CREATE ELEMENT

This menu lists the options used to create elements via the connection of selected nodes or points. The element types supported are those recognized by LS-DYNA. The element types are shown in Figure 6.3.15.

        

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1. BEAM

BY NODE

BY POINT

BY VECTOR

Up to three values may be entered in the next dialog window to define a vector in the bar local XY plane. The local Y-axis of the bar will be plotted at the first node of the bar element as it is generated.

2. NODAL RIGID BODY

The user selects nodes or points in the INPUT COORDINATE dialog window. The NODAL RIGID BODY is created automatically in the current part once DONE is selected.

3. SPOT WELD

The SPOT WELD is created automatically in the current part after two nodes or points are selected in the INPUT COORDINATE dialog window.

4. SHELL

This function allows the user to create quadrilateral and triangular elements in the current part. The INPUT COORDINATE dialog window appears.

The element is created automatically once four nodes or points are selected in the INPUT COORDINATE dialog window.

The user must click DONE after three nodes or points are selected in the INPUT COORDINATE dialog window.

5. SOLID

This function allows the user to create hexahedron (cube), pentahedron (wedge), and tetrahedron element by using options in the INPUT COORDINATE dialog window.

Select four nodes/points and select DONE. The first three nodes define the base of the tetrahedron. They should follow the right  hand rule to point to the fourth node.

Select six nodes/points (pick the second set of three nodes/points in the same order as the first set) and select DONE. The first three nodes define the bottom face of the pentahedron. They should follow the right hand rule to point to the top face.

Select eight nodes/points (pick the second set of four nodes/points in the same order as the first set) and element will be created automatically. The first four nodes define the bottom face of the hexahedron. They should follow the right hand rule to point to the top face.

6. SPRING/DUMPER (2 NODE ELEMENTS)

The element is created after two nodes/points are selected.

7. MASS (1 NODE ELEMENT)

8. THICK SHELL

The element is created after eight nodes/points are selected (the second set of four nodes/points is in same order of the first set).