How can I connect two nodes using hinge connector (CONN3D2 elements) in Abaqus?

[Nik_274]

As shown in the attached picture, I am trying to connect two adjacent panels using Hinge connectors (CONN3D2 elements) with zero width and constant torsional stiffness. I wish to connect the adjacent nodes of the 2 panels with each other using the hinge connectors. However, Abaqus software does not allow me to connect the nodes as the hinge connector does not accept a node set as the input. This should be possible as I am trying to replicate the work in a research paper that did the same. I would appreciate it if anyone could guide me on connecting the nodes of the 2 panels together using hinge connectors. I have attached the file here as well.

 

[FEA way]

Check the Create Engineering Features plug-in. It's available in the DS Knowledge Base (article QA00000008241 "Abaqus/CAE Plug-in Application to Automatically Generate Point-to-Point Springs, Dashpots, MPC constraints, or Wires for Connectors") and will let you connect the opposite nodes (given as two node sets) of both parts with connectors.

 

[Nik_274]

Thank you so much! I was able to create hinges using 'Wires for Connectors'. After connecting the panels using hinges, I constrained the bottom edges and applied a displacement at the top edges. However, now the panels move independently of each other as if they weren't connected using hinges. I have attached a picture of the same and the file as well. Any guidance on how to move forward would be highly appreciated!

 

[FEA way]

Separate the panels by a well-visible distance and check if the plug-in creates the wires correctly. If not, try creating them manually.