Reference:  ANSYS Basic Analysis Procedures Guide, Chapter 6

• Add Data, 'Nodal Solution,' 'DOF Solution' or 'Stress', etc.
• Add Data, 'Reaction Forces,' 'Structural Forces,' and the force component direction
• Give each variable a short, descriptive name
• May need to pick a node, give the node number [or use node(x,y,z)]
• Pick the result you want to use.
• Graph or List the response vs. frequency
• use PlotCtrls > Style > Graphs > ... to format axes, scales, labels, etc. on graphs
• Operate on the data with 'Math Operations>' and plot with 'Graph Variables...'

POST26, the time-history postprocessor:

• to review analysis results at specific points in the model as a function of time, frequency, etc.
• display as simple graphics displays
• create tabular listings
• perform operations on results data (add, multiply, find max/min)
• typical usage of POST26 is:
  • graph result items vs. time in a transient analysis
  • graph force vs. deflection in a nonlinear structural analysis

All POST26 operations refer to variables, which are simply tables of result item versus time (or versus frequency).

The result item may be:

• the UX displacement at node
• the heat flux in an element
• the force developed at a constrained node
• the stress in an element
• solution summary statistics (convergence criteria, equilibrium iterations)

Each POST26 variable is assigned an arbitrary reference number 2 or greater by the user, with reference number 1 reserved for time (or frequency).   Think of it "like" a spreadsheet:

You always refer to the column of results by its variable ID number.

Main Menu>TimeHist Postpro>Define Variables

Once the variables are defined, you can review them via graph plots or tabular listings. The PLVAR command graphs up to nine variables on a single frame.

Main Menu>TimeHist Postpro>Graph Variables

The default abscissa (X-axis) is variable number 1 (time for static or transient analysis, frequency for harmonic analysis). You can specify a different variable number (representing strain, deflection, etc.) for the abscissa using the XVAR command

Main Menu>TimeHist Postpro> Settings>Graph

You can use the PRVAR command to list up to six variables in tabular form. This is useful if you want to find the value of a result item at a specific time or frequency.

Main Menu>TimeHist Postpro>List Variables