Nodes

The geometry of the model is defined by nodes. They are essential for creating lines, and thus members, surfaces, and solids. When entering members or surfaces graphically, the nodes are created automatically.

The node number is assigned automatically, but can be changed. The order is irrelevant for the numbering. It does not have to be continuous, either; gaps in the numbering are allowed.

Main

The Main tab manages the most important node parameters.

Node type

Various node types are available for selection in the list.

Standard

This type of node is used most frequently. Standard nodes can be placed graphically in the work plane or anywhere in the workspace by specifying coordinates. When entering lines or rotated surfaces graphically, standard nodes are created as well. Standard nodes are displayed in red in the model.

Between Two Nodes

The node lies on the connection line existing between two other nodes. Thus, it is not necessary to define a line and then to divide it by an intermediate node. The reference nodes and the distance must be defined in another tab.

Between Two Points

The node lies on the connection line existing between any two points. The points and the distance must be defined in another tab (see the image Defining a Node Between Two Nodes).

On Line

With this node type, a line is not divided into two lines, but remains complete. In this way you can, for example, place nodal loads on the line, or you can force FE nodes. The line and the distance must be defined in another tab.

On Member

With this node type, a member is not divided into two members, but remains complete. In this way it is possible, for example, to arrange singular lateral supports on the member. The member and the distance must be defined in another tab (cf. image Defining Node on Line).

Reference node

These coordinates usually refer to the origin of the global coordinate system (entry '--'). It is also possible to define the coordinates in relation to another node. This is useful, for example, to place the node at a distance from a defined position. For this, you can use the 'Previous' option in the list. The reference node can also be entered directly or selected in the model with .

Coordinate system

The coordinate system represents the reference system where the position of the node in space is described. In most cases, nodes can be defined in the 'Global XYZ' coordinate system. However, user-defined coordinate systems are also possible. The Coordinate Systems chapter describes how to create a new coordinate system. All coordinate systems are right-hand oriented.

Coordinate type

Depending on the model geometry, various formats are available for describing the nodal position.

In most cases, nodes can be defined as 'Cartesian': The X-, Y-, and Z-axes describe a translatory extension (distances), whereby all directions are equal. In contrast, cylindrical coordinate types facilitate the input of rotationally symmetric geometries. You have to specify the position of the node by means of the distance, radius, and angle. The polar coordinate type allows you to define a node in a spherical system by means of a radius and two angles.

Coordinates

The position of the node can be described by its coordinates X, Y, Z. If the coordinate type is cylindrical or polar, you have to specify the distances and angles. In this case, the 'Global coordinates' of the node are also displayed in the Cartesian coordinate system.

Use the Apply & Next button to define several nodes without leaving the dialog box.

Support

You can assign a support to the node. The degrees of freedom and spring constants have to be defined under the support conditions (see the Nodal Supports chapter).

Mesh refinement

With a mesh refinement, you can influence the mesh size of the FE mesh in the area around the node (see the Nodal Mesh Refinements chapter). Thus, it is independent of the general mesh settings. In the 'Mesh Refinement' tab, you can select a refinement or define a new one.

Nodal mesh refinements affect the generation of the FE mesh. Use the nodal mesh refinement to achieve an adjusted discretization in the refinement area around the node, as it may be necessary in corner areas or when connecting members to surfaces.

Release

A release on the node offers the possibility of decoupling the model at this point (see the Nodal Releases chapter). In this way, you can control which displacements or rotations are transferred on the node.

Setting a Node Graphically

When you open the 'New Node' dialog box with the button, you can set nodes directly by mouse clicks into the work plane.

Nodes are usually snapped to the grid points that are aligned with the current coordinate system. When you enter the coordinates manually in the dialog box, you can apply them with Apply. However, make sure to leave the pointer within the dialog box so that your entry is not overwritten by a new position.