Another application of nonlinear analysis is contact analysis such as a tire in contact with pavement or the analysis of seals and gaskets. Overview Nonlinear analysis in MSC.Nastran can consider material, geometric, and boundary nonlinearities. Material properties can be temperature dependent. Any yield criterion may be combined with isotropic, kinematic, or combined hardening. For creep, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory laws and rheological models are available.
Nonlinear elements can consider large rotations with large or small strains.
Large strain elements are fully nonlinear and are useful in rubber, elastomer, and tire applications. In many applications where the structure undergoes large deformations, it is important to consider the changes in the load direction. In some applications, for example gravity loads, the loads maintain constant direction. Other loads, such as pressure loads, will change the direction and follow the deformation. MSC.Nastran gives you the option to specify follower loads or constant direction loads.