5.5. Obtaining the Solution
To initiate the solution, use one of the following:
Command(s):SOLVE
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Current LS
Because the solution phase generally requires more computer resources that the other phases of an
analysis, it is better suited to batch (background) mode than interactive mode.
The solver writes output to the output file (Jobname.OUT) and the results file. If you run the solution
interactively, the output "file" is actually your screen (window). By using one of the following before
issuing SOLVE, you can divert the output to a file instead of the screen:
Command(s):/OUTPUT
GUI: Utility Menu> File> Switch Output to> File or Output Window
Data written to the output file consist of the following:
- Load summary information
- Mass and moments of inertia of the model
- Solution summary information
- A final closing banner that gives total CPU time and elapsed time.
- Data requested by the OUTPR output control command or its GUI counterpart
In interactive mode, much of the output is suppressed. The results file (.RST,.RTH, or .RMG) contains
all results data in binary form, which you can then review in the postprocessors.
Another useful file produced during solution is Jobname.STAT, which gives the status of the solution.
You can use this file to monitor an analysis while it is running. It is particularly useful in iterative analyses
such as nonlinear and transient analyses.
The SOLVE command calculates the solution for the load step data currently in the database.
5.6. Solving Multiple Load Steps
There are three ways to define and solve multiple load steps:
- Multiple SOLVE method
- Load step file method
- Array parameter method.
5.6.1. Using the Multiple SOLVE Method
This method is the most straightforward. It involves issuing the SOLVE command after each load step
is defined. The main disadvantage, for interactive use, is that you have to wait for the solution to be
completed before defining the next load step. A typical command stream for the multiple SOLVE
method is shown below:
/SOLU
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