FE geometry is topology on top of mesh, meaning CAD and mesh exist as a single entity. The purpose of FE geometry
is to add vertices, edges, surfaces, and solids on FE models which have no CAD geometry.
Use the cfast converter tool to convert CFAST elements into CBAR/RBE3 (spiders). For thermoelastic analysis, the CFAST
has no thermal expansion coefficient. CBAR is thermoelastic compatible.
Use the Stuck Node Creation tool to create (double) RBE3 connection to "stick" nodes on QUAD or TRIA elements to make
the node displacements following the element ones.
In the steps below, you will create zero length elements and review.
This tool creates zero length elements (CELAS*, CGAP, CMASS* and CBush) from
disconnected nodes within a given tolerance. It also has the ability to disconnect
selected congruent nodes and create zero length elements.
From the menu bar, click Aerospace > Connections > Zero Length Elements.
Provide the correct tolerance to detect disconnected nodes within that
tolerance.
There is no need to select nodes manually, they are autodetected.
Activate the Quick Find Coincident Nodes option and
click Apply.
The nodes that are disconnected display.
Activate the Create Between Disconnected option and
click Apply.
0D elements are created.
Click Cancel to delete the created
elements that are not satisfactory.