Autodesk Nastran 2022 Nonlinear Analysis Handbook

Figure 7. Stress-Strain Curves for Two Different Mesh Densities.

It is also important to note that since the corner stresses are extrapolated from the Gauss points, their
stress values can often exceed the stress values on the stress-strain curve. If there is a large difference
between the center stress values and the corner stresses, it is recommended to refine the mesh to get a
more accurate representation of the yielding that is occurring.

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Autodesk Nastran 2022 Nonlinear Analysis Handbook

5.3 Advanced Parameters

NLMATSFACT is a stabilization technique used in nonlinear material analysis when abrupt stiffness
changes occur in the material. It controls how the solver follows the stress-strain curve during iterations.
The default AUTO setting automatically lowers the scale factor when it encounters divergence. A small
value of NLMATSFACT (for instance .01) is more stable but requires more iterations per increment.

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