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