Link

To create a Link element for an Analysis model. Links are of two types- Rigid and Elastic Links.

Applicable Modules:

From the Main Menu, select Model > Element > Link Element

From the Command Line, type 'LinkElement' or 'CEL'

Mesh Set

Enter the name of the mesh set. Click to Add, Modify or Delete mesh sets.

Link Type

Rigid Link

Rigid Link restrains the geometric relative displacement of a structure. Rigid Link restrains geometric relative displacement in one or more degrees of freedom at a node. The node that controls the restraints is Master Node, and node(s) that is dependent or restrained is Slave Node.

Elastic Link

An Elastic Link, which is assigned user defined stiffness, connects two nodes. An Elastic Link behaves like an element.

Note: The user may use a Truss or Beam element to connect two nodes but determining the size and the directional stiffness may not be appropriate. In such a case, the use of Elastic Link which can connect two nodes with given stiffness is recommended.

Structural Property

Enter the Structural Properties of the Link element. Click  to Add, Modify or Delete Structural Properties.

Select Node(s)

Link Type: Rigid Link

Select Master Node

Select a node which will control the displacements of subordinate (slave) nodes.

Select Slave Node(s)

Select node(s) which will be restrained by the master node.

Link Type: Elastic Link

Select Node 1

Select the first node to be elastically linked.

Select Node 2

Select the second Node to be elastically linked. Elastic link is created between two nodes only.

 The dialog box will be initialized.  

After creating the pile elements, the dialog box will close upon clicking.

Click   or press the ESC key to close the dialog box.  

After creating the link, the work process will switch to the state of Select Master Node (Select Node 1) upon clicking.