Modify the Output Requests

To view Helius PFA solution-dependent state variables in Patran, they must be written to the .op2 file.

The state variables are only written to the .op2 file if explicitly requested in the bulk data file. This request is accomplished with the use of the NLSTRESS and NLOUT entries. By default, a preselected list of output variables is written to the results file. This default list will be modified as well.

Locate the following lines in the bulk data file which represent the default parameter entries:
```
PARAM    POST    0
PARAM   PRTMAXIM YES
```
In order to view and post-processes results from SOL 400 in Patran, replace the two lines above with the following:
```
$
PARAM, POST, 1
```
Now locate the following lines in the bulk data file:
```
   DISPLACEMENT(SORT1,REAL)=ALL
   SPCFORCES(SORT1,REAL)=ALL
   STRESS(SORT1,REAL,VONMISES,BILIN)=ALL
```
These three lines are the default output requests. In the next steps we will replace the default output and include a request for output of state variables.
Replace the three lines above with the following:
```
   DISP = ALL
   GPFORCE = ALL
   NLSTRESS(PLOT,NLOUT=101) = ALL
```
- DISP = ALL requests output of displacements
- GPFORCE = ALL requests output of grid point forces
- NLSTRESS(PLOT,NLOUT=101) = ALL identifies the NLOUT entry which is used to request specific output of state variables.
Beneath the NLSTEP entry, add the following lines:
```
NLOUT, 101,
, ESV, SV2
$
```
These lines request specific output of the Helius PFA state variable, SV2. SV2 represents the damage state of the composite material. It is used to examine the progression of failure in the composite plate.
The final step is to define the number of state variables to pass to user material subroutines. To do this, add the following line beneath the NLOUT definition:
```
UDSESV, , 8
```
The number of state variables can vary depending on your problem, but should always be 8 or more. Refer to the Request Output of the MCT State Variables page for additional reference.

The bulk data file should now appear as shown below:

NASTRAN SYSTEM(444) = 1
NASTRAN SYSTEM(151) = 1
SOL 101
CEND
SUBCASE 1
   NLSTEP = 1
   SPC = 2001
   DISP = ALL
   GPFORCE = ALL
   NLSTRESS(PLOT,NLOUT=101) = ALL
BEGIN BULK
$
PARAM, POST, 1
$
NLSTEP, 1, 1.0
 , GENERAL, 1000,
 , FIXED, 100,
 , MECH, PV, , 0.005
$
NLOUT, 101,
, ESV, SV2
$
UDSESV, , 8