What factors influence von Mises precision the most?

[stefan.menin]

I was working on simulating some parts in Algor 2011 SP1, but when I check the von Mises Precision, the values seem high, around .32, usually located near where the maximum stresses occur.

What factors are most influential in causing the precision number to increase (get worse)? Is it mesh size? Shape?

What can I do to drive this number down and get a more reliable result?

Elements don't seem to resemble the ideal cube near the locations where these stresses and precision numbers occur.  It is at a radiused inside edge.  However, there may be other factors causing the precision number to increase.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[S.LI]

Generally, finer mesh without bad distortion is helpful.

If MES is what you used, the following points might be helpful:

1.) using 2nd integration instead of 3rd order if the brick is WITHOUT mid-side nodes.

2.) if plastic deformation is much larger than elastic one, using updated Lagrangian, and selective reduced integration method in element definition dialog.

Good luck.