Beam End Release

VMH

Victor, I would like to ask if there would be a possibility to have beam end releases for the 3 translations and 3 rotations at each beam element ends. Currently, we have the "New Flexible Joint on Beams" feature that gives release option to the 3 rotations for both ends but not at each end and no translations release option. Thanks

Victor

Thanks for the suggestion VMH

You can release rotations at just one end by applying it to one end face of the beam element. That's sometimes a bit tricky to select. Either:
A) Select the end node then switch to face select mode or
Turn on Show element surfaces so it shows the 3D beam shape, and select the end face. If it's hidden behind other faces, use the cutting plane slider to hide the elements covering it.

For translations, can you give some details of your use case? For now, you can do it using constraint equations, but you have to do some trigonometry to define the equations so it's not very handy.

VMH

Victor, there are several applications when this is needed. An example could be a brace connection to a chord by a sleeve type connection. The brace on that end is allowed to rotate and translate along the chord but restraint for the perpendicular directions. See attachment.

Victor

OK, I'll add it to the list. It might end up as a new kind of contact rather than released DOFs.