Free

The node is the default boundary condition. It means that there are no constraints and no loads acting on the boundary. When the physics interface is added, a default node is added. If you look at the selections for this node, it will show all boundaries which do not have any boundary conditions applied.

In each physics interface, the node applies to a geometric entity which is one level below the one on which the physics is active:

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For the Solid Mechanics, Plate, and Multibody Dynamics interfaces, the node applies to boundaries.

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For the Shell, Layered Shell, and Membrane interfaces, the node applies to edges.

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For the Beam, Pipe Mechanics, and Truss interfaces, the node applies to points.

You can manually add nodes to override other boundary conditions. This is however seldom needed.

Location in User Interface

Context Menus

Ribbon

Physics tab with a physics interface selected: