Material nonlinear analysis supports problems for which there are changes in material properties and plasticity must be assessed. The solver incorporates both the deformation theory of plasticity (for single overload events) and the incremental theory of plasticity for simulating multiple load-unload events such as during cold-working processes. It can perform a load step analysis to determine limit load at which there is unrestricted plastic flow.

Geometric nonlinear analysis support problems undergoes large displacements (and/or strain), ensuring equilibrium is satisfied in the deformed configuration. The user can switch from the default solver to the Newton-Raphson method for cases in which there is a strong coupling between membrane and bending forces.

The General nonlinear option combines the strengths of geometric and material nonlinear analyses (via deformation theory of plasticity) for problems undergoing both large deformation (and/or strains) and localized plasticity.

Material nonlinear with multi-body contact – StressCheck also supports the solution of an assembly for which one or more parts undergo localized plasticity (e.g. fastened joints, lugs, etc.). Dual iterative approach to update contact pressures as material plasticizes.

• StressCheck’s high-order elements are well suited for effectively and efficiently capturing non-uniform plastic boundaries as well as large structural rotations
• Transition seamlessly from a linear to a non-linear solution process by simply switching solvers
• Simple to check convergence of nonlinear analyses via StressCheck’s hierarchic framework