Create, Review, and Edit RBE2 Elements

Create RBE2s

RBE2 elements are commonly used to connect parts, apply fixed boundary conditions, and other places where a rigid connection is appropriate. RBE2s enforce rigid body behavior for the nodes and degrees of freedom of which they are comprised. This tool may be used to quickly create and modify RBE2s directly when the use of Connectors technology is not necessary/desired.

Restriction: Currently only OptiStruct and Nastran interfaces are supported.
  1. From the Model ribbon, click the RBE2 tool.


    Figure 1.
    Note: The RBE2 tool is part of a drop down action group that also includes RBE3 and Rigid Body. If RBE2 is not visible, click the drop-down arrow next to the icon.
  2. Select the dependent nodes.

    At least one dependent node is required. As soon as two or more nodes are selected, the RBE2 is created with an automatic independent node at the centroid of the dependent nodes.

    A degree of freedom that is specified as dependent may not be specified as dependent for any other entity in the model (for example, RBE, MPC, SPC).
    Tip: Use the edge or face selectors to quickly create RBE2s in holes
  3. Optional: Select an independent node.

    If only one dependent node is selected, the RBE2 is automatically created upon selecting the independent node.

    Clearing the independent node selection will revert to an automatic center node if the RBE2 includes two or mode dependent nodes.

  4. Optional: Click on the microdialog to adjust the degrees of freedom of the dependent nodes to be included in the RBE2.
  5. Optional: Click on the microdialog to reposition the independent node using the Move tool.

    If the independent node is attached to other elements, a new node will be created and moved to the new location.

  6. On the guide bar, click to create another RBE2 or click to exit the tool.

Review and Edit RBE2s

  1. To open the RBE2 tool in edit mode, do one of the following from idle:
    • Double-click on an RBE2.
    • Select an RBE2, then select Edit from the right-click menu.
    • Select an RBE2, then access the tool via the ribbon icon.
  2. Utilize any of the actions noted above to review or modify the RBE2 connectivity, DOF, and/or independent node location.
  3. On the guide bar, click to create another RBE2 or click to exit the tool.
Tip:
  • Refer to the entity status icon on the guide bar for status and feedback. Clicking the icon will fit the view to the current RBE2.
  • Changes made in the RBE tool are automatically committed to the database. If a change is made that invalidates the RBE (for example, clearing the dependent node selection), the RBE will turn grey and the database will not be updated until the RBE is made valid again. The entity status icon and error flags on the selectors help identify required inputs.
  • Hold Ctrl (add) or Shift (remove) in to select individual nodes in quick succession. The RBE will be updated upon releasing Ctrl/Shift.