge lies on the surface
tip. This mesh size is then used to compute the number of chordwise boxes.
A minimum of seven Mach boxes in the flow direction (NBOX) is

recommended.
PAERO4 1519
Aerodynamic Strip Properties
PAERO4 Aerodynamic Strip Properties
Defines properties of each strip element for Strip theory.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PAERO4 PID CLA LCLA CIRC LCIRC DOC1 CAOC1 GAPOC1
DOC2 CAOC2 GAPOC2 DOC3 CAOC3 GAPOC3 -etc.-
Example:
PAERO4 6001 1 501 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0
17
BULK
0.50 0.25 0.02 0.53 0.24 0.0 O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
CLA Select Prandtl-Glauert correction. (Integer = -1, 0, 1; Default = 0)
-1 Compressibility correction made to lift curve slope data for

a reference Mach number.
0 No correction and no list needed. (Default)
+1 No correction and lift curve slope provided by a list as a

function of strip location and Mach number.
LCLA Identification number of the AEFACT entry that lists the lift curve
slope on all strips for each Mach number on the MKAEROi entry. See
Remark 7(b.) below. (Integer = 0 if CLA = 0, > 0 if CLA ≠ 0)
CIRC Select Theodorsen’s function C(k) or the number of exponential

coefficients used to approximate C(k). (Integer = 0, 1, 2, 3; Default =
0. Must be zero if CLA ≠ 0.)
0 Theodorsen function.
1, 2, 3 Approximate function with b0, b1, β1, ..., bn, βn n = 1, 2, 3.

1520 PAERO4
Field Contents
LCIRC Identification number of the AEFACT entry that lists the b, β values
for each Mach number. See Remark 7c., 7d., and 7e. below; variable
b’s and β’s for each mi on the MKAEROi entry. (Integer = 0 if CIRC =
0, > 0 if CIRC ≠ 0)
DOCi d/c = distance of the control surface hinge aft of the quarter-chord
divided by the strip chord (Real ≥ 0.0)
CAOCi ca/c = control surface chord divided by the strip chord. (Real ≥ 0.0)
GAPOCi g/c = control surface gap divided by the strip chord. (Real ≥ 0.0)
17
BULK
O-P Remarks:
1. PAERO4 is required for Strip theory with three fields (DOCi, CAOCi, GAPOCi)
specified per strip.
2. If CLA = -1, lift curve slope data at one Mach number are needed on the AEFACT
entry.
3. If CAOCi = 0.0, there is no control surface.
4. If GAPOCi = 0.0, there is no slot flow.
5. If GAPOCi < 0.01, then 0.01 is used.
6. Embedded blank fields are not permitted.
7. The following table lists the lift curve slope or lag function selection and the
AEFACT entry formats used for Strip theory:
Table 17-1. Strip Theory Function Selections and AERACT Entry Formats
Parameter Combinations Entry

Theodorsen Number of
Data Type Input Format
Function Words
CLA LCLA CIRC LCIRC Index
Lift Curve Slope

Exact 0 0 0 0 No AEFACT entry required
= 2π
PAERO4 1521
Table 17-1. Strip Theory Function Selections and AERACT Entry Formats

Theodorsen Number of
Data Type Input Format
Function Words
CLA LCLA CIRC LCIRC Index
-1 ID 0 0 (NSTRIP+1) a.
Input, Uses
Prandtl-Glauert Correction
Input, for All m’s on

1 ID 0 0
(NSTRIP+1)*
NMACH
b. 17
BULK
MKAERO Entry
O-P
Approximate
b0i, b1i, β1i, etc. 0 0 1 ID 4*NMACH c.
Coefficients
0 0 2 ID 6*NMACH d.
0 0 3 ID 8*NMACH e.
Entry Format:
a.
b.
, for all m on MKAEROi

data entry
c. AEFACT, ID, m1, b01, b11, β11, m2, b02, b12, P12, m3, etc.
d. AEFACT, ID, m1, b01, b11, β11, b21, β21, m2, etc.
e. AEFACT, ID, m1, b01, b11, β11, b21, β21, b31, β31, m2, etc.
8. A control surface rotation is positive when the trailing edge moves in the
negative z-direction of the aerodynamic element coordinate system; see the NX
Nastran Aeroelastic Analysis User’s Guide.
1522 PAERO5
Defines properties of each strip element for Piston theory.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PAERO5 PID NALPHA LALPHA NXIS LXIS NTAUS LTAUS
CAOC1 CAOC2 CAOC3 CAOC4 CAOC5
Example:
17 PAERO5 7001 1 702 1 701 1 700
BULK
O-P 0.0 0.0 5.25 3.99375 0.0
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number. (Unique Integer > 0)
NALPHA Number of angle of attack (α) values to be input for each Mach number
(mi) on the MKAERO1 or MKAERO2 entry. (Integer > 0)
NALPHA Meaning
α is the same value for all strips; enter one value, in units
1
of degrees, on the AEFACT entry for each Mach number.
α is different for each strip; enter α’s, in units of degrees,
Number of Strips
in the following order: m1, α1, α2, ..., m2, α1, α2, ..., etc.
LALPHA ID number of the AEFACT entry that lists the α’s for the strips at
each Mach number in the MKAERO1 or MKAERO2 entry. (Integer
> 0)
NXIS Number of dimensionless chord coordinates ξ to be input. (Integer ≥

0, Default = 0)
NXIS Meaning
0 No ξ’s are required. (Default)
PAERO5 1523
NXIS Meaning
ξ’s are the same for all strips; enter values for one strip
1 on the AEFACT entry (ξh if NTHICK > 0, or ξm and ξh
if NTHICK = 0)
ξ’s have to be input for each strip (ξh1, ξh2, ..., ξhNSPAN, if
Number of Strips NTHICK> 0, or ξm1, ξh1, ξm2, ξh2, ..., ξmNSPAN, ξhNSPAN,
βhNSPAN if NTHICK = 0)
LXIS Identification number of AEFACT entry that lists the ξ values

for the strip in order indicated by values of NXIS and NTHICK.
(Integer = 0 if ca = 0 and NTHICK > 0 or LXIS > 0 if ca = 0 and/or 17
NTHICK = 0) BULK
O-P
NTAUS Parameter used to select the number of thickness ratio (τ) values to
be input. (Integer ≥ 0, Default = 0)
NTAUS Meaning
0 No τ’s are required. (Default)
τ’s are the same for all strips; enter (τ1, τh1, τt1) values
1
for one strip on AEFACT entry.
τ’s must to be input for each strip on an AEFACT

Number of Strips entry in the following order:
(τ1, τh1, τt1, τ2, τh2, τt2, ..., τNSPAN, τhNSPAN, τtNSPAN)
LTAUS Identification number of AEFACT entry that lists the τ values for the
strips. (Integer = 0 or blank if NTAUS = 0, LTAUS > 0 if NTAUS > 0)
CAOCi ca/c = control surface chord divided by the strip chord. (Real ≥ 0.0)
Remarks:
1. The continuation entry is required for Piston theory with one entry (CAOCi)
per strip.
2. Embedded blank fields are not allowed on the continuation entry.
3. If CAOCi = 0.0, there is no control surface.

1524 PAERO5
4. Table 17-2 lists the thickness data input and AEFACT entry format used for
Piston theory.
Table 17-2. Thickness Data Input and AEFACT Entry Format for Piston Theory

Number of
Type of Input Format
CAOC NGHICK NXIS LXIS NTAUS LTAUS Words
Index
No control
surfaces,
Integrals input 0.0 ID(a) 0 0 0 0 6 a.
are same for all
17 strips
BULK
With control
O-P surfaces,
Integrals input, ≠ 0.0 ID(b) 1 ID(c) 0 0 121 b.c.
same hinge on all
strips
With control
surfaces,
≠ 0.0 ID(b) NSTRIP ID(d) 0 0 12NSTRIP b.d.
Integrals input,
variable hinge
No control
surfaces,
thickness inputs 0.0 0 1 ID(f) 1 ID(e) 32 e.f.
are same for all
strips
With control
surfaces,
thickness inputs ≠ 0.0 0 1 ID(f) 1 ID(e) 32 e.f.
are same for all
strips
With control
surfaces, 3*NSTRIP
≠ 0.0 0 NSTRIP ID(h) NSTRIP ID(g) g.h.
thickness inputs 2*NSTRIP
vary for strips
Entry Format
a. AEFACT, ID, I1, I2, I3, I4, I5, I6
b. AEFACT, ID, I1, ..., I6, J1, ..., J6I1, I2, I3, I4, I5, I6
c. AEFACT, ID, ξh
PAERO5 1525
d. AEFACT, ID, ξh1, ξh2, ξh3, ..., ξhNSTRIP
e. AEFACT, ID, τm, τh, τt
f. AEFACT, ID, ξm, ξh
g. AEFACT, ID, τm1, τh1, τt1, τm2, τh2, τt2, ..., τmNSTRIP, τhNSTRIP, τtNSTRIP
τm1, τh1, τt1, τm2, τh2, τt2, ..., τmNSTRIP, τhNSTRIP, τtNSTRIP
h. AEFACT, ID, ξm1, ξh1, ξm2, ξh2, ..., ξmNSTRIP, ξhNSTRIP
5. The following table lists the angle-of-attack distribution and AEFACT entry
formats used for Piston theory.
17
BULK
O-P
Parameter Entry
Type of Combinations Number of Words Format
Distribution
NALPHA LALPHA Index
Equal angle of 2*NMACH

1 ID a.
attack on all strips
Unequal angle of (1 + NSTRIP) *
NSTRIP ID b.
attack NMACH
Entry Format
a. AEFACT, ID, m1, α1, m2, α2, ...,
b. AEFACT, ID, m1, α11, α21, α31, ..., αNSTRIP1, m2, α12, α22, ..., αNSTRIP2, m2,
etc., for all m on MKAEROi entry.
c. A control surface rotation is positive when the trailing edge moves in the
negative z-direction of the aerodynamic element coordinate system; see the
NX Nastran Aeroelastic Analysis User’s Guide.
1526 PANEL
Panel Definition for Coupled Fluid-Structural Analysis
PANEL Panel Definition for Coupled Fluid-Structural Analysis
Selects the set of structural grid points that define one or more panels.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PANEL NAME1 SETID1 NAME2 SETID2 NAME3 SETID3 NAME4 SETID4
Example:
PANEL
17 BKDOOR 103
BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
NAMEi Panel label. (Character)
SETIDi Identification number of a SET1 entry that lists the grid points of
the panel. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. The referenced SET1 entry must list only structural grid points.
2. The referenced SET1 entry must list at least four points for quadrilateral faces
and three points for triangular faces.
3. If a given element is assigned to a panel, it is recommended that all of its

connection points belong to the same panel.
4. NAMEi is used only for labeling the output of the panel modal participation
factors. See “Performing a Coupled Fluid-Structural Analysis” in the NX
PARAM 1527
Parameter
PARAM Parameter
Specifies values for parameters used in solution sequences or user-written DMAP

programs.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PARAM N V1 V2
Example:
PARAM IRES 1
17
BULK
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
N Parameter name (one to eight alphanumeric characters, the first of
which is alphabetic).
V1, V2 Parameter value based on parameter type, as follows:
Type V1 V2
Integer Integer Blank
Real, single-precision Real Blank
Character Character Blank
Real, double-precision Double-precision real Blank
Complex, single-precision Real or blank Real or blank
Complex, double-precision Double-precision real Double-precision real
Remarks:
1. See “Parameters” for a list of parameters used in solution sequences that may
be set by the user on PARAM entries.
2. If the large field entry format is used, the second physical entry must be present,
even though fields 6 through 9 are blank.
1528 PBAR
Simple Beam Property
PBAR Simple Beam Property
Defines the properties of a simple beam element (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
17 Example:
BULK PBAR 39 6 2.9 5.97
O-P
2.0 4.0
Fields:
Field Contents
MID Material identification number. See Remarks 2 and 3. (Integer > 0)
A Area of bar cross section. (Real; Default = 0.0)
I1, I2, I12 Area moments of inertia. See Figure 17-2. (Real; I1 ≥ 0.0, I2 ≥
0.0, I1*I2 ≥ 1122; Default = 0.0)
J Torsional constant. See Figure 17-2. (Real; Default = 0.0)
Ci, Di, Ei, Fi Stress recovery coefficients. (Real; Default = 0.0)
K1, K2 Area factor for shear. See Remark 5. (Real or blank)
Remarks:
1. Both continuation entries may be omitted.
3. For heat transfer problems, MID must reference a MAT4 or MAT5 material
entry.
PBAR 1529
4. See the CBAR entry description for a discussion of bar element geometry.
5. The transverse shear stiffnesses per unit length in planes 1 and 2 are K1*A*G
and K2*A*G, respectively, where G is the shear modulus. 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. K1 and K2 must be
blank if A = 0.0.
6. The stress recovery coefficients C1 and 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.
7. For response spectra analysis on stress recovery coefficients, the CBEAM

element entry should be used because bar element results will be inaccurate.
17
BULK
O-P
8. Figure 17-2 describes the PBAR element coordinate system.
Note:
I1 = Izzelem
I2 = Iyyelem
I12 = Izyelem
J = Ixxelem
Figure 17-2. PBAR Element Coordinate System
9. By definition, the shear center and neutral axes coincide.

1530 PBAR
1. NSM, C1, C2, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1, F2, and I12 are ignored.
2. PBAR cannot be used for elasto-plastic beam elements. For elasto-plastic beam
elements, PBARL with circular (TYPE = ”ROD” or “TUBE”) or rectangular
(TYPE=”BAR”) cross sections must be used.
17
BULK
O-P
PBARL 1531
Simple Beam Cross-Section Property
PBARL Simple Beam Cross-Section Property
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 GROUP TYPE
DIM1 DIM2 DIM3 DIM4 DIM5 DIM6 DIM7 DIM8
DIM9 -etc.- NSM
17
Example: BULK
O-P
PBARL 39 6 I
14. 6. .5 .5 .5
Fields:
Field Contents
GROUP Cross-section group. See Remarks 6 and 8. (Character; Default =

“MSCBML0”)
TYPE Cross-section type. See Remarks 6 and 8 and Figure 17-3.

(Character: “ROD”, “TUBE”, “I”, “CHAN”, “T”, “BOX”, “BAR”,
“CROSS”, “H”, “T1”, “I1”, “CHAN1”, “Z”, “CHAN2”, “T2”, “BOX1”,
“HEXA”, “HAT”, “HAT1” for GROUP = “MSCBML0”)
DIMi Cross-sectional dimensions. (Real > 0.0 for GROUP = “MSCBMLO”)
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit length. NSM is specified after the last
DIMi. (Real ≥ 0; Default = 0.0)
Remarks:
1. For structural problems, PBARL entries must reference a MAT1 material entry.
2. PID must be unique with respect to all other PBAR and PBARL property
1532 PBARL
3. See CBAR entry for a discussion of bar element geometry.
4. For heat-transfer problems, the MID must reference a MAT4 or MAT5 material
entry.
5. For response spectra analysis on stress recovery coefficients, the CBEAM element
should be used because results for the CBAR element will not be accurate.
6. The GROUP is associated with an FMS CONNECT statement that specifies the
evaluator. A reserved GROUP name is “MSCBML0”. Users may create their
own cross-section types. Each of the types will require one or more subroutines
to convert DIMi information to geometric property information contained on a
17 PBAR entry and optimization information.
BULK
O-P 7. A function of this entry is to derive an equivalent PBAR entry. Any sorted echo
request will also cause printout and/or punch of the derived PBAR.
8. For GROUP = “MSCBML0”, 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 17-3. The origin of element coordinate system is
centered at the shear center of the cross-section oriented as shown. The PBARL
does not account for offsets between the neutral axis and the shear center.
Therefore, the CHAN, CHAN1 and CHAN2 cross-sections may produce incorrect
results. The PBEAML is recommended.
1. GROUP and NSM are ignored.
2. TYPE= “Z”, “BOX1”, “CROSS”, “HEXA”, “HAT”, and “HAT1” are not supported.
3. No shear stiffness correction is used.
4. For elasto-plastic beam elements, circular (TYPE = “ROD” or “TUBE”) or

rectangular (TYPE= “BAR”) cross sections must be used.
PBARL 1533
17
BULK
O-P
1534 PBARL
17
BULK
O-P
PBARL 1535
17
BULK
O-P
1536 PBARL
17
BULK
O-P
Figure 17-3. Definition of Cross-Section Geometry and Stress Recovery

Points for GROUP = “MSCBML0”
PBCOMP 1537
Beam Property (Alternate Form of PBEAM)
PBCOMP Beam Property (Alternate Form of PBEAM)
Alternate form of the PBEAM entry to define properties of a uniform cross-sectional

beam referenced by a CBEAM entry. This entry is also used to specify lumped areas
of the beam cross section for nonlinear analysis and/or composite analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PBCOMP PID MID A I1 I2 I12 J NSM
K1 K2 M1 M2 N1 N2 SYMOPT
Y1 Z1 C1 MID1
17
Y2 Z2 C2 MID2 BULK
-etc.- O-P
Example:
PBCOMP 39 6 2.9
1
-0.5 1.2 0.1 18
0.2 0.9 0.15
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number. See Remark 1. (Integer > 0)
A Area of beam cross section. (Real > 0.0)
I1 Area moment of inertia in plane 1 about the neutral axis. See

Remark 6. (Real > 0.0)
I2 Area moment of inertia in plane 2 about the neutral axis. See

I12 Area product of inertia. See Remark 6. (Real; Default = 0.0, but
I1 · I2 − (I12)2> 0.0)
J Torsional stiffness parameter. See Remark 6. (Real > 0.0; Default =

0.0)
1538 PBCOMP
Field Contents
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit length. (Real > 0.0; Default = 0.0)
K1, K2 Shear stiffness factor K in K*A*G for plane 1 and plane 2. See
Remark 4. (Real > 0.0; Default = 1.0)
M1, M2 The (y,z) coordinates of center of gravity of nonstructural mass. See

the figure in the CBEAM entry description. (Real; Default = 0.0)
N1, N2 The (y,z) coordinates of neutral axis. See the figure in the CBEAM
entry description. (Real; Default = 0.0)
17 SYMOPT Symmetry option to input lumped areas for the beam cross section.
BULK See Figure 17-5 and Remark 7. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 5; Default = 0)
O-P
Yi, Zi The (y,z) coordinates of the lumped areas in the element coordinate
system. See Remark 1. (Real)
Ci Fraction of the total area for the i-th lumped area. (Real > 0.0;
Default = 0.0)
MIDi Material identification number for the i-th integration point. See
Remarks:
1. The PID number must be unique with respect to other PBCOMP entries as well
as PBEAM entries. The second continuation entry may be repeated 18 more
times. If SECTION = 5 a maximum of 21 continuation entries is allowed; i.e.,
a maximum of 20 lumped areas may be input. If SECTION = 1 through 4, the
total number of areas input plus the total number generated by symmetry must
not exceed 20. If these are not specified, the program defaults, as usual, to the
elliptically distributed eight nonlinear rods. See Figure 17-4.
PBCOMP 1539
17
BULK
O-P
Figure 17-4. PBCOMP Entry SYMOPT Type Examples with 8 Lumped Areas
Figure Example Notes:

Integration points (lumped area) are numbered 1 through 8.
User-specified points are denoted by ● and the program default point is denoted
by .
1540 PBCOMP
2. For structural problems, MID and MIDi must reference a MAT1 material entry.
For material nonlinear analysis, the material should be perfectly plastic since
the plastic hinge formulation is not valid for strain hardening. For heat transfer
problems, MID and MIDi must reference a MAT4 or MAT5 material entry.
3. For the case where the user specifies I1, I2 and I12 on the parent entry, the
stress-output location may also be specified on continuation entries. The (y,z)
coordinates specified on these entries will serve as stress output locations with
the corresponding Ci’s set to 0. Stress output is provided at the first four lumped
area locations only. If one of the symmetry options is used and fewer than four
lumped areas are input explicitly, the sequence of output locations in the imaged
quadrants is shown in Figure 17-4. For one specific example in the model shown
17 in Remark 7 (Figure 17-5), output can be obtained at points 1 and 2 and in the
BULK image points 3 and 4.
O-P
4. Blank fields for K1 and K2 are defaulted to 1.0. If a value of 0.0 is used for K1
and K2, the transverse shear stiffness becomes rigid and the transverse shear
flexibilities are set to 0.0.
5. The values E0 and G0 are computed based on the value of MID on the parent
entry. MID is will follow the same symmetry rules as Ci depending on the value
of SECTION. If the MIDi field on a continuation entry is blank, the value will
be that of MID on the parent entry. MIDi values may be input on continuations
without the corresponding Yi, Zi, and Ci values to allow different stress-strain
laws.
6. If the lumped cross-sectional areas are specified, fields I1, I2, and I12 will be
ignored. These and other modified values will be calculated based on the input
data (Yi, Zi, Ci, MIDi) as follows:
PBCOMP 1541
17
BULK
O-P
where n is the number of lumped cross-sectional areas specified.
7. As can be seen from Figure 17-4, if the user chooses to leave the SECTION field
blank, the program defaults to the elliptically distributed eight nonlinear rods,
similar to the PBEAM entry. For this particular case it is illegal to supply Ci
and MIDi values. For a doubly symmetric section (SECTION = 1), if the lumped
areas are specified on either axis, the symmetry option will double the areas.
For example, for the section shown in Figure 17-5, points 2 and 4 are coincident
1542 PBCOMP
and so are points 6 and 8. In such cases, it is recommended that users input the
value of area as half of the actual value at point 2 to obtain the desired effect.
17
BULK
O-P
Figure 17-5. Doubly Symmetric PBCOMP Section
8. For SECTION = 5, at least one Yi and one Zi must be nonzero.
1. Only MID, A, I1, I2, J, K1, and K2 are used to define the properties of a simple
beam. All other fields are ignored.
2. The neutral axis and shear center are assumed to be coincident with the element
x-axis.
3. The behavior of a CBEAM element is the same as a CBAR element in SOLs

601 and 701.
PBEAM 1543
Beam Property
PBEAM Beam Property
Defines the properties of a beam element (CBEAM entry). This element may be
used to model tapered beams.
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.
17
BULK
SO X/XB A I1 I2 I12 J NSM
O-P
C1 C2 D1 D2 E1 E2 F1 F2
The last two continuations are:
K1 K2 S1 S2 NSI(A) NSI(B) CW(A) CW(B)

M1(A) M2(A) M1(B) M2(B) N1(A) N2(A) N1(B) N2(B)
Example: Tapered beam with A=2.9 at end A and A=5.3 at end B.

PBEAM 39 6 2.9 3.5 5.97
2.0 -4.0
YES 1.0 5.3 56.2 78.6
2.5 -5.0
1.1 2.1 0.21
0.5 0.0
Fields:
PID Property identification number. (Integer > 0) Required
MID Material identification number. See Required

Remarks 1 and 2. (Integer > 0)
A(A) Area of the beam cross section at end A. Required

(Real > 0.0)
1544 PBEAM
Beam Property
I1(A) Area moment of inertia at end A for Required

bendingin plane 1 about the neutral axis.
See Remark 10. (Real > 0.0)
I2(A) Area moment of inertia at end A for bending Required

in plane 2 about the neutral axis. See
I12(A) Cross product of inertia at end A. See 0.0

Remark 10. (Real ≥ 0.0)
17 J(A) Torsional stiffness parameter at end A. See 0.0
BULK Remark 10. (Real ≥ 0.0 but > 0.0 if warping
O-P is present)
NSM(A) Nonstructural mass per unit length at end 0.0

A. (Real)
Ci(A), Di(A) The y and z locations (i = 1 corresponds y = z = 0.0

to yand i = 2 corresponds to z) in element
Ei(A), Fi(A) coordinates relative to the shear center (see
the diagram following the remarks) at end A
for stress data recovery. (Real)
SO Stress output request option. See Remark 9. Required*

(Character)
“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 Required* See

elementcoordinate system divided by Remark 5.
the lengthof the element See Figure 17-6 in
A, I1, I2, I12, Area, moments of inertia, torsional stiffness See Remark 1.
parameter, and nonstructural mass for the
J, NSM cross section located at x. (Real; J > 0.0 if
warping is present.)
PBEAM 1545
Beam Property
Ci, Di, Ei, Fi The y and z locations (i = 1 corresponds to

y and i = 2 corresponds to z) in element
coordinates relative to the shear center (see
Figure 17-6 in Remark 10) for the cross
section located at X/XB. The values are fiber
locations for stress data recovery. Ignored
for beam p-elements. (Real)
K1, K2 Shear stiffness factor K in K*A*G for plane 1.0, 1.0

1and plane 2. See Remark 12. (Real)
S1, S2 Shear relief coefficient due to taper for 0.0, 0.0 17

BULK
plane1 and plane 2. Ignored for beam
O-P
p-elements. (Real)
NSI(A), Nonstructural mass moment of inertia 0.0, same as end

NSI(B) perunit length about nonstructural mass A
center of gravity at end A and end B. See
Figure 17-6. (Real)
CW(A), Warping coefficient for end A and end B. 0.0, same as end
CW(B) Ignored for beam p-elements. See Remark A
11. (Real)
M1(A), (y,z) coordinates of center of gravity of 0.0 (no offset from

M2(A), nonstructural mass for end A and end B. See shear center),
M1(B), M2(B) Figure 17-6. (Real) same values as
end A
N1(A), (y,z) coordinates of neutral axis for end Aand 0.0 (no offset from
N2(A),N1(B), end B. See Figure 17-6. (Real) shear center),
N2(B) same values as
end A
Remarks:
1. For structural analysis, MID must reference a MAT1 material entry. For material
nonlinear analysis, MID may also reference a MATS1 entry, but the material
properties must be defined as elastic-perfectly plastic; for example, H = 0.0 on
the MATS1 entry. Also, only one-eighth of the length at each end of the element
abides by material nonlinear law; i.e., the element is modeled as a plastic hinge.
Any other type of material property specification may yield inaccurate results.
2. For heat transfer analysis, MID must reference a MAT4 or MAT5 material entry.
1546 PBEAM
Beam Property
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.
5. The rules for the continuations entries are:
• 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
17 beam elements. The order of these continuation pairs is independent of the
X/XB value; however, one value of X/XB must be 1.0, corresponding to end
BULK
B. The intermediate stress output requests will be ignored in the nonlinear
O-P
solution sequences (SOLs 106 and 129).
• 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.
• if X/XB is not specified, then output for end A only will be generated.
6. 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.
7. If SO is “YES”, blank fields are defaulted to 0.0.
8. Blank fields for K1, K2 are defaulted to 1.0. If a value of 0.0 is used for K1 and
K2, the transverse shear flexibilities are set to 0.0 and field G on the MAT1
entry selected by MID must be nonzero.
9. If end B forces are desired, put “YESA” in the SO field even when no end A
stress points are input.
10. Figure 17-6 describes the PBEAM element coordinate system.

PBEAM 1547
Beam Property
17
BULK
O-P
Figure 17-6. PBEAM Element Coordinate System
11. The warping coefficient CW is represented in the following differential equation

for the torsion of a beam about the axis of the shear centers:
where
G = shear modulus
J = torsional stiffness
E = Young’s modulus
θ = angle of rotation at any cross-section
m = applied torsional moment per unit length
1548 PBEAM
Beam Property
Note: CW has units of (length)6.
12. The shear stiffness factors K1 andK2 adjust the effective transverse shear
cross-section area according to the Timoshenko beam theory. Their default
values of 1.0 approximate the effects of shear deformation. To neglect shear
deformation (i.e., to obtain the Bernoulli-Euler beam theory), the values of K1
andK2 should be set to 0.0.
1. Tapered beams are not supported. Hence, only the properties at end A are used
and a constant cross section is assumed, i.e., only A(A), I1(A), I2(A), J(A), K1,
17 and K2 are used for the properties of the beam element.
BULK
O-P 2. I12(A), NSM(A), S1, S2, and all fields for intermediate stations and end B are
ignored.
x-axis.

601 and 701.
PBEAML 1549
Beam Cross-Section Property
PBEAML Beam Cross-Section Property
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 GROUP TYPE
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) 17
NSM(B)
BULK
O-P
Example:
PBEAML 99 21 T
12. 14.8 2.5 2.6 NO 0.4 6.
7. 1.2 2.6 YES 0.6 6. 7.8
5.6 2.3 YES
Fields:
Field Contents
GROUP Cross-section group. (Character; Default = “MSCBML0”)
TYPE Cross-section shape. See Remark 4. (Character: “ROD”, “TUBE”,

“L”, “I”, “CHAN”, “T”, “BOX”, “BAR”, “CROSS”, “H”, “T1”, “I1”,
“CHAN1”, “Z”, “CHAN2”, “T2”, “BOX1”, “HEXA”, “HAT”, “HAT1”
for GROUP = “MSCBML0”)
DIMi(A), Cross-section dimensions at end A and B. (Real > 0.0 for GROUP =
DIMi(B) “MSCBML0”)
NSM(A),
Nonstructural mass per unit length. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
NSM(B)
1550 PBEAML
Field Contents
SO(j),SO(B) Stress output request option for intermediate station j and end
B. (Character; Default = “YES”)
YES: Stresses recovered at all points on next continuation and

shown in Figure 17-7 as C, D, E, and F.
NO: No stresses or forces are recovered.
X(j)/XB Distance from end A to intermediate station j in the element

coordinate system divided by the length of the element. (Real >
0.0; Default = 1.0)
17
BULK NSM(j) Nonstructural mass per unit length at intermediate station j. (Real
O-P ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
DIMi(j) Cross-section dimensions at intermediate station j. (Real > 0.0 for

GROUP = “MSCBML0”)
Remarks:
1. For structural problems, PBEAML entries must reference a MAT1 material

entry.
2. PID must be unique with respect to all other PBEAM and PBEAML property
3. For heat-transfer problems, the MID must reference a MAT4 or MAT5 material
entry.
4. See the PBEAM entry description for a discussion of beam-element geometry.
5. 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. For the continuation entries
that have values of X(j)/XB between 0.0 and 1.0 and use the default option (blank
field), a linear interpolation between the values at ends A and B is performed to
obtain the missing field.
6. The GROUP is associated with a FMS CONNECT statement, which specifies

the evaluator. A reserved GROUP name is “MSCBML0”. Users may create their
own cross-section types. Each of the types will require a one or more subroutines
to convert DIMi information to geometric property information contained on
a PBEAM entry.
PBEAML 1551
7. For GROUP = “MSCBML0”, the cross-sectional properties, shear flexibility

factors and stress recovery points are computed using the TYPE and DIMi as
shown in Figure 17-7. The element coordinate system is located at the shear
center.
8. A function of this entry is to derive an equivalent PBEAM entry. Any sorted

echo request will also cause printout and/or punch of the derived PBEAM. The
equivalent PBEAM does not include warping coefficients.
9. The cross-section dimensions, DIMi, cannot be used directly as design variables

in SOL 200. DEQATN entries may be used to indirectly specify cross-section
dimensions as design variables.
17
10. The generated PBEAM entries will not contain warping coefficients. BULK
O-P
11. Beams can have no more than 14 dimensions per station. The total number of
dimensions at all stations must be less than 200. The transfer of data with the
beam server is limited to 4000 words.
None of these limits are exceeded with the NX Nastran beam library, but a user
defined beam library could.
There is a further limit that the NSM values input on the PBARL and PBEAML
must be ≥ 0. No other property types have this limit.
1. Tapered beams are not supported. Hence, only the dimensions at end A are
used and a constant cross section is assumed, i.e., only DIM1(A), DIM2(A), to
DIMn(A) are used for the properties of the beam element.
2. GROUP, NSM(A), and all fields for intermediate stations and end B are ignored.
3. TYPE = “L”, “Z”, “BOX1”, “CROSS”, “HEXA”, “HAT”, and “HAT1” are not
supported.
4. No shear stiffness correction is used.
x-axis.

601 and 701.
7. Offsets defined between the neutral axis and the shear center are ignored.
1552 PBEAML
17
BULK
O-P
PBEAML 1553
17
BULK
O-P
1554 PBEAML
17
BULK
O-P
PBEAML 1555
17
BULK
O-P
Figure 17-7. Definition of Cross-Section Geometry and Stress Recovery Points for
GROUP = “MSCBML0”
1556 PBEND
Curved Beam or Pipe Element Property
PBEND Curved Beam or Pipe Element Property
Defines the properties of a curved beam, curved pipe, or elbow element (CBEND
entry).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PBEND PID MID A I1 I2 J RB THETAB
C1 C2 DI D2 E1 E2 F1 F2
K1 K2 NSM RC ZC DELTAN
17
BULK Example:
O-P
PBEND 39 1 0.8 0.07 0.04 0.04 10.
0.5 0.4 -0.5 0.4
0.6 0.6 0.1
Alternate Format and Example for Elbows and Curved Pipes:

PBEND PID MID FSI RM T P RB THETAB
SACL ALPHA NSM RC ZC FLANGE
KX KY KZ SY SZ
PBEND 39 1 1 0.5 0.02 10. 10.

0.1
Fields:
Field Contents
A Area of the beam cross section. (Real > 0.0)
I1, I2 Area moments of inertia in planes 1 and 2. (Real > 0.0)
J Torsional stiffness. (Real > 0.0)

PBEND 1557
Field Contents
FSI Flag selecting the flexibility and stress intensification factors.

See“Flexibility and stress intensification factors” in the NX Nastran
Element Library. (Integer = 1-6)
RM Mean cross-sectional radius of the curved pipe. (Real > 0.0)
T Wall thickness of the curved pipe. (Real ≥ 0.0; RM + T/2 < RB)
P Internal pressure. (Real)
RB Bend radius of the line of centroids. (Real. Optional, see CBEND

entry.) 17
BULK
THETAB Arc angle of element. (Real, in degrees. Optional, see CBEND entry.) O-P
Ci, Di, Ei, The r,z locations from the geometric centroid for stress data recovery.
Fi See Remark 7. (Real)
K1, K2 Shear stiffness factor K in K*A*G for plane 1 and plane 2. (Real)
RC Radial offset of the geometric centroid from points GA and GB. See
Figure 17-8. (Real)
ZC Offset of the geometric centroid in a direction perpendicular to the

plane of points GA and GB and vector v. See Figure 17-8. See Remark
8. (Real)
DELTAN Radial offset of the neutral axis from the geometric centroid, positive
is toward the center of curvature. See Figure 17-8. See Remark 8.
(Real; Default is described in Remark 4. )
SACL Miter spacing at center line. See Figure 17-11 and Remark 9. (Real >
0.0)
ALPHA One-half angle between the adjacent miter axes (Degrees). (Real)
Required for FSI=5 with miter bend. See Figure 17-11 and Remark 9.
FLANGE For FSI=5, defines the number of flanges attached. See Remark 10.
KX For FSI=6, the user defined flexibility factor for the torsional moment.
(Real ≥ 1.0) See Remark 11.
1558 PBEND
Field Contents
KY For FSI=6, the user defined flexibility factor for the out-of-plane
bending moment. (Real ≥ 1.0) See Remark 11.
KZ For FSI=6, the user defined flexbility factor for the in-plane bending
moment. (Real ≥ 1.0) See Remark 11.
SY For FSI=6, the user defined stress intensificatation factor for the
out-of-plane bending. (Real ≥ 1.0)
SZ For FSI=6, the user defined stress intensification factor for the
in-plane bending. (Real ≥ 1.0)
17
BULK
O-P Remarks:
3. 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 on the first format are zero,
which means the transverse shear flexibilities (1/Ki*A*G) are set equal to zero.
Transverse shear stiffness for the alternate format are automatically calculated
for the curved pipe.
4. The neutral axis radial offset from the geometric centroid is default to the
It is recommended that the default be used whenever
in which case the default value of ΔN is within 5% of the exact expression for
circular or rectangular cross sections. For the alternate format, the neutral axis
offset is calculated from an analytical expression for a hollow or solid circular
cross section.
The user may compute an exact value for N as follows:
PBEND 1559
where
The integration is carried out over the cross section of the element. 17
BULK
5. If T is zero, a solid circular cross section of radius RM is assumed and FSI must O-P
be 1.
6. If the first format is used, third-order moments are neglected for the consistent
mass matrix. These moments are zero whenever the cross section of the beam is
symmetric about both the r and z axes.
7. If the circular cross-sectional property entry format is used, the stress points are
automatically located at the points indicated in Figure 17-8.
same limitations.

analysis provided in SOLs 5, 16, 105, and 200 and also nonlinear analysis
provided in SOLs 106, 129, 153, and 159 with PARAM,LGDISP,1.)
9. For FSI=5, an elbow bend will be assumed if ALPHA is not defined (i.e. blank).
If ALPHA is defined and SACL is not defined, then the widely spaced miter
bend factors will be used. When both SACL and ALPHA are defined, the closely
spaced miter bend factors will be used if the spacing at center line is less than
RM*(1+tan(ALPHA) where RM is the mean cross-sectional radius of the cuved
pipe.
10. The FLANGE option is only supported when FSI=5 for elbow and closely spaced
miter bend.
1560 PBEND
11. If a value less than 1 is entered for KX, KY, or KZ, its value will be reset to 1.0, a
warning will be issued and the solve will continue.
17
BULK Figure 17-8. PBEND Circular Cross Section
O-P
Figure 17-9. PBEND Element Coordinate System

PBEND 1561
17
BULK
O-P
Figure 17-10. PBEND Circular Cross Section Element Coordinate System
Figure 17-11. Definition of SACL and ALPHA

1562 PBEND
Where:
for a closely spaced miter:
for a widely spaced miter:
17
BULK
O-P
PBUSH 1563
Generalized Spring-and-Damper Property
PBUSH Generalized Spring-and-Damper Property
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 17
BULK
O-P
Example 1: Stiffness and structural damping are specified.
PBUSH 35 K 4.35 2.4 3.1
GE .06
RCV 7.3 3.3
Example 2: Damping force per unit velocity are specified.

PBUSH 35 B 2.3
Fields:
Field Contents
“K” Flag indicating that the next 1 to 6 fields are stiffness values in the
element coordinate system. (Character)
Ki Nominal stiffness values in directions 1 through 6. See Remarks 2

and 3. (Real; Default = 0.0)
“B” Flag indicating that the next 1 to 6 fields are force-per-velocity

damping. (Character)
Bi Nominal damping coefficient in units of force per unit velocity. See

Remark 3. (Real; Default = 0.0)
“GE” Flag indicating that the next field is the structural damping constant.
See Remark 7. (Character)
1564 PBUSH
Generalized Spring-and-Damper Property
Field Contents
GE1 Nominal structural damping constant. (Real; Default = 0.0)
“RCV” Flag indicating that the next 1 to 4 fields are stress or strain
coefficients. (Character)
SA Stress recovery coefficient in the translational component numbers 1

through 3. (Real; Default = 1.0)
ST Stress recovery coefficient in the rotational component numbers 4

17 EA Strain recovery coefficient in the translational component numbers 1

BULK through 3. (Real; Default = 1.0)
O-P
ET Strain recovery coefficient in the rotational component numbers 4
Remarks:
1. Ki, Bi, or GE1 may be made frequency dependent for both direct and modal
frequency response by use of the PBUSHT entry.
2. The nominal values are used for all analysis types except frequency response. 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 analysis.
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” entries may be specified in any order.
by 2.0.
8. Applicable fields refer to directions in the element’s coordinate system.

PBUSH1D 1565
Rod Type Spring-and-Damper Property
PBUSH1D Rod Type Spring-and-Damper Property
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
“SHOCKA” TYPE CVT CVC EXPVT EXPVC IDTS
IDETS IDECS IDETSD IDECSD
“SPRING” TYPE IDT IDC IDTDU IDCDU 17
“DAMPER” TYPE IDT IDC IDTDV IDCDV BULK
“GENER” IDT IDC IDTDU IDCDU IDTDV IDCDV
O-P
Example:
PBUSH1D 35 3000. 200. 300.
SHOCKA TABLE 2.2 1.2 1. 200
The continuation entries are optional. The four options, SHOCKA, SPRING,
DAMPER, and GENER can appear in any order
Fields:
Field Contents Default
PID Property identification number. (Integer > 0). Required
K Stiffness. (Real ≥ 0). See Remark 1.
C Viscous damping. (Real ≥ 0). See Remarks 1

and 2.
M Total mass of the element. (Real ≥ 0). Blank
SA Stress recovery coefficient [1/area]. (Real ≥ 0). Blank
SE Strain recovery coefficient [1/length]. (Real ≥ 0). Blank

1566 PBUSH1D
SHOCKA Character string specifying that the next 10

fieldsare coefficients of the following force versus
velocity/displacement relationship. (Character).
The force F, the displacement u, and the velocity v,

are in the axial direction of the damper. The axis
of the damper is defined by the two connecting
grid points GA and GB on the CBUSH1D Bulk
17 Data entry. The displacement u and the velocity
BULK v, are the relative displacement and the relative
O-P velocity with respect to the grid point GA. The
scale factor S(u) must be defined with a table or
with an equation.
TYPE Character string indicating the type of definition. TABLE

(Character). For TYPE = EQUAT, the fields
IDETS, IDECS, IDETSD, and IDECSD are
identification numbers of DEQATN entries. For
TYPE = TABLE the field IDTS is an identification
number of a TABLEDi entry. If no character
string is provided (blanks), TYPE = TABLE is set.
CVT Viscous damping coefficient CV for tension v > 0, Required for

force per unit velocity. (Real). SHOCKA
CVC Viscous damping coefficient CV for compressionv CVT

> 0, force per unit velocity. (Real).
EXPVT Exponent of velocity EXPV for tension v > 1.

0.(Real).
EXPVC Exponent of velocity EXPV for compression v < EXPVT

0. (Real).
IDTS Identification number of a TABLEDi entry for Required for

tension and compression if TYPE = TABLE. The SHOCKA and
TABLEDi entry defines the scale factor S, versus TYPE=TABLE
displacement u.
PBUSH1D 1567
IDETS Identification number of a DEQATN entry for Required for

tension if TYPE = EQUAT. The DEQATN entry SHOCKA and
defines the scale factor S, versus displacement u, TYPE=EQUAT
for tension u > 0.
IDECS Identification number of a DEQATN entry IDETS

for compression if TYPE = EQUAT. The
DEQATN entry defines the scale factor S, versus
displacement u, for compression u < 0.
IDETSD Identification number of a DEQATN entry for

tension if TYPE = EQUAT. The DEQATN entry
Required for
SHOCKA and
17
BULK
defines the derivative of the scale factor S, with TYPE=EQUAT
O-P
respect to the displacement u, for tension u>0.
IDECSD Identification number of a DEQATN entry for IDETSD

compression if TYPE = EQUAT. The DEQATN
entry defines the derivative of the scale factor
S, with respect to the displacement u, for
compression u < 0.
SPRING Character string specifying that the next 5 fields

define a nonlinear elastic spring element in
terms of a force versus displacement relationship.
(Character).
Tension is u > 0 and compression is u < 0.
DAMPER Character string specifying that the next 5 fields

define a nonlinear viscous element in terms of a
force versus velocity relationship. (Character).
Tension is v > 0 and compression is v < 0.

1568 PBUSH1D
GENER Character string specifying that the next 7

fields define a general nonlinear elastic spring
and viscous damper element in terms of a force
versus displacement and velocity relationship.
(Character). For this element, the relationship
can only be defined with TYPE = EQUAT.
Tension is u > 0 and compression is u < 0.For

17 SPRING, DAMPER, and GENER, the remaining
BULK fields are
O-P
TYPE Character string indicating the type of definition. Required for
(Character). For TYPE = EQUAT the following SPRING or
fields are identification numbers of DEQATN DAMPER
entries. For TYPE = TABLE the following field
is an identification number of a TABLEDi entry.
TYPE is ignored for GENER.
IDT Identification number of a DEQATN entry Required for

for tension if TYPE = EQUAT. Identification SPRING,
numberof a TABLEDi entry for tension and DAMPER, and
compressionif TYPE = TABLE. GENER
IDC Identification number of a DEQATN entry for IDT

compression if TYPE = EQUAT. Is ignored for
TYPE = TABLE.
IDTDU Identification number of a DEQATN entry for Required if

tension if TYPE = EQUAT. The DEQATN entry TYPE=EQUAT
defines the derivative of the force F with respect
to the displacement u, for tension u > 0. For
SPRING and GENER only.
IDCDU Identification number of a DEQATN entry for IDTDU

entry defines the derivative of the force F with
respect to the displacement u, for compression u
< 0. For SPRING and GENER only.
PBUSH1D 1569
IDTDV Identification number of a DEQATN entry for Required if

tension if TYPE = EQUAT. The DEQATN entry TYPE=EQUAT
defines the derivative of the force F with respect
to the velocity v, for tension v > 0. For DAMPER
and GENER only.
IDCDV Identification number of a DEQATN entry for IDCDT

entry defines the derivative of the force F with
respect to the velocity v, for compression v < 0.
For DAMPER and GENER only. 17
BULK
Remarks: O-P
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 SHOCKA, SPRING or
GENER are specified, K is overwritten. When SHOCKA, DAMPER or GENER
is specified, C is overwritten.
5. PBUSH1D may only be referenced by CBUSH1D elements in the residual

structure which do not attach to omitted degrees-of-freedom.
6. The continuation entries SHOCKA, SPRING, DAMPER and GENER may be

specified in any order. If more than one continuation entry is defined, then the
forces of SHOCKA, SPRING, etc. are added. Multiple continuation entries of the
same kind are not allowed, for example, multiple SPRING continuation entries.
7. For TYPE = TABLE, 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).
1570 PBUSH1D
8. For TYPE = EQUAT, the equations for tension and compression can be different.
If the identification numbers for compression are left blank, it is assumed that
the equation for tension is also valid for compression.
Remarks related to SOLs 601 and 701
1. Only “SPRING” continuation entry line is supported. Warning is issued for

other continuation entry lines.
2. Only the following fields are supported: PID, K, C, M, SA, TYPE and IDT in
“SPRING”. Hence, the spring stiffness may be nonlinear but the damping is
linear.
17 3. Only TYPE=TABLE (or blank) is supported. Otherwise, a fatal error is issued.
BULK
O-P
PBUSHT 1571
Frequency Dependent or Nonlinear Force Deflection Spring and Damper Property
PBUSHT Frequency Dependent or Nonlinear Force Deflection Spring and

Damper Property
Defines the frequency dependent properties or the stress 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
17
“KN” TKNID1 TKIND2 TKNID3 TKIND4 TKIND5 TKIND6 BULK
O-P
Example:
PBUSHT 35 K 72
B 18
Fields:
Field Contents

number on a PBUSH entry. (Integer > 0)
“K” Flag indicating that the next 1 to 6 fields are stiffness frequency
table identification numbers. (Character)
TKIDi Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines the stiffness

vs. frequency relationship. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0)
“B” Flag indicating that the next 1 to 6 fields are force per velocity
frequency table identification numbers. (Character)
TBIDi Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines the force

per unit velocity damping vs. frequency relationship. (Integer ≥
0; Default = 0)
“GE” Flag indicating that the next field is a structural damping frequency
table identification number. (Character)
1572 PBUSHT
Frequency Dependent or Nonlinear Force Deflection Spring and Damper Property
Field Contents
TGEIDi Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines the

non-dimensional structural damping vs. frequency relationship.
(Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0)
“KN” Flag indicating that the next 1 to 6 entries are nonlinear

force-deflection table identification numbers. (Character)
TKNIDi Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines the force vs.
deflection relationship. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0)
17 Remarks:
BULK
O-P 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 in the residual structure

which do not attach to any omitted degrees-of-freedom.
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” entries may be specified in any order.
5. The PBUSHT entry is ignored in all solution sequences except frequency

response or nonlinear analyses.
6. For nonlinear analysis, only the “KN” field is used.
7. For frequency responses, only the “K”, “B” and/or “GE” fields are used.
PCOMP 1573
Layered Composite Element Property
PCOMP Layered Composite Element Property
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: 17
BULK
PCOMP 181 -0.224 7.45 10000.0 HOFF O-P
171 0.056 0. YES 45.
-45. 90.
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number. (0 < Integer < 10000000)
Z0 Distance from the reference plane to the bottom surface. See Remark
10. (Real; Default = -0.5 times the element thickness.)
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit area. (Real)
SB Allowable shear stress of the bonding material (allowable interlaminar

shear stress). Required if FT is also specified. (Real > 0.0)
FT Failure theory. The following theories are allowed (Character or blank.

If blank, then no failure calculation will be performed):
“HILL” for the Hill theory.
“HOFF” for the Hoffman theory.
“TSAI” for the Tsai-Wu theory.
“STRN” for the Maximum Strain theory.
TREF Reference temperature. See Remark 3. (Real; Default = 0.0)
GE Damping coefficient. See Remarks 4 and 12. (Real; Default = 0.0)

1574 PCOMP
Field Contents
LAM Laminate Options. (Character or blank, Default = blank). See Remark

13.
“Blank” All plies must be specified and all stiffness terms are
developed.
“SYM” Only plies on one side of the element centerline are

specified. The plies are numbered starting with 1 for the
bottom layer. If an odd number of plies are desired, the
center ply thickness (T1 or TN) should be half the actual
17 thickness.
BULK “MEM” All plies must be specified, but only membrane terms
O-P (MID1 on the derived PSHELL entry) are computed.
“BEND” All plies must be specified, but only bending terms (MID2
on the derived PSHELL entry) are computed.
“SMEAR” All plies must be specified, stacking sequence is ignored,

MID1=MID2 on the derived PSHELL entry and MID3,
MID4 and TS/T and 12I/T**3 terms are set to zero.
“SMCORE” All plies must be specified, with the last ply specifying
core properties and the previous plies specifying face sheet
properties. The stiffness matrix is computed by placing half
the face sheet thicknesses above the core and the other half
below, with the result that the laminate is symmetric about
the midplane of the core. Stacking sequence is ignored in
calculating the face sheet stiffness.
MIDi Material ID of the various plies. The plies are identified by serially
numbering them from 1 at the bottom layer. The MIDs must refer to
MAT1, MAT2, or MAT8 Bulk Data entries. See Remark 1. (Integer > 0
or blank, except MID1 must be specified.)
Ti Thicknesses of the various plies. See Remark 1. (Real or blank, except

T1 must be specified.)
THETAi Orientation angle of the longitudinal direction of each ply 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 to be 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. (Real; Default = 0.0)
PCOMP 1575
Field Contents
SOUTi Stress or strain output request. See Remarks 5 and 6. (Character:

“YES” or “NO”; Default = “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 be present for a
ply to exist. The minimum number of plies is one.
17
3. The TREF specified on the material entries referenced by plies are not used. BULK
Instead TREF on the PCOMP entry is used for all plies of the element. If not O-P
specified, it defaults to “0.0.”
If the PCOMP references temperature dependent material properties, then
the TREF given on the PCOMP will be used as the temperature to determine
material properties. Note that MAT8 data entries do not support temperature
dependent material properties.
TEMPERATURE Case Control commands are ignored for deriving the
equivalent PSHELL and MATi entries used to describe the composite element.
4. GE given on the PCOMP entry will be used for the element and the values
supplied on material entries for individual plies are ignored. The user is
responsible for supplying the equivalent damping value on the PCOMP
entry. If PARAM,W4 is not specified GE is ignored in transient analysis. See
“Parameters” .
5. Stress and strain output for individual plies are available in all superelement
static and normal modes analysis and requested by the STRESS and STRAIN
Case Control commands.
6. If PARAM,NOCOMPS is set to -1, stress and strain output for individual plies
will be suppressed and the homogeneous stress and strain output will be printed.
See also Remark 9.
7. In order to get STRESS failure index output, the following must be present:
a. SB, FT (= to HILL, HOFF or TSAI), and SOUTi on the PCOMP Bulk Data
entry,
b. Stress allowables Xt, Xc, Yt, Yc, and S on all referenced MAT8 Bulk Data
entries.
1576 PCOMP
c. Stress allowables ST, SC, and SS on all referenced MAT1 Bulk Data entries.
In order to get STRAIN failure index output, the following must be present:
a. ELSTRAIN Case Control command,
b. SB, FT (= STRN), and SOUTi on the PCOMP Bulk Data entry,
c. Strain allowables Xt, Xc, Yt, Yc, S, and STRN=1.0 on all referenced MAT8
Bulk Data entries.
8. A function of this entry is to derive equivalent internal PSHELL and MATi

17 entries to describe the composite element. Any sorted echo request will also
cause printout and/or punch of the derived PSHELL and MATi entries in User
BULK
O-P Information Message 4379 and/or the punch file. However, if these equivalent
PSHELL and MAT2 entries are input, then stress or strain output for individual
plies is not available and PARAM,NOCOMPS,-1 must be supplied.
9. The failure index for the boundary material is calculated as Failure Index =
(τ1z, τ2z)/SB.
10. If the value specified for Z0 is not equal to -0.5 times the thickness of the element
and PARAM,NOCOMPS,-1 is specified, then the homogeneous element stresses
are incorrect, while lamina stresses and element forces and strains are correct.
For correct homogeneous stresses, use ZOFFS on the corresponding connection
entry.
11. An unsymmetrical layup or the use of Z0 to specify an unsymmetrical layup, is

not recommended in buckling analysis or the calculation of differential stiffness.
Also, Z0 should not be used to specify an unsymmetrical layup.
by 2.0.
13. The SYM option for the LAM option computes the complete stiffness properties
while specifying half the plies. The MEM, BEND, SMEAR and SMCORE
options provide the following special purpose stiffness calculations: MEM option
only considers membrane effects, BEND option only considers bending effects,
SMEAR ignores stacking sequence and is intended for cases where the sequence
is not yet known, SMCORE allows simplified modeling of a sandwich panel with
equal face sheets and a central core.
14. Element output for the SMEAR and SMCORE options are produced using the
PARAM NOCOMPS -1 methodology that suppresses ply stress/strain results and
prints results for the equivalent homogeneous element.
PCOMP 1577
1. Z0, NSM, SB, FT, TREF, GE, LAM, and SOUTi are ignored.
17
BULK
O-P
1578 PCONEAX
Conical Shell Element Property
PCONEAX Conical Shell Element Property
Defines the properties of a conical shell element described on a CCONEAX entry.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PCONEAX ID MID1 T1 MID2 I MID3 T2 NSM
Z1 Z2 PHIl PHI2 PHI3 PHI4 PHI5 PHI6
PHI7 PHI8 PHI9 PHI10 PHI11 PHI12 PHI13 PHI14
17 Example:
BULK PCONEAX 2 4 1.0 6 16.3 8 2.1 0.5
O-P
0.001 -0.002 23.6 42.9
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Property identification number. (Unique Integer > 0)
MIDi Material identification number for membrane, bending, and

transverse shear. (Integer ≥ 0)
T1 Membrane thickness. (Real > 0.0 if MID1 = 0)
T2 Transverse shear thickness. (Real > 0.0 if MID3 = 0)
I Moment of inertia per unit width. (Real)
Z1, Z2 Fiber distances from the middle surface for stress recovery. (Real)
PHIi Azimuthal coordinates (in degrees) for stress recovery. (Real)
Remarks:
1. PCONEAX is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
2. PCONEAX entries may reference MAT1 or MAT2 material entries. However,

only orthotropic material properties are consistent with axisymmetry. Therefore,
G13 and G23 values on the MAT2 entry referenced by MID1 or MID2 and the
G12 value on the MAT2 entry referenced by MID3 should be set to 0.0. In
PCONEAX 1579
Conical Shell Element Property
addition, the MID3 entry, if it references a MAT2 material matrix, should be

of size 2 x 2.
3. If either MID1 = 0 or blank or T1 = 0.0 or blank, then both must be zero or blank.
4. If either MID2 = 0 or blank or I = 0.0 or blank, then both must be zero or blank.
5. If either MID3 = 0 or blank or T2 = 0.0 or blank, then both must be zero or blank.
6. A maximum of 14 azimuthal coordinates (PHIi) for stress recovery may be

specified.
7. For a discussion of the conical shell problem, see “Conical Shell Element 17
(RINGAX)” in the NX Nastran Element Library. BULK
O-P
8. The following elastic relationships are assumed:
• In-plane forces per unit width
where {ε} is the vector of strains in the middle surface.
• Bending moments per unit width
where {χ} is the vector of curvatures.
• Transverse shear forces per unit width
where {γ} is the vector of transverse shear strains.

[G1], [G2] and [G3] are the stress-strain matrices defined by MID1, MID2,
and MID3, respectively.
1580 PCONV
Convection Property Definition
PCONV Convection Property Definition
Specifies the free convection boundary condition properties of a boundary condition

surface element used for heat transfer analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PCONV PCONID MID FORM EXPF
Example:
17 PCONV 3 2 0 .25
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Fields:
Field Contents
PCONID Convection property identification number. (Integer > 0)
MID Material property identification number. (Integer > 0)
FORM Type of formula used for free convection. (Integer 0, 1, 10, 11, 20,
or 21; Default = 0)
EXPF Free convection exponent as implemented within the context of the

particular form that is chosen. See Remark 3. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default =
0.0)
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. EXPF is the free convection temperature exponent.

• If FORM = 0, 10, or 20, EXPF is an exponent of (T – TAMB), where the
convective heat transfer is represented as
• If FORM = 1, 11, or 21,

PCONV 1581
Convection Property Definition
where T represents the elemental grid point temperatures and TAMB is

the associated ambient temperature.
4. FORM specifies the formula type and the reference temperature location used in
calculating the convection film coefficient if FLMND = 0.
• If FORM = 0 or 1, the reference temperature is the average of element grid

point temperatures (average) and the ambient point temperatures (average).
• If FORM = 10 or 11, the reference temperature is the surface temperature 17

(average of element grid point temperatures). BULK
O-P
• If FORM = 20 or 21, the reference temperature is the ambient temperature
(average of ambient point temperatures).
1582 PCONVM
Forced Convection Property Definition
PCONVM Forced Convection Property Definition
Specifies the forced convection boundary condition properties of a boundary condition

surface element used for heat transfer analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PCONVM PCONID MID FORM FLAG COEF EXPR EXPPI EXPPO
Example:
17 PCONVM
BULK 3 2 1 1 .023 0.80 0.40 0.30
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
PCONID Convection property identification number. (Integer > 0)
MID Material property identification number. (Integer > 0)
FORM Type of formula used for convection. (Integer = 0, 1, 10, 11, 20, or
21; Default = 0)
FLAG Flag for mass flow convection. (Integer = 0 or 1; Default = 0)
COEF Constant coefficient used for forced convection. (Real > 0.0)
EXPR Reynolds number convection exponent. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
EXPPI Prandtl number convection exponent for heat transfer into the
working fluid. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
EXPPO Prandtl number convection exponent for heat transfer out of the
working fluid. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
Remarks:
1. Every surface to which forced convection is applied must reference a PCONVM

entry. PCONVM is referenced on the CONVM entry.
2. MID specifies material properties of the working fluid at the temperature of the
point FLMND. FLMND is specified on the CONVM entry.
PCONVM 1583
Forced Convection Property Definition
3. The material properties are used in conjunction with the average diameter and
mass flow rate (mdot). MID references the material properties and supplies the
fluid conductivity (k), heat capacity (cp), and viscosity (μ) needed to compute the
Reynolds (Re) and Prandtl (Pr) numbers as follows:
4. FORM controls the type of formula used in determination of the forced convection
film coefficient h. There are two cases:
• If FORM = 0, 10, or 20 than h = coef · ReEXPR · PrEXPP. 17

BULK
• If FORM = 1, 11, or 21 then the above h is multiplied by k and divided by O-P
the average hydraulic diameter.
• FORM also specifies the reference temperature used in calculating material

properties for the fluid if FLMND = 0.
• If FORM = 0 or 1, the reference temperature is the average of element grid

point temperatures (average) and the ambient point temperature (average).
• If FORM = 10 or 11, the reference temperature is the surface temperature

(average of element grid point temperatures).
• If FORM = 20 or 21, the reference temperature is the ambient temperature

(average of ambient point temperature).
5. In the above expression, EXPP is EXPPI or EXPPO, respectively, for heat flowing
into or out of the working fluid. This determination is performed internally.
6. FLAG controls the convective heat transfer into the downstream point (the
second point as identified on the CHBDYi statement is downstream if mdot is
positive).
• FLAG = 0, no convective flow (stationary fluid).
• FLAG = 1, convective energy flow that is consistent with the Streamwise

Upwind Petrov Galerkin (SUPG) element formulation.
7. No phase change or internal heat generation capabilities exist for this element.
1584 PDAMP
Scalar Damper Property
PDAMP Scalar Damper Property
Specifies the damping value of a scalar damper element using defined CDAMP1 or
CDAMP3 entries.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PDAMP PID1 B1 PID2 B2 PID3 B3 PID4 B4
Example:
17 PDAMP 14 2.3 2 6.1
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Fields:
Field Contents
PIDi Property identification number. (Integer > 0)
Bi Force per unit velocity. (Real)
Remarks:
1. Damping values are defined directly on the CDAMP2 and CDAMP4 entries, and
therefore do not require a PDAMP entry.
2. A structural viscous damper, CVISC, may also be used for geometric grid points.
3. Up to four damping properties may be defined on a single entry.
4. For a discussion of scalar elements, see “Overview of 0D (Scalar) Elements”

PDAMP5 1585
Scalar Damper Property for CDAMP5
PDAMP5 Scalar Damper Property for CDAMP5
Defines the damping multiplier and references the material properties for damping.
CDAMP5 is intended for heat transfer analysis only.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PDAMP5 PID MID B
Example:
PDAMP5 2 3 4.0
17
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Fields:
Field Contents
MID Material identification number of a MAT4 or MAT5 entry. (Integer

> 0)
B Damping multiplier. (Real > 0.0)
Remarks:
1. B is the mass that multiplies the heat capacity CP on the MAT4 or MAT5 entry.
1586 PDAMPT
Frequency-Dependent Damper Property
PDAMPT Frequency-Dependent Damper Property
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
17 12 34
BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents

number on a PDAMP entry. (Integer > 0)
TBID1 Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines the damping

force per-unit velocity versus frequency relationship. (Integer ≥ 0;
Default = 0)
Remarks:
1. PDAMPT may only be referenced by CDAMP1 or CDAMP3 elements in the

residual structure, which do not attach to any omitted degrees-of-freedom.
2. The PDAMPT entry is ignored in all solution sequences except frequency

response analysis.
PDUMi 1587
Dummy Element Property
PDUMi Dummy Element Property
Defines the properties of a dummy element (1 ≤ i ≤ 9). Referenced by the CDUMi

entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PDUMi PID MID A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6
A7 -etc.-
Example: 17
PDUM3
BULK
108 2 2.4 9.6 1.E4 15. 3.5
O-P
5 2
Fields:
Field Contents
Aj Additional fields. (Real or Integer)
Remarks:
1. The additional fields are defined in the user-written element subroutines.

1588 PELAS
Scalar Elastic Property
PELAS Scalar Elastic Property
Specifies the stiffness, damping coefficient, and stress coefficient of a scalar elastic
(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:
17 PELAS 7 4.29 0.06 7.92 27 2.17 0.0032
BULK
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Fields:
Field Contents
Ki Elastic property value. (Real)
GEi Damping coefficient, ge. See Remarks 5 and 6. (Real)
Si Stress coefficient. (Real)
Remarks:
1. Be careful using negative spring values.
2. Spring values are defined directly on the CELAS2 and CELAS4 entries, and
therefore do not require a PELAS entry.
3. One or two elastic spring properties may be defined on a single entry.
4. For a discussion of scalar elements, see “Overview of 0D (Scalar) Elements” in

the NX Nastran Element Library.
5. If PARAM,W4 is not specified, GEi is ignored in transient analysis. See

“Parameters” .
by 2.0.
7. If PELAS is used in conjunction with PELAST, Ki > 0.

PELAS 1589
Scalar Elastic Property
GEi is ignored.
17
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1590 PELAST
Frequency Dependent Elastic Property
PELAST Frequency Dependent Elastic Property
Defines the frequency 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 44 38
17
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Fields:
O-P
Field Contents

number on a PELAS entry. (Integer > 0)
TKID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines the force per
unit displacement vs. frequency relationship. (Integer > 0; Default
= 0)
TGEID Identification number of a TABLEDi entry that defines the

nondimensional structural damping coefficient vs. frequency
relationship. (Integer > 0; Default = 0)
TKNID Identification number of a TABELDi entry that defines the nonlinear

force vs. displacement relationship. (Integer > 0; Default = 0)
Remarks:
1. The PELAST entry may only be referenced by CELAS1 or CELAS3 elements in

the residual structure which do not attach to any omitted degrees-of-freedom.
2. For frequency dependent modal frequency response the modes are computed
using the nominal Ki values as specified on the PELAS entry.
3. The following table summarizes the usage PELAST entry in various solution
sequences.
Frequency Linear (Non-Frequency
Field Nonlinear
Response Response)
TKID Used Ignored Ignored
PELAST 1591
Frequency Dependent Elastic Property
Frequency Linear (Non-Frequency

Field Nonlinear
Response Response)
TGEID Used Ignored Ignored
TKNID Ignored Used Ignored
4. The PELAST entry is ignored in all solution sequences except frequency response
or nonlinear analyses.
17
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1592 PGAP
Gap Element Property
PGAP Gap Element Property
Defines the properties of the gap element (CGAP entry).

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PGAP PID U0 F0 KA KB KT MU1 MU2
TMAX MAR TRMIN
Example:
17 PGAP 2 .025 2.5 1.E6 1.E6 0.25 0.25
BULK
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
U0 Initial gap opening. See Figure 17-13. (Real; Default = 0.0)
F0 Preload. See Figure 17-13. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
KA Axial stiffness for the closed gap; i.e., Ua − Ub> U0. See Figure
17-13. (Real ≥ 0.0)
KB Axial stiffness for the open gap; i.e., Ua − Ub< U0. See Figure 17-13.
See Remark 2. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = MU1 · KA)
KT Transverse stiffness when the gap is closed. See Figure 17-14. It is

recommended that KT ≥ (0.1 · KA). (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = MUI · KA)
MU1 Coefficient of static friction (μs) for the adaptive gap element or
coefficient of friction in the y transverse direction (μy) for the
nonadaptive gap element. See Remark 3. and Figure 17-14. (Real ≥
0.0; Default = 0.0)
MU2 Coefficient of kinetic friction (μk) for the adaptive gap element
or coefficient of friction in the z transverse direction (μz) for the
nonadaptive gap element. See Remark 3. and Figure 17-14. (Real ≥
0.0 for the adaptive gap element, MU2 ≤ MU1; Default = MU1)
TMAX Maximum allowable penetration used in the adjustment of penalty

values. The positive value activates the penalty value adjustment.
See Remark 4. (Real; Default = 0.0)
PGAP 1593
Field Contents
MAR Maximum allowable adjustment ratio for adaptive penalty values

KA and KT. See Remark 5. (1.0 < Real < 106; Default = 100.0)
TRMIN Fraction of TMAX defining the lower bound for the allowable
penetration. See Remark 6. (0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0; Default = 0.001)
Remarks:
1. Figure 17-12, Figure 17-13, and Figure 17-14 show the gap element and the
force-displacement curves used in the stiffness and force computations for the
element. 17
BULK
2. For most contact problems, KA (penalty value) should be chosen to be three O-P
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 result in inaccurate results. The value is adjusted
as necessary if TMAX > 0.0.
3. 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.
4. There are two kinds 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 value of TMAX = -1.0 selects the nonadaptive (old)
gap element. 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.
5. The maximum adjustment ratio MAR is used only for the adaptive gap element.
Upper and lower bounds of the adjusted penalty are defined by
where Kinit is either KA or KT.
6. 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
1594 PGAP
* TMAX. The penalty values are decreased if the penetration is below the lower
bound.
17
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O-P
Figure 17-12. The CGAP Element Coordinate System
Figure 17-13. CGAP Element Force-Deflection Curve for Nonlinear Analysis

PGAP 1595
17
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O-P
Figure 17-14. Shear Force for CGAP Element
7. If U0 is specified negative and GA and GB are not coincident, then the direction
for closing must be controlled by the use of the CID field on the CBAP entry.
1. The gap element is simulated by a nonlinear spring element in SOLs 601 and
701 where the axial properties are represented but the transverse properties
are ignored.
2. KT, MU1, MU2, TMAX, MAR, and TRMIN are ignored.
Remarks related to SOL 101 with contact:
1. MU1 is used as the coefficient of friction in both transverse directions.
2. F0, KA, KB, KT, MU2, TMAX, MAR and TRMIN are ignored.
1596 PHBDY
CHBDYP Geometric Element Definition
PHBDY CHBDYP Geometric Element Definition
A property entry referenced by CHBDYP entries to give auxiliary geometric

information for boundary condition surface elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PHBDY PID AF D1 D2
Example:
17 PHBDY 2 .02 1.0 1.0

BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
PID Property identification number. (Unique Integer among all PHBDY

entries). (Integer > 0)
AF Area factor of the surface used only for CHBDYP element TYPE =
“POINT”, TYPE = “LINE”, TYPE = “TUBE”, or TYPE = “ELCYL”.
For TYPE = “TUBE”, AF is the constant thickness of the hollow
tube. (Real > 0.0 or blank)
D1, D2 Diameters associated with the surface. Used with CHBDYP element
TYPE = “ELCYL”, “TUBE”, and “FTUBE”. (Real > 0.0 or blank;
Default for D2 = D1)
Remarks:
1. The PHBDY entry is used with CHBDYP entries.
2. AF
• For TYPE = “POINT” surfaces, AF is the area.
• For TYPE = “LINE” or TYPE = “ELCYL” surfaces, AF is the effective width:

area = AF · (length).
• For TYPE = “FTUBE” and outer TYPE = “TUBE” surfaces

PHBDY 1597
CHBDYP Geometric Element Definition
3. D1 and D2 are used only with TYPE = “ELCYL”, TYPE=“TUBE”, and

TYPE=“FTUBE” surfaces.
• For TYPE=“ELCYL” surfaces, D1 and D2 are the two diameters associated

with the ellipse.
• For TYPE=“FTUBE” and outer TYPE=“TUBE” surfaces, D1 and D2 are the

diameters associated with the first and second grid points, respectively.
• For inner TYPE=“TUBE” surfaces, the diameters are reduced by twice the
thickness (2 · AF).
17
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1598 PINTC
Properties of Geometric Interface – Curve
PINTC Properties of Geometric Interface – Curve
Defines the properties for interface elements along curve interfaces between
boundaries of multiple subdomains of p-elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PINTC PID TOL DSCALE
Example:
17 PINTC 1 0.01 1000.0
BULK
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
TOL Tolerance for distance between interface elements and subdomain

boundaries. See Remark 2. (Real > 0.0; Default = 0.01)
DSCALE Scaling parameter for Lagrange multiplier functions. See Remark

3. (Real > 0.0; Default = 1000.0)
Remarks:
1. All PIDs must be unique.
2. TOL may be specified for the distance between the interface element and the
boundaries. If the distance is greater than TOL, a warning message will occur.
If the distance is less than TOL, but greater than the tolerance used by the
geometric evaluator for the GMCURV method, a warning will be issued from
the geometric evaluator.
3. DSCALE does not need to be specified unless the interface elements are poorly
conditioned. Poor DSCALE conditioning can be determined from the epsilon
value of the linear equation solution. A good value for DSCALE is two or three
orders of magnitude less than the elastic moduli of the subdomain boundaries.
PINTS 1599
Properties of Geometric Interface – Surface
PINTS Properties of Geometric Interface – Surface
Defines the properties for interface elements along surface interfaces between
boundaries of multiple subdomains of p-elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PINTS PID TOL DSCALE
Example:
PINTS 1 0.01 1000.
17
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O-P
Fields:
PID Property identification number Integer > Required

0
TOL Tolerance for distance between interface Real > 0 0.01

element and subdomain boundaries.
DSCALE Scaling parameter for Lagrange multiplier Real > 0 1000.

functions.
Remarks:
1. All PIDs must be unique.
2. The TOL tolerance may be specified for the distance between the interface
element and the subdomain boundaries. If the distance is greater than the TOL,
a warning will be issued. If the distance is less than the TOL, but greater than
the tolerance used by the geometric evaluator for the GMSURF, a warning from
the geometric evaluator will be issued.
3. The DSCALE scaling parameter for the Lagrange multipliers does not need to
be changed unless the interface elements are poorly conditioned. This could be
determined from the epsilon value of the linear equation solution. A good value
for DSCALE, which has the units of elastic modulus, is two or three orders of
magnitude less than the elastic modulus of the subdomain boundaries.
1600 PLOAD
Static Pressure Load
PLOAD Static Pressure Load
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:
17 PLOAD 1 -4.0 16 32 11
BULK
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
P Pressure. (Real)
Gi Grid point identification numbers. (Integer > 0; G4 may be zero or

blank.)
Remarks:
2. The grid points define either a triangular or a quadrilateral surface to which a

pressure is applied. If G4 is zero or 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 17-15.
PLOAD 1601
Figure 17-15. Pressure Convention for Triangular Surface of Surface

Elements and/or the Faces of Solid Elements
17
BULK
The total load on the surface (see Figure 17-16), AP, is divided into three equal O-P
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.
1602 PLOAD
17
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O-P
Figure 17-16. Pressure Convention for Quadrilateral Surface of Surface

Elements and/or the Faces of Solid Elements
nonlinear static solution sequences (SOLs 106 and 153) but not in the nonlinear
1. To apply a pressure load with constant magnitude, SID is selected by Case

Control command LOAD = SID for both static and transient analyses.
2. To apply a time-dependent pressure load, SID is referenced by the field

EXCITEID = SID in the TLOAD1 entry. Time-dependent loads are selected
3. In large deformation analysis, the direction of pressure loads follows the

deformation of the element by default. The use of LOADOPT = 0 in NXSTRAT
entry causes pressure loads to be independent of deformation, i.e., the direction
of pressure loads maintains its original direction.
PLOAD1 1603
Applied Load on CBAR, CBEAM or CBEND Elements
PLOAD1 Applied Load on CBAR, CBEAM or CBEND Elements
Defines concentrated, uniformly distributed, or linearly distributed applied loads to

the CBAR or CBEAM elements at user-chosen points along the axis. For the CBEND
element, only distributed loads over an entire length may be defined.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PLOAD1 SID EID TYPE SCALE X1 P1 X2 P2
Example:
17
PLOAD1 25 1065 MY FRPR 0.2 2.5E3 0.8 3.5E3 BULK
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
EID CBAR, CBEAM, or CBEND element identification number. (Integer

> 0)
TYPE Load type. (Character: “FX”, “FY”, “FZ”, “FXE”, “FYE”, “FZE”, “MX”,
“MY”, “MZ”, “MXE”, “MYE”, “MZE”)
SCALE Determines scale factor for X1, X2. (Character: “LE”, “FR”, “LEPR”,
“FRPR”)
X1, X2 Distances along the CBAR, CBEAM, or CBEND element axis from
end A. (Real; X2 may be blank; 0 ≤ X1 ≤ X2)
P1, P2 Load factors at positions X1, X2. (Real or blank)
Remarks:
2. 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 8 and 9.
1604 PLOAD1
3. If X2 is blank or equal to X1, a concentrated load of value P1 will be applied at

position X1.
4. 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 8 and 9.
5. Load TYPE is 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.
17 “FXE”, “FYE” or “FZE”: Force in the x, y, or z direction of the element’s coordinate
BULK
O-P system.
“MXE”, “MYE” or “MZE”: Moment in the x, y, or z direction of the element’s
coordinate system.
6. If SCALE = “LE” (length), the xi values are actual distances along the element
axis, and, if X2 ≠ X1, then Pi are load intensities per unit length of the element.
7. 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.
8. If SCALE = “LEPR” (length projected), the xi values are actual distances along
the element axis, and (if X2 ≠ X1) the distributed load is input in terms of the
projected length of the element.
PLOAD1 1605
17
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O-P
Figure 17-17. PLOAD1 Convention on Beam or Bar Elements
If SCALE = “LE”, the total load applied to the bar is P1 (X2 − X1) in the y-basic
direction.
If SCALE = “LEPR”, the total load applied to the bar is P1 (X2 − X1)cosα in
the y-basic direction.
9. If SCALE = “FRPR” (fractional projected), the Xi values are ratios of the

actual distance to the length of the bar (CBAR entry), and if X2 ≠ X1, then the
distributed load is specified in terms of the projected length of the bar.
10. Element identification numbers for CBAR, CBEAM, and CBEND entries must
be unique.
11. For the CBEND element, the following coordinate equivalences must be made
for the element coordinates
1606 PLOAD1
12. Only distributed loads applied over the entire length of the CBEND element
may be applied.
13. Projected loads are not applicable to the CBEND element.
14. Loads on CBEAM elements defined with PLOAD1 entries are applied along
the line of the shear centers.
17
BULK 15. If a CBARAO or PLOAD1 entry is specified and stress and/or force output is
O-P requested, then the stresses and/or forces will be calculated at each location Xi
and output as a separate line. The force and stress locations Xi=0 and Xi = l will
always be output. This output format will be used for all beam and bar elements.
16. If on the TYPE field of the PLOAD1 entry, the element coordinate system
direction (e.g. TYPE = FYE) option is selected, then the projection (i.e. SCALE =
FRPR or LEPR) option is ignored and the result is the same as the SCALE =
FR (or LE) option.
1. TYPE = FXE, MXE, MYE, or MZE is not supported. Only SCALE = “FR” is
supported.
2. TYPE = MX, MY, or MZ is only supported if X2 = X1 or X2 is blank, i.e., as

concentrated load.
3. TYPE = FYE or FZE is only supported if X2 is not equal to X1, i.e. as distributed
load.
4. If X2 is not equal to X1, a distributed load will be applied over the entire length
of the element, i.e., only X1 = 0.0 and X2 = 1.0 is allowed.
5. If X2 = X1 or X2 is blank, a concentrated load of value P1 will be applied at the

X1 location and only X1=0.0 or X1=1.0 is allowed.
6. To apply a load with constant magnitude (with respect to time), SID is selected
by Case Control command LOAD = SID for both static and transient analyses.
7. To apply a time-dependent load, SID is referenced by the field EXCITEID =

command DLOAD.
PLOAD1 1607
8. In large deformation analysis, the direction of distributed loads (TYPE = FYE

or FZE only) follows the deformation of the element by default. The use of
LOADOPT = 0 in NXSTRAT entry causes distributed loads to be independent
of deformation, i.e., the direction of distributed loads maintains its original
direction.
17
BULK
O-P
1608 PLOAD2
Uniform Normal Pressure Load on a Surface Element
PLOAD2 Uniform Normal Pressure Load on a Surface Element
Defines a uniform static pressure load applied to CQUAD4, CSHEAR, or CTRIA3

two-dimensional elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PLOAD2 SID P EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5 EID6
Example:
17 PLOAD2 21 -3.6 4 16 2
BULK
O-P
PLOAD2 SID P EID1 “THRU” EID2
PLOAD2 1 30.4 16 THRU 48
Fields:
Field Contents
P Pressure value. (Real)
EIDi Element identification number. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank; for the

“THRU” option, EID1 < EID2.)
Remarks:
2. At least one positive EID must be present on each PLOAD2 entry.
3. If the alternate form is used, all elements EID1 through EID2 must be
two-dimensional.
4. The direction of the pressure is computed according to the right-hand rule using
the grid point sequence specified on the element entry. Refer to the PLOAD entry.
PLOAD2 1609
Uniform Normal Pressure Load on a Surface Element
5. All referenced elements must exist (closed list) for residual only runs and are
not required to exist (open list) for superelement runs; and they cannot be
hyperelastic for either.
transient dynamic solution sequences (SOLs 129 and 159). 17
BULK
7. The PLOAD2 entry may not be applied to p-elements. The PLOAD4 must be O-P
used.
1. To apply a pressure load with constant magnitude, SID is selected by Case

Control command LOAD = SID for both static and transient analyses.


entry causes pressure loads to be independent of deformation, i.e., the direction
1610 PLOAD4
Pressure Load on Surface and Faces of Solid Elements
PLOAD4 Pressure Load on Surface and Faces of Solid Elements
Defines a pressure load on a face of a CHEXA, CPENTA, CTETRA, CTRIA3, CTRIA6,

CTRIAR, CQUAD4, CQUAD8, or CQUADR element.
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
17 Example:
BULK PLOAD4 2 1106 10.0 8.0 5.0 48
O-P
6 0.0 1.0 0.0
Alternate Format and Example
(See Remark 8):

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
Fields:
Field Contents
EID EID1 Element identification number. (Integer > 0; for the “THRU”
EID2 option, EID1 < EID2)
P1, P2, P3, Load per unit surface area (pressure) at the corners of the face of
P4 the element. (Real or blank; Default for P2, P3, and P4 is P1.)
G1 Identification number of a grid point connected to a corner of the

face. Required data for solid elements only. (Integer > 0 or blank)
PLOAD4 1611
Field Contents
G3 Identification number of a grid point connected to a corner

diagonally opposite to G1 on the same face of a CHEXA or CPENTA
element. Required data for quadrilateral faces of CHEXA and
CPENTA elements only. G3 must be omitted for a triangular
surface on a CPENTA element.
G4 Identification number of the CTETRA grid point located at the

corner; this grid point may not reside on the face being loaded.
This is required data and is used for CTETRA elements only.
(Integer > 0)
CID Coordinate system identification number. See Remark 2. (Integer

17
BULK
≥ 0; Default = 0)
O-P
N1, N2, N3 Components of vector measured in coordinate system defined by
CID. Used to define the direction (but not the magnitude) of the
load intensity. See Remark 2. (Real)
Remarks:
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 plate elements, the direction of positive pressure (defaulted 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. (See plate connection entries.)
1612 PLOAD4
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 linear or bilinear interpolation

of load intensity followed 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, CTRIA6, CTRIAR, CQUAD4, CQUAD8,

and CQUADR elements.
8. The alternate format is available only for CTRIA3, CTRIA6, CTRIAR, CQUAD4,
17 CQUAD8, and CQUADR elements. The continuation entry may be used in the
BULK alternate format.
O-P
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 faces of CTETRA elements, G1 is an 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
has only four corner points, this point G4 will be unique and different for each of
the four faces of a CTETRA element.
10. All referenced elements must exist (closed list) for residual only runs and are
not required to exist (open list) for superelement runs; and they cannot be
hyperelastic for either.
11. If fields 3 through 5 of the continuation entry are not blank, the load is assumed
to have a fixed direction. If fields 2 through 5 of the continuation entry are left
blank, the load is assumed to be a pressure load. In this case, follower force
effects are included in the stiffness in all linear solution sequences that calculate
a differential stiffness. The solution sequences are SOLs 103, 105, 107 to 112, 115
and 116 (see also the parameter “FOLLOWK” ). In addition, follower force effects
are included in the force balance in the nonlinear static and nonlinear transient
dynamic solution sequences, SOLs 106, 129, 153, and 159, if geometric nonlinear
effects are turned on with PARAM,LGDISP,1. The follower force stiffness is
included in the nonlinear static solution sequences (SOLs 106 and 153) but not
in the nonlinear transient dynamic solution sequences (SOLs 129 and 159).
1. To apply a pressure load with constant magnitude (with respect to time), SID is
selected by Case Control command LOAD = SID for both static and transient
analyses.
PLOAD4 1613

3. In large deformation analysis, the direction of normal pressure loads (i.e.,

CID, N1, N2 and N3 not specified) follows the deformation of the element by
default. The use of LOADOPT = 0 in NXSTRAT entry causes pressure loads to
be independent of deformation, i.e., the direction of pressure loads maintains
its original direction.
4. CID, if specified, must be a rectangular coordinate system. Otherwise an error

message will be issued.
17
BULK
O-P
1614 PLOADX1
Pressure Load on Axisymmetric Element
PLOADX1 Pressure Load on Axisymmetric Element
Defines surface traction to be used with the CQUADX, CTRIAX, and CTRIAX6
axisymmetric element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PLOADX1 SID EID PA PB GA GB THETA
Example:
17 PLOADX1 200 35 3.5 10.5 10 30 20.
BULK
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
PA Surface traction at grid point GA. (Real)
PB Surface traction at grid point GB. (Real; Default = PA)
GA, GB Corner grid points. GA and GB are any two adjacent corner grid
points of the element. (Integer > 0)
THETA Angle between surface traction and inward normal to the line
segment. (Real; Default = 0.0)
Remarks:
2. PLOADX1 is intended only for the CQUADX, CTRIAX, and CTRIAX6 elements.
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.

PLOADX1 1615
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
17-18 and Figure 17-19. Positive pressure is in the direction of inward normal to
the line segment.
17
BULK
O-P
Figure 17-18. Pressure Load on CTRIAX6 or CTRIAX Element
Figure 17-19. Pressure Load on CQUADX Element

1616 PLOADX1
1. To apply a pressure load with constant magnitude (with respect to time), SID is
selected by Case Control command LOAD = SID for both static and transient
analyses.


17 entry causes pressure loads to be independent of deformation, i.e., the direction
BULK
O-P
PLOTEL 1617
Dummy Plot Element Definition
PLOTEL Dummy Plot Element Definition
Defines a one-dimensional dummy element for use in plotting.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PLOTEL EID G1 G2
Example:
PLOTEL 29 35 16
17
BULK
Fields: O-P
Field Contents

0; G1 ≠ G2)
Remarks:
1. This element is not used in the model during any of the solution phases of
a problem. It is used to simplify plotting of structures with large numbers
of colinear grid points, where the plotting of each grid point along with the
elements connecting them would result in a confusing plot.

3. Only one PLOTEL element may be defined on a single entry.
4. In superelement analysis, PLOTELs, as well as other elements such as CBAR,

CQUAD4, etc., will affect the formation of the superelement tree. The PLOTEL
EIDs will also appear in the superelement map output; see the description of
PARAM,SEMAPPRT in “Parameters” .
5. Only grid points connected by structural elements appear on structure plots.

This does not include points connected only by rigid or general elements or
MPCs. A plot element in parallel with elements that do not plot will cause these
points to be present.
1618 PLPLANE
Fully Nonlinear Plane Element Properties
PLPLANE Fully Nonlinear Plane Element Properties
Defines the properties of a fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large rotation)
hyperelastic plane strain or axisymmetric element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PLPLANE PID MID CID STR
Example:
17 PLPLANE 203 204 201

BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
PID Element property identification number. (Integer > 0)
MID Identification number of a MATHP entry. (Integer > 0)
CID Identification number of a coordinate system defining the plane of

deformation. See Remarks 2 and 3. (Integer ≥ 0; Default = 0)
STR Location of stress and strain output. (Character: “GAUS” or “GRID”,

Default = “GRID”)
Remarks:
1. PLPLANE can be referenced by a CQUAD, CQUAD4, CQUAD8, CQUADX,

CTRIA3, CTRIA6, or CTRIAX entry.
2. Plane strain hyperelastic elements must lie on the x-y plane of the CID
coordinate system. Stresses and strains are output in the CID coordinate system.
3. Axisymmetric hyperelastic elements must lie on the x-y plane of the basic
coordinate system. CID may not be specified and stresses and strains are output
in the basic coordinate system.
1. CID is not supported. Stresses and strains are output in the basic coordinate
system.
2. STR is ignored. Stresses and strains are output at grid points.

PLSOLID 1619
Fully Nonlinear Solid Element Properties
PLSOLID Fully Nonlinear Solid Element Properties
Defines a fully nonlinear (i.e., large strain and large rotation) hyperelastic solid
element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PLSOLID PID MID STR
Example:
PLSOLID 20 21
17
BULK
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
PID Element property identification number. (Integer > 0)
MID Identification number of a MATHP entry. (Integer > 0)
STR Location of stress and strain output. (Character: “GAUS” or “GRID”,

Default = “GRID”)
Remarks:
1. PLSOLID can be referenced by a CHEXA, CPENTA, or CTETRA entry.
2. Stress and strain are output in the basic coordinate system.
1. STR is ignored. Stresses and strains are output at grid points.

1620 PMASS
Scalar Mass Property
PMASS Scalar Mass Property
Specifies the mass value of a scalar mass element (CMASS1 or CMASS3 entries).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PMASS PID1 M1 PID2 M2 PID3 M3 PID4 M4
Example:
PMASS
17 7 4.29 6 13.2
BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
Mi Value of scalar mass. (Real)
Remarks:
1. Mass values are defined directly on the CMASS2 and CMASS4 entries, and
therefore do not require a PMASS entry.
2. Up to four mass values may be defined by this entry.
3. For a discussion of scalar elements, see “Overviewof0D(Scalar)Elements” in the

NX Nastran Element Library.
POINT 1621
Edge Point for FEEDGE Entry
POINT Edge Point for FEEDGE Entry
Define edge point for FEEDGE entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
POINT ID CP X1 X2 X3
Example:
POINT 12 1 1. 2. 5.
17
BULK
Fields: O-P
ID Point identification number. Integer ≥ 0 Required
CP Identification number of coordinate Integer ≥ 0 0

systemin which the location of point is
defined.
X1, X2, Location of the point in coordinate Real 0.0

X3 systemCP.
Remarks:
1. POINT is used only to specify additional geometric points for edges and can be
only used by p-elements. There are no degrees-of-freedom assigned to a point.
2. Only an FEEDGE entry can refer to POINT entries.
3. ID of POINTs must be unique with respect to ID of GRID entries.

1622 POINTAX
Conical Shell Point
POINTAX Conical Shell Point
Defines the location of a point on an axisymmetric shell ring at which loads may
be applied via the FORCE or MOMENT entries and at which displacements may
be requested. These points are not subject to constraints via MPCAX, SPCAX, or
OMITAX entries.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
POINTAX ID RID PHI
17 Example:
BULK
O-P POINTAX 2 3 30.0
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Point identification number. (Unique Integer > 0)
RID Identification number of a RINGAX entry. (Integer > 0)
PHI Azimuthal angle in degrees. (Real)
Remarks:
1. This entry is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
2. POINTAX identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other

POINTAX, RINGAX, and SECTAX identification numbers.
PRAC2D 1623
CRAC2D Element Property
PRAC2D CRAC2D Element Property
Defines the properties and stress evaluation techniques to be used with the CRAC2D
structural element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PRAC2D PID MID T IPLANE NSM GAMMA PHI
Example:
PRAC2D 108 2 0.10 0 .17 .50 180.
17
BULK
O-P
Fields:
Field Contents
T Element thickness. (Real > 0.0)
IPLANE Plane strain or plane stress option. Use 0 for plane strain; 1 for
plane stress. (Integer = 0 or 1)
NSM Nonstructural mass per unit area. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0)
GAMMA Exponent used in the displacement field. See Remark 4. (Real;

Default = 0.5)
PHI Angle (in degrees) relative to the element x-axis along which stress
intensity factors are to be calculated. See Remark 4. (Real; Default
= 180.0)
Remarks:
1. All PRAC2D property entries should have unique identification numbers with
respect to all other property entries.
2. PRAC2D entry may refer to MAT1, MAT2, or MAT8 material property entries.
3. For plane strain analysis, only MAT1 type data should be used.
1624 PRAC2D
4. Nondefault values for GAMMA and PHI have not been tested. Therefore, the
default value should be used.
17
BULK
O-P
PRAC3D 1625
PRAC3D CRAC3D Element Property
Defines the properties of the CRAC3D structural element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PRAC3D PID MID GAMMA PHI
Example:
PRAC3D 108 2 .50 180.
17
BULK
Fields: O-P
Field Contents
GAMMA Exponent used in the displacement field. See Remark 3. (Real;

Default = 0.5)
PHI Angle (in degrees) relative to the element x axis along which stress
intensity factors are to be calculated. See Remark 3. (Real; Default
= 180.0)
Remarks:
1. All PRAC3D property entries should have unique identification numbers with
respect to all other property entries.
2. Either isotropic (MAT1) or anisotropic (MAT9) material entries may be

referenced.
3. Nondefault values for GAMMA and PHI have not been tested. Therefore, the
default value should be used.
1626 PRESAX
Conical Shell Pressure Load
PRESAX Conical Shell Pressure Load
Defines the static pressure loading on a conical shell element.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PRESAX SID P RID1 RID2 PHI1 PHI2
Example:
PRESAX
17 3 7.92 4 3 20.6 31.4
BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
P Pressure value. (Real)
RID1, RID2 Ring identification numbers. See RINGAX entry. (Integer > 0)
PHI1, PHI2 Azimuthal angles in degrees. (Real; PHI2 > PHI1)
Remarks:
1. PRESAX is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
2. Load sets must be selected with the Case Control command LOAD = SID.
4. For axisymmetric loading over 360 degrees, use PHI1 = 0.0 and PHI2 = 360.0.
PRESPT 1627
Fluid Pressure Point
PRESPT Fluid Pressure Point
Defines the location of pressure points in the fluid for recovery of pressure data.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PRESPT IDF IDP1 PHI1 IDP2 PHI2 IDP3 PHI3
Example:
PRESPT 14 141 0.0 142 90.0
17
BULK
Fields: O-P
Field Contents
IDF Fluid point (RINGFL entry) identification number. (Integer > 0)
IDPi Pressure point identification number. (Integer > 0)
PHIi Azimuthal position on fluid point referenced by IDF in fluid

coordinate system. (Real)
Remarks:
1. PRESPT is allowed only if an AXIF entry is also present.
2. All pressure point identification numbers must be unique with respect to other
scalar, structural, and fluid points.
3. The pressure points are used primarily for the identification of output data.
They may also be used as points at which to measure pressure for input to
control devices (see “Performing a Coupled Fluid-Structural Analysis” in the NX
Nastran User’s Guide).
4. One, two, or three pressure points may be defined per entry.
5. Output requests for velocity and acceleration of these degrees-of-freedom will

result in derivatives of pressure with respect to time.
1628 PROD
Rod Property
PROD Rod Property
Defines the properties of a rod element (CROD entry).

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PROD PID MID A J C NSM
Example:
PROD 17 23 42.6 17.92 4.2356 0.5
17
BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
A Area of the rod. (Real)
J Torsional constant. (Real)
C Coefficient to determine torsional stress. (Real; Default = 0.0)
Remarks:
1. PROD entries must all have unique property identification numbers.
3. For heat transfer problems, MID must reference a reference MAT4 or MAT5
entry.
4. The formula used to calculate torsional stress is
where Mθ is the torsional moment.

PROD 1629
Rod Property
1. J, C, and NSM are ignored.
2. CROD defines a truss element with no torsional stiffness, i.e., only axial force is
transmitted by the element.
17
BULK
O-P
1630 PSET
p-Version Element Polynomial Distribution
PSET p-Version Element Polynomial Distribution
Describes polynomial order distribution and is selected by the ADAPT Case Control
command.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PSET SID POLY1 POLY2 POLY3 CID SETTYP ID
Example:
17 PSET 127 1 2 1 12
BULK
O-P
Fields:
SID ID selected in the ADAPT Case Integer > 0 Required

Control command.
Coordinate system used to specify

CID polynomial values in different Integer ≥ 0 Remark 2.
directions. See Remark 1.
POLYi Polynomial order in 1, 2, 3 directions Integer > 0 Remark 3.

ofthe CID system.
SETTYP Type of set provided (“SET” or “ELID”) Character “SET”
ID SET ID or element ID with this Integer > 0 999999

p-value specification.
Remarks:
1. CID facilitates the specification of the p-order in curvilinear systems. For

example, when modeling a thin cylinder, the user can restrict the p-order
through the thickness of all elements to be 2 or 3 without specifically checking
the connectivity of each element.
PSET 1631
p-Version Element Polynomial Distribution
2. If the CID system is blank, the element’s topology is used to establish the 1, 2,
3 directions. The 1 direction is from the first to the second grid of the element,
the 2 direction is from the first to the fourth, and, the 3 direction is from the
first to the fifth. If CID is not blank then the following algorithm will be used
to determine the p-order of each edge: a vector will be defined in the CID
system from the first to the second grid of every edge. (Curvilinear systems
are evaluated at the midpoint of this vector.) The p-level of each edge is now
determined by the nearest integer to
where (n1, n2, n3) are the components of this unit vector in the CID system. 17
BULK
3. The default value for POLY2 and POLY3 is POLY1. O-P
4. Any overlap of the PSET specification will result in a warning message and the
use of the PSET with the highest pi entry.
5. Whenever SETTYP = “SET”, a SET command must be defined in the SETS

DEFINITION section of the Case Control Section.
7. Whenever there are more than one PSET entries for a given element, then:
• If CID on the PSET entries are the same, the entry with the maximum
POLYi will be used.
• If CID on the PSET entries are different, a fatal message is issued.

1632 PSHEAR
Shear Panel Property
PSHEAR Shear Panel Property
Defines the properties of a shear panel (CSHEAR entry).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PSHEAR PID MID T NSM F1 F2
Example:
PSHEAR
17 17 23 42.6 17.92 4.236 0.5
BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
MID Material identification number of a MAT1 entry. (Integer > 0)
T Thickness of shear panel. (Real ≠ 0.0)
F1 Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edges 1-2 and 3-4.
See Remark 2. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
F2 Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edges 2-3 and 1-4.
See Remark 2. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default = 0.0)
Remarks:
1. All PSHEAR entries should have unique identification numbers with respect
to all other property entries.
2. The effective extensional area is defined by means of equivalent rods on the

perimeter of the element. If F1 ≤ 1.01, the areas of the rods on edges 1-2 and 3-4
are set equal to (F1 · T · PA)/(L12 + L34) where PA is the panel surface area-half
the vector cross product area of the diagonals-and L12, L34 are the lengths of
sides 1-2 and 3-4. Thus, if F1 = 1.0, the panel is fully effective for extension in
the 1-2 direction. If F1 > 1.01, the areas of the rods on edges 1-2 and 3-4 are
each set equal to 0.5 · F1 · T2.
PSHEAR 1633
Shear Panel Property
Figure 17-20. Extensional Area for Shear Panel 17

Thus, if F1 = 30, the effective width of skin contributed by the panel to the BULK
flanges on edges 1-2 and 3-4 is equal to 15T. The significance of F2 for edges O-P
2-3 and 1-4 is similar.
3. Poisson’s ratio coupling for extensional effects is ignored.

1634 PSHELL
Shell Element Property
PSHELL Shell Element Property
Defines the membrane, bending, transverse shear, and coupling properties of thin
shell elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PSHELL PID MID1 T MID2 12I/T**3 MID3 TS/T NSM
Z1 Z2 MID4
17 Example:
BULK
O-P PSHELL 203 204 1.90 205 1.2 206 0.8 6.32
+.95 -.95
Fields:
Field Contents
MID1 Material identification number for the membrane. (Integer ≥ 0 or

blank)
T Default membrane thickness for Ti on the connection entry. If T is

blank then the thickness must be specified for Ti on the CQUAD4,
CTRIA3, CQUAD8, and CTRIA6 entries. (Real or blank)
MID2 Material identification number for bending. (Integer ≥ -1 or blank)
12I/T**3 Bending moment of inertia ratio, 12I/T3. Ratio of the actual bending
moment inertia of the shell, I, to the bending moment of inertia of a
homogeneous shell, T3/12. The default value is for a homogeneous
shell. (Real > 0.0; Default = 1.0)
MID3 Material identification number for transverse shear. (Integer > 0 or

blank; unless MID2 > 0, must be blank.)
TS/T Transverse shear thickness ratio, Ts/T. Ratio of the shear thickness,
(Ts), to the membrane thickness of the shell, T. The default value is
for a homogeneous shell. (Real > 0.0; Default = .833333)

PSHELL 1635
Field Contents
Z1, Z2 Fiber distances for stress calculations. The positive direction is

determined by the right-hand rule, and the order in which the
grid points are listed on the connection entry. See Remark 11. for
defaults. (Real or blank)
MID4 Material identification number for membrane-bending coupling.

See Remarks 6 and 13. (Integer > 0 or blank, must be blank unless
MID1 > 0 and MID2 > 0, may not equal MID1 or MID2.)
Remarks:
17
1. All PSHELL property entries should have unique identification numbers with BULK
respect to all other property entries. O-P
2. The structural mass is calculated from the density using the membrane
thickness and membrane material properties.
3. The results of leaving an MID field blank (or MID2 = -1) are:
MID1 No membrane or coupling stiffness

MID2 No bending, coupling, or transverse shear stiffness
MID3 No transverse shear flexibility
MID4 No membrane-bending coupling unless ZOFFS is specified on the
connection entry. See Remark 6.
MID2=-1 See Remark 12.
Note: MID1 and MID2 must be specified if the ZOFFS field is
also specified on the connection entry.
4. The continuation entry is not required.
5. The structural damping (GE on the MATi entry) is obtained from MID1 material.
6. The following should be considered when using MID4.
• The MID4 field should be left blank if the material properties are symmetric
with respect to the middle 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.
1636 PSHELL
• Only one of the options MID4 or ZOFFS should be used; if both methods are
specified the effects are cumulative. Since this is probably not what the user
intended, unexpected answers will result. Note that the mass properties are
not modified to reflect the existence of the offset when the ZOFFS and MID4
methods are used. If the weight or mass properties of an offset plate are to
be used in an analysis, the RBAR method must be used to represent the
offset. See “Plate and Shell Elements” in the NX Nastran Element Library.
• The effects of MID4 are not considered in the calculation of differential

stiffness. Therefore, it is recommended that MID4 be left blank in buckling
analysis.
17 7. This entry is referenced by the CTRIA3, CTRIA6, CTRIAR, CQUAD4, CQUAD8,

and CQUADR entries via PID.
BULK
O-P
8. For structural problems, MIDi must reference a MAT1, MAT2, or MAT8 material
property entry
9. If the transverse shear material MID3 references a MAT2 entry, then G33 must
be zero. If MID3 references a MAT8 entry, then G1Z and G2Z must not be zero.
10. For heat transfer problems, MIDi must reference a MAT4 or MAT5 material
property entry.
11. 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 thicknesses at connected grid points, if
they are input on connection entries.
12. For plane strain analysis, set MID2=-1 and set MID1 to reference a MAT1 entry.
In-plane loads applied to plain strain elements are interpreted as line-loads
with a value equal to the load divided by the thickness. Thus, if a thickness of
“1.0” is used, the value of the line-load equals the load value. Pressure can be
approximated with multiple line loads where the pressure value equals the
line-load dived by the length between the loads.
13. For the CQUADR and CTRIAR elements, the MID4 field should be left blank
because their formulation does not include membrane-bending coupling.
14. If MIDi is greater than or equal to 108, then parameter NOCOMPS is set to +1
indicating that composite stress data recovery is desired. (MIDi greater than
108 are generated by PCOMP entries.)
15. For a material nonlinear property, MID1 must reference a MATS1 entry and be
the same as MID2, unless a plane strain (MID2 = -1) formulation is desired.
Also, MID3 cannot reference a MATS1 entry.
PSHELL 1637
16. If transverse shear flexibility is specified for a model with curved shells where
the loading is dominated by twist, results will not converge and may be
inaccurate. PARAM,SNORM should be set for this unique model condition.
1. 12I/T**3, MID3, TS/T, NSM, Z1, Z2, and MID4 are ignored.
2. MID1 must be specified and must be greater than 0. MID1 is used to evaluate
all material properties of the element.
3. The shell element includes membrane, bending and transverse shear effects.
Membrane and bending effects are always coupled. 17
BULK
4. For SOL 601, MID2 is used only to check for the condition MID2=-1 for plane O-P
strain analysis. For SOL 701, plane strain is not supported.
5. 5. By default, incompatible modes are used for 4-node shell elements in SOL 601
but not in SOL 701. The use of incompatible modes for 4-node shell elements can
be set by the ICMODE parameter in NXSTRAT entry. Note that incompatible
modes are not used for 4-node plane strain (i.e., MID2=-1) quadrilateral elements.
1638 PSOLID
Properties of Solid Elements
PSOLID Properties of Solid Elements
Defines the properties of solid elements (CHEXA, CPENTA, and CTETRA entries).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PSOLID PID MID CORDM IN STRESS ISOP FCTN
Example:
PSOLID 2 100 6 TWO GRID REDUCED
17
BULK Fields:
O-P
Field Contents
MID Identification number of a MAT1, MAT4, MAT5, MAT9, or MAT10

CORDM Identification number of the material coordinate system. See

Remarks 3 and 4. (Integer; Default = 0, which is the basic coordinate
system; see Remark 3. )
IN Integration network. See Remarks 5, 6, 7, and 9. (Integer, Character,

or blank)
STRESS Location selection for stress output. See Remarks 8. and 9. (Integer,
Character, or blank)
ISOP Integration scheme. See Remarks 5, 6, 7, and 9. (Integer, Character,

or blank)
FCTN Fluid element flag. (Character: “PFLUID” indicates a fluid element,

“SMECH” indicates a structural element; Default = “SMECH.”)
Remarks:
1. PSOLID entries should have unique identification numbers with respect to all
other property entries.
2. Isotropic (MAT1 or MAT4), anisotropic (MAT5 or MAT9), or fluid (MAT10)

material properties may be referenced. If FCTN=“PFLUID”, then MID must
reference a MAT10 entry.
PSOLID 1639
3. See the CHEXA, CPENTA, or CTETRA entry for the definition of the element
coordinate system. The material coordinate system (CORDM) may be the basic
system (0 or blank), any defined system (Integer > 0), or the element coordinate
system (-1). The default value for CORDM is zero unless it is overridden by
the NASTRAN statement with the CORDM keyword. See “nastran Command
and NASTRAN Statement” .
4. If MID references a MAT9 entry, then CORDM defines the material property
coordinate system for Gij on the MAT9 entry. CORDM is ignored in the stress
output labeled “NONLINEAR STRESSES” where only the element coordinate
system is used.
5. For CHEXA and CPENTA elements with no midside nodes, reduced shear 17
integration with bubble functions (ISOP = blank or “REDUCED” and IN = blank BULK
or “BUBBLE”) is the default. This is recommended because it minimizes shear O-P
locking and Poisson’s ratio locking and does not cause modes of deformation that
lead to no strain energy. The effects of using nondefault values are as follows:
a. IN = “THREE” or 3 produces an overly stiff element.
b. If IN = “TWO” or 2 and the element has midside nodes, modes of deformation

may occur that lead to no strain energy.
c. Standard isoparametric integration (ISOP = “FULL” or 1 and IN = “TWO” or

2; or “THREE” or 3) produces an element overly stiff in shear. This type of
integration is more suited to nonstructural problems.
6. IN = “BUBBLE” is not allowed for CTETRA elements or for CHEXA and

CPENTA elements with midside nodes.
7. For CTETRA and fluid elements (FCTN = “PFLUID”), standard isoparametric

integration (ISOP = “FULL” or 1 and IN = “TWO” or 2; or “THREE” or 3) is the
default and the only option available.
8. Stress output may be requested at the Gauss points (STRESS = “GAUSS” or 1) of

CHEXA and CPENTA elements with no midside nodes. Gauss point output is
available for the CTETRA element with or without midside nodes.
9. The following tables indicate the allowed options and combination of options. If
a combination not found in the table is used, then a warning message will be
issued and default values will be assigned for all options.
10. The gauss point locations for the solid elements are documented in “Elements for
Nonlinear Analysis” in the NX Nastran Basic Nonlinear Analysis User’s Guide.
1640 PSOLID
1. MID is the identification number of a MAT1, MAT9, or MATG entry.
2. For geometric nonlinear analysis, it is recommended not to use incompatible

modes by setting IN=2 or 3. If bending behavior is significant, it is highly
recommended that elements with midside nodes be used.
3. For SOL 701, IN=2 is the default, i.e. incompatible modes are not used by
default for SOL 701. To use incompatible modes in SOL 701, IN=BUBBLE must
be specified.
17 4. By default, nonlinear stress results are output in the element coordinate system.
However, ELRESCS=1 may be specified in NXSTRAT entry to request output of
BULK
O-P nonlinear stress results in the material coordinate system.
5. STRESS is ignored. Stresses and strains are output at grid points of element.
6. ISOP is ignored. 2x2x2 integration (and equivalent) is used for elements with
no midside nodes. 3x3x3 integration (and equivalent) is used for elements with
midside nodes.
7. FCTN is not supported.
Table 17-3. CHEXA Entry Options
STRESS ISOP (Default: See Nonlinear

CHEXA Integration IN
(Default:GRID) Remarks 5 and 7.) Capability
2x2x2 Reduced BUBBLE or

Shear with Bubble Blank or 0
Function (default) (Default) Blank or REDUCED
Yes
(Default*)
Blank or GRID
2x2x2 Reduced
orGAUSS or 1
Shear Only
TWO or 2
8 Node 2x2x2 Standard FULL or 1
Isoparametric
3x3x3 Reduced Blank or REDUCED

Shear Only
THREE or 3 Blank or GRID No
3x3x3 Standard FULL or 1
Isoparametric
PSOLID 1641
Table 17-3. CHEXA Entry Options
STRESS ISOP (Default: See Nonlinear

CHEXA Integration IN
(Default:GRID) Remarks 5 and 7.) Capability

Shear Only
TWO or 2
2x2x2 Standard FULL or 1
Isoparametric
9–20 Node Blank or GRID No
Shear Only (Default*)
Blank or
(default)
3 x3x3 Standard
THREE or
3 (Default) FULL or 1
17
BULK
Isoparametric
O-P
Reduced (p-order) 0 or 1 0
Bubble
Bubble, P+ISOP 1
p-elements Integration Not applicable No
2 or 3 −10 ≤ ISOP ≤ 10
No Bubble,
P+ISOP
Integration
* REDUCED is the default only for structural elements (FCTN=“SMECH”).
Table 17-4. CPENTA Entry Options
STRESS
ISOP (Default: See Nonlinear
CPENTA Integration IN (Default:
Remarks 5 and 7.) Capability
GRID)
2x3 Reduced Blank or 0

Shear with or BUBBLE
Bubble Function (Default) Blank or
(Default)
REDUCED(Default*)
GAUSS or 1 or
Yes
2x3 Reduced Blank or GRID
Shear Only
6 Node TWO or 2
2x3 Standard FULL or 1
Isoparametric
3x7 Reduced Blank or

Shear Only REDUCED
THREE or 3 Blank or GRID No
Isoparametric
1642 PSOLID
Table 17-4. CPENTA Entry Options
STRESS
ISOP (Default: See Nonlinear
CPENTA Integration IN (Default:
Remarks 5 and 7.) Capability
GRID)

Shear Only REDUCED
TWO or 2
Isoparametric
7—15 Node Blank or GRID No
17 Shear Only
(default)
Blank or
THREE or 3
REDUCED(Default*)
BULK (Default)
O-P
Isoparametric
2x3 for p=1, 1, 0 or 1 0

13x7 for p=2, 2,
2(p+1)x(p) for
all other
p-elements 2x3 for p=1, 1, 0

Bubble 13x7 for p=2, 2,2
Function
3x7 for p=1, 1, 1 1
1
(p+ISOP+1)x −10 ≤ ISOP ≤ −1or2
(p+ISOP) for all Not applicable ≤ ISOP ≤ 10 No
other
2x3 for p=1, 1, 0

13x7 for p=2, 2,
p-elements 2
Standard
Isopara-metric 3x7 for p=1, 1, 1 2 or 3 1
(no bubble
function) (p+ISOP+1)x −10 ≤ ISOP ≤ −1or2
(p+ISOP) for all ≤ ISOP ≤ 10
other
REDUCED is the default only for structural elements (FCTN=“SMECH”).

PSOLID 1643
Table 17-5. CTETRA Entry Options
STRESS Nonlinear
CTETRA Integration IN ISOP
(Default:GRID) Capability
1-Point Blank or GAUSS or 1 or Yes

Standard TWO or 2 Blank or GRID
Isoparametric (Default)
(Default)
4 Node Blank or FULL
5-Point THREE or 3 Blank or GRID No
Standard
Isoparametric
5—10 Node 5-Point Blank or GAUSS or Blank or FULL No

17
BULK
Standard THREE or 1orBlank or
Isoparametric 3 (Default) GRID
O-P
1-Point; 0
P=1,1,15-Point;
P=2,2,2P+1
Cubic Point;
P>2
p-elements 5-Point; 0 or 1 Not applicable 1 No

P=1,1,1P+1
Cubic for all
other
P+ISOP Cubic −10 ≤ ISOP ≤ −1or2

= ISOP ≤ 10
1644 PTUBE
Tube Property
PTUBE Tube Property
Defines the properties of a thin-walled cylindrical tube element (CTUBE entry).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PTUBE PID MID OD T NSM OD2
Example:
PTUBE
17 2 6 6.29 0.25
BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
OD Outside diameter of tube. (Real > 0.0)
T Thickness of tube. (Real; T ≤ OD/2.0)
OD2 Diameter of tube at second grid point (G2) on CTUBE entry. (Real;
Default = OD)
Remarks:
1. If T is zero, a solid circular rod is assumed.
2. PTUBE entries must all have unique property identification numbers.
5. Tapered OD tubes with constant wall thickness are available for heat transfer
only. The effective diameter is given by:
PTUBE 1645
Tube Property
where:
D1 = OD
D2
=
17
BULK
O-P
1646 PVAL
p-Version Element Polynomial Order Distribution
PVAL p-Version Element Polynomial Order Distribution
Describes polynomial order distribution and is selected by the ADAPT Bulk Data
entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PVAL ID POLY1 POLY2 POLY3 CID SETTYP ID
Example:
17 PVAL 127 1 2 1
BULK
O-P
Fields:
ID ID selected in ADAPT Bulk Data entry. Integer > Required

0
CID Coordinate system used to specify Integer ≥ Remark 2.

polynomial values in different directions. 0
See Remark 1.
POLYi Polynomial order in 1, 2, 3 directionsof Integer > Remark 3.

the CID system. 0
SETTYP Type of set provided (SET or ELID). See Character “SET”

Remark 6.
ID SET ID or Element ID with these p value Integer > 999999

specifications. See Remark 6. 0
Remarks:
1. CID facilitates the specification of the p-order in curvilinear systems. For

example, when modeling a thin cylinder, the user can restrict the p-order
through the thickness of all elements to be 2 or 3 without specifically checking
the connectivity of each element.
2. If the CID system is blank, the element’s topology is used to establish the 1, 2,
3 directions. The 1 direction is from the first to the second grid of the element,
the 2 direction is from the first to the fourth, and, the 3 direction is from the
first to the fifth. If CID is not blank then the following algorithm will be used
PVAL 1647
p-Version Element Polynomial Order Distribution
to determine the p-order of each edge: a vector will be defined in the CID
system from the first to the second grid of every edge. (Curvilinear systems
are evaluated at the mid point of this vector). The p-level of each edge is now
determined by the nearest integer to:
where (n1, n2, n3) are the components of this unit vector in the CID system.
3. For accuracy and efficiency the recommended minimum p-order is 3. The default
value for POLY2 and POLY3 is POLY1.
4. Each finite element has to have a unique PVAL for PSTRTID, PMINID, 17
PMAXID. Any overlap of the PVAL specification will result in a warning message BULK
and the use of the PVAL with the highest pi entry. O-P
5. The intermediate PVAL entries generated will have an identification number

starting with ADGEN.
6. Whenever SETTYP = “SET”, a SET command must be defined under the SETS
DEFINITION command in the Case Control Section.
8. If there are more than one PVAL entries for a given element, then
• If CID on the PVALs are the same, the entry with the maximum POLYi
will be used.
• If CID on the PVALs are different, a fatal message is issued.

1648 PVISC
Viscous Damping Element Property
PVISC Viscous Damping Element Property
Defines properties of a one-dimensional 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
17 3 6.2 3.94
BULK
O-P Fields:
Field Contents
CE1, CE2 Viscous damping values for extension in units of force per unit
velocity. (Real)
CR1, CR2 Viscous damping values for rotation in units of moment per unit
velocity. (Real)
Remarks:
1. Viscous properties are material independent; in particular, they are temperature

independent.
2. One or two viscous element properties may be defined on a single entry.

PWELD 1649
WELD Element Property
PWELD WELD Element Property
Defines the properties of connector (CWELD) elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PWELD PID MID D MSET TYPE
Example:
PWELD 100 3 1.0
17
BULK
Fields: O-P
Field Contents
MID Material identification number. See Remark 1. (Integer > 0)
D Diameter of the connector. See Remark 1. (Real > 0)
MSET Flag to eliminate m-set degrees of freedom.See Remark 2. (Character:

“ON” or “OFF”; Default= “ON”)
TYPE Character string indicating the type of connection. See Remark 3.

(Character: ”SPOT” or blank; Default=blank, “SPOT”= spot weld
connector, blank= general connector)
Remarks:
1. Material MID, diameter D, and the length are used to calculate the stiffness of
the connector in 6 directions. MID can only refer to the MAT1 Bulk Data entry.
The length is the distance of GA to GB, see Figure 17-21.
1650 PWELD
WELD Element Property
17
BULK
O-P
Figure 17-21. Length and Diameter of the Weld Connector
2. MSET=”ON” (default) generates explicit m-set constraints. MSET=”OFF”

incorporates constraints at the element stiffness matrix level avoiding explicit
m-set constraint equations. For example, if a patch-to-patch connection is
specified with the formats “GRIDID” or “ELEMID” on the CWELD entry, and
MSET=ON is specified, 2x6 explicit constraints are generated which connect
the 6 degrees of freedom of GA to the translational degrees of freedom of GAI
and the 6 degrees of freedom of GB to GBI. The 2x6 degrees of freedom of GA
and GB are put into the m-set. The constraints are labeled “RWELD”. The
identification numbers of the generated RWELD constraint elements start with
an offset specified on PARAM, OSWELM. If MSET=OFF is specified, the 2x6
constraint equations are built into the stiffness matrix of the CWELD element
thereby condensing the 2x6 degrees of freedom of GA and GB. MSET=OFF is
only available for the patch-to-patch connection (GRIDID or ELEMID).
3. For TYPE= “SPOT”, if the “ELEMID” format on the CWELD entry is used, then
the effective length for the stiffness of the CWELD element is set to Le=1/2(tA+tB)
regardless of the distance GA to GB. tA and tB are the shell thicknesses of shell
A and B respectively. For all other cases, the effective length of the CWELD
element is equal to the true length, the distance of GA to GB, as long as the
ratio of length to diameter is in the range 0.2≤L/D≤5.0. If L is below the range,
the effective length is set to Le=0.2D and if L is above the range, the effective
length is set to Le=5.0D.
Chapter
18 Bulk Data Entries Q—S
18
BULK
Q-S
1652 QBDY1
Boundary Heat Flux Load for CHBDYj Elements, Form 1
QBDY1 Boundary Heat Flux Load for CHBDYj Elements, Form 1
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 109 1.-5 721

QBDY1 SID Q0 EID1 “THRU” EID2
QBDY1 109 1.-5 725 THRU 735
18 Fields:
BULK
Q-S Field Contents
Q0 Heat flux into element. (Real)
EIDi CHBDYj element identification numbers. (Integer ≠ 0 or “THRU”. For

“THRU” option EID2 >EID1.)
Remarks:
1. QBDY1 entries must be selected with the Case Control command LOAD=SID
in order to be used in static analysis. The total power into an element is given
by the equation:
2. QBDY1 entries must be referenced on a TLOAD entry for use in transient

analysis. The total power into an element is given by the equation:
where the function of time F(t−τ) is specified on a TLOAD1 or TLOAD2 entry.

QBDY1 1653
3. The sign convention for Q0 is positive for heat input.
18
BULK
Q-S
1654 QBDY2
QBDY2 Boundary Heat Flux Load for CHBDYj Elements, Form 2
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 109 721 1.-5 1.-5 2.-5 2.-5
Fields:
Field Contents
18 SID Load set identification number. (Integer >0)
BULK
Q-S EID Identification number of an CHBDYj element. (Integer > 0)
Q0i Heat flux at the i-th grid point on the referenced CHBDYj element. (Real
or blank)
Remarks:
1. QBDY2 entries must be selected with the Case Control command LOAD=SID
in order to be used in static analysis. The total power into each point i on an
element is given by
2. QBDY2 entries must be referenced on a TLOAD entry for use in transient

analysis. All connected grid points will have the same time function but may have
individual delays. The total power into each point i on an element is given by
where F(t−τi) is a function of time specified on a TLOAD1 or TLOAD2 entry.
3. The sign convention for Q0i is positive for heat flux input to the element.
QBDY3 1655
Boundary Heat Flux Load for a Surface
QBDY3 Boundary Heat Flux Load for a Surface
Defines a uniform heat flux load for a boundary surface.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
QBDY3 SID Q0 CNTRLND EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5
EID6 etc.
Example:
QBDY3 2 20.0 10 1 THRU 50 BY 2
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Load set identification number. (Integer > 0) 18

BULK
Q0 Thermal heat flux load, or load multiplier. Q0 is positive for heat Q-S
flow into a surface. (Real)
CNTRLND Control point for thermal flux load. (Integer ≥ 0; Default=0)
EIDi CHBDYj element identification numbers. (Integer ≠ 0 or “THRU”

or “BY”)
Remarks:
1. QBDY3 entries must be selected in Case Control (LOAD=SID) to be used in

steady state. The total power into a surface is given by the equation:
• if CNTRLND ≤ 0 then Pin=(Effective area) ·Q0
• if CNTRLND > 0 thenPin=(Effective area) ·Q0 · uCNTRLND

where uCNTRLND is the temperature of the control point and is used as a
load multiplier.
2. In transient analysis SID is referenced by a TLOADi Bulk Data entry through

the DAREA entry. A function of time F(t−τ) defined on the TLOADi multiplies
the general load, with τ specifying time delay. The load set identifier on the
TLOADi entry must be selected in Case Control (DLOAD=SID) for use in
transient analysis. If multiple types of transient loads exist, they must be
combined by the DLOAD Bulk Data entry.
1656 QBDY3
Boundary Heat Flux Load for a Surface
3. The CNTRLND multiplier cannot be used with any higher-order elements.
4. When using “THRU” or “BY”, all intermediate CHBDYE, CHBDYG, or CHBDYP

elements must exist.
18
BULK
Q-S
QHBDY 1657
Boundary Heat Flux Load
QHBDY Boundary Heat Flux Load
Defines a uniform heat flux into a set of grid points.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
QHBDY SID FLAG Q0 AF G1 G2 G3 G4
G5 G6 G7 G8
Example:
QHBDY 2 AREA4 20.0 101 102 104 103
Fields:
Field Contents 18
BULK
Q-S
FLAG Type of face involved (must be one of the following: “POINT”, “LINE”,
“REV”, “AREA3”, “AREA4”, “AREA6”, “AREA8”)
Q0 Magnitude of thermal flux into face. Q0 is positive for heat into the
surface. (Real)
AF Area factor depends on type. (Real > 0.0 or blank)
Gi Grid point identification of connected grid points. (Integer > 0 or blank)
Remarks:
2. For use in steady state analysis, the load set is selected in the Case Control
Section (LOAD=SID).
3. In transient analysis SID is referenced by a TLOADi Bulk Data entry through

the DAREA entry. A function of time defined on the TLOADi entry multiplies
the general load. specifies time delay. The load set identifier on the TLOADi
entry must be selected in Case Control (DLOAD=SID) for use in transient
analysis. If multiple types of transient loads exist, they must be combined by
the DLOAD Bulk Data entry.
1658 QHBDY
Boundary Heat Flux Load
4. The heat flux applied to the area is transformed to loads on the points. These
points need not correspond to an HBDY surface element.
5. The flux is applied to each point i by the equation
6. The number of connected points for the types are 1 (POINT), 2 (LINE, REV),
3 (AREA3), 4 (AREA4), 4-6 (AREA6), 5-8 (AREA8).
7. 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 and must be left blank.
8. The type of face (FLAG) defines a surface in the same manner as the CHBDYi
data entry. For physical descriptions of the geometry involved, see the CHBDYG
discussion.
18
BULK
Q-S
QSET 1659
Generalized Degree-of-Freedom
QSET Generalized Degree-of-Freedom
Defines generalized degrees-of-freedom (q-set) to be used for component mode

synthesis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
QSET ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3 ID4 C4
Example:
QSET 15 123456 1 7 9 2 105 6
Fields:
Field Contents

18
BULK
Q-S
Ci Component number. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points or any
unique combination of the Integers 1 through 6 for grid points with no
embedded blanks.)
Remarks:

exclusive q-set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually
2. Degrees-of-freedom specified on QSET and QSET1 entries are automatically

placed in the a-set.
1660 QSET1
Generalized Degree-of-Freedom (Alternate Form of QSET Entry)
QSET1 Generalized Degree-of-Freedom (Alternate Form of QSET Entry)
Defines generalized degrees-of-freedom (q-set) to be used for component mode

synthesis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
QSET1 C ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4 ID5 ID6 ID7
ID8 ID9 -etc.-
Example:
QSET1 123456 1 7 9 22 105 6 22
52 53

18 QSET1 C ID1 “THRU” ID2
BULK
QSET1 0 101 THRU 110
Q-S
Fields:
Field Contents
C Component number. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points or any

unique combination of the Integers 1 through 6 for grid points with no
embedded blanks.)
IDi Grid or scalar point identification number. (Integer > 0; For THRU
option, ID1 < ID2.)
Remarks:

2. Degrees-of-freedom specified on QSET and QSET1 entries are automatically

placed in the a-set.
QVECT 1661
Thermal Vector Flux Load
QVECT Thermal Vector Flux Load
Defines thermal vector flux from a distant source into a face of one or more CHBDYi
boundary condition surface elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
QVECT SID Q0 TSOUR CE E1 or TID1 E2 or TID2 E3 or TID3 CNTRLND
EID1 EID2 -etc.-
Example:
QVECT 10 20.0 1000.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 101
20 21 22 23
Fields:
Field Contents
18
BULK
SID Load set identification number. (Integer > 0) Q-S
Q0 Magnitude of thermal flux vector into face. (Real or blank)
TSOUR Temperature of the radiant source. (Real or blank)
CE Coordinate system identification number for thermal vector flux.

Ei Vector components (direction cosines in coordinate system CE) of the

thermal vector flux. (Real; Default=0.0)
TIDi TABLEDi entry identification numbers defining the components as

a function of time. (Integer > 0)
CNTRLND Control point. (Integer ≥ 0; Default=0)
EIDi Element identification number of a CHBDYE, CHBDYG, or CHBDYP

entry. (Integer ≠ 0 or “THRU”)
Remarks:
2. If the coordinate system CE is not rectangular, then the thermal vector flux is in
different directions for different CHBDYi elements. The direction of the thermal
1662 QVECT
vector flux over an element is aligned to be in the direction of the flux vector at
the geometric center of the element. The geometric center is measured using
the grid points and includes any DISLIN specification on the VIEW entry for
TYPE=LINE CHBDYi elements. The flux is presumed to be uniform over the
face of each element; i.e., the source is relatively distant.
3. For use in steady-state analysis, the load set is selected in the Case Control
Section (LOAD=SID). The total power into an element is given by:
• If CNTRLND=0 then, Pin=−αA ( · ) · Q0.
• If CNTRLND > 0 then, Pin=−αA ( · ) · Q0 · uCNTRLND.

where
α = face absorptivity (supplied from a RADM statement).
A = face area as determined from a CHBDYi surface element.
18 = vector of direction cosines E1, E2, E3.

BULK
Q-S = face normal vector. See CHBDYi entries.
= 0 if the vector product is positive, (i.e., the flux is coming from

·
behind the face).
ucntrlnd = temperature value of the control point used as a load multiplier.
4. If the absorptivity is constant, its value is supplied by the ABSORP field on the
RADM entry. If the absorptivity is not a constant, the thermal flux is assumed to
have a wavelength distribution of a black body at the temperature TSOUR.
• For a temperature-dependent absorptivity, the element temperature is used
to determine α.
• For a wavelength-dependent absorptivity, the integration of the flux times

is computed for each wavelength band. The sum of the integrated thermal
fluxes over all the wavelength bands is Q0. The wave bands are specified
with the RADBND entry.
• The user has the responsibility of enforcing Kirchhoff ’s laws.
5. In transient analysis, SID is referenced by a TLOADi Bulk Data entry through

the DAREA specification. A function of time F(t−τ) defined on the TLOADi entry
multiplies the general load. τ provides any required time delay. F(t−τ) is a
function of time specified on the TLOADi entry. The value of is calculated for each
QVECT 1663
loaded grid point. The load set identifier on the TLOADi entry must be selected
in Case Control (DLOAD=SID) for use in transient analysis. If multiple types of
transient loads exist, they must be combined by the DLOAD Bulk Data entry.
The total power into an element is given by:
• If CNTRLND=0 then, Pin= −αA( (t) · ) · Q0 · F(t−τ).
• If CNTRLND > 0 then,
Pin= −αA( (t) · ) · F(t−τ)Q0 · uCNTRLND.
6. If the referenced face is of TYPE=ELCYL, the power input is an exact integration

over the area exposed to the thermal flux vector.
7. If the referenced face is of TYPE=REV, the thermal flux vector must be parallel to
the axis of symmetry if an axisymmetric boundary condition is to be maintained.
8. When applied to a surface element associated with a radiation enclosure cavity,

any incident energy that is not absorbed (α < 1.0) is lost from the system and is
18
BULK
not accounted for in a reflective sense (α + ρ=1.0). Q-S
1664 QVOL
Volume Heat Addition
QVOL Volume Heat Addition
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 CNTRLND EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5
EID6 etc.
Example:
QVOL 5 10.0 101 10 12 11 9
Fields:
18 Field Contents
BULK SID Load set identification. (Integer > 0)
Q-S
QVOL Power input per unit volume produced by a heat conduction
element. (Real)
CNTRLND Control point used for controlling heat generation. (Integer ≥ 0;

Default=0)
EIDi A list of heat conduction elements. (Integer > 0 or “THRU” or “BY”)
Remarks:
1. EIDi has material properties (MAT4) that include HGEN, the element material
property for heat generation, which may be temperature dependent. This
association is made through the element EID. If HGEN is temperature
dependent, it is based on the average element temperature.
2. QVOL provides either the constant volumetric heat generation rate or the load
multiplier. QVOL is positive for heat generation. For steady-state analysis, the
total power into an element is
• If CNTRLND=0, then Pin=volume · HGEN · QVOL.
• If CNTRLND > 0, then Pin=volume · HGEN · QVOL · uCNTRLND.
where uCNTRLND. is the temperature multiplier.

QVOL 1665
Volume Heat Addition
3. For use in steady-state analysis, the load set is selected in the Case Control
Section (LOAD=SID).
4. In transient analysis SID is referenced by a TLOADi Bulk Data entry. A function

of time F [t − τ] defined on the TLOADi entry multiplies the general load where τ
specifies time delay. The load set identifier on the TLOADi entry must be selected
in Case Control (DLOAD=SID) for use in transient analysis. If multiple types of
transient loads exist, they must be combined by the DLOAD Bulk Data entry.
5. For “THRU” or “BY”, all intermediate referenced heat conduction elements must
exist.
6. The CNTRLND multiplier cannot be used with any higher-order elements.
18
BULK
Q-S
1666 RADBC
Space Radiation Specification
RADBC Space Radiation Specification
Specifies an CHBDYi element face for application of radiation boundary conditions.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RADBC NODAMB FAMB CNTRLND EID1 EID2 EID3 -etc.-
Example:
RADBC 5 1.0 101 10
Fields:
Field Contents
NODAMB Ambient point for radiation exchange. (Integer > 0)

18 FAMB Radiation view factor between the face and the ambient point. (Real
BULK
Q-S ≥ 0.0)
CNTRLND Control point for radiation boundary condition. (Integer ≥ 0;

Default=0)
EIDi CHBDYi element identification number. (or “THRU” or “BY”)
Remarks:
1. The basic exchange relationship is:

• if CNTRLND=0, then q=σ · FAMB · (εeT4e − αeT4amb)
• if CNTRLND > 0, then

q=σ · FAMB · uCNTRLND · (εeT4e − αeT4amb)
2. NODAMB is treated as a black body with its own ambient temperature for
radiation exchange between the surface element and space. No surface element
that is a member of a radiation enclosure cavity may also have a radiation
boundary condition applied to it.
3. Two PARAM entries are required when stipulating radiation heat transfer:
• ABS defines the absolute temperature scale; this value is added internally to
any specified temperature given in the problem. Upon solution completion,
this value is subtracted internally from the solution vector.
RADBC 1667
Space Radiation Specification
• SIGMA (σ) is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant.
4. RADBC allows for surface radiation to space in the absence of any cavity
behavior. The emissivity and absorptivity are supplied from a RADM entry.
5. When using “THRU” or “BY”, all intermediate referenced CHBDYi surface

elements must exist.
18
BULK
Q-S
1668 RADBND
Radiation Wavelength Band Definition
RADBND Radiation Wavelength Band Definition
Specifies Planck’s second radiation constant and the wavelength breakpoints used for
radiation exchange problems.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RADBND NUMBER PLANCK2 LAMBDA1 LAMBDA2LAMBDA3 LAMBDA4 LAMBDA5 LAMBDA6
LAMBDA7 etc.
Example:
RADBND 6 14388.0 1.0 2.0 4.0 8.0 12.0
Fields:
18 Field Contents
BULK
Q-S NUMBER Number of radiation wave bands. See Remarks. (Integer > 1)
PLANCK2 Planck’s second radiation constant. See Remarks. (Real > 0.0)
LAMBDAi Highest wavelength of the i-th wave band. See Remarks. (Real ≥
0.0)
Remarks:
1. Only one RADBND entry may be specified in the Bulk Data Section and must
always be used in conjunction with the RADM entry.
2. PLANCK2 has the units of wavelength times temperature. The same units of
length must be used for LAMBDAi as for PLANCK2. The units of temperature
must be the same as those used for the radiating surfaces. For example: 25898.
μm °R or 14388. μm °K.
3. The first wavelength band extends from 0 to LAMBDA1 and the last band
extends from LAMBDAn to infinity, where n=NUMBER − 1.
4. Discontinuous segments in the emissivity versus wavelength piecewise linear

curve must be treated as a wavelength band of zero width.
5. LAMBDAi must be specified in ascending order, and all LAMBDAi fields where i
is greater than or equal to NUMBER must be blank.
RADCAV 1669
Radiation Cavity Identification
RADCAV Radiation Cavity Identification
Identifies the characteristics of each radiant enclosure.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RADCAV ICAVITY ELEAMB SHADOW SCALE PRTPCH NFECI RMAX
SET11 SET12 SET21 SET22 SET31 SET32 etc.
Example:
RADCAV 1 1 .99
3 5 4 5 7 5
Fields:
Field Contents 18
BULK
ICAVITY Unique cavity identification number associated with enclosure Q-S
radiation. (Integer > 0)
ELEAMB CHBDYi surface element identification number for radiation if the

view factors add up to less than 1.0. (Unique Integer > 0 among
all CHBDYi elements or blank.)
SHADOW Flag to control third body shading calculation during view factor
calculation for each identified cavity. (Character=“YES” or “NO”;
Default=“YES”)
SCALE View factor that the enclosure sum will be set to if a view factor is
greater than 1.0. (0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0; Default=0.0)
PRTPCH Facilitates the blocking of view factor printing and punching onto
RADLST and RADMTX entries. (Integer=0, 1, 2, or 3; Default=0):
NFECI Controls whether finite difference or contour integration methods

are to be used in the calculation of view factors in the absence of a
VIEW3D Bulk Data entry. (Character=“FD” or “CONT”; See Remark
4. for default.)
RMAX Subelement area factor. See Remark 5. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default=0.1)
SETij Set identification pairs for the calculation of global view factors. Up
to 30 pairs may be specified (i=1 to 2 and j=1 to 30). (Integer > 0)
1670 RADCAV
PRTPCH Print/Punch
0 (default) print and punch
1 no print
2 no punch
3 no print or punch
Remarks:
1. For the surfaces 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,

18 if it is known a priori that there is no third-body shadowing, SHADOW=NO
overrides KSHD and KBSHD fields on the VIEW Bulk Data entry as well as
BULK
reduces the calculation time immensely.
Q-S
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.
4. If the VIEW3D Bulk Data entry is not specified, the view factors are calculated
using finite difference and contour integration methods. If NFECI=“FD”, then all
view factors are calculated using the finite difference technique. NFECI=“CONT”
invokes contour integration for all view factor calculations. If NFECI is blank,
the program selects a method to use between any two particular elements based
on RMAX.
5. The comparison value for RMAX is equal to As / d2rs where As is the area of a
subelement and drs is the distance between two subelements r and s for which
view factors are being computed. When NFECI is blank, the program selects the
contour integral method only if As / d2rs > RMAX.
6. When a number of elements are grouped together and considered as a

conglomerate surface, view factors can be calculated between these groups.
These are referred to as global view factors. The SET1 Bulk Data entry is used to
define the conglomerate. When using this feature, negative EIDs are not allowed.
RADCAV 1671
7. If a RADLST and RADMTX entry exists for this cavity ID, new view factors are
not computed and the existing RADLST and RADMTX are used in the thermal
analysis.
18
BULK
Q-S
1672 RADLST
Listing of Enclosure Radiation Faces
RADLST Listing of Enclosure Radiation Faces
Identifies the individual CHBDYi surface elements that comprise the entire radiation
enclosure.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RADLST ICAVITY MTXTYP EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5 EID6
EID7 -etc.-
Example:
RADLST 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Fields:
18 Field Contents
BULK ICAVITY Unique cavity identification number that links a radiation exchange
Q-S matrix with its listing of enclosure radiation faces. (Integer > 0)
MTXTYP Type of radiation exchange matrix used for this cavity. (Integer ≤
4 and ≠ 0; Default=1 for an enclosure without an ambient element.
Default=4 for an enclosure with an ambient element as specified
on the RADCAV entry.)
1: Symmetric view factor matrix [F] and nonconservative

radiation matrix [R].
2: Symmetric exchange factor matrix [ ] and conservative

3: Unsymmetrical exchange factor matrix [ ] and conservative

4: Symmetric view factor matrix [F] and conservative radiation

matrix [R].
-n: The first n CHBDYi elements may lose energy to space but the
remainder may not. Symmetric exchange factor matrix [F]
and nonconservative radiation matrix [R].
EIDi Identification numbers for the CHBDYi elements in this radiation

cavity. (Integer ≠ 0 or “THRU”)
RADLST 1673
Listing of Enclosure Radiation Faces
Remarks:
1. A radiation EIDi list isolates those CHBDYi surface element faces that are to
communicate in a radiation enclosure. View-factor calculation and RADMTX
formation for an enclosure is performed only for (or among) those faces identified
within the same RADCAV.
2. A radiation exchange matrix (RADMTX) can only reference one radiative face
list (RADLST). The companion RADCAV, RADLST, and RADMTX must share a
unique ICAVITY.
3. For each EIDi, the appropriate CHBDYi element is located, and the proper
RADM entry ID field found.
4. If the radiation exchange matrix or any radiation boundary conditions are

available from an external source, the RADMTX must be user generated.
5. Multiple RADLST entries may be specified.

18
BULK
Q-S
1674 RADM
Radiation Boundary Material Property
RADM Radiation Boundary Material Property
Defines the radiation properties of a boundary element for heat transfer analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RADM RADMID ABSORP EMIS1 EMIS2 EMIS3 EMIS4 EMIS5 EMIS6
EMIS7 -etc.-
Example:
RADM 11 .45 .33 .29 .20 .17 .13
Fields:
Field Contents
18 RADMID Material identification number. (Integer > 0)
BULK
Q-S ABSORP Surface absorptivity or the temperature function curve multiplier if
ABSORP is variable. See Remark 2. (0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0)
EMISi Surface emissivity at wavelength LAMBDAi or the temperature

function curve multiplier if EMISi is variable (See the RADBND
entry.) (0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0)
Remarks:
1. The RADM entry is directly referenced only by one of the CHBDYE, CHBDYG,
or CHBDYP type surface element entries.
2. For radiation enclosure problems, ABSORP is set equal to emissivity. For

QVECT loads, absorptivity is specified by ABSORP.
3. If there is more than one EMISi, then:

• There must be a RADBND entry.
• The number of EMISi may not exceed the number of LAMBDAi on the
RADBND entry.
• The emissivity values are given for a wavelength specified by the

corresponding LAMBDAi on the RADBND entry. Within each discrete
wavelength band, the emissivity is assumed to be constant.
RADM 1675
Radiation Boundary Material Property
• At any specific wavelength and surface temperature, the absorptivity is

exactly equal to the emissivity.
4. To perform any radiation heat transfer exchange, the user must furnish PARAM
entries for:
• TABS to define the absolute temperature scale.
• SIGMA σ to define the Stefan-Boltzmann constant in appropriate units.
18
BULK
Q-S
1676 RADMT
Radiation Boundary Material Property Temperature Dependence
RADMT Radiation Boundary Material Property Temperature Dependence
Specifies table references for temperature dependent RADM entry radiation

boundary properties.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RADMT RADMID T(A) T(ε1) T(ε2) T(ε3) T(ε4) T(ε5) T(ε6)
T(ε7) -etc.-
Example:
RADMT 11 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fields:
18 Field Contents
BULK
Q-S RADMID Material identification number. (Integer > 0)
T(A) TABLEMj identifier for surface absorptivity. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
T(εi) TABLEMj identifiers for surface emissivity. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
Remarks:
1. The basic quantities on the RADM entry of the same RADMID are always
multiplied by the corresponding tabular function.
2. Tables T(A) and T(εi) 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.
RADMTX 1677
Radiation Exchange Matrix
RADMTX Radiation Exchange Matrix
Provides the Fji=Aj fji exchange factors for all the faces of a radiation enclosure
specified in the corresponding RADLST entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RADMTX ICAVITY INDEX Fi,j Fi+1,j Fi+2,j Fi+3,j Fi+4,j Fi+5,j
Fi+6,j -etc.-
Example:
RADMTX 2 1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2
Fields:
Field Contents 18
BULK
ICAVITY Unique cavity identification number that links a radiation exchange Q-S
matrix with its listing of enclosure radiation surface elements.
(Integer > 0)
INDEX Column number in the matrix. (Integer > 0)
Fk,j If symmetric, the matrix values start on the diagonal (i=j) and
continue down the column (k=i + 1, i + 2, etc.). If unsymmetrical,
the values start in row (i=1). i refers to EIDi on the RADLST entry.
(Real ≥ 0)
Remarks:
1. If the matrix is symmetric, only the lower triangle is input, and i=j=INDEX. If
the matrix is unsymmetrical, i=1, and j=INDEX.
2. Only one ICAVITY may be referenced for those faces that are to be included
in a unique radiation matrix.
3. Coefficients are listed by column with the number of columns equal to the
number of entries in the RADLST.
4. All faces involved in any radiation enclosure must be defined with an CHBDYi
element.
1678 RADSET
Identifies a Set of Radiation Cavities
RADSET Identifies a Set of Radiation Cavities
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 1 2 3 4
Fields:
Field Contents
18 ICAVITYi Unique identification number for a cavity to be considered for enclosure
BULK radiation analysis. (Integer > 0)
Q-S
Remarks:
1. For multiple radiation cavities, RADSET specifies which cavities are to be

included in the analysis.
RANDPS 1679
Power Spectral Density Specification
RANDPS Power Spectral Density Specification
Defines load set power spectral density factors for use in random analysis having
the frequency dependent form
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RANDPS SID J K X Y TID
Example:
RANDPS 5 3 7 2.0 2.5 4
Fields: 18
BULK
Field Contents Q-S
SID Random analysis set identification number. (Integer > 0)
J Subcase identification number of the excited load set. (Integer > 0)
K Subcase identification number of the applied load set. (Integer ≥ 0;

K ≥ J)
X, Y Components of the complex number. (Real)
TID Identification number of a TABRNDi entry that defines G(F).

(Integer ≥ 0)
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 TID=0, G(F)=1.0.
4. RANDPS may only reference subcases included within a single loop (a change
in direct matrix input is not allowed).
1680 RANDPS
Power Spectral Density Specification
5. See the NX Nastran Advanced Dynamic Analysis User’s Guide for a discussion of
random analysis.
6. In the case of cyclic symmetry Solution Sequence 118, J and K must refer to
the coded subcase IDs. See “Using Cyclic Symmetry” in the NX Nastran User’s
Guide for the coding procedure.
7. In superelement analysis, J and K must refer to the superelement subcases.

For example, if superelement 10 has SUBCASEs 1 and 2 and superelement 20
has SUBCASEs 3 and 4, then a separate RANDPS entry is required for each
superelement, even though X, Y, and TID may be identical.
8. For uncoupled PSDF (no J < K entries) only one J=K entry is allowed for unique
value of J. For coupled PSDF (some J < K entries) any number of entries are
allowed.
18
BULK
Q-S
RANDT1 1681
Autocorrelation Function Time Lag
RANDT1 Autocorrelation Function Time Lag
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
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Random analysis set identification number. (Integer > 0)

18
BULK
N Q-S
Number of time lag intervals. (Integer > 0)
T0 Starting time lag. (Real ≥ 0.0)
TMAX Maximum time lag. (Real > T0)
Remarks:
1. Time lag 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
4. See the NX Nastran Advanced Dynamic Analysis User’s Guide for a discussion of
random analysis.
1682 RBAR
Rigid Bar
RBAR Rigid Bar
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 ALPHA
Example:
RBAR 5 1 2 234 123
Fields:
Field Contents
18 EID Element identification number.

BULK GA, GB Grid point identification number of connection points. (Integer > 0)
Q-S
CNA, CNB Component numbers of independent degrees-of-freedom in the
global coordinate system for the element at grid points GA and GB.
See Remark 1. (Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded blanks,
or zero or blank.)
CMA, CMB Component numbers of dependent degrees-of-freedom in the global

coordinate system assigned by the element at grid points GA and
GB. See Remarks 2 and 3. (Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded
blanks, or zero or blank.)
ALPHA Thermal expansion coefficient. (Real > 0.0)
Remarks:
1. The total number of components in CNA and CNB must equal six; for example,
CNA=1236, 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; i.e., they will be made members of the m-set.
3. The m-set coordinates specified on this entry may not be specified on other
entries that define mutually exclusive sets. See “Degree-of-Freedom Sets” for
a list of these entries.
RBAR 1683
Rigid Bar

5. Rigid elements, unlike MPCs, are not selected through the Case Control Section.

7. Rigid elements are ignored in heat transfer problems.
8. See R-Type Elements” in the NX Nastran Element Library for a discussion of

rigid elements.
Remarks related to SOL 601 and 701:
1. For SOL 601, RBAR may be simulated by rigid link, constraint equations, beam
element or spring elements depending on whether it is a large displacement
analysis and the parameter EQRBAR in the NXSTRAT entry. The values of
CNA, CNB, CMA, and CMB also determine how RBAR is treated. See Section
2.7 of Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide for details on how the
18
BULK
RBAR element is handled. Q-S
2. For SOL 701, RBAR is always treated as rigid, i.e., as rigid link or constraint
equations.
4. Dependent degrees-of-freedom may not be assigned as independent by another

such a case.
1684 RBE1
Rigid Body Element, Form 1
RBE1 Rigid Body Element, Form 1
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 GN2 CN2 GN3 CN3
GN4 CN4 GN5 CN5 GN6 CN6
“UM” GM1 CM1 GM2 CM2 GM3 CM3
GM4 CM4 -etc.- ALPHA
Example:
RBE1 59 59 123 60 456
UM 61 246
18
BULK Fields:
Q-S
Field Contents
GNi Grid points at which independent degrees-of-freedom for the element

are assigned. (Integer > 0)
CNi Independent degrees-of-freedom in the global coordinate system for the

rigid element at grid point(s) GNi. See Remark 1. (Integers 1 through
6 with no embedded blanks.)
“UM” Indicates the start of the degrees-of-freedom belonging to m-set.

(Character)
GMj Grid points at which dependent degrees-of-freedom are assigned.

(Integer > 0)
CMj Dependent degrees-of-freedom in the global coordinate system at grid

point(s) GMj. (Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded blanks.)

RBE1 1685
Remarks:
1. The total number of components in CN1 to CN6 must equal six; for example,
CN1=123, CN2=3, CN3=2, CN4=3. Furthermore, they must jointly be capable of
representing any general rigid body motion of the element.
2. The first continuation entry is not required if there are fewer than four GN
points.
3. Dependent degrees-of-freedom assigned by one rigid element may not also be

assigned dependent by another rigid element or by a multipoint constraint.
4. 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.

18
BULK
Q-S
9. See R-Type Elements in the NX Nastran Element Library for a discussion of

rigid elements.
1686 RBE2
RBE2 Rigid Body Element, Form 2
Defines a rigid body with independent degrees-of-freedom that are specified at a

single grid point and with dependent degrees-of-freedom that 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 -etc.- ALPHA
Example:
RBE2 9 8 12 10 12 14 15 16
20
18 Fields:
BULK
Q-S Field Contents
GN Identification number of grid point to which all six independent

degrees-of-freedom for the element are assigned. (Integer > 0)
CM Component numbers of the dependent degrees-of-freedom in the

global coordinate system at grid points GMi. (Integers 1 through 6
GMi Grid point identification numbers at which dependent

degrees-of-freedom are assigned. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. The components indicated by CM are made dependent (members of the m-set)

at all grid points GMi.


RBE2 1687

7. See R-Type Elements in theNX Nastran Element Library for a discussion of

rigid elements.
1. For SOL 601, RBE2 may be simulated by rigid links, constraint equations, beam
elements or spring elements depending on whether it is a large displacement
analysis and the parameter EQRBE2 in the NXSTRAT entry. See Section 2.7
of the Advanced Nonlinear Theory and Modeling Guide for details on how the
18
BULK
RBE2 element is handled. Q-S
2. For SOL 701, RBE2 is always treated as a rigid, i.e., as a rigid link or constraint
equations.
4. Dependent degrees-of-freedom may not be assigned as independent by another

such a case.
1688 RBE3
Interpolation Constraint Element
RBE3 Interpolation Constraint Element
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
G1,3 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 -etc.-
Example:
RBE3
18 14
5 4.7
100
1
1234
2
1.0
4
123
6
1
5.2
3
2
BULK
Q-S 7 8 9 5.1 1 15 16
UM 100 14 5 3 7 2
Fields:
Field Contents
EID Element identification number. Unique with respect to other rigid

elements. (Integer > 0)
REFGRID Reference grid point identification number. (Integer > 0)
REFC Component numbers at the reference grid point. (Any of the Integers
1 through 6 with no embedded blanks.)
WTi Weighting factor for components of motion on the following entry

at grid points Gi,j. (Real)
Ci Component numbers with weighting factor WTi at grid points Gi,j.

(Any of the Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded blanks.)
Gi,j Grid points with components Ci that have weighting factor WTi in
the averaging equations. (Integer > 0)
RBE3 1689
Field Contents
“UM” Indicates the start of the degrees-of-freedom belonging to the m-set.

The default action is to assign only the components in REFC to the
m-set. (Character)
GMi Identification numbers of grid points with degrees-of-freedom in

the m-set. (Integer > 0)
CMi Component numbers of GMi to be assigned to the m-set. (Any of the

Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded blanks.)
Remarks:
1. It is recommended that for most applications only the translation components

123 be used for Ci. An exception is the case where the Gi,j are colinear. A
rotation component may then be added to one grid point to stabilize its associated
rigid body mode for the element.
2. Blank spaces may be left at the end of a Gi,j sequence.

18
BULK
Q-S
3. The default for “UM” should be used except in cases where the user wishes to
include some or all REFC components in displacement sets exclusive from the
m-set. If the default is not used for “UM”:
• The total number of components in the m-set (i.e., the total number of
dependent degrees-of-freedom defined by the element) must be equal to the
number of components in REFC (four components in the example).
• The components specified after “UM” must be a subset of the components

specified under REFC and (Gi,j, Ci).
• The coefficient matrix [Rm] described in“Multipoint Constraint Operations

in SubDMAPs SEKR and SEMR2 and SEMRB” in the NX Nastran User’s
Guide must be nonsingular. PARAM,CHECKOUT in SOLs 101 through 200
may be used to check for this condition.



1690 RBE3
9. The formulation for the RBE3 element was changed in MSC.Nastran Version
70.7. This change allowed the element to give consistent answers that are not
dependent upon the units of the model. Only models that connected rotation
degrees of freedom for Ci were affected. Note that these models are ignoring the
recommendation in Remark 1. The formulation prior to MSC.Nastran Version
70.7 may be obtained by setting SYSTEM(310)=1.
1. All GMi and CMi are ignored.
3. A dependent degree-of-freedom may not be also assigned as an independent

18 degree-of-freedom by another rigid element or by a multipoint constraint. An
error message will be issued in such a case.
BULK
Q-S
RCROSS 1691
Cross-Power Spectral Density and Cross-Correlation Function Output
RCROSS Cross-Power Spectral Density and Cross-Correlation Function

Output
Defines a pair of response quantities for computing the cross-power spectral density
and cross-correlation functions in random analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RCROSS SID RTYPE1 ID1 COMP1 RTYPE2 ID2 COMP2 CURID
Example:
RCROSS 20 DISP 50 2 STRESS 150 8 4
Fields:
Field Contents 18
BULK
SID Case control RCROSS identification number for cross-power spectral Q-S
density and cross-correlation functions. (Integer>0)
RTYPEi Type of response quantity. At least one field must be selected. See
remark 2. (Character or blank)
IDi Element, grid, or scalar point identification number. (Integer > 0)
COMPi Component code (item) identification number. See remark 3. (Integer

> 0)
CURID Curve identification number. See remark 4. (Integer > 0 or blank)
Remarks:
1. This entry is required for computing the cross-power spectral density and
cross-correlation functions. SID must be selected with the case control command
(RCROSS=SID). Fields RTYPE1, ID1, and COMP1 represent the first response
quantity; fields RTYPE2, ID2, and COMP2 represent the second response
quantity.
1692 RCROSS
Cross-Power Spectral Density and Cross-Correlation Function Output
2. The keywords for field RTYPEi are listed as follows:
Table 18-1.
Keyword Meaning
DISP Displacement Vector
VELO Velocity Vector
ACCEL Acceleration Vector
OLOAD Applied Load Vector
SPCF Single-point Constraint Force Vector
MPCF Multi-point Constraint Force Vector
STRESS Element Stress
STRAIN Element Strain
18 FORCE Element Force

BULK
Q-S
If either RTYPE1 or RTYPE2 is blank, then the blank field takes the default
from the defined field.
3. For elements, the item code COMPi represents a component of the element stress,
strain or force and is described in Tables “Element Stress-Strain Item Codes”
and “Element Force Item Codes”. For an item having both a real and imaginary
part, the code of the real part must be selected. This is required for computing
both the cross-power spectral density function and cross-correlation function.
For grid points, the item code is one of 1,2,3,4,5, and 6, which represent the
mnemonics T1, T2, T3, R1, R2, and R3, respectively. For scalar points, always
use 1.
4. Field CURID is optional. It is for your convenience to identify the output by

using a single index.
RELEASE 1693
Superelement Boundary Grid Point Release
RELEASE Superelement Boundary Grid Point Release
Defines degrees-of-freedom for superelement exterior grid points that are not
connected to the superelement.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RELEASE SEID C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 -etc.-
Example:
RELEASE 15 456 3 7 11 2 156 9
152 162

RELEASE SEID C G1 “THRU” G2 18
RELEASE BULK
6 2 15 THRU 127
Q-S
RELEASE SEID C “ALL”
RELEASE 127 156 ALL
Fields:
Field Contents
SEID Superelement identification number. (Integer > 0)
C Component number. (Any unique combination of the Integers 1

Gi Grid point identification numbers. (Integer > 0, “THRU”, or “ALL”;

For THRU option, G1 < G2.)
Remarks:
1. A grid point referenced on this entry must be an exterior grid point of the
superelement referenced on the entry.
2. In the first alternate format, all grid points in the sequence G1 through G2 are
not required to be exterior grid points. Such grid points will collectively produce
a warning message but will otherwise be ignored.
1694 RELEASE
Superelement Boundary Grid Point Release
3. If the “ALL” option is used, all exterior grid points are released for the referenced
degrees-of-freedom.
4. The RELEASE entry is applicable to only the superelement solution sequences

(SOLs 101 through 200). It may not reference the residual structure (SEID=0).
5. This entry is not supported for partitioned superelements.
18
BULK
Q-S
RFORCE 1695
Rotational Force
RFORCE Rotational Force
Defines a static loading condition due to an angular velocity and/or acceleration.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RFORCE SID G CID A R1 R2 R3 METHOD
RACC MB
Example:
RFORCE 2 5 -6.4 0.0 0.0 1.0 2
1.0
Fields:
Field Contents
18
BULK
SID Load set identification number. (Integer > 0) Q-S
G Grid point identification number through which the rotation vector

acts. (Integer ≥ 0)
CID Coordinate system defining the components of the rotation vector.

See Remark 16. (Integer ≥ 0, Default=0)
A Scale factor of the angular velocity in revolutions per unit time.

(Real)
R1, R2, R3 Rectangular components of rotation vector
. The vector defined will pass through point G. (Real; R12 + R22 +
R32 > 0.0)
METHOD Method used to compute centrifugal forces due to angular velocity.

For angular acceleration, see Remark 13. (Integer=1 or 2; Default=1)
RACC Scale factor of the angular acceleration in revolutions per unit time
squared. (Real; Default=0.0)
1696 RFORCE
Rotational Force
Field Contents
MB Indicates whether the CID coordinate system is defined in the

main Bulk Data Section (MB=-1) or the partitioned superelement
Bulk Data Section (MB=0). Coordinate systems referenced in the
main Bulk Data Section are considered stationary with respect to
the assembly basic coordinate system. See Remark 15. (Integer;
Default=0)
Remarks:
1. In Figure 18-1, the force vector at grid point Gi is given by
where
18 angular velocity =
BULK
Q-S
angular
=
acceleration
[m]i = 3 × 3 translational mass matrix at grid point Gi
Note: The equation for will have additional terms if the mass is offset and
METHOD=1 is selected.
RFORCE 1697
Rotational Force
18
BULK
Figure 18-1. RFORCE Vector at Grid Point Gi
Q-S
3. G=0 signifies that the rotation vector acts through the origin of the basic
coordinate system.
4. CID=0 (Default) signifies that the rotation vector is defined in the basic
coordinate system.
5. The load vector generated by this entry can be printed with an OLOAD command
in the Case Control Section.
6. METHOD=1 yields correct results only when there is no coupling in the mass
matrix. This occurs when the lumped mass option is used with or without the
ZOFFS option (see the CQUAD4 entry for a description of ZOFFS). METHOD=2
yields correct results for lumped or consistent mass matrix only if the ZOFFS
option is not used. The acceleration terms due to the mass offset (X1, X2, X3)
on the CONM2 entry are not computed with METHOD=2. All the possible
combinations of mass matrices and offset and the correct method to be used
are shown below.
1698 RFORCE
Rotational Force
No Offset Offset
METHOD=1 or
Lumped METHOD=1
METHOD=2
Coupled METHOD=2 Neither
7. In cyclic symmetry analyses, the T3 axis of the basic coordinate system must be
coincident with the axis of symmetry. In the DIH type of cyclic symmetry, the T1
axis also must be parallel to side 1 of segment 1R of the model.
8. For superelement analysis, G should reference a residual structure point that

is exterior to all superelements. If it is not exterior to a superelement, then
centrifugal loads will not be generated for that superelement. However, in cyclic
analysis, User Fatal Message 4347 will be issued.
9. In a geometric nonlinear static analysis (SOL 4 or SOL 106 when PARAM

LDGISP is set to +1), this type of loading is a follower force type of loading.
However, the orientation of coordinate system CID is not updated.
18 10. In nonlinear static solutions when there is more than one increment (INC)
BULK specified on the NLPARM entry for a given subcase, the load vector resulting
Q-S from the RFORCE input (and not the angular velocity vector) is scaled linearly.
This means that loading by increments in the angular velocity can only be
achieved by having subcases where the RFORCE loading is applied in a single
increment.
12. Forces due to angular acceleration (RACC) are computed with METHOD=2
even if METHOD=1 is specified.
13. Loads derived from this entry do not include effects due to mass specified for
scalar points.
parameter “FOLLOWK”). In addition, follower force effects are included in the
15. The coordinate systems in the main Bulk Data Section are defined relative to the
assembly basic coordinate system which is fixed. This feature is useful when a
RFORCE 1699
Rotational Force
superelement defined by a partitioned Bulk Data Section is rotated or mirrored

and the gravity load is more conveniently defined in terms of coordinates which
are fixed.
16. If CID is not a rectangular coordinate system, RFORCE will treat it as if it were
and unexpected answers may result.
17. Follower force stiffness (param,followk,yes) is supported for method 2 only.
1. METHOD, RACC and MB are ignored.
2. To apply rotational force with constant magnitude (not considering magnitude

change due to large deformation, see Remark 4), SID is selected by Case Control
command LOAD=SID for both static and transient analyses.
3. To apply a time-dependent rotational load, SID is referenced by the field

EXCITEID=SID in the TLOAD1 entry. Time-dependent loads are selected by
Case Control command DLOAD.
18
BULK
Q-S
4. By default, in large deformation analysis, the magnitude of the rotational force
changes due to the deformation. The use of LOADOPT=0 in NXSTRAT entry
causes the rotational load to be independent of deformation.
5. Only one RFORCE can be applied in an analysis.
6. CID must be a rectangular coordinate system.

1700 RINGAX
Conical Shell Ring
RINGAX Conical Shell Ring
Defines a ring for conical shell problems.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RINGAX ID R Z PS
Example:
RINGAX 3 2.0 -10.0 162
Fields:
Field Contents
18 ID Ring identification number. See Remark 6. (Integer > 0)
BULK
Q-S R Ring radius. (Real > 0.0)
Z Ring axial location. (Real)
PS Permanent single-point constraints. (Any unique combination of the

Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded blanks.)
Remarks:
1. RINGAX is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
2. The number of degrees-of-freedom defined is (6 − NPS) ·H where H is the

harmonic count and NPS is the number of digits in field 8. (See “AXIC” ).
3. RINGAX identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other

POINTAX, RINGAX, and SECTAX identification numbers.
5. Constraints may be necessary to avoid matrix singularities. The CONEAX

element has no stiffness for rotation about the normal. In addition, there is no
stiffness for rotation about V (see Figure 18-2) when transverse shear flexibility
is not included.
RINGAX 1701
Conical Shell Ring
18
BULK
Q-S
Figure 18-2. RINGAX Coordinate System
6. In order to reference this entry on a SET Case Control command, the ID must be
modified by ID (n)=ID + 1000000 · n where n is the harmonic number plus one
and ID(n) is the value specified on the SET entry.
1702 RINGFL
Axisymmetric Fluid Point
RINGFL Axisymmetric Fluid Point
Defines a circle (fluid point) in an axisymmetric fluid model.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RINGFL IDFA XA1 XA2 XA3 IDFB XB1 XB2 XB3
Example:
RINGFL 3 1.0 30.0
Fields:
Field Contents
18 IDFA,
IDFB
Unique identification number of the fluid points. (0 < Integer <
500000)
BULK
Q-S
XAi, XBi Coordinates of the point defined in the coordinate system specified
on the AXIF entry. (Real; XA1 and XB1 > 0.0)
Remarks:
1. RINGFL is allowed only if an AXIF entry is also present.
2. All fluid point identification numbers must be unique with respect to other
scalar, structural, and fluid points.
3. X1, X2, X3 are (r, φ, z) for a cylindrical coordinate system and (ρ, θ, φ) for a
spherical coordinate system. θ is in degrees. The value of φ must be blank or zero.
4. One or two fluid points may be defined per entry.

RLOAD1 1703
Frequency Response Dynamic Excitation, Form 1
RLOAD1 Frequency Response Dynamic Excitation, Form 1
Defines a frequency-dependent dynamic load of the form
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 3 1
Fields: 18
BULK
Field Contents Q-S
EXCITEID Identification number of the DAREA or SPCD entry set that defines
A. See Remarks 5 and 6. (Integer > 0)
DELAY Identification number of the DELAY entry set that defines τ.

(Integer ≥ 0)
DPHASE Identification number of the DPHASE entry set that defines θ.

(Integer ≥ 0)
TC Set identification number of the TABLEDi entry that gives C(f). See
TD Set identification number of the TABLEDi entry that gives D(f). See
TYPE Defines the type of the dynamic excitation. See Remarks 5 and 6.
(Integer, character or blank; Default=0)
Remarks:
1. Dynamic excitation sets must be selected with the Case Control command
DLOAD=SID.
1704 RLOAD1
2. If any of DELAY, DPHASE, TC, or TD fields are blank or zero, the corresponding
τ, θ, C(f), or D(f) will both be zero. Either TC or TD may be blank or zero, but
not both.
3. RLOAD1 excitations may be combined with RLOAD2 excitations only by

specification on a DLOAD entry. That is, the SID on a RLOAD1 entry must not
be the same as that on a RLOAD2 entry.
4. SID must be unique for all RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1, TLOAD2, and
ACSRCE entries.
5. The type of the dynamic excitation is specified by TYPE (field 8) according

to the following table:
TYPE TYPE of Dynamic Excitation

0, L, LO, LOA or LOAD Applied load (force or moment) (Default)
1, D, DI, DIS or DISP Enforced displacement using SPC/SPCD data
18 2, V, VE, VEL or VELO Enforced velocity using SPC/SPCD data
BULK
Q-S 3, A, AC< ACC or ACCE Enforced acceleration SPC/SPCD data
6. TYPE (field 8) also determines the manner in which EXCITEID (field 3) is used
by the program as described below:
Excitation specified by TYPE is applied load
• There is no LOADSET request in Case Control
EXCITEID may also reference DAREA, static and thermal load set entries.
• There is a LOADSET request in Case Control

The program may also reference static and thermal load set entries specified
by the LID or TID field in the selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the
EXCITEID.
Excitation specified by TYPE is enforced motion

EXCITEID will reference SPCD entries.

The program will reference SPCD entries specified by the LID field in the
selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the EXCITEID.
RLOAD2 1705
RLOAD2 Frequency Response Dynamic Excitation, Form 2
Defines a frequency-dependent dynamic excitation of the form.
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 5 3 7
Fields: 18
BULK
Field Contents Q-S
EXCITEID Identification number of the DAREA or SPCD entry set that defines
A. See Remarks 5 and 6. (Integer > 0)
DELAY Identification number of the DELAY entry set that defines τ.

(Integer ≥ 0)
DPHASE Identification number of the DPHASE entry set that defines θ in

degrees. (Integer ≥ 0)
TB Set identification number of the TABLEDi entry that gives B(f).

(Integer > 0)
TP Set identification number of the TABLEDi entry that gives φ (f) in

degrees. (Integer ≥ 0)
(Integer, character or blank; Defaults=0)
Remarks:
DLOAD=SID.
1706 RLOAD2
2. If any of DELAY, DPHASE, or TP fields are blank or zero, the corresponding τ,

θ, or φ (f) will be zero.
3. RLOAD2 excitations may be combined with RLOAD1 excitations only by

specification on a DLOAD entry. That is, the SID on a RLOAD2 entry must not
be the same as that on a RLOAD1 entry.
4. SID must be unique for all RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1, TLOAD2, and
ACSRCE entries.

1, D, DI, DIS or DISP Enforced displacement using SPC/SPCD data
18 2, V, VE, VEL or VELO Enforced velocity using SPC/SPCD data

BULK
Q-S 3, A, AC< ACC or ACCE Enforced acceleration SPC/SPCD data
by the program as described below:
EXCITEID may also reference DAREA, static and thermal load set entries.

EXCITEID.

EXCITEID will reference SPCD entries.

selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the EXCITEID.
ROTORD 1707
Defines rotor dynamics solution options (SOLs 110 and 111).
ROTORD Defines rotor dynamics solution options (SOLs 110 and 111).
Defines rotor dynamics solution options for SOLs 110 and 111.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ROTORD SID RSTART RSTEP NUMSTEP REFSYS CMOUT RUNIT FUNIT +
+
ZSTEIN ORBEPS ROTPRT SYNC ETYPE EORDER
+
RID1 RSET1 RSPEED1 RCORD1 W3_1 W4_1 RFORCE1
+
....
+
Example:
ROTORD 998 0.0 5000.0 58 fix -1.0 cps +r0
+r0 no +r1 18
BULK
+r1 1 11 1 0.0 0.0 1 +r2
Q-S
+r2 2 12 1 0.0 0.0 +r3
+r3 3 13 1 0.0 0.0 +r4
+r4 4 14 1 0.0 0.0 +r5
+r5 5 15 1 0.0 0.0 +r6
+r6 6 16 1 0.0 0.0 +r7
+r7 7 17 1 0.0 0.0 +r8
+r8 8 18 1 0.0 0.0 +r9
+r9 9 19 1 0.0 0.0 +r10
+r10 10 20 1 0.0 0.0 10
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Set identifier for all rotors. Must be selected in the case control
deck by RMETHOD=SID.
RSTART Starting value of rotor speed. (Real ≥ 0.0)
RSTEP Step-size of rotor speed. (Real > 0.0)
NUMSTEP Number of steps for rotor speed including RSTART. (Integer > 0)
1708 ROTORD
Field Contents
REFSYS Reference system. (default=‘ROT’)
= ‘FIX’ analysis is performed in the fixed reference system.
= ‘ROT’ analysis is performed in the rotational reference system.
CMOUT Rotor speed for complex mode output request. (Integer ≥ 0)
= -1.0 output complex modes and whirl direction for all RPM.
= 0.0 no complex modes and no whirl direction are output. (default)
> 0.0 rotor speed value for which complex modes will be calculated
and written to F06 or OP2.
RUNIT Units used for rotor speed input (RSTART and RSTEP) and output
(units for output list and Campbell’s diagram output).
18 = ‘RPM’ revolutions per minute. (default)

BULK = ‘CPS’ cycles per second.
Q-S
= ‘HZ’ cycles per second.
= ‘RAD’ radians per second.
FUNIT Units used for frequency output (Campbell’s diagram output).
= ‘RPM’ revolutions per minute. (default)
= ‘CPS’ cycles per second.
= ‘HZ’ cycles per second.
= ‘RAD’ radians per second.
ZSTEIN Option to incorporate Steiner’s inertia terms. (default=NO)
ORBEPS Threshold value for detection of whirl direction. (default=1E-6)
ROTPRT Controls .f06 output options.
= 0 no print. (default)
= 1 print generalized matrices.
= 2 print eigenvalue summary and eigenvectors at each RPM.
= 3 combination of 1 & 2.
ROTORD 1709
Field Contents
SYNC Specifies if a rotor dynamics response calculation (SOL 111) is

synchronous or asynchronous. (Integer)
=1 synchronous (default)
=0 asynchronous
ETYPE Excitation type.
=1 Mass unbalanced (default). Specify mass unbalance = m x r on

DLOAD bulk entry and the program will multiply by Ω2.
=0 Force excitation. Specify force = m x r x Ω2 on DLOAD bulk

entry.
EORDER Excitation order
= 1.0 (default)
= 0.0 Forward whirl (modes crossing with 0P line) 18

BULK
= 2.0 Backward whirl (modes crossing with 2P line) Q-S
This value is always 1.0 for fixed reference system.
RIDi Rotor ID for output identification (default=i); must be unique with

respect to all other RIDi values.
RSETi Refers to a RSETID value on a ROTORG bulk entry. Each

ROTORG bulk entry specifies the grids for a single rotor. (Integer)
RSPEEDi Once supported, RSPEED will adjust the rotor speed for rotor i in
(place a rotor dynamics response calculation. RSPEED is currently hard
holder) coded to equal 1.
RCORDi Points to CORD** entry specifying rotation axis or rotor i as z.

(default=0 for global z axis)
W3_i Reference frequency for structural damping defined by PARAM G

for rotor i. (default=0.0)
W4_i Reference frequency for structural damping defined on material

card for rotor i. (default=0.0)
RFORCEi Points to RFORCE bulk data entry for rotor i. (Default=0 for
no rotational force applied; a rotational force is required for
differential stiffness to be calculated.)
1710 ROTORD
Remarks:
1. Any entries where defaults exist are optional. Thus, if the defaults are acceptable
for a particular model, then a continuation card would not be needed.
2. There is a maximum limit of 10 rotors (i.e. 11 continuation cards).
3. The Steiner’s term option (ZSTEIN) should only be used for analyzing the “stiff ”
part of the rotor. In the rotating system analysis, there is a stiffening effect of
the centrifugal forces. The gyroscopic matrix is calculated in the fixed system.
4. The W3 parameter defines the reference frequency for the structural damping
defined by PARAM G.
5. The W4 parameter defines the reference frequency for the structural damping
defined on the material cards.
6. The static centrifugal force is calculated for unit speed measured in rad/sec. On
18 the RFORCE card, the unit of Hz is used, thus the conversion 1/2(π)=0.159155
must be used.
BULK
Q-S
7. For calculating the modal frequency response using synchronous analysis, the
rotation speeds are defined by the RSTART, RSTEP and NUMSTEP fields on the
ROTORD bulk entry. The frequencies corresponding to these rotation speeds are
computed and the dynamic loads are calculated accordingly.
8. For calculating the modal frequency response using asynchronous analysis,

the unique rotation speed is defined by the RSTART field on the ROTORD
bulk entry. The RSTEP and NUMSTEP fields in this case will be ignored. The
frequency and dynamic load definitions are taken from the standard FREQ,
DLOAD, and RLOAD bulk entries.
ROTORG 1711
Rotor Grids Selection
ROTORG Rotor Grids Selection
Defines the rotating portion of a model in a rotor dynamics solution.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ROTORG RSETID GRID1 GRID2 ... GRIDn
or
ROTORG RSETID GRID1 THRU GRID2 BY INC
Example:
ROTORG 14 6 10 15 18
18
BULK
Q-S
Fields:
Field Contents
RSETID Identification number of rotor. References a RSETi on the

ROTORD bulk entry. (Integer>0)
GRIDi Grids defining a rotor. (Integer>0)
THRU Specifies a range of grid ID’s (Optional)
BY Specifies an increment when using THRU option.
INC Increment used with THRU option. (Integer>0)
Remarks:
1. By default, all grids are rotating. The RSETID field is referred to by the RSETi
field on the ROTORD bulk entry. If a model contains multiple rotors, use one
ROTORG card for each rotor.
1712 RROD
Rigid Pin-Ended Element Connection
RROD Rigid Pin-Ended Element Connection
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 ALPHA
Example:
RROD 14 1 2 2
Fields:
Field Contents
18 EID Element identification number. (Integer > 0)

BULK
GA, GB Grid point identification numbers of connection points. (Integer
Q-S
> 0)
CMA, CMB Component number of one and only one dependent translational
degree-of-freedom in the global coordinate system assigned by the
user to either GA or GB. (Integer 1, 2, or 3. Either CMA or CMB
must contain the integer, and the other must be blank.)
Remarks:



RROD 1713
Rigid Pin-Ended Element Connection
6. The degree-of-freedom selected to be dependent must have a nonzero component

along the axis of the element. This implies that the element must have finite
length.

rigid elements.
18
BULK
Q-S
1714 RSPLINE
RSPLINE Interpolation Constraint Element
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 73 .05 27 28 123456 29 30
123 75 123 71
Fields:
18 Field Contents
BULK
Q-S
D/L Ratio of the diameter of the elastic tube to the sum of the lengths of
all segments. (Real > 0.0; Default=0.1)
Gi Grid point identification number. (Integer > 0)
Ci Components to be constrained. See Remark 2. (Blank or any

combination of the Integers 1 through 6.)
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. Dependent (i.e., constrained) degrees-of-freedom assigned by one rigid element

may not also be assigned dependent by another rigid element or by a multipoint
constraint.
RSPLINE 1715
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. EIDs must be unique.
6. Rigid elements (including RSPLINE), unlike MPCs, are not selected through the
Case Control Section.


rigid elements.
a list of these entries. 18
BULK
11. The constraint coefficient matrix is affected by the order of the Gi Ci pairs on Q-S
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.
12. The independent degrees-of-freedom that are the rotation components most
nearly parallel to the line joining the regions should not normally be constrained.
13. The RSPLINE has a limit of 100 grid points.

1716 RSSCON
Shell-to-Solid Element Connector
RSSCON Shell-to-Solid Element Connector
Defines multipoint constraints to model clamped connections of shell-to-solid

elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RSSCON RBID TYPE ES1 EA1 EB1 ES2 EA2 EB2
Example:
RSSCON 110 GRID 11 12 13 14 15 16
RSSCON 111 GRID 31 74 75
RSSCON 115 ELEM 311 741

18
BULK
Q-S Fields:
Field Contents
RBID Element identification number. (Integer > 0)
TYPE Type of connectivity TYPE=“ELEM” connection is described with

element identification numbers. TYPE=“GRID” connection is
described with grid point identification numbers. (Character:
“GRID” or “ELEM”; Default=“ELEM”)
ES1 Shell element identification number if TYPE=“ELEM”. Shell grid

point identification number if TYPE=“GRID”. See Figure 18-3.
(Integer > 0)
EA1 Solid element identification number if TYPE=“ELEM”. Solid grid

point identification number if TYPE=“GRID”. (Integer > 0)
EB1 Solid grid-point identification number for TYPE=“GRID” only.

ES2 Shell grid-point identification number for TYPE=“GRID” only.

EA2 Solid grid-point identification number for TYPE=“GRID” only.

RSSCON 1717
Field Contents
EB2 Solid grid-point identification number for TYPE=“GRID” only.

Remarks:
1. RSSCON generates a multipoint constraint that models a clamped connection

between a shell and a solid element. The shell degrees-of-freedom are put in the
dependent set (m-set). The translational degrees-of-freedom of the shell edge
are connected to the translational degrees-of-freedom of the upper and lower
solid edge. The two rotational degrees-of-freedom of the shell are connected
to the translational degrees-of-freedom of the lower and upper edges of the
solid element face. Poisson’s ratio effects are considered in the translational
degrees-of-freedom.
2. The shell grid point must lie on the line connecting the two solid grid points. It
can have an offset from this line, which can not be more than 5% of the distance
between the two solid grid points. The shell grid points that are out of the 18
tolerance will not be constrained, and a fatal message will be issued. This BULK
tolerance is adjustable. Please see PARAM,TOLRSC and PARAM,SEPIXOVR. Q-S
3. When using the TYPE=“ELEM” option

• The elements may be p-elements or h-elements. The solid elements are
CHEXA, CPENTA, and CTETRA with and without midside nodes. The shell
elements are CQUAD4, CTRIA3, CQUADR, CTRIAR, CQUAD8, or CTRIA6.
• In case of p-elements, the p-value of the shell element edge is adjusted to

the higher of the p-value of the upper or lower solid p-element edge. If
one of the elements is an h-element, then the p-value of the adjacent edge
is lowered to 1.
• Both the shell and solid elements have to belong to the same superelement.
This restriction can be bypassed using SEELT entry to reassign the
downstream boundary element to an upstream superelement.
• When a straight shell p-element edge and a solid p-element are connected,
the geometry of the shell edge is not changed to fit the solid face. When a
curved shell p-element edge and a solid p-element are connected, the two
solid edges and solid face are not changed to match the shell edge.
• It is not recommended to connect more than one shell element to the same
solid using the ELEM option. If attempted, conflicts in the multipoint
constraint relations may lead to UFM 6692.
1718 RSSCON
4. When using TYPE=“GRID” option
• The GRID option does not verify that the grids used are valid shell and/or
solid grids.
• The hierarchical degrees-of-freedom of p-element edges are not constrained.

The GRID option is therefore not recommended for p-elements.
• The grids in the GRID option can be in different superelements. The shell
grid must be in the upstream superelement.
5. It is recommended that the height of the solid element’s face is approximately

equal to the shell element’s thickness of the shell. The shell edge should then be
placed in the middle of the solid face.
6. The shell edge may coincide with the upper or lower edge of the solid face.
7. The RSSCON entry, unlike MPCs, cannot be selected through the Case Control
18 Section.
BULK
8. Forces of multipoint constraints may be recovered in the linear structured
Q-S
solution sequences (SOLs 101 through 200) with the MPCFORCE Case Control
command.
9. The RSSCON is ignored in heat-transfer problems.
10. The m-set coordinates (shell degrees-of-freedom) may not be specified on other
RSSCON 1719
Figure 18-3. Shell Elements Connected to the Faces of Solid Elements

18
BULK
Q-S
1720 RTRPLT
Rigid Triangular Plate
RTRPLT Rigid Triangular Plate
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 ALPHA
Example:
RTRPLT 7 1 2 3 1236 3 3
Fields:
Field Contents
18 EID Element identification number.
BULK
Q-S GA, GB, GC Grid point identification number of connection points.
CNA, CNB, CNC Independent degrees-of-freedom in the global coordinate

system for the element at grid points GA, GB, and GC,
indicated by any of the Integers 1 through 6 with no
embedded blanks. See Remark 1. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
CMA, CMB, CMC Component numbers of dependent degrees-of-freedom in the

global coordinate system. (Any of the Integers 1 through 6
with no embedded blanks, or 0 or blank.)
Remarks:
1. The total number of components in CNA, CNB, and CNC must equal six; for
example, CNA=1236, CNB=3, 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 or blank or if the continuation entry is
omitted, all of the degrees-of-freedom not in CNA, CNB, and CNC will be made
dependent (i.e., they will be made members of the m-set).

RTRPLT 1721
Rigid Triangular Plate


8. See R-Type Elements intheNX Nastran Element Library for a discussion of rigid
elements.
18
BULK
Q-S
1722 SEBNDRY
Superelement Boundary-Point Definition
SEBNDRY Superelement Boundary-Point Definition
Defines a list of grid points in a partitioned superelement for the automatic boundary
search between a specified superelement or between all other superelements in
the model.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEBNDRY SEIDA SEIDB GIDA1 GIDA2 GIDA3 GIDA4 GIDA5 GIDA6
GIDA7 GIDA8 -etc.-
Example 1:
SEBNDRY 400 4 10 20 30 40
Example 2:
18 SEBNDRY
BULK 400 ALL 10 20 30 THRU 40
Q-S
Fields:
Field Contents
SEIDA Partitioned superelement identification number. (Integer > 0)
SEIDB Superelement identification. See Remark 2. (Integer > 0 or

Character “ALL” ; Default=“ALL”)
GIDAi Identification number of a boundary grid point in superelement

SEIDA. (Integer > 0 or “THRU”; For “THRU” option, G1 < G2.)
Remarks:
1. SEBNDRY may only be specified in the main Bulk Data Section and is not
recognized after the BEGIN SUPER=n.
2. SEIDB may reference partitioned superelements or superelements in the main

Bulk Data Section.
SEBSET 1723
Fixed Boundary Degree-of-Freedom
SEBSET Fixed Boundary Degree-of-Freedom
Defines boundary degrees-of-freedom to be fixed (b-set) during component mode

synthesis calculations.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEBSET SEID ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3
Example:
SEBSET 5 2 135 14 6
Fields:
Field Contents
SEID Superelement identification number. (Integer > 0) 18

BULK
Ci Component number. (Any unique combination of the Integers 1 Q-S
through 6 with no embedded blanks for grid points; Integer zero or
blank for scalar points)
IDi Grid or scalar point identification numbers. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. If there are no SECSETi or SEBSETi entries present, all boundary points are,
by default, fixed during component mode analysis. If only SEBSETi are entries
present, any boundary degrees-of-freedom not listed are placed in the free
boundary set (c-set). If both SEBSETi and SECSETi entries are present, the
c-set degrees-of-freedom are defined by the SECSETi entries and any remaining
boundary points are placed in the b-set.
2. Degrees-of-freedom listed on SEBSETi entries must be exterior

degrees-of-freedom of the superelement and may not be specified on SECSETi
entries.


1724 SEBSET
Fixed Boundary Degree-of-Freedom


18
BULK
Q-S
SEBSET1 1725
Fixed Boundary Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of SEBSET
SEBSET1 Fixed Boundary Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of SEBSET
Defines boundary degrees-of-freedom to be fixed (b-set) during component mode

calculations.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEBSET1 SEID C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 G9 -etc.-
Example:
SEBSET1 5 2 135 14 6 23 24 25
122 127
Alternate Format and Example: 18

SEBSET1
BULK
SEID C G1 “THRU” G2
Q-S
SEBSET1 5 3 6 THRU 32
Fields:
Field Contents
C Component number. (Any unique combination of the Integers 1

through 6 with no embedded blanks for grid points, 0 or blank for
scalar points.)
Gi Grid or scalar point identification numbers. (Integer > 0 or “THRU”;

for THRU option G1 < G2.)
Remarks:
1. If there are no SECSETi or SEBSETi entries present, all boundary points are,
by default, fixed during component mode analysis. If there are only SEBSETi
entries present, any boundary degrees-of-freedom not listed are placed in the
free boundary set (c-set). If there are both SEBSETi and SECSETi entries
present, the c-set degrees-of-freedom are defined by the SECSETi entries, and
any remaining boundary points are placed in the b-set.
1726 SEBSET1
Fixed Boundary Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of SEBSET
2. Degrees-of-freedom listed on SEBSETi entries must be exterior

degrees-of-freedom of the superelement and may not be specified on SECSETi
entries.




18
BULK
Q-S
SEBULK 1727
Partitional Superelement Connection
SEBULK Partitional Superelement Connection
Defines superelement boundary search options and a repeated, mirrored, or collector

superelement.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEBULK SEID TYPE RSEID METHOD TOL LOC
Example:
SEBULK 14 REPEAT 4 AUTO 1.0E-3
Fields:
Field Contents
SEID Partitioned superelement identification number. (Integer > 0)

18
BULK
Q-S
TYPE Superelement type. (Character; No Default)
PRIMARY Primary
REPEAT Identical
MIRROR Mirror
COLLCTR Collector
EXTERNAL External
RSEID Identification number of the reference superelement, used if

TYPE=“REPEAT” and “MIRROR”. (Integer ≥ 0; Default=0)
METHOD Method to be used when searching for boundary grid points.

(Character: “AUTO” or “MANUAL”; Default=“AUTO”)
TOL Location tolerance to be used when searching for boundary grid

points. (Real; Default=10E-5)
LOC Coincident location check option for manual connection option.

(Character: “YES” or “NO”; Default=“YES”)
1728 SEBULK
Partitional Superelement Connection
Remarks:
1. The TYPE=“REPEAT” or “MIRROR” does not include superelements upstream

of the reference superelement. A repeated or mirrored superelement can have
boundaries, loads, constraints, and reduction procedures that are different than
the reference superelement.
2. METHOD=“MANUAL” requires SECONCT entries. SEBNDRY and SEEXCLD,

which reference SEID, will produce a fatal message.
3. SECONCT, SEBNDRY, and SEEXCLD entries can be used to augment the

search procedure and/or override the global tolerance.
4. For combined automatic and manual boundary search, the METHOD=“AUTO”

should be specified and connections should be specified on a SECONCT entry.
5. TOL and LOC are the default values that can be modified between two
superelements by providing the required tolerance on the SECONCT entry.
18 6. TYPE=“MIRROR” also requires specification of a SEMPLN entry.
BULK
Q-S
7. TYPE=“COLLCTR” indicates a collector superelement, which does not contain
any grids or scalar points.
8. For TYPE=“EXTERNAL”, see also EXTOUT.
9. This entry will only work if PART superelements (BEGIN SUPER) exist.
SECONCT 1729
Partitioned Superelement Boundary-Point Connection
SECONCT Partitioned Superelement Boundary-Point Connection
Explicitly defines grid and scalar point connection procedures for a partitioned
superelement.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SECONCT SEIDA SEIDB TOL LOC
GIDA1 GIDB1 GIDA2 GIDB2 GIDA3 GIDB3 -etc.-
Example:
SECONCT 10 20 1.0E-4 YES
1001 4001 2222 4444

SECONCT SEIDA SEIDB TOL LOC
18
BULK
GIDA1 ‘THRU’ GIDA2 GIDB1 ‘THRU’ GIDB2
Q-S
SECONCT 10 20
101 ‘THRU’ 110 201 ‘THRU’ 210
Fields:
Field Contents
SEIDA Partitioned superelement identification number. (Integer > 0)
SEIDB Identification number of superelement for connection to SEIDA.

(Integer ≥ 0)
TOL Location tolerance to be used when searching for or checking

boundary grid points. (Real; Default=10E-5)
LOC Coincident location check option for manual connection. (Character;

“YES” or “NO”; Default=“YES”)
GIDAi Identification number of a grid or scalar point in superelement

SEIDA, which will be connected to GIDBi.
GIDBi Identification number of a grid or scalar point in superelement

SEIDB, which will be connected to GIDAi.
1730 SECONCT
Partitioned Superelement Boundary-Point Connection
Remarks:
1. SECONCT can only be specified in the main Bulk Data Section and is ignored
after the BEGIN SUPER=n command.
2. TOL and LOC can be used to override the default values specified on the
SEBULK entries.
4. The (GIAi, GIBi) pair must both be grids or scalar points.
5. All six degrees-of-freedom of grid points will be defined as boundary

degrees-of-freedom.
7. Blank fields are allowed after the first GIDA1-GIDB1 pair. Blank fields must
18 also occur in pairs. This remark does not apply to the alternate format.
BULK
Q-S 8. For Alternate Format 1, the thru ranges must be closed sets. That is, all IDs
listed between 101 and 110 in the example must exist in the model.
SECSET 1731
SECSET Free Boundary Degree-of-Freedom
Defines boundary degrees-of-freedom to be free (c-set) during component mode

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SECSET SEID ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3
Example:
SECSET 3 124 1 5 23 6 15
Fields:
Field Contents

BULK
Ci Component numbers. (Any unique combination of the Integers 1
Q-S
through 6 with no embedded blanks for grid points; Integer 0 or
blank for scalar points.)
Remarks:
1. Exterior grid and scalar points are, by default, fixed during component mode
analysis and placed in the b-set unless listed on SECSETi or SESUP entries.
Coordinates listed on this entry are considered free (c-set) during component
mode calculations. Exterior grid and scalar points are determined by the
program and listed in the SEMAP table output.
2. Degrees-of-freedom specified on this entry are assigned to the mutually exclusive

c-set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually exclusive
sets. See “Degree-of-Freedom Sets” for a list of these entries.
3. There must be a sufficient number of degrees-of-freedom specified on SESUP

entries to discard any free body modes of the superelement.

1732 SECSET

18
BULK
Q-S
SECSET1 1733
Free Boundary Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of SECSET
SECSET1 Free Boundary Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of SECSET
Defines boundary degrees-of-freedom to be free (c-set) during component mode

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SECSET1 SEID C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 G9 -etc.-
Example:
SECSET1 5 2 135 14 6 23 24 25
122 127

SECSET1 SEID C G1 “THRU” G2
18
BULK
SECSET1 5 3 6 THRU 32 Q-S
SECSET1 SEID “ALL”

SECSET1 SEID ALL
Fields:
Field Contents
C Component numbers of degree-of-freedoms. (Any unique

combination of the Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded blanks
for grid points; Integer 0 or blank for scalar points.)
Gi Grid or scalar point identification number. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. Exterior grid and scalar points are, by default, fixed during component mode
analysis and placed in the b-set unless listed on SECSETi or SESUP entries.
Degrees-of-freedom listed on this entry are considered free (c-set) during
component mode calculations. Exterior grid and scalar points are determined
automatically and listed in the SEMAP table output.
1734 SECSET1
Free Boundary Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form of SECSET
2. If the alternate formats are used, the grid points Gi are not required to exist or
to be exterior degrees-of-freedom and may be listed on SECSET1 entries. Points
of this type will cause one warning message but will otherwise be ignored.
3. Degrees-of-freedom specified on this entry are assigned to the mutually exclusive

c-set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually exclusive
4. There must be a sufficient number of degrees-of-freedom specified on SESUP

entries to discard any free body modes of the superelement.



18 degrees-of-freedom are reassigned to the b-set. Singular b-set
BULK
Q-S
SECTAX 1735
Conical Shell Sector
SECTAX Conical Shell Sector
Defines a sector of a conical shell.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SECTAX ID RID R PHI1 PHI2
Example:
SECTAX 1 2 3.0 30.0 40.0
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Sector identification number. (Unique Integer > 0) 18

BULK
RID Ring identification number. See RINGAX entry. (Integer > 0)
Q-S
R Effective radius. (Real)
PHI1, PHI2 Azimuthal limits of sector in degrees. (Real)
Remarks:
1. SECTAX is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
2. SECTAX identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other

POINTAX, RINGAX and SECTAX identification numbers.
1736 SEELT
Superelement Boundary Element Reassignment
SEELT Superelement Boundary Element Reassignment
Reassigns superelement boundary elements to an upstream superelement.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEELT SEID EID1 EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5 EID6 EID7
Example:
SEELT 2 147 562 937

SEELT SEID EID1 “THRU” EID2
SEELT 5 12006 THRU 12050
18 Fields:
BULK
Q-S Field Contents
EIDi Element identification numbers. (Integer > 0 or “THRU”; for

“THRU” option EID1 < EID2.)
Remarks:
1. Elements connected entirely to the exterior points of an upstream superelement

are called boundary elements and are assigned to the downstream superelement.
The SEELT entry provides the means of reassigning the element to the upstream
superelement. This entry may be applied to boundary elements only.
2. Open sets are allowed with the “THRU” option.
3. Elements processed with primary superelements will also be contained in any

referencing secondary superelement.
4. EIDi may refer to plot elements, general elements, and structural elements.
5. This entry does not change the exterior grid point set of the superelement.
6. SEELT can only be specified in the main Bulk Data Section and is ignored after
the BEGIN SUPER=n command.
SEEXCLD 1737
Partitioned Superelement Exclusion
SEEXCLD Partitioned Superelement Exclusion
Defines grids that will be excluded during the attachment of a partitioned

superelement.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEEXCLD SEIDA SEIDB GIDA1 GIDA2 GIDA3 GIDA4 GIDA5 GIDA6
GIDA7 GIDA8 -etc.-
Example1:
SEEXCLD 110 10 45 678 396
Example 2:
SEEXCLD 400 ALL 10 20 30 THRU 40 18
BULK
Q-S
Fields:
Field Contents
SEIDA Partitioned superelement identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
SEIDB Superelement identification. (Integer ≥ 0 or Character=“ALL”,

Default=“ALL”)
GIDAi Identification number of a grid in superelement SEIDA to be

excluded from connection to superelement SEIDB. (Integer > 0 or
“THRU”; for “THRU” option G1 < G2.)
Remarks:
1. SEEXCLD can only be specified in the main Bulk Data Section and is ignored
2. SEIDB may reference partitioned superelements or superelements defined in

the main Bulk Data Section.
1738 SELABEL
Superelement Output Label
SELABEL Superelement Output Label
Defines a label or name to be printed in the superelement output headings.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SELABEL SEID LABEL
Example:
SELABEL 10 LEFT REAR FENDER, MODEL XYZ2000
Fields:
Field Contents
18 SEID Partitioned superelement identification number. (Integer > 0)

BULK
LABEL Label associated with superelement SEID for output headings.
Q-S
(Character)
Remarks:
1. SELABEL can only be specified in the main Bulk Data Section and is ignored
2. Only one SELABEL per superelement may be specified.
3. The label will appear in all superelement output headings. However, in some
headings the label may be truncated.
SELOC 1739
Partitioned Superelement Location
SELOC Partitioned Superelement Location
Defines a partitioned superelement relocation by listing three non-colinear points in

the superelement and three corresponding points not belonging to the superelement.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SELOC SEID PA1 PA2 PA3 PB1 PB2 PB3
Example:
SELOC 110 10 100 111 1010 112 30
Fields:
Field Contents
SEID Partitioned identification number of the partitioned superelement. 18

(Integer > 0) BULK
Q-S
PAi Identification numbers of three non-colinear grids which are in the
partitioned superelement. (Integer > 0)
PBi Identification numbers of three grids (GRID entry) or points (POINT

entry) defined in the main Bulk Data Section to which PAi will be
aligned. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. SELOC can only be specified in the main Bulk Data Section and is ignored after
2. The superelement will be rotated and translated for alignment of the GAi and
GBi locations.
3. The PAi can be grid points only; PBi can be either GRIDs or POINTs.
4. PA1, PA2, and PA3 must be contained in superelement SEID.
5. PB1, PB2, and PB3 must be specified in the main Bulk Data Section. If they
belong to a superelement that is also relocated, then the original (unmoved)
positions of PB1, PB2, and PB3 are used.
6. PB1, PB2, and PB3 must have the same relative locations as PA1, PA2, and PA3.
1740 SELOC
Partitioned Superelement Location
7. Three grids or points are required even if the superelement connects to only one
or two exterior grids.
8. Coordinate systems, global displacement directions, and element coordinate

systems for the superelement will rotated and translated.
9. The global coordinate directions of the boundary grid points of the upstream
superelement will be transformed internally to the global coordinate directions of
the attachment grid points in the downstream superelement. For displacement
data recovery, the output will be in the original global coordinate system.
10. The translation and rotation of the superelement to the new position is
accomplished by defining local rectangular coordinate systems based on the
specified grid locations:
• The local systems have their origin at PX1 and the x-axis points from PX1
to PX2.
18 • The y-axis lies in the plane containing PX1, PX2, and PX3, is perpendicular
to the x-axis, and points toward PX3.
BULK
Q-S
• The z-axis is defined by the cross product of the x-axis into the y-axis.
• The rotation and translation transformation aligns the local system defined
by the superelement grids with the local system defined by the main Bulk
Data Section grids.
SEMPLN 1741
Superelement Mirror Plane
SEMPLN Superelement Mirror Plane
Defines a mirror plane for mirroring a partitioned superelement.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEMPLN SEID “PLANE” P1 P2 P3
Example:
SEMPLN 110 PLANE 12 45 1125
Fields:
Field Contents
SEID Partitioned superelement identification number. (Integer > 0) 18

BULK
“PLANE” Flag indicating that the plane is defined by three non-colinear points.
Q-S
Pi GRID or POINT entry identification numbers of three non-colinear
points. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. SEMPLN can only be specified in the main Bulk Data Section and is ignored
2. Grids or points referenced on this entry must be defined in the main Bulk Data
Section.
1742 SENQSET
Superelement Internal Generalized Degree-of-Freedom
SENQSET Superelement Internal Generalized Degree-of-Freedom
Defines number of internally generated scalar points for superelement dynamic

reduction.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SENQSET SEID N
Example:
SENQSET 110 45
Fields:
Field Contents
18 SEID Partitioned superelement identification number. See Remark 3.
BULK
(Integer > 0 or Character=“ALL”)
Q-S
N Number of internally generated scalar points for dynamic reduction
generalized coordinates. (Integer > 0; Default=0)
Remarks:
1. SENQSET can only be specified in the main Bulk Data Section and is ignored
2. SENQSET is only required if the user wants to internally generated scalar

points used for dynamic reduction.
3. SEID=“ALL” will automatically generate N q-set degrees-of-freedom for all

superelements, except the residual structure (SEID=0). Specifying additional
SENQSET entries for specific superelements will override the value of N
specified on this entry.
4. If the user manually specifies q-set degrees-of-freedom using a SEQSETi or

QSETi entries, then the internally generated scalar points will not be generated.
5. See PARAM,NQSET for an alternate method of specifying QSET

degree-of-freedoms.
SEQEP 1743
Grid and Scalar Point Resequencing
SEQEP Grid and Scalar Point Resequencing
Redefines the sequence of extra points to optimize bandwidth.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEQEP ID1 SEQID1 ID2 SEQID2 ID3 SEQID3 ID4 SEQID4
Example:
SEQEP 5392 15.6 596 0.2 2 1.9 3 2
Fields:
Field Contents
IDi Extra point identification number. (Integer > 0) 18

BULK
SEQIDi Sequenced identification number. (Real or Integer > 0)
Q-S
Remarks:
1. The real format is used to insert a point ID between two consecutively numbered
and existing point IDs. In the example above, point ID 5392 is inserted between
IDs 15 and 16 by specifying 15.6 for SEQID.
2. The SEQIDi numbers must be unique and may not be the same as a point IDi
that is not being changed. No extra point IDi may be referenced more than once.
3. From one to four extra points may be specified on a single entry.
4. If an extra point IDi is referenced more than once, the last reference will
determine its sequence.
1744 SEQGP
Grid and Scalar Point Resequencing
SEQGP Grid and Scalar Point Resequencing
Used to manually order the grid points and scalar points of the problem. This entry
is used to redefine the sequence of grid and scalar points to optimize bandwidth.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEQGP ID1 SEQID1 ID2 SEQID2 ID3 SEQID3 ID4 SEQID4
Example:
SEQGP 5392 15.6 596 0.2 2 1.9 3 2
Fields:
Field Contents
BULK
Q-S
SEQIDi Sequenced identification number. (Real > 0.0 or Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. The real format is used to insert a point ID between two consecutively numbered
and existing point IDs. In the example above, point ID 5392 is inserted between
IDs 15 and 16 by specifying 15.6 for SEQID.
2. The SEQIDi numbers must be unique and may not be the same as a point IDi
which is not being changed. No grid point IDi may be referenced more than once.
3. From one to four grid or scalar points may be resequenced on a single entry.
4. If a point IDi is referenced more than once, the last reference will determine
its sequence.
5. Automatic resequencing is also available. See “OLDSEQ” .

SEQSEP 1745
Superelement Sequences
SEQSEP Superelement Sequences
Used with the CSUPER entry to define the correspondence of the exterior grid points
between an identical or mirror-image superelement and its primary superelement.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEQSEP SSID PSID GP1 GP2 GP3 GP4 GP5 GP6
GP7 GP8 -etc.-
Example:
SEQSEP 121 21 109 114 124 131
Fields:
Field Contents 18
BULK
SSID Identification number for secondary superelement. (Integer > 0) Q-S
PSID Identification number for the primary superelement. (Integer ≥ 0)
GPi Exterior grid point identification numbers for the primary

superelement. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. This entry is not needed if the grid points listed on the CSUPER entry with
the same SSID are in the order of the corresponding exterior grid points of the
primary superelement.
2. In Figure 18-4, the exterior grid points of 10, 20, and 30 of SEID=1 correspond to
the points 13, 12, and 11, respectively, of image SEID=2. The CSUPER entry
may be defined alone or with a SEQSEP entry as shown in Figure 18-4.
1746 SEQSEP
Superelement Sequences
Figure 18-4. Grid Point Correspondence Between Primary and Secondary

Superelements
CSUPER Entry Only:

18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BULK
Q-S CSUPER 2 1 13 12 11
CSUPER and SEQSEP Entries:

CSUPER 2 I 11 12 13
SEQSEP 2 1 30 20 10
SEQSET 1747
Superelement Generalized Degree-of-Freedom
SEQSET Superelement Generalized Degree-of-Freedom
Defines the generalized degrees-of-freedom of the superelement to be used in

component mode synthesis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEQSET SEID ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3
Example:
SEQSET 15 1 123456 7 5 22 3
Fields:
Field Contents
SEID Superelement identification number. Must be a primary 18

superelement. (Integer > 0) BULK
Q-S
Ci Component number. (Any unique combination of the Integers 1
through 6 with no embedded blanks for grid points; Integer zero or
IDi Grid or scalar point identification numbers. Must be an exterior

point. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. Degrees-of-freedom specified on this entry may not be specified for another

superelement.
2. Generalized degrees-of-freedom are interior to the residual structure.
3. Connectivity to the superelement is provided by this entry. There is no need to

use a CSUPEXT entry for this purpose.

5. This entry describes the set used for generalized degrees-of-freedom only for the
SEID listed. Degrees-of-freedom listed on this entry must also be members of
a downstream superelement. The set used for these variables in downstream
1748 SEQSET
Superelement Generalized Degree-of-Freedom
superelements must be prescribed by user action using other entries. If they are
scalar points, they are automatically in the residual structure, which is the
recommended procedure. If they are grid points, it is the user’s responsibility to
place them in a downstream superelement.
Generalized degrees-of-freedom of superelements that are also members of

the residual structure are included as dynamic variables by placing them in
the a-set. It is also necessary to place some or all residual structure physical
degrees-of-freedom in the a-set to allow the boundary points to participate in the
system mode shapes.
Grid points of downstream superelements used as generalized degrees-of-freedom
may be used for advanced applications, such as omitting upstream generalized
degrees-of-freedom from assembly into downstream superelements. Again,
it is the user’s responsibility to place these variables in the proper set in all
downstream superelements of which they are members.
6. This entry may be applied only to primary superelements. The CSUPER entry
automatically defines these degrees-of-freedom for secondary superelements.
18
BULK
Q-S
SEQSET1 1749
Superelement Generalized Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form
SEQSET1 Superelement Generalized Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form
Defines the generalized degrees-of-freedom of the superelement to be used in

component mode synthesis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEQSET1 SEID C G1 G2 G3 G4 GS G6
G7 G8 -etc.-
Example:
SEQSET1 15 123456 1 7 9 22 105 6
52 53

SEQSET1 SEID C G1 “THRU” G2
18
BULK
SEQSET1 16 0 101 THRU 110 Q-S
Fields:
Field Contents
SEID Superelement identification number. Must be a primary

superelement. (Integer > 0)

Gi Grid or scalar point identification numbers. Must be exterior points.

(Integer > 0 or “THRU”; for THRU option G1 < G2.)
Remarks:
1. Degrees-of-freedom specified on this entry may not be specified for another

superelement.
2. Generalized degrees-of-freedom are interior to the residual structure.
3. Connectivity to the superelement is provided by this entry. There is no need to

use a CSUPEXT entry for this purpose.
1750 SEQSET1
Superelement Generalized Degree-of-Freedom, Alternate Form
4. Degrees-of-freedom specified on this entry form members of a mutually exclusive

set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually exclusive
5. This entry describes the set used for generalized degrees-of-freedom only for the
SEID listed. Degrees-of-freedom listed on this entry must also be members of
a downstream superelement. The set used for these variables in downstream
superelements must be prescribed by user action using other entries. If they are
scalar points, they are automatically in the residual structure, which is the
recommended procedure. If they are grid points, it is the user’s responsibility to
place them in a downstream superelement.
Generalized degrees-of-freedom of superelements that are also members of

the residual structure are included as dynamic variables by placing them in
the a-set. It is also necessary to place some or all residual structure physical
degrees-of-freedom in the a-set, to allow the boundary points to participate in
the system mode shapes.
Grid points of downstream superelements used as generalized degrees-of-freedom
18 may be used for advanced applications, such as omitting upstream generalized
BULK degrees-of-freedom from assembly into downstream superelements. Again,
Q-S it is the user’s responsibility to place these variables in the proper set in all
downstream superelements of which they are members.
6. This entry may be applied only to primary superelements. The CSUPER entry
automatically defines these entries for secondary superelements.
SESET 1751
Superelement Interior Point Definition
SESET Superelement Interior Point Definition
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 5 2 17 24 25 165

SESET SEID G1 “THRU” G2
SESET 2 17 THRU 165
18
BULK
Fields:
Q-S
Field Contents
SEID Superelement identification number. Must be a primary

superelement. (Integer ≥ 0)
Gi Grid or scalar point identification number. (0 < Integer < 1000000;

G1 < G2)
Remarks:
1. Interior grid points may also be defined via field 9 of the GRID and GRIDG Bulk
Data entries. The SESET entry takes precedence over the SEID field on the
GRID on GRIDG entries. SESET defines grid and scalar 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. Scalar points are ignored.
4. Open sets are allowed with the “THRU” option. Missing grid points (whether in
“THRU” range or mentioned explicitly) are not identified.
1752 SESET
Superelement Interior Point Definition
5. All degrees-of-freedom for Gi are placed in the o-set of the superelement. See
“Degree-of-Freedom Sets” .
6. SESET can only be specified in the main Bulk Data Section and is ignored after
18
BULK
Q-S
SESUP 1753
Fictitious Support
SESUP Fictitious Support
Defines determinate reaction superelement degrees-of-freedom in a free-body

analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SESUP SEID ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3
Example:
SESUP 5 16 215
Fields:
Field Contents
SEID Superelement identification number. Must a primary superelement. 18

(Integer > 0) BULK
Q-S
IDi Grid or scalar point identification number. Must be exterior points.
(Integer > 0)
Ci Component numbers. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points; Any

unique combination of the Integers 1 through 6 for grid points.)
Remarks:

exclusive r-set. They may not be specified on other entries that define mutually
2. The Ci degrees-of-freedom must be exterior degrees-of-freedom of the SEID

superelement.
3. See “Rigid Body Supports” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide for a discussion of
supported degrees-of-freedom (members of the r-set).
4. There must be a sufficient number of degrees-of-freedom on SESUP entries to

discard any free body modes of the superelement.
5. SESUP Bulk Data entries are not allowed for part (partitioned bulk data)
superelements. Use the SUPORT Bulk Data records to identify component rigid
body modes.
1754 SET1
Set Definition
SET1 Set Definition
Defines a list of structural grid points for aerodynamic analysis, XY-plots for SORT1
output, and the PANEL entry.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SET1 SID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 -etc.-
Example:
SET1 3 31 62 93 124 16 17 18
19
18 Alternate Format and Example:

BULK SET1 SID G1 “THRU” G2
Q-S SET1 6 32 THRU 50
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Unique identification number. (Integer > 0)
Gi List of structural grid point identification numbers. (Integer > 0 or

“THRU”; for the “THRU” option, G1 < G2.)
Remarks:
1. SET1 entries may be referenced by the SPLINEi entries, PANEL entries and
XYOUTPUT requests.
2. When using the “THRU” option for SPLINEi or PANEL data entries, all
intermediate grid points must exist.
3. When using the “THRU” option for XYOUTPUT requests, missing grid points
are ignored.
SET2 1755
Grid Point List
SET2 Grid Point List
Defines a list of structural grid points in terms of aerodynamic macro elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SET2 SID MACRO SP1 SP2 CH1 CH2 ZMAX ZMIN
Example:
SET2 3 111 0.0 0.75 0.0 0.667 3.51
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Unique identification number. (Integer > 0) 18

BULK
MACRO Element identification number of an aerodynamic macro element.
Q-S
(Integer > 0)
SP1, SP2 Lower and higher span division points defining the prism containing
the set. (Real)
CH1, CH2 Lower and higher chord division points defining the prism containing
the set. (Real)
ZMAX, Z-coordinates of top and bottom (using right-hand rule with the
ZMIN order of the corners as listed on a CAEROi entry) of the prism
containing set. (Real)
Remarks:
1. The SET2 entry is referenced by the SPLINEi entry.
2. Every grid point within the defined prism and within the height range will be in
the list. For example:
1756 SET2
Grid Point List
Figure 18-5. SET2 Entry Example
The shaded area in Figure 18-5 defines the cross section of the prism for the
sample data given above. Points exactly on the boundary may be missed;
therefore, to get all the grid points within the area of the macro element,
SP1=-.01, SP2=1.01, etc. should be used.
18 3. A zero value for ZMAX or ZMIN implies a value of infinity. Usually, ZMAX ≥ 0.0
BULK and ZMIN ≤ 0.0.
Q-S
4. To print the (internal) grid IDs found, use DIAG 18.
SETREE 1757
Superelement Tree Definition (Alternate Form of DTI,SETREE)
SETREE Superelement Tree Definition (Alternate Form of DTI,SETREE)
Specifies superelement reduction order.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SETREE SEID SEUP1 SEUP2 SEUP3 SEUP4 SEUP5 SEUP6 SEUP7
SEUP8 SEUP9 -etc.-
Example:
SETREE 400 10 20 30 40
Fields:
Field Contents 18
BULK
SEID Partitioned superelement identification number of a downstream Q-S
superelement. (Integer ≥ 0)
SEUPi Identification number of superelements

that are upstream of SEID. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. SETREE entries or DTI,SETREE entry are required for multilevel superelement

configurations.
1758 SETREE
Superelement Tree Definition (Alternate Form of DTI,SETREE)
2. At least one SETREE entry is required for each nontip superelement, including
the residual structure (SEID=0). Multiple SETREE entries with the same SEID
are allowed.
3. A superelement may appear only once in an SEUPi field on all SETREE entries.
4. If an DTI,SETREE entry is provided, then SETREE entries are not required.
5. If both SETREE entries and a DTI,SETREE entry exist, then the DTI,SETREE
entry will be ignored.
6. Superelements not referenced on the SETREE or DTI,SETREE entry will

not be included in the analysis unless they are attached to grid points which
belong to the residual structure. These superelements will be placed in the tree
immediately above the residual structure.
7. The SETREE entry will only work if PART (BEGIN SUPER) superelements
exist in the model. If there are no PARTs in the model, the SETREE entries
18 will be ignored.
BULK
Q-S
SEUSET 1759
Superelement Degree-of-Freedom Set Definition
SEUSET Superelement Degree-of-Freedom Set Definition
Defines a degree-of-freedom set for a superelement.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEUSET SEID SNAME ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3
Example:
SEUSET 15 U4 1 123456 7 5 22 3
Fields:
Field Contents

BULK
SNAME Set name. (One to four characters or string “ZERO”, followed by
Q-S
the set name.)
IDi Grid or scalar point identification numbers. (Integer > 0)
Ci Component number. (Any unique combination of the Integers 1

through 6 with no embedded blank for grid points; Integer 0 or
Remarks:
1. SNAME may refer to any of the set names given in “Degree-of-Freedom Sets” or
their new names on the DEFUSET entry. However, in the Solution Sequences 0
through 200, it is recommended that SNAME refer only to the set names “U1”
through “U6” or their new names on the DEFUSET entry.
2. If SNAME=“ZEROi”, where i is a set name, then the degrees-of-freedom are

omitted from set i.
1760 SEUSET1
Superelement Degree-of-Freedom Set Definition, Alternate Form
SEUSET1 Superelement Degree-of-Freedom Set Definition, Alternate Form
Defines a degree-of-freedom set for a superelement.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SEUSET1 SEID SNAME C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5
G6 G7 -etc.-
Example:
SEUSET1 15 U4 1 12 15 17 22 25
52 53
18 SEUSET1
SEUSET1
SEID SNAME C G1 “THRU” G2
BULK 15 U4 1 12 THRU 27
Q-S
Fields:
Field Contents
SNAME Set name. (One to four characters or string “ZERO”, followed by

the set name.)

Remarks:
1. SNAME may refer to any of the set names given in “Degree-of-Freedom Sets” or
their new names on the DEFUSET entry. However, in the Solution Sequences 0
through 200, it is recommended that SNAME refer only to the set names “U1”
through “U6” or their new names on the DEFUSET entry.
2. If SNAME= “ZEROi”, where i is a set name, then the degrees-of-freedom are

omitted from set i.
SEUSET1 1761
Superelement Degree-of-Freedom Set Definition, Alternate Form
3. If the alternate format is used, all of the points G1 through G2 are assigned to
the set.
18
BULK
Q-S
1762 SLBDY
Slot Boundary List
SLBDY Slot Boundary List
Defines a list of slot points that lie on an interface between an axisymmetric fluid
and a set of evenly spaced radial slots.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SLBDY RHO M ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4 ID5 ID6
ID7 -etc.-
Example:
SLBDY 0.002 6 16 17 18 25 20 21
22
18 Fields:
BULK
Field Contents
Q-S
RHO Density of fluid at boundary. (Real > 0.0 or blank)
M Number of slots. (Integer ≥ 0 or blank)
IDj Identification numbers of GRIDS slot points at boundary with

axisymmetric fluid cavity, j + 1, 2, ..., J. (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
1. SLDBY is allowed only if an AXSLOT entry is also present.
2. If RHO or M is blank, the default value on the AXSLOT entry is used. The
effective value must not be zero for RHO. If the effective value of M is zero, no
matrices at the boundary will be generated.
3. The order of the list of points determines the topology of the boundary. The
points are listed sequentially as one travels along the boundary in either
direction. At least two points must be defined.
SLOAD 1763
Static Scalar Load
SLOAD Static Scalar Load
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 16 2 5.9 17 -6.3 14 -2.93
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Load set identification number. (Integer > 0) 18

BULK
Si Scalar or grid point identification number. (Integer > 0)
Q-S
Fi Load magnitude. (Real)
Remarks:
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).
1764 SNORM
Surface Normal Vector at Grid Point
SNORM Surface Normal Vector at Grid Point
Defines a surface normal vector at a grid point for CQUAD4, CQUADR, CTRIA3, and
CTRIAR shell elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SNORM GID CID N1 N2 N3
Example:
SNORM 3 2 0. -1. 0.
Fields:
18 Field Contents
BULK GID Unique grid point identification number. (Integer > 0)
Q-S
CID Identification number of coordinate system in which the components
of the normal vector are defined. See Remark 3. (Integer ≥ 0;
Default=0 for the basic coordinate system)
Ni Components of normal vector. The three components of the normal

need not define a unit vector. (Real; Default=0.0)
Remarks:
1. The SNORM Bulk Data entry overrides any unique, internally-generated grid
point normals that may have been requested with the user parameter SNORM ,
described in this guide.
2. The normal is used in CQUAD4, CQUADR, CTRIA3, and CTRIAR shell

elements. For all other elements, the normal is ignored.
3. If CID is a cylindrical or spherical coordinate system, the components Ni are in

the local tangent system at grid GID. For example, if CID=10 is a spherical
coordinate system and normals must be defined pointing outwards in the radial
direction of the sphere, see Figure 18-6, then the SNORM entries for all grids
GID on the sphere are simply
SNORM, GID, 10, 1., 0., 0.

SNORM 1765
Surface Normal Vector at Grid Point
18
BULK
Q-S
Figure 18-6.
1766 SPC
Single-Point Constraint
SPC Single-Point Constraint
Defines a set of single-point constraints and enforced motion (enforced displacements

in static analysis and enforced displacements, velocities or acceleration in dynamic
analysis).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPC SID G1 C1 D1 G2 C2 D2
Example:
SPC 2 32 3 -2.6 5
Fields:
18 Field Contents
BULK SID Identification number of the single-point constraint set. (Integer > 0)
Q-S
Ci Component number. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6; up to six Unique Integers, 1

through 6, may be placed in the field with no embedded blanks. 0
applies to scalar points and 1 through 6 applies to grid points.)
Di Value of enforced motion for all degrees-of-freedom designated by Gi

and Ci. (Real)
Remarks:
1. Single-point constraint sets must be selected with the Case Control command
SPC=SID.

3. Single-point forces of constraint are recovered during stress data recovery.
4. From 1 to 12 degrees-of-freedom may be specified on a single entry.
5. Degrees-of-freedom on this entry may be redundantly specified as permanent

constraints using the PS field on the GRID entry.
SPC 1767
Single-Point Constraint
6. For reasons of efficiency, the SPCD entry is the preferred method for applying
enforced motion rather than the Di field described here.
1. Enforced velocity or acceleration is not supported.
2. To apply enforced displacements with constant magnitude, SPC or SPCD may

be used. To apply time-dependent enforced displacements, SPCD must be used.
See SPCD entry.
18
BULK
Q-S
1768 SPC1
Single-Point Constraint, Alternate Form
SPC1 Single-Point Constraint, Alternate Form
Defines a set 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 3 2 1 3 10 9 6 5
2 8

SPC1
18 SPC1
SID
313
C
12456
G1
6
“THRU”
THRU
G2
32
BULK
Q-S
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Identification number of single-point constraint set. (Integer > 0)

through 6 with no embedded blanks for grid points. This number
must be Integer 0 or blank for scalar points.)

For “THRU” option, G1 < G2.)
Remarks:
SPC=SID.
2. Enforced displacements are available via this entry when used with the
recommended SPCD entry.

SPC1 1769
Single-Point Constraint, Alternate Form
4. Degrees-of-freedom on this entry may be redundantly specified as permanent

constraints using the PS field on the GRID entry.
5. If the alternate format is used, points in the sequence G1 through G2 are not
required to exist. Points that do not exist will collectively produce a warning
message but will otherwise be ignored.
1. A global coordinate (Gi and Ci) referenced on SPCD does not need to be
referenced on this entry.
18
BULK
Q-S
1770 SPCADD
Single-Point Constraint Set Combination
SPCADD Single-Point Constraint Set Combination
Defines a single-point constraint set as a union of single-point constraint sets defined

on 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 101 3 2 9 1
Fields:
18 Field Contents
BULK
Q-S SID Single-point constraint set identification number. (Integer > 0)
Si Identification numbers of single-point constraint sets defined via

SPC or by SPC1 entries. (Integer > 0; SID ≠ Si)
Remarks:
SPC=SID.
2. No Si may be the identification number of a single-point constraint set defined

by another SPCADD entry.
3. The Si values must be unique.
4. SPCADD entries take precedence over SPC or SPC1 entries. If both have the
same set ID, only the SPCADD entry will be used.
SPCAX 1771
Conical Shell Single-Point Constraint
SPCAX Conical Shell Single-Point Constraint
Defines a set of single-point constraints or enforced displacements for conical shell

coordinates.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPCAX SID RID HID C D
Example:
SPCAX 2 3 4 13 6.0
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Identification number of a single-point constraint set. (Integer > 0)

18
BULK
Q-S
RID Ring identification number. See RINGAX entry. (Integer ≥ 0)
HID Harmonic identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
C Component identification number. (Any unique combination of the

Integers 1 through 6.)
D Enforced displacement value. (Real)
Remarks:
1. SPCAX is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
SPC=SID.
3. Coordinates appearing on SPCAX entries may not appear on MPCAX, SUPAX,

or OMITAX entries.
1772 SPCD
Enforced Motion Value
SPCD Enforced Motion Value
Defines an enforced displacement value for static analysis and an enforced motion
value (displacement, velocity or acceleration) in dynamic analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPCD SID G1 C1 D1 G2 C2 D2
Example:
SPCD 100 32 436 -2.6 5 2.9
Fields:
Field Contents
18 SID Set identification number of the SPCD entry. (Integer > 0)
BULK
Q-S Gi Grid or scalar point identification number. (integer > 0)
Ci Component numbers. (0 ≤ Integer ≤ 6; up to six unique Integers may

be placed in the field with no embedded blanks.)
Di Value of enforced motion for at Gi and Ci. (Real)
Remarks:
1. In the static solution sequences, the set ID of the SPCD entry (SID) is selected
by the LOAD Case Control command.
2. In dynamic analysis, the selection of SID is determined by the presence of the

LOADSET request in Case Control as follows:
SID is selected by the EXCITEID ID of an RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1 or
TLOAD2 Bulk Data entry that has enforced motion specified in its TYPE
field

SID is selected by LID in the selected LSEQ entries that correspond to the
EXCITEID entry of an RLOAD1, RLOAD2, TLOAD1 or TLOAD2 Bulk Data
entry that has enforced motion specified in its TYPE field.
SPCD 1773
Enforced Motion Value
3. A global coordinate (Gi and CI) referenced on this entry must also be referenced
on a SPC or SPC1 Bulk Data entry and selected by the SPC Case Control
command.
4. Values of Di will override the values specified on an SPC Bulk Data entry, if
the SID is selected as indicated above.
5. The LOAD Bulk Data entry will not combine an SPCD load entry.
6. In static analysis, this method of applying enforced displacements is more

efficient than the SPC entry when more than one enforced displacement
condition is applied. It provides equivalent answers.
7. In dynamic analysis, this direct method of specifying enforced motion is more

accurate, efficient and elegant than the large mass and Lagrange multiplier
techniques.
1. Enforced velocity or acceleration is not supported.

18
BULK
Q-S
2. To enforce displacement with constant magnitude, SID is selected by Case
Control command LOAD=SID for both static and transient analysis.
3. To enforce a time dependent displacement, SID is referenced by the field

EXCITEID=SID in the TLOAD1 entry with TYPE=1. Time dependent loads are
selected by Case Control command DLOAD.
4. A global coordinate (Gi and Ci) referenced on this entry does not need to be
referenced on a SPC or SPC1 entry.
1774 SPCOFF
Excludes Degrees-of-Freedom from the AUTOSPC Operation
SPCOFF Excludes Degrees-of-Freedom from the AUTOSPC Operation
Defines a set of degrees-of-freedom to be excluded from the AUTOSPC operation. See

“Constraint and Mechanism Problem Identification” in SubDMAP SEKR in the NX
Nastran User’s Guide for a description of the AUTOSPC operation.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPCOFF G1 C1 G2 C2 G3 C3 G4 C4
Example:
SPCOFF 32 436 5 1
Fields:
18 Field Contents
BULK
Q-S Gi Grid or scalar point identification number. (Integer > 0)
Ci Component numbers. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points;

Integers 1 through 6 with no embedded blanks for grid points.)
Remarks:
1. Degrees-of-freedom specified on this entry are to be excluded from the AUTOSPC

operation. If any degree-of-freedom in this set is found to be singular, a warning
message is issued and no constraint is applied.
2. Degrees-of-freedom that are specified as both SPC and SPCOFF will be

considered as SPC.
SPCOFF1 1775
Excludes DOFs from AUTOSPC Processing, Alternate Form
SPCOFF1 Excludes DOFs from AUTOSPC Processing, Alternate Form
Defines a set of degrees-of-freedom to be excluded from the AUTOSPC operation. See

“Constraint and Mechanism Problem Identification” in “SubDMAP SEKR” in the NX
Nastran User’s Guide for a description of the AUTOSPC operation.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPCOFF1 C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
G8 G9 -etc.-
Example:
SPCOFF1 2 1 3 10 9 6 5 4
8
18
Alternate Format and Example: BULK
Q-S
SPCOFF1 C G1 “THRU” G2
SPCOFF1 12456 6 THRU 32
Fields:
Field Contents


for “THRU” option, G1 < G2.)
Remarks:
1. Degrees-of-freedom specified on this entry are to be excluded from the AUTOSPC

operation. If any degree-of-freedom in this set is found to be singular, a warning
message is issued and no constraint is applied.
2. Degrees-of-freedom that are both specified as SPC and SPCOFF will be

considered as SPC.
1776 SPCOFF1
Excludes DOFs from AUTOSPC Processing, Alternate Form
3. If the alternate format is used, points in the sequence G1 through G2 are not
required to exist. Points which do not exist will collectively produce a warning
message but will otherwise be ignored.
18
BULK
Q-S
SPLINE1 1777
Surface Spline Methods
SPLINE1 Surface Spline Methods
Defines a surface spline for interpolating motion and/or forces for aeroelastic
problems on aerodynamic geometries defined by regular arrays of aerodynamic
points.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPLINE1 EID CAERO BOX1 BOX2 SETG DZ METH USAGE
NELEM MELEM
Example:
SPLINE1 3 111 115 122 14 0.
Fields: 18
BULK
Field Contents Q-S
CAERO Aero-element (CAEROi entry ID) that defines the plane of the
spline. (Integer > 0)
BOX1, BOX2 First and last box with motions that are interpolated using this
spline; see Remark 3. when using Mach Box method. (Integer >
0, BOX2 ≥ BOX1)
SETG Refers to the SETi entry that lists the structural grid points to
which the spline is attached. (Integer > 0)
DZ Linear attachment flexibility. (Real ≥ 0.0)
METH Method for the spline fit. IPS,TPS or FPS. See Remark 1.
(Character, Default=IPS)
USAGE Spline usage flag to determine whether this spline applies

to the force transformation, displacement transformation or
both. FORCE, DISP or BOTH. See Remark 5. (Character,
Default=BOTH)
NELEM The number of FE elements along the local spline x-axis if using
the FPS option. (Integer > 0; Default=10)
1778 SPLINE1
Field Contents
MELEM The number of FE elements along the local spline y-axis if using
the FPS option. (Integer > 0; Default=10)
Remarks:
1. The default METHOD will result in the use of the Harder-Desmarais Infinite
Plate Spline (IPS). The other options are the Thin Plate Spline (TPS) and the
Finite Plate Spline (FPS). The continuation applies only to the FPS option and is
required only if the defaults are not adequate.
2. The interpolated points (k-set) will be defined by aero boxes. Figure 18-7 shows
the cells for which uk is interpolated if BOX1=115 and BOX2=118.
18
BULK
Q-S
Figure 18-7. SPLINE1 Entry Example
3. The attachment flexibility (units of area) is used for smoothing the interpolation.
If DZ=0.0, the spline will pass through all deflected grid points. If DZ is
much greater than the spline area, a least squares plane fit will be applied.
Intermediate values will provide smoothing.
4. When using the Mach Box method, BOX1 and BOX2 refer to the ID number of
the first and last aerodynamic grids (x,y pairs on the AEFACT entry) which will
be used for interpolation to structural grids. BOX1 and BOX2 do not refer to
Mach Boxes.
5. The USAGE field allows you to specify that the particular spline interpolant
defined in this entry is to be used for just the force transformation (FORCE) or
just the displacement transformation (DISP) or for both (BOTH).
Fg=[GPkg]T {Pk} (FORCE/BOTH splines are in the transform)
Uk=[GDkg] {Ug} (DISP/BOTH splines are in the transform)
In general, the two transforms are done with distinct matrices. Only when ALL
splines are of type BOTH is the familiar transpose relationship [GPgk]T]=[GDkg]
SPLINE1 1779
satisfied. The default behavior (BOTH for all splines) is compatible with versions
of MSC.Nastran prior to 70.5.
In general, the USAGE field can be used to apply aerodynamic forces to
the structure from aerodynamic panels that are intended NOT to move
(USAGE=FORCE) or to apply structural displacements to aerodynamic grids
whose forces are not to be applied to the structure (USAGE=DISP). The DISP
option is somewhat esoteric in that you are then suggesting that the aeroelastic
effect of the surface is important while its forces are not. (In other words,
only the forces arising from tis effects on other surfaces is important.) While
there may be circumstances where this is true, it is unlikely. Take care that
you included all the FORCEs from aerodynamic panels that are important by
including them in either FORCE or BOTH spline(s). NX Nastran will NOT issue
a warning unless ALL forces are omitted. All displacements may be omitted
without warning (and is a means to perform “rigid aerodynamic” analyses).
18
BULK
Q-S
1780 SPLINE2
Linear Spline
SPLINE2 Linear Spline
Defines a beam spline for interpolating motion and/or forces for aeroelastic problems
on aerodynamic geometries defined by regular arrays of aerodynamic points.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPLINE2 EID CAERO ID1 ID2 SETG DZ DTOR CID
DTHX DTHY USAGE
Example:
SPLINE2 5 8 12 24 60 0. 1.0 3
1.
18 Fields:
BULK
Q-S Field Contents
CAERO Aero panel or body (CAEROi entry ID) that is to be interpolated.

(Integer > 0)
ID1, ID2 First and last box or body element whose motions are interpolated
using this spline. See Remark 6 when using the Mach Box
method. (Integer > 0, ID2 ≥ ID1)
SETG Refers to an SETi entry that lists the structural grid points to
which the spline is attached. (Integer > 0)
DTOR Torsional flexibility ratio (EI/GJ). (Real > 0.0; Default=1.0; use
1.0 for bodies.)
CID Rectangular coordinate system for which the y-axis defines the
axis of the spline. Not used for bodies, CAERO2. (Integer ≥ 0)
DTHX, Rotational attachment flexibility. DTHX is for rotation about the

DTHY spline’s x-axis (in-plane bending rotations); however, it is not used
for bodies. DTHY is for rotation about the spline’s y-axis (torsion);
however, it is used for slope of bodies. (Real)
SPLINE2 1781
Linear Spline
Field Contents
USAGE Spline usage flag to determine whether this spline applies

to the force transformation, displacement transformation or
both. FORCE, DISP or BOTH. See Remark 9. (Character,
Default=BOTH)
Remarks:
1. The interpolated points (k-set) will be defined by aero boxes.
2. The spline axis for panels is the projection of the y-axis of coordinate system
CID, projected onto the plane of the panel. For bodies, the spline axis is parallel
to the x-axis of the aerodynamic coordinate system.
3. The flexibilities DZ, DTHX, and DTHY are used for smoothing. (Zero attachment
flexibility values will imply rigid attachment (i.e., no smoothing, whereas
negative values of DTHX or DTHY will imply infinity, therefore, no attachment).
See the NX Nastran Aeroelastic Analysis User’s Guide for a discussion of special
18
BULK
cases.
Q-S
5. The SPLINE2 EID must be unique with respect to all SPLINEi entries.
6. When using the Mach Box method, ID1 and ID2 refer to the ID number of the
first and last aerodynamic grids (x,y pairs on the AEFACT entry) which will
be used for interpolation to the structural grids. ID1 and ID2 do not refer to
Mach Boxes.
7. DTOR is the ratio of rotational to linear deflection and, in lieu of a more accurate
estimate, a value of 1.0 is recommended. A different value may be used; e.g., if
DTOR is much greater than 1.0, primarily rotational deflection will occur; if
DTOR is much less than 1.0, primarily linear deflection will occur.
8. If a SPLINE2 element only references one grid point, the job will fail without
a message in the GI Module.
1782 SPLINE2
Linear Spline
splines are of type BOTH is the familiar transpose relationship [GPgk]T]=[GDkg]
of MSC.Nastran prior to Version 70.5.
18
BULK
Q-S
SPLINE3 1783
Aeroelastic Constraint Equation
SPLINE3 Aeroelastic Constraint Equation
Defines a constraint equation for aeroelastic problems. Useful for control surface
constraints.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPLINE3 EID CAERO BOXID COMP G1 C1 A1 USAGE
G2 C2 A2 -etc.
Example:
SPLINE3 7000 107 109 6 5 3 1.0
43 5 -1.0
Fields:
18
BULK
Field Contents
Q-S
CAERO Identification number of the macro-element on which the element to

be interpolated lies. (Integer > 0)
BOXID Identification number of the aerodynamic element; i.e., the box

number. (Integer > 0)
COMP The component of motion to be interpolated. See Remark 4. (One of

the Integers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.)
Gi Grid point identification number of the independent grid point.

(Integer > 0)
Ci Component numbers in the displacement coordinate system. (One of

the Integers 1 through 6 for grid points, or 0 for scalar points.)
Ai Coefficient of the constraint relationship. (Real)
USAGE Spline usage flag to determine whether this spline applies to the
force transformation, displacement transformation or both. FORCE,
DISP or BOTH. See Remark 6. (Character, Default=BOTH).
1784 SPLINE3
Remarks:
1. The independent grid points and components must refer to degrees-of-freedom

in the g-set.
2. The constraint is given by
where
ud = value of the dependent component of the aerodynamic element

ui = displacement at grid Gi, component Ci.
18 4. The allowable components by CAEROi entry type are indicated by an “X” in
BULK
the table below:
Q-S
COMP
Entry Type
1 2 3 5 6
CAERO1 X X
CAERO2 X X X X
CAERO3 X
CAERO4 X X X
CAERO5 X X X
3D Geometry X X X X X
COMP=2: lateral displacement
COMP=3 transverse displacement
COMP=5: pitch angle
COMP=6: relative control angle for CAERO4 and CAERO5 yaw angle for
CAERO2.
For general 3D aerodynamic geometries the components numbers refer to axes of

the Aerodynamic Coordinate System (ux, uy, uz, θx, θy, θz).
SPLINE3 1785
5. For Strip theory and Piston theory, the COMP=6 control surface relative angle
is positive when the trailing edge has a negative z-deflection in the element
coordinate system (see the NX Nastran Aeroelastic Analysis User’s Guide.)

splines are of type BOTH is the familiar transpose relationship GPgk]T]=[GDkg]
whose forces are not to be applied to the structure (USAGE=DISP). The DISP 18
option is somewhat esoteric in that you are then suggesting that the aeroelastic BULK
effect of the surface is important while its forces are not. (In other words, Q-S
1786 SPLINE4
SPLINE4 Surface Spline Methods
Defines a curved surface spline for interpolating motion and/or forces for aeroelastic
problems on general aerodynamic geometries using either the Infinite Plate, Thin
Plate or Finite Plate splining method.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPLINE4 EID CAERO AELIST SETG DZ METH USAGE
NELEM MELEM
Example:
SPLINE4 3 111 115 14 0. IPS
Fields:
18
BULK Field Contents
Q-S
CAERO Aero panel ID that defines the interpolation surface. (Integer > 0)
AELIST Identification of an AELIST entry listing boxes with motions that

are interpolated using this spline; see Remark 3 when using Mach
Box method. (Integer > 0)
SETG Refers to the SETi entry that lists the structural grid points to which
the spline is attached. (Integer > 0)
METH Method for the spline fit. One of IPS, TPS or FPS. See Remark 1.
(Character, Default=IPS)
USAGE Spline usage flag to determine whether this spline applies to the
force transformation, displacement transformation or both. FORCE,
DISP or BOTH. See Remark 4. (Character, Default=BOTH)
NELEM The number of FE elements along the local spline x-axis if using the
FPS option. (Integer > 0; Default=10)
MELEM The number of FE elements along the local spline y-axis if using the
FPS option. (integer > 0; Default=10)
SPLINE4 1787
Remarks:
1. The default METHOD will result in the use of the Harder-Desmarais Infinite
Plate Spline (IPS). The other options are the Thin Plate Spline (TPS) and the
Finite Plate Spline (FPS). The continuation applies only to the FPS option and is
required only if the defaults are not adequate.
2. The attachment flexibility (units of area) is used for smoothing the interpolation.
If DZ=0.0, the spline will pass through all deflected grid points. If DZ is
much greater than the spline area, a least squares plane fit will be applied.
Intermediate values will provide smoothing.
3. When using the Mach Box method, the AELIST boxes refer to the ID number of
the first and last aerodynamic grids (x,y pairs on the AEFACT entry) which will
be used for interpolation to structural grids. They do not refer to Mach Boxes.
just the displacement transformation (DISP) or for both (BOTH). 18
Fg=[GPkg]T {Pk} (FORCE/BOTH splines are in the transform) BULK
Q-S
splines are of type BOTH is the familiar transpose relationship [GPgk]T=[GDkg]
effect of the surface is important while its forces are not.
(In other words, only the forces arising from tis effects on other surfaces is
important.) While there may be circumstances where this is true, it is unlikely.
Take care that you included all the FORCEs from aerodynamic panels that are
important by including them in either FORCE or BOTH spline(s). NX Nastran
will NOT issue a warning unless ALL forces are omitted. All displacements may
be omitted without warning (and is a means to perform “rigid aerodynamic”
analyses).
1788 SPLINE5
Linear Spline
SPLINE5 Linear Spline
Defines a 1D beam spline for interpolating motion and/or forces for aeroelastic
problems on aerodynamic geometries defined by irregular arrays of aerodynamic
points. The interpolating beam supports axial rotation and bending in the yz-plane.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPLINE5 EID CAERO AELIST SETG DZ DTOR CID
DTHX DTHY USAGE
Example:
SPLINE5 5 8 12 60 3
1. BOTH
18 Fields:
BULK
Q-S Field Contents
CAERO Aero panel or body (CAEROi entry ID) that is to be interpolated.

(Integer > 0)
AELIST Identification number of an AELIST entry that identifies the

aerodynamic boxes whose motions are interpolated using this spline.
See Remark 6 when using the Mach Box method. (Integer > 0)
SETG Refers to an SETi entry that lists the structural grid points to which
the spline is attached. (Integer > 0)
USAGE Spline usage flag to determine whether this spline applies to the force
transformation, displacement transformation or both. FORCE, DISP
or BOTH. See Remark 8. (Character, Default=BOTH)
CID Rectangular coordinate system that defines the y-axis of the spline
and the xy- and yz-planes for bending. Not used for bodies, CAERO2.
(Integer ≥ 0)
DTHX, Rotational attachment flexibility. DTHX is for rotation about the

DTHY spline’s x-axis (the bending rotations). DTHY is for rotation about
the spline’s y-axis (torsion); however, it is used for bending of bodies.
(Real)
SPLINE5 1789
Linear Spline
Field Contents
DZ Linear attachment flexibility. (Real ≥ 0.0, Default=0.0)
DTOR Torsional flexibility ratio (EI/GJ) for the bending in the zy-plane.
This value is ignored for slender bodies since they have no torsion;
see Remark 7. (Real > 0.0; Default=1.0; ignored for CAERO2 bodies.)
Remarks:
1. The interpolated points (k-set) will be defined by aero boxes.
2. The spline axis for panels is the projection of the y-axis of coordinate system CID,
projected onto the plane of the panel. For bodies, the interpolating beam (y-axis)
is parallel to the x-axis of the aerodynamic coordinate system; the z-axis is taken
from the referenced CID and x is made orthogonal.
3. The flexibilities DZ, DTHX and DTHY are used for smoothing. (Zero attachment
flexibility values will imply rigid attachment (i.e., no smoothing, whereas 18
negative values of DTHX or DTHY will imply infinity, therefore, no attachment.) BULK
See the NX Nastran Aeroelastic Analysis User’s Guide for a discussion of special Q-S
cases.
6. When using the Mach Box method, the AELIST entries refer to the ID numbers
of aerodynamic grids (x,y pairs on the AEFACT entry) which will be used for
interpolation to the structural grids. They do not refer to Mach Boxes.
7. DTOR is the ratio of axial rotational to bending deflection and, in lieu of a more
accurate estimate, a value of 1.0 is recommended. A different value may be used;
e.g., if DTOR is much greater than 1.0, primarily rotational deflection will occur;
if DTOR is much less than 1.0, primarily linear deflection will occur. The values
will affect the results only if the structural grids over constrain the motion of the
interpolating beam. Slender bodies have no torsional motion, so these values
will not be used for CAERO2 entries.
1790 SPLINE5
Linear Spline
splines are of type BOTH is the familiar transpose relationship [GPgk]T=[GDkg]
18
BULK
Q-S
SPOINT 1791
Scalar Point Definition
SPOINT Scalar Point Definition
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 3 18 1 4 16 2

SPOINT ID1 “THRU” ID2
SPOINT 5 THRU 649
18
BULK
Fields:
Q-S
Field Contents
IDi Scalar point identification number. (0 < Integer < 1000000; For
“THRU” option, ID1 < ID2)
Remarks:
1. A scalar point defined by its appearance on the connection entry for a scalar
element (see the CELASi, CMASSi, and CDAMPi entries) need not appear on
an SPOINT entry.
2. All scalar point identification numbers must be unique with respect to all other
structural, scalar, and fluid points. However, duplicate scalar point identification
numbers are allowed in the input.
3. This entry is used primarily to define scalar points appearing in single-point or

multipoint constraint equations to which no scalar elements are connected.
4. If the alternate format is used, all scalar points ID1 through ID2 are defined.
5. For a discussion of scalar points, see “Understanding Scalar Points” in the NX

1792 SUPAX
Conical Shell Fictitious Support
SUPAX Conical Shell Fictitious Support
Defines determinate reaction degrees-of-freedom in free bodies for conical shell

analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SUPAX RID1 HID1 C1 RID2 HID2 C2
Example:
SUPAX 4 3 2
Fields:
Field Contents
18 RIDi Ring identification number. (Integer > 0)
BULK
Q-S
HIDi Harmonic identification number. (Integer ≥ 0)
Ci Conical shell degree-of-freedom numbers. (Any unique combination

of the Integers 1 through 6.)
Remarks:
1. SUPAX is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
2. Up to 12 degrees-of-freedom may appear on a single entry.
3. Degrees-of-freedom appearing on SUPAX entries may not appear on MPCAX,

SPCAX, or OMITAX entries.
4. For a discussion of conical shell analysis, see “Conical Shell Element (RINGAX)”
SUPORT 1793
Fictitious Support
SUPORT Fictitious Support
Defines determinate reaction degrees-of-freedom in a free body.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SUPORT ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3 ID4 C4
Example:
SUPORT 16 215
Fields:
Field Contents

18
Ci Component numbers. (Integer 0 or blank for scalar points. Any BULK
unique combination of the Integers 1 through 6 for grid points with Q-S
Remarks:
1. The SUPORT entry specifies reference degrees-of-freedom for rigid body motion.
It is not intended to be used in place of a constraint (i.e., SPCi entry or PS on
the GRID entry).
2. SUPORT and/or SUPORT1 entries are required to perform inertia relief in static
analysis (SOLs 1 and 101).
In SOL 1, the presence of a SUPORT or selection of a SUPORT1 entry
automatically invokes inertia relief analysis.
In SOL 101, PARAM,INREL,-1 must also be specified or the SUPORTi entries
will be treated as constraints.
3. Be careful not to spell SUPORT with two Ps.

5. From 1 to 24 support degrees-of-freedom may be defined on a single entry.

1794 SUPORT
Fictitious Support
7. An alternative to SUPORT is the SUPORT1 entry, which is requested by the

SUPORT1 Case Control command.
18
BULK
Q-S
SUPORT1 1795
Fictitious Support, Alternate Form
SUPORT1 Fictitious Support, Alternate Form
Defines determinate reaction degrees-of-freedom (r-set) in a free body-analysis.

SUPORT1 must be requested by the SUPORT1 Case Control command.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SUPORT1 SID ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3
Example:
SUPORT1 5 16 215
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Identification number of the support set. See Remark 1. (Integer > 0) 18
BULK
IDi Grid or scalar point identification number. (Integer > 0) Q-S
Ci Component numbers. (Integer 0 or blank for scalar points. Any
unique combination of the Integers 1 through 6 for grid points with
Remarks:
1. The SUPORT entry specifies reference degrees-of-freedom for rigid body motion.
It is not intended to be used in place of a constraint; (i.e., SPCi entry or PS on
the GRID entry).
2. SUPORT and/or SUPORT1 entries are required to perform inertia relief in static
analysis; i.e., SOLs 1 and 101.
In SOL 1, the presence of a SUPORT or selection of a SUPORT1 entry
automatically invokes inertia relief analysis.
In SOL 101, PARAM,INREL,-1 must also be specified or the SUPORTi entries
will be treated as constraints.
3. SUPORT1 must be requested by the SUPORT1 Case Control command. The

degrees-of-freedom specified on SUPORT1 will be combined with those on the
SUPORT entry.
4. Be careful not to spell SUPORT with two Ps.

1796 SUPORT1
Fictitious Support, Alternate Form

6. From 1 to 18 support degrees-of-freedom may be defined on a single entry.
8. In superelement analysis, SUPORT1 may be specified for points belonging to

the residual structure only.
18
BULK
Q-S
Chapter
19 Bulk Data Entries T—V
19
BULK
T-V
1798 TABDMP1
Modal Damping Table
TABDMP1 Modal Damping Table
Defines modal damping as a tabular function of natural 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
2.5 .01057 2.6 .01362 ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents
TID Table identification number. (Integer > 0)
TYPE Type of damping units. (Character: “G”, “CRIT”, or “Q”; Default

is “G”)
19
BULK fi Natural frequency value in cycles per unit time. (Real ≥ 0.0)
T-V
gi Damping value. (Real)
Remarks:
1. Modal damping tables must be selected with the Case Control command
SDAMPING=TID.
2. The frequency values, fi, must be specified in either ascending or descending

order, but not both.
3. Discontinuities may be specified between any two points except the two starting
points or two end points. For example, in Figure 19-1 discontinuities are allowed
only between points f2 through f7. Also, if g is evaluated at a discontinuity,
then the average value of g is used. In Figure 19-1, the value of g at f=f3 is
g=(g3+g4) / 2.
4. At least one continuation entry must be specified.

TABDMP1 1799
Modal Damping Table
5. Any fi or gi entry may be ignored by placing “SKIP” in either of the two fields
used for that entry.
6. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of “ENDT” in either of the two
fields following the last entry. An error is detected if any continuations follow
the entry containing the end-of-table flag “ENDT”.
7. The TABDMP1 uses the algorithm
where f is input to the table and g is returned. The table look-up gT(f) is
performed using linear interpolation within the table and linear extrapolation
outside the table using the last two end points. See Figure 19-1. No warning
messages are issued if table data is input incorrectly.
19
BULK
T-V
Figure 19-1. Example of Table Extrapolation and Discontinuity
8. This form of damping is used only in modal formulations of complex eigenvalue

analysis, frequency response analysis, or transient response analysis. The
type of damping used depends on the solution sequence (structural damping
is displacement-dependent, and viscous damping is velocity-dependent). See
“Formulation of Dynamic Equations in SubDMAP GMA” in the NX Nastran
User’s Guide for the equations used.
1800 TABDMP1
Modal Damping Table
9. PARAM,KDAMP may be used in solution sequences that perform modal

frequency and modal complex analysis, to select the type of damping.
KDAMP Result
1 (Default) B Matrix
-1 (1+ig) K
See “Formulation of Dynamic Equations in SubDMAP GMA” in the NX Nastran

User’s Guide for a full explanation.
10. If TYPE is “G” or blank, the damping values gi, etc., are in units of equivalent
viscous dampers, as follows:
(See “Formulation of Dynamic Equations in SubDMAP GMA” in the NX Nastran

User’s Guide.) 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:
19
BULK
T-V
TABLE3D 1801
Tabular Function with Three Variables
TABLE3D Tabular Function with Three Variables
Specify a function of three variables for the GMBC, GMLOAD, and TEMPF entries
only.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TABLE3D TID X0 Y0 Z0 F0
X1 Y1 Z1 F1 X2 Y2 Z2 F2
X3 Y3 Z3 F3 X4 Y4 Z4 F4
-etc.- ENDT
Example:
TABLE3D 128 0. 0. 1.
7. 8. 9. 100. 12. 14. 11. 200.
17. 18. 19. 1100. 112. 114. 111. 1200.
ENDT
Fields:

BULK
TID Table identification number. Integer > 0 Required T-V
X0,Y0,Z0 Offset of the independent variables. Real 0.0
F0 Offset of the dependent variables. Real 0.0
Xi,Yi,Zi Independent variables. Real 0.0
Fi Dependent variable. Real 0.0
Remarks:
1. At least two continuation entries must be specified.
2. The value of the function at (x,y,z) is calculated as

1802 TABLE3D
Tabular Function with Three Variables
where f are the function values at the four points with the lowest value of
19
BULK
T-V
TABLED1 1803
Dynamic Load Tabular Function, Form 1
TABLED1 Dynamic Load Tabular Function, Form 1
Defines a tabular function for use in generating frequency-dependent and

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.- “ENDT”
Example:
TABLED1 32
-3.0 6.9 2.0 5.6 3.0 5.6 ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents
XAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the x-axis. See

Remark 6. (Character: “LINEAR” or “LOG”; Default=“LINEAR”)
19
YAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the y-axis. See BULK
Remark 6. (Character: “LINEAR” or “LOG”; Default=“LINEAR”) T-V
xi, yi Tabular values. (Real)
“ENDT” Flag indicating the end of the table.
Remarks:
1. xi must be in either ascending or descending order, but not both.
only between points x2 through x7. Also, if y is evaluated at a discontinuity, then
the average value of y is used. In Figure 19-2, the value of y at x=x3 is y=(y3+y4)
/ 2. If the y-axis is a LOG axis then the jump at the discontinuity is evaluated as
3. At least one continuation must be specified.

1804 TABLED1
4. Any xi-yi pair may be ignored by placing the character string “SKIP” in either
of the two fields.
5. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of the character string “ENDT”
in either of the two fields following the last entry. An error is detected if any
continuations follow the entry containing the end-of-table flag “ENDT”.
6. TABLED1 uses the algorithm
where x is input to the table and y is returned. The table look-up is performed
using interpolation within the table and extrapolation outside the table using
the two starting or end points. See Figure 19-2. The algorithms used for
interpolation or extrapolation are:
XAXIS YAXIS yT(x)
LINEAR LINEAR
LOG LINEAR
19
BULK
T-V LINEAR LOG
LOG LOG
where xj and yj follow xi and yi.

No warning messages are issued if table data is input incorrectly.
TABLED1 1805
7. Linear extrapolation is not used for Fourier transform methods. The function
is zero outside the range of the table. 19
BULK
8. For frequency-dependent loads, xi is measured in cycles per unit time. T-V
9. Tabular values on an axis if XAXIS or YAXIS=LOG must be positive. A fatal
message will be issued if an axis has a tabular value ≤ 0.
1. TABLED1 is referenced by the TID field in TLOAD1 entry to model

time-dependent loading. xi is therefore the time value and yi is the multiplier
factor for the load.
2. XAXIS and YAXIS are ignored. Both are assumed to be “LINEAR”.
3. Discontinuities are not allowed.
4. No table extrapolation is done beyond the range of specified xi values. Hence, the
range of xi values should at least span the solution start and end times. In most
cases, x1=0.0 should be specified since the solution start time is usually 0.0. The
solution end time depends on the time steps defined in the TSTEP entry.
1806 TABLED2

time-dependent dynamic loads. Also contains parametric data for use with the table.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TABLED2 TID X1
x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 -etc.-
Example:
TABLED2 15 -10.5
1.0 -4.5 2.0 -4.2 2.0 2.8 7.0 6.5
SKIP SKIP 9.0 6.5 ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents
X1 Table parameter. See Remark 6. (Real)

19
BULK xi, yi Tabular values. (Real)
T-V
Remarks:
only between points x2 and x7. Also if y is evaluated at a discontinuity, then the
average value of y is used. In Figure 19-3, the value of y at x=x3 is y=(y3+y4) / 2.
4. Any xi-yi pair may be ignored by placing “SKIP” in either of the two fields.

TABLED2 1807
using linear interpolation within the table and linear extrapolation outside
the table using the two starting or end points. See Figure 19-3. No warning
19
BULK
T-V
is zero outside the range of the table.
8. For frequency-dependent loads, X1 and xi are measured in cycles per unit time.
1. TABLED2 is referenced by the TID field in TLOAD1 entry to model

time-dependent loading. xi is therefore the time value and yi is the multiplier
factor for the load.
2. X1 is the delay time (or arrival time of the load), i.e., at time < X1, the load
is not active.

1808 TABLED2
range of xi values should at least span the solution start and end times. In most
cases, x1=0.0 should be specified since the solution start time is usually 0.0. The
solution end time depends on the time steps defined in the TSTEP entry.
19
BULK
T-V
TABLED3 1809

time-dependent dynamic loads. Also contains parametric data for use with the table.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TABLED3 TID X1 X2
x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 -etc.-
Example:
TABLED3 62 126.9 30.0
2.9 2.9 3.6 4.7 5.2 5.7 ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents
X1, X2 Table parameters. (Real; X2 ≠ 0.0)
xi, yi Tabular values. (Real) 19

BULK
T-V
Remarks:
only between points x2 and x7. Also if y is evaluated at a discontinuity, then the
average value of y is used. In Figure 19-4, the value of y at x =x3 is y=(y3+y4) / 2.
3. At least one continuation entry must be present.

1810 TABLED3
using interpolation within the table and linear extrapolation outside the table
using the two starting or end points. See Figure 19-4. No warning messages are
issued if table data is input incorrectly.
19
BULK
T-V
is zero outside the range of the table.
8. For frequency-dependent loads, X1, X2, and xi are measured in cycles per unit
time.
TABLED4 1811
Defines the coefficients of a power series for use in generating frequency-dependent

and time-dependent dynamic loads. Also contains parametric data for use with
the table.
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 28 0.0 1.0 0.0 100.
2.91 -0.0329 6.51-5 0.0 -3.4-7 ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents
Xi Table parameters. (Real; X2 ≠ 0.0; X3<X4) 19

BULK
Ai Coefficients. (Real) T-V
Remarks:
2. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of “ENDT” in the field following
the last entry. An error is detected if any continuations follow the entry
containing the end-of-table flag “ENDT”.

1812 TABLED4
where x is input to the table, y is returned, and N is the number of pairs.

Whenever x< X3, use X3 for x; whenever x> X4, use X4 for x. There are N+1
entries in the table. There are no error returns from this table look-up procedure.
4. For frequency-dependent loads, xi is measured in cycles per unit time.
19
BULK
T-V
TABLEM1 1813
Material Property Table, Form 1
TABLEM1 Material Property Table, Form 1
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
xI y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 -etc.- “ENDT”
Example:
TABLEM1 32
-3.0 6.9 2.0 5.6 3.0 5.6 ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents
XAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the x-axis. See

Remark 6. (Character: “LINEAR” or “LOG”; Default=“LINEAR”)
19
YAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the y-axis. See BULK
Remark 6. (Character: “LINEAR” or “LOG”; Default=“LINEAR”) T-V
Remarks:
only between points x2 through x7. Also, if y is evaluated at a discontinuity,
then the average value of y is used. In Figure 19-5, the value of y at x = x3 is
y = (y3+y4) / 2y = (y3+y4) / 2.
1814 TABLEM1
6. TABLEM1 uses the algorithm
using linear interpolation within the table and linear extrapolation outside the
table using the two starting or end points. See Figure 19-5. The algorithms used
for interpolation or extrapolation are:
XAXIS YAXIS yT(x)
LINEAR LINEAR
LOG LINEAR
LINEAR LOG
19
BULK
T-V LOG LOG
where xj and yj follow xi and yi.

No warning messages are issued if table data is input incorrectly.
TABLEM1 1815

message will be issued if an axis has a tabular value ≤ 0. 19
BULK
Remarks related to SOLs 601 and 701: T-V
1. XAXIS and YAXIS are ignored. Both are assumed to be “LINEAR”.
xi values should at least span the range of applied temperatures.
1816 TABLEM2

properties. Also contains parametric data for use with the table.
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
1.0 -4.5 2.0 -4.5 2.0 2.8 7.0 6.5
SKIP SKIP 9.0 6.5 ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents
X1 Table parameter. (Real)

19
BULK xi, yi Tabular values. (Real)
T-V
Remarks:
points or two end points. For example, in Figure 19-6, 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 19-6, is y=(y3+y4) / 2.

TABLEM2 1817
where x is input to the table, y is returned and z is supplied from the MATi entry.
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 19-6. No warning messages are issued if table data is input incorrectly.
19
BULK
T-V

1818 TABLEM3

properties. Also contains parametric data for use with the table.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TABLEM3 TID X1 X2
x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 -etc.-
Example:
TABLEM3 62 126.9 30.0
2.9 2.9 3.6 4.7 5.2 5.7 ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents
X1, X2 Table parameters. See Remark 6. (Real; X2 ≠ 0.0)

19 xi, yi Tabular values. (Real)
BULK
T-V
Remarks:
1. Tabular values for xi must be specified in either ascending or descending order,

but not both.
then the average value of y is used. In Figure 19-7, the value of y at x=x3 is
y=(y3+y4) / 2.
TABLEM3 1819
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 19-7. No warning messages are issued if table data is input incorrectly.
19
BULK
T-V

1820 TABLEM4
Defines coefficients of a power series for use in generating temperature-dependent

material properties. Also contains parametric data for use with the table.
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 28 0.0 1.0 0.0 100.
2.91 -0.0329 6.51-5 0.0 -3.4-7 ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents
Xi Table parameters. (Real; X2 ≠ 0.0; X3 < X4)

19 Ai Coefficients. (Real)
BULK
T-V
Remarks:
2. The end of the table is indicated by the existence of “ENDT” in the field following
the last entry. An error is detected if any continuations follow the entry
containing the end-of-table flag “ENDT”.
Whenever x < X3, use X3 for x; whenever x > X4, use X4 for x. There are N+1
entries in the table. There are no error returns from this table look-up procedure.
TABLES1 1821
TABLES1 Material Property Table, Form 1
Defines a tabular function for stress-dependent material properties such as the

stress-strain curve (MATS1 entry), creep parameters (CREEP entry) and hyperelastic
material parameters (MATHP entry).
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TABLES1 TID
x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 -etc.- “ENDT”
Example:
TABLES1 32
0.0 0.0 .01 10000. .02 15000. ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents

19
BULK
T-V
Remarks:
then the average value of y is used. In Figure 19-8, the value of y at x=x3 is
y=(y3+y4) / 2.
3. At least one continuation entry must be present.
4. Any xi-yi pair may be ignored by placing “SKIP” in either of the two fields used
for that entry.
fields following the last entry. An error is detected if any continuations follow the
entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT.
1822 TABLES1
6. TABLES1 is used to input a curve in the form of
19
BULK
T-V
7. Discontinuities are not recommended and may lead to unstable results.

Discontinuities are not allowed in nonlinear solution sequences.
2. By default, the table is extended by linear extrapolation using the last two end
points. XTCURVE=0 may be specified in NXSTRAT to choose not to extend the
table to allow for element rupture at the last xi value which defines the rupture
plastic strain when the multilinear plastic material is used (i.e., TABLES1 is
referenced by TID field in MATS1 with TYPE = “PLASTIC”), Upon rupture, an
element is removed from the model. If DTDELAY is specified in NXSTRAT
TABLES1 1823
entry, the contribution from the element stiffness is gradually reduced to zero
over time DTDELAY.
3. By default, xi, yi are assumed to be true stress-strain values. In case the input
is in engineering stress-strain values, specifying CVSSVAL=1 in NXSTRAT
provides a convenient way to convert the engineering stress-strain values to true
stress-strain values for use in the analysis.
19
BULK
T-V
1824 TABLEST
Material Property Temperature-Dependence Table
TABLEST Material Property Temperature-Dependence Table
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 -etc.-
Example:
TABLEST 101
150.0 10 175.0 20 ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents
Ti Temperature values. (Real)
19 TIDi Table identification numbers of TABLES1 entries. (Integer > 0)

BULK
T-V
Remarks:
1. TIDi must be unique with respect to all TABLES1 and TABLEST table
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. An error is detected if any continuations follow the
entry containing the end-of-table flag ENDT.
4. This table is referenced only by MATS1 entries that define nonlinear elastic
(TYPE=“NLELAST”) materials.
1. TABLEST may be referenced by MATS1 entries that define elasto-plastic

(TYPE=”PLASTIC”) materials but not nonlinear elastic (TYPE=“NLELAST”)
materials.
TABRND1 1825
Power Spectral Density Table
TABRND1 Power Spectral Density Table
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 3
2.5 .01057 2.6 .01362 ENDT
Fields:
Field Contents
XAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the x-axis.

(Character: “LINEAR” or “LOG”; Default=“LINEAR”)
19
YAXIS Specifies a linear or logarithmic interpolation for the y-axis. BULK
(Character: “LINEAR” or “LOG”; Default=“LINEAR”) T-V
fi Frequency value in cycles per unit time. (Real ≥ 0.0)
gi Power spectral density. (Real)
Remarks:
1. The fi must be in either ascending or descending order, but not both.
only between points f2 through f7. Also, if g is evaluated at a discontinuity,
then the average value of g is used. In Figure 19-9, the value of g at f=f3 is
g=(g3+g4) / 2. If the y-axis is a LOG axis then the jump at the discontinuity is
evaluated as .
3. At least two entries must be present.

1826 TABRND1
4. Any fi-gi pair may be ignored by placing “SKIP” in either of the two fields used
for that entry.
6. TABRND1 uses the algorithm
where f is input to the table and g is returned. The table look-up is performed
19
BULK
T-V
7. For auto spectral density, the value of g returned must be greater than or equal
to zero, as shown in Remark 6.

message will be issued if an axis has a tabular value ≤ 0.
TABRND1 1827
9. The algorithms used are:
XAXIS YAXIS f(x)
LINEAR LINEAR
LOG LINEAR
LINEAR LOG
LOG LOG
where fi < f < fi+1
19
BULK
T-V
1828 TABRNDG
Gust Power Spectral Density
TABRNDG Gust Power Spectral Density
Defines the power spectral density (PSD) of a gust for aeroelastic response analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TABRNDG TID TYPE L/U WG
Example:
TABRNDG 1020 1 1.3 .1
Fields:
Field Contents
TID Table identification number. (Integer >0)
TYPE PSD type: von Karman (TYPE=1) or Dryden model (TYPE=2).

(Integer=1 or 2)
L/U Scale of turbulence divided by velocity (units of time). See L/U in

Remark 2. (Real)
19 WG Root-mean-square gust velocity. (Real)
BULK
T-V
Remarks:
1. This entry must be referenced by a RANDPS entry.
2. The power spectral density is given by
where
Type p k
1=von Karman 1/3 1.339
2=Dryden 1/2 1.0
and ω=2πf. The units of Sq (ω) are velocity squared per frequency (f).
TABRNDG 1829
Gust Power Spectral Density
3. Other power spectral density functions may be defined using the TABRND1
entry.
19
BULK
T-V
1830 TEMP
Grid Point Temperature Field
TEMP Grid Point Temperature Field
Defines temperature at grid points for determination of thermal loading,

temperature-dependent material properties, or 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
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Temperature set identification number. (Integer > 0)
Gi Grid point identification number. (Integer > 0)
Ti Temperature. (Real)
19 Remarks:
BULK
T-V 1. In the static solution sequences, the temperature set ID(SID) is selected by the
Case Control command TEMP. In the dynamic solution sequences, SID must be
referenced in the TID field of an LSEQ entry, which in turn must be selected
by the Case Control command LOADSET. There is a maximum of 66 unique
temperature SIDs that may be specified.
2. Set ID must be unique with respect to all other LOAD type entries if
TEMP(LOAD) is specified in the Case Control Section.
3. From one to three grid point temperatures may be defined on a single entry.
4. If thermal effects are requested, all elements must have a temperature field
defined either directly on a TEMPP1, TEMPP3, 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.
5. If the element material is temperature dependent, its properties are evaluated

at the average temperature.
TEMP 1831
Grid Point Temperature Field
6. Average element temperatures are obtained as a simple average of the

connecting grid point temperatures when no element temperature data are
defined. Gauss point temperatures are averaged for solid elements instead of
grid point temperature.
7. For steady state heat transfer analysis, this entry together with the TEMPD
entry supplies the initialization temperatures for nonlinear analysis. The
Case Control command TEMP(INIT)=SID requests selection of this entry. The
temperature values specified here must be coincident with any temperature
boundary conditions that are specified.
8. For transient heat transfer analysis, this entry together with the TEMPD entry
supplies the initial condition temperatures. The Case Control command IC=SID
requests selections of this entry. The temperature values specified here must be
coincident with any temperature boundary condition specified.
9. In linear and nonlinear buckling analysis, the follower force effects due to loads
from this entry are not included in the differential stiffness. See “Buckling
Analysis in SubDMAP MODERS” in the NX Nastran User’s Guide and the NX
Nastran Basic Nonlinear Analysis User’s Guide.
1. To apply constant temperature loads, SID is selected by Case Control command

TEMP=SID for both static and transient analyses. TEMP(INIT)=SID is used to
specify initial temperatures.
19
BULK
T-V
2. To apply time-dependent temperature loads, SID is referenced by the field
1832 TEMPAX
Conical Shell Temperature
TEMPAX Conical Shell Temperature
Defines temperature sets for conical shell problems.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TEMPAX SID1 RID1 PHI1 T1 SID2 RID2 PHI2 T2
Example:
TEMPAX 4 7 30.0 105.3
Fields:
Field Contents
SIDi Temperature set identification number. (Integer > 0)
RIDi Ring identification number (see RINGAX entry). (Integer > 0)
PHIi Azimuthal angle in degrees. (Real)
Ti Temperature. (Real)
19
BULK
T-V Remarks:
1. TEMPAX is allowed only if an AXIC entry is also present.
2. SIDi must be unique with respect to all other LOAD type entries if TEMP(LOAD)
is specified in the Case Control Section.
3. Temperature sets must be selected with the Case Control command TEMP=SID.
There is a maximum of 66 unique temperature SIDs that may be specified.
4. One or two temperatures may be defined on each entry.
6. TEMP(INIT) is not used with this entry.

TEMPBC 1833
Grid Point Temperatures
TEMPBC Grid Point Temperatures
Defines the temperature boundary conditions for heat transfer analysis. Applies to
steady-state and transient conditions.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TEMPBC SID TYPE TEMP1 GID1 TEMP2 GID2 TEMP3 GID3
Example:
TEMPBC 10 STAT 100.0 1 100.0 2 100.0 3

TEMPBC SID TYPE TEMP1 GID1 “THRU” GID2 “BY” INC
TEMPBC 20 STAT 100.0 4 THRU 50 BY 2
Fields:
Field Contents 19
BULK
T-V
TYPE Type of temperature boundary condition. See Remarks. (Character;
Default=“STAT”):
STAT – Constant temperature boundary condition
TRAN – Time-varying temperature boundary condition
TEMPi Temperature (Real)
GIDi Grid point identification number. (Integer > 0 or “THRU” or “BY”)
INC Grid point number increment. (Integer)
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 (SOL 153) and transient analysis (SOL 159).
1834 TEMPBC
Grid Point Temperatures
2. For transient analysis (SOL 159), a constant boundary condition should be

specified using the SPC Bulk Data entry.
3. 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 (SOL 159). A function of time F (t −
τ) defined on the TLOADi entry multiplies the general load. τ provides any
required time delay. The load set identifier on the TLOADi entry must be
selected in Case Control (DLOAD=SID) for use in transient analysis.
4. In the alternate format, TEMP1 is the nodal temperature for the grid points
GID1,GID1+INC,...,GID2. If “BY” and INC are not specified, then the grid point
number increment is unity.
5. If TYPE=“STAT”, then no SPCi Bulk Data entries may be specified.
6. If TYPE=“TRAN”, then no CELAS2 or DAREA Bulk Data entries may be

specified. Also, “U” must be specified in the CONV field on the TSTEPNL entry
to obtain accurate results.
7. All TEMPBC entries in the Bulk Data Section must indicate either
TYPE=“STAT” or TYPE=“TRAN” but not both.
19
BULK
T-V
TEMPD 1835
Grid Point Temperature Field Default
TEMPD Grid Point Temperature Field Default
Defines a temperature value for all grid points of the structural model that have 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
Fields:
Field Contents
SIDi Temperature set identification number. (Integer > 0)
Ti Default temperature value. (Real)
Remarks:
19
1. For structural analysis in the static solution sequences, the temperature set ID BULK
(SID) is selected by the Case Control command TEMP. In the dynamic solution T-V
sequences, SID must be referenced in the TID field of an LSEQ entry, which
in turn must be selected by the Case Control command LOADSET. There is a
maximum of 66 unique temperature SIDs that may be specified.
2. SIDi must be unique with respect to all other LOAD type entries if TEMP(LOAD)
3. From one to four default temperatures may be defined on a single entry.
defined either directly on a TEMPP1, TEMPP3, or TEMPRB entry or indirectly
as the average of the connected grid point temperatures defined on the TEMP or

at the average temperature.
1836 TEMPD
Grid Point Temperature Field Default
6. Average element temperatures are obtained as a simple average of the connecting

grid point temperatures when no element temperature data is defined.
7. For steady-state heat transfer analysis, this entry together with the TEMP entry
supplies the initialization temperatures for nonlinear analysis. The Case Control
command TEMP(INIT)=SID requests selection of this entry. The temperature
values specified here must be coincident with any temperatures boundary
conditions that are specified.
8. For transient heat transfer analysis, this entry together with the TEMP entry
supplies the initial condition temperatures. The Case Control command IC=SID
request selection of this entry. The temperature values specified here must be
coincident with any temperature boundary conditions that are specified.
10. For partitioned Bulk Data superelements and auxiliary models, TEMPD must
be specified in all partitioned Bulk Data Sections.
19 1. To apply constant temperature loads, SID is selected by Case Control command

TEMP=SID for both static and transient analyses. TEMP(INIT)=SID is used to
BULK
T-V specify initial temperatures.
2. To apply time-dependent temperature loads, SID is referenced by the field

TEMPF 1837
p-Element Temperature Field with Function Definition
TEMPF p-Element Temperature Field with Function Definition
Defines the thermal loading to be applied to a group of elements.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TEMPF SID EID1 FTEMP FTABID
EID2 EID3 -etc.-
Example:
TEMPF 127 12 111
Alternate Format:
TEMPF SID EID1 FTEMP FTABID
EID2 “THRU” EIDn
Fields:
SID Temperature set identification number. Integer > 0 Required 19

BULK
FTEMP ID of a DEQATN entry describing the Integer > 0 T-V
temperature field as a function of x,y,z.
See Remark 1.
FTABID ID of a TABLE3D entry describing the Integer > 0

temperature field. See Remark 1.
EIDi Identification numbers of the p-elements Integer > 0 Required

to which this thermal load is applied.
Remarks:
1. Either FTEMP or FTABID must be specified but not both.
2. The TEMPF entry overrides the temperature at the element vertices specified on
the TEMP or TEMPD entries.
1838 TEMPP1
Plate Element Temperature Field, Form 1
TEMPP1 Plate Element Temperature Field, Form 1
Defines a temperature field for plate, membrane, and combination elements

(by an average temperature and a thermal gradient through the thickness) for
determination of thermal loading, temperature-dependent material properties, or
stress recovery.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TEMPP1 SID EID1 TBAR TPRIME 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:
EID2 “THRU” EIDi EIDj “THRU” EIDk

1 THRU 10 30 THRU 61
19
BULK Fields:
T-V
Field Contents
EIDi, EIDj, Unique element identification number(s). (Integer > 0 or the

EIDk continuation entries may have “THRU” in fields 3 and/or 6, in
which case EID2 < EIDi and EIDj < EIDk.)
TBAR Temperature at the element’s reference plane as defined by ZOFFS

on the connection entry. (Real)
TPRIME Effective linear thermal gradient. Not used for membranes. (Real)
TEMPP1 1839
Field Contents
T1, T2 Temperatures for stress calculation at points defined on the

element property entry. (Z1 and Z2 field on PSHELL entry.)
T1 may be specified on the lower surface and T2 on the upper
surface for the CQUAD4, CQUAD8, CTRIA3, CTRIA6, CQUADR,
and CTRIAR elements. These data are not used for membrane
elements. See Remark 9. If both T1 and T2 are blank, they are
computed from the equation T=TBAR+z · TPRIME, where z is the
distance from the center fiber. The program replaces T1 with a
flag, and z is computed in a later operation. (Real)
Remarks:
1. In the static solution sequences, the temperature set ID (SID) is selected by the
temperature SIDS that may be specified.
2. Set ID must be unique with respect to all other LOAD type entries if
TEMP(LOAD) is specified in the Case Control Section.
3. If continuation entries are present, ElD1 and elements specified on the

continuation entry are used. Elements must not be specified more than once.
19
BULK
T-V
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
5. For temperature field other than a constant gradient, the “effective gradient” for
a homogeneous plate is
where I is the bending inertia and z is the distance from the neutral surface in
the positive normal direction.
6. The “average” temperature for a homogeneous plate is

1840 TEMPP1

at the average temperature TBAR.
8. Large “THRU” ranges will lead to System Fatal Message 3008 (“Insufficient
Core”) and should be avoided, particularly for open sets.
9. If the element material is nonlinear then T1 and T2 should be left blank (see
the MATS1 entry).
11. The bending and twisting moments can be reduced to outer fiber stresses
and combined with membrane stresses in the composite plate elements. If, in
addition, the temperature is specified by the user at a point where outer fiber
stresses are calculated, the thermal expansion due to the difference between the
specified temperature and the temperature that would be produced by a uniform
19 gradient, T′, is assumed to be completely restrained. Stated differently, the
BULK second and higher order moments of the thermal expansion are assumed to be
T-V completely restrained by elastic stiffness. The resulting stress increment is
where [Ge and {αe} are evaluated for the average temperature of the element .
TEMPP3 1841
TEMPP3 Plate Element Temperature Field, Form 3
TEMPP3 is no longer available. Use TEMPP1.
19
BULK
T-V
1842 TEMPRB
One-Dimensional Element Temperature Field
TEMPRB One-Dimensional Element Temperature Field
Defines a temperature field for the CBAR, CBEAM, CBEND, CROD, CTUBE, and
CONROD elements for determination of thermal loading, temperature-dependent
material properties, or stress recovery.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TEMPRB SID EID1 TA TB TP1A TP1B TP2A TP2B
TCA TDA TEA TFA TCB TDB TEB TFB
EID2 EID3 EID4 EID5 EID6 EID7 -etc.-
Example:
TEMPRB 200 1 68.0 23.0 0.0 28.0 2.5
68.0 91.0 45.0 48.0 80.0 20.0
9 10
Alternate Format and Example of Continuation Entry:
EID2 “THRU” EIDi EIDj “THRU” EIDk

19 2 THRU 4 10 THRU 14
BULK
T-V
Fields:
Field Contents
EIDi, EIDj, Unique element identification number(s). (Integer > 0 or the second
EIDk continuation entry may have “THRU” in fields 3 and/or 6 in which
case EID2 < EIDi and EIDj < EIDk.)
TA, TB Temperature at end A and end B on the neutral axis. (Real)
TPij Effective linear gradient in direction i on end j; used with CBAR,

CBEAM, and CBEND only. (Real)
Tij Temperature at point i as defined on the PBAR, PBEAM, and

PBEND entries at end j. This data is used for stress recovery only
with CBAR, CBEAM, and CBEND exclusively. (Real)
TEMPRB 1843
Remarks:
1. In the static solution sequences, the temperature set ID (SID) is selected by the
temperature SIDs that may be specified.
2. SID must be unique with respect to all other LOAD type entries if TEMP(LOAD)
3. If at least one nonzero or nonblank Tij is present, the point temperatures given
are used for stress recovery. If no Tij values are given, linear temperature
gradients are assumed for stress recovery. The Tij values are not used in the
calculation of differential stiffness.
4. If the second (and succeeding) continuation is present, EID1 and elements

specified on the second (and succeeding) continuations are used. Elements must
not be specified more than once.
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
over the average of grid point temperatures. 19
BULK
6. The effective thermal gradients in the element coordinate system for the CBAR T-V
element are defined by the following integrals over the cross section. For end
“A” (end “B” is similar).
if I12=0
1844 TEMPRB
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, I2, andI12are 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
TP1A, TP1B, TP2A and TP2B are the actual gradients.
7. If the element material is temperature-dependent, the material properties are

evaluated at the average temperature (TA+TB) / 2.
9. If any Ty is specified the stresses computed by the effective gradient are corrected
19 by Δσ such that:
BULK
T-V
where Δσ is in the form
for CBAR and CBEAM
for CBEND.
TF 1845
Dynamic Transfer Function
TF Dynamic Transfer Function
Defines a dynamic transfer function of the form:
=0
Equation 19-1.
Can also be used as a means of direct matrix input. See Remark 4.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TF SID GD CD B0 B1 B2
G(1) C(1) A0(1) A1(1) A2(1) -etc.-
Example:
TF 1 2 3 4.0 5.0 6.0
3 4 5.0 6.0 7.0
19
Fields: BULK
T-V
Field Contents
GD, G(i) Grid, scalar, or extra point identification numbers. (Integer

> 0)
CD, C(i) Component numbers. (Integer zero or blank for scalar or

extra points, any one of the Integers 1 through 6 for a grid
point.)
B0, B1, B2A0(i), Transfer function coefficients. (Real)

A1(i), A2(i)
Remarks:
1. Transfer function sets must be selected with the Case Control command
TFL=SID.
1846 TF
Dynamic Transfer Function
2. Continuation entries are optional.
3. The matrix elements defined by this entry are added to the dynamic matrices
for the problem.
4. The constraint relation given in Equation 19-1 will hold only if no structural
elements or other matrix elements are connected to the dependent coordinate ud.
In fact, the terms on the left side of Equation 19-1 are simply added to the terms
from all other sources in the row for ud.
5. See the NX Nastran Advanced Dynamic Analysis User’s Guide for a discussion
of transfer functions.
6. For each SID, only one logical entry is allowed for each GD, CD combination.
7. For heat transfer analysis, the initial conditions must satisfy Equation 19-1.
19
BULK
T-V
TIC 1847
Transient Initial Condition
TIC Transient Initial Condition
Defines values for the initial conditions of variables used in structural transient
analysis. Both displacement and velocity values may be specified at independent
degrees-of-freedom. This entry may not be used for heat transfer analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TIC SID G C U0 V0
Example:
TIC 1 3 2 5.0 -6.0
Fields:
Field Contents
G Grid, scalar, or extra point identification number. (Integer > 0)
C Component numbers. (Integer zero or blank for scalar or extra points,

any one of the Integers 1 through 6 for a grid point.) 19
BULK
U0 Initial displacement. (Real)
T-V
V0 Initial velocity. (Real)
Remarks:
1. Transient initial condition sets must be selected with the Case Control command
IC=SID. Note the use of IC in the Case Control command versus TIC on the Bulk
Data entry. For heat transfer, the IC Case Control command selects TEMP or
TEMPD entries for initial conditions and not the TIC entry.
2. If no TIC set is selected in the Case Control Section, all initial conditions are
assumed to be zero.
3. Initial conditions for coordinates not specified on TIC entries will be assumed
zero.
4. Initial conditions may be used only in direct formulation. In a modal formulation

the initial conditions are all zero.
1848 TLOAD1
Transient Response Dynamic Excitation, Form 1
TLOAD1 Transient Response Dynamic Excitation, Form 1
Defines a time-dependent dynamic load or enforced motion of the form
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 5 7 LOAD 13
Fields:
Field Contents
19 SID Set identification number. (Integer > 0)

BULK EXCITEID Identification number of DAREA or SPCD entry set or a thermal
T-V load set (in heat transfer analysis) that defines A. See Remarks 2
and 3. (Integer > 0)
DELAY Identification number of DELAY entry set that defines τ. (Integer ≥

0 or blank)
TID Identification number of TABLEDi entry that gives F(t). (Integer > 0)
Remarks:
DLOAD=SID.

TLOAD1 1849
1, D, DI, DIS, or DISP Enforced displacement using large mass or

SPC/SPCD data
2, V, VE, VEL or VELO Enforced velocity using large mass or SPC/SPCD

data
3, A, AC, ACC or ACCE Enforced acceleration using large mass or

SPC/SPCD data
by the program as described below
EXCITEID may also reference DAREA, static, and thermal load set entries

EXCITEID. 19
BULK
Excitation specified by TYPE is enforced motion T-V

EXCITEID will reference SPCD entries. If such entries indicate null
enforced motion, the program 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.

selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the EXCITEID. If such entries
indicate null enforced motion, the program 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, QVECT, and QVOL
entries when using the heat transfer option.
1850 TLOAD1
5. TLOAD1 loads may be combined with TLOAD2 loads only by specification on

a DLOAD entry. That is, the SID on a TLOAD1 entry may not be the same
as that on a TLOAD2 entry.
6. SID must be unique for all TLOAD1, TLOAD2, RLOAD1, RLOAD2, and
ACSRCE entries.
7. If the heat transfer option is used, the referenced QVECT entry may also contain
references to functions of time, and therefore A may be a function of time.
8. If TLOADi entries are selected in SOL 111 or 146 then a Fourier analysis is used
to transform the time-dependent loads on the TLOADi entries to the frequency
domain and then combine them with loads from RLOADi entries. Then the
analysis is performed as a frequency response analysis but the solution and the
output are converted to and printed in the time domain. Please refer to “Fourier
Transform” in the NX Nastran Advanced Dynamic Analysis User’s Guide.
1. TLOAD1 may be used in a static or transient analysis to specify time-dependent

loads. In a nonlinear static analysis, TLOAD1 is frequently used with TSTEP to
apply incremental loads to achieve better convergence in the solution.
2. SID may be selected directly with the Case Control command DLOAD=SID, or be
19 combined with other TLOAD1 entries in a DLOAD entry. For the latter case, the
SID in the DLOAD entry is then selected by the Case Control command DLOAD.
BULK
T-V
3. Only TYPE=0 or 1 is supported.
4. For TYPE=0, EXCITEID may reference the SID in a FORCE, FORCE1,

FORCE2, MOMENT, MOMENT1, MOMENT2, PLOAD, PLOAD1, PLOAD2,
PLOAD4, PLOADX1, GRAV, RFORCE, TEMP, or TEMPD entry.
5. For TYPE=1, EXCITED must reference the SID in an SPCD entry.
6. Delay is ignored.
TLOAD2 1851
TLOAD2 Transient Response Dynamic Excitation, Form 2
Defines a time-dependent dynamic excitation or enforced motion of the form
for use in a transient response problem, where
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TLOAD2 SID EXCITEID DELAY TYPE T1 T2 F P
C B
Example:
TLOAD2 4 10 2.1 4.7 12.0
2.0 19
BULK
T-V
Fields:
Field Contents
EXCITEID Identification number of DAREA or SPCD entry set or a thermal

load set (in heat transfer analysis) that defines A. See Remarks 2
and 3. (Integer > 0)
DELAY Identification number of DELAY entry set that defines τ. (Integer ≥

0 or blank)
T1 Time constant. (Real ≥ 0.0)
T2 Time constant. (Real; T2 > T1)

1852 TLOAD2
Field Contents
F Frequency in cycles per unit time. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default=0.0)
P Phase angle in degrees. (Real; Default=0.0)
C Exponential coefficient. (Real; Default=0.0)
B Growth coefficient. (Real; Default=0.0)
Remarks:
1. Dynamic excitation sets must be selected with the Case Control command with
DLOAD=SID.

1, D, DI, DIS, or DISP Enforced displacement using large mass or

SPC/SPCD data
19 2, V, VE, VEL or VELO Enforced velocity using large mass or SPC/SPCD

BULK data
T-V
3, A, AC, ACC or ACCE Enforced acceleration using large mass or
SPC/SPCD data
by the program as described below
EXCITEID may also reference DAREA, static and thermal load set entries

EXCITEID.

TLOAD2 1853
EXCITEID will reference SPCD entries. If such entries indicate null

enforced motion, the program 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.
selected LSEQ entries corresponding to the EXCITEID. If such entries
indicate null enforced motion, the program will then assume that the
excitation is enforced motion using large mass and will reference static and
thermal load set entries specified by the LID or TID field in the selected
LSEQ entries corresponding to the EXCITEID, just as in the case of applied
load excitation.
4. EXCITEID (field 3) may reference sets containing QHBDY, QBDYi, QVECT, and
QVOL entries when using the heat transfer option.
5. If DELAY is blank or zero, τ will be zero.
6. TLOAD1 loads may be combined with TLOAD2 loads only by specification on

a DLOAD entry. That is, the SID on a TLOAD1 entry may not be the same
as that on a TLOAD2 entry.
19
7. SID must be unique for all TLOAD1, TLOAD2, RLOAD1, RLOAD2, and BULK
ACSRCE entries. T-V
8. If the heat transfer option is used, the referenced QVECT entry may also contain
references to functions of time, and therefore A may be a function of time.
9. If TLOADi entries are selected in SOL 111 or 146 then a Fourier analysis is used
to transform the time-dependent loads on the TLOADi entries to the frequency
domain and them combine them with loads from RLOADi entries. Then the
analysis is performed as a frequency response analysis but the solution and the
output are converted to and printed in the time domain. In this case, B will be
rounded to the nearest integer. Please refer to “Fourier Transform” in the NX
Nastran Advanced Dynamic Analysis User’s Guide.

1854 TRIM
Trim Variable Constraint
TRIM Trim Variable Constraint
Specifies constraints for aeroelastic trim variables. The SPLINE1 and SPLINE4
entries need to be here for the finite plate spline.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TRIM ID MACH Q LABEL1 UX1 LABEL2 UX2 AEQR
LABEL3 UX3 -etc.-
Example:
TRIM 1 0.9 100. URDD3 1.0 ANGLEA 7.0 0.0
ELEV 0.2
Fields:
Field Contents
SID Trim set identification number. (Integer > 0)
MACH Mach number. (Real ≥ 0.0 and ≠ 1.0)

19 Q Dynamic pressure. (Real > 0.0)
BULK
T-V LABELi The label identifying aerodynamic trim variables defined on an
AESTAT or AESURF entry. (Character)
UXi The magnitude of the aerodynamic extra point degree-of-freedom.

(Real)
AEQR Flag to request a rigid trim analysis (Real ≥ 0.0 and ≤ 1.0, Default1.0.
A value of 0.0 provides a rigid trim analysis, see Remark 4.
Remarks:
1. The TRIM entry must be selected with the Case Control command TRIM=SID.
2. The selected TRIM entry specifies the constrained values of the listed extra point
degrees-of-freedom (“trim variables”) for a particular loading condition. These
variables are listed on AESTAT and/or AESURF entries.
3. If MACH is less than 1.0, then the Doublet-Lattice theory is used. If MACH is
greater than 1.0, then the ZONA51 theory is used.
TRIM 1855
Trim Variable Constraint
4. AEQR=0.0 can be used to perform a rigid trim analysis (ignoring the effects of
structural deformation on the loading). AEQR=1.0 provides standard aeroelastic
trim analysis. Intermediate values are permissible, but have no physical
interpretation (they may be useful for model checkout).
19
BULK
T-V
1856 TSTEP
Transient Time Step
TSTEP Transient Time Step
Defines time step intervals at which a solution will be generated and output in
transient analysis.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TSTEP SID N1 DT1 NO1
N2 DT2 NO2
-etc.-
Example:
TSTEP 101 9000 .001 9000
1000 .001 1
In the above example, 10000 time steps with increment .001 seconds are computed,
the first 9000 time steps are skipped, and time steps 9001 thru 10000 are output.
19
BULK
T-V
Fields:
Field Contents
Ni Number of time steps of value DTi. (Integer ≥ 1)
DTi Time increment. (Real > 0.0)
NOi Skip factor for output. Every NOi-th step will be saved for output.
(Integer > 0; Default=1)
TSTEP 1857
Transient Time Step
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 10 time steps of
value .001 followed by 9 time steps of value .01. Also, the user has requested
that output be recorded for t=0.0, .005, .01, .02, .03, etc.
3. See “Guidelines for Effective Dynamic Analysis ” in the NX Nastran Basic

Dynamic Analysis User’s Guide for a discussion of considerations leading to the
selection of time steps.
4. In modal frequency response analysis (SOLs 111 and 146), this entry is required
only when TLOADi is requested; i.e., when Fourier methods are selected.
5. The maximum and minimum displacement at each time step and the SIL
numbers of these variables can be printed by altering DIAGON(30) before the
transient module TRD1 and by altering DIAGOFF(30) after the module. This is
useful for runs that terminate due to overflow or excessive run times.
6. For heat transfer analysis in SOL 159, use the TSTEPNL entry.
1. TSTEP may be used in a static or transient analysis. In a nonlinear static

19
BULK
analysis, TSTEP is frequently used with TLOAD1 to apply incremental loads to
T-V
achieve better convergence in the solution.
2. If no TSTEP is selected with the Case Control command TSTEP, the program
assumes 1 time step with time increment of 1.0.
3. For SOL 701, the actual time step size used may be determined by the program
based on the critical time step size for stability. To request that the program use
the time step size DTi here, specify XSTEP=1 in NXSTRAT entry. In all cases,
the total solution time is used, i.e., total solution time is the sum of all Ni * DTi
4. For SOL 701, please see Section 7.1 in the Advanced Nonlinear Theory and
Modeling Guide on the critical time step size and when results are output.
5. Note that TSTEPNL is not used in SOLs 601 or 701.

1858 TSTEPNL
Parameters for Nonlinear Transient Analysis
TSTEPNL Parameters for Nonlinear Transient Analysis
Defines parametric controls and data for nonlinear transient structural or heat
transfer analysis. TSTEPNL is intended for SOLs 129, 159, and 99.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TSTEPNL ID NDT DT NO KSTEP MAXITER CONV
EPSU EPSP EPSW MAXDIV MAXQN MAXLS FSTRESS
MAXBIS ADJUST MSTEP RB MAXR UTOL RTOLB
Example:
TSTEPNL 250 100 .01 1 2 10 PW
1.E-2 1.E-3 1.E-6 2 10 2 .02
5 5 0 0.75 16.0 0.1 20.
Fields:
Field Contents
19 ID Identification number. (Integer > 0)

BULK
T-V NDT Number of time steps of value DT. See Remark 2. (Integer ≥ 4)
DT Time increment. See Remark 2. (Real > 0.0)
NO Time step interval for output. Every NO-th step will be saved for
output. See Remark 3. (Integer > 0; Default=1)
KSTEP KSTEP is the number of converged bisection solutions between

stiffness updates. (Integer > 0; Default=2)
MAXITER Limit on number of iterations for each time step. See Remark 4.
(Integer ≠ 0; Default=10)
CONV Flags to select convergence criteria. See Remark 5. (Character: “U”,

“P”, “W”, or any combination; Default=“PW.”)
EPSU Error tolerance for displacement (U) criterion. (Real > 0.0;
Default=1.0E-2)
EPSP Error tolerance for load (P) criterion. (Real > 0.0; Default=1.0E-3)
TSTEPNL 1859
Field Contents
EPSW Error tolerance for work (W) criterion. (Real > 0.0; Default=1.0E-6)
MAXDIV Limit on the number of diverging conditions for a time step before
the solution is assumed to diverge. See Remark 6. (Integer > 0;
Default=2)
MAXQN Maximum number of quasi-Newton correction vectors to be saved on

the database. See Remark 7. (Integer ≥ 0; Default=10)
MAXLS Maximum number of line searches allowed per iteration. See

Remark 7. (Integer ≥ 0; Default=2)
FSTRESS
Fraction of effective stress used to limit the subincrement size in
the material routines. See Remark 8. (0.0 < Real < 1.0; Default=0.2)
MAXBIS Maximum number of bisections allowed for each time step. See
Remark 9. (-9 ≤ Integer ≤ 9; Default=5)
ADJUST Time step skip factor for automatic time step adjustment. See
Remark 10. (Integer ≥ 0; Default=5)
MSTEP Number of steps to obtain the dominant period response. See

Remark 11. (10 ≤ Integer ≤ 200; Default=variable between 20 and
40.) 19
BULK
RB Define bounds for maintaining the same time step for the stepping
T-V
function during the adaptive process. See Remark 11. (0.1 ≤ Real ≤
1.0; Default=0.75)
MAXR Maximum ratio for the adjusted incremental time relative to DT

allowed for time step adjustment. See Remark 12. (1.0 ≤ Real ≤
32.0; Default=16.0)
UTOL Tolerance on displacement or temperature increment below which

a special provision is made for numerical stability. See Remark 13.
(0.001 < Real ≤ 1.0; Default=0.1)
RTOLB Maximum value of incremental rotation (in degrees) allowed

per iteration to activate bisection. See Remark 14. (Real > 2.0;
Default=20.0)
1860 TSTEPNL
Remarks:
1. The TSTEPNL Bulk Data entry is selected by the Case Control command
TSTEP=ID. Each residual structure subcase requires a TSTEP entry 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 defined by the end
conditions of the previous subcase.
2. NDT is used to define the total duration for analysis, which is NDT * DT. Since
DT is adjusted during the analysis , the actual number of time steps, in general,
will not be equal to NDT). Also, DT is used only as an initial value for the
time increment.
3. For printing and plotting the solution, data recovery is performed at time steps
0, NO, 2 * NO, ..., and the last converged step. The Case Control command
OTIME may also be used to control the output times.
4. The number of iterations for a time step is limited to MAXITER. If MAXITER

is negative, the analysis is terminated when the divergence condition is
encountered twice during the same time step or the solution diverges for five
consecutive time steps. If MAXITER is positive, the program computes the best
solution and continues the analysis until divergence occurs again. If the solution
does not converge in MAXITER iterations, the process is treated as a divergent
process. See Remark 6.
19
BULK 5. The convergence test flags (U=displacement error test, P=load equilibrium error
T-V test, W=work error test) and the error tolerances (EPSU, EPSP, and EPSW)
define the convergence criteria. All requested criteria (combination of U, P,
and/or W) are satisfied upon convergence. Note that at least two iterations are
necessary to check the displacement convergence criterion.
6. 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 reaches MAXDIV during
the iteration. If the bisection option is used (allowed MAXBIS times) the time
step is bisected upon divergence. Otherwise, the solution for the time step is
repeated with a new stiffness based on the converged state at the beginning of
the time step. If NDIV reaches MAXDIV again within the same time step, the
analysis is terminated.
7. Nonzero values of MAXQN and MAXLS will activate the quasi-Newton update
and the line search process, respectively.
8. The number of subincrements in the material routines is determined such that

the subincrement size is approximately FSTRESS,
TSTEPNL 1861
. FSTRESS is also used to establish a tolerance for error correction in

elastoplastic material, i.e.,
If the limit is exceeded at the converging state, the program will terminate with
a fatal error message. Otherwise, the stress state is adjusted to the current
yield surface, resulting in δ=0.
9. The bisection process is activated when divergence occurs and MAXBIS ≠ 0. The
number of bisections for a time increment is limited to |MAXBIS|. If MAXBIS
is positive and the solution does not converge after MAXBIS bisections, the best
solution is computed and the analysis is continued to the next time step. If
MAXBIS is negative and the solution does not converge in |MAXBIS| bisection,
the analysis is terminated.
10. ADJUST controls the automatic time stepping. 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. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the loading history
is properly traced with the ADJUST option. 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. 19
BULK
• If ADJUST=0, then the automatic adjustment is deactivated. This is T-V
recommended when the loading consists of short duration pulses.
• If ADJUST > 0, the time increment is continually adjusted for the first few
steps until a good value of Δt is obtained. After this initial adjustment, the
time increment is adjusted every ADJUST-th time step only.
• If ADJUST is one order greater than NDT, then automatic adjustment is

deactivated after the initial adjustment.
11. MSTEP and RB are used to adjust the time increment during analysis. 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 the changes in the
stiffness.
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:
1862 TSTEPNL
where
with
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
12. MAXR is used to define the upper and lower bounds for adjusted time step
size, i.e.,
19
BULK
T-V
13. UTOL is a tolerance used to filter undesirable time step adjustments; i.e.,
Under this condition no time step adjustment is performed in a structural

analysis (SOL 129). In a heat transfer analysis (SOL 159) the time step is
doubled.
14. The bisection is activated if the incremental rotation for any degree-of-freedom
(Δθx, Δθy, Δθz) exceeds the value specified by RTOLB. This bisection strategy is
based on the incremental rotation and controlled by MAXBIS.
USET 1863
Degree-of-Freedom Set Definition
USET Degree-of-Freedom Set Definition
Defines a degree-of-freedom set.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
USET SNAME ID1 C1 ID2 C2 ID3 C3
Example:
USET U4 333 26 17 0
Fields:
Field Contents
SNAME Set name. (One to four characters, or the string “ZERO” followed
by the set name.)
Ci Component number. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points, or any

unique combinations of the Integers 1 through 6 for grid points
19
BULK
T-V
Remarks:
1. SNAME may refer to any of the set names given in “Degree-of-Freedom Sets”
or their new names on the DEFUSET entry. However, it is recommended that
SNAME refer only to the set names U1 through U6 or their new names on the
DEFUSET entry. If set names a through v are used then the degrees-of-freedom
may also have to be defined in the applicable super sets on other USETi entries.
2. If SNAME=“ZEROi”, where i is a set name, then the degrees-of-freedom are

omitted from set i.
3. A maximum of 18 degrees-of-freedom may be designated on a single entry.
4. If degrees-of-freedom defined by USET entries are found to be singular and

AUTOSPC is requested for a degree-of-freedom that is also in a set that
AUTOSPC may change, then the set defined by the USET entry will be removed
by the AUTOSPC operation. An avoidance is to use PARAM,AUTOSPC,NO.
1864 USET
Degree-of-Freedom Set Definition
5. The USET entry is processed by the GP4 module with its effect appearing in the
USET table. User-written DMAPs must therefore include the GP1 and GP4
modules if USET entries are used.
6. If a USETi Bulk Data entry lists a standard NX Nastran set, such as S or M,

the program may fail in the PARTN module with the message “SYSTEM FATAL
MESSAGE 3007, ILLEGAL INPUT TO SUBROUTINE”. This entry should only
reference new sets defined on DEFUSET Bulk Data entries.
7. See the ‘AUTOMPC’ parameter for information on applying the U5 set, and
‘RESVEC’ for information on applying the U6 set.
19
BULK
T-V
USET1 1865
Degree-of-Freedom Set Definition, Alternate Form
USET1 Degree-of-Freedom Set Definition, Alternate Form
Defines a degrees-of-freedom set.

Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
USET1 SNAME C ID1 ID2 ID3 ID4 ID5 ID6
ID7 ID8 -etc.-
Example:
USET1 SB 345 2 1 36 5 9 7
40

USET1 SNAME C ID1 “THRU” ID2
USET1 SB 123 170 THRU 180
Fields:
Field Contents
SNAME Set name. (One to four characters or the word “ZERO” followed by
19
BULK
the set name.) T-V
C Component numbers. (Integer zero or blank for scalar points or any
unique combinations of the Integers 1 through 6 for grid points with
IDi Grid or scalar point identification number. (Integer > 0; for “THRU”
option, ID1 < ID2.)
Remarks:
1. SNAME may refer to any of the set names given in “Degree-of-Freedom Sets”
or their new names on the DEFUSET entry. However, it is recommended that
SNAME refer only to the set names U1 through U6 or their new names on the
DEFUSET entry. If set names a through v are used then the degrees-of-freedom
may also have to be defined in the applicable super sets on other USETi entries.
2. If SNAME= “ZEROi”, where i is a set name, then the degrees-of-freedom are

omitted from set i.
1866 USET1
Degree-of-Freedom Set Definition, Alternate Form
3. If the alternate format is used, all of the points ID1 through ID2 are assigned to
the set.
4. If degrees-of-freedom defined by USET entries are found to be singular and

AUTOSPC is requested for a degree-of-freedom that is also in a set that
AUTOSPC may change, then the set defined by the USET entry will be removed
by the AUTOSPC operation. An avoidance is to use PARAM,AUTOSPC,NO.
5. The USET1 entry is processed by the GP4 module with its effect appearing
in the USET table. User-written DMAPs must therefore include the GP1 and
GP4 modules if USET entries are used.
6. If a USETi Bulk Data entry lists a standard NX Nastran set, such as S or M,

the program may fail in the PARTN module with the message “SYSTEM FATAL
MESSAGE 3007, ILLEGAL INPUT TO SUBROUTINE”. This entry should only
reference new sets defined on DEFUSET Bulk Data entries.
7. See the ‘AUTOMPC’ parameter for information on applying the U5 set, and
‘RESVEC’ for information on applying the U6 set.
19
BULK
T-V
UXVEC 1867
Control Parameter State
UXVEC Control Parameter State
Specification of a vector of aerodynamic control point (extra point) values. These data
define the control positions corresponding to user defined nonlinear control forces
that have been defined by AEDW, AEPRESS and AEFORCE entries. Only nonzero
values need to be defined.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
UXVEC ID
LABEL1 UX1 LABEL2 UX2 -etc.-
Example:
UXVEC 1001
THRUST 1.E4 ANGLEA .015
Fields:
Field Contents
ID Control vector identification number, see Remark 1. (Integer > 0)
LABELi Controller name. This must correspond to an existing AESURF,

19
BULK
AESTAT or AEPARM label (Character). T-V
UXi The magnitude of the aerodynamic extra point degree of freedom
(Real)
For ETOL, when the error estimate exceeds the value input for the ETOL entry
1. The contour method is employed to develop an improved view
2. The units of the user defined AEPARM controllers are implied by their use on
this entry and the corresponding values on the force vector definition. The user
must be self-consistent in all uses of the same controller. AESURF controllers
are expressed in radians as are the rigid body angles ANGLEA and BETA. The
rigid body rates, ROLL, PITCH and YAW are nondimensional rates pb/2V, qc/2V,
rb/2V; respectively. V is the velocity and b and c are the reference span and chord
lengths, respectively.
3. LABELs that are part of the UX vector that are omitted in the UXVEC
specification are assigned a value of 0.0.
1868 VIEW
View Factor Definition
VIEW View Factor Definition
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 NB NG DISLIN
Example:
VIEW 1 1 BOTH 2 3 0.25
Fields:
Field Contents
IVIEW Identification number. (Integer > 0)
ICAVITY Cavity identification number for grouping the radiant exchange faces
of CHBDYi elements. (Integer > 0)
SHADE Shadowing flag for the face of CHBDYi element. (Character,

Default=“BOTH”)
19 NONE means the face can neither shade nor be shaded by other faces.
BULK
T-V
KSHD means the face can shade other faces.
KBSHD means the face can be shaded by other faces.
BOTH means the face can both shade and be shaded by other faces.
(Default)
NB Subelement mesh size in the beta direction. (Integer > 0; Default=1)
NG Subelement mesh size in the gamma direction. (Integer > 0;

Default=1)
DISLIN The displacement of a surface perpendicular to the surface. See Figure

19-10. (Real; Default=0.0)
Remarks:
1. VIEW must be referenced by CHBDYE, CHBDYG, or CHBDYP elements to

be used.
VIEW 1869
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. NB, NG, and DISLIN are used in the calculation of view factors by finite
difference or contour integration techniques. They are not used with the
VIEW3D entry.
4. A summary of the shadowing conditions can be requested by the

PARAM,MESH,YES Bulk Data entry.
5. SHADE references shadowing for CHBDYi elements participating in a radiation

cavity, the VIEW calculation can involve shadowing.
6. DISLIN should only be used with LINE type CHBDYE and CHBDYP surface
elements. DISLIN > 0.0 means into the cavity. See Figure 19-10.
19
BULK
T-V
Figure 19-10. DISLIN Convention
7. NB and NG define the subelement mesh refinement when using the VIEW
module (as opposed to the VIEW3D module) for the calculation of view factors.
1870 VIEW
Figure 19-11. Typical AREA4 surface element where NB=2 and NG=4
19
BULK
T-V
VIEW3D 1871
View Factor Definition - Gaussian Integration Method
VIEW3D View Factor Definition - Gaussian Integration Method
Defines parameters to control and/or request the Gaussian Integration method of

view factor calculation for a specified cavity.
Format:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
VIEW3D ICAVITY GITB GIPS CIER ETOL ZTOL WTOL RADCHK
Example:
VIEW3D 1 2 2 4 1.0E-6
Fields:
Field Contents
ICAVITY Radiant cavity identification number on RADCAV entry. (Integer

> 0)
GITB Gaussian integration order to be implemented in calculating net

effective view factors in the presence of third-body shadowing.
(Integer 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 10; Default=4)
19
GIPS Gaussian integration order to be implemented in calculating net BULK
effective view factors in the presence of self-shadowing. (Integer 2, T-V
3, 4, 5, 6 or 10; Default=4)
CIER Discretization level used in the semi-analytic contour integration

method. (1 ≤ Integer ≤ 20; Default=4)
ETOL Error estimate above which a corrected view factor is calculated

using the semi-analytic contour integration method. (Real ≥ 0.0;
Default=0.1)
ZTOL Assumed level of calculation below which the numbers are

considered to be zero. (Real ≥ 0.0; Default=1.E-10)
WTOL Assumed degree of warpage above which the actual value of Fii will
be calculated. (0.0 ≤ Real ≤ 1.0; Default=0.01)
RADCHK Type of diagnostic output desired for the radiation exchange

surfaces. (Integer; Default=3)
1872 VIEW3D
View Factor Definition - Gaussian Integration Method
Field Contents
RADCHK=-1, No diagnostic output requested
RADCHK=1, Grid table and element connectivity
RADCHK=2, Surface Diagnostics - Surface type, area, skewness,

taper, warpage, grid point sequencing, aspect ratio, and shading
flags.
RADCHK=3, Area, view factor, area-view factor product with error

estimate, existence flags for partial self-shadowing, third-body
shadowing with error estimate, and enclosure summations for view
factor. (Default)
RADCHK=0, Same as RADCHK=1, 2, and 3
RADCHK=12, Same as RADCHK=1 and 2
Remarks:
1. For ETOL, when the error estimate exceeds the value input for the ETOL entry,
19 the contour method is employed to develop an improved view factor.
BULK
T-V 2. For ZTOL, the use of a geometry scale that results in small numerical values of
AiFij should be avoided.
3. When WTOL is exceeded, the actual value of Fii will be calculated when using
the adaptive view module. Warpage will not be considered in the calculation
of factor Fij.

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NX Nastran

Quick Reference Guide

NASTRAN is a registered trademark of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

MSC is a registered trademark of MSC.Software Corporation. MSC.Nastran and MSC.Patran

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

nastran Command and NASTRAN Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

The nastran Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

File Management Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Key to Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34

Executive Control Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Key to Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-100

Case Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Key to Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-152

Case Control OUTPUT(PLOT) Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Case Control X-Y PLOT Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

X-Y Output Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-516

Parameters and Parameter Applicability Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Parameter Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-590

Item Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Element Stress (or Strain) Item Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-701

Degree-of-Freedom Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

Degree-of-Freedom Set Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-790

Bulk Data Entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

Key to Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-796

Bulk Data Entries CA—CM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1

Bulk Data Entries F—L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1

Bulk Data Entries M—N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1

Bulk Data Entries O—P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1

Bulk Data Entries Q—S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1

Bulk Data Entries T—V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1

• The nastran Command

• The NASTRAN Statement

1 1.1 The nastran Command

Keyword assignments can be specified as command line arguments and/or included

• The local RC file is .nast#rc (# designates release number), in the same

1. The tilde (~) character is not recognized within RC files.

2. Environment variables are only recognized when used in the context of a

3. When a keyword is specified on the command line, embedded spaces or special

after after=time Default: None

The job is held until 10:00 A.M.

append append={yes|no} Default: no

batch batch={yes|no} Default: yes

The job is run in the foreground.

dbs dbs=pathname Default=input_data_file directory

Creates database files using an alternate file prefix. (See “Default

If “dbs” is specified and “scratch=yes” is specified, a warning

1 In the following examples, assume the following directory contents

where “mydir” and “other” are directories.

Example: nastran example

or: nastran other/example

Database files are created in the current directory with name

Example: nastran example dbs=myfile

Example: nastran example dbs=mydir

Example: nastran example dbs=mydir/myfile

memory memory=memory_size Default=estimate

Specifies the amount of open core memory to allocate. If

G or Gw Multiply memory_size by 1024**3.

M or Mw Multiply memory_size by 1024**2.

K or Kw Multiply memory_size by 1024.

w Use memory_size as is.