Insert: Coupling Link

Description

Inserts a coupling link between three nodes; two end nodes and an intermediate third node.

A coupling link enforces a constraint on the third node that interpolates its displacements and/or rotations based on the ratio of its distance to the end nodes. For example, for the case of the third node being half way between the end nodes, the constraint is enforced, where represents a degree of freedom for node .

Connectivity

The connectivity of the link is defined by first clicking on the two end points in the model window, and then clicking on the intermediate (third) point. Points may be nodes, grid points or vertices. A new node is automatically inserted when a grid point or vertex is clicked.

Dialog

Couple

The degrees of freedom to couple.

When Translations or Both is set, the constraint is applied on DX, DY and DZ in the global coordinate system

When Rotations or Both is set, the constraint is applied on RX, RY and RZ in the global coordinate system.

Link group

The group to which the inserted link is added. See Target group.