Specifying hinge parameters

Hinge parameters can be input in the property dialogue for a new hinge.

Parameters of a hinge

Name	Is used for the identification of a hinge.
Hinge type	Available if Scaffolding functionality is ON. Standard You define standard hinge properties - see below. Library You can choose the hinge type from a library - see chapter Hinge type library.
Position on a beam	The hinge can be inserted into the starting point of a 1D member, into the end point of a 1D member, or to both ends.
Constraint conditions in individual directions	Degrees of freedom may be defined independently for individual directions: translations along X, Y, and Z axes, rotation around X, Y, and Z axes. The degrees of freedom are defined in the local co-ordinate system of the 1D member.

Constraint conditions

In each direction (translations along X, Y, and Z local 1D member axes, rotation around X, Y, and Z local 1D member axes) the condition may be:

rigid	There is no release of degree of freedom defined for the specific direction. The entities are fully connected in this direction.
free	The degree of freedom in the specified direction is released. The two entities are not connected in the given direction.
flexible	There is defined a certain degree of flexibility in the specified direction. The user then has to specify the stiffness of the connection in the given direction.
nonlinear	The behaviour of the hinge must be specified by means of a non-linear function. A particular function may be selected in the Hinge property dialogue. Unless the function has been defined earlier, it must be defined when the hinge is being inserted into the model. It is possible to call the Nonlinear function manager directly from the Hinge property dialogue.