General description
With a nodal release, the model can be decoupled at a location. It is thus possible to consider, for example, that a beam lies only loosely on another one. You need to define a release with appropriate conditions for the nodal release. You can also consider nonlinear effects.
Note
For nodal releases, RFEM generates nodes which belong to different parts of the model. An invisible member is generated between these nodes. The internal forces are the same as for a member with the start in the original node and end in the decoupled node.
Node
The number of the relevant node can be entered, selected from the list, or defined graphically in the work window using 
.
Member Hinge
The hinge properties can be assigned by means of the member hinges, which are available in the list.
Use the 
or 
button to open the New Member Hinge dialog box for entering another hinge type.
This dialog box is described in Chapter 4.14.
Local Axis System
If you refer to a local axis system, you have to specify, which Member or Line is used as a reference. For hinges defined with regard to the global axis system, you cannot enter data in the text boxes.
Released Objects
The released Members, Surfaces, and Solids can be directly entered or graphically selected in the work window with .
Release Location
As already mentioned, RFEM creates a copy of the node. You can define whether the member end release should be placed at the Original node or at the Released node. This definition should not affect the results.
Example: Beam crossing with lifting forces
A cantilever lies loosely on a downstand beam. For lifting loads, the node is released if a shear force release in direction uz with nonlinear action is defined.
