The strength assessment performed by the software LIMIT incorporates a static and fatigue module to evaluate your structure. Base material as well as weld analysis can be accomplished using the commercial finite element code NX NASTRAN (Siemens Industry Software Inc).

Required import files for LIMIT
To allow a fatigue assessment of your structure using NX Nastran, you have to have the .bdf or .dat to access the finite element model and the .op2 with all relevant result data.
Importing the.bdf-file into LIMIT-CAE
- NX Nastran (.dat; must be ‚long‘- or ‚short‘-Format!)
Coordinate systems
Nodes
- Definition in the global coordinate system
- Definition using CORD1R orCORD2R (RECTANGULAR)
Result data must exist in the global system (Solids) respectively in the default elementsystem (shells).
Modifications for OP2-Output
(without these adjustments the assessment doesn‘t work!)
- sort: SORT1
- Data format: REAL
- Yield criteria: VONMISES
- Position: BILIN (necessary for analyzing the gradient) or CORNER
e.g. STRESS(SORT1,REAL,VONMISES,CORNER)=ALL
Note: LIMIT can average corner values, which is activated with the key *CENTER_STRESS
- Geometry must be written to .op2-file: PARAM, POST, -1
PARAM, OGEOM, YES
Supported NX Nastran Versions in Release Package
- XXX
If you need a different version please contact our LIMIT support.
Following elements can be analyzed
Solids:
- CTETRA (4 nodes) (not suitable for stress assessment)
- CPENTA (6 nodes) (less suitable for stress assessment)
- CHEXA (8 nodes) (less suitable for stress assessment)
- CTETRA (10 nodes) => stress gradient available
- CPENTA (15 nodes) => stress gradient available
- CHEXA (20 nodes) => stress gradient available
Shells:
- CQUAD4
- CQUAD8
- CTRIA3
- CTRIA6
For detailed information please refer to the NX Nastran interface document (.pdf) or contact our LIMIT support.