What should the scale factor for plots be set to in order to avoid misinterpretation of Static analysis results?

Setting the scale factor for plots to 1 is a best practice in static analysis results interpretation because it ensures that the representation of the analysis results remains directly proportional to the actual displacement values calculated in the simulation. When the scale factor is set to 1, the visual output accurately reflects the behavior of the model under the given load conditions without exaggeration or compression, allowing for a straightforward comparison between the magnitudes of various stress and displacement results.

This accurate representation is crucial for engineers and designers, as any distortions could lead to misinterpretations of how the system will perform in real-world conditions. A scale factor of 0 would eliminate the display of results entirely, while a scale factor less than 1 would diminish the visibility of some results, potentially leading to an incomplete understanding of critical behavior patterns in the structure. Setting the scale factor to the maximum displacement value for the model could also lead to distortions in the representation, as it does not provide a clear, consistent reference throughout the analysis. Thus, maintaining a scale factor of 1 supports effective communication and decision-making regarding the performance of the design under analysis.