The Fixture Property Manager allows you to prescribe zero or non-zero displacements on vertices, edges, or faces for use

with static, frequency, buckling, dynamic and nonlinear studies.

A Applying a Restraint

B Summary of Displacement Restraints

C Preventing Rigid Body Motion

D Fixed

E Immovable

F Using Reference Geometry

G On Flat Face

H On Cylindrical Face

I On Spherical Faces

J Applying a Prescribed Displacement

K Symmetry

L Bearing Fixture PropertyManager

 A Applying a Restraint

To apply a restraint:

1. In a study, do one of the following:

 Right-click Fixtures and select from the options.

 Click on Restraints on the Simulation toolbar.
 Click Simulation > Loads/Fixture > Fixtures.

The Fixture Property Manager appears.

2. Set Type to one of the following:

Under Standard:

Option Description

Fixed Geometry

Immovable (No
translation)

Roller/Slider The Roller/Sliding restraint specifies that a planar face can move freely into
its plane but cannot move in the direction normal to its plane. The face can
shrink or expand under loading.

Fixed Hinge The Hinge restraint specifies that a cylindrical face can only rotate about its own axis.
The radius and the length of the cylindrical face remain constant under loading. This
condition is similar to selecting the On cylindrical face restraint type and setting the
radial and axial components to zero.

Under Advanced:
 Symmetry
 Cyclic Symmetry
 Use Reference Geometry
 On Flat Faces
 On Cylindrical Faces
 On Spherical Faces

3. Select the model entities to which the restraint is applied.

4. If you select Use Reference Geometry in step 2, select a valid entity for direction.

5. In nonlinear studies and for restraints other than Fixed, Immovable, and Symmetry restraints, you can associate the
selected restraint type with a time curve. Under Variation with time, do the following:

1. Click Linear to use a default linear time curve, or click Curve then click Edit.

The Time Curve dialog box opens.

2. Enter a name for the time curve in the Name box.

3. Enter the curve data points under the X and Y columns.

4. Click OK.

6. In the Property Manager, click .

B Summary of Displacement Restraints

Entities Reference Required

Geometry Type Input

Fixed Geometry (fixes Vertices, Edges, N/A N/A

translations and and Faces
rotations)

Immovable (fixes Vertices, Edges, N/A N/A

translations only) and Faces

Symmetry Faces of solids N/A N/A

and edges of
shells

Roller/Slider Faces N/A N/A

Fixed Hinge Cylindrical faces N/A N/A

Use reference Vertices, Edges, Face, edge, Prescribed translations and rotations
geometry and Faces plane, or axis in the desired directions.

On Flat Faces Planar faces N/A Prescribed translations and rotations

in the desired directions associated
with the selected planar face.

On Cylindrical Faces Cylindrical faces N/A Prescribed translations and rotations

in the desired directions associated
with the selected cylindrical face.

On Spherical Faces Spherical faces N/A Prescribed translations and rotations

in the desired directions associated
with the selected spherical face.

Cyclic Symmetry Sets of planar or Axis N/A

non-planar faces
C Preventing Rigid Body Motion

Models that are not adequately restrained can translate or rotate freely. In general, each component has 3 translational
and 3 rotational rigid body modes. For an assembly, the 6 rigid body modes of every component should be prevented.

The following factors contribute to preventing rigid body modes:

Displacement restraints
Study properties (soft spring and inertia relief flags)
Contact conditions
Connectors

The soft spring option can be used as a preliminary tool to investigate stability. It is recommended NOT to
use it in the final study. The inertia relief flag can be used in certain cases where the external loads are
balanced.

Adequate Restraints for Solid Models

The deformation of a solid model is completely defined by 3 translations at each node. The rotations of a solid model are
implicitly defined by the translations of the nodes. If you apply a fixed restraint to a solid, the 3 degrees of freedom
(displacements) of each node belonging to the edge, vertex, or face are restrained.

Example
Consider a solid model of a cube:
If you fix one vertex, the model is not stable because it can rotate about the fixed vertex.
If you fix two vertices, the model is not stable because it can rotate about the line connecting the two vertices.
If you fix an edge, in general a straight edge, the model is not stable because it can rotate about the fixed edge.
If you restrain two orthogonal faces in the normal directions, the model is not stable because it can slide in the third
direction.
If you fix three vertices, the model is stable.

Fixing any number of vertices along a straight line is not adequate to stabilize a solid model.

If you fix a face, the model is stable.

If you fix an edge and a vertex, that is not part of the edge, the model is stable.
If you restrain three orthogonal faces their normal directions, the model is stable.

For another example, consider a hollow cylinder:

If you restrain a cylindrical face in the radial direction, the model is not stable because it can rotate and slide .
If you restrain a cylindrical face in the tangential direction, the model is not stable because it can slide in the axial direction.
If you restrain a cylindrical face in the tangential direction and a vertex in the axial direction, the model is stable.
If you fix any face, the model is stable.

Adequate Restraints for Shells

The deformation of a shell model is completely defined by 3 translations and 3 rotations at each node. The Immovable
and Fixed restraint conditions are different for shells. Immovable sets translations to zero but does not restrain rotations.
Fixed sets all translations and rotations to zero.

Example
Consider a plate meshed with shell elements:
If you make a vertex immovable, the model is not stable because it can rotate about this vertex.
If you make an edge immovable, the model is not stable because it can rotate about this edge.
If you fix an edge or more than one vertex, the model is stable.

It is NOT recommended to run shell models with one fixed vertex. Although fixing a vertex theoretically
stabilizes a shell model, the numerical simulation may lead to incorrect results.
D Fixed

For solids this restraint type sets all translational degrees of freedom to zero. For shells and beams, it sets the
translational and the rotational degrees of freedom to zero. For truss joints, it sets the translational degrees of freedom
to zero. When using this restraint type, no reference geometry is needed.
The following table summarizes the attributes and input needed for this restraint:

Attribute Value

DOFs restrained for solid meshes 3 translations

DOFs restrained for shells and beams 3 translations and 3 rotations

DOFs restrained for truss joints 3 translations

3D symbol (the arrows are for translations and the discs are for
rotations)

Selectable entities Vertices, edges, faces and beam

joints

Selectable reference entity N/A

Translations N/A

Rotations N/A

Example

The shown vertex of the wedge representing a pressure vessel meshed with solid elements is fixed.
The edges of the holes of the shell are fixed.

If the handle is analyzed as a part, the two highlighted faces can be fixed in space.

Video: Shell Restrained with Fixed Restraint

E Immovable

This restraint type sets all translational degrees of freedom to zero. It is the same for shells, beams and trusses. No
reference geometry is used.
To access the immovable restraint, right-click on Fixtures in Simulation study tree and select Fixed Geometry. Under
Standard, select Immovable (No translation).
For solids, you cannot access the Immovable (No translation) option. The Fixed Geometry
restraint however is the same as the immovable restraint for solids.
The following table summarizes the attributes and input needed for this restraint:

Attribute Value

DOFs restrained for shell meshes 3 translations

DOFs restrained for beam and truss meshes 3 translations

3D symbol

Selectable entities Vertices, edges, faces and beam joints

Selectable reference entity N/A

Translations N/A

Rotations N/A

Example
The following example illustrates the difference between the Immovable and Fixed restraints for shells. Consider a
thin plate that is simply supported at two opposite ends. A uniform normal pressure is applied to the shell.

The following schematic figures illustrate the deformed shape (blue dashed curve) of the shell when the Immovable
and Fixed restraints are used.
Immovable: Finite rotations at the immovable Fixed: No rotations at the fixed edges (slope of
edges (slope of the deflected shape is not zero). the deflected shape is zero).

Video: Shell Restrained with Immovable Restraint Video: Shell Restrained with Fixed Restraint
F Using Reference Geometry

You can use a selected reference geometry to apply restraints. The reference can be a plane, axis, edge, or face. Using
this option you can prescribe restraints on vertices, edges, faces and beam joints.
In an assembly, you can use reference geometry from the assembly or the components (parts and
subassemblies) of the assembly.

The number of degrees of freedom that can be restrained depends on the mesh type and the selected reference.

CONTENTS
Using a Reference Plane

You can use a plane as a reference to apply restraints. You can prescribe the translations in directions 1 and 2 of the
plane as well as in the direction normal to the plane. For shell meshes, you can prescribe rotations in reference to these
directions.

Using a Reference Axis

You can use an axis as a reference to apply restraints. You can prescribe the translations in the radial, circumferential, and
axial directions. For shells and beams, you can prescribe rotations in reference to these directions.

Using a Model Face

You can use a planar model face as a reference to apply restraints. You can prescribe the translations in directions 1 and
2 of the face as well as in the direction normal to the face. For shell meshes, you can prescribe rotations in reference to
these directions.

Using a Model Edge

You can use a straight model edge as a reference to apply restraints. You can prescribe the translation in the direction of
the edge. For shell meshes, you can also specify rotation about the edge.
G On Flat Face

You can use this option only when all the selected faces are planar. Each face can be in a different plane. Each face is
restrained relative to its own directions (Direction 1, Direction 2, and Normal).

Attribute Value

Possible DOFs for solid meshes 3 translations

Possible DOFs for shell meshes 3 translations and 3 rotations

Possible DOFs for trusses 3 translations

3D symbol

translation rotation

Selectable entities Planar faces only

Translations
Along face direction 1

Along face direction 2

Normal to face

Rotations (for shells only)

About face direction 1

About face direction 2

About normal to face

Example

The selected flat face (shown in yellow) can only slide along in the direction shown by dashed red arrows,
for example, Dir 1 of the face. Setting the other two directions (Dir 2 and Normal) to zero enforces this
condition.
The selected flat face (shown in yellow) can slide along Face Dir 1 and Face Dir 2. Setting the normal
motion to zero enforces this condition.

The desk shown above is free to move on the The selected flat faces (shown in yellow) can slide
ground (dashed red arrows) and no normal motion freely along Dir 1 and Dir 2 of the selected faces
(solid blue arrow) is allowed. and restrained in the Normal direction.

The inner slider is free to slide along the directions Use the On flat face restraint type to specify
shown in dash arrows. zero displacements along Face Dir 2 and Normal
to the face.
H On Cylindrical Face

You can use this option only when all the selected faces are cylindrical. Each face can have a different axis. The radial,
circumferential, and axial directions for each face are based on its own axis.

Attribute Value

Possible DOFs for solid meshes 3 translations

Possible DOFs for shell meshes 3 translations and 3 rotations

Possible DOFs for trusses 3 translations

3D symbol

translation rotation

Selectable entities Cylindrical faces only

Translations
Radial

Circumference

Axial

Rotations (for shells only)

About radial direction

About circumferential direction

About axial direction

The radial (r), circumferential (θ), and axial (z) directions associated with a cylindrical face are illustrated in the figure.

Example
Suppose you have a cylindrical face with its axis coaxial with the global Z axis.
If you restrain the cylindrical face in the radial direction only: the face will be free to move in the Z direction and rotate
around the Z axis. All other four rigid body motions will be suppressed.
If you restrain the cylindrical face in the circumferential direction only: the face will be free to move in the Z direction. All
other four rigid body motions will be suppressed. In particular, the face will not rotate around the Z axis.
If you restrain the cylindrical face in the axial direction only: the face will not move in the Z direction. It will not rotate in the
X and Y directions either. It will still be free to translate in the X and Y directions, and to rotate around the Z axis.
Therefore, only three rigid body motions will be suppressed.

When a rigid body motion is suppressed for a particular direction, it doesn't mean that the cylindrical face
will not deform somewhat in that direction. It means that the cylindrical face is not free to move as a
whole in the particular direction.

Suppose that there are two casters in the model. You can use the On cylindrical faces option to set the
axial translation (z) and the radial translation (r) of the caster pins to zero. The pins are free to rotate in
the circumferential direction (Θ).

Shell mesh of the part. You can use the On cylindrical faces option to set the
axial translation (z) and the radial translation (r) of the
shell face to zero. The face is free to rotate in the
circumferential direction (Θ).
I On Spherical Faces

You can use this option only when all the selected faces are spherical. Each face can have a different center. The radial,
longitude, and latitude directions for each face are based on its own center.

Attribute Value

Possible DOFs for solid meshes 3 translations

Possible DOFs for shell meshes 3 translations and 3 rotations

Possible DOFs for trusses 3 translations

3D symbol

translation rotation

Selectable entities Spherical faces only

Translations
Radial

Longitude

Latitude

Rotations (for shells only)

About radial direction

About longitude direction

About latitude direction

The radial, longitude, and latitude directions of a spherical face are illustrated in the figure. Use Show preview to identify
the latitude and longitude directions.

Example
The spherical face of the reflector part shown in the figure
can only rotate in the latitude direction. Setting the
translations in the other two directions: radial and longitude
to zero enforces this condition.

Restrained radial translation ( =0 )

Restrained longitude translation ( =0)

Free latitude direction

 J Applying a Prescribed Displacement

To apply a prescribed displacement to a geometric entity:

Right-click External Loads and click Prescribed Displacement .

In the Fixture PropertyManager, select one of the following:
 Use Reference Geometry
 On Flat Faces
 On Cylindrical Faces
 On Spherical Faces
Select the geometric entities to apply prescribed displacement.
If you select Use Reference Geometry, select a valid entity for direction.
Under Translations, enter the displacement distance or angle of rotation (for cylindrical or spherical faces).

Click .
K Symmetry

You can use symmetry to model a portion of the model instead of the full model. The results on the un-modeled portions
are deducted from the modeled portion. When appropriate, taking advantage of symmetry can help you reduce the size of
the problem and obtain more accurate results.

The procedures to apply the symmetry restraint type to solid meshes and shell meshes using mid-surface are identical.
Symmetry requires that geometry, restraints, loads, and material properties are symmetrical. In general,
using symmetry is not recommended for buckling and frequency studies.

Attribute Value

DOFs restrained for 1 translation

solid meshes

DOFs restrained for 1 translation and 2 rotations

shell meshes

Possible DOFs for 3 translations

trusses

3D symbol

solid mesh shell mesh

Selectable entities Flat faces and shell edges of symmetry. Edges must be planar. You can select
entities from up to three orthogonal planes.

Translations The program automatically applies the translation and rotation conditions on
selected faces and selected edges (for shells only).
Rotations (for shells
only)

CONTENTS
Symmetry Restraints for Shell Models

For shell models, symmetry requires that faces coinciding with planes of symmetry should be prevented from moving in
the normal direction and rotating about the other two orthogonal directions. The planes of symmetry should be
orthogonal to each other.
For sheet metals, symmetry restraints are applied on the faces coinciding with the planes of symmetry of the model
along the model thickness. The plane of symmetry is always perpendicular to the shell surface where Symmetry is
applied. The shell surface is mirrored about the plane of symmetry.
Use the Symmetry fixture under Advanced in the Fixture PropertyManager to apply a symmetry
restraint to shell faces or shell edges. The shell edges must be planar. The shell faces must lie on
orthogonal planes of symmetry.
Symmetry requires that geometry, restraints, loads, and material properties are symmetrical. In
general, using symmetry is not recommended for buckling and frequency studies.
The following examples explain how symmetry restraints are applied to the different geometries:

Sheet Metals that Mesh with Shell Elements

Planar Symmetry
This model is symmetric about two planes. You can analyze a quarter of the model. The Symmetry restraint
automatically applies the translation and rotation conditions to the selected faces. The faces must be orthogonal to
each other.
Axial Symmetry

This model is axisymmetric. You can analyze half or one quarter of the model. The Symmetry restraint automatically
applies the translation and rotation conditions to the selected faces.

Surfaces
Planar Symmetry
This surface model is symmetric about two planes. You can analyze a quarter of the model. Apply a Symmetry
restraint to the shell edges. The selected edges must be orthogonal to each other.
The plane of symmetry is always perpendicular to the planar surface which the selected edge belongs. The shell
surface is mirrored about the plane of symmetry.
Axial Symmetry

This surface model is axisymmetric. You can analyze half or one quarter of the model. Apply a Symmetry restraint to
the shell edges.

Symmetry Restraint for Solid Models

For solid models, every face that is coincident with a plane of symmetry should be prevented from moving in its normal
direction. The Symmetry restraint type applies this condition automatically to all selected faces. The planes of
symmetry should be orthogonal to each other.
Symmetry requires that geometry, restraints, loads, and material properties are symmetrical. In general, using
symmetry is not recommended for buckling and frequency studies.
The following are some examples of models that are symmetric with respect to one or more planes.

This model is symmetrical with respect to one plane. You can analyze half of the model. Apply the
Symmetry restraint type to the faces of symmetry.
This model is symmetrical with respect to two planes. You can analyze one quarter of the model. Apply
the Symmetry restraint type to the faces of symmetry.
In case the model is symmetric about three planes, you can analyze one eighth of the model.

This model is axisymmetric. If the loads are such that the cut sections cannot deform normal to their
planes (for example pressure loads that act radially), you can analyze a wedge. Use an angle for the
wedge that is divisible by 360o. Practically, you should not use a very small angle that can result in a bad
mesh.

If tangential loads exist and the cut sections can deform normal to their planes, use cyclic symmetry.

Cyclic Symmetry

Cyclic symmetry allows you to analyze a model with circular patterns around an axis by modeling a representative
segment. The segment can be a part or an assembly. The geometry, restraints, and loading conditions must be similar for
all other segments (cyclically patterned) making up the model. Turbine, fans, flywheels, and motor rotors can usually be
analyzed using cyclic symmetry.

In the Fixture PropertyManager under Advanced, select Cyclic symmetry .

The Cyclic symmetry restraint can be applied for static and nonlinear studies.

You define cyclic symmetry for two cut sections with the same area and shape. The number of segments that are repeated
about the axis of revolution of the symmetry should be an integer number, which is the result of ( 360 o / symmetry angle).

Selectable
entities

The faces on the cut section. The faces should be similar in shape and area and
can be non-planar. The angle between the two faces should be evenly divisible by
360o.
 Selectable
entities

Selection (face) More complex geometry may require a cut section with non-planar faces that
intersect the axis. The section must be created in such a way that if the section is
patterned using an equal spacing circular pattern, the resultant geometry forms a
complete part without any gaps or interferences between the sections.

Axis of revolution for symmetry. The axis of symmetry must lie at the
Axis intersection of the two selected planes.

Nodes on opposite cut sections with similar relative positions displace similarly.

For example, locations with similar color of dots in the figure deform similarly. If tangential loads are applied, the cut
sections with circular summery can deform normal to their planes.

Cyclic symmetry boundary conditions are constraint equations that are enforcing same displacements and rotations for the
corresponding source and target nodes in a local cylindrical coordinate system defined by an axis of symmetry. In general
Cyclic Symmetry constraint equations are adding stability to the body they are applied, but are not preventing the body
from moving along or rotating about the axis of symmetry. It is recommended to apply the appropriate boundary conditions
to stabilize the model and prevent rigid body modes when applying cyclic symmetry.
If tangential loads exist and the cut sections can deform normal to their planes, use Cyclic symmetry. If
the model has a circular pattern and the loads are such that the cut sections cannot deform normal to their
planes, you can analyze a representative pattern and apply Symmetry constraints on the cut sections.

Example

There are six spokes in the part. A wedge angle of 60 degrees (360/6) centered on one of the spokes
produces a section appropriate for cyclic symmetry. Apply cyclic symmetry to the cut faces.

CONTENTS
Creating Valid Sections for Cyclic Symmetry

The cyclic symmetry constraint is appropriate for simulations of models where the geometry, restraints, and loading
conditions are repeated in a cyclical pattern with reference to a central axis.
Analyzing Circular Models

In many cases, you can take advantage of symmetry conditions to analyze a portion of a circular model instead of the
whole model. Here are some guidelines:
When determining symmetry, consider geometry, materials, restraints, and loads.
For frequency and buckling studies, analyze the full model. If you analyze a part of the model using symmetry, you get
symmetrical modes only.
For simple models, analyze the full model. The results should be symmetrical.
If the model is fully axi-symmetric and the loads are such that the cut sections cannot deform normal to their planes, you
can analyze a wedge. Use an angle for the wedge that is divisible by 360o. Practically, you should not use a very small
angle that can result in a bad mesh especially when there is no hole at the center of the model. Note that you cannot use
this option if tangential loads exist since the cut planes can deform normal to their planes. Use cyclic symmetry in such
cases.
If the model has a circular pattern and the loads are such that the cut sections cannot deform normal to their planes, you
can analyze half or one quarter of the model to apply Symmetry constraints on the cut section.
If the loads are such that the cut sections can deform normal to their planes, use Cyclic symmetry.

Cyclic symmetry is more general as it can solve problems where the cut sections can deform in the
tangential direction.

For example, you can analyze a wedge of the disc shown below that forms an angle divisible by 360 o. In other words, the
number of segments that are repeated about the axis of revolution of the symmetry should be an integer number.

If all forces are radial, you can use the Symmetry condition on a half or one quarter cut section.

If tangential loads exist, the cut sections can deform out of their planes and you must use Cyclic symmetry or analyze the
full model.

For the fan shown below, you can analyze one blade (one ninth of the model). Since loads on the blades are usually
tangential, using Cyclic symmetry is recommended.

Although any one ninth of the model is a valid pattern, it is recommended to use a pattern that does not cut through the
blades.
L Bearing Fixture PropertyManager

The PropertyManager allows you to simulate the interaction between a shaft and the ground through a bearing. Since the
components supporting the shaft are assumed to be much more rigid than the shaft, they can be considered as the
ground.The feature is available for static, frequency, linear dynamic, and buckling studies.

To display this PropertyManager:

Right-click Fixtures and select Bearing Fixture.

Type

Bearing

Cylindrical Enables selection of a full cylindrical face or concentric cylindrical faces of

Face smaller angles of the shaft.

Allow self- Defines self-aligning bearing connectors that allow an unrestricted off-axis shaft rotation.
alignment
You can define total lateral and total axial direction stiffnesses for a self-aligning bearing.

The pivot point is located at the centroid of the shaft's selected cylindrical face.
When this option is cleared, the cylindrical face of the shaft cannot swing freely
in off-axis direction. There is resistance to off-axis rotation due to the
distribution of local springs along the shaft. Moments can develop at the shaft's
cylindrical face.
A self-aligning bearing connector is insensitive to angular misalignments of the
shaft relative to the housing, and offers no resistance to a bending deformation
of the shaft. This typically corresponds to a self-aligning ball bearing with two
rows of balls and a common concave sphered raceway in the outer ring.

Stiffness

Units

Rigid Prevents the selected face from translating or deforming. Allows the selection
to rotate about its axis.

Flexible Allows the selected face to deform and axially displace.

You can define total lateral and axial direction stiffnesses for a self-aligning bearing
connector, and distributed radial (per unit area) and distributed axial stiffnesses (per unit
area) for a no self-aligning bearing connector.

Total Lateral Applies the lateral stiffness of the shaft k which resists displacement along the
direction of the applied load.

For a no self-aligning bearing connector, the total stiffness K resisting the

lateral displacement of the cylindrical face of the shaft (along the direction of
the applied load) is:

K(total lateral) = 0.5 * k(radial / unit area) * Area

Area = diameter * height * Pi

Total Axial Applies the axial stiffness k(axial) which resists displacement along the axis of the
shaft.

For a no self-aligning bearing connector, the axial stiffness is given per unit area.
Stabilize Prevents rotational instability (caused by torsion) that can lead to numerical
shaft rotation singularities.

Simulation applies springs with low torsional stiffnesses (1/1000 th of the axial stiffness) to
the shaft's cylindrical face that provide circumferential resistance against torsion.

This prevents the shaft from rotating freely about its axis and eliminates instability.

Symbol Settings

Edit Color Uses the color selected for the symbols

Symbol Size Sets the size of the symbols.

Show preview Toggles the display of the connector symbols in the graphics area.