Plate End Release

Enter the nodal connection conditions (Hinge, Fixed Joint) for plate elements, or replace or remove previously entered end release conditions.

From the Main Menu select Boundary > Release/Offset > Plate End Release.

Click to the right of Plate End Release: Display the Plate End Release Table

 Boundary Group Name

Select a Boundary Group in which the specified boundary condition is included. Select "Default" if Group assignment is unnecessary. Click to the right to prompt the "Define Boundary Group" dialog box to add, modify or delete Boundary Groups.

Options

Add/Replace: Enter or replace nodal end release conditions for plate elements

Delete: Delete previously entered nodal end release conditions for plate elements

End Release

Enter nodal end release conditions for selected plate elements with respect to the element's local coordinate system.

Fx: Release axial stiffness of the relevant node in the element's local x-direction.

Fy: Release axial stiffness of the relevant node in the element's local y-direction.

Fz: Release shear stiffness of the relevant node in the element's local z-direction.

Mx: Release bending stiffness of the relevant node about the element's local x-axis.

My: Release bending stiffness of the relevant node about the element's local y-axis.

The following buttons simplify the individual data entries described above:

: Release nodal stiffness of all degrees of freedom. Individual components can be subsequently fixed.

: Restore all nodal stiffness to Fixed conditions