Nodal Supports

The dialog for the nodal supports corresponds to the dialog for the calculation with 6 degrees of freedom, even when using the Warping Torsion add-on (7 degrees of freedom). In the chapter nodal supports of the RFEM manual, the entry of the nodal supports is described. It is not possible to define a support for the warping.

01 Dialog Box "New Nodal Support"

Boundary conditions for the 6 degrees of freedom

By defining nodal supports, you specify the boundary conditions of the 6 degrees of freedom u_x, u_y, u_z, φ_x, φ_y, and φ_z at a node. In addition to the definition of spring values, non-linearities are also possible.

In the case of the calculation with 7 degrees of freedom, nodal supports are assumed in the center of gravity of the cross-section. Depending on the position of the shear center of the cross-section used for the member, an additional torsional moment may result. In the case of a calculation with 6 degrees of freedom, the support of the transverse displacements u_y and u_z of the member is always carried out in the shear center.

02 Supports in Mass Center for Calculation with 7 Degrees of Freedom

Boundary conditions for warping

The warping at the member ends is assumed to be unobstructed by default. Use Member Transverse Stiffeners to define warp springs at the member ends. These can also be used to depict a curved bearing.