How to create an RBE1-element

[Nigel1703]

I would like to do a structural analysis using as simple elements as possible to save calculation time. My model consists of a rigid body connected to a couple of beam elements. I want to model a uniform thermal expansion.

I would like to know how to model the rigid body with an RBE1-element. The documentation tells me this kind of element connects an arbitrary number of points rigidly with each other, which is exactly the functionality I need. Except I can't find how to create such an element. I looked at 1D-connection, 1D-mesh, 0D mech but no results. I tried different solvers but also no possibility to select a RBE1 element. I checked to couple DOFs using MPC constraints, but there thermal expansion of the rigid body is not possible anymore.

Is this RBE1-element creation available in NX7.5 or NX8, and how should I do it?

Thanks!

 

[potrero]

Try this:

1. Create a part consisting of a single line (sketch a line, or create a curve, whatever you prefer). Save this part.

2. With the part you just created still open, create a new FEM. It will, by default, reference the part you just created. You may need to Edit the FEM to enable Curves.

3. Mesh the single line with RBE elements. Save the FEM.

4. Create a new SIM file, apply constraints and boundary conditions, and solve...

 

[Nigel1703]

I've done these steps. I can only select RBE2 and RBE3 elements when meshing the line. RBE1-elements are nowhere available it seems.