Edge connectors

Use the Simulation tab→Connectors group→Edge command to create connections where you want to maintain rigid contact during meshing. You can:

• Create edge-to-edge connections.

• Create edge-to-face connections (or edge-to-surface connections).

Edge connections transfer the load stress from one part to the next.

The Edge connector simulates the functionality of the Femap Closest Link command, using rigid elements that constrain all six degrees of freedom (DOF).

The Edge connector command works like the Manual connector command. It uses the Assembly Connector command bar to specify and create the connections, and you are prompted to select elements to connect from and elements to connect to.

• When Connector Type=Rigid, you can create connections between two or more edges. You also can create a connection between an edge and a surface, or an edge and a face.

• When Connector Type=Glue, you can enter a search distance and a penalty factor in the Assembly Connector Properties dialog box before you create connections by:

  • Selecting an edge and a face.

  • Selecting an edge and a surface.

  Note:

  This differs from the Manual connector command (Glue), which creates connections between faces and surfaces.

The connections are generated automatically. Each node on the From edge is connected to the nearest node on the To edge, face, or surface.

You can edit the selection set to add or remove elements from it by clicking the Edge Connector 1 label in the graphics window.