When the Load Case Type is Nonlinear Static , use the Load Case Data form to view and change the definition of a nonlinear direct-integration time-history load case. A direct-integration time-history analysis solves equations for the entire structure at each time step, as compared with a modal time-history analysis, which uses the method of mode superposition. Nonlinear static analysis can be used for many purposes:
Perform an initial P-delta or large-displacement analysis to get the stiffness used for subsequent superposable linear analyses.
Analyze structures with tension-only bracing.
Analyze cable structures.
Perform static pushover analysis.
Perform snap-through buckling analyses.
Establish the initial conditions for nonlinear direct-integration time-history analyses.
Perform any other static analysis that considers the effect of material or geometric nonlinear behavior.
Use the following areas on the form to define the nonlinear direct-integration time-history load case.
Note: Please refer to the Load Case Data Form topic for information related to the Load Case Name edit box, the Load Case Type and Load Case Subtype drop-down lists, and the Notes Modify/Show and Design buttons.
Loads Applied options. Apply the loads from one or more load patterns, built-in acceleration loads, or even inertial loads proportional to mode-shapes (the latter is used for static pushover analysis). All loads specified will be scaled, added, and applied in combination. - Begin using this area of the form by clicking the Add button.
Load Type drop-down list. Choose whether the load to be applied is a load pattern, a built-in acceleration load, or an inertial load proportional to a mode shape.
Load Name drop-down list. Choose the load case pattern, the global direction of ground acceleration, or the mode number, depending on the type of load.
Note: For modal loads, if a mode number is chosen that was not calculated in the specified Modal Load Case (see below), a warning will be issued and the applied load will be zero.
Scale Factor edit box. Enter a scale factor that multiplies the load before adding it to other loads applied. For acceleration loads, the scale factor has units of acceleration, and should be consistent with the length units currently in use. For load cases and modal loads, the scale factor is unitless.
Add button. After the Load Type, Load Name and Scale Factor have been specified, click the Add button to add the load.
Delete button.
Highlight a load in the set of applied loads.
Click the Delete button.
Other Parameters
Modal Load Case drop-down list. To apply any modal loads (inertia loads that are proportional to mode shapes), choose the modal load case whose modes are to be used. The modal load at a joint degree of freedom is calculated as the product of the modal displacement times the mode's circular frequency squared (w2) times the mass tributary to the joint along that degree of freedom.
Tip: Although not required, it makes the most physical sense for the selected modal load case to be based on the stiffness matrix from the same nonlinear load case (or zero) that is used for the initial conditions of the current nonlinear static load case.
Load Application display box. The display box shows the load to be applied during the analysis. Click the Modify/Show button to access the Load Application Control for Nonlinear Static Analysis form and specify the load application, control displacement and monitored displacement for the analysis.
Results Saved display box. The display box shows the results that will be saved from the analysis. Click the Modify/Show button to access the Results Saved for Nonlinear Static Load Cases form and specify the results to be saved for the analysis.
Nonlinear Parameters display box. The display box identifies the parameters as Default or User Defined. Click the Modify/Show button to access the Nonlinear Parameters form and specify user defined Nonlinear Parameters for the analysis.
See also
Displacement Output Conventions
Access the Load Case Data form for a Static Nonlinear case as follows:
Click the Define menu > Load Case command to access the Load Cases form.
Click the Add New Case button or highlight a previously defined static nonlinear load case and click the Add Copy of Case or the Modify/Show Case button to display the Load Case Data form.
Ensure that Nonlinear Static is selected in the Load Case Type drop-down list.