10.23.1.

1 Overview of 1D Connection
Tutorial
This step-by-step activity demonstrates how to connect component assembly FEM files using a 1D connection.

You can use 1D connections to connect component FEMs within an assembly FEM, or to connect multiple sheet and solid bodies within a FEM. You can also
use 1D connections to define spider elements to model pins or bolts, distribute mass, distribute loads or constraints, or define connection points for a
flexible body analysis.
The following figure shows components in an assembly FEM joined by 1D connection elements. This model includes node-to-node, point-to-edge (spider
elements), edge-to-face, and edge-to-edge connections.

Geometry-based versus FE-based connections

1D Connection supports both geometry-based and FE-based connections. Geometry-based connection types include:

Point to Point

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 Point to Edge
Point to Face
Edge to Edge
Edge to Face
You can define geometry-based 1D connections before or after you mesh the polygon bodies to be connected:

If you define 1D connections on unmeshed geometry, the software creates a connection recipe, which is shown in the Simulation Navigator under
the Connection Collectors node. The connection is displayed in the graphics window using a generic connection symbol.

When you subsequently mesh the polygon geometry, the software generates 1D elements of the appropriate type, using nodes defined in the
geometry mesh. These 1D meshes are shown in the Simulation Navigator under the 1D Collectors node.

If you define 1D connections on meshed geometry, the software creates both the connection recipe and the 1D meshes simultaneously.

1D Collectors
RBE3 Collector
connection_recipe_1_mesh
connection_recipe_2_mesh
Connection Collectors

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 Connections
connection_recipe_1
connection_recipe_2
(A) Connection recipes; (B) Connection meshes
If the geometry is modified or remeshed, the software updates the connection based on the defined connection recipe and regenerates the connection
mesh.

You can also create FE-based 1D connections. FE-based connections include Node to Node and Element Edge to Element Face. Use FE-based connections
to control node location more precisely, or when underlying geometry is not available. However, because FE-based connections are not tied to the
underlying geometry, they may not update correctly if the geometry or mesh is modified.
The following figure shows a node-to-node connection distributing a lumped mass on an imported mesh.

Where do I find it?

Application Advanced Simulation
Prerequisite A FEM file active

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 Toolbar
Advanced Simulation1D Connection
Menu InsertMesh1D Connection

10.23.1.2 Edge-face connections

To connect a set of edges to a set of faces, use the Edge to Face (geometry-based) or Element Edge to Element Face (FE-based) connection type.
Use this feature to connect meshes in a T-junction configuration, for example, to attach fins or stiffeners to surfaces.
Unlike the other 1D connection types, Edge to Face and Element Edge to Element Face always use predetermined element types to create a glue
connection between edges and faces:

If you are using the Nastran solver, the software projects RBE2 elements from the selected edge to the selected face, and then uses RBE3 spider
elements to tie the projected nodes to nodes on the face mesh. The mesh recipe and meshes are displayed in the Simulation Navigator as shown.

1D Collectors
RBE2 Collector

connection_recipe_1_mesh

RBE3 Collector

connection_recipe_1_spider

Connection Collectors

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 Connections

connection_recipe_1

(A) projected RBE2 elements; (B) spider elements; (C) the mesh recipe

For all other solvers, the software ties the selected edges to the faces using rigid links and multi-point constraints (MPCs).
The glue-type connection does not modify either the source or target mesh.

Tip As an alternative to using the 1D Connection command to create a glue connection between edges and faces, use Stitch Edge and choose the Manual
Edge to Face method. This ensures that the source and target meshes share nodes at the edge-face junction. For more information, see Stitching
edges.
Stitch Edge is available only for bodies within a FEM. It is not supported for component FEMs within an assembly FEM.

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10.23.1.3 Point-to-point and node-to-node connections
You use point-to-point (geometry based) and node-to-node (FE-based) connectors to connect nodes or points on one body or component FEM to nodes or
points on another body or component FEM. Typical uses for these connection types include:

Modeling structures such as pins, bolts, or struts.

Creating spider elements for distributing masses or loads.
Joining meshes when edge-to-edge or edge-to-face connections are not appropriate. For example, you can use node-to-node connections to join
imported meshes with no underlying geometry.
One-to-one connections
When you select a single source node or point and a single target node or point, and click Apply or OK, the software generates a single element of the
specified type. This method is usually used with structural 1D elements for modeling structures such as pins, bolts, or struts.

One-to-one, point-to-point beam element.

One-to-many connections
If you select a single source node or point and multiple target nodes or points (or vice versa), and you specify a rigid or constraint element type (such as
Nastran RBE2s or RBE3s), the software creates a spider element. The single source node is the core node, and the multiple target nodes are the leg nodes.

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 One-to-many, node-to-node spider element.
If you create a one-to-many connection using structural 1D elements, the software generates a mesh of multiple elements that share an end node.

Many-to-many connections
When you select multiple source nodes or points and multiple target nodes or points, the software pairs source and target nodes to create a connection
mesh. The following figure shows a node-to-node connection of rigid link elements joining two solid meshes at adjacent faces.

Many-to-many node-to-node connection.

The software creates source-target pairs using the specified Method of connection:

If you choose Proximity, the software pairs locations by finding the shortest distance between the source and the target.
If you choose Order of selection, the software pairs locations according to the order in which you selected them. For example, the first source
location selected is paired with the first target location selected, the second with the second, and so on.
Note If you use Order of selection when pairing nodes selected using one of the selection methods, the resulting pairs may not be as expected.

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As a general guideline, the source and target selections should contain the same number of nodes or points. This ensures that each source node or point
will be paired with a target node or point. If the source and target selections are unequal, the software pairs source and target locations using the
specified Method of connection and ignores the remainder.
If you select multiple source and target nodes using one of the selecting methods, you get the most predictable results if the source and target selections
have a similar distribution and pattern of nodes.

Selecting points or mesh points

You can select points or mesh points to define a point-to-point connection.

To select points, you must include them in the FEM when you create the FEM file. To include points in your FEM, in the New FEM dialog box, click
Geometry Options and select Include Points.
You create mesh points prior to creating a point-to-point connection. Choose InsertModel PreparationMesh Point to create mesh points.
Selecting nodes
When selecting nodes to create a node-to-node connection, you can use the selection methods on the Selection Bar to quickly select multiple related
nodes.

Use the Related Nodes method to select nodes by their relationship to the underlying polygon geometry.
Use Feature Edge Nodes and Feature Angle Nodes to select nodes by features of the mesh. These methods are especially useful when the FEM
contains no associated geometry.
Use Nodes by Group to select nodes stored in a group.
For more information, see Selection methods.

10.23.1.4 Spider element connections

Video
This video demonstrates how to create a Point to Edge and Point to Face connection.

A spider type of connection is one in which you connect a single node (the core node) to multiple nodes (leg nodes) with a rigid or constraint element.
The types of elements you can use to create a spider connection depends upon your specified solver.
When you create a spider connection:

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 The first point you select becomes the core node.
The selected edge or face define the locations of the leg nodes. A group of smart selection methods is available on the Selection Bar to help you
select the leg nodes.
After you create the spider connection, you can make specific degrees of freedom active or inactive by editing the element attributes.

1D Connection types that create spider connection

In the 1D Connection dialog box, the following options in the Type list allow you to create spider type connections.

You can use the Point to Edge or Point to Face options to connect a single node (the core node) to multiple nodes (leg nodes) with a rigid or
constraint type element,
You can also use a Point to Point or Node to Node options to define a spider element. These connections provide more control over leg node
locations and are especially useful when using spider elements to distribute mass or loads.
In the NX Nastran or MSC Nastran environments, you can use the Edge to Edge option to use a combination of RB2 and RBE3 elements to connect a
source edge to a target edge.
o With the RBE2 and RBE3 to Element Edge option, the software projects the nodes from the source edge onto the target element edge
along a direction that is normal to the source edge. The software then:
Creates an RBE2 element from each source node to each projected node on the target element edge.
Determines the element edge on which each projected node lies. The software then creates an RBE3 element between each
projected node (this node becomes the dependent node) and the nodes on that element edge (these nodes become the leg nodes). If a
projected node is coincident with a node on the target edge, then the software creates an RBE3 element between the projected node and
the nodes of all element edges that are connected to the coincident node.
o With the RBE2 and RBE3 to Element Face option, the software projects the nodes from the source edge onto the target element free
face. The software then:
Creates an RBE2 element from each source node to each projected node on the target element edge.
Determines the element face on which each projected node lies. The software then creates an RBE3 element between each
projected node (this node becomes the source or dependent node) and all the nodes on the nodes on the elements face (these nodes
become the leg nodes). If a projected node is coincident with a node on the target edge, then the software creates an RBE3 element
between the projected node and the nodes of all element edges that are connected to the coincident node.
Typical applications

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Typical applications for spider elements include:

Representing a pin in a hole. In the example below, the pin is modeled using two point-to-face connections and a node-to-node beam element.
The core node of the spider element is defined at the center of the hole, and the leg nodes connect to the mesh on the inner face of the hole.

Representing a bolt. In the example below, the head of the bolt is modeled with a point-to-edge connection and the shank is modeled with a
beam element. After modeling the bolt, you can apply a pretension load using the bolt pre-load boundary condition. For information about bolt pre-
load, see Bolt pre-load.

To add and distribute a mass or a load. In the motorcycle example below, a node-to-node connection of RBE3 elements distributes the rider's mass
(represented by the concentrated mass element) to the seat and handlebars. The RBE3 is used in this example because it includes the mass without
adding stiffness.

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Modeling bolts and pins using geometry-based 1D connections
1D Connection allows you to use the Snap Point Tool to select points when defining Point to Edge, Point to Face, and Point to Point connections. To
quickly and easily define the core node location for a spider element at a bolt hole, for example, you can use Arc Center to create a point at the center
of a circular hole. When you use this method, the software first creates the centerpoint, and then creates a node at that point. When you generate the
spider element, this node becomes the core node.

Creating a centerpoint using the Arc Center method

However, you must exercise caution when combining geometry-based spider elements with geometry-based beams used to model a bolt or pin. If you use
the Point to Point connection type with the Arc Center point method to define the beam element representing the shaft, the software creates another

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point and node coincident with the core node. This node is not connected to your spider element. To ensure that the beam element is connected to the
spider element:
Use the Existing Point point method to reselect the centerpoint.
Use the Node to Node 1D connection type to create a beam element connecting the core nodes.

10.23.1.5 Working with RBE2 and RBE3 spider elements

With the Nastran solvers, RBE2 and RBE3 elements behave differently:

RBE2 The active degrees of freedom of the single core node (independent) enforce the active degrees of freedom of the leg nodes (dependent).
Therefore, the active degrees of freedom of all nodes included in an RBE2 element are considered rigidly connected.

(1) independent node (2) dependent nodes

RBE3 The weighted average of the active degrees of freedom of the leg nodes (independent) enforces the active degrees of freedom of the
single core node (dependent). This weighting is set to 1 and cannot be changed in NX; all nodes contribute to the motion equally. Unlike the RBE2,
the RBE3 element is flexible (not infinitely rigid), due to the allowable freedom of the leg nodes. Common uses for this element type include adding
and distributing mass without adding stiffness, and distributing a load from multiple points to a single point.

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 (1) dependent node (2) independent nodes

Understanding double dependencies

Double dependencies occur when two elements share a dependent node. If your model contains double-dependencies, the solver may not be able to
correctly resolve the degrees of freedom in your model.

Double-dependent nodes in RBE2 (left) and RBE3 (right) elements.

If you are using the NX Nastran solver, you can set the AUTOMPC parameter to Yes to automatically resolve most double dependencies.
To set the AUTOMPC parameter, create a Solution Parameters modeling object and select it on the Parameters page in the Solution Options dialog box
for the current solution. For more information see Define Nastran solution parameters and Solution dialog box (Nastran), Parameters tab.

Define the degrees of freedom

Depending on the element type (for example, RBE2 or RBE3), you can define the degrees of freedom of the leg nodes or both the core and leg nodes by
editing the Mesh Associated Data for the elements. For more information, see Mesh-associated data.

Note With RBE3 elements, DOF4, DOF5, and DOF6 of the leg node degrees of freedom are set to Off by default. In most cases, you should not change the
default degrees of freedom for the leg nodes in RBE3 elements. For more information on setting the degrees of freedom, see the NX Nastran Quick
Reference Guide description for RBE2 and RBE3 elements.

Deleting spider elements

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When you delete a spider element, the software also deletes the underlying node on which the core node is defined. If you want to keep the core node,
use the Element Delete command to delete the spider element, and make sure the Delete Orphan Nodes option is not selected.
Keep in mind that if your geometry changes (for example, if you change the diameter of a hole on which a spider element is defined) and your geometry-
based mesh is updated, the leg nodes of the spider element may no longer be connected appropriately and the spider element may need to be recreated.

10.23.1.6 Create a node-to-node connection

1. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click 1D Connection .
2. From the Type list, choose Node to Node.
3. Select one or more nodes on the model to define the source nodes.

Alternatively, you can select nodes by label. Enter a label and click to select the corresponding node.

4. In the Target group, click Select Point . Select one or more nodes to define the target geometry.
5. (Optional) If you select multiple nodes for the source and target geometry, specify the connection method:
o Proximity pairs each source node with the nearest target node.
o Order of selection pairs source and target nodes in the order they were selected.

6. Specify the element type. If necessary, click Mesh Associated Data to specify mesh-specific element attributes.
7. Specify the destination mesh collector:
o Select Automatic Mode to have the software create a new destination mesh collector for you. This mesh collector uses the default
physical properties and inherits the material and section properties of the model.
o To use an existing mesh collector, clear the Automatic Mode check box and select a collector from the Mesh Collector list.

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 o To create a new destination collector, clear the Automatic Mode check box and click New Collector
8. Click OK or Apply to generate the specified 1D connection elements.

10.23.1.7 Create an element edge to element face connection

1. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click 1D Connection .
2. From the Type list, choose Element Edge to Element Face.
3. Select one or more free element edges to define the source geometry.

Alternatively, you can select free element edges by element label. Enter a label and click to select the corresponding element.

4. In the Target group, click Select Element Face . Select free element faces to define the target geometry.

Alternatively, you can select free element faces by element label. Enter a label and click to select the corresponding element.
5. (Optional) When connecting meshes of parabolic elements, specify the Mid-Node Option.

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 o Select Connect Mid-Nodes to generate connections to the mid-side nodes of parabolic elements.
o Clear the Connect Mid-Nodes check box to generate connections only at corner nodes.
6. Click OK or Apply.
o If you are using the Nastran solver, the software projects RBE2 elements from the specified edge to the specified face, and then creates
RBE3 elements to tie the RBE2 elements to nodes on the target mesh.
o If you are using ANSYS or ABAQUS, the software ties the selected edges to the faces using rigid links and MPCs (multi-point constraints).

10.23.1.8 Create a point-to-point connection

1. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click 1D Connection .
2. From the Type list, choose Point to Point.
3. Select one or more points on the model to define the source geometry. You can select from existing points or mesh points, or enable Snap Point
on the Selection Bar to select points on geometry.
The software generates a node on each point you select.

4. In the Target group, click Select Point . Select one or points to define the target geometry.
The software generates a node on each point you select.
5. (Optional) If you select multiple points for the source and target geometry, specify the connection method:
o Proximity pairs each source point with the nearest target point.
o Order of selection pairs source and target points in the order they were selected.

6. Specify the element type. If necessary, click Mesh Associated Data to specify mesh-specific element attributes.
7. Specify the destination mesh collector:
o Select Automatic Mode to have the software create a new destination mesh collector for you. This mesh collector uses the default
physical properties and inherits the material and section properties of the model.
o To use an existing mesh collector, clear the Automatic Mode check box and select a collector from the Mesh Collector list.

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 o To create a new destination collector, clear the Automatic Mode check box and click New Collector
8. Click OK or Apply to generate the specified 1D connection elements.

10.23.1.9 Create a point-to-edge connection

1. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click 1D Connection .
2. From the Type list, choose Point to Edge.
3. Select a point on the model to define the source geometry. You can select from existing points or mesh points, or enable Snap Point on the
Selection Bar to select points on geometry, such as centerpoints or endpoints.
The software generates a node on the selected point.
4. Select a curve or polygon edge to define the target geometry.

5. Specify the element type. If necessary, click Mesh Associated Data to specify mesh-specific element attributes.
6. Specify the destination mesh collector:
o Select Automatic Mode to have the software create a new destination mesh collector for you. This mesh collector uses the default
physical properties and inherits the material and section properties of the model.
o To use an existing mesh collector, clear the Automatic Mode check box and select a collector from the Mesh Collector list.

o To create a new destination collector, clear the Automatic Mode check box and click New Collector
7. (Optional) When connecting to a mesh of parabolic elements, specify the Mid-Node Option.
o Select Connect Mid-Nodes to generate connections to the mid-side nodes of parabolic elements.
o Clear the Connect Mid-Nodes check box to generate connections only at corner nodes.

8. (Optional) If there is no mesh currently assigned to the target edge, you can click Mesh Control to assign a mesh control to the edge. Use
this mesh control to specify mesh density and biasing.
9. Click OK or Apply to generate the specified 1D connection elements.

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10.23.1.10 Create a point-to-face connection
1. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click 1D Connection .
2. From the Type list, choose Point to Face.
3. Select a point on the model to define the source geometry. You can select from existing points or mesh points, or enable Snap Point on the
Selection Bar to select points on geometry, such as centerpoints or endpoints.
The software generates a node on the selected point.
4. Select a polygon face to define the target geometry.

5. Specify the element type. If necessary, click Mesh Associated Data to specify mesh-specific element attributes.
6. Specify the destination mesh collector:
o Select Automatic Mode to have the software create a new destination mesh collector for you. This mesh collector uses the default
physical properties and inherits the material and section properties of the model.
o To use an existing mesh collector, clear the Automatic Mode check box and select a collector from the Mesh Collector list.

o To create a new destination collector, clear the Automatic Mode check box and click New Collector

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7. (Optional) If there is no mesh currently assigned to the target face, you can click Mesh Control to assign a mesh control to the face. Use this
mesh control to specify mesh density and biasing.
8. (Optional) When connecting to a mesh of parabolic elements, specify the Mid-Node Option.
o Select Connect Mid-Nodes to generate connections to the mid-side nodes of parabolic elements.
o Clear the Connect Mid-Nodes check box to generate connections only at corner nodes.
9. Click OK or Apply to generate the specified 1D connection elements.

10.23.1.11 Create an edge-to-edge connection

1. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click 1D Connection .
2. From the Type list, choose Edge to Edge.
3. Select a curve or polygon edge to define the source geometry.
4. Select a curve or polygon edge to define the target geometry.
5. In the NX Nastran or MSC Nastran environment, select an option from the Method of Connection list to define the method you want to use to
connect the source edge to the target edge.

6. Specify the element type. If necessary, click Mesh Associated Data to specify mesh-specific element attributes.
7. Specify the destination mesh collector:
o Select Automatic Mode to have the software create a new destination mesh collector for you. This mesh collector uses the default
physical properties and inherits the material and section properties of the model.
o To use an existing mesh collector, clear the Automatic Mode check box and select a collector from the Mesh Collector list.

o To create a new destination collector, clear the Automatic Mode check box and click New Collector .

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8. (Optional) If there is no mesh currently assigned to the edges, you can click Mesh Control to assign mesh controls to selected edges. Use this
mesh control to specify mesh density and biasing.
9. (Optional) When connecting meshes of parabolic elements, specify the Mid-Node Option.
o Select Connect Mid-Nodes to generate connections to the mid-side nodes of parabolic elements.
o Clear the Connect Mid-Nodes check box to generate connections only at corner nodes.
10. Click OK or Apply to generate the specified 1D connection elements.

10.23.1.12 Create an edge-to-face connection

1. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click 1D Connection .
2. From the Type list, choose Edge to Face.
3. Select one or more curves or polygon edges to define the source geometry.

4. In the Target group, click Select Face . Select a polygon face to define the target geometry.

5. (Optional) If there is no mesh currently assigned to the source edge and target face, you can click Mesh Control to assign a mesh control to
geometry. Use this mesh control to specify mesh density and biasing.
6. (Optional) When connecting meshes of parabolic elements, specify the Mid-Node Option.
o Select Connect Mid-Nodes to generate connections to the mid-side nodes of parabolic elements.
o Clear the Connect Mid-Nodes check box to generate connections only at corner nodes.
7. Click OK or Apply.
o If you are using the Nastran solver, the software projects RBE2 elements from the specified edge to the specified face, and then creates
RBE3 elements to tie the RBE2 elements to nodes on the target mesh.
o If you are using ANSYS or ABAQUS, the software ties the selected edges to the faces using rigid links and MPCs (multi-point constraints).

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