Supported Solver Cards

Solver cards supported for elements.

Abaqus Cards

Card Supported Element Configurations Description
*COUPLING Rigid/RBE3 Define a surface-based coupling constraint where the *SURFACE card points to elements.
Note: The *COUPLING is also supported as rigid elements (COUP_KIN) and RBE3 (COUP_DIS) when *SURFACE points to nodes.
*ELEMENT
  • Bar2
  • Bar3
  • Gap (Standard 2D/3D)
  • Hex20 (Standard 3D)
  • Hex8 (Standard 3D/Explicit)
  • Mass
  • Penta15 (Standard 3D)
  • Penta6 (Standard 3D/Explicit)
  • Pyramid13 (Standard 3D)
  • Pyramid5 (Standard 3D/Explicit)
  • Quad4
  • Quad8 (Standard 2D/3D)
  • RBE3
  • Rigid
  • Rod
  • Spring
  • Tetra10 (Standard 3D/Explicit)
  • Tetra4 (Standard 3D/Explicit)
  • Tria3
  • Tria6 (Standard 2D/3D)
 Defines elements by giving their nodes.
*ELGEN   Generates elements incrementally.

These cards are resolved to individual entities on import and are written back on export the same way.

Note: Standard 2D only.
*MPC Rigid Defines multi-point constraints.
*RELEASE
  • Bar2
  • Bar3
 Releases rotational degrees of freedom at one or both ends of a beam element.

For 2D problems, only dof6 (M1) is active.

Add a *RELEASE card to this element by clicking pins a = and pins b = and type in the HyperWorks dof code for the Abaqus release combination code you want.
HyperWorks dof Code
Abaqus Release Combination Code
4
T
5
M2
45
M2-T
6
M1
46
M1-T
56
M1-M2
456
ALLM
For 2D problems, only dof6 (M1) is active.
AC1D2 Bar2 2-node acoustic link
AC1D3 Bar3 3-node acoustic link
AC2D3 Tria3 3-node linear 2-D acoustic triangle
AC2D4 Quad4 4-node linear 2-D acoustic quadrilateral
AC2D6 Tria6 6-node quadratic 2-D acoustic triangular prism
AC2D8 Quad8 8-node quadratic 2-D acoustic quadrilateral
AC3D10 Tetra10 10-node quadratic acoustic tetrahedron
AC3D15
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
 15-node quadratic acoustic triangular prism
AC3D20
  • Pyramid13
  • Hex20
 20-node quadratic acoustic brick
AC3D4 Tetra4 4-node linear acoustic tetrahedron
AC3D6 Penta6 6-node linear acoustic triangular prism
AC3D8 Hex8 8-node linear acoustic brick
AC3D8R Hex8  
ACAX3 Tria3 3-node linear axisymmetric acoustic triangle
ACAX4 Quad4 4-node linear axisymmetric acoustic quadrilateral
ACAX6 Tria6 6-node quadratic axisymmetric acoustic triangle
ACAX8 Quad8 8-node quadratic axisymmetric acoustic quadrilateral
ACIN3D3 Tria3 3-node linear 3D acoustic infinite element
ACIN3D4 Quad4 4-node linear 3D acoustic infinite element
ACIN3D6 Tria6 6-node quadratic 3D acoustic infinite element
ACIN3D8 Quad8 8-node quadratic 3D acoustic infinite element
B21 Bar2 2-node linear beam in a plane
B21H Bar2 2-node linear beam in a plane, hybrid formulation
B22 Bar3 3-node quadratic beam in a plane
B22H Bar3 3-node quadratic beam in a plane, hybrid formulation
B23 Bar2 2-node cubic beam in a plane
B23H Bar2 2-node cubic beam in a plane, hybrid formulation
B31 Bar2 2-node linear beam
B31H Bar2 2-node linear beam, hybrid formulation
B31OS Bar2 2-node linear open-section beam
B31OSH Bar2 2-node linear open-section beam, hybrid formulation
B32 Bar3 3-node quadratic beam in space
B32 Bar3 3-node quadratic beam
B32H Bar3 3-node quadratic beam, hybrid formulation
B32OS Bar3 3-node quadratic open-section beam
B32OSH Bar3 3-node quadratic open-section beam, hybrid formulation
B33 Bar2 2-node cubic beam
B33H Bar2 2-node cubic beam, hybrid formulation
BEAM Rigid  
C3D10 Tetra10 10-node quadratic tetrahedron
C3D10E Tetra10 10-node quadratic piezoelectric tetrahedron
C3D10H Tetra10 10-node quadratic tetrahedron, hybrid, constant pressure
C3D10HS Tetra10  
C3D10I Tetra10 10-node general-purpose quadratic tetrahedron, improved surface stress visualization
C3D10M Tetra10 10-node modified tetrahedron, hourglass control
C3D10MH Tetra10 10-node modified quadratic tetrahedron, hybrid, linear pressure, hourglass control
C3D10MP Tetra10 10-node modified displacement and pore pressure tetrahedron, hourglass control
C3D10MPH Tetra10 10-node modified displacement and pore pressure tetrahedron, hybrid, linear pressure, hourglass control
C3D10MT Tetra10 10-node thermally coupled modified quadratic tetrahedron, hourglass control
C3D10S    
C3D15
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
 15-node quadratic triangular prism
C3D15E
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
 15-node quadratic piezoelectric triangular prism
C3D15H
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
 15-node quadratic triangular prism, hybrid, linear pressure
C3D20
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
 20-node quadratic brick
C3D20E
  • Pyramid13
  • Hex20
 20-node quadratic piezoelectric brick
C3D20H
  • Pyramid13
  • Hex20
 20-node quadratic brick, hybrid, linear pressure
C3D20HT
  • Pyramid13
  • Hex20
 20-node thermally coupled brick, triquadratic displacement, trilinear temperature, hybrid, linear pressure
C3D20PH Hex20 20-node brick, triquadratic displacement, trilinear pore pressure, hybrid, linear pressure
C3D20R
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
 20-node quadratic brick, reduced integration
C3D20RE
  • Pyramid13
  • Hex20
 20-node quadratic piezoelectric brick, reduced integration
C3D20RH
  • Pyramid13
  • Hex20
 20-node quadratic brick, hybrid, linear pressure, reduced integration
C3D20RHT
  • Pyramid13
  • Hex20
 20-node thermally coupled brick, triquadratic displacement, trilinear temperature, hybrid, linear pressure, reduced integration
C3D20RP Hex20 20-node brick, triquadratic displacement, trilinear pore pressure, reduced integration
C3D20RPH Hex20 20-node brick, triquadratic displacement, trilinear pore pressure, hybrid, linear pressure, reduced integration
C3D20RT
  • Pyramid13
  • Hex20
 20-node thermally coupled brick, triquadratic displacement, trilinear temperature, reduced integration
C3D20T
  • Pyramid13
  • Hex20
 20-node thermally coupled brick, triquadratic displacement, trilinear temperature
C3D30P Hex20 20-node brick, triquadratic displacement, trilinear pore pressure
C3D4 Tetra4 4-node linear tetrahedron
C3D4E Tetra4 4-node linear piezoelectric tetrahedron
C3D4H Tetra4 4-node linear tetrahedron, hybrid, linear pressure
C3D4P Tetra4  
C3D4T Tetra4 4-node thermally coupled tetrahedron, linear displacement and temperature
C3D6
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
 6-node linear triangular prism
C3D6E
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
 6-node linear piezoelectric triangular prism
C3D6H
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
 6-node linear triangular prism, hybrid, constant pressure
C3D6HT Penta6 6-node linear triangular prism, hybrid with constant pressure
C3D6P Penta6  
C3D6T Penta6 6-node thermally coupled triangular prism, linear displacement and temperature
C3D8
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 8-node linear brick
C3D8E
  • Pyramid5
  • Hex8
 8-node linear piezoelectric brick
C3D8H
  • Pyramid5
  • Hex8
 8-node linear brick, hybrid, constant pressure
C3D8HS Hex8  
C3D8HT
  • Pyramid5
  • Hex8
 8-node thermally coupled brick, trilinear displacement and temperature, hybrid, constant pressure
C3D8I
  • Pyramid5
  • Hex8
 8-node linear brick, incompatible modes
C3D8IH
  • Pyramid5
  • Hex8
 8-node linear brick, hybrid, linear pressure, incompatible modes
C3D8P Hex8 8-node brick, trilinear displacement, trilinear pore pressure
C3D8PH Hex8 8-node brick, trilinear displacement, trilinear pore pressure, hybrid, constant pressure
C3D8R
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 8-node linear brick, reduced integration, hourglass control
C3D8RH
  • Pyramid5
  • Hex8
 8-node linear brick, hybrid, constant pressure, reduced integration, hourglass control
C3D8RHT
  • Pyramid5
  • Hex8
 8-node thermally coupled brick, trilinear displacement and temperature, reduced integration, hourglass control, hybrid, constant pressure
C3D8RHT Pyramid5 8-node thermally coupled brick, trilinear displacement and temperature, reduced integration, hourglass control, hybrid, constant pressure
C3D8RP Hex8 8-node brick, trilinear displacement, trilinear pore pressure, reduced integration
C3D8RPH Hex8 8-node brick, trilinear displacement, trilinear pore pressure, reduced integration, hybrid, constant pressure
C3D8RT
  • Pyramid5
  • Hex8
 8-node thermally coupled brick, trilinear displacement and temperature, reduced integration, hourglass control
C3D8S Hex8  
C3D8T
  • Pyramid5
  • Hex8
 8-node thermally coupled brick, trilinear displacement and temperature
CAX3 Tria3 3-node linear axisymmetric triangle
CAX3E Tria3 3-node linear axisymmetric piezoelectric triangle
CAX3H Tria3 3-node linear axisymmetric triangle, hybrid, constant pressure
CAX3T Tria3 3-node axisymmetric thermally coupled triangle, linear displacement and temperature
CAX4 Quad4 4-node bilinear axisymmetric quadrilateral
CAX4E Quad4 4-node bilinear axisymmetric piezoelectric quadrilateral
CAX4H Quad4 4-node bilinear axisymmetric quadrilateral, hybrid, constant pressure
CAX4HT Quad4 4-node axisymmetric thermally coupled quadrilateral, bilinear displacement and temperature, hybrid, constant pressure
CAX4I Quad4 4-node bilinear axisymmetric quadrilateral, incompatible modes
CAX4IH Quad4 4-node bilinear axisymmetric quadrilateral, hybrid, linear pressure, incompatible modes
CAX4R
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 4-node bilinear axisymmetric quadrilateral, reduced integration, hourglass control
CAX4RH Quad4 4-node bilinear axisymmetric quadrilateral, hybrid, constant pressure, reduced integration, hourglass control
CAX4T Quad4 4-node axisymmetric thermally coupled quadrilateral, bilinear displacement and temperature
CAX6 Tria6 6-node quadratic axisymmetric triangle
CAX6H Tria6 6-node quadratic axisymmetric triangle, hybrid, linear pressure
CAX6M Tria6 6-node modified axisymmetric triangle, hourglass control
CAX6MH Tria6 6-node modified quadratic axisymmetric triangle, hybrid, linear pressure, hourglass control
CAX8 Quad8 8-node biquadratic axisymmetric quadrilateral
CAX8H Quad8 8-node biquadratic axisymmetric quadrilateral, hybrid, linear pressure
CAX8HT Quad8 8-node axisymmetric thermally coupled quadrilateral, biquadratic displacement, bilinear temperature, hybrid, linear pressure
CAX8R Quad8 8-node biquadratic axisymmetric quadrilateral, reduced integration
CAX8RH Quad8 8-node biquadratic axisymmetric quadrilateral, hybrid, linear pressure, reduced integration
CAX8RHT Quad8 8-node axisymmetric thermally coupled quadrilateral, biquadratic displacement, bilinear temperature, hybrid, linear pressure, reduced integration
CAX8RT Quad8 8-node axisymmetric thermally coupled quadrilateral, biquadratic displacement, bilinear temperature, reduced integration
CAX8T Quad8 8-node axisymmetric thermally coupled quadrilateral, biquadratic displacement, bilinear temperature
CAXA41 Quad4  
CAXA4H1 Quad4  
CAXA4R1 Quad4  
CAXA4RH1 Quad4  
CAXA81 Quad8  
CAXA8H1 Quad8  
CAXA8P1 Quad8  
CAXA8R1 Quad8  
CAXA8R4 Quad8  
CAXA8RH1 Quad8  
CAXA8RH4 Quad8  
CAXA8RP1 Quad8  
CCL12 Hex8 12-node cylindrical brick
CGAX3 Tria3 3-node generalized linear axisymmetric triangle, twist
CGAX3H Tria3 3-node generalized linear axisymmetric triangle, hybrid, constant pressure, twist
CGAX4 Quad4 4-node generalized bilinear axisymmetric quadrilateral, twist
CGAX4H Quad4 4-node generalized bilinear axisymmetric quadrilateral, hybrid, constant pressure, twist
CGAX4R Quad4 4-node generalized bilinear axisymmetric quadrilateral, reduced integration, hourglass control, twist
CGAX4RH Quad4 4-node generalized bilinear axisymmetric quadrilateral, hybrid, constant pressure, reduced integration, hourglass control, twist
CGAX6 Tria6 6-node generalized quadratic axisymmetric triangle, twist
CGAX6H Tria6 6-node generalized quadratic axisymmetric triangle, hybrid, linear pressure, twist
CGAX8 Quad8 8-node generalized biquadratic axisymmetric quadrilateral, twist
CGAX8H Quad8 8-node generalized biquadratic axisymmetric quadrilateral, hybrid, linear pressure, twist
CGAX8R Quad8 8-node generalized biquadratic axisymmetric quadrilateral, reduced integration, twist
CGAX8RH Quad8 8-node generalized biquadratic axisymmetric quadrilateral, hybrid, linear pressure, reduced integration, twist
CGAX8T Quad8 8-node generalized axisymmetric thermally coupled quadrilateral, biquadratic displacement, bilinear temperature, twist
COH2D4 Quad4 4-node two-dimensional cohesive element
COH3D6 Penta6 6-node three-dimensional cohesive element
COH3D8 Hex8 8-node three-dimensional cohesive element
COHAX4 Quad4 4-node axisymmetric cohesive element
CONN2D2
  • Mass
  • Rod
 Connector element in a plane between two nodes or ground and a node
CONN3D2
  • Mass
  • Rod
 Connector element in space between two nodes or ground and a node
COUP_DIS rbe3  
COUP_KIN Rigid  
CPE Quad4  
CPE3 Tria3 3-node linear plane strain triangle
CPE3E Tria3 3-node linear plane strain piezoelectric triangle
CPE3H Tria3 3-node linear plane strain triangle, hybrid, constant pressure
CPE4E Quad4 4-node bilinear plane strain piezoelectric quadrilateral
CPE4HT Quad4 4-node plane strain thermally coupled quadrilateral, bilinear displacement and temperature, hybrid, constant pressure
CPE4I Quad4 4-node bilinear plane strain quadrilateral, incompatible modes
CPE4IH Quad4 4-node bilinear plane strain quadrilateral, hybrid, linear pressure, incompatible modes
CPE4P Quad4 4-node plane strain quadrilateral, bilinear displacement, bilinear pore pressure
CPE4PH Quad4 4-node plane strain quadrilateral, bilinear displacement, bilinear pore pressure, hybrid, constant pressure
CPE4R Quad4 4-node bilinear plane strain quadrilateral, reduced integration, hourglass control
CPE4RH Quad4 4-node bilinear plane strain quadrilateral, hybrid, constant pressure, reduced integration, hourglass control
CPE4RP Quad4 4-node plane strain quadrilateral, bilinear displacement, bilinear pore pressure, reduced integration, hourglass control
CPE4RPH Quad4 4-node plane strain quadrilateral, bilinear displacement, bilinear pore pressure, hybrid, constant pressure, reduced integration, hourglass control
CPE4T Quad4 4-node plane strain thermally coupled quadrilateral, bilinear displacement and temperature
CPE6 Tria6 6-node quadratic plane strain triangle
CPE6H Tria6 6-node quadratic plane strain triangle, hybrid, linear pressure
CPE6M Tria6 6-node modified quadratic plane strain triangle, hourglass control
CPE6MH Tria6 6-node modified quadratic plane strain triangle, hybrid, linear pressure, hourglass control
CPE6MP Tria6 6-node modified displacement and pore pressure plane strain triangle, hourglass control
CPE6MPH Tria6 6-node modified displacement and pore pressure plane strain triangle, hybrid, linear pressure, hourglass control
CPE8 Quad8 8-node biquadratic plane strain quadrilateral
CPE8H Quad8 8-node biquadratic plane strain quadrilateral, hybrid, linear pressure
CPE8P Quad8 8-node plane strain quadrilateral, biquadratic displacement, bilinear pore pressure
CPE8PH Quad8 8-node plane strain quadrilateral, biquadratic displacement, bilinear pore pressure, hybrid, linear pressure stress
CPE8R Quad8 8-node biquadratic plane strain quadrilateral, reduced integration
CPE8RH Quad8 8-node biquadratic plane strain quadrilateral, hybrid, linear pressure, reduced integration
CPE8RP Quad8 8-node plane strain quadrilateral, biquadratic displacement, bilinear pore pressure, reduced integration
CPE8RPH Quad8 8-node biquadratic displacement, bilinear pore pressure, reduced integration, hybrid, linear pressure
CPEG3 Tria3 3-node linear generalized plane strain triangle
CPEG4R Quad4 4-node bilinear generalized plane strain quadrilateral, reduced integration, hourglass control
CPH4H Quad4  
CPS3 Tria3 3-node linear plane stress triangle
CPS3E   3-node linear plane stress piezoelectric triangle
CPS4 Quad4 4-node bilinear plane stress quadrilateral
CPS4E Quad4 4-node bilinear plane stress piezoelectric quadrilateral
CPS4I Quad4 4-node bilinear plane stress quadrilateral, incompatible modes
CPS4R Quad4 4-node bilinear plane stress quadrilateral, reduced integration, hourglass control
CPS4T Quad4 4-node plane stress thermally coupled quadrilateral, bilinear displacement and temperature
CPS6 Tria6 6-node quadratic plane stress triangle
CPS6M Tria6 6-node modified second-order plane stress triangle, hourglass control
CPS8 Quad8 8-node biquadratic plane stress quadrilateral
CPS8R Quad8 8-node biquadratic plane stress quadrilateral, reduced integration
DASHPOT1 Mass Dashpot between a node and ground, acting in a fixed direction
DASHPOT2 Spring Dashpot between two nodes, acting in a fixed direction
DASHPOTA Spring Axial dashpot between two nodes, whose line of action is the line joining the two nodes
DC1D2 Bar2 2-node heat transfer link
DC1D3 Bar3 3-node heat transfer link
DC2D3 Tria3 3-node linear heat transfer triangle
DC2D3E Tria3 3-node linear coupled thermal-electrical triangle
DC2D4 Quad4 4-node linear heat transfer quadrilateral
DC2D4E Quad4 4-node linear coupled thermal-electrical quadrilateral
DC2D6 Tria6 6-node quadratic heat transfer triangle
DC2D6E Tria6 6-node quadratic coupled thermal-electrical triangle
DC2D8 Quad8 8-node quadratic heat transfer quadrilateral
DC2D8E Quad8 8-node quadratic coupled thermal-electrical quadrilateral
DC3D10 Tetra10 10-node quadratic heat transfer tetrahedron
DC3D10E Tetra10 10-node quadratic coupled thermal-electrical tetrahedron
DC3D15 Penta15 15-node quadratic heat transfer triangular prism
DC3D15E Penta15 15-node quadratic coupled thermal-electrical triangular prism
DC3D20 Hex20 20-node quadratic heat transfer brick
DC3D20E Hex20 20-node quadratic coupled thermal-electrical brick
DC3D4 Tetra4 4-node linear heat transfer tetrahedron
DC3D4E Tetra4 4-node linear coupled thermal-electrical tetrahedron
DC3D6 Penta6 6-node linear heat transfer triangular prism
DC3D6E Penta6 6-node linear coupled thermal-electrical triangular prism
DC3D8 Hex8 8-node linear heat transfer brick
DC3D8E Hex8 8-node linear coupled thermal-electrical brick
DCAX3 Tria3 3-node linear axisymmetric heat transfer triangle
DCAX3E Tria3 3-node linear axisymmetric coupled thermal-electrical triangle
DCAX4 Quad4 4-node linear axisymmetric heat transfer quadrilateral
DCAX4E Quad4 4-node linear axisymmetric coupled thermal-electrical quadrilateral
DCAX6 Tria6 6-node quadratic axisymmetric heat transfer triangle
DCAX6E Tria6 6-node quadratic axisymmetric coupled thermal-electrical triangle
DCAX8 Quad8 8-node quadratic axisymmetric heat transfer quadrilateral
DCAX8E Quad8 8-node quadratic axisymmetric coupled thermal-electrical quadrilateral
DCC3D8 Hex8 8-node convection/diffusion brick
DCC3D8D Hex8 8-node convection/diffusion brick, dispersion control
DCCAX4 Quad4 4-node axisymmetric convection/diffusion quadrilateral
DCCAX4D Quad4 4-node axisymmetric convection/diffusion quadrilateral, dispersion control
DCOUP2D rbe3 Two-dimensional distributing coupling element
DCOUP3D rbe3 Three-dimensional distributing coupling element
DS3 Tria3 3-node heat transfer triangular shell
DS4 Quad4 4-node heat transfer quadrilateral shell
DS6 Tria6 6-node heat transfer triangular shell
DS8 Quad8 8-node heat transfer quadrilateral shell
EC3D8R Hex8  
EC3D8RT Hex8  
ELBOW31 Bar2 2-node pipe in space with deforming section, linear interpolation along the pipe
ELBOW31B Bar2 2-node pipe in space with ovalization only, axial gradients of ovalization neglected
ELBOW31C Bar2 2-node pipe in space with ovalization only, axial gradients of ovalization neglected
ELBOW32 Bar3 3-node pipe in space with deforming section, quadratic interpolation along the pipe
F2D2 Bar2  
F3D3 Tria3 3-node linear 3-D triangular hydrostatic fluid element
F3D4 Quad4 4-node linear 3-D quadrilateral hydrostatic fluid element
FAX2 Bar2 2-node linear axisymmetric hydrostatic fluid element
FC3D4 Tetra4  
FC3D5 Pyramid5  
FC3D6 Penta6  
FC3D8 Hex8  
FRAME2D Bars 2 node frame element in standard 2D profile
FRAME3D Bars 2 noded frame elements in standard 3D profile
GAPCYL Gap Cylindrical gap between two nodes
GAPSPHER Gap Spherical gap between two nodes
GAPUNI Gap Unidirectional gap between two nodes
GK2D2 Rod 2-node two-dimensional gasket element
GK2D2N Rod 2-node two-dimensional gasket element with thickness-direction behavior only
GK3D12M Penta6 12-node three-dimensional gasket element
GK3D12MN Penta6 12-node three-dimensional gasket element with thickness-direction behavior only
GK3D18 Hex8 18-node three-dimensional gasket element
GK3D18N Hex8 18-node three-dimensional gasket element with thickness-direction behavior only
GK3D2 Bar2 2-node three-dimensional gasket element
GK3D2N Bar2 2-node three-dimensional gasket element with thickness-direction behavior only
GK3D4L Quad4 4-node three-dimensional line gasket element
GK3D4LN Quad4 4-node three-dimensional line gasket element with thickness-direction behavior only
GK3D6 Penta6 6-node three-dimensional gasket element
GK3D6N Penta6 6-node three-dimensional gasket element with thickness-direction behavior only
GK3D8 Hex8 8-node three-dimensional gasket element
GK3D8N Hex8 8-node three-dimensional gasket element with thickness-direction behavior only
GKPE4 Quad4 4-node plane strain gasket element
GKPS4 Quad4 4-node plane stress gasket element
GKPS4N Quad4 4-node two-dimensional gasket element with thickness-direction behavior only
HMCONN Mass  
ITS    
ITSCYL Rod Cylindrical geometry tube support interaction element
ITSUNI Rod Unidirectional tube support interaction element
ITT21 Mass Tube-tube element for use with first-order, 2-D beam and pipe elements
ITT31 Mass Tube-tube element for use with first-order, 3-D beam and pipe elements
JOINTC Spring Three-dimensional joint interaction element
KINCOUP Rigid  
LINK Rigid  
M3D3 Tria3 3-node triangular membrane
M3D4 Quad4 4-node quadrilateral membrane
M3D4R Quad4 4-node quadrilateral membrane, reduced integration, hourglass control
M3D6 Tria6 6-node triangular membrane
M3D8 Quad8 8-node quadrilateral membrane
M3D8R Quad8 8-node quadrilateral membrane, reduced integration
MASS Mass Point mass
MGAX1 Rod 2-node linear axisymmetric membrane, twist
MGAX2 Bar3 3-node quadratic axisymmetric membrane, twist
PC3D Mass  
PIN Rigid  
PIPE21 Bar2 2-node linear pipe in a plane
PIPE21H Bar2 2-node linear pipe in a plane, hybrid formulation
PIPE22 Bar3 3-node quadratic pipe in a plane
PIPE22H Bar3 3-node quadratic pipe in a plane, hybrid formulation
PIPE31 Bar2 2-node linear pipe
PIPE31H Bar2 2-node linear pipe in space, hybrid formulation
PIPE32 Bar3 3-node quadratic pipe in space
PIPE32H Bar3 3-node quadratic pipe in space, hybrid formulation
R2D2 Rigid  
R3D3 Tria3 3-node 3-D rigid triangular facet
R3D4 Quad4 4-node 3-D bilinear rigid quadrilateral
RAX2 Rigid  
RB2D2 Rigid  
RB3D2 Rigid 2-node 3-D rigid beam
RDE
  • Rigid
  • rbe3
 2-node linear axisymmetric rigid link (for use in axisymmetric planar geometries)
ROTARYI Mass Rotary inertia at a point
S3 Tria3 3-node triangular general-purpose shell, finite membrane strains
S3R Tria3 3-node triangular general-purpose shell, finite membrane strains
S3RS Tria3  
S3RT Tria3 3-node thermally coupled triangular general-purpose shell, finite membrane strains
S4 Quad4 4-node general-purpose shell, finite membrane strains
S4R Quad4 4-node general-purpose shell, reduced integration, hourglass control, finite membrane strains
S4R5 Quad4 4-node thin shell, reduced integration, hourglass control, using five degrees of freedom per node
S4RS Quad4  
S4RSW Quad4  
S4RT Quad4 4-node thermally coupled general-purpose shell, reduced integration, hourglass control, finite membrane strains
S4T Quad4 4-node thermally coupled general-purpose shell, finite membrane strains
S8R Quad8 8-node doubly curved thick shell, reduced integration
S8R5 Quad8 8-node doubly curved thin shell, reduced integration, using five degrees of freedom per node
S8RT Quad8 8-node thermally coupled quadrilateral general thick shell, biquadratic displacement, bilinear temperature in the shell surface
SAX1 Bar2 2-node linear axisymmetric thin or thick shell
SAX2 Bar3 3-node quadratic axisymmetric thin or thick shell
SC6R Penta6 6-node triangular in-plane continuum shell wedge, general-purpose continuum shell, finite membrane strains
SC6RT Penta6 6-node linear displacement and temperature, triangular in-plane continuum shell wedge, general-purpose continuum shell, finite membrane strains
SC8R Hex8 8-node quadrilateral in-plane general-purpose continuum shell, reduced integration with hourglass control, finite membrane strains
SC8RT Hex8 8-node linear displacement and temperature, quadrilateral in-plane general-purpose continuum shell, reduced integration with hourglass control, finite membrane strains
SHEAR4 Quad4 4 node shear elements
SFM3D3 Tria3 3-node triangular surface element
SFM3D4 Quad4 4-node quadrilateral surface element
SFM3D4R Quad4 4-node quadrilateral surface element, reduced integration
SFM3D6 Tria6 6-node triangular surface element
SFM3D8 Quad8 8-node quadrilateral surface element
SFM3D8R Quad8 8-node quadrilateral surface element, reduced integration
SFMAX1 Rod 2-node linear axisymmetric surface element
SFMAX2 Bar3 3-node quadratic axisymmetric surface element
SFMGAX1 Rod 2-node linear axisymmetric surface element, twist
SFMGAX2 Bar3 3-node quadratic axisymmetric surface element, twist
SPRING1 Mass Spring between a node and ground, acting in a fixed direction
SPRING2 Spring Spring between two nodes, acting in a fixed direction
SPRINGA Spring Axial spring between two nodes, whose line of action is the line joining the two nodes
STRI3 Tria3 3-node triangular facet thin shell
STRI65 Tria6 6-node triangular thin shell, using five degrees of freedom per node
T2D2 Rod 2-node linear 2-D truss
T2D2E Rod 2-node 2-D piezoelectric truss
T2D2H Rod 2-node linear 2-D truss, hybrid
T2D2T Rod 2-node 2-D thermally coupled truss
T2D3 Rod 3-node quadratic 2-D truss
T3D2 Rod 2-node linear 3D truss
T3D2E Rod 2-node 3D piezoelectric truss
T3D2H Rod 2-node linear 3D truss, hybrid
T3D2T Rod 2-node 3D thermally coupled truss
TIE Rigid  

ANSYS Cards

Card Supported Element Configurations Description
BEAM3 Bar2 2D Elastic Beam

Config 60, Type 2
BEAM4 Bar2 3D Elastic Beam

Config 60, Type 1
BEAM23 Bar2 2D Plastic Beam

Config 60, Type 9
BEAM24 Bar2 3D Thin-walled Beam

Config 60, Type 6
BEAM44 Bar2 3D Elastic Tapered Unsymmetric Beam

Config 60, Type 7
BEAM54 Bar2 2D Elastic Tapered Unsymmetric Beam

Config 60, Type 10
BEAM188 Bar2 3D Linear Finite Strain Beam

Config 60, Type 8
BEAM189 Bar3 3D Quadratic Finite Strain Beam

Config 63, Type 1
CERIG Rigid Ldof, Ldof2, Ldof3, Ldof4, Ldof5

Config 5, Type 1, 2
CIRCU124 Rod General circuit element applicable to circuit simulation.
COMBIN14 Spring Spring-Damper

Config 21, Type 1
COMBIN39 Spring Nonlinear Spring

Config 21, Type 2
COMBIN40 Spring Combination

Config 21, Type 3
CONTA171 Plot 2D 2-Node Surface-to-Surface Contact

Config 2, Type 3
CONTA172 Bar3 2D 3-Node Surface-to-Surface Contact

Config 63, Type 12
CONTA173
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 3D 4-Node Surface-to-Surface Contact
  • Config 103, Type 13
  • Config 104, Type 13
CONTA174
  • Tria6
  • Quad 8
 3D 8-Node Surface-to-Surface Contact
  • Config 106, Type 10
  • Config 108, Type 10
CONTA175 Mass 2D/3D Node-to-Surface Contact

Config 1, Type 14
CONTA177
  • Bar2
  • Bar3
 3D Line-to-Surface Contact
CONTA178 Gap 3D Node-to-Node Contact

Config 70, Type 3
CONTAC12 Gap 2D Point-to-Point Contact

Config 70, Type 2
CONTAC48 Tria3
CONTAC49
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
CONTAC52 Gap 3D Point-to-Point Contact

Config 70, Type 1
CP Rigid Defines (or modifies) a set of coupled degrees of freedom.

Config 55, Type 1, 2
CP_ELEC Rigid
CP_STRUC Rigid
CP_THERM Rigid
ELBOW290 Bar3
FLUID29
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 2D Axisymmetric Harmonic Acoustic Fluid
FLUID30
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D Acoustic Fluid
FLUID80 Hex8 3D Contained Fluid

Config 208, Type 9
FLUID116 Rod Coupled Thermal-Fluid Pipe

Config 61, Type 12
FLUID220
  • Hex20
  • Penta15
  • Pyramid13
  • Tetra10
FLUID221 Tetra10
HF118
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 2D High-Frequency Quadrilateral Solid
  • Config 106, Type 25
  • Config 108, Type 25
HF119 Tetra10 3D High-Frequency Tetrahedral Solid

Config 210, Type 11
HF120
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
 3D High-Frequency Brick Solid
  • Config 213, Type 3
  • Config 215, Type 3
  • Config 220, Type 3
HYPER58
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D 8-Node Mixed u-P Hyperelastic Solid
  • Config 204, Type 11
  • Config 206, Type 11
  • Config 208, Type 11
INFIN9 Rod
INFIN110
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
INTER192
  • Quad4
  • Tria3
INTER193 Quad8
INTER194
  • Hex20
  • Penta15
INTER195
  • Hex8
  • Penta6
INTER205
  • Hex8
  • Penta6
LINK1 Rod 2D Spar (or Truss)

Config 61, Type 5
LINK8 Rod 3D Spar (or Truss)

Config 61, Type 1
LINK10 Rod Tension-only or Compression-only Spar

Config 61, Type 2
LINK11 Bar2 Linear actuator

Config 61, Type 25
LINK31 Rod Radiation Link

Config 61, Type 6
LINK32 Rod 2D Conduction Bar

Config 61, Type 7
LINK33 Rod 3D Conduction Bar

Config 61, Type 8
LINK34 Rod Convection Link

Config 61, Type 9
LINK68 Rod Coupled Thermal-Electric Line

Config 61, Type 14
LINK180 Rod 3D Finite Strain Spar (or Truss)

Config 61, Type 11
MASS21 Mass Structural Mass

Config 1, Type 1
MASS71 Mass Thermal Mass

Config 1, Type 2
MESH200
  • Bar3
  • Rod
  • Tria3
  • Tetra4
  • Tetra10
  • Quad4
  • Hex8
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
  • Hex20
 Meshing Facet
  • Config 63, Type 26
  • Config 61, Type 26
  • Config 103, Type 26
  • Config 204, Type 26
  • Config 210, Type 26
  • Config 104, Type 26
  • Config 208, Type 26
  • Config 106, Type 26
  • Config 108, Type 26
  • Config 220, Type 26
MPC184 Rod Multipoint Constraint Elements: Rigid Link, Rigid Beam, Slider, Spherical, Revolute, Universal

Config 61, Type 13
PIPE16 Bar2 Elastic Straight Pipe

Config 60, Type 3
PIPE18 Bar2 Elastic Curved Pipe (Elbow)

Config 60, Type 4
PIPE20 Rod Plastic Straight Pipe

Config 61, Type 4
PIPE60 Bar2 Plastic Curved Pipe (Elbow)

Config 60, Type 5
PIPE288 Bar2
PIPE289 Bar3
PLANE2 Tria6 2D 6-Node Triangular Structural Solid

Config 106, Type 21
PLANE13
  • Quad4
  • Tria3
 2D Coupled-Field Solid
  • Config 103, Type 3
  • Config 104, Type 3
PLANE25
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Axisymmetric-Harmonic 4-Node Structural Solid
  • Config 103, Type 6
  • Config 104, Type 6
PLANE35 Tria6 2D 6-Node Triangular Thermal Solid

Config 106, Type 7
PLANE42
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 2D Structural Solid
  • Config 103, Type 4
  • Config 104, Type 4
PLANE53
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 2D 8-Node Magnetic Solid
  • Config 106, Type 9
  • Config 108, Type 9
PLANE55
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 2D Thermal Solid
  • Config 103, Type 5
  • Config 104, Type 5
PLANE67
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 2D Coupled Thermal-Electric Solid
  • Config 103, Type 21
  • Config 104, Type 21
PLANE75
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Axisymmetric-Harmonic 4-Node Thermal Solid
  • Config 103, Type 9
  • Config 104, Type 9
PLANE77
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 2D 8-Node Thermal Solid
  • Config 106, Type 2
  • Config 108, Type 2
PLANE78
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 Axisymmetric-Harmonic 8-Node Thermal Solid
  • Config 106, Type 8
  • Config 108, Type 8
PLANE82
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 2D 8-Node Structural Solid
  • Config 106, Type 1
  • Config 108, Type 1
PLANE83
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 Axisymmetric-Harmonic 8-Node Structural Solid
  • Config 106, Type 3
  • Config 108, Type 3
PLANE121
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 2D 8-Node Electrostatic Solid
  • Config 106, Type 22
  • Config 108, Type 22
PLANE145
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 2D Quadrilateral Structural Solid p-Element
  • Config 106, Type 23
  • Config 108, Type 23
PLANE146 Tria6 Config 106, Type 31
PLANE162
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Explicit 2D Structural Solid
  • Config 103, Type 22
  • Config 104, Type 22
PLANE182
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 2D 4-Node Structural Solid
  • Config 103, Type 23
  • Config 104, Type 23
PLANE183
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 2D 8-Node Structural Solid
  • Config 106, Type 19
  • Config 108, Type 19
PLANE223
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 2D 8-Node Coupled-Field Solid
PRETS179 Bar2 Define a 2D or 3D pretension section within a meshed structure.

Config 60, Type 17
RBE3 RBE3 Distributes the force/moment applied at the main node to a set of secondary nodes, taking into account the geometry of the secondary nodes as well as weighting factors.
SHELL28 Quad4 Shear/Twist Panel

Config 104, Type 12
SHELL41
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Membrane Shell
  • Config 103, Type 19
  • Config 104, Type 19
SHELL43
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 4-Node Plastic Large Strain Shell
  • Config 103, Type 2
  • Config 104, Type 2
SHELL51 Bar2 Axisymmetric Structural Shell

Config 60, Type 14
SHELL57
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Thermal Shell
  • Config 103, Type 7
  • Config 104, Type 7
SHELL61 Bar2 Axisymmetric-Harmonic Structural Shell

Config 60, Type 15
SHELL63
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Elastic Shell
  • Config 103, Type 1
  • Config 104, Type 1
SHELL91
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 Nonlinear Layered Structural Shell
  • Config 106, Type 6
  • Config 108, Type 6
SHELL93
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 8-Node Structural Shell
  • Config 106, Type 4
  • Config 108, Type 4
SHELL99
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 Linear Layered Structural Shell
  • Config 106, Type 5
  • Config 108, Type 5
SHELL131
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 4-Node Layered Thermal Shell
  • Config 103, Type 25
  • Config 104, Type 25
SHELL132
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 8-Node Layered Thermal Shell
  • Config 106, Type 24
  • Config 108, Type 24
SHELL143
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 4-Node Plastic Small Strain Shell
  • Config 103, Type 10
  • Config 104, Type 10
SHELL150
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 8-Node Structural Shell p-Element
  • Config 106, Type 20
  • Config 108, Type 20
SHELL157
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Thermal-Electric Shell
  • Config 103, Type 20
  • Config 104, Type 20
SHELL163
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Explicit Thin Structural Shell
  • Config 103, Type 17
  • Config 104, Type 17
SHELL181
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 4-Node Finite Strain Shell
  • Config 103, Type 11
  • Config 104, Type 11
SHELL208 Bar2 2-Node Finite Strain Axisymmetric Shell
SHELL209 Bar2 3-Node Finite Strain Axisymmetric Shell
SHELL281
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 8-Node Finite Strain Shell
SOLID5
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D Coupled-Field Solid
  • Config 206, Type 2
  • Config 208, Type 2
SOLID45
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D Structural Solid
  • Config 204, Type 1
  • Config 206, Type 1
  • Config 208, Type 1
SOLID46
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D 8-Node Layered Structural Solid
  • Config 204, Type 6
  • Config 206, Type 6
  • Config 208, Type 6
SOLID62
  • Tetra4
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D Magneto-Structural Solid
  • Config 204, Type 15
  • Config 205, Type 15
  • Config 206, Type 15
  • Config 208, Type 15
SOLID64
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D Anisotropic Structural Solid
  • Config 204, Type 7
  • Config 206, Type 7
  • Config 208, Type 7
SOLID69
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D Coupled Thermal-Electric Solid
  • Config 204, Type 4
  • Config 206, Type 4
  • Config 208, Type 4
SOLID70
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D Thermal Solid
  • Config 204, Type 3
  • Config 206, Type 3
  • Config 208, Type 3
SOLID72 Tetra4
SOLID73
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
SOLID87 Tetra10 3D 10-Node Tetrahedral Thermal Solid

Config 210, Type 5
SOLID90
  • Tetra10
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
 3D 20-Node Thermal Solid
  • Config 210, Type 2
  • Config 213, Type 2
SOLID92 Tetra10 3D 10-Node Tetrahedral Structural Solid

Config 210, Type 3
SOLID95
  • Tetra10
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
 3D 20-Node Structural Solid
  • Config 210, Type 1
  • Config 213, Type 1
  • Config 215, Type 1
  • Config 220, Type 1
SOLID96
  • Tetra4
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D Magnetic Scalar Solid
  • Config 204, Type 5
  • Config 205, Type 5
  • Config 206, Type 5
  • Config 208, Type 5
SOLID97
  • Tetra4
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D Magnetic Solid
  • Config 204, Type 8
  • Config 205, Type 8
  • Config 206, Type 8
  • Config 208, Type 8
SOLID98 Tetra10 Tetrahedral Coupled-Field Solid

Config 210, Type 4
SOLID117
  • Tetra10
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
 3D 20-Node Magnetic Solid
  • Config 210, Type 8
  • Config 213, Type 8
  • Config 215, Type 8
  • Config 220, Type 8
SOLID147
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
 3D Brick Structural Solid p-Element
SOLID148
  • Penta15
  • Tetra10
  • Hex20
 3D Tetrahedral Structural Solid p-Element
  • Config 215, Type 9
  • Config 210, Type 9
  • Config 220, Type 9
SOLID164
  • Tetra4
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta5
  • Hex8
 Explicit 3D Structural Solid
  • Config 204, Type 14
  • Config 205, Type 14
  • Config 206, Type 14
  • Config 208, Type 14
SOLID168 Tetra10 Explicit 3D 10-Node Tetrahedral Structural Solid
SOLID185
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D 8-Node Structural Solid
  • Config 204, Type 13
  • Config 206, Type 13
  • Config 208, Type 13
SOLID186
  • Tetra10
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
 3D 20-Node Structural Solid
  • Config 210, Type 7
  • Config 213, Type 7
  • Config 215, Type 7
  • Config 220, Type 7
SOLID187 Tetra10 3D 10-Node Tetrahedral Structural Solid

Config 210, Type 6
SOLID191
  • Tetra10
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
 3D 20-Node Layered Structural Solid
  • Config 210, Type 10
  • Config 215, Type 10
  • Config 220, Type 10
SOLID225
  • Tetra4
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 8-Node Coupled-Field Solid
SOLID226
  • Tetra10
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
 3D 20-Node Coupled-Field Solid
SOLID227 Tetra10 3D 10-Node Coupled-Field Solid
SOLID236
  • Hex20
  • Tetra20
  • Pyramid20
 3-D 20-Node element capable of modeling electromagnetic fields. The element has magnetic and electric degrees of freedom.
SOLID278
  • Hex8
  • Penta6
  • Tetra4
SOLID279
  • Hex20
  • Penta15
  • Pyramid13
  • Tetra10
SOLID285 Tetra4
SOLSH190
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D 8-Node Layered Solid Shell
  • Config 206
  • Config 208, Type 17
SURF151 Bar2 2D Thermal Surface Effect

Config 60, Type 12
SURF152
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
  • Tria6
 3D Thermal Surface Effect
  • Config 104, Type 14
  • Config 108, Type 14
SURF153
  • Bar2
  • Bar3
 2D Structural Surface Effect
  • Config 60, Type 16
  • Config 63, Type 16
SURF154
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
  • Tria6
 3D Structural Surface Effect
  • Config 104, Type 18
  • Config 108, Type 18
SURF156 Bar3 3D Structural Surface Line Load Effect
SURF251 Rod 2D Radiosity Surface

Config 61, Type 25
SURF252
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 3D Radiosity Surface
  • Config 103, Type 36
  • Config 104, Type 36
TARGE169
  • Mass
  • Bar2
  • Bar3
 2D Target Segment
  • Config 1, Type 13
  • Config 60, Type 9
  • Config 63, Type 16
TARGE170
  • Mass
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 3D Target Segment
  • Config 103, Type 16
  • Config 104, Type 16
  • Config 106, Type 16
  • Config 108, Type 16
VISCO88
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
 2D 8-Node Viscoelastic Solid
VISCO107
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 3D 8-Node Viscoplastic Solid
  • Config 204, Type 16
  • Config 206, Type 16
  • Config 208, Type 16

EXODUS Cards

Card Supported Element Configurations Description
BEAM bar2
BEAM2 bar2
BEAM3 bar3
CIRCLE mass
HEX20 hex20
HEX8 hex8
PYRAMID13 pyramid13
PYRAMID5 pyramid5
QUAD4 quad4
QUAD8 quad8
RBAR weld
RJOINT rigid
RROD rigid
SHELL3 tria3
SHELL4 quad4
SHELL6 tria6
SHELL8 quad8
SPHERE mass
SPRING spring
TETRA10 tetra10
TETRA4 tetra4
TRI3 tria3
TRI6 tria6
TRIANGLE3 tria3
TRIANGLE6 tria6
TRUSS rod
WEDGE15 penta15
WEDGE6 penta6

LS-DYNA Cards

Card Supported Element Configurations Description
*CONSTRAINED_GENERALIZED_WELD_BUTT_(ID) Rigid Define butt welds.

Spot(default)/type 1, Fillet/type 2, and Butt/type 3 failure modes are supported. Failure information is based on weld type selected. Coordinate System ID can be selected.

No Failure/Type 0 Card 36 entities are defined as *CONSTRAINED_NODAL_RIGID_BODIES in Keyword. They are a separate element type.
*CONSTRAINED_GENERALIZED_WELD_COMBINED_(ID) Rigid Define combined welds.
*CONSTRAINED_GENERALIZED_WELD_CROSS_FILLET_(ID) Rigid Define cross fillet welds.
*CONSTRAINED_GENERALIZED_WELD_FILLET_(ID) Rigid Define fillet welds.
*CONSTRAINED_GENERALIZED_WELD_SPOT_(ID) Rigid Define spot welds.
*CONSTRAINED_INTERPOLATION RBE3 Define an interpolation constrain.
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_CONSTANT_VELOCITY Joint  
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_CYLINDRICAL Joint Define a joint between two rigid bodies.
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_CYLINDRICAL_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_CYLINDRICAL_LOCAL(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_CYLINDRICAL_LOCAL_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_GEARS Joint  
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_LOCKING(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_LOCKING_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_LOCKING_LOCAL(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_LOCKING_LOCAL_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_PLANAR(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_PLANAR_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_PLANAR_LOCAL(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_PLANAR_FAILURE_LOCAL(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_PULLY Joint  
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_RACK_AND_PINION_ID Joint  
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_REVOLUTE Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_REVOLUTE_LOCAL(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_REVOLUTE_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_REVOLUTE_LOCAL_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_ROTATIONAL_MOTOR Joint  
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_SCREW    
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_SPHERICAL(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_SPHERICAL_LOCAL(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_SPHERICAL_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_SPHERICAL_LOCAL_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_STIFFNESS_TRANSLATIONAL Joint Define optional rotational and translational joint stiffness for joints defined by *CONSTRAINED_JOINT_OPTION.
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_TRANSLATIONAL(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_TRANSLATIONAL_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_TRANSLATIONAL_LOCAL(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_TRANSLATIONAL_LOCAL_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_TRANSLATIONAL_MOTOR Joint  
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_UNIVERSAL(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_UNIVERSAL_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_UNIVERSAL_LOCAL(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_JOINT_UNIVERSAL_LOCAL_FAILURE(ID) Joint
*CONSTRAINED_NODAL_RIGID_BODY Rigid Define a nodal rigid body.
*CONSTRAINED_NODAL_RIGID_BODY (2-Noded) Rigid
*CONSTRAINED_NODAL_RIGID_BODY_INERTIA Rigid Used when inertial properties are defined rather than computed.
*CONSTRAINED_NODAL_RIGID_BODY_INERTIA (2-Noded) Rigid
*CONSTRAINED_NODAL_RIGID_BODY_INERTIA _SPC Rigid
*CONSTRAINED_NODAL_RIGID_BODY_INERTIA _SPC (2-Noded) Rigid
*CONSTRAINED_NODAL_RIGID_BODY_SPC Rigid
*CONSTRAINED_NODAL_RIGID_BODY_SPC (2-Noded) Rigid
*CONSTRAINED_NODE_SET Rigid Define nodal constraint sets for translational motion in global coordinates.
*CONSTRAINED_NODE_SET (2-Noded) Rigid
*CONSTRAINED_NODE_SET_ID Rigid
*CONSTRAINED_RIVET Weld Define massless rivets between non-contiguous nodal pairs.
*CONSTRAINED_SHELL_TO_SOLID Rigid Define a tie between a shell edge and solid elements.
*CONSTRAINED_SPOTWELD_ID Weld Define massless spot welds between non-contiguous nodal pairs.

Normal and shear failure values can be edited.
*CONSTRAINED_SPOTWELD_FILTERED_FORCE_ID Weld
*ELEMENT_BEAM Bar Define two node elements including 3D beams, trusses, 2D axisymmetric shells and 2D plane strain beam elements.

Thickness option can be added. This allows you to edit the parameters based on the element formulation in the property to which the beam points.
*ELEMENT_BEAM_OFFSET Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_OFFSET_PID Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_OFFSET_THICKNESS Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_ORIENTATION Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_PID Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_PID_ORIENTATION Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_PID_SCALAR Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_SCALAR Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_SCALAR_ORIENTATION Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_SECTION Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_SECTION_ORIENTATION Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_SECTION_PID Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_THICKNESS Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_THICKNESS_ORIENTATION Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_THICKNESS_PID Bar
*ELEMENT_BEAM_THICKNESS_SCALAR Bar
*ELEMENT_DISCRETE Spring Define a discrete (spring or damper) element between two nodes or a node and ground.

Scale factor, printing flags, and offset values can be edited.
*ELEMENT_INERTIA Mass Define a lumped inertia element assigned to a nodal point.
*ELEMENT_INERTIA_OFFSET Mass
*ELEMENT_MASS Mass Define a lumped mass element assigned to a nodal point or equally distributed to the nodes of a node set.
*ELEMENT_MASS_NODE_SET Mass Mass elements defined on node set
*ELEMENT_MASS_PART Mass Define additional non-structural mass to be distributed by an area weighted distribution to all nodes of a given part ID.
*ELEMENT_MASS_PART_SET Mass Mass elements defined on part set.
*ELEMENT_PLOTEL Plot Define a null beam element for visualization.
*ELEMENT_SEATBELT Rod Define a seat belt element.
*ELEMENT_SEATBELT_SENSOR Sensors Define seat belt sensor.
*ELEMENT_SHELL
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Define three, four, six and eight node elements including 3D shells, membranes, 2D plane stress, plane strain, and axisymmetric solids.

Thickness and beta options can be added singularly or together. This allows you to edit the thickness and material angles to override the SECTION card.
*ELEMENT_SHELL_BETA
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_BETA_OFFSET
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_COMPOSITE
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_DOF
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_MCID
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_MCID_OFFSET
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_OFFSET
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_THICKNESS
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_THICKNESS_BETA
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_THICKNESS_BETA_OFFSET
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_THICKNESS_MCID
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_THICKNESS_MCID_OFFSET
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SHELL_THICKNESS_OFFSET
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
*ELEMENT_SOLID
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
  • Tetra10
 Define three-dimensional solid elements including 4 noded tetrahedrons and 8-noded hexahedrons.
*ELEMENT_SOLID_ORTHO
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
  • Tetra10
 Define a local coordinate system for orthotropic and anisotropic materials.
*ELEMENT_SOLID_TET4TOTET10 Tetra4 Converts 4 node tetrahedron solids to 10 node quadratic tetrahedron solids.
*ELEMENT_SPH Mass Define a lumped mass element assigned to a nodal point
*ELEMENT_TSHELL
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 Define an eight node thick shell element which is available with either fully reduced or selectively reduced integration rules.
*INITIAL_MOMENTUM
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
  • Tetra10
 Defines initial momentum in the solid element at the start of analysis. This momentum could be from previous analysis/step carried forward to next analysis/step.

This is supported as an attribute to an element to maintain its associativity with element inside HM.
*INITIAL_STRAIN_SHELL
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Defines stress in the shell element at the start of analysis. This stress could be from previous analysis/step carried forward to next analysis/step.

This is supported as an attribute to an element to maintain its associativity with element inside HM.
*INITIAL_STRAIN_SOLID
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
  • Tetra10
 Defines stress in the solid element at the start of analysis. This stress could be from previous analysis/step carried forward to next analysis/step.

This is supported as an attribute to an element to maintain its associativity with element inside HM.
*INITIAL_STRESS_BEAM Bar Defines stress in the beam element at the start of analysis. This stress could be from previous analysis/step carried forward to next analysis/step.

This is supported as an attribute to an element to maintain its associativity with element inside HM.
*INITIAL_STRESS_SHELL
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Defines stress in the shell element at the start of analysis. This stress could be from previous analysis/step carried forward to next analysis/step.

This is supported as an attribute to an element to maintain its associativity with element inside HM.
*INITIAL_STRESS_SOLID
  • Tetra4
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
  • Tetra10
 Defines stress in the solid element at the start of analysis. This stress could be from previous analysis/step carried forward to next analysis/step.

This is supported as an attribute to an element to maintain its associativity with element inside HM.

Nastran Cards

Card Supported Element Configurations Description
CAABSF
  • Mass
  • Rod
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Defines a frequency-dependent acoustic absorber element in coupled fluid-structural analysis.
CACINF3 Tria3 Defines an acoustic conjugate infinite element with triangular base.
CACINF4 Quad4 Defines an acoustic conjugate infinite element with quadrilateral base.
CAERO1 Quad4 Defines an aerodynamic macro element (panel) in terms of two leading edge locations and side chords. This is used for Doublet-Lattice theory for subsonic aerodynamics and the ZONA51 theory for supersonic aerodynamics.
CAERO2 Rod Defines aerodynamic slender body and interference elements for Doublet-Lattice aerodynamics.
CBAR Bar Defines a simple beam element.
CBEAM Bar Defines a beam element.
CBEND Bar Defines a curved beam, curved pipe, or elbow element.
CBUSH
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a generalized spring-and-damper structural element that may be nonlinear or frequency dependent.

Both elements with grounded terminals are supported.
CBUSH1D
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines the connectivity of a one-dimensional spring and viscous damper element.

Both elements with grounded terminals are supported.
CDAMP1
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar damper element.

Elements CDAMP1 and CDAMP2 with grounded terminals are not supported.
CDAMP2
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar damper element without reference to a material or property entry.

Elements CDAMP1 and CDAMP2 with grounded terminals are not supported.
CDAMP3
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar damper element that is connected only to scalar points.

Elements CDAMP1 and CDAMP2 with grounded terminals are not supported.
CDAMP4
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar damper element that connected only to scalar points and without reference to a material or property entry.

Elements CDAMP1 and CDAMP2 with grounded terminals are not supported.
CELAS1
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar spring element.

Elements CDAMP1 and CDAMP2 with grounded terminals are not supported.
CELAS2
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar spring element without reference to a property entry.

Elements CDAMP1 and CDAMP2 with grounded terminals are not supported.
CELAS3
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar spring element that connects only to scalar points.

Elements CDAMP1 and CDAMP2 with grounded terminals are not supported.
CELAS4
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar spring element that is connected only to scalar points, without reference to a property entry.

Elements CDAMP1 and CDAMP2 with grounded terminals are not supported.
CFAST
  • Mass
  • Rod
 Defines a fastener with material orientation connecting two surface patches.
CGAP Gap Defines a gap or friction element.
CHACAB Hex8 Defines the acoustic absorber element in coupled fluid-structural analysis.
CHBDYE
  • Secondary3
  • Secondary4
 Defines a boundary condition surface element with reference to a heat conduction element.

This element is supported as GROUP.
CHBDYG
  • Secondary3
  • Secondary4
 Defines a boundary condition surface element without reference to a property entry.

This element is supported as GROUP.

Creation from scratch is not yet supported.
CHBDYP
  • Mass
  • Rod
 Defines a boundary condition surface element with reference to a PHBDY entry.

CONVM is supported as a continuation card inside CHBDYP.
CHEXA (20-noded) Hex20 Defines a second order solid element, composed of 6 quadrilateral faces.

In Nastran, you can define a second order element with missing mid-side nodes. Input data decks containing such elements are read by the translator as a first-order element. A message is written to the nastran.msg file indicating the corresponding element ID.
CHEXA (8-noded) Hex8 Defines a first order solid element, composed of 6 quadrilateral faces.
CMASS1
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar mass element.
CMASS2
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar mass element without reference to a property entry.
CMASS3
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar mass element that is connected only to scalar points.
CMASS4
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar mass element that is connected only to scalar points, without reference to a property entry.
CONM1 Mass Defines a 6 x 6 symmetric mass matrix at a geometric grid point.
CONM2 Mass Defines a concentrated mass at a grid point.
CONROD Rod Defines a rod element without reference to a property entry.
CPENTA (6-noded) Penta6 Defines the connections of a five-sided solid element with six to fifteen grid points.
CPENTA (15-noded) Penta15 Defines the connections of a five-sided solid element with six to fifteen grid points.

In Nastran, you can define a second order element with missing mid-side nodes. Input data decks containing such elements are read by the translator as a first-order element. A message is written to the nastran.msg file indicating the corresponding element ID.
CQUAD4 Quad4 Defines an isoparametric membrane-bending or plane strain quadrilateral plate element.
CQUAD8 Quad8 Defines a curved quadrilateral shell or plane strain element with eight grid points.

In Nastran, you can define a second order element with missing mid-side nodes. Input data decks containing such elements are read by the translator as a first-order element. A message is written to the nastran.msg file indicating the corresponding element ID.
CQUADR Quad4 Defines an isoparametric membrane and bending quadrilateral plate element. However, this element does not include membrane-bending coupling. This element is less sensitive to initial distortion and extreme values of Poisson’s ratio than the CQUAD4 element. It is a companion to the CTRIAR element.
CROD Rod Defines a tension-compression-torsion element.
CSHEAR Quad4 Defines a shear panel element.
CSEAM Rod
CTETRA (4-noded) Tetra4 Defines the connections of the four-sided solid element with four grid points.
CTETRA (10-noded) Tetra10 Defines the connections of the four-sided solid element with ten grid points.

In Nastran, you can define a second order element with missing mid-side nodes. Input data decks containing such elements are read by the translator as a first-order element. A message is written to the nastran.msg file indicating the corresponding element ID.
CTRIA3 Tria3 Defines an isoparametric membrane-bending or plane strain triangular plate element.
CTRIA6 Tria6 Defines a curved triangular shell element or plane strain with six grid points.

In Nastran, you can define a second order element with missing mid-side nodes. Input data decks containing such elements are read by the translator as a first-order element. A message is written to the nastran.msg file indicating the corresponding element ID.
CTRIAR Tria3 Defines an isoparametric membrane-bending triangular plate element. However, this element does not include membrane-bending coupling. It is a companion to the CQUADR element.
CTRIAX
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
 Defines an axisymmetric triangular element with up to 6 grid points for use in fully nonlinear (that is, large strain and large rotations) hyperelastic analysis.
CTRIAX6
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
 Defines an isoparametric and axisymmetric triangular cross section ring element with midside grid points.
CTUBE Rod Defines a tension-compression-torsion tube element.
CQUADX
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
 Defines an axisymmetric quadrilateral element with up to nine grid points for use in fully nonlinear (that is, large strain and large rotations) analysis or a linear harmonic or rotor dynamic analysis. The element has between four and eight grid points.

Ninth grid selected in card edit of the element.
CVISC Spring Defines a viscous damper element.

Elements CDAMP1 and CDAMP2 with grounded terminals are not supported.
CWELD
  • Mass
  • Rod
 Defines a weld or fastener connecting two surface patches or points.

Node-Node, Node-Patch, or Patch-Patch weld elements can be read. CWELD element is stored as an element of the rod configuration. CWELD elements using the ELEMID option not created in HyperMesh will be displayed as zero length. Currently, the Spotweld panel can only create Node-Node and Patch-Patch CWELD elements.

HyperMesh always calculates the location of GA and GB by projecting GS in the normal direction of surface patch A and surface patch B, respectively.
GENEL RBE3 Defines a general element.
HM_SPRING Spring Defines a spring element, which is converted to Nastran entities on export, in a manner similar to that explained in Using HM_ELAS.
MBOLT Mass Defines a bolt for use in SOL 600 in countries outside the USA.
MBOLTUS Mass Defines a bolt for use only in SOL 600 and only in the USA.
PLOTEL Plot Defines a one-dimensional dummy element for use in plotting.
RBAR Weld Defines a rigid bar with six degrees-of-freedom at each end.

RBAR CNA field defaults to 123456. To edit the CNA, CNB, CMA, or CMB fields, you must view the card image for the RBAR element.
RBE2
  • Rigid
  • Rigidlink
 Defines a rigid body with independent degrees-of-freedom that are specified at a single grid point and with dependent degrees-of-freedom that are specified at an arbitrary number of grid points.

An RBE2 element with one dependent node is identified as a rigid element, while an element with multiple dependent nodes is identified as a rigid link element.
RBE3 RBE3 Defines the motion at a reference grid point as the weighted average of the motions at a set of other grid points.

Individual weight factors can be created on the independent nodes of RBE3 using the update functionality in the RBE3 tool.
RJOINT Defines a rigid joint element connecting two coinciding grid points.

RBE2
RROD Defines a rigid pin-ended element connection.

OptiStruct Cards

Card Supported Element Configurations Description
BMFACE
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Defines quad or tria faces that are in turn used to define a barrier to limit the total deformation for free-shape design regions.
CAABSF
  • Mass
  • Rod
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Defines the frequency-dependent fluid acoustic absorber element in coupled fluid-structural analysis.
CACPML3 Tria3 Defines an acoustic Adaptive Perfectly Matched Layer (APML) element with a triangular base.
Note: Bulk Data Entry
CACPML4 Quad4 Defines an acoustic Adaptive Perfectly Matched Layer (APML) element with a quadrilateral base.
Note: Bulk Data Entry
CAFLUID Rod Defines a 1D element that can conduct heat and transmit fluid between its two primary nodes.
Note: Bulk Data Entry
CBAR Bar2 Defines a simple beam element (BAR) of the structural model.
CBEAM Bar2 Defines a beam element (BEAM) of the structural model.
CBUSH Spring Defines a generalized spring-damper structural element.
CBUSH1D
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a one-dimensional spring-damper structural element.
CDAMP1
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar damper element.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (grounded CDAMP1).
CDAMP2
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar damper element without reference to a property entry.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (grounded CDAMP2).
CDAMP3
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar damper element that is connected only to scalar points.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (when a coordinate is constrained).
CDAMP4
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar damper element that is connected only to scalar points and is without reference to a material or property entry.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (when a coordinate is constrained).
CELAS1
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar spring element of the structural model.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (grounded CELAS1).
CELAS2
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar spring element of the structural model without reference to a property entry.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (grounded CELAS2).

Exported in large field format by optistructlf template.

CELAS3
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar spring element that connects only to scalar points.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (when a coordinate is constrained).
CELAS4
  • Mass
  • Spring
 Defines a scalar spring element that is connected only to scalar points without reference to a property entry.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (when a coordinate is constrained).
CFAST
  • Mass
  • Rod
 Define a fastener with material orientation connecting two shell surfaces.

Represented as a mass or rod element type, depending on fastener configuration.
CGAP Gap Defines a gap or friction element.

The type of gap elements (either CGAP or CGAPG) is automatically determined based on whether the element is node-to-node or node-to-elem.
CGAPG
  • Gap
  • Mass
 Defines a node-to-obstacle gap element. The obstacle may be an element face or a patch of nodes.

The type of gap elements (either CGAP or CGAPG) is automatically determined based on whether the element is node-to-node or node-to-elem.
CGASK6 Penta6 Defining the connections of the GASK6 solid gasket element.
CGASK8 Hex8 Defining the connections of the GASK8 solid gasket element.
CGASK12 Penta15 Defining the connections of the GASK12 solid gasket element.
CGASK16 Hex20 Defining the connections of the GASK16 solid gasket element.
CHACAB Hex8 Defines the acoustic absorber element in coupled fluid-structural analysis.
CHBDYE Secondary1 Defines a surface element for application of thermal boundary condition.

Defined using the Convection tool on the Analyze ribbon.
CHEXA (8-noded) Hex8 Defines a first order solid element, composed of 6 quadrilateral faces.
CHEXA (20-noded) Hex20 Defines a second order solid element, composed of 6 quadrilateral faces.

A second order element with missing mid-side nodes can be defined in OptiStruct. Input data decks containing such elements are read by the translator as a first-order element. A message is written to the OptiStruct.msg file indicating the corresponding element ID.
CMASS1
  • Spring
  • Mass
 Defines a scalar mass element.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (grounded CMASS1).
CMASS2
  • Spring
  • Mass
 Defines a scalar mass element without reference to a property entry.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (grounded CMASS2).
CMASS3
  • Spring
  • Mass
 Defines a scalar mass element that is connected only to scalar points.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (when a coordinate is constrained).
CMASS4
  • Spring
  • Mass
 Defines a scalar mass element that is connected only to scalar points, without reference to a property entry.

Represented as a spring element type or as a mass element type (when a coordinate is constrained).
CMBEAM Bar2 Defines a beam element for multibody dynamics solution sequence without reference to a property entry.
CMBUSH Spring Defines a bushing element without reference to a property entry.
CMBUSHC Spring
CMBUSHE Spring
CMBUSHT Spring
CMSPDP Spring Defines a spring damper element without reference to a property entry for multibody solution sequence.
CMSPDPC Spring Defines a spring damper element without reference to a property entry for multibody solution sequence.
CMSPDPE Spring Defines a spring damper element without reference to a property entry for multibody solution sequence.
CMSPDPT Spring Defines a spring damper element without reference to a property entry for multibody solution sequence.
CONM1 Mass Defines a 6x6 mass matrix at a geometric grid point.
CONM2 Mass Defines a concentrated mass at a grid point of the structural model.

Exported in large field format by optistructlf template.

CONROD Rod Defines a rod element without reference to a property entry.
CONV Secondary1 Defines a free convection boundary condition for heat transfer analysis through connection to a surface element (CHBDYE card).

Represented as a continuation to CHBDYE secondary element card.
CPENTA (6-noded) Penta6 Defines a first order solid element, composed of 3 quadrilateral and 2 triangular faces.
CPENTA (15-noded) Penta15 Defines a second order solid element, composed of 3 quadrilateral and 2 triangular faces.

A second order element with missing mid-side nodes can be defined in OptiStruct. Input data decks containing such elements are read by the translator as a first-order element. A message is written to the OptiStruct.msg file indicating the corresponding element ID.
CPYRA (5-noded) Pyramid5 Defines a first order solid element, composed of 1 quadrilateral and 4 triangular faces.
CPYRA (13-noded) Pyramid13 Defines a second order solid element, composed of 1 quadrilateral and 4 triangular faces.

A second order element with missing mid-side nodes can be defined in OptiStruct. Input data decks containing such elements are read by the translator as a first-order element. A message is written to the OptiStruct.msg file indicating the corresponding element ID.
CQUADR Quad4 Equivalent to CQUAD4. Unlike other Nastran codes, a 6 degree-of-freedom per node formulation is used for all shell elements.
CQUAD4 Quad4 Defines a quadrilateral plate element (QUAD4) of the structural model. This element uses a 6 degree-of-freedom per node formulation.
CQUAD8 Quad8 Defines a curved quadrilateral shell element with eight grid points.
CROD Rod Defines a tension-compression-torsion element (ROD) of the structural model.
CSHEAR Quad4 Defines a shear panel element.
CTAXI Tria3 Defines an axisymmetric triangular cross-section ring element for use in linear analysis.
CTETRA (4-noded) Tetra4 Defines a first order solid element, composed of 4 triangular faces.
CTETRA (10-noded) Tetra10 Defines a second order solid element, composed of 4 triangular faces.

A second order element with missing mid-side nodes can be defined in OptiStruct. Input data decks containing such elements are read by the translator as a first-order element. A message is written to the OptiStruct.msg file indicating the corresponding element ID.
CTRIAR Tria3 CTRIAR entry is equivalent to CTRIA3. Unlike other Nastran codes, a 6 degrees-of-freedom per node formulation is used for all shell elements.
CTRIAX6 Tria6 Defines an axisymmetric triangular cross-section ring element for use in Linear Analysis.
CTRIA3 Tria3 Defines a triangular plate element (TRIA3) of the structural model. This element uses a 6 degree-of-freedom per node formulation.
CTRIA6 Tria6 Defines a curved triangular shell element with six grid points.
CTUBE Rod Defines a tension-compression-torsion element (TUBE) of the structural model.
CVISC Spring Defines a viscous damper element.

Represented as a spring element type.
CWELD
  • Mass
  • Rod
 Defines a weld or fastener connecting two surface patches or points.

Represented as a rod element type.
DHEXA8 Hex8
DQUAD4 Quad4
DPENTA6
DTETRAA4 Tetra4
DTRIA3 Tria3
HMSPRING Spring Defines a spring element, which is converted to OptiStruct entities on export, in a manner similar to that explained in Using HM_ELAS.
JOINT Joint Defines a joint.
PLOTEL Plot Defines a one-dimensional dummy element for use in plotting.
PLOTEL3
  • Tria
  • Quad4
 Defines a three-noded, two-dimensional dummy element for use in plotting.
PLOTEL4
  • Tria
  • Quad4
 Defines a four-noded, two-dimensional dummy element for use in plotting.
QBDY1 Flux Defines a uniform heat flux for CHBDYE elements.
RBAR Weld Defines a rigid bar with six degrees-of-freedom at each end.
RBE2
  • Rigid
  • RigidLink
 Defines a rigid body whose independent degrees-of-freedom are specified at a single grid point and whose dependent degrees-of-freedom are specified at an arbitrary number of grid points.

An RBE2 element with one dependent node is represented as a rigid element type, while an element with multiple dependent nodes is represented as a rigid link element type.
RBE3 Rbe3 Defines the motion at a "reference" grid point as the weighted average of the motions at a set of other grid points.
RROD Rod Defines a pin-ended rod that is rigid in extension.

PAM-CRASH Cards

The component of the element refers to a material, which contains the material definition for PAM-CRASH.

FE input reader will not create connectors for Plinks, instead you must use the FE absorb functionality to create connectors from PLINKs.
Card Supported Element Configurations Description
ASSOCIATE Rigids Defines entities to be converted from deformable to rigid.
BAR / Rod Bar element.
BASE_BODY Rigid Rigid bodies on which the boundary conditions are defined, used in Multibody systems.
BEAM / Bar2 Beam element.

If the orientation vector is defined via vectors, the string VECTOR is displayed in the N3 field, and a zero is written in the exported deck. If the y-direction node is directly specified, its ID is displayed in the N3 field.
BSHEL / Hex8 8-noded brick shell element.
EDG Rod
ELINK / Rod Link element.

The element must be edited in the card previewer to define the connections.
JOINT / Rod Joint element.

The element must be edited in the card previewer to define element orientation.
KJOIN / Rod Kinematic joint element.

The element must be edited in the card previewer to define element orientation.
LLINK / Rod Link element.

The element must be edited in the card previewer to define the connections.
MASS Mass Added mass.
MEMBR /
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 Membrane element.
MTJOIN / FE Joint Multiple node to one node Kinematic joint element.
MTOCO / Rigid Rigid element.
NODCO / Rigid Nodal constraint definition.

This configuration allows you to create nodal constraints via entity sets. The element must be edited in the card previewer. Degrees of freedom are ignored.
OTMCO / RBE3 One node to multiple node constraints.
PLINK / Mass Plink element.
The element must be edited in the card previewer. Mass value is ignored. Use the following templates to handle the welds:
  • find_welds
  • find_main_comps_welds
  • find_secondary_comps_welds
  • find_comps_welds
PLINK_VI Rod These elements are created during connector realization to show the actual connections. They are not exported.
RETRA / Mass The element must be edited in the card previewer. Mass value is ignored.
RBODY / Weld Rigid body with 2 nodes.

When created, the default value for rigid body type is 1.
RBODY / Rigid This configuration allows you to create rigid bodies via entity sets. The element must be edited in the card previewer. Degrees of freedom are ignored.
SEG
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 The elements are used in entity selection. With this keyword, only nodes of these elements are output along with SEG keyword.
SENPT / Mass
SHELL / Mass Shell element.

Mass value is ignored. Mass defined with a keyword other than NOD is not supported. The reader creates one mass element for each NOD definition in the MASS card, therefore the exported deck will contain the same number of MASS/cards as many NOD definitions.
SHELL / Tria3 The default behavior for tria3 elements is Coo triangles.

To output standard triangles (N3 = N4).
SHELL / Quad4
SLINK /
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
 The element must be edited in the card previewer to define the connections.
SLIPR / Mass The element must be edited in the card previewer. Mass value is ignored.
SOLID /
  • Tetra4
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
 8-noded brick element.
SPH / Mass
SPRING / Spring Spring element.

The element must be edited in the card previewer to define element orientation.
SPRGBM / Spring Spring beam element.

The element must be edited in the card previewer to define element orientation.
TETRA / Tetra10 10-noded tetra element.

Local frame definition.
TETR4 / Tetra4 4-noded tetra element.
TSHEL / Quad4 4-noded thick shell element.

The element must be edited in the card previewer to define the connections.

Permas Cards

Card Supported Element Configurations Description
BEAM2 Bar2 2 noded straight general beam
BECOC Bar2 2 noded straight thin-walled tube
BECOP Bar2 2 noded straight thin-walled tube
BECOS Bar2 2 noded straight solid beam
BETAC Bar2 2 noded straight tapered thin-walled tube
BETOP Bar2 2 noded straight thin-walled open beam
CA1ZERF3 Spring Zero Force Element with 1 Node and Three Translational Stiffnesses
CA2ZERF1 Spring Translational Zero Force Element with 2 Nodes
CA2ZERF3 Spring Zero Force Element with 2 Nodes and Three Translational Stiffnesses
CONAX2 Bar2
CONAX3 Bar3
CONA3 Tria3 3 noded triangular surface convection and radiation element.
CONA4 Quad4 4 noded quadrilateral surface convection and radiation element.
CONA6 Tria6 6 noded triangular surface convection and radiation element.
CONA8 Quad8 8 noded quadrilateral surface convection and radiation element.
CONS3 Tria3 3 noded triangular shell surface convection and radiation element.
CONS4 Quad4 4 noded quadrilateral shell surface convection and radiation element.
CONS6 Tria6 6 noded triangular shell surface convection and radiation element.
CONS8 Quad8 8 noded quadrilateral shell surface convection and radiation element.
DAMP1 Spring Translational viscous damper.
DAMP3 Spring Viscous damper for three degrees of freedom.
DAMP6 Spring Viscous damper for six degrees of freedom.
FLA2 Rod 2 noded straight flange (rod).
FLA3 Bar3 3 noded straight flange (rod).
FLHEX8 Hex8 8 noded fluid hexahedron.
FLHEX20 Hex20 20 noded fluid hexahedron.
FLPENT6 Penta6 6 noded fluid pentahedron.
FLPENT15 Penta15 15 noded fluid pentahedron.
FLPYR5 Pyramid5 5 noded fluid pyramid.
FLTET4 Tetra4 4 noded fluid tetrahedron.
FLTET10 Tetra10 10 noded fluid tetrahedron.
FSINTA3 Tria3 3 noded triangular fluid structure interface element.
FSINTA4 Quad4 4 noded quadrilateral fluid structure interface element.
FSINTA6 Tria6 6 noded triangular fluid structure interface element.
FSINTA8 Quad8 8 noded quadrilateral fluid structure interface element.
GKHEX8 Hex8 8 noded solid hexahedron.
GKHEX20 Hex20 20 noded solid hexahedron.
GKPNT6 Penta6 6 noded solid pentahedron.
GKPNT15 Penta15 15 noded solid pentahedron.
HEXE8 Hex8 8 noded solid hexahedron.
HEXE20 Hex20 20 noded solid hexahedron.
LOADA3 Tria3 3 node triangular load carrying membrane element.
LOADA4 Quad4 4 node quadrilateral load carrying membrane element.
LOADA6 Tria6 6 node triangular load carrying membrane element.
LOADA8 Quad8 8 node quadrilateral load carrying membrane element.
MASS3 Mass Point mass.
MASS6 Mass Rigid mass.
$MPC ASSIGN Rigid Dependent nodes are forced to have the same displacement as an independent node. User can specify degrees of freedom for dependent and independent nodes.
$MPC JOIN Rigid Pairwise identical displacements.
$MPC RIGID Rigid Rigid regions.
$MPC SAME Rigid Identical corresponding displacements.
$MPC WLSCON RBE3 Weighted averaged connection.
MPC_IQUAD4 RBE3

Quadrilateral Interpolation Surface
MPC_IQUAD8 RBE3

Quadrilateral Interpolation Surface
MPC_IQUAD9 RBE3

Quadrilateral Interpolation Surface
MPC_ITRIA3 RBE3

Triangular Interpolation Surface
MPC_ITRIA6 RBE3

Triangular Interpolation Surface
NLDAMP Spring Nonlinear translational viscous damper.
NLDAMPR Spring Nonlinear rotational viscous damper.
NLSTIFF Spring Nonlinear translational spring.
NLSTIFFR Spring Nonlinear rotational spring.
PENTA6 Penta6 6 noded solid pentahedron.
PENTA15 Penta15 15 noded solid pentahedron.
PLOTA3 Tria3 3 noded triangular plot element.
PLOTA4 Quad4 4 noded quadrilateral plot element.
PLOTA6 Tria6 6 noded triangular plot element.
PLOTA8 Quad8 8 noded quadrilateral plot element.
PLOTL2 Plot 2 noded straight line plot element.
PLOTL3 Bar3 3 noded straight line plot element.
PYRA5 Pyramid5 5 noded solid pyramid.
QUAD4 Quad4 4 noded quadrilateral shell element.
QUAD4S Quad4  
QUAM4 Quad4 4 noded quadrilateral plane membrane element.
QUAM8 Quad8 8 noded quadrilateral plane membrane element
QUAMS4 Quad4 4 noded quadrilateral solid shell element
QUAMS8 Quad8 8 noded quadrilateral solid shell element
QUAX4 Quad4 4 noded quadrilateral axisymmetric solid element
QUAX8 Quad8 8 noded quadrilateral axisymmetric solid element
SHEAR4 Quad4 4 noded quadrilateral plane shear panel element.
SHELL3 Tria3 3 noded triangular shell element for laminates.
SHELL4 Quad4 4 noded quadrilateral shell element for laminates.
SPRINGX1 Spring
SPRINGX2 Spring
SPRINGX3 Spring
SPRING1 Spring Translational spring.
SPRING3 Spring Spring with three translational stiffnesses
SPRING6 Spring Spring with three translational and three rotational stiffnesses.
TET4 Tetra4 4 noded solid tetrahedron.
TET10 Tetra10 10 noded solid tetrahedron.
TRIA3 Tria3 3 noded triangular shell element.
TRIA3K Tria3 3 noded triangular thin shell element.
TRIA3S Tria3

Axisymmetric Solid Element, 3 Noded Triangular Sandwich Shell Element
TRIAX3 Tria3

Axisymmetric Solid Element
TRIAX6 Tria6

Axisymmetric Solid Element
TRIM3 Tria3 3 noded triangular plane membrane element.
TRIM6 Tria6 6 noded triangular plane membrane element.
TRIMS3 Tria3 3 noded triangular solid shell element
TRIMS6 Tria6 6 noded triangular solid shell element.
X1DAMP3 Mass Scalar viscous damper at one node with three degrees of freedom.
X1DAMP6 Mass Scalar viscous damper at one node with six degrees of freedom.
X1GEN6 Mass General element at one node with six degrees of freedom.
X1MASS3 Mass Scalar mass at two nodes with three degrees of freedom.
X1MASS6 Mass Scalar mass at one node with six degrees of freedom.
X1STIFF3 Mass Scalar spring at one node with three degrees of freedom.
X1STIFF6 Mass Scalar spring at one node with six degrees of freedom.
X2DAMP3 Spring Scalar viscous damper at two nodes with three degrees of freedom.
X2DAMP6 Spring Scalar viscous damper at two nodes with six degrees of freedom.
X2GEN6 Mass General element at two nodes with six degrees of freedom.
X2STIFF3 Spring Scalar spring at two nodes with three degrees of freedom.
X2STIFF6 Spring Scalar spring at two nodes with six degrees of freedom.

Radioss Cards

Note:
  • Shell thickness is included with the connectivity data. The default value is contained in the property set.
  • The time history is provided for the elements.
  • 3D elements are supported.
  • Degenerated 3D solid elements (from Hexa), such as Tetra and Penta, are included with the present 3D elements.
Card Supported Element Configurations Description
/ADMAS Mass Assign additional non-structural mass to nodes or a group of nodes. Optionally the total additional non-structural mass of a part or a group of parts can be defined (applied to shells and solids only) or a surface mass can be assigned to a surface and Radioss would then compute the added node based mass value using area (volume) - weighted distribution.
/BEAM Bar Describes the beam elements. Two properties (/PROP/TYPE3 (BEAM) and /PROP/TYPE18 (INT_BEAM)) are available for this beam element. The properties describing a beam element are all defined in a local beam coordinate system.
/BRIC20 Hex20 Describes 3D solid elements (20 Node Brick Elements). This quadratic element should be used with the property /PROP/SOLID.
/BRICK
  • Hex8
  • Penta6
  • Pyramid5
  • Tetra4
 Defines a hexahedral solid element and thick shell element with 8 nodes.
/CYL_JOINT Rigid Defines cylindrical joints.
/QUAD Quad4 Describes the 2D solid elements. QUAD elements must be defined in the global YZ plane.
/RBE2 Rigid Defines a rigid body whose independent degrees of freedom are specified at a single main node and whose dependent degrees of freedom are specified at an arbitrary number of secondary nodes.
/RBE3 RBE3 Defines the motion of a reference (secondary) node as the weighted average of the motions of sets of main nodes.
/RBODY Rigid Defines rigid bodies.
/RLINK Rigid Defines a rigid link. The rigid link imposes the same velocity on all the secondary nodes in one or more directions.
/SHELL Quad4 Describes input for 4-node shell elements.
/SH3N Tria3 Describes the triangular 3-node shell elements.
/SPHCEL Mass Describes the SPH cells.
/SPRING2N Spring2N Describes the 2-noded spring elements.
/SPRING3N Spring3N Describes the 3-noded spring elements.
/SRPING4N Spring4N Describes the 4-noded spring elements.
/TETRA4 Tetra4 Describes a tetrahedral solid element with 4 nodes.
/TETRA10 Tetra10 Describes a tetrahedral solid element with 10 nodes.
/TRUSS Rod Describes one dimension truss elements, which could be used with property /PROP/TYPE2 (TRUSS). Truss could only carry axial load (like for bar).
/XELEM Xelem Describes the multi-strand elements.

Samcef Cards

Card Supported Element Configurations Description
AXISYM
  • Bar2
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
BUSH Spring
COMP AXISYM
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
COMP DEFO PLAN
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
COMP MEMB BIDIM
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
COMP PLAN GENE
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
COMP VOLU
  • Hex8
  • Hex20
  • Penta6
  • Penta15
  • Pyramid5
  • Pyramid13
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
COMP VOLU COQUE
  • Hex8
  • Hex20
  • Penta6
  • Penta15
COQU DEFO PLAN
  • Bar2
  • Rod
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
DEFO GENE
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
DEFO PLAN
  • Bar2
  • Rod
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
FLUX THERMIQUE
  • Rod
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
FOUR MULT HARM
  • Bar2
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
FOURIER
  • Bar2
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
HETEROSIS
  • Quad8
  • Tria6
HYBR VOLU
  • Bar2
  • Hex8 Hex20
  • Penta6
  • Penta15 Pyramid5
  • Pyramid13
  • Rod Tetra4
  • Tetra10
  • Tria3 Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
HYBRID VOLU COQUE
  • Hex8
  • Hex20
  • Penta6
  • Penta15
MEMB AXISYM Bar2
MEMB BIDIM
  • Bar2
  • Rod
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
MEMB FLEXION
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
MEMB FOURIER Bar2
MEMB MULT HARM Bar2
MINDLIN
  • Bar2
  • Rod
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
  • Tetra4
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
  • Hex8
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
  • Tetra10
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
RBE3 RBE3
SAND VOLU
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
SOLID SHELL
  • Hex8
  • Hex20
  • Penta6
  • Penta15
THER AXISYM
  • Bar2
  • Tria3
  • Tria6
  • Quad4
  • Quad8
THER COQU
  • Rod
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
THERMIQU
  • Rod
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
  • Tetra4
  • Pyramid5
  • Penta6
  • Penta15
  • Hex8
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
  • Tetra10
  • Pyramid13
  • Penta15
  • Hex20
TUYAU Rod
TUYAU THERMIQUE Rod
VOLU COQUE
  • Hex8
  • Hex20
  • Penta6
  • Penta15
VOLUMIC
  • Bar2
  • Hex8
  • Hex20
  • Rod
  • Tetra4
  • Tetra10
  • Tria3
  • Quad4
  • Tria6
  • Quad8
  • Penta6
  • Penta15
  • Pyramid5
  • Pyramid13