Beam Constraint Form

A Beam Constraint causes all of its constrained joints to move together as a rigid beam, i.e., it is infinitely stiff in transverse shear and bending, but not constrained in axial or torsional behavior. This constraint can be used to accomplish the following:

The constraint must apply to at least two joints to have any effect on the model. It is intended to be used on a set of joints that lie along a straight line. If the joints do not lie along a straight line, the constraint will effectively restrain the joints against torsional rotation around the constraint axis, which is usually not desirable.

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

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

 

Access the Beam Constraints form as follows:

 

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

    • In the Choose Constraint to Add drop-down list, select "Beam" and click the Add New Constraint button.

    • In the Constraints display list highlight a previously defined beam constraint and click the  Modify/Show Constraint button.