You can review the load-history response of a nonlinear structure using POST26, the time-history postprocessor (/POST26). Use POST26 to compare one Mechanical APDL variable to another. For example, you could graph the relative rotation of a joint element versus time or any other variable.
A typical POST26 postprocessing sequence for a flexible multibody analysis is similar to the sequence for a typical nonlinear analysis, as follows:
| Step | Action | Comments | Command |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Verify from your output file (Jobname.out) whether the analysis converged at all load steps. | Do not base design decisions on unconverged results. If your solution converged, continue postprocessing. | --- |
| 2. | Enter the POST26 postprocessor. | If your model is not currently in the database, first issue a RESUME command. | /POST26 |
| 3. | Define the variables to be used in your postprocessing session. | The SOLU command causes various iteration and convergence parameters to be read into the database, where you can incorporate them into your postprocessing. | |
| 4. | Graph or list the variables. | --- |
Many other postprocessing functions are available in POST26. For more information, see The Time-History Postprocessor (POST26) in the Basic Analysis Guide.