Equal Constraint Form

An Equal Constraint causes all of its constrained joints to move together with the same displacements for each chosen degree of freedom. The other degrees of freedom are unaffected. The Equal Constraint differs from the rigid-body types of Constraints in that there is no coupling between the rotations and the translations. This Constraint can be used to:

The constraint must apply to at least two joints to have any effect on the model. These joints may have any arbitrary location in space. For connecting meshes, it is better to use the Body Constraint when the constrained joints are not in exactly the same location. Otherwise, rotational restraints may be inadvertently imposed on the model.

Use the following areas on the Equal Constraints form to make the appropriate entries:

If the Advanced > Define > Joint Constraints command was used to access the Equal Constraints form, the defined constraint must be assigned to the joints.

See Also

Axisymmetry

Equal-Displacement Behavior

 

Access the Equal Constraints form as follows:

 

Click the Advanced > Define > Joint Constraints command to display the Define Constraints form or select the joints to be constrained and click the Advanced > Assign > Joints > Constraints command to display the Define/Assign Constraints form. Then do one of the following:

    • Select "Equal" from the Choose Constraint to Add drop-down list and click the Add New Constraint button.

    • Highlight a previously defined equal constraint definition in the Constraints display list and click the Modify/Show Constraint button.