4.3.

1 Overview of 1D connections
Estimated time to complete this course: 3557 minutes

This course discusses 1D connection elements, which are used to join multiple meshes. After you complete this course, you should
know the types of 1D connections that are available, and be able to use 1D connection elements in your models.

Setup information

Part folder: parts_simulation

NX role: Advanced with full

menus

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 System preparation

4.3.2 1D connections
Use 1D connections to:

Connect component FEMs within an assembly FEM.

Connect multiple sheet and solid bodies within a FEM.
Model pins and bolts.
Distribute mass, loads, or constraints.
Define connection points for flexible body analysis.

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4.3.3 Geometry-based 1D connections
The 1D Connection command supports both geometry-based and FE-based connections. Geometry-based connection types

include:

Point to Point
Point to Edge
Point to Face

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 Edge to Edge
Edge to Face

4.3.4 FE-based 1D connections

The 1D Connection command lets you create FE-based 1D connections. This type of connection is useful when you require precise
control of node location or when the underlying geometry is not available. However, FE-based connections may not be updated
correctly if the geometry or mesh is modified.

FE-based connection types include:

Node to Node

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 Element Edge to Element Face

Node-to-node connection distributing a lumped mass on an imported mesh

4.3.5 Connecting edges and faces

To connect a set of edges to a set of faces, use the Edge to Face (geometry-based) or Element Edge to Element Face (FE-based)
connection type.

Use this feature to connect meshes in a T-junction configuration, for example, to attach fins or stiffeners to surfaces.

If you are using the Nastran solver, the software projects RBE2 elements from the selected edge to the selected face, and then uses
RBE3 spider elements to tie the projected nodes to nodes on the face mesh.

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4.3.6 Connecting points and nodes
You use point-to-point (geometry based) and node-to-node (FE-based) connectors to connect nodes or points on one body or
component FEM to nodes or points on another body or component FEM. Typical uses for these connection types include:

Modeling structures such as pins, bolts, or struts.

Creating spider elements for distributing masses or loads.
Joining meshes when edge-to-edge or edge-to-face connections are not appropriate. For example, you can use node-to-node
connections to join imported meshes with no underlying geometry.

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 One-to-one, point-to-point beam element

4.3.7 Defining spider element connections

A spider type of connection is one in which you connect a single node (the core node) to multiple nodes (leg nodes) with a rigid or
constraint element. The types of elements you can use to create a spider connection depends upon your specified solver.

When you create a spider connection:

The first point you select becomes the core node.

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 The selected edge or face define the locations of the leg nodes. A group of smart selection methods is available on the
Selection Bar to help you select the leg nodes.
After you create the spider connection, you can make specific degrees of freedom active or inactive by editing the element
attributes.

4.3.8 Working with RBE2 and RBE3 elements

In NX Nastran, RBE2 and RBE3 elements are frequently used as spider elements.

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RBE2 elements

The active degrees of freedom of the single core node (independent) enforce the active degrees of freedom of the leg nodes
(dependent). Therefore, the active degrees of freedom of all nodes included in an RBE2 element are considered rigidly connected.

(1) independent node (2) dependent nodes

RBE3 elements

The weighted average of the active degrees of freedom of the leg nodes (independent) enforces the active degrees of freedom of the
single core node (dependent). This weighting is set to 1 and cannot be changed in NX; all nodes contribute to the motion equally.
Unlike the RBE2, the RBE3 element is flexible (not infinitely rigid), due to the allowable freedom of the leg nodes. Common uses for

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this element type include adding and distributing mass without adding stiffness, and distributing a load from multiple points to a
single point.

(1) dependent node (2) independent nodes

4.3.9 Video: creating a 1D connection

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4.3.10 Activity: Connect nodes with spider elements

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 Estimated time to complete: 1525 minutes

You will learn how to:

Automatically create a spider element.

Manually create a spider element.
Manually update a spider element.
Update a spider element if the underlying geometry changes.

Launch the Connect nodes with spider elements activity.

4.3.10.1 Open the part file

Open

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 Part Files (*.prt)
Files of type

spider.prt
File name

O
K

Start Advanced Simulation

4.3.10.2 Reset the dialog box memory

The options you select in NX dialog boxes are preserved for the next time you open the same dialog box within an NX session. Restore
the default settings to ensure that the dialog boxes are in the expected initial state for each step of the activity.

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 PreferencesUser Interface

Reset Dialog
Memory

O
K

4.3.10.3 Create the FEM and Simulation files

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 Simulation Navigator

spider.prt

New FEM and Simulation

Create Idealized Part

Solver NX NASTRAN

Analysis Type Structural

OK New FEM and Simulation dialog box

OK

4.3.10.4 Create a 2D seed mesh

Create a 2D seed mesh that will force the 3D mesh to follow a paver mesh around the holes in the part.

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 2D Mesh (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Mesh Drop-down list)

Type CQUAD4

Meshing Method Paver

Element Size 6

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 Note Use the default units unless otherwise specified.

Mesh
Settings
Export Mesh to Solver

O
K

4.3.10.5 Create a 3D mesh

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 3D Tetrahedral Mesh (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Mesh Drop-down list)

the part

Type CTETRA(10)

Element Size 6

Destination
Collector

New Collector

Create Physical

Choose material

Material Aluminum_2014

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O Material List dialog
K box

O
PSOLID dialog box
K

O Mesh Collector dialog

K box
Automatic Creation

Mesh Collector Solid(1)

O 3D Tetrahedral Mesh dialog

K box

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4.3.10.6 Create spider elements
Create spider elements in each of the holes in the model to provide a place for load application.

1D Connection (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Connections Drop-down list)

Type

Point to Edge

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Source

Select Point

Select the arc center as the source.

Target

Select Edge

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Type RBE2

Mid-Node Option

Connect Mid-Nodes

Apply 1D Connection dialog box

Repeat these steps for the next two holes moving clockwise from the upper-left, except turn on the Connect Mid-Nodes
option.

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Note The upper left hand hole has fewer legs to its spider element since it is not using the mid-nodes.

Cance
1D Connection dialog box
l

4.3.10.7 Create the last spider element

Prior to creating the last spider element, you need to create a node at the center of the last hole.

Node Create (Node Operations toolbar)

Note You may need to display the Node Operations toolbar.

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 Location

Specify Point (Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Center)

O
K

1D Connection (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Connections Drop-down list)

Type

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 Node to Node

Source

Select the node that you created in the previous step.

Select Node

Target

Start by selecting a node on the hole edge.

Select Node

Continue selecting every other node along the edge of the hole.

Type RBE2

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 K

In the next step you will modify this element.

4.3.10.8 Modify element connectivity

Modify the connectivity for the last spider element created, to increase the number of legs.

Element Modify Connectivity (Element Operations toolbar)

Note You may need to display the Element Operations toolbar.

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Elements to
Modify

Single Element

Select the spider element.

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 Type Modify Leg Nodes

Select the three nodes shown to add three legs to the spider element.

O
K

You can continue adding legs to the spider element, or removing others by holding down shift to deselect. The final steps of this
activity will add a constraint and loads.

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4.3.10.9 Make the Simulation file the work part
The FEM is currently the work part, while the Simulation file is the displayed part. Make the Simulation file the work part so that you
can apply boundary conditions.

Simulation Navigator

Simulation File View

spider_sim1

Make Work Part

4.3.10.10 Constrain the groove

Constrain the groove on the underside of the part.

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 Fixed Translation Constraint (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Constraint Type list)

Type Filter Polygon Face

Tip
The Type Filter is located on the Selection bar in the toolbar area.

O
K

4.3.10.11 Create a group

Create a group for load application.

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 Simulation Navigator

Groups

New Group

Type Filter Node

Select the center node of each spider element.

Name

Spider Nodes

OK

4.3.10.12 Apply loads

Use the newly created group to apply loads to the spider elements.

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 Force ( toolbar, Load Type list)

Model Objects

Group Reference

Name

Spider Nodes

Force 100

Specify Vector
XC Axis

Distribution

Method Total per Object

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 O
K

Note At this point you can check the model, solve it and display the results prior to proceeding. The following steps will cause the loss
of the load due to modifications to the spider elements.

4.3.10.13 Display the idealized part

Display the idealized part so you can modify geometry.

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 Simulation Navigator

Simulation File View

spider_fem1_i

Make Displayed Part

OK Idealized Part Warning message box

4.3.10.14 Promote the part

Promote (Advanced Simulation toolbar)

the part body

OK

4.3.10.15 Modify the hole diameter

Modify the diameter of one of the holes and all four will be updated to the new size.

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 in the toolbar area

Synchronous Modeling

Resize Face (Synchronous Modeling toolbar, Modify Face Drop-down list)

Size

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 Diameter 10

O
K

Note All four holes update to the same diameter.

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4.3.10.16 Display the FEM file
Make the FEM file both the displayed part and work part.

Simulation Navigator

Simulation File View

spider_fem1

Make Displayed Part

the Information window, if necessary

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Note The mesh is not updated, but if you hover the cursor over the body, you can see the outline
of the modified hole geometry.

4.3.10.17 Update the mesh

NX updates the spider elements when you update the mesh.

Update Finite Element Model (Advanced Simulation toolbar)

Yes Mesh Update message box

Scroll through the Information window. Notice that the manually created spider element will be
deleted from the model when the mesh is updated.

the Information window

The geometry-based spider elements are updated according to their recipes. The manually created spider element is no longer
visible. The mesh that contains the manually created spider element is still present in the Simulation Navigator under 1D

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 Collectors RBE2 Collector(4), but is no longer listed under Connection Collectors Connections. If you want this spider
element, you must recreate it using either the geometry-based or manual method.

File Close All Parts

You completed the activity.

4.3.11 Modeling bolted connections

The Bolt Connection command automatically creates an element that represents the shank of the bolt and a pair of spider elements

that connect the ends of the element to the surrounding mesh. Use the Bolt Connection command to model the following types

of bolted connections with finite elements:

A bolt that is held in place with a nut.

A bolt in a tapped (threaded) hole.
A bolt-type connection that is represented by only a spider element at the junction plane between two mating bodies.
The way that the software models the bolt depends on your specified solver environment. Typically, 1D elements are used to model
the bolt's shank. To connect those 1D elements to the nodes in the surrounding mesh, the software creates a spider-type connection.

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4.3.12 Activity: Model bolted connections
Estimated time to complete: 1525 minutes

You will learn how to:

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 Use a CBEAM element to represent a bolt and use RBE3 spider elements to connect the ends of
the bolt to the surrounding mesh.
Apply a preload force to the bolt.
Create a second subcase so that the combined effect of bolt preload and service loads can be
compared to bolt preload alone.
Examine the stresses acting on the cross section of the bolt.

Launch the Model bolted connections activity.

4.3.12.1 Open the part

You will use a trailer hitch part for this activity.

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 Open

Files of type Part Files (*.prt)

trailer_hitch.prt
File name

O
K

The trailer hitch consists of a ball stud bolted to a draw bar. All parts are steel. The thread on the ball stud is 1 - 8 UNC having a
tensile stress area of 0.606 in2.

StartAdvanced Simulation

4.3.12.2 Reset the dialog box memory

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The options you select in NX dialog boxes are preserved for the next time you open the same dialog box within an NX session. Restore
the default settings to ensure that the dialog boxes are in the expected initial state for each step of the activity.

PreferencesUser Interface

Reset Dialog
Memory

O
K

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4.3.12.3 Create the FEM and Simulation files

Simulation Navigator

trailer_hitch.prt

New FEM and Simulation

Create Idealized Part

Solver NX NASTRAN

Analysis Type Structural

OK both dialog boxes

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4.3.12.4 Display the FEM file
Currently, the FEM file is the work part and the Simulation file is the displayed part. When you edit the FEM in the context of the
Simulation, some commands, including bolted connections, are not available. Make the FEM file the displayed part so that you can
defined bolted connections later in this activity.

Simulation Navigator

Simulation File View

trailer_hitch_fem1

Make Displayed Part

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4.3.12.5 Turn off display of the ball stud and nut

Simulation Navigator

Polygon Geometry (expand)

Polygon Body (1) (deselect)

Polygon Body (3) (deselect)

Note If your polygon bodies are numbered differently, deselect the ball stud and nut to produce the result shown
below.

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4.3.12.6 Create a 3D mesh collector

Mesh Collector (Advanced Simulation toolbar)

Element Family 3D

Collector Type Solid

Create Physical (Solid Property)

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 Choose material (Material)

Materials Steel

OK all dialog boxes

4.3.12.7 Mesh the draw bar

3D Tetrahedral Mesh (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Mesh Drop-down list)

the part

Type CTETRA(10)

Element Size 0.25

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Destination
Collector
Automatic Creation

Mesh Collector Solid(1)

O
K

Save

4.3.12.8 Define physical properties for the threaded portion of the ball stud
Use a circular cross section to represent the shape of the threaded portion of the ball stud. Because the tensile stress area is 0.606
in2, enter 0.44 in for the radius.

Mesh Collector (Advanced Simulation toolbar)

Element Family 1D

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Collector Type Beam Collector

Create Physical (Beam Property)

Show Section Manager (Fore Section)

Create Section

Type ROD

DIM1 0.44

O Beam Section dialog

K box

Clos Beam Section Manager dialog

e box

Material Steel

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O
both dialog boxes
K

4.3.12.9 Model the threaded portion of the ball stud

Model the threaded portion of the ball stud with a CBEAM element. Use RBE3 spider elements to connect the ends of the CBEAM
element to the surrounding tetrahedral mesh.

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 Bolt Connection (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Connection Drop-down list)

Type Bolt With Nut

Nut

(Select Edge)

Shank Element

Type CBEAM

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 Automatic Creation

Mesh Collector Beam Collector(1)

Spider Connection

Type RBE3

O
K

4.3.12.10 Release DOF from RBE3

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To assure deformations of the tetrahedral mesh do not cause the bolt to twist, release the DOF that corresponds to rotation about the
bolt axis from one of the RBE3 elements.

Simulation Navigator

1D Collectors (expand)

RBE3 Collector(1) (expand)

Both RBE3 elements are contained in the bolt_recipe_1_spider mesh. If you release the DOF that corresponds to rotation
about the bolt axis for both RBE3 elements, you will introduce a singularity. To avoid doing so, extract one of the RBE3 elements
from the bolt_recipe_1_spider mesh. Then release the DOF of only the extracted RBE3 element.

EditElementExtract

O
K
In the Simulation Navigator, two meshes are now listed under RBE3 Collector(1).

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 1d_extracted_mesh(1)

Edit Mesh Associated Data

Element Properties

DOF6 Off

O
K

4.3.12.11 Display the Simulation file

Simulation Navigator

Simulation File View

trailer_hitch_sim1

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 Make Displayed Part

4.3.12.12 Apply pinned constraints

A clevis pin is used to assemble the trailer hitch to a receptacle mounted on the vehicle. Apply pinned constraints to the two
cylindrical surfaces in the draw bar to model the behavior of the clevis pin.

Pinned Constraint (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Constraint Type list)

O
K

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4.3.12.13 Apply a user defined constraint

Rotation of the trailer hitch is prevented by the end of the draw bar contacting the mounting receptacle. Model this behavior by
applying a user defined constraint to the end of the draw bar.

User Defined Constraint (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Constraint Type list)

Type Filter Polygon Edge

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 Tip
The Type Filter is located on the Selection bar in the toolbar area.

Degrees of Freedom

DOF3 Fixed

O
K

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4.3.12.14 Apply bolt preload

Apply a 36,000 lbf preload to the CBEAM element representing the bolted portion of the ball stud.

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 Bolt Pre-Load (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Load Type list)

Type Filter Element

Tip
The Type Filter is located on the Selection bar in

the toolbar area.

Force 36000 lbf

O
K

Save

4.3.12.15 Solve the model

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 Simulation Navigator

Solution 1

Solve

OK Solve dialog box

The Analysis Job Monitor dialog box appears.
Wait for the job to finish and for the command window to close.

the Information window

Cance
Analysis Job Monitor dialog box
l

Clos
Solution Monitor dialog box
e

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4.3.12.16 View the analysis results

Simulation Navigator

Results

Post-Processing Navigator

Stress - Element-Nodal (expand)

Von-Mises

The results are displayed in the graphics window.

The deformations are greatly exaggerated. Turn off the deformed model display.

Edit Post View (Post Processing toolbar)

Deformation

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Apply

Create a cutting plane display to view how the stress varies through the cross section around the hole.

Cutting Plane
Display on

Options (Display on)

Y
Cut Plane

Negative
Clip Side

Y= 0

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 OK both dialog boxes

When you finish looking at the results, return to the model.

Return to Model (Layout Manager toolbar)

Tip You may need to turn on the Layout Manager toolbar.

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4.3.12.17 Create new subcase

Simulation Navigator

Solution 1

New Subcase

OK

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4.3.12.18 Apply service loads
In the newly created subcase, apply the service loads.

Force (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Load Type list)

Type Components

Type Filter (Selection bar) Node

Tip Use QuickPick to help you select the node at the end of the bolt rather than nodes from the
tetrahedral mesh.

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 Fy -4000 lbf

Fz -600 lbf

O
K

Moment (Advanced Simulation toolbar, Load Type list)

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 Type Components

Type Filter (Selection bar) Node

Mx 7400 lbf-in

O
K

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4.3.12.19 Add bolt preload to the new subcase

Simulation Navigator

Load Container (expand)

Drag Bolt Pre-Load(1) to Loads under Subcase Static Loads 2.

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You can expand the Loads node under the Subcase Static Loads 2 node to see that Bolt Pre-load(1) is now part of the loading.

Save

4.3.12.20 Solve the model for the new subcase

Simulation Navigator

Solution 1

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 Solve

OK Solve dialog box

The Analysis Job Monitor dialog box appears.
Wait for the job to finish and for the command window to close.

the Information window

Cance
Analysis Job Monitor dialog box
l

Close

4.3.12.21 View the analysis results

Simulation Navigator

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 Results

Post-Processing Navigator

Subcase Static Loads 2 (expand)

Stress - Element-Nodal (expand)

Von-Mises

The results are displayed in the graphics window.

Create a cutting plane display to view how the stress varies through the cross section around the hole.

Edit Post View (Post Processing toolbar)

Deformation

Apply

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 Cutting Plane
Display on

Options (Display on)

Y
Cut Plane

Negative
Clip Side

Y= 0

OK both dialog boxes

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When you finish looking at the results, return to the model.

Return to Model (Layout Manager toolbar)

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4.3.12.22 Calculate stresses in the threaded portion of the ball stud
To obtain the stresses acting on the cross section of the threaded portion of the ball stud, you must first request force output from
the solve.

Simulation Navigator

Solution 1

Solve

Edit Solution
Attributes

Case Control

Edit (Output Requests)

Force

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 Enable FORCE Request

OK all dialog boxes

The Analysis Job Monitor dialog box appears.
Wait for the job to finish and for the command window to close.

the Information window

Cance
Analysis Job Monitor dialog box
l

Clos
Solution Monitor dialog box
e

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4.3.12.23 View the stresses in the threaded portion of the ball stud

Simulation Navigator

Results

Post-Processing Navigator

Subcase - Static Loads 2 (expand)

Beam Resultants Elemental and Beam Resultants Element-Nodal are now

included in the list of results.

Stress - Element-Nodal (expand)

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 Von-Mises

Cross Section View (Post Processing toolbar)

Preview
The Cross-Section Preview window opens automatically.

Apply

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The von Mises stress acting on the cross section is displayed at the end of the bolt you selected. You
can also display the stress acting on the cross section at the other end of the bolt.

At End Aft: 44523

Note In your model, the element number may be different.

Apply

You can also change which stress component is displayed.

Display

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 Result

Subcase Static Loads 2

Stress

12

OK all dialog boxes

The transverse shear stress acting on the cross section in the Y direction is displayed.

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When you finish looking at the results, return to the model.

Return to Model (Layout Manager toolbar)

FileCloseAll Parts

You completed the activity.

4.3.13 Review
Question
1

Yes

Yes, but only if the spider element is FE-based

Yes, but only if the spider element is geometry-based

No

Show feedback

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Prior to mesh, only the relation of the spider element to geometric entities can be defined. This information is contained in a
connection recipe.

Click Exit the course below.

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