The Multi-Step Nonlinear with Solutions 401 and 402 with Femap  course covers the advanced nonlinear capabilities in Simcenter Nastran. It presents types of nonlinear effects in models including material, geometric, and contact as well as explaining the solver steps in the solution process. It identifies difficulties which nonlinear solutions can pose and offers best practices for debugging convergence problems with nonlinear solutions.

The course includes static, dynamic, and modal-type solutions. The solver capabilities for material nonlinearities including plasticity, hyperelasticity, and creep are discussed. Geometric nonlinearities and contact algorithms and parameters for these solvers are introduced.  Hands-on workshop exercises supplement the lecture content, including exercises specifically designed to help the student understand convergence criteria and debug models.