Hello All, 

I was wondering if anyone can help me understand the NFORC output variable, I've read the abaqus manual and am still a bit confused. 

Although it is requested as a *element output, the manual states that NFORC represents forces at the nodes of an element that represent the action of the element to the rest of the finite element model (internal forces at the element nodes in the global coordinate system). Why is the 'nodal force' output a element variable? I've built a couple very simple models to try and understand NFORC and how it relates to FREEBODY, and SF, and haven't been able to make sense of the NFORC contour plot. How is the NFORC output used to calculate freebody forces? How can I calculate the stress resultant (running loads in N/mm) on the edges of a panel using NFORC?

Any insight would be appreciated.