N

Defines a node.

PREP7:Nodes

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Node number to be assigned. A previously defined node of the same number will be redefined. Defaults to the maximum node number used +1.

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).

First rotation about nodal Z (positive X toward Y).

Second rotation about nodal X (positive Y toward Z).

Third rotation about nodal Y (positive Z toward X).

Defines a node in the active coordinate system [CSYS]. The nodal coordinate system is parallel to the global Cartesian system unless rotated. Rotation angles are in degrees and redefine any previous rotation angles. See the NMODIF, NANG, and NROTAT commands for other rotation options.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Nodes >In Active CS

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Nodes >On Working Plane

Rotates a nodal coordinate system by direction cosines.

PREP7:Nodes

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Rotate coordinate system of this node.

Global X, Y, Z components of a unit vector in new nodal X direction.

Global X, Y, Z components of a unit vector in new nodal Y direction.

Global X, Y, Z components of a unit vector in new nodal Z direction.

Rotates a nodal coordinate system to the orientation specified by the X, Y and Z direction cosines. Existing rotation specifications on the node are redefined. If only two of the three unit vectors are specified, the third is defined according to the right hand rule. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that input direction cosines are orthogonal in a right-handed system.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Nodes >By Vectors

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >By Vectors

Sets the key to terminate an analysis.

SOLUTION:NonlinearOptions

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Program behavior upon nonconvergence:

0 - Do not terminate the analysis if the solution fails to converge.

1 - Terminate the analysis and the program execution if the solution fails to converge (default).

2 - Terminate the analysis, but not the program execution, if the solution fails to converge.

Terminates program execution if the largest nodal DOF solution value (displacement, temperature, etc.) exceeds this limit (defaults to 1.0E6 for all DOF except MAG and A; for MAG and A, DLIM defaults to 1.0E10.).

Terminates program execution if the cumulative iteration number exceeds this limit (defaults to infinity).

Terminates program execution if the elapsed time (seconds) exceeds this limit (defaults to infinity).

Terminates program execution if the CPU time (seconds) exceeds this limit (defaults to infinity).

Notes

Sets the key to terminate an analysis if not converged, or if any of the following limits are exceeded for nonlinear and full transient analyses: DOF (displacement), cumulative iteration, elapsed time, or cpu time limit. Applies only to ANTYPE=STATIC and TRANS analyses. Time limit checks are made at the end of each equilibrium iteration. This command is ignored during an optimization run.

This command is also valid in PREP7.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Nonlinear >Criteria to Stop

Main Menu >Solution >Nonlinear >Criteria to Stop

Deletes nodes.

PREP7:Nodes

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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.

Deletes selected nodes that are not connected to elements. Nodes may also be redefined instead of deleted, if desired. Boundary conditions (displacements, forces, etc.) as well as any coupling or constraint equations containing the deleted nodes are also deleted.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Delete >Nodes

Calculates and lists the distance between two nodes.

PREP7:Nodes

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First node in distance calculation. If ND1=P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Second node in distance calculation.

NDIST lists the absolute distance and the current coordinate system offsets from ND1 to ND2. NDIST is valid in any coordinate system except toroidal [CSYS,3].

NDIST returns a variable, called "_NDIST," which contains the distance value. You can then use the value for other purposes, such as the calculation of distributed loads.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Check Geom >ND distances

Specifies the maximum number of equilibrium iterations for nonlinear analyses.

SOLUTION:NonlinearOptions

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Maximum number of equilibrium iterations allowed each substep.

Notes

See the description of SOLCONTROL in the ANSYS Commands Reference for a complete listing of the defaults set by SOLCONTROL,ON and SOLCONTROL,OFF.

This command is also valid in PREP7.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Nonlinear >Equilibrium Iter

Main Menu >Solution >Nonlinear >Equilibrium Iter

Limits the number of warning and error messages displayed.

SESSION:RunControls

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Maximum number of warning and error messages displayed per command. Defaults to 5 for interactive runs within the GUI turned on, 20 for interactive runs with the GUI turned off, 200 for batch runs.

Maximum number of warning and error messages allowed per command in an interactive run before run aborts (must be greater than zero). Defaults to 10,000.

Notes

Limits the number of warning and error messages displayed for any one command in an interactive run. Warning and error messages continue to be written to File.ERR regardless of these limits. A batch run always aborts on the first error. Issue /NERR,STAT to list current settings. Issue /NERR,DEFA to reset values to initial defaults.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >MenuCtrls >Message Controls

Sums the nodal forces and moments of elements attached to nodes.

POST1:SpecialPurpose

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Sums and prints, in each component direction for each selected node, the nodal force and moment contributions of the selected elements attached to the node. If all elements are selected, the sums are usually zero except where constraints or loads are applied. The nodal forces and moments may be displayed [/PBC,FORC and /PBC,MOME]. Use PRESOL to print nodal forces and moments on an element-by-element basis. You can use the FORCE command to specify which component (static, damping, inertia, or total) of the nodal load is to be used. Nodal forces associated with surface loads are not included.

Moment summations are about the global origin unless another point is specified with the SPOINT command. The summations for each node are printed in the global Cartesian system unless transformed [RSYS]. This command is generally not applicable to axisymmetric models because moment information from the NFORCE command is not correct for axisymmetric elements.

Selecting a subset of elements [ESEL] and then issuing this command will give the forces and moments required to maintain equilibrium of that set of elements. The effects of nodal coupling and constraint equations are ignored.

This command also includes the FSUM command function which vectorially sums and prints, in each component direction for the total selected node set, the nodal force and moment contributions of the selected elements attached to the selected node set. The FSUM vector sum is printed in the global Cartesian system unless it is transformed [RSYS] and a point is specified with the SPOINT command.

Main Menu >General Postproc >Nodal Calcs >Sum @ Each Node

Generates additional nodes from a pattern of nodes.

PREP7:Nodes

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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.

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).

Node location increments in the active coordinate system (DR,D,DZ for cylindrical, DR,D,D for spherical or toroidal).

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). Note, the average spacing ratio remains 1.0, such that the location of the last generated set will be the same regardless of SPACE. SPACE only serves to skew the position of the nodes between the pattern set and the last set.

Generates additional nodes from a given node pattern. Generation is done in the active coordinate system. Nodes in the pattern may have been generated in any coordinate system.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Copy >Copy

Defines a node at an existing keypoint location.

PREP7:Nodes

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Arbitrary reference number for node. If zero or blank, defaults to the highest node number +1 [NUMSTR].

keypoint number defining global X, Y, Z location. If NPT = All, then a node will be placed at each selected keypoint. If NPT = 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 NPT.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Nodes >On Keypoint

Includes large deformation effects in a static or full transient analysis.

SOLUTION:NonlinearOptions

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Large deformation key:

OFF - Large deformation effects are ignored, i.e., small deflection analysis (default).

ON - Large deformation effects are to be included (large deflection, large rotation, and/or large strain, depending on the element type).

Notes

Large deformation effects are categorized as either large deflection (or large rotation) or large strain, depending on the element type. These are listed (if available) under "Special Features" in the input data table for each element type in the ANSYS Elements Reference. If used in SOLUTION, this command is valid only within the first load step.

This command is also valid in PREP7.

In ANSYS/LinearPlus, large deformation effects should not be turned on if 2-D solid (PLANEn) or 3-D solid (SOLIDn) elements are defined.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Analysis Options

Main Menu >Solution >Analysis Options

Lists nodes.

PREP7:Nodes

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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).

Coordinate listing key:

<blank> - List all nodal information

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

First item on which to sort. Valid item names are NODE, X, Y, Z, THXY, THYZ, THXZ

Second and third items on which to sort. Valid item names are the same as for SORT1.

Lists nodes in the active display coordinate system [DSYS]. Nodal coordinate rotation angles are also listed (relative to the global Cartesian coordinate system).

Node listing can be in a sorted order (ascending). SORT2, for example, will be carried out on nodes having equal values of SORT1.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >List >Nodes

Utility Menu >List >Picked Entities >Nodes

Forms the natural log of a variable.

POST26:Operations

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Arbitrary reference number assigned to the resulting variable (2 to NV [NUMVAR]). If this number is the same as for a previously defined variable, the previously defined variable will be overwritten with this result.

Reference number of the variable to be operated on.

Unused fields.

Eight character name for identifying the variable on the printout and displays. Embedded blanks are compressed upon output.

Unused fields.

Scaling factor applied to variable IA (defaults to 1.0).

Scaling factor (positive or negative) applied to the operation (defaults to 1.0).

Forms the natural log of a variable according to the operation:

Menu Paths

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Math Operations >Natural Log

Specifies "Nonlinear analysis options" as the subsequent status topic.

SOLUTION:Status

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This is a status [STAT] topic command. Status topic commands are generated by the GUI and will appear in the log file (Jobname.LOG) if status is requested for some items under Utility Menu>List>Status. This command will be immediately followed by a STAT command, which will report the status for the specified topic.

If entered directly into the program, the STAT command should immediately follow this command.

Utility Menu >List >Status >Solution >Nonlinear Options

Modifies an existing node.

PREP7:Nodes

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Modify coordinates of this node. If ALL, modify coordinates of 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.

Replace the previous coordinate values assigned to this node with these corresponding coordinate values. Values are interpreted in the active coordinate system (R,,Z for cylindrical; R,, for spherical or toroidal). A blank retains the previous value.

First rotation of nodal coordinate system about nodal Z (positive X toward Y).

Second rotation of nodal coordinate system about nodal X (positive Y toward Z).

Third rotation of nodal coordinate system about nodal Y (positive Z toward X).

Modifies an existing node. Nodal coordinate system rotation angles are in degrees and redefine any existing rotation angles. Nodes can also be redefined with the N command.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Nodes >By Angles

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >By Angles

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >Set of Nodes

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >Single Node

Removes color from graphics displays.

DISPLAY:SetUp

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Color key:

0 - Color the displays

1 - Do not color the displays

2 - Do not shade the displays

Menu Paths

DISPLAY Program

Specifies "Nodes" as the subsequent status topic.

PREP7:Status

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This is a status [STAT] topic command. Status topic commands are generated by the GUI and will appear in the log file (Jobname.LOG) if status is requested for some items under Utility Menu>List>Status. This command will be immediately followed by a STAT command, which will report the status for the specified topic.

If entered directly into the program, the STAT command should immediately follow this command.

Utility Menu >List >Status >Preprocessor >Nodes

Prevents the screen erase between displays.

GRAPHICS:SetUp

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Notes

Preventing the normal screen erase between requested displays allows you to overlay multiple views.

Use the /ERASE command to reactivate automatic screen erase.

For 3D devices (/SHOW,3D), the model in all active windows will be the same, even if you issue a different display comand (NPLOT, EPLOT, etc.) for each active window. Use the Multi-Plot command (GPLOT) to display different entities, in different windows, on 3D devices.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >PlotCtrls >Erase Options >Erase between Plots

Suppresses the data input listing.

SESSION:ListControls

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Notes

Printout is suppressed until a /GOLIST command is read or the end of the listing is encountered.

This command is valid in any processor, but only within a batch run [/BATCH].

This command cannot be accessed directly in the menu.

Re-establishes the original element ordering.

PREP7:ElementReordering

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Turns element re-ordering on or off.

On (or blank) = Re-establishes original element ordering (default).

Off = Original ordering is not used and program establishes its own ordering at the beginning of the solution phase.

If Lab=On, the original element ordering is re-established and no automatic reordering occurs at the beginning of the solution phase. Use Lab=Off only to remove the effect of a previous NOOR command. See the WSORT and WAVES commands for reordering.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Numbering Ctrls >Element Reorder >Reset Elem Order

Suppresses the expanded interpreted input data listing.

SESSION:ListControls

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Notes

Suppresses printout of interpreted input data, including information labeled as "Notes." When this printout is not suppressed, the data input to the analysis is echoed to the output file in an expanded format. Printout is suppressed until a /GOPR or /GO command is read.

Use of /NOPR is not recommended when the graphical user interface (GUI) is active. The GUI sometimes issues "hidden" /NOPR and /GOPR command sequences, which will countermand user-issued /NOPR commands, thus making the use of /NOPR in the GUI environment unpredictable.

This command is valid in any processor.

This command cannot be accessed directly in the menu.

Allows displaying area elements by top or bottom faces.

GRAPHICS:Style

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Window number (or ALL) to which command applies (defaults to 1).

Display key:

0 - No face distinction.

1 - Show only area elements having their positive normals directed toward the viewing point.

-1 - Show only area elements having their positive normals directed away from the viewing point.

Notes

Allows selecting area elements by top or bottom faces. Useful for checking the normal directions on shell elements. The positive normal (element Z direction) is defined by the right-hand rule following the node I, J, K, L input direction. Available only with raster or hidden-line displays.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >PlotCtrls >Style >Shell Normals

Displays nodes.

PREP7:Nodes

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Node number key:

0 - No node numbers on display.

1 - Include node numbers on display. See also /PNUM command.

Produces a node display. Only selected nodes [NSEL] are displayed. Elements need not be defined. See the DSYS command for display coordinate system.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Plot >Nodes

Defines which time points stored are to be listed.

POST26:Listing

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List data associated with every N time (or frequency) point(s), beginning with the first point stored (defaults to 1).

Notes

Defines which time (or frequency) points within the range stored are to be listed.

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Settings >List

Reads nodes from a file.

PREP7:Nodes

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File name (32 characters maximum). Defaults to Jobname.

File name extension (8 characters maximum). Defaults to NODE if Fname is blank.

Directory name (64 characters maximum). Defaults to current directory.

The read operation is not necessary in a standard ANSYS run but is provided as a convenience to users wanting to read a coded node file, such as from another mesh generator or from a CAD/CAM program. Data should be formatted as produced with the NWRITE command. The element types [ET] must be defined before the file is read so that the file may be read properly. Only nodes that are within the node range specified with the NRRANG command are read from the file. Duplicate nodes already in the database will be overwritten. The file is rewound before and after reading. Reading continues until the end of the file.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Nodes >Read Node File

Refines the mesh around specified nodes.

PREP7:Meshing

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Nodes (NN1 to NN2 in increments of NINC) around which the mesh is to be refined. NN2 defaults to NN1, and NINC defaults to 1. If NN1=ALL, NN2 and NINC are ignored and all selected nodes are used for refinement. If NN1=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 NN1 (NN2 and NINC are ignored).

Amount of refinement to be done. Specify the value of LEVEL as an integer from 1 to 5, where a value of 1 provides minimal refinement, and a value of 5 provides maximum refinement (defaults to 1).

Depth of mesh refinement in terms of number of elements outward from the indicated nodes (defaults to1).

Type of postprocessing to be done after element splitting, in order to improve element quality:

OFF - No postprocessing will be done.

SMOOTH - Smoothing will be done. Node locations may change.

CLEAN - Smoothing and cleanup will be done. Existing elements may be deleted, and node locations may change (default).

Flag indicating whether quadrilateral elements must be retained in the refinement of an all-quadrilateral mesh. (The ANSYS program ignores the RETAIN argument when you are refining anything other than a quadrilateral mesh.)

ON - The final mesh will be composed entirely of quadrilateral elements, regardless of the element quality (default).

OFF - The final mesh may include some triangular elements in order to maintain element quality and provide transitioning.

NREFINE performs local mesh refinement around the specified nodes. By default, the indicated elements are split to create new elements with 1/2 the edge length of the original elements (LEVEL=1).

NREFINE refines all area elements and tetrahedral volume elements that are adjacent to the specified nodes. Any volume elements that are adjacent to the specified nodes, but are not tetrahedra (for example, hexahedra, wedges, and pyramids), are not refined.

You cannot use mesh refinement on a solid model that contains initial conditions at nodes [IC], coupled nodes [CP family of commands], constraint equations [CE family of commands], or boundary conditions or loads applied directly to any of its nodes or elements. This applies to nodes and elements anywhere in the model, not just in the region where you want to request mesh refinement. For additional restrictions on mesh refinement, see Chapter 8 of the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Modify Mesh >Nodes

Specifies the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) sum mode combination method.

SOLUTION:SpectrumOptions

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Combine only those modes whose significance level exceeds the SIGNIF threshold. For single point, multipoint, or DDAM response (SPOPT,SPRS, MPRS or DDAM), the significance level of a mode is defined as the mode coefficient of the mode, divided by the maximum mode coefficient of all modes. Any mode whose significance level is less than SIGNIF is considered insignificant and is not contributed to the mode combinations. The higher the SIGNIF threshold, the fewer the number of modes combined. SIGNIF defaults to 0.001. If SIGNIF is specified as 0.0, it is taken as 0.0. (This mode combination method is not valid for SPOPT,PSD.)

Label identifying the combined mode solution output.

DISP - Displacement solution (default). Displacements, stresses, forces, etc., are available.

VELO - Velocity solution. Velocities, "stress velocities," "force velocities," etc., are available.

ACEL - Acceleration solution. Accelerations, "stress accelerations," "force accelerations," etc., are available.

This command is also valid for PREP7. This mode combination method is usually used for SPOPT,DDAM.

NRLSUM is not allowed in ANSYS/LinearPlus.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Spectrum >Mode Combine

Main Menu >Solution >Spectrum >Mode Combine

Specifies the Newton-Raphson options in a static or full transient analysis.

SOLUTION:NonlinearOptions

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Option key:

AUTO or 0 - Let the program choose the option (default).

FULL or 1 - Use full Newton-Raphson.

MODI or 2 - Use modified Newton-Raphson.

INIT or 3 - Use the previously computed matrix (initial-stiffness).

Unused field.

Adaptive descent key:

ON - Use adaptive descent (default if frictional contact exists; if one of the elements CONTAC12, CONTAC26, CONTAC48, CONTAC49, or CONTAC52 is present; or if plasticity exists and one of the elements PIPE20, BEAM23, BEAM24, or PIPE60 is present). Explicit ON is valid only if Option=FULL.

OFF - Do not use adaptive descent (default in all other cases).

The default values given for this command assume SOLCONTROL,ON (the default). See the description of SOLCONTROL in the ANSYS Commands Reference for a complete listing of the defaults set by SOLCONTROL,ON and SOLCONTROL,OFF.

Indicates the Newton-Raphson option used to solve the nonlinear equations in a static or full transient analysis. If used in SOLUTION, this command is valid only within the first load step.

This command is also valid in PREP7.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Analysis Options

Main Menu >Solution >Analysis Options

Rotates nodal coordinate systems into the active system.

PREP7:Nodes

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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).

Notes

Rotates nodal coordinate systems into the active coordinate system. Nodal coordinate systems may be automatically rotated into the active (global or local) coordinate system as follows: Rotations in Cartesian systems will have nodal x directions rotated parallel to the Cartesian X direction. Rotations in cylindrical, spherical or toroidal systems will have the nodal x directions rotated parallel to the R direction. Nodes at (or near) a zero radius location should not be rotated automatically. Nodal coordinate directions may be displayed [/PSYMB]. Nodal forces and constraints will also appear rotated when displayed if the nodal coordinate system is rotated. For FLOTRAN analyses, nodal coordinate systems should only be rotated parallel to the global Cartesian system. (Note that nodal coordinate systems are defined, and remain, parallel to the global Cartesian system unless subsequently rotated.).

Previously specified rotations on the specified nodes are overridden.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Nodes >To Active CS

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >To Active CS

Specifies the range of nodes to be read from the node file.

PREP7:Nodes

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Node range is defined from NMIN (defaults to 1) to NMAX (defaults to 999999) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1).

Notes

Defines the range of nodes to be read [NREAD] from the node file. Also implies an element range since only elements fully attached to these nodes will be read from the element file.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Nodes >Read Node File

Generates a scaled set of nodes from a pattern of nodes.

PREP7:Nodes

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Do this scaling operation one time, incrementing all nodes in the given pattern by INC. If INC = 0, nodes will be redefined at the scaled locations.

Scale nodes from 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 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).

Scale factor ratios. Scaling is relative to the origin of the active coordinate system (RR,R,RZ for cylindrical, RR,R,R for spherical or toroidal). If absolute value of ratio > 1.0, pattern is enlarged. If < 1.0, pattern is reduced. Ratios default to 1.0 (each).

Generates a scaled pattern of nodes from a given node pattern. Scaling is done in the active coordinate system. Nodes in the pattern may have been generated in any coordinate system.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Copy >Scale & Copy

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >Scale & Move

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Scale >Scale & Copy

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Scale >Scale & Move

Selects a subset of nodes.

DATABASE:Selecting

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Label identifying the type of select:

S - Select a new set (default).

R - Reselect a set from the current set.

A - Additionally select a set and extend the current set.

U - Unselect a set from the current set.

ALL - Restore the full set.

NONE - Unselect the full set.

INVE - Invert the current set (selected becomes unselected and vice versa).

STAT - Display the current select status.

The following fields are used only with Type=S,R,A, or U:

Label identifying data. Valid item labels are shown in the table below. Some items also require a component label. If Item=P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). Defaults to NODE.

Component of the item (if required). Valid component labels are shown in the table below.

Minimum value of item range. Ranges are node numbers, set numbers, coordinate values, load values, or result values as appropriate for the item. A component name (as specified on the CM command) may also be substituted for VMIN (VMAX and VINC are ignored).

Maximum value of item range. VMAX defaults to VMIN for input values. For result values, VMAX defaults to infinity if VMIN is positive, or to zero if VMIN is negative. If VMIN = VMAX, a tolerance of 0.005xVMIN is used, or 1.0E-6 if VMIN=0.0. If VMAX VMIN, a tolerance of 1.0E-8x(VMAX-VMIN) is used.

Value increment within range. Used only with integer ranges (such as for node and set numbers). Defaults to 1. VINC cannot be negative.

Absolute value key:

0 - Check sign of value during selection.

1 - Use absolute value during selection (sign ignored).

Notes

Selects a subset of nodes. For example, to select a new set of nodes based on node numbers 1 through 7, use NSEL,S,NODE,,1,7. The subset is used when the ALL label is entered (or implied) on other commands, such as NLIST,ALL. Only data identified by node number are selected. Data are flagged as selected and unselected; no data are actually deleted from the database.

When selecting nodes by results, the full graphics value is used, regardless of whether PowerGraphics is on.

Solution result data consists of two types, 1) nodal degree of freedom-results initially calculated at the nodes (such as displacement, temperature, pressure, etc.), and 2) element-results initially calculated elsewhere (such as at an element integration point or thickness location) and then recalculated at the nodes (such as stresses, strains, etc.). Various element results also depend upon the recalculation method and the selected results location [AVPRIN, RSYS, FORCE, LAYER and SHELL].

This command is valid in any processor.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Elements >Surf Effect >Extra Node

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Elements >Surf Effect >No extra Node

Utility Menu >Select >Entities

Selects those nodes associated with the selected areas.

DATABASE:Selecting

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Label identifying the type of node select:

S - Select a new set (default).

R - Reselect a set from the current set.

A - Additionally select a set and extend the current set.

U - Unselect a set from the current set.

Specifies whether only interior area nodes are to be selected:

0 - Select only nodes interior to selected areas.

1 - Select all nodes (interior to area, interior to lines, and at keypoints) associated with the selected areas.

Valid only if the nodes were generated by an area meshing operation [AMESH, VMESH] on a solid model that contains the selected areas.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Select >Entities

Selects those nodes attached to the selected elements.

DATABASE:Selecting

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Label identifying the type of node select:

S - Select a new set (default).

R - Reselect a set from the current set.

A - Additionally select a set and extend the current set.

U - Unselect a set from the current set.

Label identifying type/location of nodes to select:

ALL - Select all nodes (default).

ACTIVE - Select active nodes.

INACTIVE - Select inactive (such as orientation or radiation) nodes.

CORNER - Select corner nodes.

MID - Select midside nodes.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Select >Entities

Selects those nodes associated with the selected keypoints.

DATABASE:Selecting

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Label identifying the type of node select:

S - Select a new set (default).

R - Reselect a set from the current set.

A - Additionally select a set and extend the current set.

U - Unselect a set from the current set.

Valid only if the nodes were generated by a keypoint meshing operation [KMESH, LMESH, AMESH, VMESH] on a solid model that contains the selected keypoints.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Select >Entities

Selects those nodes associated with the selected lines.

DATABASE:Selecting

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Label identifying the type of node select:

S - Select a new set (default).

R - Reselect a set from the current set.

A - Additionally select a set and extend the current set.

U - Unselect a set from the current set.

Specifies whether only interior line nodes are to be selected:

0 - Select only nodes interior to selected lines.

1 - Select all nodes (interior to line and at keypoints) associated with the selected lines.

Valid only if the nodes were generated by a line meshing operation [LMESH, AMESH, VMESH] on a solid model that contains the associated lines.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Select >Entities

Selects those nodes associated with the selected volumes.

DATABASE:Selecting

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Label identifying the type of node select:

S - Select a new set (default).

R - Reselect a set from the current set.

A - Additionally select a set and extend the current set.

U - Unselect a set from the current set.

Specifies whether only interior volume nodes are to be selected:

0 - Select only nodes interior to selected volumes.

1 - Select all nodes (interior to volume, interior to areas, interior to lines, and at keypoints) associated with the selected volumes.

Valid only if the nodes were generated by a volume meshing operation [VMESH] on a solid model that contains the selected volumes.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Select >Entities

Specifies nodal data to be stored from the results file.

POST26:SetUp

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Arbitrary reference number assigned to this variable (2 to NV [NUMVAR]). Overwrites any existing results for this variable.

Node for which data are to be stored.

Label identifying the item. Valid item labels are shown in the table below. Some items also require a component label.

Component of the item (if required). Valid component labels are shown in the table below.

Eight character name for identifying the item on the printout and displays. Defaults to an eight character label formed by concatenating the first four characters of the Item and Comp labels.

Stores nodal degree of freedom and solution results in a variable.

Item and component labels for nodal degree of freedom results:

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Define Variables

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Elec&Mag >Circuit >Define Variables

Sorts nodal data.

POST1:Results

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Label identifying the item to be sorted on. Valid item labels are shown in the table below. Some items also require a component label.

Component of the item (if required). Valid component labels are shown in the table below.

Order of sort operation:

0 - Sort into descending order.

1 - Sort into ascending order.

Absolute value key:

0 - Sort according to real value.

1 - Sort according to absolute value.

Number of nodal data records to be sorted in ascending or descending order (ORDER) before sort is stopped (remainder will be in unsorted sequence) (defaults to all nodes).

Allows selection of nodes in the sorted field.

BLANK - No selection (DEFAULT).

SELECT - Select the nodes in the sorted list.

Notes

Values are in the active coordinate system [CSYS for input data or RSYS for results data]. Various element results also depend upon the recalculation method and the selected results location [AVPRIN, RSYS, SHELL, ESEL, and NSEL]. If simultaneous load cases are stored, the last sorted sequence formed from any load case applies to all load cases. Use NUSORT to restore the original order. This command is not valid with PowerGraphics.

Main Menu >General Postproc >List Results >Sort Nodes

Utility Menu >Parameters >Get Scalar Data

Defines which time points are to be stored.

POST26:SetUp

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Store data associated with every TINC time (or frequency) point(s), within the previously defined range of TMIN to TMAX [TIMERANGE]. (Defaults to 1)

Notes

Defines which time (or frequency) points within the range are to be stored.

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Settings >Data

Specifies the number of substeps to be taken this load step.

SOLUTION:LoadStepOptions

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Number of substeps to be used for this load step (i.e. the time step size or frequency increment). If automatic time stepping is used [AUTOTS], NSBSTP defines the size of the first substep. If SOLCONTROL,ON and contact elements TARGE169, TARGE170, CONTA171, CONTA172, CONTA173, or CONTA174 are used, defaults to 1 or 20 substeps, depending on the physics of the problem. If SOLCONTROL,ON and none of these contact elements are used, defaults to 1 substep. If SOLCONTROL,OFF, defaults to the previously specified value (or 1, if there is no previously specified value).

Maximum number of substeps to be taken (i.e. the minimum time step size) if automatic time stepping is used. If SOLCONTROL,ON, default determined by ANSYS depending on the physics of the problem. If SOLCONTROL,OFF, defaults to the previously specified value (or NSBSTP, if there is no previously specified value).

Minimum number of substeps to be taken (i.e. the maximum time step size) if automatic time stepping is used. Default determined by ANSYS depending on the physics of the problem. If SOLCONTROL,OFF, defaults to the previously specified value (or 1, if there is no previously specified value).

Time step carry-over key (default determined by ANSYS depending on the physics of the problem):

OFF - Use NSBSTP to define time step at start of each load step.

ON - Use final time step from previous load step as the starting time step (if automatic time stepping is used).

If SOLCONTROL,ON, default determined by ANSYS depending on the physics of the problem. If SOLCONTROL,OFF, defaults to OFF.

See DELTIM for an alternative input. It is recommended that all fields of this command be specified for solution efficiency and robustness.

This command is also valid in PREP7.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Time/Frequenc >Freq and Substps

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Time/Frequenc >Time and Substps

Main Menu >Solution >Time/Frequenc >Freq and Substps

Main Menu >Solution >Time/Frequenc >Time and Substps

Defines the number of variables for user-programmable element options.

PREP7:ElementType

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Element type number as defined on the ET command.

Number of extra state variables to save (must be no more than 840).

Notes

Defines the number of extra variables that need to be saved for user-programmable (system-dependent) element options, e.g. material laws through user subroutine USERPL. ITYPE must first be defined with the ET command.

This command cannot be accessed directly in the menu.

Generates a reflected set of nodes.

PREP7:Nodes

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Symmetry key:

X - X (or R) symmetry (default).

Y - Y (or ) symmetry.

Z - Z (or ) symmetry.

Increment all nodes in the given pattern by INC to form the reflected node pattern.

Reflect nodes from pattern beginning with NODE1 to NODE2 (defaults to NODE1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NODE1 = ALL, NODE2 and NINC are ignored and 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).

Generates nodes from a given node pattern by a symmetry reflection. Reflection is done in the active coordinate system by changing a particular coordinate sign. Nodes in the pattern may have been generated in any coordinate system. Nodal rotation angles are not reflected.

Symmetry reflection may be used with any node pattern, in any coordinate system, as many times as desired. Reflection is accomplished by a coordinate sign change (in the active coordinate system). For example, an X-reflection in a Cartesian coordinate system generates additional nodes from a given pattern, with a node increment added to each node number, and an X coordinate sign change. An R-reflection in a cylindrical coordinate system gives a reflected "radial" location by changing the "equivalent" Cartesian (i.e., the Cartesian system with the same origin as the active cylindrical system) X and Y coordinate signs. An R-reflection in a spherical coordinate system gives a reflected "radial" location by changing the equivalent Cartesian X, Y, and Z coordinate location signs. Nodal coordinate system rotation angles are not reflected.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Reflect >Nodes

Specifies whether numbers, colors, or both are used for displays.

GRAPHICS:Labeling

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Numbering style:

0 - Color (terminal dependent) the numbered items and show numbers.

1 - Color the numbered items. Do not show the numbers.

2 - Show the numbers. Do not color the items.

-1 - Do not color the items or show the numbers.

Specifies whether numbers, colors, or both are used for numbering displays [/PNUM] of nodes, elements, keypoints, lines, areas, and volumes.

Color may be used only on terminals having color capability. Shading is also available for terminals configured with more than 4 color planes [/SHOW]. Color automatically appears for certain items and may be manually controlled (off or on) for other items.

The following items are automatically given discrete colors: Boundary condition symbols [/PBC], curves on graph displays, and distorted geometry on postprocessing displays. Contour lines in postprocessing displays are automatically colored based upon a continuous, rather than a discrete, spectrum so that red is associated with the highest contour value. On terminals with raster capability [/SHOW], the area between contour lines is filled with the color of the higher contour.

Color is available only if the item is also displayed with an identifying number. For example, elements displayed in PREP7 are given discrete colors related to the different attribute numbers being displayed (i.e., different colors for elements of different number, type, material, real constant, or element coordinate system). Coloring by element location number is continuous, rather than discrete, to allow a color representation of the element ordering. Explicit entity colors or the discrete color mapping may be changed with the /COLOR command.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >PlotCtrls >Numbering

Compresses the numbering of defined items.

PREP7:Database

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Items to be compressed:

NODE - Node numbers

ELEM - Element numbers

KP - Keypoint numbers

LINE - Line numbers

AREA - Area numbers

VOLU - Volume numbers

MAT - Material numbers

TYPE - Element type numbers

REAL - Real constant numbers

CP - Coupled set numbers

CE - Constraint equation numbers

ALL - All item numbers

The NUMCMP command effectively compresses out unused item numbers by renumbering all the items, beginning with one and continuing throughout the model. The renumbering order follows the initial item numbering order (i.e., compression lowers the maximum number by "sliding" numbers down to take advantage of unused (or skipped) numbers). All defined items are renumbered, regardless of whether or not they are actually used or selected. Applicable related items are also checked for renumbering as described for the merge operation [NUMMRG]. Compressing material numbers [NUMCMP,ALL or NUMCMP,MAT] does not update the material number referenced by a temperature-dependent convection load [SF, SFE, SFL, SFA] or by real constants for layered elements (SOLID46, SOLID65, SHELL91, SHELL99). Compression is usually not required unless memory space is limited and there are large gaps in the numbering sequence.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Numbering Ctrls >Compress Numbers

Specifies solutions to be expanded from reduced analyses.

SOLUTION:LoadStepOptions

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Number of expanded solutions to be done this load step.

Beginning and ending time (or frequency) range for expanded solutions.

Element calculation key:

YES - Calculate element results, nodal loads, and reaction loads.

NO - Do not calculate these items.

Specifies a range of solutions to be expanded from analyses that use reduced or mode superposition methods (ANTYPE=HARMIC, TRANS, or SUBSTR). For ANTYPE=TRANS, NUM evenly spaced solutions are expanded between time BEGRNG and time ENDRNG. For ANTYPE=HARMIC, NUM evenly spaced solutions are expanded between frequency BEGRNG and frequency ENDRNG. The first expansion in all cases is done at the first point beyond BEGRNG (i.e., at BEGRNG + (ENDRNG - BEGRNG)/NUM)). For single expansions of a solution, or multiple expansions when the solutions are not evenly spaced (such as in a mode superposition harmonic analysis with the cluster option), do not use this command. Instead, use one or more EXPSOL commands as appropriate.

This command is also valid in PREP7.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >ExpansionPass >Range of Solu's

Main Menu >Solution >ExpansionPass >Range of Solu's

Merges coincident or equivalently defined items.

PREP7:Database

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Items to be merged:

NODE - Nodes

ELEM - Elements

KP - Keypoints (will also merge lines, areas, and volumes)

MAT - Materials

TYPE - Element types

REAL - Real constants

CP - Coupled sets

CE - Constraint equations

ALL - All items

Range of coincidence. For Label=NODE and KP, defaults to 1.0E-4 (based on maximum Cartesian coordinate difference between nodes or keypoints). For Label=MAT, REAL, and CE, defaults to 1.0E-7 (based on difference of the values normalized by the values). Only items within range are merged. (For keypoints attached to lines, further restrictions apply. See the GTOLER field and Merging Solid Model Entities below.)

Global solid model tolerance - used only when merging keypoints attached to lines. If specified, GTOLER will override the internal relative solid model tolerance. See Merging Solid Model Entities below.

Select coincident items but do not merge.

Specifies whether the lowest or highest numbered coincident item is retained after the merging operation:

LOW - Retain the lowest numbered coincident item after the merging operation (default).

HIGH - Retain the highest numbered coincident item after the merging operation.

The merge operation is useful for tying separate, but coincident, parts of a model together. If not all items are to be checked for merging, use the select commands [NSEL, ESEL, etc.] to select items. Only selected items are included in the merge operation for nodes, keypoints, and elements.

By default,the merge operation retains the lowest numbered coincident item. Higher numbered coincident items are deleted. Set the SWITCH field to HIGH to retain the highest numbered coincident item after the merging operation. Applicable related items are also checked for deleted item numbers and if found, are replaced with the retained item number. For example, if nodes are merged, element connectivities (except superelements), mesh item range associativity, coupled degrees of freedom, constraint equations, master degrees of freedom, gap conditions, degree of freedom constraints, nodal force loads, nodal surface loads, and nodal body force loads are checked. Merging material numbers [NUMMRG,ALL or NUMMRG,MAT] does not update the material number referenced by a temperature-dependent convection load [SF, SFE, SFL, SFA] or by real constants for layered elements (SOLID46, SOLID65, SHELL91, SHELL99).

If a unique load is defined among merged nodes, the value is kept and applied to the retained node. If loads are not unique (not recommended), only the value on the lowest node (or highest if SWITCH=HIGH) will be kept, except for "force" loads for which the values will be summed. Note that unused nodes (not recommended) in elements, couplings, constraint equations, etc. may become active after the merge operation.

The SELE field provides the option of visualizing the coincident items before the merging operation.

Merging Solid Model Entities:

When merging solid model entities (Label=KP or ALL), keypoint locations are used as the basis for merging. Once keypoints are merged, any higher order solid model entities (lines, areas, and volumes) attached to those keypoints are considered for merging.

Keypoints that are attached to lines will be merged only if:

1) X, Y, and Z are each less than TOLER, where
X is the X component of the distance between keypoints,
Y is the Y component of the distance between keypoints, and
Z is the Z component of the distance between keypoints;

and

2)

is less than 1E-5 times the length of the longest line attached to those keypoints (internal relative solid model tolerance), or

is less than GTOLER (global solid model tolerance) if specified.

The TOLER field is a consideration tolerance. If a keypoint is within TOLER of another keypoint, then those two keypoints are candidates to be merged. If, when "moving" the higher numbered keypoint, the distance exceeds the internal relative solid model tolerance, or the global solid model tolerance (GTOLER) if specified, the keypoints will not be merged. Lines, areas, and volumes are considered for merging in a similar manner.

The internal relative solid model tolerance should be overridden by the global solid model tolerance (GTOLER) only when absolutely necessary. GTOLER is an absolute tolerance; if specified, relative lengths of lines in the model will no longer be considered in the merge operation. If GTOLER is too large, you can "merge-out" portions of your model accidently, effectively defeaturing the model. If GTOLER is used, it is recommended that NUMMRG be preceded by saving the database (since undesired merges of solid model entities could occur).

Note-Use of the NUMMRG command does not cause changes to a model's geometry; only the topology is affected.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Numbering Ctrls >Merge Items

Adds a number offset to defined items.

PREP7:Database

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Apply offset number to one of the following sets of items:

NODE - Nodes

ELEM - Elements

KP - Keypoints

LINE - Lines

AREA - Areas

VOLU - Volumes

MAT - Materials

TYPE - Element types

REAL - Real constants

CP - Coupled sets

CE - Constraint equations

CSYS - Coordinate systems

Offset number value (cannot be negative).

Useful for offsetting current model data to prevent overlap if another model is read in. CDWRITE automatically writes the appropriate NUMOFF commands followed by the model data to File.CDB. Therefore, when the file is read, any model already existing in the database is offset before the model data on the file is read.

Caution: Offsetting material numbers with this command [NUMOFF,MAT] does not update the material numbers referenced by temperature-dependent convection loads [SF, SFE, SFL, SFA] or by real constants for layered elements (SOLID46, SOLID65, SHELL91, SHELL99). Therefore, a mismatch may exist between the material definitions and the material numbers referenced.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Numbering Ctrls >Add Num Offset

Establishes starting numbers for automatically numbered items.

PREP7:Database

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Apply starting number to one of the following sets of items:

NODE - Node numbers. Value defaults (and is continually reset) to 1 + maximum node number in model. Cannot be reset lower.

ELEM - Element numbers. Value defaults (and is continually reset) to 1 + maximum element number in model. Cannot be reset lower.

KP - Keypoint numbers. Value defaults to 1. Only undefined numbers are used. Existing keypoints are not overwritten.

LINE - Line numbers. Value defaults to 1. Only undefined numbers are used. Existing lines are not overwritten.

AREA - Area numbers. Value defaults to 1. Only undefined numbers are used. Existing areas are not overwritten.

VOLU - Volume numbers. Value defaults to 1. Only undefined numbers are used. Existing volumes are not overwritten.

DEFA - Default. Returns all starting numbers to their default values.

Starting number value.

Establishes starting numbers for various items that may have numbers automatically assigned (such as element numbers with the EGEN command, and node and solid model entity numbers with the mesh [AMESH, VMESH, etc.] commands). Use NUMSTR,STAT to display settings. Use NUMSTR,DEFA to reset all specifications back to defaults. Defaults may be lowered by deleting and compressing items (i.e. NDELE and NUMCMP,NODE for nodes, etc.).

Note that a mesh clear operation (VCLEAR, ACLEAR, LCLEAR, and KCLEAR) automatically sets starting node and element numbers to the highest unused numbers. If a specific starting node or element number is desired, issue NUMSTR after the clear operation.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Numbering Ctrls >Reset Start Num

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Numbering Ctrls >Set Start Number

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Numbering Ctrls >Start Num Status

Specifies the number of variables allowed in POST26.

POST26:SetUp

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Allow storage for NV variables. 200 maximum are allowed. Defaults to 10 (except for an explicit dynamics analysis, which defaults to 20). TIME (variable 1) should also be included in this number.

Notes

Specifies the number of variables allowed for data read from the results file and for data resulting from an operation (if any). For efficiency, NV should not be larger than necessary. NV cannot be changed after data storage begins.

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Settings >File

Restores original order for nodal data.

POST1:Results

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This command restores the nodal data to its original order (sorted in ascending node number sequence) after an NSORT command. Changing the selected nodal set [NSEL] also restores the original nodal order.

Main Menu >General Postproc >List Results >Unsort Nodes

Moves the working plane origin to the average location of nodes.

DATABASE:WorkingPlane

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Nodes used in calculation of the average. At least one must be defined. If N1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Averaging is based on the active coordinate system.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >WorkPlane >Offset WP to >Nodes

Defines the working plane using three nodes.

DATABASE:WorkingPlane

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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.

Node number defining the origin of the working plane coordinate system. If NORIG = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Node number defining the x-axis orientation (defaults to the x-axis being parallel to the global X-axis; or if the normal to the working plane is parallel to the global X-axis, then defaults to being parallel to the global Y-axis).

Node number defining the working plane (the normal defaults to the present display view [/VIEW] of window WN).

Defines a working plane to assist in picking operations using three nodes as an alternate to the WPLANE command. The three nodes also define the working plane coordinate system. A minimum of one node (at the working plane origin) is required. Immediate mode may also be active. See WPSTYL command to set the style of working plane display.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >WorkPlane >Align WP with >Nodes

Writes nodes to a file.

PREP7:Nodes

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File name (32 characters maximum). Defaults to Jobname.

File name extension (8 characters maximum). Defaults to NODE if Fname is blank.

Directory name (64 characters maximum). Defaults to current directory.

Append key:

0 - Rewind file before the write operation.

1 - Append data to the end of the existing file.

Writes selected nodes [NSEL] to a file. The write operation is not necessary in a standard ANSYS run but is provided as a convenience to users wanting a coded node file. Data are written in a coded format. The format used is (I8, 6G20.13) to write out NODE,X,Y,Z,THXY,THYZ,THZX. Coordinate values are in the global Cartesian system.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Nodes >Write Node File