What is the reference point on a rigid body for?

[bigphikl]

Hi,

What exactly is the reference point on a rigid body for?

I am trying to do a contact model of a deformable solid with a rigid body sheet, but it won't let me run an analysis unless I define a reference point for the rigid body?

In addition, it requires the rigid body sheet to have a mesh, why?

I am quite new to abaqus and am just trying to understand as much as i can,
and help is very much appreciated,

Philip

 

[corus]

The reference point is needed so that you can apply displacements/restraints or loads to the rigid body. You can either have an analtyical rigid body, such as a plane, or a more general shape that has to be meshed using rigid elements. I'd read the manuals so you can learn more about contact analyses using rigid bodies. You can find them on the net.

corus

 

[bigphikl]

Thanks for your help,

Sorry for maybe asking basic questions but I've tried my best to find it in the manual but I just don't understand why a rigid body needs a reference point to apply a restraint to it?

Philip

 

[corus]

The reference point acts as the one and only node point to the rigid body. If you don't apply a restraint then where does it go?

corus

 

[bigphikl]

Ah I see,

I was just a bit confused by it, but it seems all clear now.

Thanks for your help.