WORKSHOP PROBLEM 4c

Nonlinear Snap-Through
Load Analysis
(different spring constants)

Objectives:
■ Demonstrate the use of a nonlinear static analysis for a
snap-through load.

■ Demonstrate the effect of different spring constants on

the load-deflection curve.

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-1

4c-2 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 4c Buckling Load Analysis

Model Description:
For the structure below:

P, w
A = .1
E = 10E7

l
Ks

F 1=z

100 = b

Add Case Control commands and Bulk Data Entries to:

1. Perform a nonlinear static analysis on the model
for the cases when Ks=0, Ks=3, and Ks=6.

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-3

Suggested Exercise Steps:
■ Modify the existing MSC/NASTRAN input file by adding
the appropriate loading conditions and nonlinear static
analysis control parameters.

■ For Case Control, insert the static load set selection (LOAD)
and the nonlinear static analysis parameter selection
(NLPARM) in each subcase.

■ For Bulk Data, insert all the relevant nonlinear static

analysis parameters for each subcase (NLPARM).

■ Prepare the model for a nonlinear static analysis.

◆ PARAM, LGDISP, 1

■ Insert the parameters for arc-length methods (NLPCI).

■ Generate an input file and submit it to the MSC/NASTRAN

solver for a nonlinear static analysis.

■ Review the results.

■ Modify the existing model, adjusting the spring constant.

■ Generate another input file and submit it to the MSC/

NASTRAN solver for a normal modes analysis.

■ Review the results.

■ Modify the existing model, adjusting the spring constant.

■ Generate the final input file and submit it to the MSC/

NASTRAN solver for a normal modes analysis.

■ Review the results.

4c-4 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 4c Buckling Load Analysis

Input File Workshop 4a for Modification:

prob4a.dat
ASSIGN OUTPUT2 = ’prob4a.op2’ , UNIT=12
ID NAS103, WORKSHOP 4A SOLUTION
TIME 10
SOL 105
CEND
TITLE=SIMPLE ONE DOF GEOMETRIC NONLINEAR PROBLEM
LABEL=REF: STRICKLIN AND HAISLER; COMP. AND STRUCT.; 7:125-136 (1977)
ECHO=UNSORT
DISP(SORT2)=ALL
SUBCASE 10
LOAD=6
SUBCASE 20
METHOD=30
BEGIN BULK
PARAM,POST,0
$
$ GEOMETRY
GRID, 1, , 0., 0., 0., , 123456
GRID, 2, , 100., 1., 0., , 13456
$
$ CONNECTIVITY
CROD, 10, 10, 1, 2
$CELAS1, 20, 20, 2, 2, 0, 0
$
$ PROPERTIES
$
PROD, 10, 1, .1
$PELAS, 20, 3.
MAT1, 1, 10.E7
$
$ LOADS
$
FORCE, 6, 2, , -6., 0., 1., 0.
$
$ SOLUTION STRATEGY
$
EIGB, 30, INV, 0.0, 3.0, 20, 2, 2, , +EIGB
+EIGB, MAX
ENDDATA

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-5

Exercise Procedure:
1. Users who are not utilitizing MSC/PATRAN
for generating an input file should go to Step
7, otherwise, proceed to step 2.
2. Create a new database called prob4c.db.

File/New...
New Database Name: prob4c
OK

In the New Model Preference form set the following:

Tolerance: ● Default
Analysis Code: MSC/NASTRAN
Analysis Type: Structural
OK

3. Import the model data from the database prob4a.db.

File/Import...
Object: Model
Source: MSC/PATRAN DB
PATRAN Databases: prob4a.db
Apply

When the summary form appears, clear it by clicking on OK.

OK

4. Modify the model loading to 15 lbs.

◆ Loads/BCs
Action: Modify
Object: Force
Type: Nodal

4c-6 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 4c Buckling Load Analysis

Select Set to Modify: load_1

Modify Data...
Force <F1 F2 F3 > < 0, -15, 0>
OK
Apply

5. Make sure the spring constant is set to k=0.

◆ Properties
Action: Modify
Dimension: 0D
Type: Grounded Spring
Select Prop. Set to Modify spring
Modify Properties...
Spring Constant: 0
OK
Apply

6. Now you are ready to generate an input file for the analysis.

Click on the Analysis radio button on the Top Menu Bar and set up the
subcases as follows:

◆ Analysis
Action: Analyze
Object: Entire Model
Method: Analysis Deck
Job Name prob4c_1
Solution Type...
Solution Type: ● NONLINEAR STATIC
OK

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-7

 Subcase Create...
Subcase Name: nonlinear
Output Requests...
Form Type: Advanced
Output Requests (Deselect all except DISPL...)

Delete
Select Result Type Applied Loads
Sorting: By Freq/Time
Create
Output Requests (Select DISPL...)

Sorting: By Freq/Time
Modify
Intermediate Output Option: Yes
OK
Apply
Cancel
Subcase Select...
Subcases for Solution Sequence: nonlinear
Subcases Selected: (Deselect Default)

OK
Direct Text Input...
● Bulk Data Section
NLPCI,1,CRIS,1.,1., , , ,25
(Type in blank text box.)

OK
Apply

An input file called prob4c_1.bdf will be generated. This process of

translating your model into an input file is called the Forward
Translation. The Forward Translation is complete when the Heartbeat
turns green. MSC/PATRAN users should now proceed to Step 8.

4c-8 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 4c Buckling Load Analysis

Note: You must edit the input file before submitting it for an analysis.

7. Edit the input file.

Enter a text editor and make the following changes to the input file:

In the Bulk Data section, look for the CELAS entry and change the last
parameter to 2.

CELAS 2 2 2 2

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-9

Generating an input file for MSC/NASTRAN Users:
8. MSC/NASTRAN users can generate an input file using
the data from the Model Description. The result should be
similar to the output below (prob4c_1.dat):
ASSIGN OUTPUT2 = ‘prob4c_1.op2’ , UNIT=12
ID NAS103, WORKSHOP 4A SOLUTION
TIME 10
SOL 106
CEND
TITLE=SIMPLE ONE DOF GEOMETRIC NONLINEAR PROBLEM
LABEL=REF: STRICKLIN AND HAISLER; COMP. AND STRUCT.; 7:125-136 (1977)
ECHO=UNSORT
DISP(SORT2)=ALL
OLOAD(SORT2)=ALL
SUBCASE 10
LOAD=15
NLPARM=30
BEGIN BULK
PARAM,POST,0
PARAM,LGDISP,1
$
$ GEOMETRY
$
GRID, 1, , 0., 0., 0., , 123456
GRID, 2, , 100., 1., 0., , 13456
$
$ CONNECTIVITY
$
CROD, 10, 10, 1, 2
CELAS1, 20, 20, 2, 2, 0, 0
$
$ PROPERTIES
$
PROD, 10, 1, .1
PELAS, 20, 0.
MAT1, 1, 10.E7
$
$ LOADS
$
FORCE, 15, 2, , -15., 0., 1., 0.
$
$ SOLUTION STRATEGY
$
NLPARM, 30, 10, , AUTO, 5, 25, PW, YES

4c-10 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 4c Buckling Load Analysis

NLPCI, 30, CRIS, 1., 1., , , , 25

ENDDATA

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-11

Submit the input file for analysis:
9. Submit the input file to MSC/NASTRAN for analysis.

9a. To submit the MSC/PATRAN .bdf file, find an available

UNIX shell window. At the command prompt enter
nastran prob4c_1.bdf scr=yes. Monitor the analysis
using the UNIX ps command.

9b. To submit the MSC/NASTRAN .dat file, find an

available UNIX shell window and at the command
prompt enter nastran prob4c_1.dat scr=yes. Monitor
the analysis using the UNIX ps command.

10. When the analysis completed, edit the prob4c_1.f06 file

and search for the word FATAL. If no matches exist,
search for the word WARNING. Determine whether the
existing WARNING messages indicate any modeling
errors.

10a. While still editing prob4c_1.f06, search for the word:

D I S P L A C E (spaces are necessary).

What is the y-displacement of Node 2 at the end of the last

step?

T2 =

4c-12 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 4c Buckling Load Analysis

Comparison of Results:
11. Compare the results obtained in the .f06 file with the
results on the following page:

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-13

4c-14 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook

0 SUBCASE 1
POINT-ID = 2
D I S P L A C E M E N T V E C T O R

STEP TYPE T1 T2 T3 R1 R2 R3
7.862365E-02 G 0.0 -1.500225E-01 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
1.189938E-01 G 0.0 -3.000450E-01 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
.
.
.
2.347448E-01 G 0.0 -2.250337E+00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
4.484861E-01 G 0.0 -2.400360E+00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
7.252314E-01 G 0.0 -2.550382E+00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
1.000000E+00 G 0.0 -2.671816E+00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

L O A D V E C T O R

STEP TYPE T1 T2 T3 R1 R2 R3
7.862365E-02 G 0.0 -1.179354E+00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
1.189938E-01 G 0.0 -1.784906E+00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
.
.
.
2.347448E-01 G 0.0 -3.521173E+00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
4.484861E-01 G 0.0 -6.727292E+00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
7.252314E-01 G 0.0 -1.087847E+01 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
1.000000E+00 G 0.0 -1.500000E+01 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
WORKSHOP 4c Buckling Load Analysis

12. MSC/NASTRAN users have finished the first

part of this exercise. MSC/PATRAN users
should proceed to the next step.

MSC/NASTRAN users should proceed to

Step 15.
13. Proceed with the Reverse Translation process, that is,
importing the prob4c_1.op2 results file into MSC/
PATRAN. To do this, return to the Analysis form and
proceed as follows:

◆ Analysis
Action: Read Output2
Object: Result Entities
Method: Translate
Select Results File...
Selected Results File: prob4c_1.op2
OK
Apply

14. Create an XY plot of Element Force vs Displacement.

◆ Results
Action: Create
Object: Graph
Method: Y vs X

Select Result Case(s) (Select all cases.)

Y: Result
Select Y Result Applied Loads, Translational
Quantity: Y Component

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-15

 X: Result
Select X Result...
Select X Result Displacements, Translational
Quantity: Y Component
OK

Next click on the Target Entities icon.

Target Entities

Target Entity: Nodes

Node 2
Select Nodes
(Select node on the right.)

Click on the Display Attributes icon.

Display Attributes

■ Show X Axis Label

X Axis Label: Displacements
X Axis Scale ● Linear
X Axis Format...
Label Format: Fixed
OK
■ Show Y Axis Label
Y Axis Label: Applied Load
Y Axis Scale ● Linear
Y Axis Format...
Label Format: Fixed
OK
Apply

4c-16 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 4c Buckling Load Analysis

To change the title, do the following:

◆ XY Plot
Action: Modify
Object: Curve
Curve List default_GraphResults Graph 0
Title...
Curve Title Text Load Factor vs. Displacement
for k=0 @ Node 2
Apply
Cancel

15. Modify the X-axis of the XY plot in order to better view

the results.

◆ XY Plot
Action: Modify
Object: Axis
Active Axis ●X
Scale...
Assignment Method ● Range
Enter Lower and Upper Values 0 , -2.7
Number of Primary Tick Marks 7
Apply
Cancel

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-17

 The following XY plot should appear on the screen.

Notice the drastic displacement change for a small load increase

above 1.5 lbs. This represents the snap-through aspect of the
problem. Next, lets run the analysis for the cases when k=3 and
k=6, and plot those curves as well.

16. MSC/NASTRAN users may modify the

PELAS entry in the input file to account for the
different spring constants, as well as change
the input and output file names.

After this is done, MSC/NASTRAN users have

completed the exercise.
17. MSC/PATRAN users will modify the spring constant,
resubmit the analysis, and import the results. A sample
algorithm for the next two analyses is as follows:

Set the spring constant to k=#.

◆ Properties
Action: Modify
Dimension: 0D
Type: Grounded Spring
Select Prop. Set to Modify spring

4c-18 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 4c Buckling Load Analysis

Input Properties...
Spring Constant: # (# is 3 or 6)
OK
Apply

Set up the analysis.

◆ Analysis
Action: Analyze
Object: Entire Model
Method: Analysis Deck
Job Name prob4c_# (# is 2 or 3)
Direct Text Input...
● Bulk Data Section
(Verify that text still says.) NLPCI,1.,CRIS,1.,1., , , ,25
OK
Subcase Select...
Subcases for Solution Sequence: nonlinear
Subcases Selected: (Deselect Default.)

OK
Apply

Note: Be sure to edit the CELAS entry as show in Step 7.

Run the .bdf file through NASTRAN.

nastran prob4c_# scr=yes (where # is 2 or 3)

Check the .f06 file for errors, and look at the displacements.

Read in the .op2 file into PATRAN.

◆ Analysis

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-19

 Action: Read Output2
Object: Result Entities
Method: Translate
Select Results File...
Selected Results File: prob4c_#.op2 (# is 2 or 3)
OK
Apply

Now add the curve to your XY plot.

◆ Results
Action: Create
Object: Graph
Method: Y vs X

Select the set of result cases that are to be added by highlighting them.

Select Result Case(s) (Select the second or third set of cases.)

Repeat the previous procedure for the new subcases with only one differ-
ence. Under the Display Attributes window in the Results form, click
on the Append Curves in XY Window as shown below.

■ Append Curves in XY Window

Then click Apply.

Apply

To change the title, do the following:

◆ XY Plot
Action: Modify
Object: Curve
Curve List default_GraphResults Graph ...
(Select the corresponding graph.)

Title...
4c-20 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 4c Buckling Load Analysis

Curve Title Text Load Factor vs. Displacement

for k=# @ Node 2
(# is 3 or 6)

Apply
Cancel

After repeating the procedure for the remaining two cases, your
plot should appear as follows:

Notice that as k is increased, the required load to produce a

“snap-through” also increased.

Quit MSC/PATRAN when you have completed this exercise.

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-21

MSC/PATRAN .bdf file: prob4c_1.bdf
$ NASTRAN input file created by the MSC MSC/NASTRAN input file
$ translator ( MSC/PATRAN Version 7.5 ) on January 15, 1998 at
$ 22:07:48.
ASSIGN OUTPUT2 = ‘prob4c_1.op2’, UNIT = 12
$ Direct Text Input for File Management Section
$ Nonlinear Static Analysis, Database
SOL 106
TIME 600
$ Direct Text Input for Executive Control
CEND
SEALL = ALL
SUPER = ALL
TITLE = MSC/NASTRAN job created on 15-Jan-98 at 22:05:39
ECHO = NONE
MAXLINES = 999999999
$ Direct Text Input for Global Case Control Data
SUBCASE 1
$ Subcase name : nonlinear
SUBTITLE=Default
NLPARM = 1
SPC = 2
LOAD = 2
DISPLACEMENT(SORT2,REAL)=ALL
$ Direct Text Input for this Subcase
BEGIN BULK
PARAM POST -1
PARAM PATVER 3.
PARAM AUTOSPC YES
PARAM COUPMASS -1
PARAM K6ROT 100.
PARAM WTMASS 1.
PARAM LGDISP 1
PARAM,NOCOMPS,-1
PARAM PRTMAXIM YES
NLPARM 1 70 ITER 1 25 PW YES + A
+ A .001 1.-7
$ Direct Text Input for Bulk Data
NLPCI,1,CRIS,1.,1.,,,,25
$ Elements and Element Properties for region : beam
PROD 1 1 .1
CROD 1 1 1 2
$ Elements and Element Properties for region : spring
PELAS 2 0.
CELAS1 2 2 2 2

4c-22 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 4c Buckling Load Analysis

$ Referenced Material Records

$ Material Record : mat_1
$ Description of Material : Date: 11-Jun-97 Time: 11:15:21
MAT1 1 1.+8
$ Nodes of the Entire Model
GRID 1 0. 0. 0.
GRID 2 100. 1. 0.
$ Loads for Load Case : Default
SPCADD 2 1 3
LOAD 2 1. 1. 1
$ Displacement Constraints of Load Set : constraint_1
SPC1 1 123456 1
$ Displacement Constraints of Load Set : constraint_2
SPC1 3 13456 2
$ Nodal Forces of Load Set : load_1
FORCE 1 2 0 15. 0. -1. 0.
$ Referenced Coordinate Frames
ENDDATA 29a86b98

MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook 4c-23

4c-24 MSC/NASTRAN 103 Exercise Workbook