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Concept: Defining Constraints


Defining Constraints
Applying constraints in Simulate restricts degrees of freedom in the model. Every point in space has 6
degrees of freedom: 3 in translation and 3 in rotation. The option Fixed locks the corresponding degree of
freedom. An enforced displacement can be assigned as well. All geometries in the model which are not
restricted by a constraint can move freely in space.

Points in solids do not support rotations; rotational constraints have no effect. This is different than
shells or beams, which support rotations. But be aware that in shells, the rotation normal to the shell
face just has an infinitesimal, rotational stiffness, unlike the other two rotational directions. Take care
when constraining this degree of freedom rotational. It does not offer a real existing, physical stiffness.

The following constraints can be defined:

• Standard constraints in any Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical coordinate system – These are defined
using the Constraint dialog box.

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◦ Select the type of reference to be constrained, surface, edge, or point.

◦ The coordinate system – The constraints are defined in the currently active coordinate system, but
you can also select any other system if required. The dialog box selections and degrees of
freedom change depending on the coordinate system type, Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical. The
effect of all other constraint types available in Simulate can be obtained with an equivalently
defined standard constraint, with the only exception of cyclic constraints.

◦ The constraints placed on the translational and rotational degrees of freedom, free, fixed, or
prescribed. A prescribed displacement enforces reactions in the model.

• Symmetry constraints – Symmetry constraints are defined in the Symmetry Constraint dialog box.

Figure 2 – Symmetry Constraint Dialog Box


There are two types of symmetry that can be used in Simulate:
◦ Cyclic Symmetry – This enables you to calculate “pieces of pie” as long as deformations and
stress on both similar-shaped cross-sections are equal. It must be defined before AutoGEM starts.

◦ Mirror Symmetry – This constraint fixes the translational direction normal to the selected surface
and its two in-plane rotational directions.

• Planar, Pin, or Ball constraints.


◦ Planar – This constraint feature fixes the translational direction normal to the selected planar
surface.

◦ Pin – This constraint enables you to fix the normal direction of a cylindrical surface (radial).
Optionally, you can also fix its translation along and rotation around the cylinder axis. Internally, a
constraint defined in cylindrical coordinates is created. Use Legacy Independent Mode to study
which rotational degrees of freedom are constrained. This is important for shell elements.

◦ Ball – This constraint constrains the normal direction of a spherical surface, the radial direction
expressed in a spherical coordinate system at the ball center.

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For constraints defined in a cylindrical or spherical coordinate system, or constraints defined in a


Cartesian system not orthogonal to the World Coordinate System, no reaction load measures can be
calculated. As a work around, you may use the Resultant measures for the constrained surfaces.

If you use standard constraints as symmetry conditions, equivalent to a mirror constraint, the following
general rule is valid: The degree of freedom for translation normal to the symmetry plane and the two other
rotational degrees of freedom have to be fixed. The constraint type mirror symmetry can only be used with
planar references being parallel or perpendicular; otherwise, use a standard constraint with a local coordinate
system. Unlike load sets, only one constraint set at once can be used for calculation, or several can be
combined to one resulting set.

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