A feasibility study was conducted to explore the applicability of a POD / MAC basis selection technique to a nonlinear structural response analysis . For the case studied the application of the POD / MAC technique resulted in a substantial improvement of the reduced order simulation when compared to a classic approach utilizing only low frequency modes present in the excitation bandwidth . Further studies are aimed to expand application of the presented technique to more complex structures including non - planar and two - dimensional configurations . For non - planar structures the separation of different displacement components may not be necessary or desirable .