How to model a hinge connection in nastran/patran

[mophie]

I need to model a hinge between 2 beam elements in MSC Patran. I know that I have to use MPC's, but can't get it right.

 

[pjhype]

At the hinge location define a set of coincident nodes, one node connected to one of the beams, the other node connected to the other beam. Connect a rigid element (MPC) between the coincident nodes in 5 degrees of freedom that will constrain all translational degrees of freedom plus 2 rotational degrees of freedom, allowing for one rotational degree of freedom between the two nodes. The unconstrained degree of freedom defines the hinge.

pj

 

[Spirit]

What about using pin release flags at the hinged ends? Go look on the CBEAM/CBAR card details on the Quick Reference Manual, probably it can help. Cheers
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