attach spring element to beam

[d.k]

Hi all,

It feels like this should be easy, but I haven't been able to find anything definitive yet. I am trying to integrate spring elements into a beam model of a lattice structure. I would like to have the spring endpoint act on the beam at a point along its length, not at the endpoints of the beam. What is the best way to associate a node with the beam along it's length so I can use it as an attachment point for the spring? I'm sure it has something to do with connectors, but I haven't see how to attach a node to a beam and not another node. Thanks for the help!

 

[cooken]

I think you may have a fundamental misunderstanding of finite elements. What is the best way to attach a spring to the middle of a beam? Split the element into two (add a node at the middle). The only other way I can think to do what you're asking is with contact methods, which seems completely unnecessary to me.

Can you give more details on what you're trying to achieve?