Point support
Use the Point support tool to place a fixed or spring support at a single node, controlling either translational or rotational degrees of freedom.
When you select Point support, a tool palette opens.
Main tools
- Define - place a new point support with the current functions and definition method
- Properties - check or edit properties of existing supports. Opens the Default settings dialogue for the selected elements
- Default settings - set the default parameters for new supports (read below in more detail)
Support type
- Motion - create a translational spring or restraint
- Rotation - create a rotational spring or restraint
Direction functions
Only available while Define tool is selected
- Predefined direction - define the support along a default vertical or inclined axis
- Parallel with line - select an existing line and place the support parallel to it
- Perpendicular to plane - select a plane to place the support normal to its surface
- Direction - only when Predefined direction is selected; choose one of six axes: global X, Y, Z or user coordinate system x, y, z
- Positive direction / Negative direction - flip the orientation of the selected axis to follow its positive or negative direction
Definition methods
- Insertion point - click a node (or empty space to create one) and drop the support there
- Select end points - pick end points of elements to place supports in all of the selected nodes
Default settings
When you press the Default settings button, a dialogue window opens.
This dialogue contains two tabs: General and Data. These follow the settings used in all support elements and edge connections.
note
To read more about these settings, see:
User interface ➔ Tab menus ➔ Structure ➔ Additional dialogues ➔ Edge connections