Finite Element

Glossary

Modeling

and

Analysis

ACCELERATION
A boundary condition which can be applied to a finite element
model as a combination of gravity, translation for total
acceleration, and rotation for total acceleration. For a point in the
model, total acceleration is the sum of one translation term and
two rotation terms defined by angular velocity, angular
acceleration, and rotation center.
ADAPTIVE MESHING
A finite element modeling capability which automatically improves
a mesh by moving nodes, splitting elements, or remeshing. The
adaptive meshing capability can reduce element distortion and
refine a mesh in areas where error estimates are highest.
ALMANSI STRAIN
Strain defined in the deformed state as change in squared length
per twice the new squared length (dS2 - dS02)/(2dS2) where dS0
represents the undeformed length and dS the deformed length.
(Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS Introduction to
Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited by E. Hinton, pp. 347362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688)
04/15/93.)
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
The temperature that exists at nodes on a finite element model
where nodal and/or elemental temperatures are not defined. For
nonlinear statics analysis, ambient temperature can vary with
time.
ANALYSIS MASK
In I-DEAS Simulation, a capability which allows you to screen out
properties that are meaningless to a particular solver. The analysis
mask lets you specify the solver that you plan to use; the software

then offers you only those physical properties that the solver
supports.
ANISOTROPIC MATERIAL
Material which behaves in a different manner depending on its
orientation. It has 21 independent elastic constants. Examples
include wood and composites.
AXISYMMETRIC SHELL
A 1-dimensional finite element which can model structures that
are symmetric about an axis of rotation. Axisymmetric shells have
two translational degrees of freedom and one rotational degree of
freedom assigned to each node.
AXISYMMETRIC SOLID
A 2-dimensional finite element which can model structures that
are symmetric about an axis of rotation. Axisymmetric solids have
two translational degrees of freedom assigned to each node.
BALL JOINT RESTRAINT
A type of restraint applied to a finite element model which fixes all
three translational degrees of freedom in the nodal displacement
coordinate system. All rotational degrees of freedom are free.
BANDWIDTH
The width of the band of non-zero numbers which lie about the
diagonal of the stiffness matrix. Solution time increases rapidly as
the bandwidth increases.
BEAM
A 1-dimensional finite element which is significantly longer than it
is wide or deep. A beam has three translational degrees of
freedom and three rotational degrees of freedom. There are four
types of beam elements: linear, parabolic, curved, and tapered.
Beam elements can be used to create beam models.
BEAM DESIGN PARAMETER

In I-DEAS Optimization, a design parameter which defines the

beam cross section properties of a design which you will allow to
vary.
BEAM DISTRIBUTED LOAD
A combination of distributed forces and moments applied along a
length of a section of a beam.
BENDING MOMENT
A moment along the geometric edge or element edge of a finite
element model. A positive moment rotates in the direction of the
element's connectivity, according to the right hand rule.
BENDING STRESS
A longitudinal stress developed in a beam when the beam is
subjected to a bending moment resulting in a curvature. The
stress can be tensile or compressive.
BIASING
The distribution of nodes along the side of a surface in a mapped
mesh. You can define four types of biasing: end biasing, center
biasing, functional biasing, and fractional biasing.
BOTTOM-UP MESHING
The method of creating a finite element mesh by building
individual nodes and elements explicitly rather than creating a
mesh directly on geometry.
BOUNDARY CONDITION
Enforced environmental conditions on a finite element model.
Boundary conditions include restraints, constraints, temperatures,
and mechanical loads.
BOUNDARY CONDITION SET
A collection of boundary conditions that are applied to a model
during an analysis. Generally, you create a boundary condition set
after you have created all of the boundary conditions needed for
the selected model.

BUCKLING
Geometric instability due to local compression. (Reprinted by
permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear
Finite Element Analysis, edited by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362.
Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
BUCKLING LOAD FACTOR
In Linear Buckling Analysis, the amount by which the loads placed
on the model must be multiplied for buckling to occur. For
example, if the load factor is 2, the loads bring the structure to
50% of the critical buckling load.
CAUCHY STRESS
Stress defined as force per unit current area. (Reprinted by
permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear
Finite Element Analysis, edited by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362.
Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
CENTER BIASING
Distribution of nodes along the side of a surface in a mapped
mesh such that element distribution is biased towards the center
of a boundary edge. For example, using center biasing on one
edge of a rectangular surface with a biasing factor of 3 results in
elements generated at the center of the edge which are 1/3 the
length of elements generated at the ends of the edge.
Cholesky decomposition statistics
In I-DEAS Model Solution, information in the list file which shows
the criteria that the software uses to detect a singularity and
shows the 20 largest and 20 smallest pivots in the stiffness
matrix.
Cholesky spring
A positive number added to the diagonal of the stiffness matrix
during analysis when a singularity is detected. The positive
number represents the addition of a fictitious spring-to-ground to
the model.
clamp restraint

A type of restraint applied to a finite element model which fixes all

six degrees of freedom in the nodal displacement coordinate
system.
coincident elements
Two elements that exist in the same location in a finite element
model and use the same nodes.
coincident nodes
Nodes that occur essentially in the same location in a finite
element model.
confidence factor
In I-DEAS Model Solution, an error indicator which measures
agreement between elemental stresses at the node. The formula
for the confidence factor reduces the importance of large percent
deviations in an individual stress component whenever the
magnitude of the stress component is small in comparison to the
other stress components. Low confidence factors indicate that a
finer mesh should be used. High confidence factors tend to
indicate a reasonable mesh density.
connection DOF
Degrees of freedom that define connection points in a system
dynamics analysis.
connectivity vector
In a free mesh, the connectivity vector defines nodal connectivity
by defining the first edge of the first element in the model and the
direction of the nodal connection on the edge. By defining the first
edge of the first element, the connectivity vector influences the
number assigned to each node and ensures consistency for
normals.
constitutive equation
A description of material behavior in the form of a rule for the
strain associated with arbitrary histories of stress and
temperature. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS
Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited by E.

Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 443552-25688) 04/15/93.)
constraint force
An analysis output which represents the force on a node needed
to maintain restrictions on the attached degrees of freedom.
Constraint Mode Dynamics Analysis
In I-DEAS Model Solution, an analysis which constructs a
numerically efficient representation of a finite element model in
the form of constraint modes. These constraint modes are used in
further analyses, such as in the I-DEAS System Dynamics
Analysis software.
constitutive matrix
A matrix derived from the equations which mathematically
describe the mechanical properties of a material.
convergence criterion
In Nonlinear Statics Analysis, the means by which the software
determines if a time interval or time step has converged.
convergence norm
In Nonlinear Statics Analysis, the formula that the software uses to
measure convergence. Convergence is calculated by creating a
ratio which compares the incremental value of displacement,
forces, stress, or strain for the iteration to the total value of
displacement, forces, stress, or strain. The convergence norm type
determines how this ratio is calculated. Three different norm types
are available: Absolute, Euclidean, and Maximum.
cylindrical coordinate system
A coordinate system which
coordinates (R, Theta, Z).

defines

point

locations

with

constraint
A type of boundary condition applied to a finite element model
which is used to constrain nodes to other nodes. Constraints can

be used to impose special cases of symmetric boundary

conditions or special relationships between nodes.
constraint set
A group within a boundary condition set which stores constraints
applied to a finite element model.
couple
A type of constraint which specifies that displacements or
rotations of 2 or more nodes are the same. It represents a set of
simple multi-point constraint equations, and consists of a list of
nodes and the active degrees of freedom that are tied together.
The active degrees of freedom refer to displacement in the
direction of the nodal displacement coordinate system axes of the
first node in the couple.
coupled degrees of freedom
In a finite element model, a set of nodes linked together in specific
directions and rotations. The set of coupled nodes includes a
single independent node and any number of dependent nodes.
Coupled DOF are stored in constraint sets.
creep
A form of time-dependent behavior in which strain changes
continuously over long periods at constant stress and
temperature. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS
Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited by E.
Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 443552-25688) 04/15/93.)
creep equation
One of three fundamental parts of a creep material model. The
creep equation expresses the effective creep strain or creep strain
rate as a function of effective stress, temperature, time, etc.
creep hardening rules
One of three fundamental parts of a creep material model. The
creep hardening rule provides the mathematical means to
determine the effective creep rate under conditions of changing

temperature and/or stress. It is used to determine the current

material state relative to further creep straining.
damping
Dissipation of energy.
data surface
In finite element modeling, an entity that describes the variation
of any continuous data over one or more surfaces. A data surface
by itself is unitless. However, it can be used to represent
variations of geometric boundary conditions and surface shell
thickness.
degree of freedom
Also known as DOF. The degrees of freedom for the model are the
unknowns in the finite element analysis. Degrees of freedom
describe the displacement of a node in a structural analysis or
temperatures in a conduction analysis. In structural analysis, six
degrees of freedom are possible: X, Y, and Z rotations and X, Y,
and Z translations.
dependent degrees of freedom
A freedom family created when couples are specified or constraint
elements are used in the model.
design
In I-DEAS Optimization, a collection of information which the
software uses to perform the optimization including solution sets,
basis, algorithm, design limits, design parameters, design goal,
and solved iterations.
design goal
In I-DEAS Optimization, the final objective for optimizing a
structure. The design goal defines what you mean by a better
design by minimizing mass, stress, or displacement.
design limit
In I-DEAS Optimization, constraints that you place on the structure
which define performance criteria for the structure.

design parameter
In I-DEAS Optimization, those aspects of a design which you will
allow to vary. Design parameters for the structure can be any
physical property, beam property, material property, or shape
parameter.
deviatoric strains
Components of the deviatoric strain tensor which is formed by
subtracting the volumetric strain tensor from the strain tensor, so
that e = E + ev (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS
Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited by E.
Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 443552-25688) 04/15/93.)
deviatoric stress
Components of the deviatoric stress tensor which is formed by
subtracting the hydrostatic stress tensor from the stress tensor so
that S = s - sm. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS
Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited by E.
Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 443552-25688) 04/15/93.)
displacement
In I-DEAS Model Solution, displacement is an analysis output
which represents the motion of a structure.
displacement coordinate system
A coordinate system used to derive the nodal frame of reference
for structural degrees of freedom.
displacement limit
In I-DEAS Optimization, constraints that you place on the structure
which define stiffness performance criteria for the structure.
displacement restraint
A boundary condition applied to a finite element model which
consists of known displacements and rotations. The displacements

and rotations are applied to selected edges, surfaces, nodes,

vertices, or locations on edges and surfaces.
displacement sensitivity
In I-DEAS Optimization, the rate of change in displacement with
respect to a design parameter. This information shows how
changes in a design parameter affect the stiffness or flexibility of
the structure.
dissimilar meshes
Finite element meshes which consist of two different types of
elements. Dissimilar meshes can occur in the same finite element
model if you join the meshes using constraint elements or rigid
elements.
distributed heat generation
A boundary condition applied to a finite element model which
defines the generation of thermal energy by an element.
DOF
Also known as degrees of freedom. The degrees of freedom for the
model are the unknowns in the finite element analysis. Degrees of
freedom describe the displacement of a node in a structural
analysis or temperatures in a conduction analysis. In structural
analysis, six degrees of freedom are possible: X, Y, and Z rotations
and X, Y, and Z translations.
DOF set
Degrees of freedom set. A DOF set is a collection of active degrees
of freedom that define certain analysis variables for use during
the analysis. In each DOF set you identify the active degrees of
freedom for each node selected. The nodal DOF in a DOF set can
be kinematic DOF, master DOF, or connection DOF.
edge convection
In a finite element model, a transport of thermal energy that is
proportional to the difference between the surface temperature on
the edge and the temperature of the surroundings. It is generally
used to model convection effects.

edge flux
In a finite element model, the transport of thermal energy through
a geometric edge or element edge.
eigenvalues
The roots of the characteristic equation of the system. If a system
has n equations of motion then it has n eigenvalues. The square
root of the eigenvalues are the resonant frequencies. These are
the frequencies that the structure will vibrate at if given some
initial disturbance with no other forcing. (Reprinted by permission
of NAFEMS from A Finite Element Dynamics Primer edited by D.
Hitchings, pp. 241-251. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 443552-25688) 04/15/93.)
eigenvectors
The displacement shape that corresponds to the eigenvalues. If
the structure is excited at a resonant frequency then the shape
that it adopts is the mode shape corresponding to the eigenvalue.
(Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from A Finite Element
Dynamics Primer edited by D. Hitchings, pp. 241-251. Copyright
1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
elasticity
A material response in which stress is a linear function of strain
and deformation is completely reversible.
elastic release
In beam elements, a type of release in which a spring is included
between the end of the beam and the joint (like a mousetrap).
element
A discrete entity used to subdivide the geometry of a structure in
order to create an idealized structure for finite element analysis.
Each element is a simple shape (such as a rectangle or a triangle)
for which the software has information to write the governing
equations in the form of a stiffness matrix. The unknowns for each
element are the displacements at the points where the elements
are connected. The behavior of the structure is approximated by
the aggregate behavior of all of the elements.

element coordinate system

A local coordinate system which is located on or within the
boundaries of a finite element.
element distortion
A quality check of a finite element which determines how close
the element is to an ideal element. Values are reported from -1.0
to 1.0 where 1.0 represents an ideal element.
element face convection
A condition in a finite element model where the flow of thermal
energy is proportional to the difference between the surface
temperature on an element and the temperature of the
surroundings. It is generally used to model heat transfer due to
convection.
element family
Elements which are grouped by the characteristics of geometry
and displacement that they model. The most commonly used
families include beam, plane strain, plane stress, thin shell,
axisymmetric solid, and solid.
element force
In I-DEAS Model Solution, an analysis output which represents the
forces exerted on an element by the rest of the structure.
element length
The approximate length of an edge of a finite element in a free or
mapped mesh.
element order
The order of the equations of the element used to interpolate the
strain between nodes, such as linear or parabolic.
element topology
The general shape of the element, such as triangular or
quadrilateral.

end biasing
Distribution of nodes along the side of a surface in a mapped
mesh such that element size is biased towards the end of a
boundary edge.
element stretch
A quality check of a finite element which measures how much the
shape of the element differs from its target shape. The software
calculates stretch values differently depending on the element
type.
engineering strain
Strain defined as change in length per unit original length (ds dS)/dS where dS represents the undeformed length and ds the
deformed length. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from
NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited
by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel.
44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
equilibrium state
State in which the internal resisting forces are equal to the applied
load. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS
Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited by E.
Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 443552-25688) 04/15/93.)
fatigue
Structural degradation and ultimate failure due to cracking caused
by operation under non-constant loading conditions. (Reprinted by
permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear
Finite Element Analysis, edited by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362.
Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
finite element
A discrete entity used to subdivide the geometry of a structure in
order to create an idealized structure for finite element analysis.
Each finite element is a simple shape (such as a rectangle or a
triangle) for which the software has information to write the
governing equations in the form of a stiffness matrix. The

unknowns for each element are the displacements at the points

where the elements are connected. The behavior of the structure
is approximated by the aggregate behavior of all of the elements.
finite element analysis
An approximate method for calculating the behavior of a real
structure. An idealized model structure is created by subdividing
the geometry of a structure into elements which are connected at
nodes. The method is based on the generalized method of
weighted residuals using locally-based approximations.
finite element-based optimization
Optimization in which you define all optimization entities in terms
of the nodes and elements in the model.
finite element model
The complete idealization of an entire structural problem,
including node locations, elements, physical and material
properties, and boundary conditions.
follower force
Force whose direction changes to follow the shape of the model
during deformation.
force
A structural load on a geometric edge or an element edge of a
finite element model. A force is a combination of known forces and
moments. It can be defined as an in-plane force, an out-of-plane
force, a shear force, or a bending moment. Forces are boundary
conditions which are stored in load sets.
force residual
The out-of-balance force which exists when the applied loads of a
structure do not equal the internal forces.
fractional biasing
In a finite element model, the distribution of nodes along the side
of a surface in a mapped mesh such that element size is biased by

specifying a fraction of total nodes to be distributed within a

region.
freedom families
When applying boundary conditions and obtaining solutions, the
software stores matrices by dividing the nodal freedoms (degrees
of freedom on a node) in the problem into groups or families.
free edge
The edge of an element which does not share its nodes with
another element. A free edge should only occur as a boundary of a
structure. Elements that border each other should share nodes
along common edges. If they do not share nodes, a free edge
exists.
free mesh
A mesh which can describe complicated volumes and can be built
on a surface or volume of any shape. Free meshing operates in 2dimensional space using either the parametric space or the
maximum area plane.
frequency limit
In I-DEAS Optimization, constraints that you place on the structure
which define exclusion bands in the frequency spectrum of a
structure's dynamic behavior.
frequency sensitivities
In I-DEAS Optimization, the rate of change in frequency with
respect to a design parameter. The information shows how
changes in a design parameter affect the dynamic response of the
structure.
frequency shifting
Shifting the analysis to initially retrieve modes at higher
frequencies in order to retrieve modes most relevant to your
design. Frequency shifting allows you to selectively extract modes
and improves iteration efficiency.
function definition data surface

A type of data surface in a finite element model which expresses

data variation as a function of spatial variables.
full release
In beam elements, a type of release where no force or moment is
transferred between the node and the end of the beam.
fully stressing algorithm
A method of optimization which allows only redesign and does not
provide any information about sensitivities.
functional biasing
In a finite element model, the distribution of nodes along the side
of a surface in a mapped mesh such that element size is biased
according to different trigonometric and algebraic functions.
gap elements
Elements used in problems with boundary nonlinearities (i.e.
contact problems). (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from
NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited
by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel.
44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
Gauss points
Locations within elements where numerical integration and stress
evaluations are made. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from
NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited
by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel.
44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
general beam cross section
In finite element modeling, a non-standard original beam cross
section that you create.
geometric nonlinearity
A violation of small displacement assumption which occurs when
the geometry of a model is deformed significantly enough from its
original state to affect load deflection characteristics.

geometry-based Optimization
Optimization in which you define all boundary conditions and
optimization entities in terms of the geometry of the model.
geometry design parameter
In I-DEAS Optimization, a design parameter which defines the
geometry-based dimensions of a design (such as a fillet) which
you will allow to vary.
Gibbs-King algorithm
A method of relabeling nodes to reduce a finite element model's
nodal bandwidth.
Gibbs-Poole-Stockmeyer algorithm
A method of relabeling nodes to reduce a finite element model's
nodal bandwidth.
global coordinate system
The coordinate system which is automatically defined by I-DEAS
and is permanent. The global coordinate axes have a fixed
location. All other coordinate systems are defined relative to the
global system. The default system is Cartesian, but can be
changed to cylindrical or spherical coordinates.
global element length
The general element length defined for all elements in a finite
element model. When the software meshes the model, it uses the
global element length as the approximate length for each element
edge.
gravity
A vector of distributed and constant body force applied to a finite
element model.
group
In I-DEAS Simulation, a user- or system-defined collection of finite
element entities.

Guyan reduction
A method of solving a dynamics problem by reducing the problem
to a set of master degrees of freedom. The reduced set of
matrices is solved and the mode shapes are expanded to the
other degrees of freedom. Guyan reduction is a non-iterative
process.
heat source
A quantity of energy applied to or extracted from a location or
node in a finite element model.
Heat Transfer Analysis
In I-DEAS Model Solution, an analysis which predicts the steadystate thermal response of a physical object with temperatureindependent material properties.
h method
The conventional method of solving finite element models. H
method reduces the level of approximation introduced by
discretization of the solution by refining the mesh. This method
generally uses elements which introduce additional nodes to
increase the polynomial order.
H-P adaptivity
In finite element analysis, a technique which uses the Linear
Statics P-Method along with adaptive meshing to obtain results at
a high level of accuracy and at an optimum convergence rate for
linear elastic problems.
hydrostatic pressure
A boundary condition applied to a finite element model which
simulates pressure created by a fluid. The pressure is applied to
faces of elements. It is always normal to the element and
proportional to the depth of the fluid.
in-plane force
In a finite element model, a force aligned with the plane of the
geometric edge or element edge.

interpolation data surface

In a finite element model, a type of data surface which is defined
by a set of key locations along with data values for each location.
isotropic hardening
In a material model, after initial yielding the yield surface expands
uniformly about the origin while still maintaining its shape and
orientation. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS
Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited by E.
Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 443552-25688) 04/15/93.)
isotropic material
Material which behaves in the same manner in all directions. It
has two independent elastic constants. Examples include steel
and aluminum.
kinematic DOF
Degrees of freedom which remove rigid body modes from the
finite element model.
kinematic freedoms
A freedom family used by the solver to construct a generalized
inverse of the stiffness matrix. These freedoms are specified by
creating a degree of freedom set and specifying it as kinematic.
kinematic hardening
In a material model, after initial yielding the yield surface is free to
translate as a rigid body while maintaining its initial shape, size,
and orientation. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from
NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited
by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel.
44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
Lagrange multipliers
Coefficients arising from extra stiffness equations which represent
additional constraint equations. (Reprinted by permission of
NAFEMS from NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element

Analysis, edited by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by

NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
laminate
In finite element modeling, a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced
composite of materials. A laminate constitutes a material which
can be assigned to elements in a finite element model.
Lanzcos method
A method of solving a dynamics problem where a relatively few
eigenvalue and eigenvector pairs are computed for a model
defined by a large number of degrees of freedom.
large displacements
Displacements which are sufficiently large to render small
displacement theory invalid. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS
from NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis,
edited by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS
(U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
limit
In I-DEAS Optimization, the performance criteria which you specify
for optimizing a design. When you define limits on your design,
you constrain the structure to minimum and/or maximum values
of mass, stress, displacement, or frequency.
Linear Buckling Analysis
In I-DEAS Model Solution, an analysis which predicts the loads at
which the onset of instability occurs. It assumes small
deformations up to the collapse load.
linear elasticity
A material response in which stress is a linear function of strain
and deformation is completely reversible.
Linear Statics Analysis
In I-DEAS Model Solution, an analysis which predicts the behavior
of a physical object or structure which has forces applied to it.

Linear Statics P Method

In I-DEAS Model Solution, a method of solving finite element
models which reduces the level of approximation (or discretization
error) due to the discretization of the solution by using elements
formulated with a higher polynomial order. These elements, called
p-elements, have their polynomial order increased without adding
further nodes. In addition, they produce a stiffness matrix which
has a structure suitable for iterative solution techniques.
list file
In I-DEAS Model Solution, a text file which is created by the solver
during an analysis.
load
A type of boundary condition applied to a finite element model.
Loads are collected into load sets and include structural loads (i.e.
forces and moments, pressure) and heat transfer loads (i.e. heat
fluxes, convection).
load set
A collection of loads applied to a finite element model. The load
set can include structural loads (i.e. forces and moments,
pressure) and heat transfer loads (i.e. heat fluxes, convection).
local coordinate system
A coordinate system which is user-defined. Or the coordinate
system used by a specific entity, such as an element. In specific
situations, using a local coordinate system may be more
meaningful than using the global coordinate system.
mapped mesh
A regular mesh on surfaces with three or four sides. To create a
mapped mesh, mapping is performed in the parameter space of
the Coon's patch surface.
MAP
Maximum area plane. In free meshing, the infinite plane which has
the greatest amount of mesh area on it. Imagine shining a

flashlight on a blanket. Wherever the amount of light is greatest is

the maximum area plane. In the maximum area plane method of
free meshing, nodes and elements are generated on the
maximum area plane and then transferred back to model space.
mass limit
In I-DEAS Optimization, constraints that you place on the structure
which define minimum and/or maximum values of mass for the
structure.
mass sensitivities
In I-DEAS Optimization, the rate of change in mass with respect to
a design parameter. This information shows how change in a
design parameter affects the mass of the structure.
master DOF
Degrees of freedom which are used by the Guyan reduction
method of Normal Mode Dynamics analysis. The problem is
reduced to this set of degrees of freedom for the dynamic
solution.
material design parameter
In I-DEAS Optimization, a design parameter which defines the
material aspects of a design which you will allow to vary.
material matrix
The matrix of independent elastic constants of a material which
relates stress and strain in the material.
material nonlinearity
Behavior of material occurring in the plastic range in which
deformation is no longer proportional to load or due to creep.
material orientation vectors
Vectors which define and fix the base vectors used to establish
the material matrix.
math programming algorithm

A method of optimization which allows you to redesign, find

sensitivities, or both.
matrix singularity
In finite element analysis, a zero or very small pivot which occurs
in the stiffness matrix during decomposition. A singularity usually
indicates that the structure is not completely restrained and rigid
body motion is possible. Mathematically, there is no unique
solution to the set of linear equations.
maximum area plane
In free meshing, the infinite plane which has the greatest amount
of mesh area on it. Imagine shining a flashlight on a blanket.
Wherever the amount of light is greatest is the maximum area
plane. In the maximum area plane method of free meshing, nodes
and elements are generated on the maximum area plane and then
transferred back to model space.
mesh
The nodes and elements into which a structure is subdivided in
order to perform finite element analysis.
mid-span beam load
A combination of forces and moments applied between the ends
of a beam in a finite element model.
modal mass
The mass associated with the generalized displacements defined
by the eigenvectors. Its value has no physical significance since
the eigenvector contains an arbitrary normalizing factor but the
ratio of modal stiffness to modal mass is always the eigenvalue.
(Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from A Finite Element
Dynamics Primer edited by D. Hitchings, pp. 241-251. Copyright
1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
modal stiffness
The stiffness associated with the generalized displacements
defined by the eigenvectors. Its value has no physical significance
since the eigenvector contains an arbitrary normalizing factor but

the ratio of modal stiffness to modal mass is always the

eigenvalue. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from A Finite
Element Dynamics Primer edited by D. Hitchings, pp. 241-251.
Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
model space
The real, physical space in which the geometry of a model is
defined. It is typically 3-dimensional (X, Y, Z).
mode shape
The displacement shape that corresponds to the eigenvalues. If
the structure is excited at a resonant frequency then the shape
that it adopts is the mode shape corresponding to the eigenvalue.
(Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from A Finite Element
Dynamics Primer edited by D. Hitchings, pp. 241-251. Copyright
1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
modified Newton-Raphson method
An iterative procedure for solving the equilibrium equation in
which the tangent stiffness is only periodically updated or is never
updated.
modulus of elasticity
A measure of the stiffness of a material represented by the ratio of
stress to strain.
MPC
Multi-point constraint. In finite element analysis, an MPC is a linear
equation that relates the displacement degrees of freedom of one
node to those of other nodes. Constraints of this type can be used
to model rigid links between nodes or to specify constraints that
are linear combinations of nodal displacements.
multi-point constraint
MPC. In finite element analysis, a linear equation that relates the
displacement degrees of freedom of one node to those of other
nodes. Constraints of this type can be used to model rigid links
between nodes or to specify constraints that are linear
combinations of nodal displacements.

multi-point constraint equation

In finite element analysis, a linear equation that relates the
displacement degrees of freedom of one node to those of other
nodes. Constraints of this type can be used to model rigid links
between nodes or to specify constraints that are linear
combinations of nodal displacements.
Newton-Raphson method
An iterative procedure for solving the equilibrium equation in
which the tangent stiffness is updated at every iteration.
nodal bandwidth
The width of the band of numbers which lie about the diagonal of
the stiffness matrix. Solution time increases rapidly as the nodal
bandwidth increases.
nodal displacement restraint
The combination of known displacements and rotations applied to
the degrees of freedom available to the element. Nodal
displacement restraints can have zero or nonzero values in all
degrees of freedom. The degrees of freedom reference the nodal
displacement coordinate system at the node.
nodal movement design parameter
In I-DEAS Optimization, a design parameter which defines the
material aspects of a design which you will allow to vary.
node
In a finite element model, nodes are the points where the
elements are connected. The unknowns for each element are the
displacements at the nodes.
Nonlinear Statics Analysis
In I-DEAS Model Solution, a structural finite element solver that
takes into account geometric nonlinear behavior, material
nonlinear behavior, and node-to-node contact. It is capable of
performing geometric nonlinear analysis, material nonlinear

analysis,
analysis.

and

combined

geometric

and

material

nonlinear

nonstructural mass
A physical property which describes additional mass on a body. It
affects the loading and dynamics of the body but does not
contribute to its strength. One example of nonstructural mass is a
truck on a bridge. The truck affects the loading and dynamics of
the bridge, but does not affect the strength of the bridge.
Normal Mode Dynamics Analysis
In I-DEAS Model Solution, an analysis which predicts the
undamped natural frequencies and natural modes of vibration of a
physical object.
orthotropic material
Material which has variations of elastic modulus in two or more
directions perpendicular to each other. It has nine independent
elastic constants.
out-of-plane force
A force applied to a finite element model which is normal to the
plane of a geometric edge or element edge.
parameter space
A 2-dimensional planar surface whose principle coordinate
directions are normalized to lie between 0.0 and 1,1 and are
labeled S and T. Mapping into parameter space is one method
which you can use to perform free meshing.
part
A collection of topological and geometric components, including
coordinate systems, volumes, surfaces, edges, vertices, curves
and points.
p-element
An element used by the Linear Statics P Method. P-elements have
their polynomial order increased without adding additional nodes.

In addition, they produce a stiffness matrix which has a structure

suitable for iterative solution techniques.
physical design parameter
In I-DEAS Optimization, a design parameter which defines the
physical aspects of a design which you will allow to vary.
physical properties
The physical qualities of a finite element, such as thickness.
physical property table
A table which contains each physical property of a finite element
and the numeric value for each property.
pin restraint
A restraint applied to a finite element model that fixes all
translational degrees of freedom and all but one rotational degree
of freedom in the nodal displacement coordinate system.
pivot
In finite element analysis, a diagonal term in the stiffness matrix
the conductivity/convection matrix, or the velocity potential
coefficient matrix.
plane symmetric restraint
A restraint applied to a finite element model which allows
translation in a defined plane and rotation in a direction normal to
the plane. A plane symmetric restraint can be used to model a
symmetric part.
plane strain element
A 2-dimensional finite element which assumes zero strain in the
out-of-plane direction.
plane stress element
A 2-dimensional finite element which assumes zero stress in the
out-of-plane direction.

plasticity
A form of time-independent behavior in which permanent
deformation occurs.
plasticity flow rule
One of three fundamental parts of a plastic material model. The
plasticity flow rule determines the relative magnitudes of the
components of the plastic strain increment tensor.
plasticity hardening rule
One of three fundamental parts of a plastic material model. The
plasticity hardening rule defines the changes in the yield function
as a result of plastic straining.
plastic strain
Irrecoverable permanent strain (often restricted to timeindependent strain as opposed to permanent creep strain).
(Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS Introduction to
Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited by E. Hinton, pp. 347362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688)
04/15/93.)
P Method
In I-DEAS Model Solution, a method of solving finite element
models which reduces the level of approximation (or discretization
error) of the solution by using elements formulated with a higher
polynomial order. These elements, called p-elements, have their
polynomial order increased without adding further nodes. In
addition, they produce a stiffness matrix which has a structure
suitable for iterative solution techniques.
Poisson's ratio
A constant of a material which is the ratio of its lateral strain to its
axial strain when axial loading occurs.
p-order
The order of a polynomial.
Post Processing

The task within Simulation which provides tools for displaying

results of finite element analysis.
Potential Flow Analysis
In I-DEAS Model Solution, an analysis which predicts the flow of an
incompressible, inviscid, irrotational fluid through simple and
complex regions.
predictor-corrector scheme
A two-phase format of time/load stepping where the predicted
solution is corrected prior to solution advancement to the next
time step. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS
Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited by E.
Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 443552-25688) 04/15/93.)
pre-processing
The process of developing the geometry of a finite element model,
entering physical and material properties, applying boundary
conditions and loads, and checking the model.
prescribed freedoms
A freedom family created by defining nodal displacements with
nonzero magnitude.
pressure
A type of boundary condition which is a distributed force per unit
area applied to an entire geometric surface or element face on a
finite element model
primary creep
The first phase of creep in which the strain rate decreases with
time until a constant rate is reached.
profile reduction
In I-DEAS Model Solution, a process in which the software uses a
node resequencing list when assigning matrix equation numbers.
Profile reduction can significantly reduce computer time and disk
storage requirements.

radial force
A type of boundary condition which applies forces toward a point
or away from a point on a finite element model. A radial force is
the combination of forces applied to the three nodal degrees of
freedom.
radiation
A type of boundary condition applied to a finite element model
which is a quantity of energy emitted by an element edge or face
through electromagnetic waves into the surrounding medium.
reaction force
An analysis output which represents the force (from an unknown
external source) required to maintain equilibrium and to keep the
displacement at the restraint value (usually zero).
recursive subdivision
The method which the software uses to generate nodes and
elements in a free mesh.
reference temperature
Strain-free temperature. The temperature at which the finite
element model is in a reference state.
release
When a beam element is created, the ends of the beam have a
continuous connection to the nodes. In some cases this
connection does not represent the true physical structure, such as
in a pinned connection. Releases are defined to represent a
relationship between nodes and the ends of beams. Two types
exist: full and elastic.
resequence list
A list of numbers stored in the model file which is used internally
to assign matrix equation numbers during an analysis; also called
a node resequencing list.
residual stresses

Self-equilibrating stresses existing in a body from its previous

thermo-mechanical history. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS
from NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis,
edited by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS
(U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
restraint
A boundary condition applied to a finite element model which
restrains the model to ground.
restraint set
A collection of displacement restraints and temperature restraints
applied to a finite element model.
results set
A set which contains the output from a finite element analysis or
from other sources, such as mesh checking commands.
rigid body modes
The combination of rigid body translations and rigid body rotations
which characterize the rigid body motion of a structure in the
absence of restraints.
rigid body motion
Any deflection which does not create stress. In the absence of
restraints, the rigid body motion of most structures can be
characterized as a combination of three rigid body translations
and three rigid body rotations. These motions are called structural
rigid body modes.
roller restraint
A type of restraint applied to a finite element model which fixes all
but one translational and one rotational degree of freedom in the
nodal displacement coordinate system.
rotational DOF
A degree of freedom which describes angular displacement of a
node in a finite element model.

rotational stiffness
A physical property which describes the bending moment (torque)
required to rotate the node a unit radian about a given direction.
secondary creep
The second phase of creep which is characterized by a fairly long
period of constant creep rate.
seed set
In Post Processing, a group of locations from where vector paths
are calculated.
sensitivity
In I-DEAS Optimization, sensitivity is the rate of change of the
mass or the structural response of the design with respect to a
change in a variable in the design. The value of the sensitivity will
show how the value of the mass or structural response will change
when you change a design parameter. The greater the sensitivity,
the greater the rate of change in the mass or response.
shear force
A force along a geometric edge or element edge of a finite
element model.
shear modulus
Modulus of elasticity in shear. A measure of a material's resistance
to shearing stress.
shell normal
A perpendicular associated with a shell element which establishes
the top and bottom of the element.
shell stress resultant
An analysis output which represents the through-thickness
integrals of the stress components in shell elements.
simultaneous vector iteration

A sparse matrix method of solving a dynamics problem where a

set of vectors are iterated simultaneously using an inverted form
of the stiffness matrix and orthogonalization.
singularity
In finite element analysis, a zero or very small pivot which occurs
in the stiffness matrix. A singularity usually indicates that the
structure is not completely restrained and rigid body motion is
possible. Mathematically, there is no unique solution to the set of
linear equations.
slider restraint
A type of restraint applied to a finite element model which fixes all
rotational degrees of freedom and all but one translational degree
of freedom in the nodal displacement coordinate system.
Sloan algorithm
A method of relabeling nodes in a finite element model to reduce
the model's nodal bandwidth.
solid element
A 3-dimensional finite element which can be a linear or parabolic
tetrahedron, wedge, or brick. A solid element has three degrees of
freedom per node.
solution options
In I-DEAS Model Solution, solution options define the type of
solution you want to perform and how you want the software to
obtain the solution.
solution set
In I-DEAS Model Solution, a group containing
information related to a single analysis.

all

solution

<pspin softening</p
Centrifugal stiffening effects in a structure. Spin softening
depends on angular velocity and mass of a structure.
strain

Deformation per unit length.

stress
Internal force per unit area.
stiffness
In finite element analysis, coefficients that relate forces to
displacements. The coefficients are derived from equilibrium
equations
written
between
external
forces and
nodal
displacements of the model.
stiffness matrix
In finite element analysis, a matrix of coefficients which relates
forces to displacements. The matrix is derived from the
equilibrium equations written between external forces and nodal
displacements of the model.
strain
Deformation per unit length. In I-DEAS Model Solution, strain is an
analysis output which is a function of displacement derivatives.
strain energy
In I-DEAS Model Solution, an analysis output which represents the
work needed to change an element from its undeformed
configuration to its deformed configuration.
strain energy error
A type of output from a Linear Statics P Method analysis which
indicates how much the strain energy at the current p-order of the
solution has changed relative to the strain energy at the previous
p-order.
stress
Internal force per unit area. In I-DEAS Model Solution, stress is an
analysis output which is computed from element strains.
stress component

One of six numbers which comprise the full definition of the stress
at a node. Most structural problems can be classified by making
assumptions regarding certain of the stress components.
stress limit
In I-DEAS Optimization, constraints that you place on the structure
which define material strength limits for the structure.
stress sensitivities
In I-DEAS Optimization, the rate of change of stress with respect to
a design parameter. This information shows how changes in a
design parameter affect the strength of the structure.
stress stiffening
Effects of stress which cause significant changes in structural
stiffness. Stress stiffening effects are typically important in shell or
cable-like structures with small initial stiffness and large
membrane loads. Familiar examples of stress stiffening effects are
the beam-column problem, a drum head with initial tension, or a
cable in tension.
suppressed freedoms
A freedom family created by defining nodal displacements with a
magnitude of zero.
surface convection
A condition where the flow of thermal energy is proportional to the
difference between the surface temperature on a finite element
model and the temperature of the surroundings.
surface flux
The transport of thermal energy across surfaces or element faces
on a finite element model.
SVI
Simultaneous vector iteration. A sparse matrix method of solving
a dynamics problem where a set of vectors are iterated
simultaneously using an inverted form of the stiffness matrix and
orthogonalization.

symmetric warping
A condition in which two elements in a finite element model have
the same warping factors.
tangent stiffness matrix
In finite element analysis, the matrix of coefficients corresponding
to the derivatives of the residual forces with respect to the
displacement degrees of freedomthis matrix is evaluated and
factorized during the incremental-iterative solution procedure.
(Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS Introduction to
Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited by E. Hinton, pp. 347362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688)
04/15/93.)
temperature restraint
A type of boundary condition in which known temperatures are
applied to selected edges, surfaces, nodes, or geometric locations
on a finite element model.
temperature set
A collection of temperatures applied to a finite element model.
This set exists within a boundary condition set.
temperature variation
In finite element modeling, a function that describes the variation
of any continuous temperature data over a given time.
tensor
A product of vectors which can represent physical quantities such
as stress and strain. A tensor can be generated by multiplying
each of the three components of one vector by the three
components of another vector.
tertiary creep
The third phase of creep which occurs just before failure. Creep
strain rate increases, generally with stress and temperature.
thickness

A physical property which describes the depth of a finite element.

thin shell element
A 2-dimensional finite element which idealizes a structure as a
surface with thickness. The thickness of the element is small
compared to the other two dimensions. Thin shell elements can be
linear or parabolic triangles or quadrilaterals. A shell element has
six degrees of freedom per node.
time interval
For geometric nonlinear analysis and material nonlinear plastic
analysis, the points in time where the solver analyzes the
structure.
time step
For material nonlinear creep analysis, the points in time where the
solver analyzes the structure. Time steps are created by dividing
the time intervals which are created for the nonlinear analysis.
time variation
An entity in a finite element model that describes the variation of
any continuous data over a given time. Time variation identifies a
range of time and a magnitude at each time.
trace line
In Simulation, a display line that connects nodes. A trace line has
no geometry. It is only a visual aid to help you perceive the model
by defining its outline.
traction
A type of boundary condition which is the combination of known
forces applied to a surface of a finite element model.
transformation matrix
A matrix created during the maximum area plane method of free
meshing. The transformation matrix projects the outline of the
surface onto a plane with the largest area possible. The inverse of
this matrix is then used to map nodes and elements back to 3D
space.

translational DOF
A degree of freedom which describes linear displacement of a
node in a finite element model.
translational stiffness
A physical property which describes the force required to move
the node a unit distance in a given direction.
Tresca yield criterion
Yield criterion suggested by Tresca and applicable to metal
plasticityit states that yielding will start when the maximum
value of the extreme shear stress is reachedhexagonal
cylindrical shape in principal stress. (Reprinted by permission of
NAFEMS from NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element
Analysis, edited by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by
NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
vector path
A Post Processing display which shows you how a particle will
move in a vector field, and how long it will take the particle to
move to a given position. There are two basic types: 1) the
movement of a massless particle through the model, based on
results data or 2) a vector between locations in a model.
von Mises yield criterion
Yield criterion suggested by von Mises in 1913 and applicable to
metal plasticity. Von Mises yield criterion states that yield will
commence when the second invariant of the deviatoric stress
tensor reaches a certain value. (Reprinted by permission of
NAFEMS from NAFEMS Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element
Analysis, edited by E. Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by
NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 44-3552-25688) 04/15/93.)
warping
A quality check for a linear quadrilateral element which measures
the deviation of the element face from a planar face. It consists of
a warping angle and a warping factor.
warping angle

One measure of how much the face of a linear quadrilateral

element deviates from a planar face. Warping angle is the angle
between the normals of two adjacent triangles created by dividing
the quadrilateral face through the diagonal.
warping factor
One measure of how much the face of a linear quadrilateral
element deviates from a planar face. Warping factor is the
shortest distance between the two adjacent diagonals created on
the element. The software normalizes the factor by dividing by the
square root of the element area. The ideal warping factor is 0,
which represents an unwarped element.
wavefront
A measurement of whether the element numbering in a finite
element model will allow the solver to reach a solution in a
reasonable amount of time. Wavefront refers to the number of
equations that are assembled at any given point in the solution
process.
workplane
The reference plane which you can orient anywhere in modeling
space. When you create, orient, or examine geometry, it will be
with respect to the workplane's origin and axes.
yield criterion
Also known as yield function. One of three fundamental parts of a
plastic material model. The yield criterion defines the limit of
elastic behavior for a general state of stress.
yield function
Also known as yield criterion. One of three fundamental parts of a
plastic material model. The yield function defines the limit of
elastic behavior for a general state of stress.
yield stress
The stress at which yielding initiates in a uniaxial stress-strain
test. (Reprinted by permission of NAFEMS from NAFEMS
Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, edited by E.

Hinton, pp. 347-362. Copyright 1992 by NAFEMS (U.K. tel. 443552-25688) 04/15/93.)
Young's modulus
Modulus of elasticity. A measure of the stiffness of a material
represented by the ratio of stress to strain.