The solution phase calculates two types of results data:
Primary data consist of the degree-of-freedom solution calculated at each node: displacements in a structural analysis, temperatures in a thermal analysis, magnetic potentials in a magnetic analysis, and so on (see Table 6.1: Primary and Derived Data for Different Disciplines). These are also known as nodal solution data.
Derived data are those results calculated from the primary data, such as stresses and strains in a structural analysis, thermal gradients and fluxes in a thermal analysis, magnetic fluxes in a magnetic analysis, and the like. They are typically calculated for each element and may be reported at any of the following locations: at all nodes of each element, at all integration points of each element, or at the centroid of each element. Derived data are also known as element solution data, except when they are averaged at the nodes. In such cases, they become nodal solution data.
Table 6.1: Primary and Derived Data for Different Disciplines
| Discipline | Primary Data | Derived Data |
|---|---|---|
| Structural | Displacement | Stress, strain, reaction, etc. |
| Thermal | Temperature | Thermal flux, thermal gradient, etc. |
| Magnetic | Magnetic Potential | Magnetic flux, current density, etc. |
| Electric | Electric Scalar Potential | Electric field, flux density, etc. |
| Fluid | Velocity, Pressure | Pressure gradient, heat flux, etc. |
| Diffusion | Concentration | Concentration gradient, diffusion flux, etc. |