FEM ConstraintPlaneRotation

Description

Creates a FEM multi-point constraint (MPC) for keeping the nodes on a planar surface on the same plane.

Usage

1. There are several ways to invoke the command:
   • Press the Plane Multi-Point Constraint button.
   • Select the Model → Geometrical Analysis Features → Plane Multi-Point Constraint option from the menu.
2. In the 3D View select the object to which the multi-point constraint should be applied, which can only be a single face.
3. Press the Add button. To remove a face from the selection, select it and press the Remove button.

Example of plane multi-point constraint use. Both simply-supported beams are subjected to the same force but the bottom one has plane MPC applied to the green segment of the top face. This forces the nodes there to stay on the same plane and changes the deformation (here scaled).

Limitations

• Plane multi-point constraint can only be applied to a single planar face.
• When a plane multi-point constraint is applied to the same face as a displacement/fixed boundary condition, the displacement/fixed boundary condition takes precedence.

Notes

• This constraint uses the *MPC card in CalculiX.