This paper presents the capability in advanced nonlinear analysis using SOL 400, which is having some advanced features which is better equipped in geometric, material and contact non-linearities. Nonlinear analysis poses far more challenges than solving a system of equations in linear elastic regime because there is not one unique solution procedure that is suitable for solving all nonlinear problems. For the execution of linear elastic analysis, the user can usually rely on default solution procedures. However, for nonlinear analysis, an appropriate solution procedure must be selected. When the model definition is not ok or the solution procedures are not properly chosen, convergence issues may arise in nonlinear analyses. It is always challenging when it comes to nonlinear analysis, either it is geometric, material or contact nonlinearity using SOL 106 in Nastran. For Advanced nonlinear analysis, SOL 400 is a new approach to solve the different type of nonlinear analysis. SOL 400 is having some advanced features like large displacement and large strain solution. Also,it supports advance MARC elements along with traditional Nastran elements which supersedes some Nastran solutions like 106, 129, 153 and 159 solutions. For Contact non-linearity, CGAP modeling can be avoided where SOL400 promotes realistic contact approach.
MSC Nastran SOL 400 enables significant time savings by allowing for an easy transition from linear to nonlinear analysis inside one tool, and more convenient model sharing between multiple groups eliminating error prone transition and duplicate work. SOL 400 enriches in set of capabilities like geometric, material and contact non-linearities. As result solution 400 is better equipped with handling geometric, material and contact non-linearities with better performance and is flexible in handling the solution parameters with different types of complex nonlinearity where always the results are accurate and more realistic.