Solutions in Nastran

Here's a concise definition table for every solution type (SOL) in NASTRAN, focusing on commonly used ones. Each entry includes the SOL number, solution type, and a brief description.

SOL Number	Solution Type	Description
101	Linear Static	Solves static equilibrium with linear material and geometry assumptions.
103	Normal Modes	Calculates natural frequencies and mode shapes (free vibration analysis).
105	Buckling	Linear eigenvalue buckling analysis to estimate critical load factors.
106	Nonlinear Static	Handles geometric and/or material nonlinear static problems (iterative).
108	Direct Frequency Response	Calculates steady-state response to sinusoidal loads in frequency domain.
109	Direct Transient Response	Time-dependent response using direct integration method.
111	Modal Frequency Response	Uses modal superposition for frequency-domain analysis.
112	Modal Transient Response	Uses mode shapes to compute time-domain response.
129	Nonlinear Transient	Fully nonlinear dynamic analysis (e.g., impact, large deflection).
144	Static Aeroelasticity	Static aeroelastic trim analysis for aircraft structures.
145	Flutter Analysis	Determines flutter speeds and frequencies in aeroelastic systems.
146	Dynamic Aeroelasticity	Unsteady aerodynamic response to dynamic loading.
153	Heat Transfer (Linear)	Solves steady-state or transient linear thermal problems.
159	Heat Transfer (Nonlinear)	Nonlinear transient heat transfer including radiation and temperature-dependent properties.
200	Optimization	Structural optimization for weight, shape, sizing, etc., using design variables.
400	DMAP User Defined	Custom solution sequences using DMAP statements.