Sistema di riferimento locale

LOCAL
LOCAL, KCN, KCS, XC, YC, ZC, THXY, THYZ, THZX, PAR1, PAR2
Defines a local coordinate system by a location and orientation.
KCN
Arbitrary reference number assigned to this coordinate system. Must be greater than 10. A coordinate system
previously defined with this number will be redefined.

KCS
Coordinate system type:

0 or CART Cartesian

1 or CYLIN Cylindrical (circular or elliptical)

2 or SPHE Spherical (or spheroidal)

3 or TORO Toroidal

XC, YC, ZC
Location (in the global Cartesian coordinate system) of the origin of the new coordinate system.
THXY
First rotation about local Z (positive X toward Y).

THYZ
Second rotation about local X (positive Y toward Z).
THZX
Third rotation about local Y (positive Z toward X).
PAR1
Used for elliptical, spheroidal, or toroidal systems. If KCS = 1 or 2, PAR1 is the ratio of the ellipse Y-axis
radius to X-axis radius (defaults to 1.0 (circle)). If KCS = 3, PAR1 is the major radius of the torus.
PAR2
Used for spheroidal systems. If KCS = 2, PAR2 = ratio of ellipse Z-axis radius to X-axis radius (defaults to
1.0 (circle)).

1
Working Plane

WPLANE
WPLANE, WN, XORIG, YORIG, ZORIG, XXAX, YXAX, ZXAX, XPLAN, YPLAN, ZPLAN
Defines a working plane to assist in picking operations.
WN
Window number whose viewing direction will be modified to be normal to the working plane (defaults to 1).
If WN is a negative value, the viewing direction will not be modified. If fewer than three points are used, the
viewing direction of window WN will be used instead to define the normal to the working plane.
XORIG, YORIG, ZORIG
Global Cartesian coordinates of the origin of the working plane coordinate system.
XXAX, YXAX, ZXAX
Global Cartesian coordinates of a point defining the x-axis orientation. The x-axis aligns with the projection
of the line from this orientation point to the origin.
XPLAN, YPLAN, ZPLAN
Global Cartesian coordinates of the third point defining the working plane. This point will also define the
location of the positive XY-sector of the working plane coordinate system.
Command Default
Working plane parallel to the global X-Y plane at Z = 0.0.

Nodi

N
N, NODE, X, Y, Z
Defines a node.
NODE
Node number to be assigned. A previously defined node of the same number will be redefined. Defaults to
the maximum node number used +1.
X, Y, Z
Node location in the active coordinate system (R, , Z for cylindrical, R, , for spherical or toroidal).
If X = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

FILL
FILL, NODE1, NODE2, NFILL, NSTRT, NINC, ITIME, INC, SPACE
Generates a line of nodes between two existing nodes.
NODE1, NODE2

2
Beginning and ending nodes for fill-in. NODE1 defaults to next to last node specified, NODE2 defaults to
last node specified. If NODE1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are
ignored (valid only in the GUI).
NFILL
Fill NFILL nodes between NODE1 and NODE2 (defaults to |NODE2-NODE1|-1). NFILL must be positive.

NSTRT
Node number assigned to first filled-in node (defaults to NODE1 + NINC).
NINC
Add this increment to each of the remaining filled-in node numbers (may be positive or negative). Defaults
to the integer result of (NODE2-NODE1)/(NFILL + 1), i.e., linear interpolation. If the default evaluates to
zero, or if zero is input, NINC is set to 1.
ITIME, INC
Do fill-in operation a total of ITIMEs, incrementing NODE1, NODE2 and NSTRT by INC each time after the
first. ITIME and INC both default to 1.
SPACE
Spacing ratio. Ratio of last division size to first division size. If > 1.0, divisions increase. If < 1.0, divisions
decrease. Ratio defaults to 1.0 (uniform spacing).

NLIST
NLIST, NODE1, NODE2, NINC, Lcoord, SORT1, SORT2, SORT3, KINTERNAL
Lists nodes.
NODE1, NODE2, NINC
List nodes from NODE1 to NODE2 (defaults to NODE1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NODE1 = ALL
(default), NODE2 and NINC are ignored and all selected nodes [NSEL] are listed. If NODE1 = P, graphical
picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name
may also be substituted for NODE1 (NODE2 and NINC are ignored).
Lcoord
Coordinate listing key:

(blank) List all nodal information

COORD Suppress all but the XYZ coordinates (shown to a higher degree of accuracy than
when displayed with all information).

SORT1
First item on which to sort. Valid item names are NODE, X, Y, Z, THXY, THYZ, THXZ
SORT2, SORT3
Second and third items on which to sort. Valid item names are the same as for SORT1.
KINTERNAL

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Internal nodes listing key:

(blank) List only external nodes.

INTERNAL List all nodes, including internal nodes.

NDELE
NDELE, NODE1, NODE2, NINC
Deletes nodes.
NODE1, NODE2, NINC
Delete nodes from NODE1 to NODE2 (defaults to NODE1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NODE1 =
ALL, NODE2 and NINC are ignored and all selected nodes [NSEL] are deleted. If NODE1 = P, graphical
picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name
may also be substituted for NODE1.

NGEN
NGEN, ITIME, INC, NODE1, NODE2, NINC, DX, DY, DZ, SPACE
Generates additional nodes from a pattern of nodes.

ITIME, INC
Do this generation operation a total of ITIME times, incrementing all nodes in the given pattern by INC each
time after the first. ITIME must be > 1 for generation to occur.
NODE1, NODE2, NINC
Generate nodes from the pattern of nodes beginning with NODE1 to NODE2 (defaults to NODE1) in steps
of NINC (defaults to 1). If NODE1 = ALL, NODE2 and NINC are ignored and the pattern is all selected
nodes [NSEL]. If NODE1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored
(valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NODE1 (NODE2 and NINC are
ignored).
DX, DY, DZ
Node location increments in the active coordinate system (DR, D, DZ for cylindrical, DR, D, D for
spherical or toroidal).
SPACE
Spacing ratio. Ratio of last division size to first division size. If > 1.0, divisions increase. If < 1.0, divisions
decrease. Ratio defaults to 1.0 (uniform spacing).

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NROTAT
NROTAT, NODE1, NODE2, NINC
Rotates nodal coordinate systems into the active system.
NODE1, NODE2, NINC
Rotate nodes from NODE1 to NODE2 (defaults to NODE1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NODE1 =
ALL, NODE2 and NINC are ignored and all selected nodes [NSEL] are rotated. If NODE1 = P, graphical
picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name
may also be substituted for NODE1 (NODE2 and NINC are ignored).

Vincoli e carichi applicati ai nodi

D
D, Node, Lab, VALUE, VALUE2, NEND, NINC, Lab2, Lab3, Lab4, Lab5, Lab6
Defines degree-of-freedom constraints at nodes.
Node
Node at which constraint is to be specified. If ALL, NEND and NINC are ignored and constraints are applied
to all selected nodes (NSEL). If Node = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields
are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for Node.
Lab
Valid degree-of-freedom label. If ALL, use all appropriate labels.

Structural labels: UX, UY, or UZ (displacements); ROTX, ROTY, or ROTZ (rotations);

WARP (warping).

Value
Degree-of-freedom value or table name reference for tabular boundary conditions.
If the enforced motion is active in the modal analysis (MODCONT,,on), Value is the base identification
number. It should be an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than 10000.
VALUE2
Second degree-of-freedom value (if any). If the analysis type and the degree of freedom allow a complex
input, Value (above) is the real component and VALUE2 is the imaginary component.
NEND, NINC
Specifies the same values of constraint at the range of nodes from Node to NEND (defaults to Node), in steps
of NINC (defaults to 1).
Lab2, Lab3, Lab4, Lab5, Lab6
Additional degree-of-freedom labels. The same values are applied to the nodes for these labels.

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F
F, NODE, Lab, VALUE, VALUE2, NEND, NINC
Specifies force loads at nodes.
NODE
Node at which force is to be specified. If ALL, NEND and NINC are ignored and forces are applied to all
selected nodes [NSEL]. If NODE = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are
ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NODE.
Lab
Valid force label. Structural labels: FX, FY, or FZ (forces); MX, MY, or MZ (moments). Thermal labels:
HEAT, HBOT, HE2, HE3, . . ., HTOP (heat flow). Fluid labels: FLOW (fluid flow). Electric labels: AMPS
(current flow), CHRG (electric charge). Magnetic labels: FLUX (magnetic flux); CSGX, CSGY, or CSGZ
(magnetic current segments). Diffusion labels: RATE (diffusion flow rate).
For structural analyses, DVOL (fluid mass flow rate) is also a valid label. See Notes for more information.
VALUE
Force value or table name reference for specifying tabular boundary conditions. To specify a table, enclose
the table name in percent signs (%), e.g., F, NODE,HEAT,%tabname%). Use the *DIM command to define
a table.

VALUE2
Second force value (if any). If the analysis type and the force allow a complex input, VALUE (above) is the
real component and VALUE2 is the imaginary component.
NEND, NINC
Specifies the same values of force at the nodes ranging from NODE to NEND (defaults to NODE), in steps
of NINC (defaults to 1).

SF
SF, Nlist, Lab, VALUE, VALUE2
Specifies surface loads on nodes.
Nlist
Nodes defining the surface upon which the load is to be applied. Use the label ALL or P, or a component
name. If ALL, all selected nodes [NSEL] are used (default). If P, graphical picking is enabled and all
remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Lab
Valid surface load label. Load labels are listed under "Surface Loads" in the input table for each element type
in the Element Reference.

6
 Discipline Surface Load Label Label Description

Structural PRES pressure

FREQ frequency (harmonic analyses only)

MXWF equivalent source surface flag

VALUE
Surface load value or table name reference for specifying tabular boundary conditions.
If Lab = PRES, VALUE is the real component of the pressure.
VALUE2
Second surface load value (if any).
If Lab = PRES, VALUE2 is the imaginary component of the pressure. Imaginary pressures can only be used
by SURF153, SURF154 and SURF159, and can only be used for a full harmonic analysis (HROPT,FULL),
or by a mode-superposition harmonic analysis (HROPT,MSUP) if the mode extraction method is Block
Lanczos (MODOPT,LANB), PCG Lanczos (MODOPT,LANPCG), Supernode (MODOPT,SNODE), or
Subspace (MODOPT,SUBSP).

Keypoints

K
K, NPT, X, Y, Z
Defines a keypoint.
NPT
Reference number for keypoint. If zero, the lowest available number is assigned [NUMSTR].

X, Y, Z
Keypoint location in the active coordinate system (may be R, , Z or R, , ). If X = P, graphical picking is
enabled and all other fields (including NPT) are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Linee

L
L, P1, P2, NDIV, SPACE, XV1, YV1, ZV1, XV2, YV2, ZV2
Defines a line between two keypoints.
P1
Keypoint at the beginning of line. If P1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields
are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

7
P2
Keypoint at the end of line.

LARC
LARC, P1, P2, PC, RAD
Defines a circular arc.
P1
Keypoint at one end of circular arc line. If P1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command
fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).
P2
Keypoint at other end of circular arc line.
PC
Keypoint defining plane of arc and center of curvature side (with positive radius). Must not lie along the
straight line from P1 to P2. PC need not be at the center of curvature.
RAD
Radius of curvature of the arc. If negative, assume center of curvature side is opposite to that defined by PC.
If RAD is blank, RAD will be calculated from a curve fit through P1, PC, and P2.

LFILLT
LFILLT, NL1, NL2, RAD, PCENT
Generates a fillet line between two intersecting lines.
NL1
Number of the first intersecting line. If NL1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command
fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).
NL2
Number of the second intersecting line.
RAD
Radius of fillet to be generated. Radius should be less than the lengths of the two lines specified
with NL1 and NL2.
PCENT
Number to be assigned to generated keypoint at fillet arc center. If zero (or blank), no keypoint is generated.

SPLINE
SPLINE, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, XV1, YV1, ZV1, XV6, YV6, ZV6
Generates a segmented spline through a series of keypoints.
P1, P2, P3, . . . , P6

8
Keypoints through which the spline is fit. At least two must be defined. If P1 = P, graphical picking is
enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).
The following fields are used only if specified end slopes on the line are desired, otherwise zero curvature
end slopes will be automatically calculated to produce a line which is "straight" in the active coordinate
system. To specify end slopes, use the following fields to define a "slope vector" (one for each end of the
line, if desired) that has its tail at the origin and its head at the point XVn,YVn, ZVn in the active coordinate
system [CSYS]. The corresponding end slope of the line will then be parallel to this "slope vector."
XV1, YV1, ZV1
Location (in the active coordinate system) of the head of the "slope vector" corresponding to the slope at
the P1 end of the spline. The tail of the vector is at the origin of the coordinate system. Coordinate vettore
pendenza iniziale
XV6, YV6, ZV6
Location of the head of the "slope vector" corresponding to the slope at the P6 (or the last keypoint if fewer
than six specified) end of the spline. Coordinate vettore pendenza finale

Aree

A
A, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10, P11, P12, P13, P14, P15, P16, P17, P18
Defines an area by connecting keypoints.
P1, P2, P3, . . . , P18
List of keypoints defining the area (18 maximum if using keyboard entry). At least 3 keypoints must be
entered. If P1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining arguments are ignored (valid only in the
GUI).

AL
AL, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10
Generates an area bounded by previously defined lines.
L1, L2, L3, . . . , L10
List of lines defining area. The minimum number of lines is 3. The positive normal of the area is controlled
by the direction of L1 using the right-hand rule. A negative value of L1 reverses the normal direction. If L1 =
ALL, use all selected lines with L2 defining the normal (L3 to L10 are ignored and L2 defaults to the lowest
numbered selected line). If L1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining arguments are ignored
(valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for L1.

ADRAG
ADRAG, NL1, NL2, NL3, NL4, NL5, NL6, NLP1, NLP2, NLP3, NLP4, NLP5, NLP6
Generates areas by dragging a line pattern along a path.

9
NL1, NL2, NL3, . . . , NL6
List of lines in the pattern to be dragged (6 maximum if using keyboard entry). Lines should form a
continuous pattern (no more than two lines connected to any one keypoint. If NL1 = P, graphical picking is
enabled and all remaining arguments are ignored (valid only in the GUI). If NL1 = ALL, all selected lines
(except those that define the drag path) will be swept along the path. A component name may also be
substituted for NL1.
NLP1, NLP2, NLP3, . . . , NLP6
List of lines defining the path along which the pattern is to be dragged (6 maximum if using keyboard entry).
Must be a continuous set of lines.

AROTAT
AROTAT, NL1, NL2, NL3, NL4, NL5, NL6, PAX1, PAX2, ARC, NSEG
Generates cylindrical areas by rotating a line pattern about an axis.
NL1, NL2, NL3, . . . , NL6
List of lines in the pattern to be rotated (6 maximum if using keyboard entry of NL1 to NL6). The lines must
lie in the plane of the axis of rotation. If NL1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining arguments
are ignored (valid only in the GUI). If NL1 = ALL, all selected lines will define the pattern to be rotated. A
component name may also be substituted for NL1.
PAX1, PAX2
Keypoints defining the axis about which the line pattern is to be rotated.
ARC
Arc length (in degrees). Positive follows right-hand rule about PAX1-PAX2 vector. Defaults to 360.
NSEG
Number of areas (8 maximum) around circumference. Defaults to minimum number required for 90 -
maximum arcs, i.e., 4 for 360, 3 for 270, etc.

Volumi

V
V, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8
Defines a volume through keypoints.

VA
VA, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10
Generates a volume bounded by existing areas.
A1, A2, A3, . . . , A10

10
List of areas defining volume. The minimum number of areas is 4. If A1 = ALL, use all selected [ASEL]
areas and ignore A2 to A10. If A1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are
ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for A1.

VDRAG
VDRAG, NA1, NA2, NA3, NA4, NA5, NA6, NLP1, NLP2, NLP3, NLP4, NLP5, NLP6
Generates volumes by dragging an area pattern along a path.
NA1, NA2, NA3, . . . , NA6
List of areas in the pattern to be dragged (6 maximum if using keyboard entry). If NA1 = P, graphical picking
is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). If NA1 = ALL, all selected
areas will be swept along the path. A component name may also be substituted for NA1.
NLP1, NLP2, NLP3, . . . , NLP6
List of lines defining the path along which the pattern is to be dragged (6 maximum if using keyboard entry).
Must be a continuous set of lines. To be continuous, adjacent lines must share the connecting keypoint (the
end keypoint of one line must also be first keypoint of the next line).

VROTAT
VROTAT, NA1, NA2, NA3, NA4, NA5, NA6, PAX1, PAX2, ARC, NSEG
Generates cylindrical volumes by rotating an area pattern about an axis.
NA1, NA2, NA3, . . . , NA6
List of areas in the pattern to be rotated (6 maximum if using keyboard entry). Areas must lie to one side of,
and in the plane of, the axis of rotation. If NA1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command
fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). If NA1 = ALL, all selected areas will define the pattern to be
rotated. A component name may also be substituted for NA1.

PAX1, PAX2
Keypoints defining the axis about which the area pattern is to be rotated.
ARC
Arc length (in degrees). Positive follows right-hand rule about PAX1-PAX2 vector. Defaults to 360.
NSEG
Number of volumes (8 maximum) around circumference. Defaults to minimum required for 90 (maximum)
arcs, i.e., 4 for 360, 3 for 270, etc.

ELEMENTI ASTA Link180

LINK180

3-D Spar (or Truss)

LINK180 Element Description

11
LINK180 is a 3-D spar that is useful in a variety of engineering applications. The element can be used to
model trusses, sagging cables, links, springs, and so on. The element is a uniaxial tension-compression
element with three degrees of freedom at each node: translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions. Tension-
only (cable) and compression-only (gap) options are supported. As in a pin-jointed structure, no bending of
the element is considered. Plasticity, creep, rotation, large deflection, and large strain capabilities are
included.
By default, LINK180 includes stress-stiffness terms in any analysis that includes large-deflection effects.
Elasticity, isotropic hardening plasticity, kinematic hardening plasticity, Hill anisotropic plasticity, Chaboche
nonlinear hardening plasticity, and creep are supported. To simulate the tension-/compression-only options, a
nonlinear iterative solution approach is necessary. Added mass, hydrodynamic added mass and loading, and
buoyant loading are available.

LINK180 Input Data

The geometry, node locations, and the coordinate system for this element are shown
in Figure 180.1: LINK180 Geometry. The element is defined by two nodes, the cross-sectional area (A) input
via the SECTYPEand SECDATA commands, added mass per unit length (ADDMAS) input via
the SECCONTROL command, and the material properties.
The element x-axis is oriented along the length of the element from node I toward node J.
Element loads are described in Nodal Loading. Temperatures may be input as element body loads at the
nodes. The node I temperature T(I) defaults to TUNIF. The node J temperature T(J) defaults to T(I).
LINK180 allows a change in cross-sectional area as a function of axial elongation. By default, the cross-
sectional area changes such that the volume of the element is preserved, even after deformation. The default
is suitable for elastoplastic applications. By using KEYOPT(2), you may choose to keep the cross section
constant or rigid.
LINK180 offers compression-and-tension, tension-only, and compression-only options. Specify the desired
behavior via the SECCONTROL command.
LINK180 Input Summary
Nodes
I, J

Degrees of Freedom
UX, UY, UZ
Material Properties
MP command: EX, (PRXY or NUXY), ALPX (or CTEX or THSX), DENS, GXY, ALPD, BETD, DMPR

Surface Loads
None
Body Loads
KEYOPT(2)
Cross-section scaling (applies only when large-deflection effects [NLGEOM,ON] are specified):

12
0 --
Enforce incompressibility; cross section is scaled as a function of axial stretch (default).

1 --
Section is assumed to be rigid.
KEYOPT(12)
Hydrodynamic output (not available in harmonic analyses that include ocean wave effects (HROCEAN)):
0 --
None (default)
1 --
Additional hydrodynamic printout
LINK180 Output Data
The solution output associated with the element is in two forms:
Nodal displacements included in the overall nodal solution
Additional element output as shown in Table 180.1: LINK180 Element Output Definitions.
Several items are illustrated in Figure 180.2: LINK180 Stress Output. A general description of solution
output is given in Solution Output. Element results can be viewed in POST1 via PRESOL,ELEM.
The Element Output Definitions table uses the following notation:
A colon (:) in the Name column indicates that the item can be accessed by the Component Name method
(ETABLE, ESOL). The O column indicates the availability of the items in the file Jobname.OUT. The R
column indicates the availability of the items in the results file.
In either the O or R columns, Y indicates that the item is always available, a number refers to a table
footnote that describes when the item is conditionally available, and - indicates that the item
is notavailable.
Table 180.1: LINK180 Element Output Definitions

Name Definition O R

EL Element number Y Y

NODES Nodes - I, J Y Y

MAT Material number Y Y

SECID Section number Y -

XC, YC, ZC Center location Y 1

TEMP Temperatures T(I), T(J) Y Y

AREA Cross-sectional area Y Y

13
Name Definition O R

FORCE Member force in the element coordinate system Y Y

Sxx Axial stress Y Y

EPELxx Axial elastic strain Y Y

EPTOxx Total strain Y Y

EPEQ Plastic equivalent strain 2 2

Cur.Yld.Flag Current yield flag 2 2

Plwk Plastic strain energy density 2 2

Pressure Hydrostatic pressure 2 2

Creq Creep equivalent strain 2 2

Crwk_Creep Creep strain energy density 2 2

EPPLxx Axial plastic strain 2 2

EPCRxx Axial creep strain 2 2

EPTHxx Axial thermal strain 3 3

EXT PRESS External pressure at integration point 4 4

EFFECTIVE TENS Effective tension on link 4 4

The element printout also includes 'INT, SEC PTS' (which are always '1, Y Z' where Y and Z both have
values of 0.0). These values are printed to maintain formatting consistency with the output printouts of
the BEAM188, BEAM189, PIPE288, and PIPE289 elements.
Table 180.2: LINK180 Item and Sequence Numbers lists output available through ETABLE using the
Sequence Number method. See The General Postprocessor (POST1) and The Item and Sequence Number
Table in this reference for more information. The following notation is used in Table 180.2: LINK180 Item
and Sequence Numbers:
Name
output quantity as defined in Table 180.1: LINK180 Element Output Definitions
Item
predetermined Item label for ETABLE and
ESOL

14
E
sequence number for single-valued or constant element data

I,J
sequence number for data at nodes I and J
Table 180.2: LINK180 Item and Sequence Numbers

Output Quantity Name ETABLE and ESOL Command Input

Item E I J

Sxx LS - 1 2

EPELxx LEPEL - 1 2

EPTOxx LEPTO - 1 2

EPTHxx LEPTH - 1 2

EPPLxx LEPPL - 1 2

EPCRxx LEPCR - 1 2

FORCE SMISC 1 - -

AREA SMISC 2 - -

EXT PRESS [1] SMISC 3 - -

EFFECTIVE TENS [1] SMISC 4 - -

TEMP LBFE - 1 2

ELEMENTI TRAVE - Beam188

BEAM188

3-D 2-Node Beam

BEAM188 Element Description
BEAM188 is suitable for analyzing slender to moderately stubby/thick beam structures. The element is based
on Timoshenko beam theory which includes shear-deformation effects. The element provides options for
unrestrained warping and restrained warping of cross-sections.
The element is a linear, quadratic, or cubic two-node beam element in 3-D. BEAM188 has six or seven
degrees of freedom at each node. These include translations in the x, y, and z directions and rotations about
15
the x, y, and z directions. A seventh degree of freedom (warping magnitude) is optional. This element is
well-suited for linear, large rotation, and/or large strain nonlinear applications.
The element includes stress stiffness terms, by default, in any analysis with large deflection. The provided
stress-stiffness terms enable the elements to analyze flexural, lateral, and torsional stability problems
(using eigenvalue buckling, or collapse studies with arc length methods or nonlinear stabilization).
Elasticity, plasticity, creep and other nonlinear material models are supported. A cross-section associated
with this element type can be a built-up section referencing more than one material. Added mass,
hydrodynamic added mass and loading, and buoyant loading are available.
For more detailed information about this element, see BEAM188 - 3-D 2-Node Beam in the Mechanical
APDL Theory Reference.

BEAM188 Element Technology and Usage Recommendations

BEAM188 supports restrained warping analysis by making available a seventh degree of freedom at each
beam node. By default, BEAM188 elements assume that the warping of a cross-section is small enough that
it can be neglected (KEYOPT(1) = 0). You can activate the warping degree of freedom by using
KEYOPT(1) = 1. With the warping degree of freedom activated, each node has seven degrees of freedom:
UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ, and WARP. With KEYOPT(1) = 1, bimoment and bicurvature are
output.
When KEYOPT(3) = 0 (linear, default), BEAM188 is based on linear shape functions. It uses one point of
integration along the length; therefore, all element solution quantities are constant along the length. For
example, when SMISC quantities are requested at nodes I and J, the centroidal values are reported for both
end nodes. This option is recommended if the element is used as stiffener and it is necessary to maintain
compatibility with a first-order shell element (such as SHELL181). Only constant bending moments can be
represented exactly with this option. Mesh refinement is generally required in typical applications.
When KEYOPT(3) = 2 (quadratic), BEAM188 has an internal node in the interpolation scheme, effectively
making this a beam element based on quadratic shape functions. Two points of integration are used, resulting
in linear variation of element solution quantities along the length. Linearly varying bending moments are
represented exactly.
When KEYOPT(3) = 3 (cubic), BEAM188 has two internal nodes and adopts cubic shape functions.
Quadratically varying bending moments are represented exactly. Three points of integration along the length
are used, resulting in quadratic variation of element solution quantities along the length. Unlike typical cubic
(Hermitian) formulations, cubic interpolation is used for all displacements and rotations.
Quadratic and cubic options are recommended when higher-order element interpolations are desired in
situations where:
The element is associated with tapered cross-sections.
Nonuniform loads (including tapered distributed loads) exist within the element; in this case, the
cubic option gives superior results over the quadratic option.
(For partially distributed loads and non-nodal point loads, only the cubic option is valid.)
The element may undergo highly nonuniform deformation (for example, when individual frame
members in civil engineering structures are modeled with single elements).

16
BEAM188 Input Data
The geometry, node locations, coordinate system, and pressure directions for this element are shown
in Figure 188.1: BEAM188 Geometry. BEAM188 is defined by nodes I and J in the global coordinate
system.
Node K is a preferred way to define the orientation of the element. For information about orientation nodes
and beam meshing, see Generating a Beam Mesh With Orientation Nodes in the Mechanical APDL
Modeling and Meshing Guide. See the LMESH and LATT command descriptions for details on generating
the K node automatically.
BEAM188 can also be defined without the orientation node K. In this case, the element x-axis is oriented
from node I (end 1) toward node J (end 2). If no orientation node is used, the default orientation of the
element y-axis is automatically calculated to be parallel to the global X-Y plane. For the case where the
element is parallel to the global Z-axis (or within a 0.01 percent slope of it), the element y-axis is oriented
parallel to the global Y-axis (as shown). To control the element orientation about the element x-axis, use the
orientation-node option. If both are defined, the orientation-node option takes precedence. The orientation
node K, if used, defines a plane (with I and J) containing the element x and z-axes (as shown). If using this
element in a large-deflection analysis, be aware that the location of the orientation node K is used only
to initially orient the element.
The number of degrees of freedom depends on the value of KEYOPT(1). When KEYOPT(1) = 0 (the
default), six degrees of freedom occur at each node. These include translations in the x, y, and z directions
and rotations about the x, y, and z directions. When KEYOPT(1) = 1, a seventh degree of freedom (warping
magnitude) is also considered.
The beam element is a one-dimensional line element in space. The cross-section details are provided
separately via the SECTYPE and SECDATA commands. (See Beam and Pipe Cross Sections in
the Mechanical APDL Structural Analysis Guide for details.) A section is associated with the beam elements
by specifying the section ID number (SECNUM). A section number is an independent element attribute. In
addition to a constant cross-section, you can also define a tapered cross-section by using the TAPER option
on the SECTYPE command. (See Defining a Tapered Beam or Pipe in the Mechanical APDL Structural
Analysis Guide.)
BEAM188 ignores any real constant data. See the SECCONTROL command for defining the transverse-
shear stiffness and added mass.
A summary of the element input is given in "BEAM188 Input Summary".
BEAM188 Cross-Sections
BEAM188 can be associated with these cross-section types (SECTYPE,,Type):
Standard library section types or user meshes which define the geometry of the beam cross-section
(SECTYPE,,BEAM). The material of the beam is defined either as an element attribute (MAT), or
as part of section buildup (for multi-material cross-sections).
Generalized beam cross-section (SECTYPE,,GENB), where the relationships of generalized stresses
to generalized strains are input directly. Not available for ocean loading.
Tapered beam cross-section (SECTYPE,,TAPER), where a standard library section or user mesh
defines each end of the beam. Not available for ocean loading.
Preintegrated composite beam cross section (SECTYPE,,COMB,MATRIX), abstract cross section
type for defining a fully populated but symmetrical cross-section stiffness and mass matrix directly.
Not available for ocean loading.

17
Standard Library Sections
BEAM188 elements are provided with section-relevant quantities (area of integration, position, etc.)
automatically at a number of section points using SECTYPE and SECDATA. Each section is assumed to be
an assembly of a predetermined number of nine-node cells. Each cross-section cell has four integration
points and each can be associated with an independent material type.
BEAM188 Input Summary
Nodes
I, J, K (K, the orientation node, is optional but recommended)
Degrees of Freedom

UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ if KEYOPT(1) = 0

UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ, WARP if KEYOPT(1) = 1

Section Controls

TXZ, TXY, ADDMAS (See SECCONTROL)

(TXZ and TXY default to A*GXZ and A*GXY, respectively, where A = cross-sectional area)

Material Properties
TB command: See Element Support for Material Models for this element.
MP command: EX, (PRXY,or NUXY), GXY, GXZ, ALPX, (or CTEX, or THSX), DENS, ALPD,
BETD, DMPR
Surface Loads
Pressure --

face 1 (I-J) (-z normal direction)

face 2 (I-J) (-y normal direction)

face 3 (I-J) (+x tangential direction)

face 4 (I) (+x axial direction)

face 5 (J) (-x axial direction)

---

I and J denote the end nodes.

Use a negative value for loading in the opposite direction.

Issue the SFBEAM command to specify surface loads.

For faces 1, 2, and 3, offsets apply only if you are using the cubic option (KEYOPT(3) = 3).

18
Body Loads

KEYOPT(1)
Warping degree of freedom:
0 --
Six degrees of freedom per node, unrestrained warping (default)
1 --
Seven degrees of freedom per node (including warping). Bimoment and bicurvature are output.
KEYOPT(2)
Cross-section scaling, applies only if NLGEOM,ON has been invoked:
0 --
Cross-section is scaled as a function of axial stretch (default)
1 --
Section is assumed to be rigid (classical beam theory)
KEYOPT(3)
Shape functions along the length:
0 --
Linear (default)
2 --
Quadratic
3 --
Cubic
KEYOPT(4)
Shear stress output:
0 --
Output only torsion-related shear stresses (default)
1 --
Output only flexure-related transverse-shear stresses
2 --
Output a combined state of the previous two types

KEYOPT(6), KEYOPT(7), and KEYOPT(9)

active only when OUTPR,ESOL is active:
KEYOPT(6)
19
Output control for section forces/moments and strains/curvatures:
0 --
Output section forces/moments and strains/curvatures at integration points along the length (default)
1 --
Same as KEYOPT(6) = 0 plus current section area
2 --
Same as KEYOPT(6) = 1 plus element basis directions (X,Y,Z)

3 --
Output section forces/moments and strains/curvatures extrapolated to the element nodes
KEYOPT(7)
Output control at integration points (not available when section subtype = ASEC):

0 --
None (default)
1 --
Maximum and minimum stresses/strains
2 --
Same as KEYOPT(7) = 1 plus stresses and strains at each section point
KEYOPT(9)
Output control for values extrapolated to the element and section nodes (not available when section subtype
= ASEC):
0 --
None (default)
1 --
Maximum and minimum stresses/strains
2 --
Same as KEYOPT(9) = 1 plus stresses and strains along the exterior boundary of the cross-section
3 --
Same as KEYOPT(9) = 1 plus stresses and strains at all section nodes
KEYOPT(11)
Set section properties:
0 --
Automatically determine if preintegrated section properties can be used (default)

1 --

20
Use numerical integration of section

KEYOPT(12)
Tapered section treatment:
0 --
Linear tapered section analysis; cross-section properties are evaluated at each Gauss point (default). This is
more accurate, but computationally intensive.
1 --
Average cross-section analysis; for elements with tapered sections, cross-section properties are evaluated at
the centroid only. This is an approximation of the order of the mesh size; however, it is faster.

KEYOPT(15)
Results file format:
0 --
Store averaged results at each section corner node (default).
1 --
Store non-averaged results at each section integration point. (The volume of data may be excessive. This
option is typically useful for built-up sections with multiple materials only.)
BEAM188 Output Data
The solution output associated with these elements is in two forms:
Nodal displacements and reactions included in the overall nodal solution
Additional element output as described in Table 188.1: BEAM188 Element Output Definitions
To view 3-D deformed shapes for BEAM188, issue an OUTRES,MISC or OUTRES,ALL command for
static or transient analyses. To view 3-D mode shapes for a modal or eigenvalue buckling analysis, you must
expand the modes with element results calculation active (via the MXPAND command's Elcalc = YES
option).
Linearized Stress
It is customary in beam design to employ components of axial stress that contribute to axial loads and
bending in each direction separately; therefore, BEAM188 provides a linearized stress output as part of its
SMISC output record, as indicated in the following definitions:
SDIR is the stress component due to axial load.
SDIR = Fx/A, where Fx is the axial load (SMISC quantities 1 and 14) and A is the area of the cross-section.
SByT and SByB are bending-stress components.

SByT = -Mz * ymax / Izz

SByB = -Mz * ymin / Izz

21
 SBzT = My * zmax / Iyy

SBzB = My * zmin / Iyy

where My, Mz are bending moments in the beam coordinate system (SMISC quantities 2,15,3,16), as shown
in Figure 188.1: BEAM188 Geometry. Coordinates ymax, ymin, zmax, and zmin are the maximum and minimum
y, z coordinates in the cross-section measured from the centroid. Values Iyy and Izz are moments of inertia
of the cross-section. Except for the ASEC type of beam cross-section, the program uses the maximum and
minimum cross-section dimensions. For the ASEC type of cross-section, the maximum and minimum in
each of y and y direction is assumed to be +0.5 to -0.5, respectively.
Corresponding definitions for the component strains are:

EPELDIR = Ex

EPELByT = -Kz * ymax

EPELByB = -Kz * ymin

EPELBzT = Ky * zmax

EPELBzB = Ky * zmin

where Ex, Ky, and Kz are generalized strains and curvatures (SMISC quantities 7,8,9, 20,21 and 22).
The reported linearized stresses are strictly valid only for elastic behavior of members. BEAM188 always
employs combined stresses in order to support nonlinear material behavior. When the elements are
associated with nonlinear materials, the component stresses can at best be regarded as linearized
approximations and should be interpreted with caution.
When using KEYOPT(7) with the cubic option (KEYOPT(3) = 3), the integration point at the middle of the
element is reported last in the integration-point printout.
The Element Output Definitions table uses the following notation:
In the table below, the O column indicates the availability of the items in the file Jobname.OUT. The R
column indicates the availability of the items in the results file.
In either the O or R columns, Y indicates that the item is always available, a number refers to a table
footnote that describes when the item is conditionally available, and - indicates that the item
is notavailable.
Table 188.1: BEAM188 Element Output Definitions

Name Definition O R

EL Element number Y Y

NODES Element connectivity Y Y

MAT Material number Y Y

C.G.:X, Y, Z Element center of gravity Y 1

22
Name Definition O R

Area Area of cross-section 2 Y

SF:y, z Section shear forces 2 Y

SE:y, z Section shear strains 2 Y

S:xx, xy, xz Section point stresses 3 Y

TQ Torsional moment Y Y

TE Torsional strain Y Y

Ky, Kz Curvature Y Y

Ex Axial strain Y Y

Fx Axial force Y Y

My, Mz Bending moments Y Y

BM Warping bimoment 6 6

BK Warping bicurvature 6 6

SDIR Axial direct stress - 2

SByT Bending stress on the element +Y side of the beam - Y

SByB Bending stress on the element -Y side of the beam - Y

SBzT Bending stress on the element +Z side of the beam - Y

SBzB Bending stress on the element -Z side of the beam - Y

Table 188.2: BEAM188 Item and Sequence Numbers lists output available via
the ETABLE and ESOL commands using the Sequence Number method. See Creating an Element Table in
the Mechanical APDL Basic Analysis Guide and The Item and Sequence Number Table in this reference for
more information. The table uses the following notation:
Name
output quantity as defined in the Table 188.1: BEAM188 Element Output Definitions
Item
predetermined Item label for ETABLE
I,J

23
sequence number for data at nodes I and J
Table 188.2: BEAM188 Item and Sequence Numbers

Output Quantity Name ETABLE and ESOL Command Input

Item E I J

Fx SMISC -- 1 14

My SMISC -- 2 15

Mz SMISC -- 3 16

TQ SMISC -- 4 17

SFz SMISC -- 5 18

SFy SMISC -- 6 19

Ex SMISC -- 7 20

Ky SMISC -- 8 21

Kz SMISC -- 9 22

TE SMISC -- 10 23

SEz SMISC -- 11 24

SEy SMISC -- 12 25

Area SMISC -- 13 26

BM SMISC -- 27 29

BK SMISC -- 28 30

SDIR SMISC -- 31 36

SByT SMISC -- 32 37

SByB SMISC -- 33 38

SBzT SMISC -- 34 39

SBzB SMISC -- 35 40

24
ELEMENTI PIANI Plane182

PLANE182

2-D 4-Node Structural Solid

PLANE182 Element Description

PLANE182 is used for 2-D modeling of solid structures. The element can be used as either a plane element
(plane stress, plane strain or generalized plane strain) or an axisymmetric element. It is defined by four nodes
having two degrees of freedom at each node: translations in the nodal x and y directions. The element has
plasticity, hyperelasticity, stress stiffening, large deflection, and large strain capabilities. It also has mixed
formulation capability for simulating deformations of nearly incompressible elastoplastic materials, and fully
incompressible hyperelastic materials.
PLANE182 Input Data
The geometry and node locations for this element are shown in Figure 182.1: PLANE182 Geometry. The
element input data includes four nodes, a thickness (for the plane stress option only), and the orthotropic
material properties. The default element coordinate system is along global directions. You may define an
element coordinate system using ESYS, which forms the basis for orthotropic material directions.
Element loads are described in Nodal Loading. Pressures may be input as surface loads on the element faces
as shown by the circled numbers on Figure 182.1: PLANE182 Geometry. Positive pressures act into the
element. Temperatures may be input as element body loads at the nodes. The node I temperature T(I)
defaults to TUNIF. If all other temperatures are unspecified, they default to T(I). For any other input pattern,
unspecified temperatures default to TUNIF.
Input the nodal forces, if any, per unit of depth for a plane analysis (except for KEYOPT(3) = 3 or
KEYOPT(3) = 5) and on a full 360 basis for an axisymmetric analysis.
KEYOPT(3) = 5 is used to enable generalized plane strain. For more information about the generalized plane
strain option, see Generalized Plane Strain.
KEYOPT(6) = 1 sets the element for using mixed formulation. For details on the use of mixed formulation,
see Applications of Mixed u-P Formulations.
You can apply an initial stress state to this element via the INISTATE command. For more information,
see Initial State in the Mechanical APDL Advanced Analysis Guide.
As described in Coordinate Systems, you can use ESYS to orient the material properties and strain/stress
output. Use RSYS to choose output that follows the material coordinate system or the global coordinate
system. For the case of hyperelastic materials, the output of stress and strain is always with respect to the
global Cartesian coordinate system rather than following the material/element coordinate system.
The effects of pressure load stiffness are automatically included for this element. If an unsymmetric matrix is
needed for pressure load stiffness effects, use NROPT,UNSYM.
"PLANE182 Input Summary" contains a summary of the element input. For a general description of element
input, see Element Input. For axisymmetric applications see Harmonic Axisymmetric Elements.
PLANE182 Input Summary
Nodes
I, J, K, L
25
Degrees of Freedom
UX, UY

Real Constants

THK - Thickness (used only if KEYOPT(3) = 3)

HGSTF - Hourglass stiffness scaling factor (used only if KEYOPT(1) = 1); default is 1.0 (if you
input 0.0, the default value is used)

Material Properties

TB command: See Element Support for Material Models for this element.

MP command: EX, EY, EZ, PRXY, PRYZ, PRXZ (or NUXY, NUYZ, NUXZ),

ALPX, ALPY, ALPZ (or CTEX, CTEY, CTEZ or THSX, THSY, THSZ),

DENS, GXY, GYZ, GXZ, ALPD, BETD, DMPR

Surface Loads
Pressures --
face 1 (J-I), face 2 (K-J), face 3 (L-K), face 4 (I-L)
Body Loads
Temperatures --
T(I), T(J), T(K), T(L)
Body force densities --
The element values in the global X and Y directions.
Special Features --
KEYOPT(1)
Element technology:
0 --

Full integration with method

1 --
Uniform reduced integration with hourglass control
2 --
Enhanced strain formulation
3 --
Simplified enhanced strain formulation
KEYOPT(3)
26
Element behavior:
0 --
Plane stress
1 --
Axisymmetric lasse di simmetria lasse Y del sistema di riferimento cartesiano globale
2 --
Plane strain (Z strain = 0.0)

3 --
Plane stress with thickness input
5 --
Generalized plane strain

KEYOPT(6)
Element formulation:
0 --
Use pure displacement formulation (default)
1 --
Use mixed u-P formulation (not valid with plane stress)

ELEMENTI GUSCIO - Shell181

SHELL181

4-Node Structural Shell

SHELL181 Element Description

SHELL181 is suitable for analyzing thin to moderately-thick shell structures. It is a four-node element with
six degrees of freedom at each node: translations in the x, y, and z directions, and rotations about the x, y,
and z-axes. (If the membrane option is used, the element has translational degrees of freedom only). The
degenerate triangular option should only be used as filler elements in mesh generation.
SHELL181 is well-suited for linear, large rotation, and/or large strain nonlinear applications. Change in shell
thickness is accounted for in nonlinear analyses. In the element domain, both full and reduced integration
schemes are supported. SHELL181 accounts for follower (load stiffness) effects of distributed pressures.
SHELL181 can be used for layered applications for modeling composite shells or sandwich construction.
The accuracy in modeling composite shells is governed by the first-order shear-deformation theory (usually
referred to as Mindlin-Reissner shell theory).

27
The element formulation is based on logarithmic strain and true stress measures. The element kinematics
allow for finite membrane strains (stretching). However, the curvature changes within a time increment are
assumed to be small.
See SHELL181 for more details about this element.
SHELL181 Input Data
The following figure shows the geometry, node locations, and the element coordinate system for this
element. The element is defined by shell section information and by four nodes (I, J, K, and L).

Single-Layer Definition
To define the thickness (and other information), use section definition, as follows:

SECTYPE,,SHELL

SECDATA,THICKNESS, ...

A single-layer shell section definition provides flexible options. For example, you can specify the number of
integration points used and the material orientation.
Multilayer Definition
The shell section commands allow for layered shell definition. Options are available for specifying the
thickness, material, orientation, and number of integration points through the thickness of the layers.
You can designate the number of integration points (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) located through the thickness of each
layer when using section input. When only one, the point is always located midway between the top and
bottom surfaces. If three or more points, two points are located on the top and bottom surfaces respectively
and the remaining points are distributed equal distance between the two points. The default number of
integration points for each layer is three; however, when a single layer is defined and plasticity is present, the
number of integration points is changed to a minimum of five during solution.
The following additional capabilities are available when defining shell layers:
SHELL181 accepts the preintegrated shell section type (SECTYPE,,GENS).
When the element is associated with the GENS section type, thickness or material definitions are not
required.
You can use the function tool to define thickness as a function of global/local coordinates or node
numbers (SECFUNCTION).
You can specify offsets (SECOFFSET).
Other Input
SHELL181 Input Summary
Nodes
I, J, K, L
Degrees of Freedom
UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ if KEYOPT(1) = 0
UX, UY, UZ if KEYOPT(1) = 1
28
Material Properties

TB command: See Element Support for Material Models for this element.

MP command: EX, EY, EZ, (PRXY, PRYZ, PRXZ, or NUXY, NUYZ, NUXZ),

ALPX, ALPY, ALPZ (or CTEX, CTEY, CTEZ or THSX, THSY, THSZ),

DENS, GXY, GYZ, GXZ, ALPD

Specify BETD, ALPD, and DMPR for the element (all layers) by issuing the MAT command to
assign the material property set.

REFT can be specified once for the element, or it can be assigned on a per-layer basis. See the
discussion in "SHELL181 Input Summary" for more information.

Surface Loads
Pressures --

face 1 (I-J-K-L) (bottom, in +N direction),

face 2 (I-J-K-L) (top, in -N direction),

face 3 (J-I), face 4 (K-J), face 5 (L-K), face 6 (I-L)

Equivalent source surface flag --

MXWF (input on the SF command)
Body Loads
Temperatures --
For KEYOPT(1) = 0 (Bending and membrane stiffness):
T1, T2, T3, T4 (at bottom of layer 1), T5, T6, T7, T8 (between layers 1-2); similarly for between next layers,
ending with temperatures at top of layer NL(4*(NL+1) maximum). Hence, for one-layer elements, 8
temperatures are used.
For KEYOPT(1) = 1 (Membrane stiffness only):
T1, T2, T3, T4 for layer 1, T5, T6, T7, T8 for layer 2, similarly for all layers (4*NL maximum). Hence, for
one-layer elements, 4 temperatures are used.
KEYOPT(1)
Element stiffness:
0 --
Bending and membrane stiffness (default)
1 --
Membrane stiffness only
2 --

29
Stress/strain evaluation only
KEYOPT(3)
Integration option:
0 --
Reduced integration with hourglass control (default)
2 --
Full integration with incompatible modes

KEYOPT(5)
Curved shell formulation:
0 --
Standard shell formulation (default)

1 --
Advanced shell formation to account for initial shell-curvature effects
KEYOPT(8)
Specify layer data storage:
0 --
Store data for bottom of bottom layer and top of top layer (multi-layer elements) (default)
1 --
Store data for TOP and BOTTOM, for all layers (multi-layer elements)
Note: Volume of data may be excessive.
2 --
Store data for TOP, BOTTOM, and MID for all layers; applies to single- and multi-layer elements
KEYOPT(9)
User thickness option:
0 --
No user subroutine to provide initial thickness (default)
1 --
Read initial thickness data from user-defined subroutine UTHICK
See the Guide to User-Programmable Features for user-defined subroutines
KEYOPT(10)
Thickness normal stress (Sz) output option:
0 --
Sz not modified (default, Sz = 0)
30
1 --
Recover and output Sz from applied pressure load

ELEMENTI GUSCIO ASSIALSIMMETRICI - Shell208

SHELL208

2-Node Axisymmetric Shell

SHELL208 Element Description
The SHELL208 element is suitable for modeling thin to moderately thick axisymmetric shell structures, such
as oil tanks, pipes, and cooling towers. It is a two-node element with three degrees of freedom at each node:
translations in the x, and y directions, and rotation about the z-axis. A fourth translational degree of freedom
in z direction can be included to model uniform torsion (KEYOPT(2) = 1). When the membrane option is
used, the rotational degree of freedom is excluded. An extra internal node is available via KEYOPT(3) = 2.
(SHELL209 incorporates this extra node by default.)
SHELL208 allows you to account for large strain effects, transverse shear deformation, hyperelasticity and
layers in your models. The element is intended to model finite strain with pure axisymmetric displacements;
transverse shear strains are assumed to be small.
SHELL208 can be used for layered applications for modeling laminated composite shells or sandwich
construction. See SHELL208 in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference for more details about this element.
The shell thickness and more general properties (such as material and number of integration points through
the thickness) are specified via section commands (SECTYPE, SECDATA and SECCONTROL). Shell
section commands allow for both single-layered and composite shell definitions. You can designate the
number of integration points (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) located through the thickness of each layer. If only one, the
integration point is always located midway between the top and the bottom surfaces. If three or more, two
points are located on the top and the bottom surfaces respectively and the remaining points are distributed
evenly between these two points. The default for each layer is three integration points. The element can have
variable thickness, as a tabular function of global/local coordinates or node numbers (SECFUNCTION).
Nodal forces, if any, should be input on a full 360 basis.
KEYOPT(1) is the membrane option. When KEYOPT(1) = 1, the element uses one integration point
through-the-thickness and accounts for only membrane stiffness (that is, the bending and transverse shear
stiffness are ignored).
KEYOPT(2) controls the torsion capability. When KEYOPT(2) = 1, the element allows constant torsion by
allowing a translational degree of freedom UZ in the circumferential direction.
KEYOPT(3) is used to include or suppress internal nodes. When KEYOPT(3) = 2, the element contains an
extra internal node and adopts a two-point integration rule. By default, the element uses one-point integration
scheme (see Figure 208.1: SHELL208 Geometry). Internal nodes are not accessible to users. Therefore,
boundary conditions/loading can not be specified on those nodes.
SHELL208 includes the effects of transverse shear deformation. The transverse shear stiffness E11 can be
specified using SECCONTROL. For a single-layered shell with isotropic material, default transverse shear
stiffness is kGh, in which k = 5/6, G is the shear modulus, and h is the thickness of the shell.
SHELL208 can be associated with linear elastic, elastoplastic, creep, or hyperelastic material properties.

31
Set KEYOPT(8) = 2 to store midsurface results in the results file for single- or multi-layer shell elements. If
you use SHELL,MID, you will see these calculated values, rather than the average of the TOP and
BOTTOM results. You should use this option to access these correct midsurface results (membrane results)
for those analyses where averaging TOP and BOTTOM results is inappropriate. Examples include
midsurface stresses and strains with nonlinear material behavior, and midsurface results after mode
combinations that involve squaring operations such as in spectrum analyses.
Set KEYOPT(9) = 1 to read initial thickness data from a user subroutine.
You can apply an initial stress state to this element via the INISTATE command. For more information,
see Initial State in the Basic Analysis Guide.
The effects of pressure load stiffness are automatically included for this element. If an unsymmetric matrix is
needed for pressure load stiffness effects, use NROPT,UNSYM.
A summary of the element input is given in "SHELL208 Input Summary". A general description of element
input is given in Element Input.
SHELL208 Input Summary
Nodes
I, J
Degrees of Freedom

UX, UY, ROTZ -- If KEYOPT(1) = 0 and KEYOPT(2) = 0

UX, UY -- If KEYOPT(1) = 1 and KEYOPT(2) = 0

UX, UY, UZ, ROTZ -- If KEYOPT(1) = 0 and KEYOPT(2) = 1

UX, UY, UZ -- If KEYOPT(1) = 1 and KEYOPT(2) = 1

Real Constants
None
Section Controls
E11, ADMSUA
Material Properties

TB command: See Element Support for Material Models for this element.

MP command: EX, EY, EZ, PRXY, PRYZ, PRXZ (or NUXY, NUYZ, NUXZ),

ALPX, ALPY, ALPZ (or CTEX, CTEY, CTEZ or THSX, THSY, THSZ),

DENS, GXY, GYZ, GXZ, ALPD, BETD

Surface Loads
Pressures --

face 1 (I-J) (top, in -N direction),

32
 face 2 (I-J) (bottom, in +N direction)

Body Loads
Temperatures --

For KEYOPT(1) = 0:

T1, T2 (corresponding to nodes I and J) at bottom of layer 1, and T3, T4 (corresponding to nodes I
and J) between layers 1-2. A similar relationship exists for all layers, ending with temperatures at
the top of layer NL. Hence, for one-layer elements, four temperatures are used.

For KEYOPT(1) = 1:

T1, T2 for layer 1; T3, T4 for layer 2; similarly for all layers (2 * NL maximum). Hence, for one-
layer elements, two temperatures are used.

KEYOPT(1)
Element stiffness:
0 --
Bending and membrane stiffness (default).
1 --
Membrane stiffness only.
KEYOPT(2)
Torsion capability:
0 --
Excluded (default).
1 --
Included.
KEYOPT(3)
Extra internal node option:
0 --
Suppress extra internal node (default).
2 --
Include extra internal node.
KEYOPT(8)
Storage of layer data:

0 --
Store data for BOTTOM of bottom layer and TOP of top layer (default).

33
1 --
Store data for TOP and BOTTOM for all layers.

2 --
Store data for TOP, BOTTOM, and MID for all layers. (The volume of data may be excessive.)
KEYOPT(9)
User-defined thickness:
0 --
No user subroutine to provide initial thickness (default).
1 --
Read initial thickness data from user subroutine UTHICK

ELEMENTI 3D - Solid185

SOLID185

3-D 8-Node Structural Solid

SOLID185 Element Description
SOLID185 Homogeneous Structural Solid Input Summary
Nodes
I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P
Degrees of Freedom
UX, UY, UZ
Real Constants

None, if KEYOPT(2) = 0,

HGSTF - Hourglass Stiffness Scaling factor if KEYOPT(2) = 1 (Default is 1.0; any positive
number is valid. If set to 0.0, value is automatically reset to 1.0.)

Material Properties

TB command: See Element Support for Material Models for this element.

MP command: EX, EY, EZ, PRXY, PRYZ, PRXZ (or NUXY, NUYZ, NUXZ), GXY, GYZ,
GXZ, ALPX, ALPY, ALPZ (or CTEX, CTEY, CTEZ or THSX, THSY, THSZ), DENS, ALPD,
BETD, DMPR

Surface Loads
Pressures --

34
 face 1 (J-I-L-K), face 2 (I-J-N-M), face 3 (J-K-O-N),

face 4 (K-L-P-O), face 5 (L-I-M-P), face 6 (M-N-O-P)

Equivalent source surface flag --

MXWF (input on the SF command)
Body Loads
Body force densities --
The element values in the global X, Y, and Z directions.

KEYOPT(2)
Element technology:
0 --

Full integration with method (default)

1 --
Uniform reduced integration with hourglass control
2 --
Enhanced strain formulation
3 --
Simplified enhanced strain formulation
KEYOPT(3)
Layer construction:
0 --
Structural Solid (default) -- nonlayered
1 --
Layered Solid (not applicable to SOLID185 Structural Solid)
KEYOPT(6)
Element formulation:

0 --
Use pure displacement formulation (default)
1 --
Use mixed formulation
KEYOPT(15)
PML absorbing condition:

35
0 --
Do not include PML absorbing condition (default)

1 --
Include PML absorbing condition
KEYOPT(16)
Steady state analysis flag:
0 --
Steady state analysis disabled (default)
1 --
Enable steady state analysis

ELEMENTI ARMONICI Plane25

MODE
MODE, MODE, ISYM
Specifica il tipo di armonica per questo load case.

MODE

Numero di onde di armoniche attorno alla circonferenza per il termine di carico armonico (di default 0).

ISYM

Condiczione di simmetria per il termine di carico armonico (non utilizzato quando MODE = 0):

1 Simmetrico (UX, UY, ROTZ, TEMP utilizzano termini col coseno; UZ utilizza termine col seno) (default).

-1 Antisimmetrico (UX, UY, ROTZ, TEMP utilizzano termini col seno; UZ utilizza termine col coseno).

esempio 1:
c***
c*** soluzione
c***
/solu
mode,1 ! definisce il numero di armoniche ed il tipo di f.ne
solve
finish

esempio 2:
c***
c*** carichi e soluzione
c***
/solu
*do,i,0,nfou
c*** definizione armonica
mode,i

c***

36
c*** Opzione 1: applicazione del carico con le pressioni
c***
lsel,,loc,x,dr/2-0.01,dr/2+0.01
*if,i,eq,0,then
sfl,all,pres,fr/(pi*dr*lr) ! termine a_0
*else ! fattore 2 a moltiplicare per tutti gli altri termini
sfl,all,pres,2*fr/(pi*dr*lr) ! termini a_i, i=1,...
*endif
lsel,all

c***
c*** Opzione 2: applicazione del carico con le forze sui nodi
c*** la forza equivalente si calcola, per ciascuna armonica, come risultante della
c*** pressione integrata sul giro, assumendola uniforme nonostante il significato
armonico
c*** Attenzione: la forza risultante, in questo caso, si divide per 2 data la
simmetria
c***
!nsel,,loc,z,-1,0.001 ! seleziona i nodi
!nsel,r,loc,x,dr/2-0.001,dr/2+1
!*get,nn,node,,count ! conta i nodi
!*if,i,eq,0,then
! f,all,fx,-fr/2/(nn-1)/2 ! carico sui nodi di estremit
! nsel,r,loc,y,0.001,lr/2-0.001
! f,all,fx,-fr/2/(nn-1) ! carico sui nodi di mezzeria (sovrascrive le forze)
!*else ! fattore 2 a moltiplicare per tutti gli altri termini
! f,all,fx,-2*fr/2/(nn-1)/2 ! carico sui nodi di estremit
! nsel,r,loc,y,0.001,lr/2-0.001
! f,all,fx,-2*fr/2/(nn-1) ! carico sui nodi di mezzeria (sovrascrive le forze)
!*endif
!nsel,all

c***
c*** scrive (non risolve) il load-step
c***
lswrite,i+1
*enddo

c***
c*** risolve tutti i load-step
c***
lssolve,1,nfou+1
finish

c***
c*** post-processing
c***
/post1
! opzioni di rappresentazione
/plopts,info,2 ! scelta disposizione finestra/legenda
/color,pbak,off ! scelta colori
/dscale,,off ! scala deformazioni nulla

! individuazione del nodo sul raccordo

xnod = db/2-rr*(1-sin(20))
ynod = sc/2+rr*(1-cos(20))
nnod = node(xnod,ynod,0.0)

c***
c*** Combinazione casi di carico per ottenere il risultato finale
c***
*do,i,1,nfou+1
lcdef,i,i ! crea i loadcases associati ai loadsteps
*enddo

/output,RisultatiFourier,txt ! file di output tensioni

lcase,1 ! legge il loadcase 1 (armonica 0)
*do,i,2,nfou+1
a=i-1
/title, Armoniche da 0 a %a%
lcoper,add,i ! somma i successivi loadcases
plnstr,s,x
! *ask,ifl,premere invio per continuare,0
! plnstr,s,eqv
! *ask,ifl,premere invio per continuare,0
37
 nsel,s,,,nnod
prnsol,s,comp
prnsol,s,prin
alls
*enddo
/output

Introduzione propriet sezione

SECTYPE
SECTYPE, SECID, Type, Subtype, Name, REFINEKEY
Associates section type information with a section ID number.

SECID
Section identification number. If SECID is blank or zero, the SECID number is incremented by one from the highest
section ID number currently defined in the database. (See Notes for SECID input specific to general contact.)

Type

BEAM Defines a beam section.

TAPER Defines a tapered beam or pipe section. The sections at the end points must be
topologically identical.

GENB Defines a nonlinear general (temperature-dependent) beam section.

COMB Defines a composite (temperature-dependent) beam section.

PIPE Defines a pipe section.

LINK Defines a link section.

AXIS Define the axis for a general axisymmetric section.

SHELL Defines a shell section.

GENS Defines a preintegrated general (temperature-dependent) shell section.

PRETENSION Defines a pretension section.

JOINT Defines a joint section.

REINF Defines a reinforcing section.

CONTACT Defines a contact section.

Subtype

When Type = BEAM, the possible beam sections that can be defined for Subtype are:

RECT Rectangle

38
 QUAD Quadrilateral

CSOLID Circular solid

CTUBE Circular tube

CHAN Channel

I I-shaped section

Z Z-shaped section

L L-shaped section

T T-shaped section

HATS Hat-shaped section

HREC Hollow rectangle or box

ASEC Arbitrary section -- integrated cross-section inertia properties supplied by user

MESH User-defined mesh -- see the SECREAD command for more information about this data

Name
An eight-character name for the section. Name can be a string such as "W36X210" or "HP13X73" for beam sections.
Section name can consist of letters and numbers, but cannot contain punctuation, special characters, or spaces.

REFINEKEY

Sets mesh refinement level for thin-walled beam sections. Valid values are 0 (the default - no mesh refinement) through
5 (high level of mesh refinement). This value has meaning only when Type = BEAM.

SECDATA
SECDATA, VAL1, VAL2, VAL3, VAL4, VAL5, VAL6, VAL7, VAL8, VAL9, VAL10, VAL11, VAL12
Describes the geometry of a section.

VAL1, VAL2, VAL3, . . . , VAL12

Values, such as thickness or the length of a side or the numbers of cells along the width, that describe the geometry of a
section. The terms VAL1, VAL2, etc. are specialized for each type of cross-section.

SECNUM
SECNUM, SECID
Sets the element section attribute pointer.

SECID
Defines the section ID number to be assigned to the subsequently-defined elements. Defaults to 1. See SECTYPE for
more information about the section ID number.

39
Definizione delle Real costant

REAL
REAL, NSET
Sets the element real constant set attribute pointer.
NSET
Assign this real constant set number to subsequently defined elements (defaults to 1).

R
R, NSET, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6
Defines the element real constants.
NSET
Real constant set identification number (arbitrary). If same as a previous set number, set is redefined. Set number relates
to that defined with the element [REAL]. Note that the GUI automatically assigns this value.
The label GCN is also valid input for general contact interactions (see Notes).

R1, R2, R3, . . . , R6

Real constant values (interpreted as area, moment of inertia, thickness, etc., as required for the particular element type
using this set), or table names for tabular input of boundary conditions. Use RMOREcommand if more than six real
constants per set are to be input.

Definizione delle Key options

KEYOPT

KEYOPT, ITYPE, KNUM, VALUE

Sets element key options.
ITYPE
Element type number as defined on the ET command. (See Notes for ITYPE input specific to general contact.)
KNUM
Number of the KEYOPT to be defined (KEYOPT(KNUM)).
VALUE
Value of this KEYOPT.

Analisi di sottomodello

finish
/clear
/filname,Globale
c*** studio del raccordo di un albero attraverso l'uso di un sottomodello
c*** modello 'Globale' grossolano e privo di raccordo tra perno e albero

! parametri
dp=30 ! diametro di perno del cuscinetto
da=40 ! diametro dell'albero
bc=20 ! larghezza di fascia del cuscinetto
lp=30 ! lunghezza del perno
la=200 ! lunghezza dell'albero
r=2 ! 2r<(da-dp)/2; raggio di raccordo
F=5000 ! forza nel punto centrale dell'albero

E = 205000
ni = 0.3

40
/prep7
! elementi e materiale
et,1,182 ! elementi piani di appoggio per la mesh solida
et,2,185 ! elementi solidi 3D
mp,ex,1,E
mp,prxy,1,ni
! modellazione
rectng,0,bc/2,0,dp/2
rectng,bc/2,Lp,0,dp/2
rectng,Lp,La/2,0,dp/2
rectng,Lp,La/2,dp/2,da/2
aglue,all

! mesh
esize,3
mshkey,1
amesh,all ! mesh di superficie per l'estrusione
type,2
extopt,esize,10 ! parametri di estrusione: divisioni sull'arco di estrusione
extopt,aclear,1 ! 'ripulisce' le mesh di superficie di partenza
vrotat,all,,,,,,1,2,180 ! mesh di estrusione per rivoluzione

c*** vincoli e carichi

nsel,s,loc,z,-0.001,0.001 ! vincoli di simmetria
d,all,uz,0
nsel,s,loc,x,La/2-0.001,La/2+0.001
d,all,ux,0
alls
n_c=node(bc/2,0,0) ! cerniera sferica cuscinetto
d,n_c,all,0
n_f=node(La/2,da/2,0) ! nodo di applicazione del carico
f,n_f,fy,-F/4 ! forza su un quarto di modello
finish

! soluzione
/solu
solve
finish
save ! salva il modello
parsav,scalar,Parametri,txt ! salva i parametri

c***
c*** creazione del sottomodello
c***
/clear
/filname,Locale

/prep7
c*** si recuperano i parametri e si ridefiniscono materiale e tipo di elemento
parres,,Parametri.txt
et,1,182 ! elementi piani di appoggio per la mesh solida
et,2,185 ! elementi solidi 3D
mp,ex,1,E
mp,prxy,1,ni

dx=2*r ! distanza dalla discontinuit direzione x

dy=2*r ! distanza dalla discontinuit direzione y
c*** modellazione
k,1,0,0 ! kp che definiscono l'asse di rotazione per l'estrusione
k,2,10,0
rectng,Lp-r,Lp+dx,-(dp/2+r),-(dp/2-dy)
cyl4,Lp-r,-(dp/2+r),r ! raccordo
asba,1,2
rectng,Lp-dx,Lp-r,-(dp/2),-(dp/2-dy)
rectng,Lp,Lp+dx,-(dp/2+2*r),-(dp/2+r)
aadd,all ! si genera un'unica area
lsel,s,loc,y,-(dp/2-dy)-0.001,-(dp/2-dy)+0.001
lsel,a,loc,x,Lp+dx-0.001,Lp+dx+0.001
lccat,all ! concatenazione di linee per mesh strutturata
lsel,s,loc,y,-da/2,-dp/2+0.001
lsel,r,loc,x,0,Lp+0.001
lccat,all
esize,0.5
mshkey,1
amesh,all
lsel,s,lccat
ldel,all
41
 alls
type,2
extopt,esize,12 ! parametri di estrusione
extopt,aclear,1
vrotat,all,,,,,,1,2,-30

c*** identificazione nodi d'interfaccia tra i due modelli

local,11,1,0,0,0,,,90
asel,s,loc,x,dp/2-0.001,dp/2+2*r+0.001
asel,r,loc,z,lp-2*r-0.001,lp+0.001
cm,a_free,area
alls
cmsel,u,a_free
nsla,s,1

! esclusione bordi raggiati

lsel,s,loc,z,lp-r-0.001,lp+0.001
lsel,r,loc,x,dp/2-0.001,dp/2+r+0.001
lsel,u,loc,y,270-30/2-0.1,270-30/2+0.1
nsll,u

c*** salvataggio del file dei nodi

nwrite
alls
save
finish
/clear

c*** interpolazione degli spostamenti

resume,Globale,db
/post1
file,Globale,rst
cbdof,Locale,node,,Locale_Ds,cbdo ! effettua l'interpolazione per i nodi salvati nel
file
finish

c*** si applicano gli spostamenti interpolati

resume,Locale,db
/solu
/input,Locale_Ds,cbdo ! applica gli spostamenti interpolati al sottomodello
solve
finish

c*** risultati del sottomodello

/post1
plnsol,s,x

Esempio di ciclo *DO applicato al CERIG

*DO
*DO, Par, IVAL, FVAL, INC
Defines the beginning of a do-loop.
Argument Descriptions
Par
The name of the scalar parameter to be used as the loop index. See *SET for name restrictions. Any existing
parameter of the same name will be redefined. There is no character parameter substitution for the Par field.
IVAL, FVAL, INC
Initially assign IVAL to Par. Increment IVAL by INC for each successive loop.
If IVAL exceeds FVAL and INC is positive, the loop is not executed. INC defaults to 1. Negative increments
and non-integer numbers are allowed.

42
esempio:

c*** soluzione alternatica con CERIG fra shell e solid

csys,11
clocal,13,1,0,0,0
*do,i,1,4*DivQ
! selezione del nodo master per ogni settore
esel,s,type,,2
nsle,s
NodoMaster=node(Dm/2,(i-1)/(4*DivQ)*360,0.0)
nsel,s,loc,y,(i-1)/(4*DivQ)*360-0.01,(i-1)/(4*DivQ)*360+0.01
nsel,r,loc,z,-0.01,+0.01
cerig,NodoMaster,all,all
alls
*enddo

Creazione della mesh

ESIZE
ESIZE, SIZE, NDIV
Specifies the default number of line divisions.

SIZE
Default element edge length on surface boundaries (i.e., lines). Divisions are automatically calculated (rounded upward
to next integer) from line lengths. If SIZE is zero (or blank), use NDIV.

NDIV

Default number of element divisions along region boundary lines. Not used if SIZE is input.

In caso di linee basta fare:

LESIZE
LESIZE, NL1, SIZE, ANGSIZ, NDIV, SPACE, KFORC, LAYER1, LAYER2, KYNDIV
Specifies the divisions and spacing ratio on unmeshed lines.

NL1
Number of the line to be modified. If ALL, modify all selected lines [LSEL]. If NL1 = P, graphical picking is enabled
and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted
for NL1.

SIZE
If NDIV is blank, SIZE is the division (element edge) length. The number of divisions is automatically calculated from
the line length (rounded upward to next integer). If SIZE is zero (or blank), use ANGSIZor NDIV.

ANGSIZ
The division arc (in degrees) spanned by the element edge (except for straight lines, which always result in one
division). The number of divisions is automatically calculated from the line length (rounded upward to next integer).

NDIV
If positive, NDIV is the number of element divisions per line. If -1 (and KFORC = 1), NDIV is assumed to be zero
element divisions per line. TARGE169 with a rigid specification ignores NDIV and will always mesh with one element
division.

SPACE

43
Spacing ratio. If positive, nominal ratio of last division size to first division size (if > 1.0, sizes increase, if < 1.0, sizes
decrease). If negative, |SPACE| is nominal ratio of center division(s) size to end divisions size. Ratio defaults to 1.0
(uniform spacing). For layer-meshing, a value of 1.0 normally is used. If SPACE = FREE, ratio is determined by other
considerations

MSHKEY
MSHKEY, KEY
Specifies whether free meshing or mapped meshing should be used to mesh a model.

KEY

Key indicating the type of meshing to be used:

0 Use free meshing (the default).

1 Use mapped meshing.

2 Use mapped meshing if possible; otherwise, use free meshing. If you specify MSHKEY,2,
SmartSizing will be inactive even while free meshing non-map-meshable areas.

MSHAPE
MSHAPE, KEY, Dimension
For elements that support multiple shapes, specifies the element shape to be used for meshing.

KEY

Key indicating the element shape to be used:

0 Mesh with quadrilateral-shaped elements when Dimension = 2-D mesh with hexahedral-shaped
elements when Dimension = 3-D.

1 Mesh with triangle-shaped elements when Dimension = 2-D mesh with tetrahedral-shaped elements
when Dimension = 3-D.

Dimension
Specifies the dimension of the model to be meshed:

2D 2-D model (area mesh).

3D 3-D model (volume mesh).

Meshing:

LMESH
LMESH, NL1, NL2, NINC
Generates nodes and line elements along lines.

NL1, NL2, NINC

Mesh lines from NL1 to NL2 (defaults to NL1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NL1 =
ALL, NL2 and NINC are ignored and all selected lines [LSEL] are meshed. If NL1 = P, graphical picking is

44
 enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be
substituted for NL1 (NL2 and NINC are ignored).

AMESH
AMESH, NA1, NA2, NINC
Generates nodes and area elements within areas.

NA1, NA2, NINC

Mesh areas from NA1 to NA2 (defaults to NA1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NA1 =
ALL, NA2 and NINC are ignored and all selected areas [ASEL] are meshed. If NA1 = P, graphical picking is
enabled and all remaining arguments are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be
substituted for NA1 (NA2 and NINC are ignored).

VMESH
VMESH, NV1, NV2, NINC
Generates nodes and volume elements within volumes.

NV1, NV2, NINC

Mesh volumes from NV1 to NV2 (defaults to NV1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NV1 =
ALL, NV2 and NINC are ignored and all selected volumes [VSEL] are meshed. If NV1 = P, graphical picking
is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also
be substituted for NV1 (NV2 and NINC are ignored).

Vincoli interni

Cerig

CERIG
CERIG, MASTE, SLAVE, Ldof, Ldof2, Ldof3, Ldof4, Ldof5
Defines a rigid region.

MASTE
Retained (or master) node for this rigid region. If MASTE = P, then graphical picking of the master and slave nodes is
enabled (first node picked will be the master node, and subsequent nodes picked will be slave nodes), and subsequent
fields are ignored (valid only in GUI).

SLAVE

Removed (or slave) node for this rigid region. If ALL, slave nodes are all selected nodes.

Ldof
Degrees of freedom associated with equations:

ALL All applicable degrees of freedom (default). If 3-D, generate 6 equations based on UX, UY,
UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ; if 2-D, generate 3 equations based on UX, UY, ROTZ.

UXYZ Translational degrees of freedom. If 3-D, generate 3 equations based on the slave nodes' UX,
UY, and UZ DOFs and the master node's UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, and ROTZ DOFs; if 2-
45
 D, generate 2 equations based on the slave nodes UX and UY DOFs and the master nodes UX,
UY, and ROTZ DOFs. No equations are generated for the rotational coupling.

RXYZ Rotational degrees of freedom. If 3-D, generate 3 equations based on ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ; if
2-D, generate 1 equation based on ROTZ. No equations are generated for the translational
coupling.

UX Slave translational UX degree of freedom only.

UY Slave translational UY degree of freedom only.

UZ Slave translational UZ degree of freedom only.

ROTX Slave rotational ROTX degree of freedom only.

ROTY Slave rotational ROTY degree of freedom only.

ROTZ Slave rotational ROTZ degree of freedom only.

Ldof2, Ldof3, Ldof4, Ldof5

Additional degrees of freedom. Used only if more than one degree of freedom required and Ldof is not ALL, UXYZ, or
RXYZ.

Cp

CP
CP, NSET, Lab, NODE1, NODE2, NODE3, NODE4, NODE5, NODE6, NODE7, NODE8, NODE9, NODE10, NODE11
, NODE12, NODE13, NODE14, NODE15, NODE16, NODE17
Defines (or modifies) a set of coupled degrees of freedom.

NSET

Set reference number:

n Arbitrary set number.

HIGH The highest defined coupled set number will be used (default, unless Lab = ALL). This option
is useful when adding nodes to an existing set.

NEXT The highest defined coupled set number plus one will be used (default if Lab = ALL). This
option automatically numbers coupled sets so that existing sets are not modified.

Lab
Degree of freedom label for coupled nodes (in the nodal coordinate system). Defaults to label previously defined
with NSET if set NSET already exists. A different label redefines the previous label associated with NSET. Valid labels
are: Structural labels: UX, UY, or UZ (displacements); ROTX, ROTY, or ROTZ (rotations) (in radians); HDSP
(hydrostatic pressure). Thermal labels: TEMP, TBOT, TE2, TE3, . . ., TTOP (temperature). Fluid labels: PRES
(pressure); VX, VY, or VZ (velocities). Electric labels: VOLT (voltage); EMF (electromotive force drop); CURR
(current). Magnetic labels: MAG (scalar magnetic potential); AZ (vector magnetic potential); CURR (current).
Diffusion label: CONC (concentration). Explicit analysis labels: UX, UY, or UZ (displacements).

When Lab = ALL:

46
 Sets are generated for each active degree of freedom (that is, one set for the UX degree of freedom, another set
for UY, etc.), and NSET is incremented automatically to prevent overwriting existing sets.

Existing sets are not modified. NSET must be a new set number n or NEXT.

The degree of freedom set is determined according to all element types defined and the DOF command, if
used.

Hydrostatic pressure (HDSP) is not included.

NODE1, NODE2, NODE3, . . . , NODE17

List of nodes to be included in set. Duplicate nodes are ignored. If a node number is input as negative, the node is
deleted from the coupled set. The first node in the list is the primary (retained) node, and the remaining nodes represent
the removed degrees of freedom.
If NODE1 = ALL, NODE2 through NODE17 are ignored and all selected nodes (NSEL) are included in the set, and the
node with the lowest node number becomes the primary node.

If NODE1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

A component name can be substituted for NODE1. The component consists of the node group to be coupled. The node
with the lowest node number becomes the primary node among the node group. To display the generated and coupled
node sets, issue the CPLIST command.

Definizione di un PATH per mostrare risultati post1

PATH
PATH, NAME, nPts, nSets, nDiv
Definisce il nome di un percorso e i parametri del percorso stesso.
NAME
Name for this path (eight characters maximum. If nPts is blank, set the current path to the path with this
name. If nPts is greater than zero, create a path of this name. If a path with this name already exists, replace
it with a new path. If the NAME value is STATUS, display the status for path settings.
nPts
The number of points used to define this path. The minimum number is two, and the maximum is 1000.
Default is 2.
nSets
The number of sets of data which you can map to this path. You must specify at least four: X, Y, Z, and S.
Default is 30.
nDiv
The number of divisions between adjacent points. Default is 20. There is no maximum number of divisions.

PPATH
PPATH, POINT, NODE, X, Y, Z, CS
Defines a path by picking or defining nodes, or locations on the currently active working plane, or by
entering specific coordinate locations.

47
POINT
The point number. It must be greater than zero and less than or equal to the nPts value specified on
the PATH command if graphical picking is not being used.

NODE
The node number defining this point. If blank, use the X, Y, Z coordinates to define the point. A valid node
number will override X, Y, Z coordinate arguments.
X, Y, Z
The location of the point in the global Cartesian coordinate system. Use these arguments only if you omit
the NODE argument.
CS
The coordinate system for interpolation of the path between the previous point and this point. Omit this
argument if you wish to use the currently active (CSYS) coordinate system. If the coordinate system of two
adjacent points is different, the CS value of the latter point will be used.

PDEF
PDEF, Lab, Item, Comp, Avglab
Interpolates an item onto a path.
Lab
Label assigned to the resulting path item (8 characters maximum). This item may be used as input for other
path operations.

Item
Label identifying the item for interpolation. Valid item labels are shown in Table 205: PDEF - Valid Item
and Component Labels below. Some items also require a component label.
Comp
Component of the item (if required). Valid component labels are shown in Table 205: PDEF - Valid Item
and Component Labels below.
Avglab
Option to average across element boundaries:

AVG Average element results across elements (default).

NOAV Do not average element results across elements. If the parameter DISCON = MAT on
the PMAP command, this option is automatically invoked.

Table 205: PDEF - Valid Item and Component Labels

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Item Comp Description

Valid item and component labels for nodal degree of freedom results are:

U X, Y, Z, SUM X, Y, or Z structural displacement or vector sum.

ROT X, Y, Z, SUM X, Y, or Z structural rotation or vector sum.

PRES Pressure.

Valid item and component labels for element results are:

S X, Y, Z, XY, YZ, XZ Component stress.

" 1, 2, 3 Principal stress.

" INT, EQV Stress intensity or Equivalent stress.

EPTO X, Y, Z, XY, YZ, XZ Component total strain (EPEL + EPPL + EPCR).

" 1, 2, 3 Principal total strain.

" INT, EQV Total strain intensity or total equivalent strain.

EPEL X, Y, Z, XY, YZ, XZ Component elastic strain.

" 1, 2, 3 Principal elastic strain.

" INT, EQV Elastic strain intensity or elastic equivalent strain.

EPPL X, Y, Z, XY, YZ, XZ Component plastic strain.

" 1, 2, 3 Principal plastic strain.

" INT, EQV Plastic strain intensity or plastic equivalent strain.

EPCR X, Y, Z, XY, YZ, XZ Component creep strain.

" 1, 2, 3 Principal creep strain.

" INT, EQV Creep strain intensity or creep equivalent strain.

EPTH X, Y, Z, XY, YZ, XZ Component thermal strain.

" 1, 2, 3 Principal thermal strain.

" INT, EQV Thermal strain intensity or thermal equivalent strain.

EPSW Swelling strain.

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 Item Comp Description

NL SEPL Equivalent stress (from stress-strain curve).

" SRAT Stress state ratio.

" HPRES Hydrostatic pressure.

" EPEQ Accumulated equivalent plastic strain.

" PSV Plastic state variable.

" PLWK Plastic work/volume.

PLPATH
PLPATH, Lab1, Lab2, Lab3, Lab4, Lab5, Lab6
Displays path items on a graph.
Lab1, Lab2, Lab3, . . . , Lab6
Labels identifying the path items to be displayed. Up to six items may be drawn per frame. Predefined path
geometry items XG, YG, ZG, and S [PDEF] may also be displayed.

Definizione delle ETABLE e visualizzazione

ETABLE
ETABLE, Lab, Item, Comp, Option
Fills a table of element values for further processing.
Lab
Any unique user defined label for use in subsequent commands and output headings (maximum of eight
characters and not a General predefined Item label). Defaults to an eight character label formed by
concatenating the first four characters of the Item and Comp labels. If the same as a previous user label, this
result item will be included under the same label. Up to 200 different labels may be defined. The following
labels are predefined and are not available for user-defined labels: REFL, STAT, and ERAS. Lab = REFL
refills all tables previously defined with the ETABLE commands (not the CALC module commands)
according to the latest ETABLE specifications and is convenient for refilling tables after the load step (SET)
has been changed. Remaining fields will be ignored if Lab is REFL. Lab = STAT displays stored table
values. Lab = ERAS erases the entire table.

Item
Label identifying the item. General item labels are shown in the table below. Some items also require a
component label. Character parameters may be used. Item = ERAS erases a Lab column.
Comp
Component of the item (if required). General component labels are shown in the table below. Character
parameters may be used.

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Option
Option for storing element table data:

MIN Store minimum element nodal value of the specified item component.

MAX Store maximum element nodal value of the specified item component.

AVG Store averaged element centroid value of the specified item component (default).

PLLS
PLLS, LabI, LabJ, Fact, KUND,ViewUP
Displays element table items as contoured areas along elements.
LabI
Label of element table item (ETABLE) for node I magnitude.

LabJ
Label of element table item for node J magnitude.
Fact
Scale factor for display (defaults to 1). A negative scaling factor may be used to invert the display.
KUND
Undisplaced shape key:

0 Display selected items on undeformed shape.

1 Display selected items on deformed shape.

ViewUP
View Up key:

0 Ignore the view-up (/VUP) vector when calculating trapezoid orientation (default).

1 Use the view-up (/VUP) vector to calculate trapezoid orientation.

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