Theory for Applied Forces and Moments on Joints
The Applied Force and Moment feature is used to apply forces and moments on all types of joints. It can be applied at the source or destination joint attachment, or directly to the joint degrees of freedom.
When the load is applied directly to the joint degrees of freedom, the virtual work contributions added depend on the joint type:
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With scalar force F, for joints with one translational degree of freedom u (Prismatic, Cylindrical, Screw, Slot, Reduced Slot):
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With vector force F, used in the Planar joint which has two translational degrees of freedom expanded into a global relative displacement vector ur:
This means that the component of F which is orthogonal to the plane of the joint translation is removed.
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With scalar moment M, for joints with one rotational degree of freedom θ (Hinge, Cylindrical, Screw, Planar, Reduced Slot):
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With vector moment M, for joints with three rotational degrees of freedom represented by the quaternion ar, br (Ball, Slot):
The theory for applying forces and moments on attachments is the same as described in the Rigid Connector section in the Structural Mechanics Module User’s Guide.
The links to sections described in external guides, such as the Structural Mechanics Module User’s Guide, do not work in the PDF, only from the online help.