http://www.3dvision.com/blog/entry/2008/04/18/nodal-versus-elemental-stresses.

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http://www.scribd.com/doc/150748015/NX-Nastran-8-User-s-Guide ----matrerial
https://web.mst.edu/~mleu/NX9.0%20Manual.pdf
http://m.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/Images/14753_tcm1224-67395.pdf
If there is big difference between nodal and elemental stresses in a field of hi
gh forces that means, mesh is to big in that space and needs
to be made smaller
.f06 is main output where are displacement and stresses
.f04 history of assigned files, disk space usage
.log gives summary of the command line options used and the execution links,cont
ains errors in process
choosing a mesh-
CROD elements if end moments are unimportant
CBAR elements if end moments are inportant
CBEAM elements with warping if the mebers have open cross section and torsional
stresses are estimated to be significant
1D ELEMENTS
CROD elements are used if only an axial and/or torsion load is transmitted in an
elemenent (this is one dimensional element)
CBAR is easier to use than CBEAM
CBEAM element is used instead of CBAR if this features are important:
1. The cross-sectional properties are tapered
2. The neutral axis and shear centar do not coincide
3. The effect of cross-sectional warping on torsional stiffness is critical
4. The difference in the mass center of gravity and the shear center is signific
ant
2D ELEMENTS
CQUAD4 CQUAD8 are preferred over the triangular elements -CTRAIN3 AND CTRAIN 6
CTRAIN3 element is a constant strain element-excessively stiff , when used alone
it is generally less accurate than CQUAD4 element
its particulary for membrane strain.
Whenever feasible you should use CQUAD4 element instead of CTRAIN3 element.
CTRAIN3 element are used when necessary for geometric or topological reasons for
exemple, mesh transition between regions of quadrilateral
element with different meshes or near the polar axis of spherical shell
Avoid CTRAIN3 when membrane stresses are changing rapidly, in the web of I-beam
.
Dont use plate or shell elements (CQUAD, CTRAI) oin stiffened shell structures w
ith very thin panels that can buckle, for that it should be
used CSHEAR, when direct stresses cannot be supported, such as in a very thin cu
rved panels