Integrated output requests

To obtain history output of variables such as the forces summed over an exterior surface in contact or transmitted through a tie constraint between surfaces (see Integrated output), you must refer to an integrated output section to identify the surface where output is needed. In addition, the integrated output section definition can provide a local coordinate system in which to express the vector output quantities and/or a reference node as an anchor point about which the total moment across the surface is computed.

Related Topics
Defining integrated output sections
Understanding output requests
Understanding integrated, restart, diagnostic, and monitor output

By default, an integrated output section is anchored at the global origin and does not follow the motion of the surface on which it is defined. You can define a reference point at which the output section is anchored and specify how this reference point tracks with the average motion of the surface. The reference point must not be connected to any other part of the finite element model.

Integrated output sections associated with a coordinate system and/or a reference node can be used independent of integrated output requests to track the average motion of a surface.

You define integrated output sections by selecting OutputIntegrated Output SectionsCreate from the main menu bar. For detailed instructions, see Defining integrated output sections. For information on requesting output for an integrated output section, see Modifying history output requests.