The basic 1D Elements are listed below. Expand each section to learn more about the different types of 1D elements.
The Rigids panel allows you to creat, update, and combine rigid or rigid link elements. This panel can be accessed by selecting Mesh > Create > 1D Elements > Rigids. Mouse over each input for more information and click the subpanels to view the inputs.
The RBE3 panel allows you to create, review, and update RBE3 elements.
RBE3's are interpolation constraint elements, where the motion of a dependent node is defined as the weighted average of the motions of a group of independent nodes. The dependent degrees of freedom and weighting factors can be specified or automatically calculated based on the geometry. RBE3 elements are displayed as lines between the dependent node and the independent node(s) with RBE3 displayed at the dependent node of the element.
RBE3's are typically used to distribute loads applied on the dependent node amongst the selected independent nodes. Note that the dependent node cannot be directly constrained, as this would lead to a double-dependency for that node.
Access this panel select Mesh > Create > 1D Elements > RBE3. Mouse over the inputs on the panel for more information.
The Springs panel allows you to create and update spring elements.
A spring element is an element created in a space between two nodes of a model where a spring connection is desired. Spring elements store a property and a degree of freedom (DOF).
Spring elements are displayed as a line between two nodes with the letter K written at the centroid of the element.
Springs can translate to CELAS or CBUSH in OptiStruct/Nastran or *SPRING in Abaqus.
Access this panel select Mesh > Create > 1D Elements > Springs. Mouse over the inputs on the panel below for more information.
The Rods panel allows you to create and update rod elements.
A rod element is an element created in a space between two nodes of a model where rod properties are desired. The two nodes are related to each other based on the properties of the rod element connecting them. Rod elements have property pointers.
Rod elements are displayed as a line between two nodes with ROD written at the centroid of the element.
Rods can translate to CWELD, CROD in OptiStrcut/Nastran or a C1D2 element in Abaqus.
Access this panel by selecting Mesh > Create > 1D Elements > Rods.Mouse over the inputs on the panel below for more information.
The Bars panel allows you to create, review, or update bar2 or bar3 elements. A bar element is an element created in a space between two or three nodes of a model where beam properties are desired. (Bar2 are two noded 1d elements; Bar3 are higher order three noded 1d elements.) The nodes are related to each other based on the properties of the bar or beam element connecting them. Properties associated with bar elements include vector orientation, offset vectors that end at A and B, or at A, B, and C, and pin flags to tell it what degree of freedom should carry through the beam.
Note: Terminology sometimes varies between different solvers. For example, the "pins" referred to on this panel are also sometimes called "beam releases".
Bar elements are displayed as a line between two nodes with BAR2 or BAR3 written at the centroid of the element.
Consult the help for your solver to determine whether or not it supports bar2 or bar3 elements.
Bars can translate to CBAR, CBEAM in OptiStrcut/Nastran or B21, B22 elements in Abaqus.
Access this panel by selecting Mesh > Create > 1D Elements > Bars. Mouse over the inputs on the panel below for more information.