Hi, I am currently modelling the erection of two actively bent elements. I have applied loads that bend them into their final shape, but then want to attach them at a given node before applying a load to the connected elements. I am currently using a non-linear process and have the final deformations and stress stored in a PLC. Ideally I could:
-Apply the loads to bend into final shape, joining these two elements together
-Once bent, model a rigid spring connection between two nodes that are touching
-Then remove loads I needed to bent it into shape
(Analogy in real life would be to bend two bits of wood, then glue them together in their final shape)
To clarify, I have two flat elements. I’ve then bent them into shape by moving support and now I wan’t to ‘stick’ them together at top before doing further analysis.
Hi, yes thank you, I unfortunately can’t use the ACTB feature as it does not work with elements of varying cross section which is what my masters project is looking at. Thank you tho! I managed to make this work with a spring that I activate after the elements have been bent and a primary load case stored.
You may try dividing you memeber into several segments, with different constant section in each segment to model the member with various cross sections.
