Joints Panel
Use the Joints panel to create, review and update joint elements for use in an OptiStruct Multi-Body Dynamics simulation.
Location: 1D page
Note: The Joints panel is only available when the OptiStruct solver interface is loaded.
The Joints panel contains subpanels to create and update joints. Settings made on one subpanel do not affect any identical inputs on the other, and settings are persistent so you will not lose work by switching from one subpanel to another.
Create Subpanel
Use the Create subpanel to create new joint elements.
| Option | Action |
|---|---|
| joint type |
Select a joint type.
|
| first terminal | Specify a first terminal node for all joint types. This identifies the first constituent body for the joint and in many instances the joint's location. |
| second terminal | Specify a second terminal node for all joint types. This identifies the second constituent body for the joint. In most instances the first and second terminals must be either coincident, along the joint axis, or on the plane of the joint. |
| first curve |
Select curves or surfaces to define the
constraint.
Note: Only available for higher pair joints.
|
| second curve |
Specify the second parametric curve.
Note: Only available
for Curve to Curve higher pair joints.
|
| first orientation |
Define either a vector or a node. If the node is
defined, the vector is from the first or second terminal (depending on the joint
type) to the first orientation node.
Note: Only available for joints where a first
orientation vector is required.
|
| second orientation |
This option only appears for joints where a second
orientation vector is required. You have the option to define either a vector or a
node. If the node is defined, the vector is from the first or second terminal
(depending on the joint type) to the second orientation node.
Note: Only available
for joints where a second orientation vector is required.
|
Update Subpanel
Use the Update subpanel to alter the characteristics of existing joint
elements.
| Option | Action |
|---|---|
| elems | Select the joint element/elements to be updated. |
| joint type |
Select a joint type.
|
| first terminal | Specify a first terminal node for all joint types. This identifies the first constituent body for the joint and in many instances the joint's location. |
| second terminal | Specify a second terminal node for all joint types. This identifies the second constituent body for the joint. In most instances the first and second terminals must be either coincident, along the joint axis, or on the plane of the joint. |
| first curve |
Select curves or surfaces to define the
constraint.
Note: Only available for higher pair joints.
|
| second curve |
Specify the second parametric curve.
Note: Only available
for Curve to Curve higher pair joints.
|
| first orientation |
Define either a vector or a node. If the node is
defined, the vector is from the first or second terminal (depending on the joint
type) to the first orientation node.
Note: Only available for joints where a first
orientation vector is required.
|
| second orientation |
This option only appears for joints where a second
orientation vector is required. You have the option to define either a vector or a
node. If the node is defined, the vector is from the first or second terminal
(depending on the joint type) to the second orientation node.
Note: Only available
for joints where a second orientation vector is required.
|
Command Buttons
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| create | Create the new joint entity after all required selections have been made. |
| review | Click review and select a joint from the modeling window. The terminal nodes of the joint display in the modeling window, while the panel displays the joint's characteristics. |
| update | Assign the new characteristics to the joint entity once all required selections have been made. |
| return | Exit the panel. |